North America
Features
“Change is hard” – Los Angeles Rams refresh brand identity to mixed reception from fans
To coincide with their move to a new stadium, the LA Rams have unveiled a dramatic new look. Bob Williams speaks to Rams CMO Ronalee Zarate-Bayani about the process behind the redesign
NBA looks to stay ‘connected and engaged’ with fans via players-only esports tournament
The NBA has become the latest major sports organization to turn to esports as a means to help fill the void amid the sports shutdown. Bob Williams reports
Why withdrawing from Tokyo 2020 was “toughest decision” for Canadian Olympic Committee
Canada was the first nation to announce it would not send a delegation to the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics if they went ahead as scheduled this summer. It was a 'heartbreaking' decision but the right one, says the COC
Golf course operators discuss impact of Covid-19 pandemic
Reflecting on the impact of Covid-19, M. James Ward speaks to five golf facility operators to find out first-hand how the pandemic is affecting the golf industry.
MiLB standing at front lines of uncertainty, potential business peril from Covid-19 outbreak
With the vast majority of revenues for Minor League Baseball teams deriving from gate revenues and no games happening due to the Covid-19 outbreak, economic worries are growing. US Editor Eric Fisher reports.
National Lacrosse League to cancel remainder of regular season
The National Lacrosse League has announced it has cancelled the remainder of the regular season due to the Covid-19 pandemic
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ uniform redesign leads to merchandise sales spike
The National Football League’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers are continuing to reap the commercial rewards of the arrival of superstar quarterback Tom Brady.
IMG-promoted World’s Strongest Man pushed back to November
This year’s World’s Strongest Man event in Bradenton, Florida has been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event had been due to take place from May 20-24 but will now be held in November. Th
BeIN secures rights to PSG esports tournament in multiple territories
BeIN Media Group, the international pay-television broadcaster, has acquired rights in a number of territories to the All at Home Gaming Cup, a new esports competition launched by French Ligue 1 side Paris…
Even amid game cancellations, MLB still has keen eye on Mexico
The United States' neighbor to the south is being increasingly viewed by Major League Baseball as a viable location for both regular-season games and perhaps an expansion franchise
Nascar moves quickly to fill void from Covid-19 with nationally-televised esports series
Esports has never been as important or relevant as it is now amid the global Covid-19 pandemic. Nascar has been an early mover in this space with the creation of the eNascar iRacing Pro Invitational Series.
Octagon’s John Shea: The pent-up demand from a consumer standpoint will be there
Global agency president looks to work through current public health crisis, plan ahead for return of sports industry to full activity
Michael Bapis | Covid-19 bringing unprecedented volatility to the markets
Michael Bapis, managing director with Vios Advisors at Rockefeller Capital Management, calls for calm and focus in the face in the historic market disruptions due to Covid-19
Major League Lacrosse undertakes complete reboot to fend off PLL challenge
Outdoor league undergoes a wide series of changes to reset itself amid heightened competitive pressures within the sport. Bob Williams reports.
Diamondbacks’ Hall seeks to forge new future for Chase Field
After gaining the legal right to look around Maricopa County for a new stadium, MLB club now focusing more of their efforts on current facility
New York City FC feels ‘pain’ of stadium saga after being forced to play at Red Bull Arena
NYCFC CEO Brad Sims talks to Bob Williams about the MLS club's long-running search for a building of their own and why uncomfortable interim steps have happened
USL celebrates 10th season, aspiring to be a global top-10 league
Ahead of its 10th season, which kicks off this weekend, the United Soccer League has taken numerous steps to bolster its commercial structure to help prepare for another decade of growth. Bob Williams reports.
New US Open marketing effort part of broader USGA revamp
New branding campaign follows extensive outreach effort
Flagship tournament funds nearly 75 per cent of all USGA operations
Association looking to revive national championship after years of mishaps
M. James Ward | Is lift-off likely for the Premier Golf League?
Veteran golf writer M. James Ward says the arrival of the Premier Golf League brings far more questions than answers to golf and the sports industry at large
Legalized US betting creates robust opportunity for sports marketing agencies
US Editor Eric Fisher explores how major sports and entertainment agencies in America are looking to carve out their own place in the fast-growing realm of legal sports wagering.
Andy Dolich | Current health crisis just one of many vulnerabilities for sports industry
With the coronavirus outbreak influencing resulting in the postponement or cancellation of more and more sporting events, former NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL senior executive Andy Dolich looks at other potential issues that could affect various sporting competitions.
HBSE flexing its financial muscle thanks to appointment of head of investments
Owners of NBA Philadelphia 76ers and NHL New Jersey Devils have taken a significant step to develop their wider business interests with appointment of David Abrams to senior executive role
Nashville SC eager to make up for lost time in MLS after overcoming stadium setback
Bob Williams takes a look at the developments in Nashville since the city was awarded a Major League Soccer expansion team in December 2017, and the challenges faced during this period.
Rick Burton | Inclusion in sport? Yes, but often not immediately or for all
Rick Burton, David B. Falk Professor of Sport Management at Syracuse University and former commissioner of Australia’s National Basketball League, outlines that while we have historically acknowledged the need for inclusivity in sport, the road toward complete equality is still too long.
Mushrooming OTT market struggles under the weight of its own choice
As more and more streaming services come to market, industry research suggests sharp resistance to consumers carrying more than three each, heightening the race for customer acquisition. US Editor Eric Fisher reports.
How NFL Game Pass uses data to conquer fans around the world without hurting TV revenues
NFL Game Pass is the fastest-growing single-sport OTT service in the world, targeting both casual and avid fans. Frank Dunne speaks with representatives from some of the service's major stakeholders on how Game Pass fits into the league’s global media-rights strategy.
Q&A: Sam Jones, chief executive, OverTier, global distributor of NFL Game Pass
NFL Game Pass is the fastest-growing single-sport OTT service in the world, targeting both casual and avid fans.
Q&A: Dan Cohen, senior vice-president, Global Media Rights Consulting, Octagon
NFL Game Pass is the fastest-growing single-sport OTT service in the world, targeting both casual and avid fans