When Apple and MLS announced their 10-year streaming tie-up in 2022, there were two key financial components: a $250 million annual guarantee from Apple, plus the opportunity for MLS to get a share of additional revenue if the new Season Pass subscription product achieved a certain level of success. But starting next season, MLS Season …
Sounders Tap Moelis to Sell First Major Stake Since 2009
The Seattle Sounders are seeking outside investors for the first time since the club joined MLS in 2009. The team has retained Moelis & Co. to explore a “strategic capital raise,” according to a statement shared with Sportico. More specifically, the Sounders are looking for a large minority partner that can lend capital and expertise …
Congressman Demands College Coach Pay Cap Amid Buyout Bonanza
The record-setting rate of college coaching buyouts this year has reignited one member of Congress’ push to impose sweeping limits on how much universities can pay their coaches—both to lead their teams and, if desired, leave them. The Correcting Opportunity and Accountability in Collegiate Hiring (COACH) Act, introduced Monday by Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-Wash.), would …
Borgen Family Joins Austin FC Investors at $912 Million Valuation
The Borgen family, investors in the NWSL’s Denver Summit expansion team, are part of the group that recently invested in Austin FC at an enterprise value of $912 million. FirstTracks Sports Ventures, which is managed by Jon-Erik Borgen, closed its investment earlier this month. The group is part of the series of transactions mostly announced …
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Sign 3-Year Contract Extension
Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension with Inter Miami, the MLS club announced Thursday. It is a three-year agreement through the 2028 season. No financial details were released. Messi, who turned 38 in June, originally joined Inter Miami in 2023 under a two-and-a-half-year contract worth $150 million, or $60 million per year, including a …
Pledged to the Pac-12: What Texas State Promised Its New League
Give the Bobcats this much: They are a confident breed. In its successful bid to the Pac-12 Conference, Texas State University told the league that it projected its athletics budget would grow by 33%, from $58 million to $77 million by the fiscal year 2030, while pledging not to be a “free-rider.” “We intend to …
Sporticast 491: Penn State’s Rapid Descent From White Out to Buyout
On the latest Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including Penn State’s decision to fire football coach James Franklin after the Nittany Lions lost two games in which they were heavy favorites. Penn State will reportedly owe Franklin a buyout of roughly …
UFL Unveils 3 Franchises, Moves to Soccer Stadiums for Third Season
The United Football League (UFL), a pro spring league, has unveiled three new franchises located in Columbus, Ohio; Louisville, Ky.; and Orlando, Fla. The three teams, which will debut next season, represent the latest audible by the fledgling league. The Columbus Aviators, Louisville Kings and Orlando Storm will replace the Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers and …
MLS Promotes Charles Altchek With Commissioner Role on Horizon
Major League Soccer is promoting Charles Altchek, considered by many to be a potential future commissioner, to oversee the group that aids clubs in their business efforts. Altchek will be the new executive vice president for club performance and league growth, filling a role vacated earlier this year by Chris McGowan. In that capacity, he …
Mike Gundy Firing Won’t Stop ‘I’m a Man’ Consumer Cellular Campaign
Despite his recent firing, Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy will continue to rep Cowboy colors in the cheeky, three-week-old ad campaign for Consumer Cellular. Earlier this month, Gundy, who was fired by OSU Tuesday after 21 seasons, first appeared in an ad for the Arizona-based mobile phone service provider, spoofing the now-infamous tirade he …
The Yankees Own 10% of NYCFC. So Why Is Messi Playing at Citi Field?
As NYCFC builds its own soccer-first stadium, the team continues to play most home matches at Yankee Stadium, in part due to the Yankees’ minority ownership of the MLS franchise. But when Lionel Messi and Inter Miami come to town Wednesday, the match will instead be played at the New York Mets’ Citi Field. It’s …
After EA Bows Out, 2K Teases College Hoops Video Game ‘Experience’
Electronic Arts’ plans for a full-fledged college basketball video game have been shelved, the company has reportedly told schools, in part because rival publisher 2K Sports is building its own CBB offering, though it remains unclear whether that product would be built into 2K’s NBA game or released as a standalone title. Following the success …
Killer Matchups, Nielsen Tweaks Spike College Football Numbers
College football is back—and in a big way. While recent changes to Nielsen’s ratings methodology were expected to help boost the fall football numbers, the 2025-26 season got off to a hotter start than anyone could have imagined. Fox’s Big Noon Saturday window, featuring defending champs Ohio State and a top-ranked Texas Longhorns squad helmed …
Northwestern Football Hazing Scandal: Fitzgerald’s Rise and Fall
Northwestern University fired its longtime football coach Pat Fitzgerald in July 2023 after allegations of hazing within the football program were revealed. “I recognize that my decision will not be universally applauded, and there will be those in our community who may vehemently disagree with it,” university president Michael Schill wrote in a letter to …
Michigan’s $30M Fine Projection Is 11% of School’s Sports Budget
The NCAA’s Committee on Infractions ruled Friday that Michigan can play in the college football postseason, it just can’t get paid for it over the next two years. The total expected financial loss is expected to surpass $30 million. That would represent less than 15% of Michigan athletics’ likely 2024-25 spending figures. As a result of the …