15/5/5 For the week of August 4th

15 TO WATCH

1. Judge Overturns $4.7 Billion Verdict Against NFL in 'Sunday Ticket' Lawsuit: A U.S. Federal Court Judge overturned a $4.7 billion antitrust verdict against the NFL, citing flawed analyses by expert witnesses and errors in the jury's damage calculations. The ruling dismissed claims that "Sunday Ticket" subscribers were overcharged, providing significant relief to the NFL and its team owners, who faced potential financial stress and strategic shifts due to the lawsuit.

2. Noah Lyles Pushes for Signature Sneaker with Adidas: After winning the gold medal in the men's 100-meter final at the Paris Olympics, Noah Lyles called for Adidas to create a signature sneaker for him, citing a lack of financial opportunities in track and field spikes. Despite a lucrative contract extension with Adidas, Lyles continues to advocate for greater recognition and commercial opportunities for track and field athletes.

3. WNBA's Media-Rights Deal Set to Skyrocket with New Partnerships: The WNBA's media-rights deal, initially valued at $200 million annually, could increase to $260 million with the addition of new broadcast partners like CBS and Scripps Sports. This substantial growth, driven by star rookies and league expansion, underscores the WNBA's rising popularity and its evolving media strategy.

4. Stacked Olympic Saturday Draws 35 Million Viewers: Featuring stars like Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, and LeBron James, the Paris Olympics' Saturday coverage attracted nearly 35 million viewers across NBC platforms. The 111% increase from the Tokyo Olympics highlights the event's broad appeal and successful broadcasting strategy.

5. Michigan Football Coach Sherrone Moore Faces NCAA Violations: Michigan's head coach Sherrone Moore and other staff members are accused of violating NCAA rules, including deleting texts related to an off-campus scouting operation. The allegations include potential suspensions and penalties, reflecting ongoing scrutiny and enforcement challenges in college athletics.

6. Surfing Thrills in 2024 Olympics but Faces Funding Hurdles Until 2028: Despite its popularity at the 2024 Olympics, surfing will not receive a full share of media-rights revenue until the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The International Surfing Association currently receives modest funding from the IOC, but future Olympic participation promises better financial support.

7. University of Florida Leads in NIL Deals Among US Colleges: The University of Florida tops the nation with 498 NIL deals, driven by standout athletes like quarterback Graham Mertz. The surge in NIL agreements underscores the growing financial opportunities for college athletes and the evolving landscape of college sports.

8. NBA Teams Spend $2.7 Billion in 2024 Free Agency: NBA teams spent a record $2.7 billion on free-agent contracts in 2024, marking a $600 million increase from the previous year. Notable deals include Paul George's $212 million contract with the 76ers and LeBron James' $104 million extension with the Lakers, reflecting the league's rising salary cap and market dynamics.

9. Léon Marchand's Social Media Surge Post-Olympics: French swimmer Léon Marchand gained over 221,000 Instagram followers after winning two gold medals at the Paris Olympics. His growing online presence and high-profile sponsorships highlight the financial and commercial potential of Olympic success.

10. Chicago Bears' Stadium Deal Faces Significant Delays: The Chicago Bears' efforts to secure a new stadium deal have hit substantial delays, with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker indicating that legislative approval is unlikely this fall. The $4.7 billion project is now expected to be stalled until at least spring 2025.

11. Howard University's Basketball Program For Sale?: Howard University's basketball coach Kenny Blakeney is offering one-third of the program for $100 million, aiming to secure funding for facilities and independence from the MEAC. This unconventional approach highlights the evolving business strategies in college sports.

12. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Eyes European Expansion: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is in talks with FIBA to expand the NBA's presence in Europe through an annual tournament or a new league. This initiative aims to capitalize on the commercial and competitive potential of basketball in Europe.

13. Diamond Sports Group’s Bankruptcy Reorganization Threatens NBA Local TV Deals: Diamond Sports Group's bankruptcy could leave five NBA teams without local broadcasting partners, while others may face significant revenue cuts. The reorganization underscores the challenges facing regional sports networks and the shifting landscape of sports broadcasting.

14. Second NASCAR Netflix Documentary Impacted by Charter Dispute: Plans for a second NASCAR Netflix documentary could be delayed by ongoing charter negotiations. The uncertainty around the agreement could affect team participation and the timing of the documentary's production.

15. NY Jets Secure McDonald’s Partnership: The New York Jets have partnered with McDonald's, making it the official burger of the team. The deal includes in-stadium signage, social media exposure, and commercial spots during Jets broadcasts, enhancing McDonald's presence in the New York sports market.

SPORTS TECH 5

1. European Soccer Leagues Demand X Steps Up Antipiracy Efforts: Several European soccer leagues and broadcasters have called on X to enhance its antipiracy measures, citing inadequate efforts to combat illegal streaming. The Premier League, UEFA, and other organizations have signed a letter demanding X address these issues to protect intellectual property.

2. AI Enhances Player Safety at Wimbledon and the Olympics: AI technology, such as the Threat Matrix used at Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics, is helping protect athletes from online abuse. These systems monitor social media for hate speech and threats, providing a safer environment for competitors and reflecting a growing trend in sports technology.

3. Sauna Protocol: How Olympic Athletes Adapt to a Warmer World: Athletes at the Paris Olympics are using advanced technology and training methods to cope with rising temperatures. Techniques like temperature tracking pills and advanced cooling gear are helping them adapt, highlighting the importance of acclimatization in modern sports.

4. Sony Headsets on NFL Coaches Delayed, but Tech Sponsorship Starts Now: Sony has signed a major tech sponsorship with the NFL, but the launch of branded coaches' headsets has been delayed until 2025. Meanwhile, Sony will promote its role in NFL tech innovations, including Hawk-Eye technology and Beyond Sports visualization.

5. Manchester City Launches AR Treasure Hunts During US Preseason Tour: Manchester City, in partnership with OKX and SmartMedia Technologies, has launched augmented reality treasure hunts in U.S. tour cities. Fans can search for digital collectibles using the OKX app, enhancing fan engagement through innovative technology.

GOOD SPORTS 5

1. Olympics’ 81 NBA Players Highlight League’s Global Investment: The 2024 Olympics feature 81 NBA players, reflecting the league's global growth and investment. The NBA's international development efforts have increased the number of non-American players, showcasing basketball's expanding global footprint.

2. Topgolf Launches New Club to Make Venues More Accessible: Topgolf has introduced "The Sure Thing," a golf club designed to make the game easier and more enjoyable for beginners. Available exclusively at Topgolf venues, the club features a super-sized face and higher loft to ensure better ball flight and player experience.

3. Vivian Kong Uses Olympic Success to Launch Charity: After winning gold at the Paris Olympics, Hong Kong fencer Vivian Kong plans to use her HK$6 million prize to start a charity for underprivileged children. Her efforts highlight the positive impact athletes can have beyond their sports achievements.

4. Pioneering Inclusive Sports Education in Slovakia: Special Olympics Slovakia has partnered with two universities to create specialized coaching programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities. The initiative aims to foster inclusivity in sports education and produce highly qualified, English-speaking coaches.

5. Esports Meets Education: Esports is transforming education by fostering skills and social connections often overlooked in traditional learning environments. Integrating gaming into curricula helps develop digital literacy, teamwork, and cognitive abilities, making education more engaging and inclusive for students.