15 , 5, & 5 For The Week of July 1st

15 TO WATCH

1. NFL Faces Massive Payout in Antitrust Case: The NFL must pay $4.7 billion in damages after being found guilty of colluding with DirecTV, CBS, and Fox to inflate 'Sunday Ticket' package prices. This ruling includes $96 million for commercial establishments and $4 billion for residential customers. The decision is a significant blow to the league and may lead to changes in how broadcast rights are managed in the future.

2. Pereira Dominates UFC 303 with Stunning KO: Alex Pereira defended his UFC light heavyweight title with a knockout victory over Jiří Procházka. The bout was marked by a dramatic head kick that left fans in awe and solidified Pereira's dominance in the division. This victory follows a pre-fight build-up filled with tension between two stoic demeanors and Procházka's claims of 'shaman magic' being used by his opponent. The legend of 'Poatan' grew to superstar status at 303.

3. Record Viewership for Copa America and Euro 2024 on Fox: Fox Sports' coverage of Copa America and Euro 2024 has seen significant viewership gains. The Panama-US match drew 2.47 million viewers, setting a new record for the network. Additionally, Euro 2024 group stage matches averaged 1.05 million viewers, surpassing previous records and highlighting the growing interest in international soccer.

4. Bronny James Joins Lakers, Future with LeBron Uncertain: Bronny James was drafted 55th overall by the Lakers, bringing him closer to potentially playing with his father, LeBron James. This development has generated significant media attention and commercial interest. While the prospect of a father-son duo is exciting, it remains uncertain how their careers will overlap in the coming seasons.

5. FIFA Seeks $2 Billion to Expand Streaming Service: FIFA aims to raise up to $2 billion to enhance its streaming service, FIFA+. The platform plans to stream 40,000 games annually, including many women's matches, as part of its global digital strategy. This ambitious expansion reflects FIFA's commitment to increasing accessibility and visibility for soccer worldwide.

6. NBA Draft Ratings Soar Despite Lack of Big Names: The 2024 NBA draft saw an 18% increase in viewership, with the first round drawing 4.4 million viewers. This success came despite the absence of highly touted prospects, indicating strong overall interest in the event. The high ratings underscore the NBA's continued popularity and the excitement surrounding new talent.

7. French Players Make History in NBA Draft: Five French players were selected in the 2024 NBA draft, starting with Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr as the top two picks. This historic achievement highlights the rise of French basketball talent. The influx of French players into the NBA underscores the country's growing influence in the sport.

8. Controversy Over Smaller Fields at Copa America 2024: The decision to use smaller pitches for the 2024 Copa America in the USA has sparked criticism from players and coaches. They argue that the reduced dimensions could negatively impact the quality and enjoyment of the matches. This controversy has drawn attention to the importance of maintaining standard field sizes in international tournaments.

9. Joey Chestnut to Compete in Texas Hot Dog Contest: Joey Chestnut, known for his dominance in competitive eating, will participate in a hot dog eating contest at Fort Bliss, Texas. This marks a departure from his usual participation in Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island. The change is due to his partnership with Impossible Foods, showcasing his adaptability and ongoing relevance in the sport.

10. Blackhawks Reap Benefits of Connor Bedard’s Arrival: Connor Bedard’s impact on the Chicago Blackhawks continues, with a 22% increase in ticket sales and a 35% rise in viewership. Despite the team’s poor standings, Bedard’s debut season has significantly boosted commercial and fan engagement. His presence has brought renewed hope and excitement to the franchise.

11. Big East Secures Lucrative Media Rights Deals: The Big East Conference signed a six-year media rights deal worth up to $80 million annually with Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and TNT. This agreement enhances the visibility and revenue for Big East basketball and other sports. The deal marks a significant step forward for the conference’s media strategy.

12. Nike Reports Weak Earnings Amid Ongoing Struggles: Nike reported a 2% decline in quarterly revenue to $12.6 billion, missing analyst expectations. Despite a 45% rise in net income, the company faces challenges from past controversies and ongoing cost-cutting measures. These financial struggles highlight the need for strategic adjustments to regain market confidence.

