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☆ Life Time fitness leans into pickleball with Lululemon partnership, new courts and more
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-07 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Life Time fitness is all in on pickleball. It is all part of the upscale fitness company's strategy to grow its brand by investing in pickleball. To continue that goal, Life Time on Tuesday announced it is teaming up with Lululemon , naming the company as an official apparel partner of Life Time pickleball and tennis. The relationship includes selling Lululemon apparel online at Life Time clubs, in addition to collaborating on key pickleball events. Life Time CEO and founder Bahram Akradi, an avid pickleball player himself, is betting that the hot, tennis-like sport will be that catalyst.

Persons: Ben Johns, Anna Bright, Andre Agassi, Celeste Burgoyne, Bahram Akradi Organizations: Penn Locations: Madison, New York City, pickleball, Americas

☆ Dave & Buster's plan to allow betting on arcade games draws scrutiny
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A Dave & Buster's location in the Gateway Center shopping complex in the Brooklyn borough of New York, US, on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Arcade chain Dave and Buster's plan to allow customer betting isn't winning over everyone. Software company Lucra Sports announced on Tuesday that it was working with the entertainment chain to allow customers to place wagers on their arcade games through the Dave & Buster's app. Illinois State Rep. Daniel Didech, a Democrat from Buffalo Grove, filed a bill on Thursday that's designed to prohibit family amusement establishments from facilitating wagering on amusement games. "None of those protections are in place at Dave & Buster's locations.

Persons: Dave, Daniel Didech, Didech Organizations: Gateway Center, . Software, Lucra Sports, Illinois State, Democrat, Illinois, Illinois House Gaming, CNBC, Dave Locations: Brooklyn, New York, Buffalo Grove, Illinois

A general view of the atmosphere during The SDI Takeover @ Dave & Buster's in Los Angeles on June 23, 2022Arcade giant Dave & Buster's is taking its games to a new level by offering social wagering on its app. Customers can soon make a friendly $5 wager on a Hot Shots basketball game, a bet on a Skee-Ball competition or on another arcade game. Dave & Buster's, started in 1982, now has more than 222 venues in North America, offering everything from bowling to laser tag, plus virtual reality. The company says it has five million loyalty members and 30 million unique visitors to its locations each year. "We're thrilled to work with Lucra to bring this exciting new gaming platform to our customers,"said Simon Murray, senior vice president of entertainment and attractions at Dave & Buster's.

Persons: Buster's, We're, Lucra, Simon Murray, Dylan Robbins, Michael Madding, Robbins, Madding, Goldman Sachs, Marc Lasry, John Isner, Julie, Zach Ertz Organizations: SDI, Stanford Graduate School, Business, Raptor, SeventySix, Dupr, @ & ' Locations: Los Angeles, North America

☆ Professional pickleball signs first international deal, looks to grow the sport in India
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The United Pickleball Association and Global Sports announced a deal on Thursday to bring the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball to the world's most populous country. It's the first international deal and major announcement for the United Pickleball Association, which was created after a merger between Major League Pickleball and the Professional Pickleball Association last February. The PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball retained their own distinct brands after the merger. "The PPA Tour India and MLP India will create a pathway for players to compete on pickleball's biggest stage and reach the top of the sport. The deal will also launch PPA Tour India, offering ranking points to players at events around the country.

Persons: Jose A, Iglesias, League Pickleball, Major League Pickleball, Connor Pardoe, Shashank Khaitan Organizations: El, El Nuevo Herald, Tribune, Service, Getty, United Pickleball Association, Global Sports, PPA, League, Major League, Professional Pickleball Association, MLP, India, MLP India, APP, Global Locations: Miami, El Nuevo, India, Asia, Australia, United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden, pickleball

☆ South Carolina coach Dawn Staley says women's basketball will get 'better and better'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Dawn Staley just finished leading South Carolina's undefeated season and witnessing the end of Caitlin Clark's record-breaking college career — and she thinks women's basketball is only getting started. The matchup, broadcast on ESPN , was the most-watched basketball game at any level since 2019, according to Nielsen. "I hope every school or university treats women's sports like South Carolina," she said. Staley, who is the second-highest-paid coach in women's college basketball, has a salary of $3.1 million per season, and earned a reported $680,000 more in bonuses following South Carolina's championship. Staley also reflected on Clark's effect on women's basketball, not only through drawing new audiences to the sport, but also by appearing on platforms such as "Saturday Night Live."

