USA
Features
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
2021 Boston Marathon postponed until at least next fall
The Boston Athletic Association has decided to postpone next year's Boston Marathon until "at least the fall of 2021" in the wake of the global Covid-19 pandemic
Qualtrics founder Smith to buy Jazz, Vivint Arena in $1.66bn deal
Ryan Smith, the co-founder of Utah-based data and analytics research firm Qualtrics, has entered into an agreement to purchase the National Basketball Association's Utah Jazz in deal worth a reported $1.66bn
BioSteel agrees to wide-ranging deal with Dallas Mavericks
Sports nutrition company BioSteel has struck a multiyear, wide-ranging sponsorship with the National Basketball Association's Dallas Mavericks
Drone Racing League, Genius Sports strike long-term data agreement
The Drone Racing League has struck a long-term agreement with specialist sports data and technology firm Genius Sports as a means to move into the sports betting landscape
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.
“Funding events privately is part of our DNA” | Miami’s sports hosting strategy
Miami is focusing on sporting events that will generate a positive economic impact and reflect the city’s diverse heritage as it bids to recover from the devastating impact of Covid-19. Bradley Rial reports.
US Open revenues and TV ratings suffer sharp drop but USTA still savors successful grand slam
USTA chief executive Michael Dowse tells SportBusiness how, despite facing multiple unprecedented issues and sharp ratings declines, the organization was able to bring back elite tennis and make a small profit with the US Open. Bob Williams reports
Monkey Knife Fight looks to advance status as industry disruptor
An upstart daily fantasy company with an unusual name and unconventional approach has quickly risen to prominence by challenging established market leaders DraftKings and FanDuel and striking a large series of team sponsorships.
ESPN ready to hit ground running as Bundesliga partnership in US kicks off
ESPN is putting on major marketing effort to promote its new media-rights deal with German top flight league while also focusing on wider long-term content initiatives. Bob Williams reports
Premier League takes pride of place on Peacock as NBCU’s key weapon in streaming wars
NBCUniversal is actively looking to utilize NBC Sports' premium properties to attract subscribers to its new streaming service and help differentiate the platform from its rivals in the crowded and competitive direct-to-consumer marketplace.
Darren Heitner | Who owns a social media account?
Darren Heitner, founder of Florida-based Heitner Legal, P.L.L.C., and an active attorney practicing sports law and contract law, explores the ramifications of an ongoing legal case surrounding the ownership of a college baseball team's Twitter account.
MLS expansion to St. Louis pushes city’s USL Championship team to cease operations
Due to the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the absence of any buyers amid the pending arrival of another pro soccer team to the Midwest US market, executives for the USL's Saint Louis FC decided it did not make any sense for the team to continue beyond this campaign. Bob Williams reports
US television viewership data set for historic changes with enhanced out-of-home reporting
After years of industry debate and development, Nielsen this month is beginning widespread measurement of out-of-home television viewership in the US, a move set to create significant changes across the sports industry
Chris Russo | What’s next for sports betting and media deals?
Chris Russo, chief executive of boutique consulting firm CRX Sports & Gaming, looks ahead to deal trends set to emerge in 2020's fourth quarter