15/5/5 For The Week of November 4th

15 TO WATCH

1. Record-Breaking Viewership for 2024 World Series
   The Dodgers and Yankees 2024 World Series finale drew 18.15 million viewers on average, peaking at 21.27 million during Game 5. This made it the highest viewership since 2019. The series averaged 15.2 million viewers over five games, and it performed exceptionally well in Japan due to Dodgers’ stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

2. Oregon Remains AP No. 1 as CFP Rankings Near
   Oregon held its No. 1 AP ranking after a solid win over Michigan, entering the College Football Playoff rankings in a favorable position. This unanimous vote marked Oregon's third consecutive week at the top, with strong performances keeping them competitive in the new 12-team CFP format. Indiana also jumped significantly to No. 8, marking a historic ranking.

3. NFL Owners’ Political Donations Reach $28 Million
   NFL owners collectively donated over $28 million this election cycle, reflecting a sevenfold increase since four years ago. Leading the contributions was Broncos co-owner Rob Walton, who donated more than $16.5 million. The majority of owner donations leaned conservative, highlighting NFL owners' continued influence in politics.

4. Polymarket Enters the Sports Betting Space
   Crypto-powered prediction market Polymarket has introduced sports betting, focusing on Super Bowl 2025 futures with $95 million in volume. Unlike traditional sportsbooks, Polymarket allows users to trade event outcomes, creating a peer-driven betting experience. With this new direction, Polymarket aims to appeal to a broader betting audience.

5. NWSL Sets New Attendance Record with 2 Million Fans
   The NWSL surpassed 2 million attendees in 2024, setting a new league record and solidifying its growing popularity. High attendance at teams like San Diego Wave, averaging 19,575 fans per game, helped drive revenue to $215 million—a 91% increase from the previous season. The NWSL playoffs are set to commence on November 8.

6. Rays’ Stadium Plans Uncertain Amid Tropicana Field Repairs
   The Tampa Bay Rays face an uncertain future as $6.5 million in repairs begin at Tropicana Field after hurricane damage. Temporary drainage and electrical fixes are planned, but if the stadium proves unsalvageable, relocation may be necessary. Meanwhile, the Rays' planned $1.3 billion stadium construction in St. Petersburg awaits a county vote on $300 million in bonds.

7. Bob Costas Steps Down from MLB Play-By-Play Role
   Veteran broadcaster Bob Costas announced his retirement from MLB play-by-play duties, marking the end of a storied career. Costas, who has served as the voice of numerous major sports events, will continue as a host for MLB Network. His departure signals a shift in sports broadcasting, with TNT Sports expected to adjust its coverage.

8. Power Conferences Set Revenue-Sharing Cap for 2025-26
   With the House v. NCAA settlement underway, power conferences have capped revenue-sharing at $20.5 million per school for the 2025-26 sports year. This cap represents 22% of average school revenue and will increase annually by 4%. The settlement also includes enhanced scholarships and roster limits, marking significant shifts in NCAA revenue distribution.

9. Olympic Sport Coaches Lobby to Preserve College Programs
   Olympic sport coaches hired lobbyists to protect funding for their programs as NCAA revenue-sharing changes threaten their stability. Many Olympic sports, which don’t generate as much revenue as football or basketball, face potential cuts. Lobbyists aim to ensure that Olympic sports continue to receive support as critical development paths for U.S. athletes.

10. St Louis City SC Secures Stadium Naming Rights with Energizer
    MLS team St Louis City SC has partnered with Energizer, renaming their stadium Energizer Park starting in 2025. This local sponsorship aligns the team with a well-known St. Louis brand and aims to create a lively fan experience. The deal reflects Energizer’s commitment to the community and St Louis City’s dedication to establishing long-term local partnerships.

11. Grand Canyon University to Join Mountain West in 2026
    Grand Canyon University is set to become the first for-profit institution in the Mountain West Conference, joining by 2026. The move follows GCU’s rejection of an offer from the West Coast Conference, aiming for better alignment in men’s basketball. This shift is part of a larger NCAA realignment, expanding the Mountain West’s presence in the Phoenix area.

12. Aston Martin F1 Partners with Saudi Mining Giant Ma’aden
    Aston Martin Formula 1 team has secured a new sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabia’s Ma’aden, bringing the company’s branding to the car for the Brazilian Grand Prix. This deal enhances Aston Martin’s visibility and expands Ma’aden’s international reach. The partnership underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing involvement in global sports through high-profile sponsorships.

13. NBA Explores Expansion to Mexico City
    NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed interest in expanding the league to Mexico City but acknowledged the logistical challenges. With a population of 22 million, Mexico City has the infrastructure to support an NBA team. However, Silver noted that U.S. cities like Las Vegas are more likely expansion candidates in the near term.