Persons: Dawn Staley, Caitlin Clark's, —, Clark, Nielsen, Staley, …, Caitlin Clark Organizations: South, CNBC, of Fame, Gamecocks, ESPN, New York Stock Exchange, National Basketball, Indiana Fever Locations: Iowa, South Carolina

☆ Ohtani translator accused of stealing $16 million from Dodgers star
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Shohei Ohtani answers questions and Ippei Mizuhara translates during the Shohei Ohtani-Los Angeles Dodgers press conference at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Dec. 14, 2023. Shohei Ohtani's former translator Ippei Mizuhara allegedly stole more than $16 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers star to cover millions of dollars of gambling debts, the U.S. attorney's office announced Thursday. Over that time, the attorney's office discovered that Mizuhara had full access to Ohtani's bank accounts. Phone records indicate he accessed them online and lied to the bank pretending to be Ohtani, the office said. Attorneys for Ohtani, Mizuhara and the Dodgers declined to give immediate comment on the charges.

Persons: Shohei, Ippei Mizuhara, Mizuhara, Ohtani, Martin Estrada, Estrada, I've Organizations: Los Angeles Dodgers, Dodger, Ohtani, Dodgers, DOJ, D.C, MLB, Los Angeles Angels, American League, Major League Locations: Los Angeles, U.S, Ohtani, Ohtani's, Southern California, Las Vegas, Washington, California

☆ Barstool's Dave Portnoy won $2.7 million betting on UConn in NCAA men's final
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is cashing in $2.76 million on UConn's big win over Purdue Monday night in the NCAA men's championship game. FanDuel said the men's championship game saw a 52% year-over-year increase in bet count and a 42% year-over-year increase in handle. At Caesars , Monday's championship game accounted for the most same-game parlays ever placed on a college basketball game at their sportsbook. FanDuel, BetMGM and Fanatics say the championship game was their single biggest betting event on women's sports. Caesars said the women's championship saw double the previous handle record for a women's college basketball game.

Persons: Dave Portnoy, Portnoy, DraftKings, Barstool, FanDuel, Craig Mucklow, Caitlin Clark, BetMGM, Mucklow Organizations: Florida Atlantic Owls, Loyola, Ramblers, Wintrust Arena, Barstool Sports, Purdue, NCAA, Huskies, CNBC, DraftKings, Penn Entertainment, Washington , D.C, American Gaming Association, Caesars Locations: Chicago , Illinois, Washington ,

☆ FanDuel says Iowa-LSU game was its biggest betting event of all time for women's sports
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The superstar women's college basketball matchups Monday night attracted more than just viewers — the games also set new sports betting records. FanDuel tells CNBC that the Louisiana State University versus Iowa game was its biggest betting event of all time for women's sports. 1 betting event Monday, ahead of all National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball and National Hockey League games, FanDuel said. The women's basketball games were its top two events last night, ahead of every MLB and NBA game, a spokesperson told CNBC. BetMGM also had a big night, saying the Iowa-LSU matchup was its most bet-on women's basketball game ever.

