North America
Features
Athletes Unlimited looks to reimagine women’s sports with player-focused model
Start-up sports league organization has created a radical new model which firmly puts the focus firmly on athletes and not teams. Bob Williams reports.
Eric Fisher | Disney stands at center of sports industry turbulence
SportBusiness US Editor Eric Fisher explores how the American media and entertainment giant is at the fulcrum of large-scale change across the sports industry
Canelo’s split with Golden Boy and DAZN was written in the stars
Saul 'Canelo' Álvarez has departed his deal with Golden Boy Promotions, tearing up his 10-fight deal with DAZN in the process after only two events. Callum McCarthy explores how the boxer made himself a free agent.
49ers helping USA Cricket to push niche sport into the mainstream
USA Cricket is working with 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, in its bold attempts to popularize the sport in the country. USA Cricket chief executive Iain Higgins speaks to SportBusiness.
Matthew Glendinning | Kamala Harris, Nike and iconic moments
Amid the drama that followed the US Presidential elections, the Nike brand was present at the iconic moment when Kamala Harris told the President-Elect: “We did it, Joe.” SportBusiness' Matthew Glendinning explains why Nike’s moment of marketing gold owed as much to judgement as it did to luck.
Dan Snyder ‘blocking’ Washington Football Team minority owners from $900m sale
Washington Football Team majority owner Dan Snyder is reportedly blocking a prospective $900m deal for the National Football League team's minority owners to sell their 40 per cent stake in the franchise
Toronto Raptors to open 2020-21 NBA season in Tampa
The Toronto Raptors will open the 2020-21 National Basketball Association season playing home games in Tampa, Florida, due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.
WWE secures multiyear partnership with Credit One Bank
World Wrestling Entertainment has announced a wide-ranging, multiyear partnership with leading credit card service company Credit One Bank
Drone Racing League partners with BodyArmor, Champion Athleticwear and Respawn
The Drone Racing League has secured a commercial boost by announcing partnerships with sports drink BodyArmor, apparel brand Champion Athleticwear and gaming furniture brand Respawn.
Sports sponsorships transform Hyperice’s profile and spur dramatic growth
Following partnerships with NBA, MLB, UFC, PGA Tour and numerous star athletes, the recovery and performance technology company has transformed its financial fortunes, as well as its domestic and international profile, this year. Bob Williams reports
FIU’s Garcia, mid-major level of college sports look to weather storm of Covid-19
Operating without large-scale revenue guarantees and dedicated media networks enjoyed by many of the Power Five conferences, mid-major conferences and their member schools are facing their own particular challenges amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Pete Garcia, athletic director of Conference USA's Florida International University, discusses the current situation with US Editor Eric Fisher.
Michelob Ultra focuses on ‘health and wellness’ for PGA Championship extension
Matthew Glendinning looks at the details of the AB InBev-owned beer brand's extension with the golf major.
Tennis Channel looks to become “Netflix of tennis” with domestic, international expansion
The Sinclair-owned outlet continues its rapid rise by becoming the exclusive home of the ATP Tour in US and debuting an international streaming service. Bob Williams reports.
Yahoo Sports looks to operate at center of emerging sports industry trends
Verizon-owned digital sports media outlet looks to be aggressive in areas such as legalized wagering, 5G mobile networks, and virtual reality. Yahoo Sports general manager Geoff Reiss discusses the company's efforts with SportBusiness US Editor Eric Fisher
Venue rivalry emerges as New York looks beyond Covid-19
Bradley Rial takes a look towards the future of event hosting in New York, one of the hardest-hit areas in the US during the Covid-19 pandemic.
NWHL ‘re-energized’ after revamping ownership structure to secure long-term stability
The women's ice hockey league has replaced its commissioner and is seeking independent ownership of all its teams to stabilize in the short term and sustainably grow in long run. Bob Williams reports
Sapphire looking to uncover tech jewels
Michael Spirito, managing director of high-profile venture capital fund Sapphire Sport, discusses the current sports technology landscape with SportBusiness US Editor Eric Fisher.
MLB, Rangers prepare Covid-19 protocols for World Series
Veteran baseball executive Rob Matwick discusses the Covid-19 protocols and planned venue operations during the World Series with SportBusiness US Editor Eric Fisher
US sports venues to play critical role in upcoming election
More than six dozen pro and college venues are to be used as voting sites in the forthcoming US election. Eric Fisher examines how athletes, player unions and teams are taking a proactive role in next month's vote.
St. Louis City appoints chief experience officer to differentiate itself in MLS
MLS expansion club hires league's first CXO to put a significant emphasis on the fan experience in the club's development and to differentiate itself in a competitive and expanding league. Bob Williams reports
Broadcast deals help NFL maintain UK presence despite London games cancellation
Despite the cancellation of the NFL International Series this year, the league has managed to boost its presence in the UK with the renewal of its deals with Sky Sports and the BBC and new partnerships with Channel 5 and MTV. Adam Nelson speaks to NFL UK managing director Alistair Kirkwood.
Jim DeMarco | Sports industry needs betting more than ever
Jim DeMarco, consultant with sports industry advisory firm NextUp Partners LLC, explores the need for increased sports wagering as a tool to engage casual fans
Sports-related SPACs rise in prominence
Recent months have seen an historic surge in sports-related public stock offerings using special purpose acquisition companies
Montagliani: Gold Cup revamp to create excitement, unpredictability and a commercial lift
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani tells SportBusiness about the strategy behind the changes on and off the field for the region's flagship international competition, the Gold Cup.
NFL teams rapidly re-embrace having fans in attendance
After a delicate summer where the National Football League was merely trying to stage a 2020 season at all amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a fast-growing number of teams are now embracing a return of attending fans to their stadiums.
Top Rank Boxing keeping focus and flexibility to ensure Wilder-Fury III is staged in front of fans
US boxing promoter is looking to put on third part of showpiece trilogy in front of a live audience in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. But it is not an easy process, as company president Todd DuBoef tells Bob Williams.
Andy Dolich | The time is now for fan-controlled sport
Former NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL senior executive Andy Dolich discusses his involvement in the forthcoming debut of Fan Controlled Football
US RSNs face extended programming drought with upcoming league offseasons
With the National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, and Major League Baseball all approaching their offseasons at the same time due to Covid-19, US regional sports networks are facing an extended programming drought of live pro team sports during the fourth quarter of 2020.