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Sportico Transactions: Moves and Mergers Roundup for Aug. 7
Welcome to Sportico’s transactions wire, a weekly rundown of personnel, partnerships and products across the sports business industry. PERSONNEL Garfinkel Steps Away After 13 Years as Dolphins’ President, CEO Miami Dolphins vice chairman, president and chief executive officer Tom Garfinkel announced he is stepping awa…
Trump’s Growing Pro Golf Influence on Display at Bedminster
Trump Bedminster is hosting LIV Golf New York this week.
NCAA, Wisne Debate ‘Chaos’ of Rosters and Rules
The fallout from a federal judge granting a nationwide injunction that extends the eligibility of players who began in collegiate sports in the 2022–2023 season and who finished college this past spring is growing, as the NCAA and the plaintiff athletes escalate their battle over what exactly U.S. District Judge Charl…
Clay Travis to Launch New Sports Media Outfit Before Football Season
The new company is expected to include video content from his radio show.
Hurdles Mount for Senate College Sports Bill Ahead of August Recess
The Congressional Black Caucus said it would not support the bill.
How Real American Freestyle Thinks It Could Change the Sport of Wrestling
RAF has renegotiated its media-rights deal with Fox Nation eight times.
County Votes to Approve $100M for Blazers Arena Upgrades
County leaders vote to support renovations, but a funding source is unclear.
LAFC Top Execs Sign Multiyear Extensions With Club
LAFC’s cap table has shuffled quite a bit this year. The club welcomed three new limited partners, while two left the organization. Additionally, co-managing owner Larry Berg is on his way out as well after being elected as the next commissioner of MLS. But at least two team executives are staying put. On Friday, LAFC
Money Suddenly Floods NFL’s Running Back Market
The long-overlooked position gets a big jolt of new energy.
Under Armour Lowers Guidance and Begins Another Product Cull
Under Armour is resetting again. The Baltimore-based sportswear maker lowered its financial outlook for the year amid soft consumer demand in the U.S. and Asia, while announcing it will reduce a further 25% of products it produces over the next 18 months in an effort to sell fewer products overall, but a higher propor…
Clippers, Leonard Had Sponsorship Deal With Daktronics: Report
Daktronics installed the Intuit Dome’s halo board.
How to Make Sportico a Preferred News Source on Google
If you want to see Sportico‘s best-in-class sports business reporting and commentary atop your search results, Google makes it simple. You can set Sportico as one of your Preferred News Sources, so whenever a sports business story breaks, our story will appear first, or if we’ve covered a topic you are searching, our…
How NCAA Athlete Eligibility Limbo Has Sown ‘Actual Chaos’
Coaches, GMs, and lawyers are still trying to sift through the upheaval.
Palace sponsorship crystallises Temporal’s B2B strategy
This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, we profile the latest addition to the gambling-free Premier League shirt sponsor market, while its US media behemoth results season again and there’s a full post-mortem o…
How Automated Officiating Could End Star Treatment
Today’s guest column is from professors John Cairney and Rick Burton. Every sport has its own version of star treatment. NBA fans have long suspected the biggest names, from MJ to SGA, get foul calls that role players do not. NFL supporters argue franchise quarterbacks are more carefully protected than their less prom…
Congressional Black Caucus Opposes Protect College Sports Act
In a move that lowers the odds of the Protect College Sports Act becoming law, the Congressional Black Caucus—which has more than 60 members—issued a statement on Thursday opposing the PCSA. “At the very moment that Black political representation is under attack across the country,” Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-N.Y.), the…
New Corporate Filing Hints at LIV Golf’s Post-PIF Strategy
The law firm hired by LIV Golf to help secure outside investors recently created a new corporate entity on the league’s behalf in New Jersey, offering a glimpse into how the embattled circuit is restructuring following its split from its Saudi backer. LIV Golf Bedminster LLC was incorporated on July 15, about three we…
Mike Gansey: Sixers Players Led LeBron Recruitment
Gansey’s own relationship with James dates back to high school.
7 Burning Questions for LIV Golf Amid Claim of New Funding
Private equity firm BC Partners is reportedly exploring a deal with LIV.
Netflix Wants to Not ‘Do Too Much’ With Field of Dreams Game
The upgraded Iowa complex now has a permanent stadium.
Gambling Industry Gears Up for ‘Arms Race’ This NFL Season
“Competition is fierce,” BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said.
Texas Heat Rules Reshape High School Football Practices
Smaller programs may lack the facilities and trainers to adapt.
WBD Ad Sales Sink Without NBA Live Rights
WBD’s fiscal second-quarter revenue fell 11%.
Anthony Rizzo: MLB Doesn’t Have Competitive Balance Problem
The former MLB star talked labor, sports betting, and his own broadcasting.
Fox Stands Pat on NFL Rights and Punts Renewal Talks to 2030
The NFL’s drive to get a multiyear head start on renegotiating its current media rights deals hit a snag Thursday, as a key broadcast partner declared it would retain the contractual status quo until the league’s opt-out clause formally kicks in at the end of the 2029-30 season. Speaking to investors during his compan…
Arsenal’s ‘UK£70m’ extension with Emirates continues England’s most enduring stadium naming rights partnership
Renewal takes Premier League’s longest-running sponsorship to 2033 and showcases why Emirates Stadium deal is unlike any other in British sport.
Strange Bet Fellows: FanDuel and CME’s Latest Joint-Venture Twist
FanDuel and CME Group are revising their prediction market joint venture so that all sports-related bets placed on the FanDuel Predicts brokerage app will be executed via Crypto.com’s Nadex exchange instead of CME. To date, CME has executed single-leg sports bets placed in FanDuel Predicts, while the app incorporated…
New Prediction Market Consumer Group Demands Reforms
A new consumer advocacy group called the Sports Traders Union is launching with hopes of adding a voice to the prediction market discourse that won’t be dismissed as a lobbying puppet. The group, unveiling Thursday, is primarily made up of professional bettors with prominent social media presences who actively use man…
Sporticast: Meet Larry Berg, the Next MLS Commissioner
On the 576th Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including Larry Berg’s appointment as the next MLS commissioner. Berg, who is co-owner of LAFC, was awarded the job earlier this week after four rounds of votes among MLS owners…
Global leaders, one room: all eyes on Melbourne’s SportNXT
SportNXT arrives in September, bringing together some of the most interesting voices in sport.
U.S. Open Faces Difficult Mixed Doubles Wild Card Decisions
The U.S. Open announced the preliminary entry list for the second year of its revamped mixed doubles tournament on Monday, and it features stars up and down the lineup, including seven top 10 men’s singles players and eight top 10 women’s singles players. There is just one problem: There aren’t enough spots for everyo…
DAZN offers US major leagues a way out of RSN crisis as it uses local sports to finally crack America
DAZN wants to use its tech infrastructure to help MLB, NBA and NHL teams adapt to a post-RSN future. Deals with Yankees’ YES Network, Knicks MSG, and Minnesota Timberwolves are the first step.
Manchester United strike ‘UK£20m’ Betway training kit deal as betting firms adapt to Premier League ban
United benefit from return to Champions League and increased demand from bookmakers for alternative inventory,
PFL’s merger with Jake Paul’s MVP is latest convergence of boxing and MMA but can it take on UFC?
A new deal uniting Jake Paul’s MVP with MMA promoter Professional Fighters League reflects growing trends of scale and consolidation across once disparate combat sports disciplines.
Beyond the Purse: Inside Golf Saudi’s US$15m strategy to reshape women’s golf
As PIF London Championship nears, Golf Saudi's US$15m Global Series is redrawing the commercial blueprint for women's professional golf.
How Footballco and Coca-Cola worked with José Mourinho to find his toughest opponent yet: himself
Inside José vs. Mourinho: How Footballco, Coca-Cola and partners created an innovative content series during the Fifa World Cup featuring one of soccer's biggest names.
Ten Toes appointed as Premier Padel’s lead digital marketing in multi-year agreement
As Premier Padel enters its next phase of international growth, the tour is investing in a long-term digital strategy to build year-round fan engagement, strengthen its global brand and maximise commercial opportunities.
College Jersey Patch Market Finds Its Benchmark
"The market has now been set," one exec told FOS.
Gianni sees stars and Ryder Cup earns Stripes
This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, we profile a new sponsor with big pockets that has landed Ryder Cup and Mercedes F1 deals while unpacking a seismic and damaging few days for global football
Despite Layoff, Karl Ravech Returns to ESPN Booth
Ravech was laid off after 33 years with ESPN.
Senate Punts on College Sports Bill Vote Without Big Ten, SEC Approval
The conferences still haven’t made up their minds.
Blazers Defend Arena Pitch in Testy City Council Meeting
The city and team have publicly sparred over the Moda Center.
Underdog Sold to U.K.’s IG Group in Potential $2.15B Deal
IG Group is making a big bet on Underdog’s prediction-market business.
LeBron James Could Make Sixers’ Expiring Jersey Patch a Premium Asset
Philly’s deal with Crypto.com expires in 2027.
Blue Jackets Merge TV and Radio Broadcasts
The contract of 17-year radio play-by-play voice Bob McElligott was not renewed.
NBA Games in Middle East on Hold Because of Iran War
The Knicks played preseason games against the Sixers in Abu Dhabi last year.
‘Selling the soul of football’?: The financial and sporting impact of Fifa’s US$20bn plan to sell the World Cup and change soccer forever
SportsPro explains the reasons behind Fifa’s proposals to open up the World Cup to minority investment, the possible consequences on and off the field, and whether Uefa can realistically stop a paradigm shift in soccer governance.
How to make the most of your postgraduate course
There's plenty you can be doing outside the syllabus to maximise your time – and make yourself employable.
Is a postgraduate degree in sport worth doing?
