15/5/5 For The Week of November 25th

15 TO WATCH

1. Rivalry Weekend Sparks Chaos for College Football Playoffs
   The penultimate weekend of college football saw major upsets, creating unpredictable scenarios for the Power 4 conferences in the new 12-team College Football Playoff system. Nine Big 12 teams remain in contention for their championship game, while SMU is one win away from a CFP spot after spending over $100 million to join the ACC. Broadcast networks like ABC and Fox are capitalizing on these nail-biting matchups, ensuring record-breaking viewership.

2. Max Verstappen Clinches Fourth F1 Title Amid Red Bull’s Struggles
   Despite a down year for Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive F1 Drivers' Championship. This year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix highlighted F1's growing popularity, featuring celebrities like Brad Pitt and complaints from drivers about marijuana smells on the track. Red Bull faces challenges in 2025 with Adrian Newey’s move to Aston Martin.

3. Disney’s $3 Billion SEC Deal Dominates College Football Ratings
   ESPN’s $3 billion deal with the SEC has resulted in the conference owning seven of the top 10 most-watched college football games this season. With over 12 million viewers for the Georgia-Alabama matchup, the partnership far outshines Big Ten broadcasts. Starting in 2026, the College Football National Championship will air on ABC, promising further dominance.

4. Larry Ellison Fuels Michigan’s $10 Million NIL Victory
   Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison played a key role in Michigan securing top quarterback recruit Bryce Underwood. Michigan’s NIL collective reportedly offered an eight-figure deal to flip Underwood from LSU, ensuring the Wolverines a promising future in the NIL era. Ellison’s vast resources could redefine Michigan’s recruiting power.

5. F1's Las Vegas Grand Prix Powers Global Sponsorship Expansion
   The second Las Vegas Grand Prix showcased F1’s strategy to secure global sponsorships, with brands like American Express and LVMH upgrading to worldwide deals. Liberty Media, which owns the race outright, plans to use insights from Las Vegas to innovate across its other events. Attendance under Liberty’s ownership has grown 50%, with six million fans expected this season.

6. NWSL Expansion Narrows to Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Denver
   The NWSL's 16th franchise is set for a 2026 debut, with finalists including Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Denver. Cincinnati gained momentum with WNBA star Caitlin Clark as an investor, while Denver’s bid is led by Robert Cohen of IMA Financial Group. Franchise fees are projected to surpass $100 million, reflecting the league's growth.

7. Giants Release Daniel Jones After $23 Million Benching
   The New York Giants released Daniel Jones, ending his tumultuous tenure after a four-year, $160 million contract extension. The team will absorb a $22 million dead cap charge for 2025. Jones’ performance struggled to justify his contract, leading to his eventual benching and subsequent release.

8. Trae Young Joins Jordan Brand After Adidas Exit
   Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young has signed with Jordan Brand following the end of his Adidas partnership. Young, a rising NBA star, is expected to debut exclusive colorways for the Air Jordan 39. His deal underscores Jordan Brand’s strategy to highlight emerging talent in basketball.

9. Jason Kelce to Host Late-Night ESPN Show in 2025
   Retired NFL star Jason Kelce will host a five-episode late-night talk show, debuting on ESPN in January 2025. Produced by NFL Films and filmed in Philadelphia, the show will feature a live audience and re-air on ESPN+ and ESPN2. Kelce’s transition to media highlights his ongoing influence beyond football.

10. Jeeno Thitikul Shatters LPGA Prize Money Record
    Jeeno Thitikul earned over $7 million in the 2024 LPGA season, breaking Lorena Ochoa’s single-season prize money record. The 21-year-old’s dominant season included a $4 million win at the CME Group Tour Championship. LPGA prize money is projected to exceed $131 million in 2025.

11. Chip Wilson Reaps $1.6 Billion Profit from Amer Sports Investment
    Lululemon founder Chip Wilson’s investment in Amer Sports, maker of brands like Arc’teryx and Wilson Sporting Goods, yielded a $1.6 billion profit. Amer Sports' shares doubled after surging sales in Asia. Wilson’s venture underscores his continued influence in the sports and apparel sectors.

12. Browns' Win Over Steelers Drives Thursday Night Football Momentum
    The Browns' snowy upset of the Steelers attracted 13.72 million viewers, marking one of the most-watched Thursday Night Football games of the season. Amazon Prime's TNF package continues to outperform, with a 10% increase in viewership compared to last year.

13. Attorneys General Seek Dismissal of ACC Lawsuit Against FSU
    A coalition of 12 state attorneys general has filed to dismiss the ACC’s lawsuit against Florida State, citing sovereign immunity. The case’s outcome could have significant implications for conference realignment disputes.

14. League One Volleyball Raises $100 Million Pre-Launch
    League One Volleyball secured $100 million in funding ahead of its January 2025 debut. Backed by Atwater Capital and athletes like Kevin Durant, the league aims to create a comprehensive youth-to-pro volleyball ecosystem. ESPN and Adidas are key partners for the inaugural season.

15. TNT Sports Secures UK Rights for SailGP
    TNT Sports acquired exclusive UK and Ireland rights to SailGP, beginning with the Dubai race this weekend. The deal includes live coverage and promotions for the Emirates Great Britain Team, with SailGP expanding to 14 global events this season.

SPORTS TECH 5

1. NBA and Disney Team Up for Animated Christmas Day Game
   The NBA will debut an animated broadcast of a Knicks-Spurs Christmas Day game on Disney+, using real-time player movements synced with avatars. The initiative leverages Disney’s IP and ESPN’s tech to attract younger audiences.

2. MLB Partners with Sportradar for Amateur Scouting
   MLB’s new deal with Sportradar provides access to data and video from over 20,000 amateur games. The partnership enhances scouting capabilities with advanced metrics and one-click video analysis.

3. YinzCam Innovates With NFC-Enabled Jersey Patches
   YinzCam and Avery Dennison are creating NFC-enabled patches for sports jerseys, offering digital perks for fans. The innovation could enhance team-fan engagement and loyalty programs.

4. Titleist Ends DP World Tour Season as Equipment Leader
   Titleist dominated the DP World Tour with the most-used balls, drivers, and wedges, earning victories across major events. The Pro V1 ball was trusted by 72% of players this season.

5. NHL Partners With Vast Data for AI-Powered Content
   The NHL’s deal with Vast Data enhances real-time video operations and archival workflows. AI tools will automate highlight creation and restore historic footage.

GOOD SPORTS 5

1. Baker Mayfield Revives Florida High School Football Program
   Baker Mayfield’s $17,900 donation to a struggling high school football team helped them reach their first state championship. His foundation remains committed to supporting youth sports.

2. NFL Honors John Madden with Thanksgiving Tributes
   NFL Thanksgiving games paid homage to John Madden with player patches, special coins, and charity donations. Madden’s legacy remains a cherished part of the NFL tradition.

3. Playfly and Extra Life Partner for EA College Football Tournament
   Playfly Sports and Extra Life launched a charity gaming tournament for College Football 25, raising funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Players can compete while contributing to life-saving initiatives.

4. Trinidad and Tobago Joins Special Olympics Inclusion Coalition
   Trinidad and Tobago signed a historic pledge to enhance inclusivity in education and sports for people with intellectual disabilities. The nation joins a growing global effort to promote equal opportunities.

5. Corhampton Golf Club Raises £13,000 for Heartbeat Charity
   Corhampton Golf Club raised over £13,000 for Heartbeat’s 3D Heart Project, supporting innovative surgical planning for children with congenital heart disease. The funds will enhance pre-operative care and outcomes.