13. Hurricanes Commit to Raleigh with New Lease and Investment: The Carolina Hurricanes extended their PNC Arena lease through 2044, committing to invest $800 million in surrounding development. This includes significant upgrades and new facilities to enhance the arena’s appeal. The long-term commitment underscores the team’s dedication to Raleigh and its community.

14. Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank Sees Pay Increase: Kevin Plank, founder of Under Armour, received a 55% pay increase upon returning as CEO. His total compensation for fiscal 2024 is $4.6 million. Plank aims to restructure and stabilize the company, reflecting his ongoing influence and leadership within the organization.

15. Esports World Cup to Get Global Coverage from WBD and DAZN: Warner Bros. Discovery and DAZN will provide global coverage for the inaugural Esports World Cup. Featuring a $60 million prize pool, the event aims to elevate esports with innovative broadcasting and strategic partnerships. This marks a significant milestone for the esports industry.

SPORTS TECH 5

1. Al Michaels’ AI Voice to Feature in Olympic Coverage: NBC will use an AI version of Al Michaels' voice for personalized highlight reels during the Paris Olympics. Michaels, initially skeptical, praised the technology for its accuracy and nuance. This innovative approach aims to enhance the viewer experience with familiar and engaging commentary.

2. ATP Tour Introduces Wearable Technology for Competitions: The ATP Tour approved the use of Catapult and STATSports wearable devices during matches. These devices will help players analyze performance data, enhancing their training and match strategies. This move represents a significant step forward in integrating technology into professional tennis.

3. Hydrogen-Powered Race Car Unveiled by Extreme H: Extreme H launched its hydrogen-powered racing car, Pioneer 25, ahead of the 2025 season. The series aims to promote sustainable motorsport through hydrogen fuel cells. This innovation highlights the potential for eco-friendly advancements in the automotive racing industry.

4. Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Develops Safety Ratings for Hard Hats: The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab is creating a safety ratings system for construction helmets. This initiative aims to reduce workplace fatalities by improving head protection in the construction industry. Building on the lab’s expertise in sports helmet safety, this project underscores the importance of protective equipment in various fields.

5. Hole19 Launches Personalized Golf E-Commerce Platform: Hole19 introduced a new e-commerce store offering personalized shopping experiences for golfers. The platform allows brands to control product assortments and pricing, enhancing the customer experience. This innovative approach aims to cater to the specific needs of golfers, providing a wide range of products.

GOOD SPORTS 5

1. Wilson Opens New Factory and Extends NFL Partnership: Wilson Sporting Goods opened a new $15 million factory in Ada, Ohio, to increase NFL football production. The company extended its rights to manufacture NFL game balls, aiming to produce up to 700,000 footballs annually. This expansion highlights Wilson’s commitment to supporting the NFL.

2. Maryland Sports Betting Funds Boost Public Education: Maryland’s sports wagering generated $6.9 million for public education in May, a 50.3% increase from the previous year. Most of the funds support the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund for education programs. This significant boost underscores the positive impact of sports betting on local communities.

3. PlayMaker Charity Breaks Down Barriers to Youth Sports: PlayMaker, a new charity on the Isle of Man, aims to remove financial barriers to sports participation for children. The organization will fund equipment, transport, and facility access, promoting long-term benefits and enjoyment. This initiative highlights the importance of making sports accessible to all children.

4. Basketball Africa League Celebrates Successful Season: The Basketball Africa League concluded its season with impressive viewership and sponsorship milestones. The league’s success underscores the growing popularity of basketball in Africa and its commercial potential. These achievements highlight the league’s role in promoting sports development on the continent.

5. Women’s Golf Day Continues to Expand Global Reach: Women’s Golf Day (WGD) engages and empowers women golfers worldwide through its year-round platform. The initiative connects golfers with resources and events, driving growth and inclusion in the sport. WGD’s efforts are crucial in promoting gender equality and expanding the sport’s reach globally.