In a rapidly transforming industry with a saturated job market, a postgraduate degree remains a clear point of difference.
How to choose the right postgraduate course in sport
With an increasing number of courses that all promise the world, this takes some thought.
Packers Say Other NFL Teams Have An ‘ATM Machine’ They Lack
The NFL team reiterates it will not sell the Lambeau Field naming rights.
LIV Golf’s Future Faces New Questions As Finale Appears in Doubt
LIV has three more events scheduled in August.
Gianni Infantino Lashes Out at World Cup Critics
The FIFA president ripped the media in an Instagram post.
Big Names Remain Unsigned as NFL Training Camps Open
Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill are two receivers still available.
Gronk on His Favorite Memorabilia and Belichick’s Jersey-Swap Ban
Gronkowski also discussed Belichick’s approach to managing his personality.
LeBron James Turns 76ers Into National TV Fixture
The NBA had been waiting on James’s decision to finalize its schedule.
Tampa City Council Poses New Hurdles for Rays Stadium
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said “it defies common sense.”
UNC Puts Football GM Michael Lombardi on ‘Administrative Leave’
The beleaguered football program led by Bill Belichick faces yet another controversy.
Doing the Fandango: Bundesliga’s new US deals
This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, with the World Cup finished, Jonathan Rest and Martin Ross turn their attention to European club football with a major sponsorship deal on the horizon and a new…
WNBA, Union Trying to Make Peace Amid Player Safety Concerns
The league and the union will meet regularly to discuss safety.
Jonathan Vaughters Defends Late-Night Tour de France Drug Tests
“Do you want the appearance of clean, or do you want clean and fair?”
Open Championship Final Round Averaged 4.3M Viewers on NBC
Sunday was The Open’s most-watched final round since 2022.
World Cup Ignites MLS Ticket Sales, but Ratings Stay Mostly Flat
Single-game ticket sales for the Philadelphia Union are up 218%.
Jeff Bezos Reportedly Might Join Bid for Liverpool Stake
A deal could value the Premier League club at roughly $6 billion.
Chris Bosh on His Health, NBA Contracts and Taxes, and LeBron’s Decision
Chris Bosh on LeBron to Miami, NBA expansion, blood clot awareness, big contract realities, and NIL.
Chris Bosh Makes Case for LeBron James Heat Return
James and Bosh played together in Miami from 2010-14.
Trail Blazers Slash Broadcast Team As Dundon Keeps Cutting Costs
The majority of Portland’s broadcast team has been laid off.
Capturing the biggest-ever Fifa World Cup: The operation behind the images
Getty Images was given the mammoth task of documenting this year’s expanded edition.
PGA Tour Undercuts LIV Golf With Asian Tour Deal
The International Series will likely end its partnership with LIV.
New NCAA Eligibility Policy Hasn’t Slowed Lawsuits—It’s Triggered More
“I’m getting five emails per minute from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m."
Could Jeremiyah Love Have Been a Professional Gamer?
Love says he would've pursued professional gaming if not for football.
LIV Golf Returns After 47-Day Break, Facing $1.1M Lawsuit
A former technology partner is suing LIV Golf.
ESPN Layoffs Begin With Ryan Clark
More ESPN layoffs are expected this week.
Blazers and City Increasingly at Odds Over Arena Funding
The arena funding debate has devolved into a three-way fight.
Why WNBA Union Won’t Monetize Viral Sophie Cunningham Incident
Cunningham can still use her own NIL to license the image.
John Textor Seeks $400M From Michele Kang in Lyon Takeover Suit
Textor claims Kang convinced him to give up control of Lyon while plotting to oust him.
Argentina Players, Fans Reignite Political Tensions After Beating England
Players and coaches downplayed the Falklands War before the game.
Argentina Stuns England Late to Return to World Cup Final
Messi and Argentina return to their second straight final.
MLS Will Attempt to Seize on World Cup Momentum
The league is eyeing the opportunity but still has a long-term view.
Michigan Leaders Received Reports of Moore’s Affair, Investigation Finds
Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore was fired last December.
WNBA Denies Report That Adam Silver Influenced Alyssa Thomas Suspension
The NBA owns 42% of the WNBA.
France’s World Cup Loss a Big Win for Sportsbooks
France was the biggest World Cup liability for several sportsbooks.
What Extreme Heat Is Doing to World Cup Players
A neuroscientist explains how heat impacts decision-making.
England-Argentina Will Also Be a Sing-Off For the Ages
Inside the World Cup semifinal songbook.
England Ends Historic Norway Run As World Cup Whittles Down to Royalty
Norway ends its run with $20 million in prize money.
Ohtani, Judge Both Out of MLB All-Star Game in Possible Ratings Blow for Fox
The two superstars will miss the midseason showcase.
White Sox Take UCLA Shortstop No. 1 as Possible Changes to MLB Draft Loom
The White Sox selected the two-time Big Ten player of the year.
MLB World Cup Takeovers Continue in Miami
England plays Norway in the World Cup quarterfinal in Miami.
Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger on New Motorcycles Docuseries
Keanu Reeves on Arch Motorcycle, the Hooligans docuseries on Samsung TV, and his lifelong love of riding.
‘Style of Play’ Hosts on World Cup and More
Julie Ertz and Kealia Watt on World Cup fever, their new podcast, women's soccer growth, and Netflix.
How Bryce Harper Ended Up Making Video for FanDuel VIP Bettor
Harper didn’t know how the video would be used, sources tell FOS.
What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown
The tournament's breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
Live at SportBusiness Live
In a change to the usual format, the SportBusiness Podcast comes live from the city of London
How Hisense is bringing fan experience beyond the stadium at the FIFA World Cup 2026™
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is showcasing the evolution of fan experiences – with partners like Hisense playing a key role. From sensory services and participation initiatives to immersive fan activations and technology-enabled operations, the tournament is presenting a blueprint for how to create more inclusive and enga…
Hoops Players’ Win Tops Big Day in NCAA Eligibility Litigation
Xavier basketball player Filip Borovicanin and 23 other college basketball players were awarded an injunction by an Ohio judge to play college hoops this fall, hours after three college football players petitioned a judge in Tennessee to be able to play another season. These players are from the high school class of 2…
Kawhi Leonard Trade on Hold Until NBA Wraps Clippers Investigation
The Raptors agreed to acquire Leonard from the Clippers in June.
Bears’ Indiana Stadium Plans in ‘Red Zone,’ Governor Says
The NFL team is drawing closer to a long-awaited stadium decision.
Judge Orders NCAA to Grandfather Athletes Into New Eligibility Model
The ruling could grant another year of eligibility to thousands of athletes.
NBA Expansion Heats Up in Vegas, Slows in Seattle
Multiple potential bidders have expressed interest in Vegas in recent weeks.
Two Bidders Pull Ahead in Seahawks Sale Process
One of the two groups includes at least one former Seahawks player.
Ducks Match Record-Setting Offer Sheet for Leo Carlsson
The contract’s $18 million AAV is a new NHL record.
Kalshi’s Weather Delay Bets Raise Regulatory Questions
Sports fans can now risk their money on whether the rain, rain will go away. Kalshi has opened a new frontier for prediction markets by introducing bets on whether individual sporting events will have weather delays. The company self-certified the weather delay category with its federal regulator, the Commodity Future…
How to Survive a Premature World Cup Exit
What can history tell us about disappointing World Cup exits?
Rays Tout New Stadium Designs As Funding Talks Continue
The club unveiled interior ballpark designs while funding negotiations continue.
