15/5/5 For The Week of September 23rd, 2024

15 TO WATCH

1. NFL’s Highest-Paid Players 2024: Earnings Soar to $1.1 Billion: The NFL’s top 20 highest-paid players in 2024 will collectively earn $1.1 billion, an increase of 29% from 2023. Dak Prescott leads the list with $100 million in total earnings, $86.25 million coming from his contract with the Cowboys and $14 million from endorsements. Quarterbacks dominate the top earners, with Jared Goff, Jordan Love, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow rounding out the top five.

2. Shohei Ohtani Delivers Historic Game, Joins 50-50 Club: Shohei Ohtani achieved a historic feat by becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season. In a single game against the Miami Marlins, Ohtani went 6-for-6, hit three home runs, drove in 10 RBIs, and stole two bases. His performance cemented his place in history as one of the greatest individual games ever played.

3. Adrian Wojnarowski Retires from ESPN for St. Bonaventure Hoops Role: ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski announced his retirement from sports reporting to take on a role as the general manager of St. Bonaventure’s men’s basketball program. Wojnarowski’s decision marks a significant change in the NBA media landscape, as he was one of the most prominent insiders in the industry.

4. Big 12 Launches Conference Network: Big 12 Studios: The Big 12 Conference is launching its first-ever network, Big 12 Studios, in partnership with Raycom Sports. The network will focus on storytelling and content around games and athletes but will not air live sports. The studio adds to the Big 12’s $2.28 billion media package with ESPN and Fox, offering unique coverage of the conference.

5. MLB Players' Union Sues DraftKings, FanDuel Over NIL Use: The MLB Players' Union has filed lawsuits against DraftKings, FanDuel, and other betting companies for using player names and likenesses without permission. The union is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, citing violations of state laws protecting athletes' rights of publicity.

6. Premier League Sponsorship Revenue Reaches $1.5 Billion for 2024-25: Premier League sponsorship revenue for the 2024-25 season has increased by 12.4%, surpassing $1.68 billion. Key industries driving this growth include clothing and accessories, travel, and gambling. The “big six” clubs account for nearly 74% of the league's total sponsorship value, with Manchester United leading the way at $327 million.

7. Nike Stock Surges After Appointing New CEO Elliott Hill: Nike’s stock jumped nearly 7% after the company announced Elliott Hill as its new CEO, following months of stock declines. Hill’s appointment has reinvigorated investors, who hope his leadership will help Nike focus on product innovation and rebuild relationships with wholesale partners.

8. Lionel Messi Launches Production Company, 525 Rosario: Lionel Messi has launched a production company called 525 Rosario, named after his hometown in Argentina. The company, headquartered in Miami and Los Angeles, will produce TV, film, live sports, and community events, expanding Messi’s influence in the entertainment world.

9. Caitlin Clark Wins WNBA AP Rookie of the Year, Boosts League Viewership: Caitlin Clark’s spectacular rookie season has culminated in winning the WNBA AP Rookie of the Year award. Her performance has driven a 170% increase in WNBA viewership, with games averaging 1.2 million viewers. Clark’s impact extends off the court, as her star power continues to elevate the league’s popularity.

10. Rogers Communications to Acquire Controlling Stake in MLSE: Rogers Communications is set to acquire a controlling stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, doubling its ownership to 75%. The $3.46 billion deal will give Rogers control of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors, Blue Jays, and more, solidifying its influence across Canadian sports.

11. University of Oklahoma’s New Arena Part of $1.2 Billion Entertainment District: The University of Oklahoma is getting a new $330 million arena as part of the $1.2 billion Rock Creek Entertainment District. The arena will seat 8,000 fans for basketball and gymnastics and will serve as a major venue for concerts and conventions.

12. Marc Lasry Nears $108 Million Purchase of NWSL’s North Carolina Courage: Former Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry is close to purchasing a majority stake in the North Carolina Courage for $108 million. Lasry's acquisition will see him join the growing ranks of prominent investors in the NWSL, further boosting the league's value.

13. Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith Signs NIL Deal with Red Bull: Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has signed a groundbreaking NIL deal with Red Bull, becoming the first college football player to partner with the energy drink giant. Smith’s impressive on-field performance has made him a top NIL prospect, with an On3 NIL valuation of $1.1 million.

14. DraftKings Contributes $5 Million to Missouri Sports Betting Ballot Initiative: DraftKings has contributed $5 million to support a Missouri ballot initiative to legalize sports betting. The measure, backed by local sports teams and major betting operators, will be put to voters in November, with early polling showing strong support for legalization.

15. Fanatics Begins Retail Sales as NHL’s Official Jersey Partner: Fanatics has launched its retail program as the NHL’s official jersey supplier, offering four tiers of jerseys for fans. The Authentic Pro jerseys, priced at $425, replicate what NHL players wear on the ice and represent Fanatics' commitment to quality and tradition.

SPORTS TECH 5

1. AT&T’s Tech-Enhanced Helmet for Deaf Athletes Approved by NCAA: AT&T’s augmented reality helmet for deaf and hard-of-hearing football players has been approved by the NCAA for Gallaudet University’s 2024 season. The helmet features AR lenses that display play calls, improving communication between coaches and players.

2. NFL to Broadcast Sunday Night Football in ‘Shared Reality’ Cosm Domes: The NFL has partnered with Cosm to air Sunday Night Football in immersive “shared reality” venues in Los Angeles and Dallas. The 87-foot curved LED domes will provide fans with a unique viewing experience, blending traditional broadcasting with immersive technology.

3. TGL Collaborates with Nicklaus Design for Custom Golf Holes: TGL, the interactive golf league founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, has partnered with Nicklaus Design to create custom holes for its inaugural season. The league will debut on January 7, 2025, offering fans a new way to experience golf through technology-driven experiences.

4. Drone Racing League Partners with Google Cloud to Enhance AI Tools: Infinite Reality, owner of the Drone Racing League, has signed a five-year deal with Google Cloud to enhance its AI-powered services. The partnership will enable the creation of immersive 3D experiences for fans and brands, further expanding the league's digital footprint.

5. SEC Uses Hawk-Eye Replay Technology in Soccer and Volleyball: The SEC has implemented Hawk-Eye’s video replay system in soccer and volleyball for the 2024 season. The technology features multi-angle replays and high-speed cameras, improving the accuracy of officiating in these sports.

GOOD SPORTS 5

1. Travelers Championship Raises $3.2 Million for Charity: The 2024 Travelers Championship set a new record by raising over $3.2 million for 206 charities. Since 2007, the tournament has raised more than $31 million for local nonprofits, with all proceeds going to support community initiatives.

2. Denver Children Benefit from Annual giveSPORTS Equipment Drive: A Precious Child’s giveSPORTS Equipment Drive collected over 239,000 pieces of sports equipment and raised $123,000 for scholarships. The Denver-based nonprofit ensures thousands of children can participate in sports, regardless of financial barriers.

3. BMW’s Sponsorship of Golf Events Surpasses $50 Million in Charity Donations: BMW’s support of major golf tournaments has resulted in over $50 million in donations to the Evans Scholars Foundation. The initiative funds the education of young caddies from low-income backgrounds, providing scholarships and financial aid.

4. NAS Dubai Launches Esports BTEC in Partnership with EStars: NAS Dubai has partnered with EStars to offer an esports BTEC qualification, preparing students for careers in the growing esports industry. The program aligns with Dubai’s Gaming Strategy 2033, which aims to create 30,000 jobs in the sector.

5. UGolf Bluegreen and Topgolf Collaborate to Grow the Game of Golf: UGolf Bluegreen has partnered with Topgolf to host a week-long academy aimed at growing the game of golf in Europe. The collaboration emphasizes making golf more fun and accessible, with free coaching sessions offered to participants at Topgolf’s Glasgow venue.