15/5/5 For The Week of October 21st

15 TO WATCH

1. Tom Brady’s Ownership Stake in the Raiders Marks a New Chapter
   Tom Brady, widely considered the greatest player of all time, officially becomes a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Brady’s 10% stake is expected to bring prestige and a winning mentality to a franchise that has struggled with consistency, with a record of 122-207 since 2004. His involvement could eventually lead to a majority ownership role, especially as the Raiders' valuation soars to $7.8 billion.

2. MLB Postseason Viewership Explodes in Japan Due to Ohtani Mania
   Shohei Ohtani’s playoff debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers has captivated Japanese audiences, with Game 5 of the NLDS drawing an average of 12.9 million viewers in Japan. This far surpasses the U.S. viewership of 7.5 million. Ohtani’s 50/50 season and the all-Japanese pitching matchup between Yu Darvish and Yoshinobu Yamamoto further contributed to the record-breaking numbers.

3. Mets-Dodgers NLCS Captures Attention, Diverts NFL Viewers
   The National League Championship Series (NLCS) between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers has pulled viewers away from Sunday Night Football. Game 1 of the series drew 8.26 million viewers, the highest-rated MLB LCS opener since 2009, while Sunday Night Football saw a notable drop in viewership to 15.44 million, an 8% decline from last year.

4. NFL Viewership Defies Election Cycle Trends
   NFL viewership has remained strong during the 2024 election season, showing a 0.5% increase compared to last year. The league is averaging 17.4 million viewers through Week 6, marking the best figures since 2015. Fox Sports has seen a significant 7% increase in Sunday NFL windows, while Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football has experienced a 3% rise.

5. Billionaire Tom Gores Purchases a 27% Stake in the Chargers
   Billionaire Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons, has acquired a 27% stake in the Los Angeles Chargers. This deal ends a long-standing family feud within the Spanos family, which has owned the franchise since 1984. The purchase, valued at $5.1 billion, will not grant Gores operational control, but it resolves internal disputes among the Chargers’ ownership.

6. Bally Sports Rebrands as FanDuel Sports Network Amid Financial Struggles
   Diamond Sports Group, which owns Bally Sports, is rebranding as FanDuel Sports Network after filing for bankruptcy in 2023. The rebrand includes broadcast rights for 13 NBA and 8 NHL teams, as well as plans to introduce a direct-to-consumer streaming product. The reorganization aims to stabilize the company's financial future and secure its broadcasting contracts with major leagues.

7. UFC Prioritizes ESPN Partnership in Upcoming Media Rights Negotiations
   UFC is focusing on renewing its exclusive media rights deal with ESPN, which expires in 2025. UFC President Mark Shapiro reaffirmed the organization’s loyalty to ESPN, citing the broadcaster’s investment in promoting the sport and its new sports betting arm, ESPN Bet. While UFC is open to additional partners, its long-term future is likely tied to Disney’s media empire.

8. Netflix’s NFL Christmas Games to Test Its Sports Streaming Future
   Netflix is preparing for its first-ever live NFL broadcast this Christmas as part of a new three-year deal. The streaming giant reported strong Q3 results, with a 15% revenue increase to $9.8 billion, and hopes the NFL games will solidify its move into live sports. Netflix’s success with upcoming events, including the Tyson-Paul fight, will determine its role in the live sports market.

9. Barcelona Fined $500K for Misreporting PE Revenue
   FC Barcelona has been fined $500,000 for intentionally misreporting its financial earnings from a $330 million deal with Sixth Street. The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld UEFA’s decision, accusing the club of overstating its income by $290 million to meet break-even requirements. Despite the fine, Barcelona’s financial situation remains precarious due to its recent struggles to comply with La Liga's financial rules.

10. WNBA Finals Game 3 Breaks 23-Year Viewership Record
    Game 3 of the WNBA Finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx drew 1.39 million viewers, making it the most-watched WNBA Finals game since 2001. The game also set a new cable record for WNBA broadcasts, continuing the league’s historic season of viewership growth. This marks the first WNBA Finals series to surpass one million viewers in each game since 2003.

11. NBA Owners Seek Transparency Over WNBA’s $40M Loss
    NBA owners, who collectively own nearly 75% of the WNBA, are demanding more transparency after the league reported a $40 million loss for the season. While the WNBA’s growing popularity has boosted viewership, owners are pressing Commissioner Adam Silver for a clear timeline on when they can expect financial returns from their investment in the women’s league.

12. Clemson Implements Student Athletics Fee to Support Revenue Growth
    Clemson University has approved a $150 per semester athletics fee to generate additional revenue for its athletics department. The fee, expected to raise $7-$8 million annually, will support student-athlete services and enhance student experiences. This move comes as other Power 4 schools like Tennessee and Arkansas also explore new revenue streams through student fees and corporate sponsorships.