Zion Williamson Tells Ex-Agent to Pay Up in Latest Legal Brief
The legal saga of New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson and his former agent, Gina Ford of Prime Sports Marketing, has been in court for seven years, and in a new court filing, Williamson argues it’s long past time for Ford and Prime to pay up. John Wester of Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson and other
Ex-Hawks GM Tapped by Project B to Woo Global Hoops Stars
Former NBA player and Atlanta Hawks general manager Landry Fields has joined global basketball league Project B to help build its roster ahead of the first games in January 2027. As head of men’s basketball, Fields will work with chief basketball officer Alana Beard. “We’re building a long-term sustainable talent pipe…
NBA’s Lagging Salary Cap Is Forcing Teams to Change Roster Plans
The Boston Celtics traded Jaylen Brown for a lot of reasons. There are off-the-court factors, such as Brown’s Twitch streams in which he made comments that may have bothered the team. For instance, he called the 2025-26 season his “favorite” of his career, despite the Celtics winning the NBA Finals two years before. T…
Sporticast: Captain America’s World Cup Fall From Grace
On the 568th Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including the U.S. men’s national team’s exit from the World Cup. The USMNT lost 4-1 to Belgium in the round of 16, a blowout loss in a game in which the American squad
Wimbledon Fery Tale Features a Wild Card and a Silver Spoon
Arthur Fery continued his surprise run to the Wimbledon men’s semifinal on Wednesday with a 6-4, 7-6, 6-0 win over No. 9 seeded Flavio Cobolli. The 23-year-old Fery, who moved from France to England when he was one month old, is ranked No. 114 in the world and had a career record of 6-8 at
IOC Pulls Plug on Nordic Combined at 2030 Winter Olympics
The International Olympic Committee this week approved changes for the 2030 Winter Olympics, hosted in the French Alps, by adding freeride skiing and snowboarding and a nine-skater “Synchro9” figure skating event. The IOC also announced the removal of Nordic combined from the Games for the first time in the discipline…
LIV Golf Signals Looming Layoffs After PIF Funding Cuts
LIV Golf told employees in the U.S and U.K. Wednesday morning that it is likely facing layoffs, according to someone familiar with the details who was not authorized to speak publicly. The upstart tour is filing a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice—a legal requirement and not a definitive…
College Co-Ed Sailing Team’s Reinstatement Marks Title IX First
Christopher Newport University, a Division III school in Newport News, Va., has agreed to reinstate its varsity co-ed sailing team less than three months after announcing its discontinuation. The move, which appears to mark the first known reinstatement of a university’s co-ed varsity sports program, follows a class-a…
SCOTUS Trans Athlete Ruling Raises Broader Title IX Intrigue
The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent holding that neither Title IX nor the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment forbids states from conditioning eligibility to participate in sports on sex identified at birth has spurred intrigue into whether the Court might be open to revisiting other applications of Title IX—nam…
LeBron’s Latest Decision Illustrates NBA Free Agents’ Shrinking Power
LeBron James announced his original Decision, famously, on primetime television in 2010. He migrated to the web for a first-person essay in 2014. Then Twitter proclaimed his move to LA in 2018. So, in 2026, it’s only fitting that a video podcast has provided the best intel to date on where James is taking his
U.S. World Cup Exit Isn’t So Bad for Fox—Thanks to Hydration Breaks
As much as it’s safe to say that executives at Fox Sports and NBCUniversal’s Telemundo were pulling for a far less abrupt end to the USMNT’s World Cup run, the team’s 4-1 crash-out against Belgium on Monday night will in no way diminish the remainder of the tournament. And while a few million recent converts
NIL Era’s Goofiest Lawsuit Hinges on Agent’s ‘Employee’ Status
As the NIL era continues to blur long-standing distinctions in college sports, the industry’s latest legal fight over money doesn’t involve an athlete, school, conference or governing body. Instead, it pits online personality and NIL agent Noah Reisenfeld against Young Money APAA Sports, the agency co-founded by rappe…
IOC Conditionally Lifts Ban on Russian Athletes Ahead of LA 2028
The International Olympic Committee on Tuesday provisionally lifted its ban on Russian athletes in global sports, paving the way for the return of Russians at the Olympics as qualification for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles is underway. Russia has not competed in full capacity at an Olympic Games since the 2016 Summer…
College Sports Commission Taps Democratic Insider to Run Comms
The College Sports Commission announced Tuesday that it had hired Kenny Thompson Jr., a Democratic National Committee official and veteran of the Obama White House, as its new head of strategic communications and external affairs. Thompson’s appointment comes at a politically consequential moment for the CSC, which ha…
The Hangover: U.S. Doesn’t Have the Players to Win a World Cup
Sobriety is a gift. The USMNT’s 4-1 pasting by Belgium in Seattle broke the spell for fans who started to believe that this team, this time, could offer America what it thinks it desperately needs: a winner. Why not us? At home, with a group of players who ply their trade in top European leagues,
USMNT Loss to Belgium Deflates World Cup Expectations. Now What?
The U.S. Men’s National Team lost 4-1 in the World Cup round of 16 to Belgium in Seattle on Monday night, ending what was widely seen as the team’s best chance to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. That sound you hear is the huge sigh of relief from a
Versant buys Full Swing for US$530m to build out digital golf business
Versant seeks to diversify away from linear television as Bruin secures another lucrative exit from its investment.
As Messi Shines at World Cup, His Brand Partners Reap the Rewards
At the final match of the Qatar World Cup in 2022, Dan Jamieson had to explain himself. The Liverpool native was wearing an England jersey, confusing those around him as to why he was supporting Argentina in its showdown against France. But as the CEO of Icons Memorabilia, the answer was tied to one very
NRL seals US$3.7bn media rights deals with Foxtel, Nine and Sky NZ
New seven-year contracts are the richest in Australian sporting history and represent a 90 per cent uplift in cash received per annum.
NCAA Eligibility Lawsuits Continue Even With New Rules
I recently wrote that the NCAA’s new eligibility rules will deter lawsuits brought by students who wish to remain college athletes after they’ve exhausted their NCAA eligibility. I stand by that claim, but it’s clear the era of deterrence hasn’t yet arrived. Last month the NCAA Division I Cabinet unanimously approved…
Sporticast: Trump’s Unexpected World Cup Controversy
On the 567th Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including the red card controversy that has taken over the World Cup. U.S. striker Folarin Balogun received a red card in the team’s round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzego…
Feds Detail Hoopster Kerr Kriisa’s Alleged $2.2M Criminal Side Hustle
“Respect the grind you never see,” Kerr Kriisa wrote in an Instagram post on Oct. 30, captioning a series of stylized photos showing him clutching a basketball and flexing his muscles in the jersey of his new team, the University of Cincinnati. Presumably, the well-traveled guard was referring to the unseen work of pr…
TSC launches EventAIQ, an AI-enabled self-service for event impact
The Sports Consultancy (TSC) launches EventAIQ, an AI-enabled, self-service, always-on platform for measuring, comparing and optimising the impact of events, programmes and infrastructure assets across sport, culture and community programmes.
Sky confirms UK£1.6bn ITV takeover
Pair promise to deliver more FTA sport than ever through combined offering.
“It’s not that it doesn’t work”: Crux Football’s Bex Smith on why women’s soccer needs a new ownership model
Women’s soccer in Europe has some of the world’s best players and most recognisable clubs. But, for Bex Smith, the numbers haven’t been adding up.
What the World Cup is showing the industry about the future of sport
From creators and fan experiences to sponsorship, participation and media consumption, industry leaders share the trends reshaping how fans connect with football's biggest stage.
Rogers Completes Toronto Sports Empire With $3.1B MLSE Purchase
Rogers Communications has reached an agreement with Kilmer Sports to buy the remaining 25% of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), which owns the NHL’s Maple Leafs, NBA’s Raptors and MLS’ Toronto FC. Rogers is paying CAD $4.35 billion ($3.06 billion based on current exchange rates). The transaction, which is expe…
College Merger Sparks Athletics Lawsuit Amid Enrollment Cliff
As some colleges merge to better handle a new higher education landscape with fewer students—and thus diminished tuition, dorm and meal plan revenue—along with less federal money for research, greater restrictions on international student visas and more restrictive federal student loan caps, the athletics implications…
The Looming Legal Fallout From Baseball’s Labor Strife: Part II
The current collective bargaining agreement between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 1. It is expected that MLB will institute a lockout following the CBA’s expiration, and the lockout could threaten the 2027 season. Sportico’s Michael Mc…
Little Dot Sport appointed to lead Goodwood’s year-round motorsport social media and commercial growth strategy
Goodwood is looking to turn its flagship events into always-on digital stories, using platform-specific content and audience insight to engage existing fans, reach new communities and create fresh commercial value.
Versant to Acquire Full Swing Golf Tech From Bruin Capital for $530M
As part of its ongoing directive to build up its golf vertical, Versant Media Group on Monday announced an agreement to acquire the sports-tech company Full Swing from an ownership group led by Bruin Capital for $530 million in cash. Originally developed as a golf simulator and used as a training tool by the likes
U.S. Soccer Is at the Rubicon
Philadelphia Union co-owner Richie Graham announced a new $50 million investment fund in 2019 built off a simple thesis: The 2026 men’s World Cup would transform soccer in the U.S., and with it, businesses around the sport. Graham’s For Soccer venture cast a wide net, backing properties focused on social media, market…
U.S. World Cup Run Boosts Both Nike and Adidas Jersey Sales
The U.S. Men’s National Team is on a tear at a home World Cup, and demand for red-white-and-blue jerseys has perhaps never been higher. For the first time, both Nike and Adidas are reaping the benefits. Nike has been the official outfitter of U.S. Soccer since 1995. Adidas has been the official FIFA partner since
What the World Cup prediction-market boom tells us about the future of fan engagement
The surge in prediction markets during the World Cup points to a broader shift in fan behaviour, with rights holders increasingly challenged to turn passive audiences into active participants through prediction, gamification and first-party digital experiences.
