15/5/5 For The week of October 28th

15 TO WATCH

1. Dodgers-Yankees World Series Game 1 Draws Record Viewership
   The Dodgers and Yankees kicked off the World Series with Game 1 drawing an impressive 15.2 million viewers across Fox Sports, Fox Deportes, and Univision. This audience marked a 62% increase over last year’s opener and the largest Game 1 viewership since 2017. The matchup promises sustained high ratings, particularly as fan-favorite Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman delivered a walk-off grand slam.

2. NBA's Highest Paid: Curry Out-Earns LeBron
   For the 2024-25 season, Steph Curry surpasses LeBron James as the NBA’s highest-paid player, earning an estimated $155.8 million. Curry’s income includes $100 million in endorsements, a result of his contract extension with Under Armour. Meanwhile, NBA’s top 15 players will collectively earn $1.13 billion, highlighting the league’s lucrative market potential amid record-breaking media deals.

3. Ilia Topuria's Knockout Victory Marks UFC Title Defense
   UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria defeated Max Holloway with a third-round knockout, marking his first successful title defense. With this win, Topuria becomes the youngest current UFC champion at age 27 and remains undefeated. The victory positions him for a potential high-profile rematch with Alexander Volkanovski, setting up future events that could boost UFC's global audience.

4. Tampa Bay Lightning Majority Stake Sold at $1.8 Billion Valuation
   Jeff Vinik, Tampa Bay Lightning owner, has sold a majority stake of the team at a valuation of $1.8 billion to investors Doug Ostrover and Marc Lipschultz. Vinik will retain control for three years, after which the new investors will take over. Vinik’s $170 million investment in 2010 has transformed the Lightning into a top-tier NHL franchise, winning two Stanley Cups and seeing consistent playoff success.

5. MLB Aims to Leverage World Series for Marketing Push
   MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred views the Dodgers-Yankees World Series as a chance to amplify the league’s ongoing business strategies. With Game 1 setting viewership records and Shohei Ohtani’s star power boosting global interest, MLB is targeting young and international audiences. Ticket demand has surged, marking the highest resale activity in eight years and indicating strong engagement with the series.

6. Tua Tagovailoa’s Return from Injury Shows Resilience
   Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returned from his third concussion in two years, performing well despite a last-second loss to Arizona. Tagovailoa threw for 234 yards, underscoring his determination to keep playing while managing the risks of injury. Although pundits raised retirement concerns, Tagovailoa’s focus remains on adapting his gameplay to minimize future hits.

7. MLB Financials Soar with Revenue Increase in 2024
   Commissioner Rob Manfred reported that MLB’s 2024 revenues will surpass 2023’s record $11.6 billion. The Dodgers-Yankees World Series match-up has bolstered financial projections, as Game 1 alone attracted 15.2 million viewers. This success highlights MLB’s focus on making baseball a nationally and internationally appealing product, with a strong emphasis on fan engagement.

8. Florida-Georgia Rivalry Faces Uncertain Future in Jacksonville
   As the Florida-Georgia college football rivalry faces potential relocation from Jacksonville’s EverBank Stadium, the city grapples with balancing tradition and profit. This game generates $35 million in economic impact annually, but stadium renovations and rising costs could lead the teams to consider alternative venues. Jacksonville’s stadium upgrades will be pivotal in keeping the rivalry within its borders.

9. Dodgers-Yankees Series Spurs Unprecedented Demand for Merch
   The Dodgers-Yankees World Series is anticipated to break merchandising records, driven by Shohei Ohtani’s widespread appeal and the global fanbases of both teams. Retailers, including Fanatics and Dick’s Sporting Goods, report surges in demand, with products featuring Ohtani leading sales. This series could eclipse the Cubs’ 2016 championship as the biggest merchandising success in MLB history.

10. Las Vegas Aces Restructure Front Office After GM Exit
    The Las Vegas Aces announced the departure of GM Natalie Williams as part of a front-office restructuring following their WNBA semifinal loss. Despite high preseason expectations, the Aces fell short, prompting leadership changes. The Aces' recent setbacks, including a first-round draft penalty and an upcoming expansion draft, highlight challenges as the team aims for a return to championship form.

11. NFL Re-Evaluates Digital Media Rules in Modernization Effort
    The NFL is undertaking a comprehensive review of its “internet resolution” policy to adapt to evolving digital and media landscapes. Teams are seeking increased freedom in streaming and monetizing game content, while the NFL focuses on balancing league-wide interests with local revenue opportunities. This modernization reflects the league’s aim to capitalize on digital revenue without compromising central media strategies.

12. Michael Jordan, NASCAR Battle Over Antitrust Issues
    NASCAR and Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing are locked in a legal battle over NASCAR’s alleged monopolistic practices. Jordan’s legal team argues NASCAR’s charter system limits competition and stifles team growth. This case could reshape NASCAR’s competitive structure, with potential implications for how teams can enter and participate in the league.

