15/5/5 For the Week of December 16th

15 TO WATCH

1. Bill Belichick Named Head Coach of UNC Football
   Eight-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick has been appointed the new head football coach at the University of North Carolina. Belichick, with 333 career NFL wins, will take on his first collegiate coaching role in Chapel Hill under a five-year agreement. Known for building the Patriot’s dynasty, Belichick aims to transform Carolina football into a national contender, continuing the legacy his father began as a UNC assistant in the 1950s.

2. Caitlin Clark Named TIME’s 2024 Athlete of the Year
   Caitlin Clark, was named TIME’s Athlete of the Year. Clark’s rookie WNBA season shattered attendance and viewership records, leading the Indiana Fever while setting single-season marks for points, assists, and three-pointers. Her impact on women’s basketball extended from the NCAA to the WNBA, driving the league’s most-watched season in 24 years.

3. Travis Hunter Wins Heisman Trophy as Two-Way Star
   Colorado’s Travis Hunter became the first two-way player since Charles Woodson in 1997 to win the Heisman Trophy. Hunter dominated as both wide receiver and cornerback, recording 1,152 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns, and four interceptions. The junior phenom’s historic versatility secured his place among college football’s all-time greats as he prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft.

4. Travis Hunter Signs Multi-Year Endorsement Deal with Adidas
   Heisman winner Travis Hunter signed a lucrative endorsement deal with Adidas, joining stars like Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons. Hunter’s decision to align with Adidas rather than Nike signals his unique career path, reflecting his independent approach. The deal further solidifies Hunter’s rising commercial value ahead of his NFL career.

5. Manchester City Reports Record Revenue Amid On-Field Struggles
   Despite a difficult season, Manchester City posted record annual revenue of $901.7 million, up 0.3% from the previous year. Commercial growth and record player transfer profits offset reduced Champions League broadcasting revenue. The club’s financial success comes amid an ongoing legal dispute over financial fair play violations.

6. Notre Dame Extends Marcus Freeman Through 2030
   Notre Dame signed head coach Marcus Freeman to a six-year contract extension through 2030 after his strong 30-9 record. Freeman’s leadership has revitalized the program, which is set to host its first-ever College Football Playoff game this December. The investment in Freeman highlights Notre Dame’s long-term commitment to football excellence.

7. Vancouver Whitecaps Ownership Exploring MLS Sale
   Vancouver Whitecaps’ ownership group is exploring a potential sale of the MLS franchise. The team, valued at approximately $400 million, has seen a significant rise in attendance and business momentum. With Canada set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the sale comes at a strategic time for prospective buyers.

8. Reebok Re-Enters Golf with Bryson DeChambeau Partnership
   Reebok announced its return to the golf market by partnering with LIV golfer Bryson DeChambeau. The deal includes apparel and footwear sponsorship for DeChambeau’s team, Crushers GC. Reebok’s golf collection, including its Nano Golf shoe, will launch in March 2025, signaling the brand’s renewed focus on the sport.

9. Amazon and NBA Consider Moving In-Season Tournament to January
   Amazon, set to broadcast the NBA Cup knockout rounds in 2025, is working with the NBA to optimize scheduling. The tournament could move to January to avoid competing with the NFL. Amazon’s growing NBA partnership includes 66 regular-season games and advanced analytics-driven broadcasts.

10. Juan Soto Signing Drives Mets’ Ticket Sales Surge
    The Mets’ blockbuster signing of Juan Soto to a 15-year, $765 million deal triggered a spike in ticket sales. Owner Steve Cohen credited fans’ response to the team’s aggressive offseason strategy, positioning the Mets for increased attendance and revenue in 2025. Soto’s deal eclipsed even Shohei Ohtani’s previous record-setting contract.

11. CFP Schools Prepare for First-Ever On-Campus Playoff Games
    Four schools—Notre Dame, Texas, Penn State, and Ohio State—will host historic College Football Playoff games on Dec. 20-21. Schools are adjusting calendars, housing, and logistics to accommodate the unprecedented events. With high demand for tickets and lodging, campuses are bracing for record crowds.

12. 49ers Set to Release Starter for Refusing to Enter Game
    San Francisco 49ers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell faces release after refusing to play during Thursday’s game against the Rams. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and teammates criticized Campbell’s actions as selfish, signaling an end to his tenure with the team. The incident raises questions about team dynamics and player accountability.

13. Wiesenhof Joins Women’s EURO 2025 Sponsorship Lineup
    Wiesenhof has signed on as a national partner for the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship in Switzerland. The poultry brand’s sponsorship will include LED visibility, media backdrops, and promotional campaigns. With increasing commercial interest, the Women’s EURO 2025 is set for record-breaking viewership.

14. Army-Navy Game Continues to Deliver Commercial Success
    The Army-Navy rivalry generated robust revenue, with ticket prices soaring by 91% year-over-year on the secondary market. CBS Sports’ decade-long broadcast deal ensures strong viewership, averaging 7.2 million annually. Sponsorships, including USAA, continue to drive the game’s financial significance.

15. NFL Prepares for Christmas Day Debut on Netflix
    Netflix will air its first-ever live NFL broadcasts on Christmas Day, featuring Chiefs-Steelers and Ravens-Texans. The games mark Netflix’s most significant move into live sports, with a star-studded lineup of broadcasters and analysts. The NFL expects record streaming audiences, complementing its traditional broadcast presence.

SPORTS TECH 5

1. Tony Romo and Fred Smith Invest in Helmet Innovator Light Helmets
   Light Helmets, a maker of ultra-light protective gear, secured $10 million in funding from investors, including Tony Romo and FedEx founder Fred Smith. Light Helmets’ latest model ranked No. 1 in Virginia Tech’s safety ratings and features advanced 3D-printed mesh for impact absorption. The company plans to expand into hockey, auto racing, and military applications.

2. Clippers’ Intuit Dome Introduces ‘The Wall’ to Boost Homecourt Advantage
   The LA Clippers’ new Intuit Dome features “The Wall,” a banked section of 4,500 standing fans designed to disrupt opponents. Early results show visiting teams’ free-throw percentages have dropped to 72.8%, the NBA’s lowest mark. Owner Steve Ballmer’s vision for a passionate fan experience is already delivering competitive advantages.

3. Arizona Diamondbacks’ Chase Field Roof Set for Full Functionality
   The Diamondbacks announced that Chase Field’s retractable roof, non-functional during games for three seasons, will be fully operational by 2025. Repairs include new scaffolding and a restructured pulley system, ensuring safety and enhancing fan experiences for the upcoming season.

4. Sweden-Based 360Player Secures $23 Million to Expand Global Reach
   Sports tech platform 360Player raised $23 million to accelerate its growth in team management, player development, and payment solutions. Used by clubs like Barça Academy, the platform serves over 450,000 users worldwide. The funding will support expansion in the U.S. and UK markets.

5. Kazakhstan Opens First Indoor Golf Facility with Cutting-Edge Tech
   Kazakhstan unveiled its first indoor golf center at Rixos Almaty Hotel, powered by Foresight Sports’ Falcon simulators and PuttView putting technology. The facility offers five simulator bays and a VIP experience with 4K technology. Designed in just 60 days, it represents a leap for golf accessibility in Central Asia.

Sources: Front Office Sports, Sports Business Journal, Sportico, SportsPro Media, 360Player, Golf Business News, ESPN, University of North Carolina, SportCal