FIFA Lets USMNT’s Balogun Play After Red Card, Belgium Appeals
In a sports world where the exclusion of an athlete often sparks lawsuits or threatened lawsuits, USMNT striker Folarin Balogun on Sunday learned that sometimes good news can happen without law. FIFA announced that Balogun, who had received an automatic one-match suspension for a straight red card against Bosnia and H…
World Cup Nationalism Drives Media as U.S. Seeks ‘Soccer Nation’ Status
Want proof that the U.S. is now “a soccer nation” that truly treats the sport like the rest of the world does? It’s the wholesale, unapologetic media homerism. Forget the social media engagement, the packed stadiums (except for that first game) or the jingoistic “USA! USA!” watch parties. We’ve seen that before. What’…
How Do You Say ‘Phenom’ In French? Club Sportico
It’s been 41 years since a French rider last won the Tour de France. In that stretch, national cycling prodigies have come and gone, but none have carried the hype of Paul Seixas, who is making his much anticipated debut this week on the sport’s biggest stage. The 19-year-old Seixas, who is the third favorite
Sportico Transactions: Moves and Mergers Roundup for July 3
Welcome to Sportico’s transactions wire, a weekly rundown of personnel, partnerships and products across the sports business industry. PERSONNEL Betr Names New CCO, CMO, & COO Betr announced the promotions of Alex Ursa to chief operating officer, Alex Kuwada to chief marketing officer and Mike Denevi to chief content…
World Series of Poker Returns to ESPN, Now With AI
The World Series of Poker returned to ESPN on Thursday for the first time since 2021. And Peyton Manning’s Ohama Productions, newly in charge of the event’s TV coverage, arrives with at least one trick up its sleeve: artificial intelligence. Omaha has enlisted an AI model that can identify when players are likely bluf…
Park Strife: Wimbledon’s growing pains
This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, Martin Ross returns from the World Cup to chew the fat with co-host Jonathan Rest in the week that we also launch the new SportBusiness Gameday newsletter
Insights from Ed Davidson, Chief Growth Officer for LIONS at Cannes Lions
Ed Davidson, Chief Growth Officer for LIONS, discussed with Sportico how the growing intersection of sports and the creative marketing industry has fueled the expansion of Lions Sport, bringing together global leaders from both sectors. They highlighted sport’s unique ability to unite audiences at scale, while emphasi…
Insights from Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand Officer for the NY Liberty at Cannes Lions
Shana Stephenson, chief brand officer of the WNBA‘s New York Liberty, talks with Sportico about how brands now recognize the value of investing in women’s sports, and how the Liberty have grown their portfolio from one partner to more than 50. Stephenson, whose team boasts a significant number of household names, unde…
Insights from George Aivazoglou, Managing Director of NBA Europe at Cannes Lions
NBA Europe is coming to the end of its investment process, and George Aivazoglou, the managing director of NBA Europe, walks Sportico through what’s up next (meeting with agencies about partners) and why now is the right time for NBA Europe to launch. Sportico was the exclusive media partner of SPORT BEACH, which brou…
Insights from Michael D. Ratner, CEO of OBB, and Selena Kalvaria, CMO of Fanatics at Cannes Lions
Fanatics’ Selena Kalvaria and OBB Media founder Michael D. Ratner sit with Sportico at Cannes Lions to explain the strategy behind the company’s viral “Bet on Kendall” campaign, why Kendall Jenner was more than just the face of the creative, and how Fanatics Studios is reshaping the company’s approach to brand storyte…
U.S. Denies Asylum to Serbian Soccer Player Beat Up by Hooligans
Bojan Andric was badly beaten up by hooligans who were upset by his play and “high pay” for a Serbian soccer club, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit has ruled his experience doesn’t qualify as grounds for asylum in the United States. The ruling in Bojan Andric v. Todd Blanche is a reminder
In Mexico, Telemundo Will Cash in on England’s 40 Years of Tears
While it’s no surprise that the U.S. team has commanded the highest TV ratings of the World Cup thus far, its rivals to the south are about to melt the needles off the Nielsen dials. In bumping off Ecuador 2-0 Tuesday night in the friendly confines of Estadio Azteca, Mexico has set up Telemundo (and
Insights from Anmol Malhotra, Head of Content at Snap and Steven Galanis, CEO of Cameo at Cannes Lions
Sportico’s Scott Soshnick spoke with Anmol Malhotra, Global Head of Content at Snap, about the fandom and excitement surrounding the World Cup, target demographics and the future of content. “For a goal or a highlight, you can find that anywhere. If you want to experience it and experience the fans, you go to Snapchat…
The Looming Legal Fallout From Baseball’s Labor Strife: Part I
The current collective bargaining agreement between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 1. It is expected that MLB will institute a lockout following the CBA’s expiration, and the lockout could threaten the 2027 season. Sportico’s Michael Mc…
Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks
The Braves have been working all year for this weekend. “We are going to blow this place up,” Scott Cunningham, VP of fan experience for the team, says of Truist Park. “It’s going to be incredible.” Atlanta is among the Major League Baseball clubs unleashing huge postgame pyrotechnics shows for America’s 250th birthda…
Sporticast: Tennis Players Score With 4 Earning $40M+ in Last Year
On the 566th Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Kurt Badenhausen discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including Wimbledon and the highest-paid tennis players. The top 10 tennis players collectively earned $344 million, up 26.5% from last year’s $272 million. Marketing dollars are…
USMNT Survives Balogun Red to Keep World Cup Dream Alive
The Americans are back in the round of 16.
Celtics Send Jaylen Brown to Sixers in Swap of Huge Contracts
Paul George is set to make $54 million next year.
Brendan Sorsby Embraces 650-Day Wait for Chance at Making NFL Roster
The quarterback is a man without a home this fall.
NBA Players, Owners to Split $580M in Escrow at a 45%-55% Ratio
The NBA released final accounting on the 2025-26 season, revealing basketball-related income was $11.68 billion, up from $10.25 billion the previous year. The BRI means players and owners will roughly split an escrow account of about $580 million set aside to make the math work in the shared-revenue system laid out in…
LeBron Watch 2026: Where Does the NBA’s Biggest Free Agent Fit Best?
James won’t return to the Lakers after eight seasons.
Can Portugal Make a World Cup Run Amid the Ronaldo Circus?
Portugal is conducting an unprecedented experiment.
Trump’s Golf Businesses Netted Nearly $395M in Income in 2025
The biggest moneymaker was $121.8 million from Trump National Doral.
Was Norway’s Viking Row Raided From Sweden?
The Norwegian “Viking row” celebration has been the ubiquitous sensation of the 2026 World Cup. Norway fans have rowed in Times Square, rowed on escalators and rowed at NFL stadiums around the U.S. in unison with their national soccer team, led by the quintessential Viking himself, superstar striker Erling Haaland. Th…
Insights from Basketball Legends Diana Taurasi and Jaylen Brown Cannes Lions
Sportico spoke with Celtics’ Jaylen Brown about the launch of Plyrs Untd, the NBA’s new commercial arm that will look to build equity and expand the union’s yearly revenue. Brown emphasizes how Plyrs Untd, which is 100% owned by the players, could have a massive impact on the athletes. The NBPA is kicking off this new…
Insights from Basketball Legends Diana Taurasi and Jaylen Brown Cannes Lions
Sportico spoke with Celtics’ Jaylen Brown about the launch of Plyrs Untd, the NBA’s new commercial arm that will look to build equity and expand the union’s yearly revenue. Brown emphasizes how Plyrs Untd, which is 100% owned by the players, could have a massive impact on the athletes. The NBPA is kicking off this new…
WTA Finals Moves to Indian Wells After Ending Saudi Arabia Deal Early
The deal between the WTA and Indian Wells is only for one year.
Inner Circle Sports Sale to William Blair Closes
Global investment bank William Blair has completed its purchase of boutique sports advisor Inner Circle Sports in a move that gives the firm an immediate presence in the flourishing world of sports dealmaking. The two companies reached an agreement in April on the deal. Financial specifics were not disclosed. Rob Till…
Nike Gets a Win in Trademark Dispute Over ‘Total 90’ Mark
Nike has persuaded a federal judge to deny Louisiana-based soccer apparel company Total90 LLC an injunction that would have stopped Nike from a “marketing blitz” using the term “Total 90.” Total90 sued Nike last year, arguing that it owns the trademark for “Total90” and that Nike is infringing by using Total 90. Nike…
Highest-Paid Tennis Players 2026: Alcaraz Leads, Women Score
Carlos Alcaraz was forced to skip the French Open and Wimbledon this year, as he recovers from a wrist injury. The Spanish tennis pro had won the last two French Opens and made three straight All England Finals, including two titles, but he will have to wait to add a third that would tie John
How Serena Williams Made a Career-High $40 Million This Year
Serena Williams made her return to Wimbledon Tuesday with a three-set loss against Maya Joint. It marked the 44-year-old’s first singles action since the 2022 U.S. Open, when Williams said she was “evolving” away from tennis in a Vogue essay. She is still in the doubles draw with her sister, Venus. Williams has been a…
Even NFL Teams’ World Cup Drummers Face FIFA Rules
In the months leading up to the 2026 World Cup, FIFA asked NFL teams whose stadiums would be hosting the tournament to provide drumlines and cheerleaders for matches, according to people familiar with the matter. For both FIFA and the NFL, the inclusion of classic U.S. marching bands and pom-pom toting cheerleaders wa…
Nike to Wall Street: We Are Building Like the Knicks
Nike CEO Elliott Hill had a message for Wall Street on Tuesday as the world’s largest sportswear maker continues its multiyear corporate turnaround effort: Think of us like the New York Knicks. The Knicks overcame several double-digit point deficits to win the 2026 NBA championship, their first in 53 years. Hill told…
Led by Morocco, African Soccer Is Having a Moment at the World Cup
Four matches into the knockout round and the 2026 FIFA World Cup has rewarded fans with all the nerve-chewing drama they’ve come to expect from the win-or-go-home stage of the tournament. Rather than diluting the talent pool, Gianni Infantino’s expansion project appears to have pumped a syringe of adrenaline straight…
Amid Balogun’s Breakout, SCOTUS Upholds Birthright Citizenship
Hours before the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team beat Australia in its second group stage match at the World Cup, the Department of Homeland Security took to social media platform X to support the American squad. The government agency posted a photo of striker Folarin Balogun, flanked by teammates Sergiño Dest and Chr…
Insights from MLB Legends CC Sabathia, Jimmy Rollins, Hunter Pence and Dexter Fowler at Cannes Lions
CC Sabathia remembers being able to take care of his family as soon as he signed his first MLB contract. Sabathia talks about how when he was playing, he focused on baseball and not much else, compared to now, where it’s more common for players to focus on outside businesses and opportunities. Hunter Pence, a
NBA Europe Bids Top $500M in Each of 12 Target Cities
The latest bids for NBA Europe franchises were due Monday, and they came in at $500 million or higher in each of the 12 target cities, with multiple bids of more than $1 billion. Bids were made by more than 20 existing basketball and soccer clubs, including current EuroLeague teams, according to someone familiar with
Insights from Genius Sports’ Mark Locke, Tony Marlow and Josh Linforth at Cannes Lions
Getting the data? Easy. Knowing what to do with it? That’s the hard part. “In the U.S. we have access to 250 million people… if you’re local team is losing you’ll want to spend 25% more on takeaways, that’s what the data is telling us,” Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports, told Scott Soshnick. Tony
Insights from West Health CEO Shelley Lyford and Damar Hamlin at Cannes Lions
Scott Soshnick and Shelley Lyford discuss health, wellness, aging, vitality and rosé on the beach at Cannes Lions. “I think that we’re at this unique time in our history where a lot of people are focused at being the best they can be for as long as they can be,” Lyford, CEO of West Health,
Insights From MLS Execs Carter Ladd and Radhika Duggal at Cannes Lions
Sportico spoke with Carter Ladd, CRO of MLS, and Radhika Duggal, CMO of MLS, at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Each executive opens up about the big question facing MLS right now with the FIFA World Cup going on across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico: How does the league turn the World Cup attention
World Cup Knockout Teams Will Face the Ultimate Foe: Heat Wave
Sweden’s men’s national team has been preparing for the test it will face Tuesday since well before The Blue and Yellow arrived in the U.S.—not only a showdown with current World Cup favorite France, but also a match played in temperatures that could surpass 90 degrees (32.2 degrees Celsius) by kickoff. Outside Stockh…
Supreme Court Upholds Transgender Athlete Ban
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that states can ban transgender athletes from competing on girls’ and women’s scholastic sports teams. The ruling, in a 6-3 decision, follows the court’s review of two cases, Bradley Little, et al. v. Lindsay Hecox, et al. and State of West Virginia, et al. v. B.P.J. & Heather J…
Sportsbooks Hide Intent of Super PAC Election Ads Around U.S.
