Despite all the mindshare-gobbling distractions of an election year and the ongoing erosion of TV usage, the NFL is on pace to put up its strongest ratings since 2015. And while the league’s stranglehold over our screens shows no sign of slackening, the season-long viewership boost may seem like a bit of a head-scratcher, as …
Whitecaps Owners Retain Goldman Sachs to Sell MLS Franchise
The Vancouver Whitecaps are for sale. The owners of the MLS team, a group that includes majority holder Greg Kerfoot, executive chair Jeff Mallett, Steve Luczo and former NBA star Steve Nash, said Friday they have retained Goldman Sachs to assist with the process. Sportico valued the club at $470 million back in January, which …
NBA Franchise Valuations Ranking List: From Warriors to Grizzlies
The average NBA team is worth $4.6 billion, according to data compiled by Sportico. The Golden State Warriors rank first at $9.14 billion, while the Memphis Grizzlies rank last at $3.06 billion. Below are the values of the league’s 30 franchises, which are collectively worth $138 billion. To derive the market value of the 30 NBA …
Boras on Soto Deal: Deferred Money Wasn’t Going to Happen
The New York Mets introduced Juan Soto at a news conference on Thursday at his new place of employment in Queens, not too far from the Bronx where he spent last season starring for the New York Yankees. The four-time All-Star has officially joined the Mets after signing a record 15-year, $765 million deal. The …
Michael Jordan Blasts NASCAR for ‘Blaming Victims’ in Antitrust Suit
Michael Jordan-owned 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports insist in a new court filing Thursday that NASCAR is “blaming victims for asserting their antitrust rights” and that the two teams should be awarded an injunction against NASCAR. There’s a new audience for a case where brazen rhetoric by billionaire parties has become commonplace. On Wednesday, …
Ichiro Has My Baseball Hall of Fame Vote Despite Our History
My ballot: Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner, Andy Pettitte, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins. The last time I interviewed Ichiro Suzuki was spring training of 2019 when he was trying to earn a roster spot on the Seattle Mariners. He was 45 and could no longer hit at the level of his halcyon days. The …
Sports Illustrated Licensee Renames Red Bulls’ MLS Stadium
Sports Illustrated owner Authentic has facilitated a 13-year naming rights agreement that will rebrand the New York Red Bulls’ home into Sports Illustrated Stadium, as the licensing company leverages the brand’s recognition beyond print and online publishing. The contract values the rights for the Harrison, N.J., venue in the nine figures (more than $100 million), …
BYU QB Jake Retzlaff Filed for ‘BYJew’ Trademark in NIL Push
Jake Retzlaff, the BYU quarterback who made waves with his new NIL deal with Jewish food brand Manischewitz, has filed to trademark his nickname, “BYJew.” The moniker, which he and his older brother Reggie came up with in celebration of being the first Jewish quarterback to ever play for the Mormon university, gained prominence beyond …
Yanks Pivot to Fried While Small Markets Worry Amid Soto Buzz
DALLAS – After word spread of Juan Soto’s record-breaking 15-year, $765 million agreement with the New York Mets on Sunday night, veteran manager Terry Francona echoed the feeling of many people at the Hilton Anatole, where Major League Baseball figures have congregated for the Winter Meetings. “I was shocked. My goodness,” said Francona, who is …
Saquon Barkley’s MVP Bid Elevates ‘Unicorn’ Marketing Status
Some elite athletes transcend their market with star power so bright that the jurisdiction has little bearing. Saquon Barkley is looking to be just that as he navigates the change of scenery from New York to Philly. A leading candidate in the NFL MVP race this season, the Philadelphia Eagles running back has looked beyond …
Sporticast 404: How to Talk About Juan Soto’s $765M Mets Contract
On the latest Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including the New York Mets signing outfielder Juan Soto to a 15-year, $765 million contract. It is by far the largest contract in U.S. sports history by total dollars, and the largest per-year …
Yankees Plot New Path After Losing Juan Soto Sweepstakes to Mets
DALLAS — Now that Juan Soto has agreed to sign with the New York Mets for a record $765 million over 15 years, the New York Yankees have a similar amount left on the table to spend on a bevy of free agents. Think third baseman Alex Bregman, pitcher Max Fried and first baseman Pete …
Yankees Steinbrenner Statue to Greet Fans at Rays’ New Home
The Tampa Bay Rays recently announced new details about their move to the New York Yankees’ George M. Steinbrenner Field this season as repairs continue at Tropicana Field following damage done by Hurricane Milton in October. Tampa Bay has committed to creating “a team-branded atmosphere for fans to enjoy,” but the franchise will be limited …
Dodgers’ Deferred Deals Infuse New Cash Into Old Tactic
DALLAS — The last time we saw the Los Angeles Dodgers, they came back from a 5-0 deficit to win Game 5 and the World Series over the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Since then, they’ve been rebuilding the clubhouses at Dodger Stadium, have added free agent pitcher Blake Snell to their depleted rotation and re-signed …
Dick Allen, Dave Parker Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
DALLAS –The late Dick Allen was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame along with Dave Parker on Sunday as the Classic Era Committee met to determine the outcome at the annual Winter Meetings. On the third try, the 16-member committee, which changes annually, elected Allen. The ballot, made of all players whose careers …