13. Endeavor Considers Selling Miami Open and Madrid Open
    Global sports and entertainment company Endeavor is exploring the sale of the Miami Open and Madrid Open tennis tournaments. This decision follows Endeavor’s privatization by Silver Lake and a broader strategy to streamline its portfolio. With a history of record-breaking attendance and sponsorship, the tournaments are highly valued assets that could attract significant investor interest.

14. Packers Secure Lambeau Lease Extension, $1.5 Billion Investment
    The Green Bay Packers and the city of Green Bay have extended the Lambeau Field lease with a 2.75% annual rent increase and a commitment to a $1.5 billion stadium investment. This arrangement, which excludes taxpayer funding, reaffirms the Packers' commitment to long-term stability in Green Bay. The Packers’ investment reflects Lambeau’s significance to both the team and the community.

15. Angel Reese to Release Signature Shoe with Reebok
    WNBA star Angel Reese has extended her Reebok endorsement, which includes her own signature shoe to debut in 2026. Reese joins an elite group of WNBA players with signature deals, underscoring her influence and marketability. The new shoe will be custom-designed for her style, highlighting Reebok’s commitment to fostering individuality in women’s basketball.

SPORTS TECH 5

1. UFC Launches Exclusive Channel with Streaming Partner Kick
   The UFC is partnering with streaming platform Kick to create a dedicated UFC channel featuring watch-alongs, athlete interviews, and event coverage. Kick will receive Octagon branding, debuting at UFC 308. The UFC’s focus on integrating digital platforms reflects its strategy to enhance fan engagement through exclusive content and global accessibility.

2. TGL Announces 2024 Schedule, Tiger Woods Set for Week 2
   TGL, the new tech-driven golf league, will kick off on January 7, with stars like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy joining later in the season. With ESPN as the broadcasting partner, TGL matches will run approximately two hours, aiming to capture audiences with shorter, engaging formats. The league’s innovative scheduling aligns with players’ PGA Tour commitments, enhancing viewership potential.

3. NRG Esports and Spectrum Extend Partnership with ‘Storm the Castle’ Event
   NRG Esports has renewed its partnership with Spectrum, extending naming rights for the NRG Spectrum Castle headquarters in Los Angeles. The companies will host the ‘Storm the Castle’ event series, kicking off with a Minecraft-themed haunted house experience. This partnership aims to combine gaming, live events, and fan engagement in unique and interactive ways.

4. India’s Sports Startup Sector Flourishes with Government Support
   India’s sports startup ecosystem is receiving a boost from increased government funding, including INR 900 crore allocated to the Khelo India initiative. Venture interest in sports tech is growing, with FITPASS and Game Theory leading the way in fitness and analytics. This ecosystem’s growth is projected to drive India’s sports tech market to $3.5 billion by 2027.

5. TruFit Customs Secures Investment on Shark Tank
   TruFit Customs secured a deal on Shark Tank for its 3D-printed, custom-fit mouthguards, with founder Matthew Hall opting for Rashaun Williams’ $750,000 investment offer. TruFit’s NFL and NHL team contracts and its direct-to-consumer model attracted significant interest. The Shark Tank appearance spurred a tenfold increase in consumer sales, showcasing the brand’s national appeal.

GOOD SPORTS 5

1. University of Houston Receives $10 Million for Athletic Facility
   The University of Houston has received a $10 million donation from the Michael and Rebecca Cemo Family Foundation to support the Memorial Hermann Football Operations Center. This facility will offer state-of-the-art resources for athletes, including locker rooms and performance centers. The donation, which honors UH alum Michael Cemo, highlights the university’s commitment to athletic excellence.

2. Singapore’s Campus Game Fest Returns After Five-Year Hiatus
   Singapore’s Campus Game Fest, focusing on esports education and competition, has returned after five years. The event, held at ITE College Central, includes regional esports tournaments and the Asia Pacific Predator League qualifier. This festival aims to strengthen Singapore’s growing esports market by connecting students and professionals in competitive gaming.

3. Liverpool and Google Pixel Launch Women’s Soccer Media Program
   Liverpool FC and Google Pixel have partnered to launch the Pixel FC Academy, training young women for careers in soccer media. The program offers roles in video production, social media, and content creation, with access to Liverpool FC Women. Graduates of the academy will gain valuable media skills and have internship opportunities within the organization.

4. Texas Fan Turns Viral Moment into Charity Initiative with McConaughey
   Texas Longhorns fan Grant Walther turned his viral fame into a charitable cause, leveraging his platform to raise awareness for cancer. Inspired by his family’s experience with the disease, Walther aims to organize an event with Texas icon Matthew McConaughey. His story showcases the potential of viral fame to foster positive change and raise funds for important causes.

5. England Golf Launches ‘Golf Fore Her’ to Support Women Players
   England Golf has introduced ‘Golf Fore Her,’ a platform providing resources for women golfers across life stages. Covering topics like fitness, menstrual health, and the mental benefits of golf, this initiative aims to make golf more accessible. England Golf continues to advocate for inclusivity, striving to retain female players and expand participation in the sport.