The election primary ads in Alabama warn people that a candidate running for a state representative seat was bought by dark money from “big insurance,” and that a candidate running for state senate failed to stand up for President Donald Trump against “left wing extremists” who “fight dirty.” In Georgia, they tell peo…
Serena Williams’ Comeback Doesn’t Guarantee Her Health Insurance
Serena Williams will get more attention this week at Wimbledon than any other player. The 23-time Grand Slam champion continues her comeback from retirement by playing her first singles match since 2022, along with competing in the doubles tournament with her sister, Venus. Earlier this month, Williams played doubles…
PLL Raises $100M From Tsai, Ares Amid ‘Critical Growth Window’
The Premier Lacrosse League has raised more than $200 million since it first disrupted—then fully redefined—professional lacrosse in America. Co-founder Paul Rabil says its latest round, a $100 million Series E, may be the last. “With where we’re at now, the intention is to stabilize the business with this capital and…
Sporticast: An Equity vs. Economics Breakdown of NBA Europe
On the 565th Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including the latest with NBA Europe. The most recent round of bids for the 12 permanent teams were due Monday afternoon Eastern Time, and the league plans to gradually announce…
Why sport is emerging tech’s ideal testing ground
Sport has long been a test bed for emerging tech. Ahead of the LEAP 2026 Tech Conference, N3XT Sports chief executive Mounir Zok explains why.
Paraguay Sends Germany Home in Biggest World Cup Stunner So Far
Paraguay will now win at least $15 million at the World Cup.
Dusty May Believes NIL Era Experience Will Aid NBA Transition
May is the future college coach to make the jump since 2019.
Liberty Media’s Chang, LIV’s O’Neil Join ‘Sportico Sports Business’
Two key factors will set today’s sports investor apart, according to LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil and Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang: investing in teams with upside to their valuations, and investing in global brands. O’Neil and Chang were interviewed separately by Sportico editor-in-chief Scott Soshnick for the latest ep…
Underperforming Teams Make for Uncertain Trade Market
Many clubs don’t yet know whether they will be buyers or sellers.
Dave Portnoy Discusses His New Book and Barstool’s Talent Pipeline
Portnoy also addressed his relationship with the Big Ten.
Frank McCourt’s Equestrian League Sells First Franchise for $50M
The Premier Jumping League, the equestrian competition founded by former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, has sold its first franchise for $50 million, the league announced on Monday. The team, which will be called the McCarthy Jumping Team, was purchased by Jason McCarthy. McCarthy, an MIT graduate and an alu…
Netflix’s Baseball Voice: Elle Duncan
Elle Duncan on Netflix's Home Run Derby, Barry Bonds, Field of Dreams, and the World Cup question.
Beasley Charged With Defrauding NBA, Sports Betting Companies
Former Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley and his former Minnesota Timberwolves teammate Ed Davis are among the six men indicted by a grand injury in New York for game-fixing-related crimes where the players allegedly defrauded the NBA and sports betting companies in 2023 and 2024. A sealed indictment dated June 24 w…
Ticket Prices Plunge for World Cup Knockout Matches
Round-of-32 prices have fallen almost 40% in the past week.
NBA Set for Summer of Chaos: LeBron, Kawhi, Gambling
Kawhi Leonard is the latest star on the trade block.
Rozier Trades Ex-Trump Lawyer for Ghislaine Maxwell Attorney
NBA free agent Terry Rozier has hired prominent criminal defense attorney David Oscar Markus to represent him in his federal gambling trial. Markus replaces former Donald Trump lawyer Jim Trusty, who withdrew from the case last week. Markus, who is based in Miami, has been recently representing Ghislaine Maxwell, the…
Elle Duncan Wants Kevin Costner on Netflix ‘Field of Dreams’ Game
Netflix will stream the game Aug. 13.
30 years of Opta: How a marketing exercise became the foundation of soccer’s AI future
Three decades ago, an upstart management consultancy kickstarted a data revolution in English soccer. Now, Opta is at the forefront of an AI-driven transformation of how the sport is watched, played and understood.
Comcast Eyes NBCUniversal Spinoff From Core Cable Business
Fifteen years after Comcast assumed a controlling stake in NBCUniversal, the Philadelphia-based cable giant has announced plans to spin off its media and entertainment assets. The separation of the core connectivity business from the media holdings is expected to be completed within “approximately one year,” according…
Title IX in the Age of House, NIL and Cash-Strapped Universities
Today’s guest columnists are professors John Cairney and Rick Burton. As the 2025-26 NCAA sports calendar officially closed (with SEC powerhouses Oklahoma and Texas claiming championships in baseball and softball respectively), and with another anniversary (No. 54) of Title IX just passed, a familiar question resurfac…
Inside NBA Europe’s Revenue, Equity Structure at Bid Deadline
The latest bids for NBA Europe franchises are due Monday afternoon, the next step in the league’s plan to raise billions to launch a new circuit in the Old World. As the NBA and its bankers have engaged with dozens of potential buyers from around the globe—including sovereign funds, major soccer teams and wealthy indi…
For Germany, a World Cup Knockout Will Bring a New Jersey
Germany’s World Cup loss to Paraguay on Monday afternoon in a round-of-32 penalty shootout in Foxborough, Mass., marked the national team’s final game playing in the three stripes of Adidas for the foreseeable future. The German national soccer federation, the DFB, shocked the world in 2024 when it announced it would…
Cal Finally Finalizes Ron Rivera’s Football GM Contract
Fifteen months after Ron Rivera was hired as Cal’s football general manager the parties have, at long last, executed a long-form employment agreement. The three-year contract, effective March 24, 2025, was signed by Rivera and UC chancellor Richard Lyons on June 16, according to a copy of the agreement obtained throug…
Tennis’ Richest Loser Is No More
For the past few years, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has held a singular place in tennis history. He’d made more in prize money—millions more—than any other man or woman who had never won a singles tournament. On Saturday in Mallorca, the Spaniard put the “richest loser” moniker to bed. The 27-year-old beat American Et…
Sportico Transactions: Moves and Mergers Roundup for June 26
Welcome to Sportico’s transactions wire, a weekly rundown of personnel, partnerships and products across the sports business industry. PERSONNEL EA Sports Taps Reseburg for Talent Management, Brand Activation Entertainment Arts announced that EA Sports’ John Reseburg will lead the organization’s talent management and…
NHL Has ‘Zero Concerns’ About Drawbacks of Decentralized Draft
Gavin McKenna is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft, and when his name is called in Buffalo, N.Y., on Friday night, he will embrace his family, receive cheers from the sold-out crowd and shake hands with league commissioner Gary Bettman. But for the star left winger, meeting the group that’s
NCAA’s 5-Year Legal Spending Nears $300 Million
The NCAA reported spending $63.5 million in legal fees during the fiscal year that ended August 2025, according to its latest tax return, bringing its five-year total spending on outside counsel to $292.6 million. The biggest beneficiary was law firm Wilkinson Stekloff, which received nearly $19.6 million in FY25. The…
Fox uses World Cup to push IndyCar ratings to 15-year high
Road America averaged remarkable 1.8m viewers thanks to starting directly after Spain vs Saudi Arabia game.
Cash Considerations Ruled the NBA Draft. Here’s How They Work
During the second round of the NBA Draft on Thursday night, the Chicago Bulls dealt No. 38 overall pick Braden Smith to the Indiana Pacers for Kam Jones, future pick swaps and so-called cash considerations. It was at least the 15th time since 2000 the Bulls have made a deal involving cash considerations. As a
Brunson’s China Brand-Builder Paves a Silk Road for NBA Stars
During the New York Knicks’ championship run in June, the franchise’s star point guard took a moment out from dismantling Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs to send well wishes to a specific group of his fans watching from far away. “To all the high school students taking the Gaokao, don’t be nervous,” Jalen
Mr. Haaland’s Opus: Norway Striker Brings Joy to the World Cup
The first stage of Norway’s pillage-and-consternation tour concludes Friday afternoon with its Group I capper against France, and while both teams have secured a berth in the knockout round, the match will be appointment viewing for anyone who might be interested in seeing two of the world’s top strikers square off in…
Ekstra Ekstra hear all about it
This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, Joseph Perry completes his stand-in duties alongside Jonathan Rest
GSE Worldwide hosts sold-out Laser Wolf during Championship week in Southampton
The exclusive evening featured Chef Michael Solomonov, US Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk and broadcaster Scott Jennings.
How to Become a Sports Agent in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
A step-by-step 2026 guide to becoming a sports agent, including what agents do, qualifications, union certification, salary expectations, agencies, and how to break in.
Sports Marketing Jobs: The Complete Guide for 2026
A practical 2026 guide to sports marketing jobs, career paths, salary ranges, skills, employers, and how to apply for roles at teams, brands, agencies, and rights holders.