13. Miami’s ‘U’ Trademark Case Advances After Legal Win
    The University of Miami won a legal case against Caneup LLC, which was found liable for trademark infringement by using a logo resembling Miami’s iconic "U" symbol. The case highlights the ongoing protection of intellectual property in sports branding, although the judge ruled that Miami’s trademark did not reach the level of "national fame" necessary for certain claims.

14. Inter Miami Qualifies for FIFA Club World Cup
    Inter Miami has secured a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield. The tournament will kick off at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with Lionel Messi headlining the roster. Miami’s strong regular season performance and Messi’s global stardom have elevated the team to international recognition, positioning them as key contenders in the competition.

15. NFL Eyes $1 Billion International Broadcast Rights Package
    The NFL is considering a $1 billion international broadcast rights package as part of its plan to expand its global footprint. The league aims to increase its number of international games, with countries like Brazil, Ireland, and Spain among the top contenders for future games. Commissioner Roger Goodell has even floated the possibility of hosting a future Super Bowl outside the U.S.

SPORTS TECH 5

1. Sports Tech Investments Hit $34.2 Billion in First Half of 2024
   Sports tech investments reached $34.2 billion in the first half of 2024, driven by 589 deals, including $27.3 billion in mergers and acquisitions. Major deals included Silver Lake’s $13 billion acquisition of Endeavor and Riddell’s $400 million funding round for wearable tech. The sector is expected to see continued growth, particularly in AI, fan engagement, and performance analytics.

2. YinzCam Adds Three NHL Clients to Start 2024-25 Season
   YinzCam, a leading mobile app developer for professional sports teams, added three new NHL clients at the start of the 2024-25 season: the Islanders, Ducks, and Utah Hockey Club. With these additions, YinzCam now serves 19 NHL teams and 100+ professional teams across the NFL, NBA, and Premier League. The company is expanding its influence in the sports tech space, focusing on enhancing fan engagement through mobile platforms.

3. Sony Expands Sports Business Portfolio with KinaTrax Acquisition
   Sony has acquired KinaTrax, a motion-capture technology company, expanding its sports portfolio that includes Hawk-Eye and Beyond Sports. The deal integrates KinaTrax’s biomechanics technology with Hawk-Eye’s tracking systems, enhancing player performance data for MLB, MiLB, and collegiate baseball teams. This acquisition solidifies Sony’s position in sports technology innovation.

4. Future Stadiums to Revolutionize Fan Experience by 2035
   A report from GlobalData predicts that future sports stadiums will integrate 6G technology, AI-powered commentary, and AR-enhanced fan experiences by 2035. These advancements will create frictionless stadium entry, real-time betting opportunities, and personalized fan engagement. Sustainability will also play a key role, with stadiums expected to adopt 100% renewable energy and eco-friendly practices.

5. Pelicans Launch Direct-to-Consumer Streaming App Pelicans+
   The New Orleans Pelicans have launched their direct-to-consumer streaming app, Pelicans+, following the team’s departure from Diamond Sports Group. For $99.99 annually or $14.99 monthly, fans can stream Pelicans games not broadcast nationally, as well as access on-demand replays and exclusive content. The app aims to boost fan engagement and make up for the loss of traditional TV rights revenue.

GOOD SPORTS 5

1. Allyson Felix Launches Women-Focused Sports Management Firm
   Retired track and field star Allyson Felix has co-founded Always Alpha, a sports management firm dedicated to supporting women athletes. The agency will help female athletes build their brands and navigate the sports industry, aiming to elevate women's sports across various platforms. Felix hopes to leave a lasting legacy of empowering women through her new venture.

2. Syngenta Report Highlights Golf’s Sustainability Potential
   A new report from Syngenta emphasizes the sustainability opportunities in the golf industry, particularly in the U.S., which boasts 14,000 courses and 27 million participants. The report calls for golf clubs to adopt environmentally friendly practices and highlights the use of technology for water management. Syngenta stresses the need for golf courses to embrace inclusivity and sustainability to ensure the sport’s long-term growth.

3. Asian Chess Federation Launches ‘Echess’ Initiative
   The Asian Chess Federation has launched an ‘Echess’ initiative aimed at integrating chess into the esports ecosystem. The initiative will host official tournaments and educational events, capitalizing on the rapid growth of digital chess platforms. With Abu Dhabi set to host the 2028 Chess Olympiad, the ACF sees this initiative as a strategic move to position chess as a leading esport.

4. Bryant University Sets Fundraising Record on Giving Day
   Bryant University’s seventh annual Giving Day raised over $3 million from 5,383 donors, setting new fundraising records. A significant portion of the funds went to support the university’s athletics program, which raised $929,664 from 4,575 donors. The success of the campaign reflects strong community support for Bryant’s student-athletes and academic initiatives.

5. Taylor Trek Raises Funds for Charity in Honor of Watford FC Manager
   The third annual Taylor Trek, held in memory of legendary Watford FC manager Graham Taylor, raised funds for two local charities: Watford FC’s Community Sports and Education Trust and Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care. Participants, including Watford FC legends and academy players, walked various routes through the city, commemorating key moments in Taylor’s storied career.