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Features
ViacomCBS makes soccer a driving force for rebranded streaming service Paramount+
CBS Sports' coverage of European club soccer has been so successful, ViacomCBS has made it a key driving factor of its new and enhanced Paramount+ streaming service. Bob Williams reports.
MLB clubs relishing chance to sell tickets once again
After going a full year without being able to sell any tickets, MLB clubs are embracing the restart of fan attendance in local markets. Eric Fisher reports.
M. Quentin Williams | Why retiring O’Ree and Clemente numbers is good business sense
M. Quentin Williams, founder and chief executive of non-profit organization Dedication To Community, explores the business upside if the NHL and MLB were to retire the numbers of former legends Willie O'Ree and Roberto Clemente across their respective leagues
The SportBusiness Finance Weekly Podcast | SeatGeek’s Russ D’Souza on the return of fans to live events
In this week's episode, podcast co-hosts Eric Fisher and Chris Russo interview Russ D'Souza, co-founder and president of SeatGeek, and also discuss the emergence of ViacomCBS streaming service Paramount+ and the rise of athlete investment vehicles.
Washington Spirit seeks new relevance with Clinton, Bush Hager among new investors
NWSL club is looking to gain new relevance on a local, national and international level by bringing in an expansive group of investors headlined by US presidential daughters Chelsea Clinton and Jenna Bush Hager.
Wilf family ‘in talks’ to purchase Orlando City in $450m deal
The Wilf family, who are majority owners of the National Football League's Minnesota Vikings, are reportedly in talks to purchase Major League Soccer team Orlando City SC
Garnett out of race to buy Timberwolves
National Basketball Association superstar Kevin Garnett has declared himself out of the running to purchase his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves
NBA secures Clorox, Bally’s partnerships
Cleaning products brand Clorox has been named the official cleaning partner of the National Basketball Association and Women’s National Basketball Association in a multiyear agreement.
NBA, Atlanta seek to discourage All-Star Game gatherings
League wants midseason showcase to be considered only made-for-TV event
Terrence Burns | Brands need to seize 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics opportunities now
Terrence Burns, Olympic and global sports marketing veteran, argues that the sooner US brands seize on the opportunities presented by two major events in their own backyard, the greater their chances for success
The SportBusiness Finance Weekly Podcast | Legends’ Shervin Mirhashemi on the firm’s $1.35bn Sixth Street deal
In the latest episode of the SportBusiness Finance Weekly podcast, Shervin Mirhashemi, president and chief executive of Legends, discusses global investment firm Sixth Street's deal to acquire a majority stake in the company for $1.35bn.
NHL’s Lake Tahoe games poised to become league’s most spectacular outdoor event
It took the NHL just a matter of seconds before deciding that Lake Tahoe would be the ideal spot for an outdoor tentpole event. The logistical challenges, however, have been significant, explains NHL chief content officer Steve Mayer.
US sports industry looks to retool executive search, vetting in wake of Porter, Callaway incidents
After multiple American sports industry leadership figures were found to have sent inappropriate text messages, properties and executive search firms see the need to heighten executive screening processes. US Editor Eric Fisher reports.
Mark McKenzie | Our voices will be heard
Mark McKenzie, a 21-year defender for Belgian football club KRC Genk and co-host of the new "Orange Slices" podcast, discusses the importance of athletes finding a greater voice in a time of significant social change
The SportBusiness Finance Weekly Podcast | KB Partners’ Keith Bank and Phenix Real Time Solutions’ Jed Corenthal
The latest episode of the SportBusiness Finance Weekly podcast features interviews with Keith Bank, founder and managing partner of Illinois-based investment firm KB Partners, which has has been active in sports technology startups, and Jed Corenthal, chief marketing officer of video streaming outfit Phenix Real Time Solutions, which is part of KB Partners’ portfolio of companies.
Nick Sakiewicz | Why the NLL chose to sit this one out
National Lacrosse League commissioner Nick Sakiewicz explains why the league is continuing to halt its play amid the Covid-19 pandemic and is instead preparing to return in the fall.
Nascar looks to expand reach, engage fans with Netflix sitcom ‘The Crew’
US stock car racing series is looking to engage its fanbase, attract new supporters, and extend relationships with commercial partners via a scripted comedy series. Bob Williams reports.
Brian Bolten | The rise of the collaborative
Brian Bolten, a 25-year sports and entertainment marketing veteran, discusses his vision for the future of service companies within the industry.
The Athletic seeks new markets for football and US sports coverage
Subscription sports journalism service The Athletic will launch in a number of new markets this year. Experienced sports media executives Simon Greenberg and Alex Peebles are leading the expansion and discussed the plans and strategy with SportBusiness.
Hannah Robertson | How sport can give back to our frontline workers
Hannah Robertson, senior group marketing manager at CSM Sport and Entertainment, looks at the NFL's decision to invite 7,500 vaccinated healthcare workers to Super Bowl LV and examines other sports organisations that have taken an altruistic stance during the Covid-19 pandemic
The SportBusiness Finance Weekly Podcast talks to GameChanger’s Sameer Ahuja
The latest episode of the SportBusiness Finance Weekly podcast features an interview with Sameer Ahuja, chief operating officer of GameChanger
Super Bowl LV ticket market sees heavy turbulence
Due to the pandemic and the presence of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing in their home venue, the ticket resale market for Super Bowl LV is experiencing a series of unprecedented anomalies. US Editor Eric Fisher reports.
Yao Williams | The future of athlete endorsements
Yao Williams, head of international at the A1 Partner agency, explains how athletes can work with brands to become movers for social good and calls for the industry itself to become more progressive during this period of change.
Tampa tourism leaders confident Covid-impacted Super Bowl will be “shot in the arm”
Rob Higgins, the Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee president and CEO, tells SportBusiness about the challenges and opportunities of hosting the NFL championship game amid the pandemic.
Osaka investment reaps immediate rewards for North Carolina Courage
The announcement that the Japanese tennis star joined the NWSL team's ownership group resulted in significant global publicity, social-media engagement and sponsorship inquiries, majority owner Steve Malik tells SportBusiness.
Chris Russo | Sports SPACs: Five Key Questions for 2021
Chris Russo, chief executive of boutique consulting firm Fifth Generation Sports and co-host of the SportBusiness Finance Weekly podcast, explores the ongoing meteoric growth of special purpose acquisition companies.
SportBusiness Finance Weekly Podcast | HBSE’s Scott O’Neil discusses SPAC fever
The debut episode of the new SportBusiness Finance Weekly podcast features an interview with Scott O’Neil, chief executive of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.
Peacock assumes more prominent role within Comcast
The better-than-expected growth trajectory of NBCUniversal's new streaming service has it now squarely in the center of Comcast's overall corporate plans, which company executives remain hopeful will still include this summer's Tokyo Olympics. US Editor Eric Fisher reports.