StreamAMG to power Shrewsbury Town FC’s streaming service
Partnership marks a significant step in enhancing the club’s digital offering and fan experience.
The business of Wimbledon: Careful modernisation of tennis tradition protects a unique commercial model
Wimbledon's brand preservation over revenue maximisation has made it tennis's most prestigious event. Now it is seeking to modernise its facilities and broadcast coverage to maintain this position.
F1 announces ticketing platform Fever as new official supplier
Formula One has announced that Fever, a leading global live-entertainment technology platform, will join the sport in a long-term global strategic partnership as its official supplier for races in 2027 and beyond.
Qatar Airways ‘pauses’ UK£80m rugby Nations Championship title sponsorship
Airline reportedly remains committed to new tournament but is wary of optics amid current geopolitical climate.
Wimbledon and BBC extend to 2033 and agree to refresh coverage
Sport's longest running relationship will extend beyond a century with new deal.
PGA Tour approves two-tier competition revamp
Promotion and relegation across two tiers and a slimmed down calendar aim to increase interest among fans and partners.
Too many sports sponsorships are operating in a silo – here’s how to fix it
Trunk's Adam Britton explains why the agency launched PartnerAmp and how the new offering will unlock better sponsorship results.
PGA Tour Revamps Schedule, Approves Rolapp as Commissioner
The two PGA Tour boards (Policy and Enterprises) approved recommendations from its Future Competition Committee that established a revamped, two-tier tournament system—with promotion and relegation of players—that begins in 2028. The boards also approved PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp as the tour’s next commissioner, repla…
Why more training alone won’t advance women leaders
When most organisations think about developing female leaders, they focus on skills, workshops and courses. But new research suggests the greatest value of women's leadership initiatives may have little to do with training at all.
Sportico Studio’s New Video Experience Debuts at Cannes Lions
Sportico this week launched Sportico Studio, a dedicated content and creative solutions offering for brands looking to engage the sports business community. The studio, featured on a new video page on Sportico’s homepage, will leverage Sportico‘s unique position at the center of the sports business ecosystem, connecti…
Giannis Trade to Heat Gives Him a $14M Tax Windfall
The Milwaukee Bucks traded star Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat early Tuesday morning in a move that shakes up the Eastern Conference, especially since Heat rival Boston Celtics also sought the “Greek Freak.” The trade effectively gives Antetokounmpo a multimillion-dollar raise, since the Heat play in Florida,…
‘The most valuable real estate’: How the 2026 World Cup became a springboard for AI innovation
Four years on from the launch of ChatGPT, the 2026 World Cup is the first edition of sport’s biggest event to truly integrate AI across the board, with Lenovo playing a major role. With intelligent technologies influencing everything from tournament broadcasts to referee systems, SportsPro breaks down how AI is transf…
Novig Hires Ex-DOGE Worker as Industry Keeps Up Trump-Era Trend
Novig is the latest prediction market company to hire someone with experience in President Donald Trump’s administration. The company on Tuesday announced Elie Mishory as its new chief regulatory and legal affairs officer. Last year, Mishory worked as a point person in Trump’s temporary, Elon Musk-led Department of Go…
Why PR is critical for sports businesses
Louise Wells, VP of strategic accounts at Bubble Agency, outlines why PR should be a priority for sports organisations.
NBA Draft 2026: Contract Values for AJ Dybantsa, Every First-Round Pick
The No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft is still up for debate—with AJ Dybantsa the odds-on favorite, but Darryn Peterson also an option for the Washington Wizards, who hold the first selection. It marks a stark contrast to 2025, when everyone knew the Dallas Mavericks would choose Cooper Flagg. What is not in
Sporticast: Why Netflix, EA Have Their Own World Cup Games
On the 563rd Sporticast episode, hosts Jacob Feldman and Justin Birnbaum discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including a detailed breakdown of Netflix’s FIFA World Cup video game. Following Electronic Arts and FIFA’s split in 2022, both parties now have World Cup-related offerings on the m…
Judge Spikes Disgraced Volleyball Coach’s $250M Suit Against Advocate
A federal judge in Chicago has dismissed a $250 million lawsuit filed by Rick Butler, one of the nation’s most prominent junior volleyball coaches, against women’s sports advocate and civil rights attorney Nancy Hogshead. The four-and-a-half-year-old case centered on statements that Hogshead had made in 2017 and 2018…
Sportico With Jaylen Brown, Diana Taurasi on Day 1 at Cannes Lions
Sportico took to the iconic Croisette on the first day of Cannes Lions, speaking exclusively with some of the biggest names in sport as an official media partner of SPORT BEACH. Sportico spoke with Celtics’ Jaylen Brown about the launch of Plyrs Untd, the NBA’s new commercial arm that will look to build equity and
Apple streams Austrian GP for free in bid to expand US F1 audience
Follows deal with rival streaming giant Netflix to simulcast Canadian Grand Prix.
Trunk launches PartnerAmp to help brands and rights holders make sports partnerships work harder
New offer combines 12 months of research with a free Partnership Health Score designed to help teams identify where partnerships are underpowered and where stronger thinking could unlock better results.
Offshore accounts: Analysing E1 Series’ financial model
This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, Joseph Perry steps in as co-host alongside Jonathan Rest, while Martin Ross provides a Fifa World Cup punter's perspective after attending Scotland-Haiti
‘It’s bigger than the world marathons combined’: How Hyrox is turning fitness into the world’s next mass participation sport
With millions of athletes competing in events all over the world, the fitness organisation explains its commercial growth journey and the path towards becoming an Olympic sport by 2032.
U.S. World Cup Team Was Assembled Stateside, Honed in Europe
Most of the U.S. roster leveled up in clubs abroad.
MLB Warns Giants Pitchers Over Writing on Pride Caps
The Giants celebrated Pride Night on Friday.
‘We relied on benevolent individuals’: Inside Prem Rugby’s plan to turn financial crisis into investment opportunity
With radical changes set to take effect from next season, senior figures within Prem Rugby believe the game is now better positioned to grow.
Amended College Sports Bill Leaves SEC, Big Ten Concerns Intact
The amended bill doesn’t alleviate the Big Ten and SEC’s biggest concerns.
‘Most Oppressed’: Iran Blasts FIFA After World Cup Opener
Iran's players said they didn’t get enough time to recover from travel.
Brendan Sorsby Brings Unprecedented Intrigue to NFL Supplemental Draft
No players other than Sorsby have entered the supplemental draft.
Portland Fire GM Says Team Is Chasing Playoffs, Not Lottery Odds
Vanja Černivec was with the Golden State Valkyries last year.
Building the Portland Fire
Portland Fire GM on building a WNBA expansion team, the Valkyries model, and making the playoffs in year one.
Fox eyes streaming reach, advertising and aggregation with US$22bn Roku swoop
Deal expands streaming distribution for broadcaster’s sports properties such as the NFL, MLB and Nascar.
Serena and Venus Williams Will Play Wimbledon Doubles
Williams made her return to doubles action earlier this month.
How a Boston Man Became Scotland’s World Cup Dad
Since the World Cup began, fans from all over the world have landed in the U.S. with a bang. Brazil fans flooded the streets of Times Square during their game against Morocco on Saturday; the Netherlands’ Oranje Legioen did the same in Dallas ahead of the country’s match against Japan on Sunday. The tournament is
Semi-automated offside technology one year on: what have we learnt?
Genius Sports’ Harry Lennard reflects on the lessons of SAOT so far.
Brendan Sorsby Leaves Texas Tech, Declares for NFL Supplemental Draft
The news comes hours after the Big 12 sued Texas Tech.
The participation premium: Why investors are backing specialist brands for sportswear’s next growth story
As momentum around the sporting goods segment softens, public markets are still betting on the likes of Asics, On and Amer Sports to turn growing participation into repeat demand.
Dallas Stars ‘Getting Married’ to Plano With $3B Arena Move
The NHL team sees its forthcoming home city as a regional hub.
Shinnecock Ready to Shine As (Unofficial) U.S. Open Anchor Site
Shinnecock last hosted in the U.S. Open in 2018.
The World Cup’s Opening Weekend in America Was (Mostly) a Success
Attendance is high even though tickets were pricey.
Tom Dundon Won a Stanley Cup—Now He Needs to Hire an NBA Coach
Dundon bought the Trail Blazers in March.
Fernando Mendoza on Brady and Business
Fernando Mendoza on life as the Raiders' No. 1 pick, Tom Brady lessons, LinkedIn, and branding off the field.
Fernando Mendoza’s Rookie Edge With Raiders? Access to Tom Brady
Fernando Mendoza’s relationship with Tom Brady is growing.
2026 Fifa World Cup opener delivers US ratings record as Fox ‘escapes’ punishment for airing ads instead of action
Strong viewership for US and Mexico’s first matches underlines commercial appeal of tournament while intensifying scrutiny of in-game advertising.
Blinded by the rights: Fifa’s TV goldmine
This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, it's a World Cup preview special as Jonathan Rest is joined by Martin Ross, who - with passport and kilt at the ready - prepares to head out to the US with the Tartan…
How athletes are redefining modern sports fandom on TikTok
TikTok makes the case that athletes have become media ecosystems in their own right, leveraging the platform's interest-led discovery engine to grow global fanbases, open up new revenue streams and seize control of their public narrative.
Knicks One Win From Title After Historic Game 4 Comeback
It was the largest comeback in an NBA Finals game ever.
After a Rocky Buildup, the World Cup Is Finally Here
It’s the largest in tournament history, with 48 teams and 104 matches.
Texas Tech Boycott Could Cost Non-Conference Opponents Millions
Oregon State would have to pay Texas Tech $1 million to cancel its matchup.