14. Unrivaled Offers Caitlin Clark Significant Deal
    Rising WNBA star Caitlin Clark received a high-value offer from Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded by Napheesa Collier. Clark’s offer reportedly includes equity and a salary over $1 million for a short-term commitment. Unrivaled’s recent media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery adds appeal, positioning the league as a viable option for elite talent.

15. Brooks Running Celebrates Record Sales in 2024
    Brooks Running hit $1 billion in sales within the first nine months of 2024, led by its innovative shoe lines and strong market share in adult performance running. Brooks has expanded its presence globally, with a 70% year-over-year revenue increase in China. The brand’s focus on community-based running and performance-driven products continues to drive its success.

SPORTS TECH 5

1. Purdue’s Ray Ewry Sports Center Joins Sports Tech HQ in Indianapolis
   Purdue University’s Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center has partnered with Sports Tech HQ to advance sports tech innovation in Indianapolis. This partnership aims to drive job creation and technological growth in sports through Purdue's Vision 2030. Their upcoming Sports Tech HQ Showcase in December will spotlight cutting-edge sports tech advancements.

2. Cosm Plans New Shared Reality Venue in Detroit
   Immersive tech company Cosm announced its fourth U.S. venue in Detroit, partnering with real estate firm Bedrock. The Detroit site will offer fans a shared reality experience through Cosm’s immersive displays, complementing Detroit’s strong sports culture. The facility’s location within a major sports market opens potential partnerships with betting and entertainment brands.

3. Media-Specific Cloud Storage Revolutionizes Sports Content
   Cloud storage solutions designed for media, like Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage, are becoming essential for sports organizations managing vast content libraries. Unlike traditional storage, these cloud solutions offer scalable, high-speed access, vital for distributing high-definition content to fans and sponsors. Teams like the Boston Bruins and Liverpool FC use Wasabi to streamline and preserve historic moments.

4. ESPN’s Digital Transformation Targets New Subscribers
   ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer service aims to attract sports fans outside traditional cable packages, integrating streaming, betting, and e-commerce. The service, known as "flagship," will include recent rights acquisitions, like the NBA and WNBA. ESPN’s digital approach reflects its shift toward a flexible, fan-centered content model.

5. MLS Partners with Sweet for NFT-Based Platform MLS Quest
   MLS and Sweet are launching MLS Quest, a platform allowing fans to collect and trade NFT medallions representing iconic match moments. Fans can collect medallions via QR codes and redeem them for real-life MLS rewards. Sweet’s approach emphasizes fan engagement, positioning MLS Quest as an accessible introduction to blockchain technology.

GOOD SPORTS 5

1. DeChambeau Surprises SMU Fans with U.S. Open Trophy
   Bryson DeChambeau surprised the SMU student section by bringing his U.S. Open trophy to an SMU football game, thrilling fans. A proud SMU alum, DeChambeau’s appearance celebrated his connection to the school and his recent golf success. His visit energized the crowd and honored SMU’s legacy in collegiate sports.

2. Falcons Nominate Chris Millman for Salute to Service Award
   Atlanta Falcons’ Chris Millman was nominated for the NFL’s 2024 Salute to Service Award for his work supporting military families. Under Millman’s leadership, the Falcons have fostered strong ties with military organizations like TAPS and the USO, making significant contributions. This recognition highlights Millman’s dedication to honoring and empowering veterans.

3. Gen.G Foundation Offers Esports Study Abroad Program
   The Gen.G Foundation expanded its esports scholarships to include a study abroad program at its Seoul headquarters for U.S. students. The program offers mentoring and networking, with funding aimed at supporting underrepresented communities. Since 2020, the foundation has awarded over 40 scholarships to advance esports education.

4. England Golf Hosts Career Day for Students
   England Golf’s career day at Woodhall Spa introduced local students to diverse opportunities in the golf industry. The event covered careers from greenkeeping to event management, promoting golf as a viable career path. The initiative encourages students to explore professional roles in a traditionally exclusive sport.

5. Injured Bucs Star Inspires Fans at Charity Event
   Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Chris Godwin made an inspiring appearance at his Team Godwin Foundation event despite a recent injury. Fans donated over $15,000 to his foundation, supporting local animal shelters. Godwin’s dedication to his foundation reflects his passion for giving back, earning him admiration from fans and the community.

Sources: Front Office Sports, Sports Business Journal, Sportico, USA Today, SportsPro Media, SportCal, The Athletic, Purdue University, GOLF, Atlanta Falcons, Esports Insider, Golf Business News, Essentially Sports