15/5/5 for the week of September 2nd
15 TO WATCH
NFL's Private Equity Decision Could Impact Teams by Year-End: The NFL's recent approval for limited private equity investments in teams could see significant developments by year-end. Industry experts predict private equity firms will hold stakes in up to a quarter of the league’s 32 teams over the next two to three years. If this materializes, approximately $4.4 billion in assets could change hands, marking a major shift in NFL ownership dynamics.
Premier League Transfer Spending Tops $2 Billion: The Premier League has spent nearly €2.2 billion ($2.4 billion) on player transfers this summer, despite a slight decrease from last year’s record. Clubs like Manchester United and Tottenham made significant signings, including Leny Yoro and Dominic Solanke. The EPL continues to outspend other European leagues, although Serie A clubs saw a 16% rise in spending, totaling over $1 billion.
College Players Union Opposes $2.8 Billion NCAA Athlete Settlement: The National College Players Association (NCPA) opposes the proposed $2.8 billion NCAA antitrust settlement, arguing it limits future athletes' earning potential. The settlement would compensate former athletes and allow for future revenue sharing, but the NCPA believes it unfairly eliminates NIL collectives and could cut athletic sponsorships.
Pro Rodeo Expands Amid America's Cowboy Culture Boom: Professional Bull Riders (PBR) is riding the wave of America's growing obsession with Western culture, driven by shows like "Yellowstone." PBR has expanded to non-traditional rodeo markets, including New York and Pittsburgh, contributing to a 23% increase in ticket sales and selling out 38 events in 2023. PBR's growing media presence is set to expand further with new deals with CBS Sports.
Shohei Ohtani Continues to Rewrite MLB Business and Record Books: Shohei Ohtani’s on-field achievements and off-field commercial power are unparalleled. He signed an exclusive deal with Topps for memorabilia and autograph cards, cementing his influence in the sports market. Ohtani is also expected to be the heavy favorite for the National League MVP, continuing his dominance both on and off the field.
Deion Sanders Boosts Colorado Football's Ratings: Colorado football's season opener against North Dakota State averaged 4.76 million viewers, thanks to Deion Sanders' presence as head coach. The ratings represent a 49% increase from last year’s opener, further highlighting Sanders' impact on the program's national appeal.
Portland and Bhathal Family Win WNBA Expansion Franchise: The WNBA has awarded its 15th franchise to Portland, led by the Bhathal family, with plans to begin play in 2026. This expansion comes as the league experiences unprecedented growth, with Caitlin Clark's rookie season and the new TV deal driving the WNBA to new commercial heights.
Cooper Flagg Spurns Nike for New Balance: Top NBA prospect Cooper Flagg has signed a significant deal with New Balance, despite his long association with Nike through Duke University and the EYBL circuit. The deal reflects New Balance’s growing focus on basketball, joining stars like Kawhi Leonard and Jamal Murray in their endorsement roster.
Tampa Bay Lightning Begins $2 Billion Ownership Sale Process: Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik has begun discussions to expand the team’s ownership, with a valuation near $2 billion. This follows record NHL sale prices, including the Ottawa Senators' sale for nearly half this amount last year.
LSU's Tiger Stadium Unveils $19.8M Renovation for 100th Season: LSU's Tiger Stadium has undergone a $19.8 million renovation, including upgraded lighting, sound systems, and new video boards. The enhancements were funded by the Tiger Athletic Foundation and mark a milestone for the iconic stadium as it celebrates its 100th season.
Top NIL Collectives Set to Spend Over $200 Million in 2024: According to On3, the top NIL collectives in college sports will collectively spend over $200 million this year, with Ohio State's collective spending $20 million alone. These collectives are increasingly driving recruitment and shaping the future of college sports through lucrative NIL deals.
Track's Post-Olympics Problem Addressed by Two New Collectives: Grand Slam Track and Athlos are two new initiatives aiming to maintain track and field's momentum beyond the Olympics. Spearheaded by track stars and prominent investors like Michael Johnson and Alexis Ohanian, these projects aim to professionalize the sport and increase its commercial viability year-round.
Topps Signs Exclusive Trading Card Deal with Shohei Ohtani: Topps has signed an exclusive trading card deal with Shohei Ohtani, expanding on their previous partnership. This deal secures Ohtani’s global marketing rights, including autographs and game-used memorabilia, and strengthens Topps' presence in both the U.S. and Japan.
NFL Appoints Luis Martinez as Brazil GM for Expansion: The NFL has appointed Luis Martinez as general manager for Brazil, marking a significant step in its expansion into South America. Martinez will oversee operations as the NFL prepares for its first regular-season game in Brazil this September, furthering the league’s global reach.
NASCAR Taps CAA Sports to Find New Chief Commercial Officer: NASCAR has hired CAA Sports to help find its next chief commercial officer as it seeks to build on its post-pandemic momentum. The new CCO will oversee sponsorships and commercial partnerships as NASCAR looks to continue its growth and secure blue-chip deals.
SPORTS TECH 5
Apple Enhances Sports App with New Game Tracking Features: Apple has upgraded its sports app with new football-focused features, including a drive tracker and enhanced play-by-play options. These updates arrive in time for the NFL and college football seasons, offering fans a more immersive experience.
NFL Sticks with Traditional First-Down Chain, Delays Digital Transition: The NFL has decided not to implement its digital first-down chain technology for the 2024 season after testing it during preseason. While the league is satisfied with the modified kickoff rules, they will continue using traditional chains for first-down measurements.
Helmet Communications Issues Challenge College Football's Opener: New helmet communication technology faced challenges during the 2024 college football season opener, leading to disruptions for Alabama’s coaching staff. The issues required on-the-fly adjustments, highlighting the potential growing pains associated with technological advancements in the sport.
Formula One’s AI Integration Drives Future of Motorsport: Formula One’s collaboration with Amazon Web Services has advanced the use of AI in race strategy and sustainability efforts. AI tools like StatBot enhance data analysis and logistics, contributing to F1’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2030.
Powersoft Expands Audio Solutions in Sports Venues: Powersoft, a leading audio company, has expanded its presence in sports venues, including high-profile projects like the Giants’ Oracle Park and the Sphere in Las Vegas. Powersoft’s energy-efficient amplifiers are helping create immersive experiences in major stadiums across North America.
GOOD SPORTS 5
NBA and NFL Collaborate on Election Day Poll Worker Recruitment: The NBA and NFL are collaborating on Election Day awareness through poll worker recruitment. Both leagues have launched initiatives to encourage voter participation and recruitment, marking their first joint effort in this important civic engagement campaign.
Dartmouth Opens New Driving Range and Practice Facility: Dartmouth Golf and Spa has unveiled a new six-acre practice range to enhance its golf offerings. The facility includes multiple teeing areas and greens, providing golfers with a comprehensive space to improve their game.
Gen.G Expands with New Esports Hub in Saudi Arabia: Korean esports organization Gen.G has expanded into Saudi Arabia, establishing a new hub in Riyadh. The move is part of the organization’s global expansion, offering educational programs and certification courses for aspiring esports professionals in the MENA region.
Vancouver Charity Expands to Yukon, Providing Sports Gear to Youth: Sports for Support, a Vancouver-based charity, is expanding its operations to Yukon, delivering sports equipment to underserved communities. The charity, founded by teenager Cameron Lee, has already distributed hockey gear to various communities, with more equipment on the way.
NBA Foundation Invests in New Orleans Nonprofits: The NBA Foundation has committed over $5 million to New Orleans-based nonprofits, supporting Black youth through programs focused on career readiness and education. This initiative is part of the NBA's broader effort to promote social justice and economic opportunities in underserved communities.