NBA Finals Game 3 Draws 23.8M Viewers, Most Since 2017
Game 3 marked the most-watched TV program since the Super Bowl.
Gianni Infantino Defends FIFA’s Handling of Iran, Tickets, and Visas at World Cup
Infantino suggested reporters should “just chill, relax.”
Lawmakers Pressure NFL Over Cost of Games at House Hearing
Lawmakers again examine the league’s impacts upon consumers.
Will Trump Feud Reignite Stephen A. Smith’s Presidential Ambitions?
Trump and Smith have exchanged public insults in recent days.
NiJaree Canady Remains Unsigned With AUSL Season Underway
Canady was the No. 2 pick in the 2026 AUSL Draft.
Sorsby Ruling Could Become Flashpoint for College Sports Bill
It’s unclear if the bill would prevent Sorsby from suing for eligibility.
What Really Happened With the Spanish Soccer Team and Kalshi
The club said it wanted to clear up its actions after “recent reports.”
The Expanded 48-Team World Cup Will Be Nearly Unrecognizable
Expect more conservative soccer and a less-thrilling group stage.
World Cup Kicks Off With Heat Wave in U.S.
Temperatures are expected to climb into the high 80s on Saturday at MetLife Stadium.
No White House Invite Yet for NWSL Champion Gotham FC
The club was the first NWSL team to visit, in 2024.
Real Madrid, Adidas Sign Blockbuster $1.1 Billion, 8-Year Deal
Adidas and Real Madrid have extended their long-term partnership, the two sports giants announced Wednesday. The eight-year deal runs through 2034. Financial details were not disclosed, but Spanish newspaper Diario AS tabbed the annual average at €120 million ($139 million based on current exchange rates). The average…
Pritzker to Bears: Win Over Lawmakers, Get a Special Session
The Illinois governor holds the Bears responsible for prior legislative failures.
DOJ Defends UFC Freedom 250 As Clock Ticks on Effort to Stop Event
The government highlights what it sees as a “starkly mismatched balance of harms.”
Real Madrid and Emirates sign European record ‘€100 million’ sponsorship extension
Deal runs until 2031, putting LaLiga giants ahead of its domestic and continental rivals.
When Knicks Are On, New York’s Dealmakers Turn Off
The city’s 24/7 business culture has slowed during the NBA Finals.
The biggest sports production in history: How Fifa World Cup 2026 broadcasters will deliver the most complex tournament of all time
The 2026 World Cup is unprecedented with 104 games and four time zones. SportsPro unpacks the differing approaches to production, distribution and consumption for the tournament.
NFL Retirees’ Parkinson’s Claims Jeopardized by Law Firm Tactics
The special masters for the NFL concussion settlement on Monday found that five law firms representing 98 retired NFL players with Parkinson’s disease claims “surreptitiously outsourced” decisions on diagnoses and “compromised their clients’ claims.” Special masters are subject-matter experts appointed by judges to ma…
Free Tickets Are Good, but There’s a Better Way Than FIFA’s Strategy
Massachusetts governor Maura Healey announced Monday that her office had secured 1,104 World Cup tickets to distribute at no cost to young people across the state. Less than 24 hours later, New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill made a similar proclamation, declaring that more than 750 free tickets would be made available…
Don’t Bet on Congress to Solve College Sports’ Labor Problem
The newest legal crisis in college sports is also the latest sign of the complex relationship between college athletes and their schools, conferences and the NCAA in the increasingly commercialized world of college sports. Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who reportedly received a $5 million deal to join the Red…
Fifa signs up Kraken as World Cup 2026 crypto partner as late sponsor push continues
Long-time partner AB InBev also extends World Cup sponsorship to include 2030 edition before the tournament kicks off.
Storytelling in the age of AI: New white paper
How sports organisations can cut through the slop to build trust and credibility.
Building the next Monaco: F1 signals intent to make Las Vegas its marquee race with extension until 2037
Following substantial investment and proven return across its first three years, the Las Vegas Grand Prix now has its sights set on becoming Formula One’s marquee race.
Fan Lab: Knowing your fanbase and activating it
Sports organisations are sitting on vast volumes of under-utilised data. C’mon Sports founder Douglas Finazzi explains how the problem can be solved.
Knicks, MSG, Sphere Stocks Up 150%+ on Average in Past Year
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the New York Knicks, 115-111, on Monday night at Madison Square Garden in front of President Donald Trump and numerous A-list celebrities. While the result ended the Knicks’ 13-game playoff winning streak—the NBA’s second-longest ever in a single postseason— New York still maintains a 2-…
Sorsby Injunction: A Jump-the-Shark Moment for College Sports?
The ruling on Monday that Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby can play NCAA football despite having bet on his own team is a sports law earthquake. It’s occurring at the intersection of a modern double whammy: one involving dozens of ineligible college athletes suing to extend their NCAA eligibility to profit from l…
Sporticast: This World Cup Shows the American-ization of Soccer
On the 559th Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including the start of the FIFA World Cup. It’s been 32 years since the world’s biggest sporting event was hosted in the U.S., and eight years since North America was officially…
Tennis Prize Money Tracker: Which Player Has Earned the Most in 2026?
Jannik Sinner ranks first in 2026 tennis tournament winnings with $6.87 million. The world No. 1 has won all five Masters 1000 tournaments this year, earning more than $1 million for each championship and pushing him up to seventh all-time in career prize money earned, with a total of $64.8 million. He entered the Fre…
The rise of the athlete-creator: why more sports stars are building their own YouTube channels
More and more athletes are turning into YouTube creators. Little Dot Sport managing director Robbie Spargo explains how the shift is reshaping sports media from an audience and brand perspective.
Why the biggest World Cup ever could be the hardest for sponsors to get right
The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams promises sponsors more inventory, more engaged markets and more time in the spotlight. But it also creates more noise, more complexity and, in some cases, more activation costs.
Record attendances, mainstream exposure and lasting legacy: How the 2026 ICC T20 Women’s World Cup will take English women’s cricket to the next level
Beth Barrett-Wild, the T20 Women’s World Cup tournament director explains how record revenues and rising audiences will drive lasting change for women's cricket.
Fifa World Cup 2026 digital push continues with Fifa+ DAZN launch and Netflix video game
Fifa+ gets new life on DAZN as Fifa details first non-EA video game since split.
Grand Budapest Intel
This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, Jonathan Rest and Joseph Perry return from the Champions League final to pore over big European football topics with Martin Ross.
54 bets on HWS unlocking padel’s commercial value
Gary Davidson, COO at 54, oulines his profitability targets and the commercial model for the Hexagon World Series after the Saudi-backed agency invested £2.1m (€2.4m/$2.8m) for an initial 8% stake in the new property.
On the Seine at SportGen Summit in Paris
This week, Martin Ross, Maria Kholodova and Matthew Glendinning are in Paris to bring you the lowdown from the inaugural SportGen Summit, plus the usual look at major industry stories
How Concacaf is attracting a new generation of fans
Concacaf’s approach to engaging younger fans is achieving measurable success
Sports Business Salary Guide 2026: What Are Employers Paying?
A 2026 salary guide for sports business roles across marketing, partnerships, commercial strategy, analytics, and event operations in the US, UK, and Europe.
How to Break Into Sports Business: The 5 Most In-Demand Roles in 2026
A practical guide to the sports business roles employers are hiring for in 2026, from partnerships and commercial strategy to analytics, content, and event operations.
Top 10 Sports Business Job Boards in 2026
A practical ranking of the best places to find sports business jobs in 2026, including Transfer Window, WorkInSports, TeamWork Online, Global Sports Jobs, and other leading boards.
High hoops: Netball bids for reach, revenue and relevance
This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, co-hosts Jonathan Rest and Martin Ross discuss some major developments in European football, a crucial media rights deal for a challenger sport and the week’s ind…
PGA Tour’s New Social Media Policy Will Allow Players to Post More Content
Bryson DeChambeau’s YouTube ambitions could still prevent his return.
Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players
The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
Expanded Basketball Tournaments Will Yield NCAA $50M a Year
The deal guarantees the NCAA will be able to cover additional operating expenses.
Live Sports Streaming Ad Market Rife With Fraud, Experts Say
The rise of streaming has led to issues with ad sales.
Tournament Darling LIU Had a Thousand Ineligible Athletes, NCAA Says
LIU merged its Brooklyn and Long Island campuses in 2019.
Majority of Big 12 Schools Are Turning Down $30M RedBird Credit Option
11 schools say they're declining the money. They have a one-year window.
NHL Salary Cap Increases by $8.5M to Hit $104M
Next season’s salary cap confirmed bullish projections from the league and union.
Lexie Hull Thinks Offseason Basketball Leagues Could Eventually Merge
Hull has played in Athletes Unlimited and Unrivaled.
Club Sportico: Kentucky Derby History Is a Marketing Masterclass
Close to 20 million people will tune into NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage Saturday. Another 150,000 will fill Churchill Downs’s hallowed grounds. But how exactly did the Run for the Roses become America’s biggest race—and even more importantly, how has it sustained its cultural power even as the sport’s has waned? This…
Sportico Transactions: Moves and Mergers Roundup for May 1
Welcome to Sportico’s transactions wire, a weekly rundown of personnel, partnerships and products across the sports business industry. PERSONNEL BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing Appoints Will Wright as COO BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing announced the appointment of Will Wright as chief operating officer. An executive with more than a…
Big 12’s Private Equity Marriage Yields Cash and Legal Questions
The Big 12’s five-year, multimillion-dollar private equity deal with RedBird Capital and Weatherford Capital is a major development in the economic landscape of college sports—and its legal ramifications could reset the relationship between athletes, schools, conferences, the NCAA and now PE companies. The deal is cal…
WNBA Franchise Valuations Ranking List: From Golden State to Atlanta
The 13 WNBA teams that played in 2025 are worth a total of $5.55 billion, according to data compiled by Sportico. The Golden State Valkyries rank first at $850 million, while the Atlanta Dream rank last at $280 million.
WNBA Team Values 2026: Valkyries Lead, Average Jumps 59%
The WNBA embarks on its 30th season armed with a fresh CBA, ratified after months of negotiations, and a series of TV agreements that start in 2026 and pay far more than the league’s previous set of deals. These are among the hard-won economic rewards of the WNBA’s exponential growth over the past three years.
Disney+ gets Champions League for first time as Uefa strikes new €775m media deals
Streaming service also buys packages in Mexico, South America and Denmark as new commercial strategy continues to pay off.
FCC Probe May Foil NFL’s Early TV Renewal Talks
If you’re starting to detect a whiff of nightwatch in the recirculated air swirling around the NFL’s talks with CBS, you’re not alone. The old media world is dying, and while that gloomy vigil bleeds into yet another dark hour, somewhere in the same hospital there’s a new world that’s about to be dragged into
DAZN targets local sports and US expansion with ‘US$100m’ ViewLift takeover
Broadcaster can offer end-to-end technical and distribution support to major league teams swapping cable for streaming.
Las Vegas Group Says It Submitted Bid to Buy MLS’ Whitecaps
The primary group hoping to purchase the Vancouver Whitecaps and relocate the MLS club to Las Vegas is being led by Grant Gustavson, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. Gustavson is the son of billionaire Tamara Gustavson, who is one of the wealthiest women in America, worth an estimated $8.5 billio…
How the Edmonton Oilers Built Pro Sports’ Largest 50/50 Raffle
After falling behind the Florida Panthers three games to none in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers flirted with a historic comeback before coming up short in Game 7. But they did manage another astonishing feat that night: Their final-game 50/50 raffle tallied almost $16 million (C$21.6 million) in sales…
Newcastle CEO: PSR changes will help us ‘chase down’ Premier League elite
David Hopkinson believes new financial rules will help Tyneside club invest further in their playing squad through increased revenues.
LIV Golf seeks new investors as Saudi PIF pulls out
Sovereign wealth fund says funding golf breakaway is 'no longer consistent' with its investment strategy.
“Crazy” that Olympic athletes can’t post own competition footage, says Payne
Former IOC marketing director says social media rule change would create 100,000 ambassadors "overnight".
Adidas to invest €100m into Bundesliga
Sportswear giant to support league’s marketing efforts and development by providing extra funding.
Why Gary Neville’s the Overlap bought Mark Goldbridge’s YouTube channels
SportsPro unpacks what the once unlikely union between Gary Neville and YouTuber Mark Goldbridge reveals about the growth of fan-led media.
Yellow Panther solves ‘Tech Bloat’ for sports and entertainment brands with new all-in-one digital ecosystem
As sports organisations grapple with fragmented digital tools and rising complexity, Yellow Panther is introducing a unified platform designed to centralise content, data and fan engagement into a single, more efficient system.
NFL Draft Draws 805K Fans in Pittsburgh As D.C. Eyes 1M Next
The Western Pennsylvania market beats the event record set two years ago.
Kelsey Mitchell, Sophie Cunningham Re-Affirm Commitment for Project B Despite CBA
"It’s a no-brainer,” Sophie Cunningham says.
World Fencing League’s Tech Went Viral Before Its First Event
World Fencing League co-founder Miles Chamley-Watson believes futuristic technology will help deliver his ancient sport into the modern mainstream. Before the league’s debut Saturday, the two-time world champion has already gotten a viral confidence boost. A video demonstrating WFL’s camera-based tip-tracking technolo…
As Sports Leagues Hitch to Polymarket, Scrutiny Grows
MLB announced a sponsorship, licensing and data sharing agreement last month with prediction market company Polymarket, despite reports that a U.S. military member had used classified information to win more than $400,000 betting on global conflict through Polymarket’s international exchange. Those reports came from p…
TNT Sports Gains Right to Sell CFP Ads for Games it Sublicenses
For the first time since inking a five-year pact (2024-28) to sublicense a slate of College Football Playoff games from ESPN, TNT Sports has been given the green light to sell the advertising inventory in and around those telecasts, according to a source involved with the deal. During the first two years of the arrang…
Ballmer’s Aspiration Letter Alleges NBA Deal in Kawhi Probe
Through his attorney, Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer this week sent a letter to U.S. District Judge Stephen Wilson in which the billionaire owner said he was duped and victimized by Aspiration co-founder Joseph Sanberg, who faces prison sentencing for his fraud conviction on Monday. The letter highlights how…
For Those Keeping Score, an Ancient Baseball Art Lives On
Tom Hanks arrived at the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Opening Day game last year with a notebook and pen in hand, ready to keep score. The next day, he one-upped himself, noting Shohei Ohtani at-bats with a Hermes 3000 portable typewriter and a custom scorecard designed specifically for the 68-year-old movie star and his simi…
Nick Wright Sounds Off on Off-Air Beefs, On-Air Chemistry, and Emmy Nom
First Things First was recently nominated for its first Emmy.
Sportico Transactions: Moves and Mergers Roundup for April 24
Welcome to Sportico’s transactions wire, a weekly rundown of personnel, partnerships, products and purchases across the sports business industry. PERSONNEL Former NFL, StubHub Exec Kate Howard Joins Victory Live as CRO Ticketing technology company Victory Live has named Kate Howard chief revenue officer to lead global…
Fernando Mendoza’s NFL Arrival: High Intrigue, Higher Expectations
The top pick enters the league with high intrigue and higher expectations.
Rams’ Surprise Ty Simpson Selection Raises Questions
The Rams already have reigning MVP Matthew Stafford at quarterback.
Alcaraz Withdraws From French Open, Opens Path for Sinner Career Grand Slam Bid
Jannik Sinner would secure a career Grand Slam with a French Open title.
Video Captures Makai Lemon’s Draft-Day Confusion as Eagles Jump Steelers
The Eagles jumped the Steelers in the draft via a trade.
Jim Furyk to Lead U.S. Ryder Cup Again After Tiger Woods Drops Out
Woods was considered the frontrunner before his DUI arrest in March.
Nick Wright Gets Real About FS1
Nick Wright gets real about the Emmy nod, FS1's journey, and his Colin Cowherd idol confession.
Trump Says He ‘Doesn’t Like’ Prediction Markets
“That’s like Pete Rose betting on his own team.”
BBC calls time on Football Focus due to changing audience behaviours
Public service broadcaster to evolve soccer coverage with expanded digital output and exclusive YouTube shows.
Knicks, Ducks Among Local Ratings Gainers in Tough TV Era
While the invisible hand of the market tirelessly goes about its business of flipping the bird at the beleaguered RSN model, the rise of streaming has ensured that local sports consumption remains as massive as it was during pay-TV’s heyday. Per Nielsen Station Index data, in-market NHL deliveries grew 15% during the…
Crisis or opportunity? How the Premier League betting ban is resetting the shirt sponsorship market
The Premier League’s front-of-shirt betting ban has left nine clubs still needing a new sponsor for next season.
The Padel paradox: Packed courts, low returns
This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, co-hosts Jonathan Rest and Martin Ross pick apart the week’s headlines and address some big-ticket issues affecting the sports industry: THE
NFL Rookie Signing Bonuses Up 18.5% for Mendoza-Headlined Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft began Thursday night in Pittsburgh with quarterback Fernando Mendoza selected No. 1 by the Las Vegas Raiders, as had been widely expected. The New York Jets followed with Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey over Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, who fell to the New York Giants at No. 5. Reese was
EMW Global and x+y Market Intelligence launch “The Athlete Brand Economy” Report
New data reveals why the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be defined by player power.
The athlete brand economy: Why the FIFA World Cup will be defined by player power
A new report from EMW Global and x+y Market Intelligence reveals that the attention economy surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has shifted.
New TV deals, playoff implications and local media: Why the NBA and NHL ratings gains have come at the perfect time
The NBA and NHL have delivered significant viewership gains at key moments in their media rights cycles.
NWSL awards 18th franchise to Columbus for ‘record’ US$205 million
Haslam Sports Group-led consortium pays US$40m more than Atlanta did last year.
MLB to ‘bundle’ WBC broadcast rights in post-2028 TV deals
Next edition of international baseball competition will be on offer alongside wider MLB packages in 2028.
Lazio’s US$22m Polymarket deal might not spark a European prediction market sponsorship boom
Italian club end three-year search for a sponsor but betting regulations and advertising rules could prevent it from being the next big source of revenue for soccer clubs, including the Premier League.
Ranking every Premier League club’s 2024/25 financial performance
English soccer’s top flight boasts wealthy owners, star players and bumper broadcast revenues. But which clubs are profitable and which are in danger of breaching financial regulations?
‘Multiple’ parties express interest in acquiring Wasserman’s The Team agency
UTA, Permira, former Endeavor chair and Alexis Ohanian all show interest in buying sports talent representation agency formerly known as Wasserman.
Gold rush? Latest Netflix move ignites FTA debate
This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, co-hosts Martin Ross and Jonathan Rest delve into the topics and trends shaping an eventful week for the sports industry:
Unqualified success? Fifa’s World Cup deals in Italy
This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, Martin Ross is joined by Joseph Perry to give listeners the intel behind the latest industry stories and go deep on big topics.
$300m showjumping series to stirrup competition
This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, we shake up the format as co-hosts Martin Ross and Jonathan Rest bring you the latest insights from the cutting edge of the industry.
Global drone racing and technology-based sport
London event explores the future of drone racing and technology-based sport.
Golf Saudi: Building the Kingdom’s sporting, cultural and economic bridge
Golf Saudi has evolved from a development initiative into one of Vision 2030's most integrated sporting and economic bets.