Persons: Caitlin Clark, FanDuel, sportsbooks, Monday's, Angel Reese, Kim Mulkey, Paige Bueckers, Karol Corcoran, FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings, BetMGM, Seamus Magee Organizations: Iowa Hawkeyes, Lousiana State University Tigers, NCAA, Arena, CNBC, Louisiana State University, Iowa, ESPN, American Gaming Association, Monday's LSU, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, National Hockey League, University of Connecticut, University of Southern, MLB, NBA, NFL, LSU, UConn, NC State, Wolfpack Locations: Albany , New York, Iowa, University of Southern California, BetMGM, South Carolina

☆ Minnesota Timberwolves sale to Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore falls apart
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Co-owners Alex Rodriguez, right, and Marc Lore of the Minnesota Timberwolves during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Dec. 30, 2023. The National Basketball Association's Minnesota Timberwolves and the Women's National Basketball Association's Lynx are no longer for sale after a deal with former baseball great Alex Rodriguez and businessman Marc Lore fell apart, the teams' owner Glen Taylor said Thursday. In a statement to CNBC, Lore and Rodriguez said they are disappointed with Taylor's comments. However, those circumstances did not occur," Taylor's statement said. Some reports suggest that the relationship among Taylor, Lore and Rodriguez became strained since the original deal was made.

Persons: Alex Rodriguez, Marc Lore, Glen Taylor, Rodriguez, Marc, Alex, Taylor, Lore, Taylor's, Glen, Axios Organizations: Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers, Target Center, Basketball Association's Minnesota Timberwolves, Women's, Basketball, Timberwolves, Lynx, CNBC, NBA, Carlyle Group, Western Conference Locations: Target Center Minneapolis , Minnesota

ROGA members commit to work together on issues ranging from education, responsible gaming best practices, conscientious advertising and marketing across the industry. Justin Sullivan | Getty ImagesROGA says it will create a certification program to assess members' responsible gaming efforts and provide an incentive for operators to participate. Problem gamblingAn estimated 2 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. Another 5 million to 8 million U.S. adults are considered to have a mild or moderate gambling problem. Problem gambling prompted regulatory crackdowns in Europe and especially in the United Kingdom over the last couple years, impacting sportsbooks' profitability and changing the way they conduct business.

Persons: —, Jennifer Shatley, ROGA, Justin Sullivan, Shohei Ohtani, Ohtani, he's, Jontay Porter, There's, Paul Tonko, Tonko, PrizePicks, FanDuel, Milton Thompson, CNBC it's, it's, Silquia Patel, Eduardo Munoz Organizations: MGM PENN, Penn Entertainment, Online Gaming Association, D.C, Super, Los Angeles Dodgers, NBA, Toronto Raptors, Integrity, Temple University, National Council, . Rep, CNBC, DraftKings, Indiana Gaming, Caesars, American Gaming Association Locations: BetMGM, United States, Washington, Europe, United Kingdom, New York, Indiana, Rhode, Kentucky, East Rutherford , New Jersey, U.S

☆ Sotheby's leans into sports with auctions of Jordan shoes, Ali trunks and Kobe jersey
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-20 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Sotheby's is increasing its sports offerings, as the auction house looks to capitalize on the growing demand for sports memorabilia and draw in a younger demographic. Demand for athletic memorabilia has jumped in recent years, and sports has become one of Sotheby's fastest-growing categories, the auction house said. "We've seen exponential growth and interest in the category," Brahm Wachter, Sotheby's head of Streetwear & Modern Collectibles, told CNBC. Sotheby's said its average client for sports memorabilia are 20 to 40 years old, and 50% of them are new to auctions. The sale set a new global auction record for game-worn sneakers and became the second-highest price achieved for Jordan sports memorabilia.

Persons: Michael Jordan, Sotheby's, Wachter, Jordan Organizations: Wednesday, CNBC, Consulting, Chicago Bulls, NBA, Air, Jordan Locations: Jordan

☆ The state of women's sports: Top executives weigh in on parity, media share and NIL regulations
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-17 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +12 min

From Caitlin Clark fever in Iowa to a packed house of 92,000 fans for women's volleyball in Nebraska, women's sports have never been more at the forefront. Last year saw record media deals for women's sports as the NCAA and NWSL both inked groundbreaking agreements. David Dow | Getty ImagesCathy Engelbert, commissioner of the Women's National Basketball Association: One of the obstacles is the undervaluation of our assets. Jayna Hefford, senior vice president of operations for the Professional Women's Hockey League: Women's sports still struggle to secure prime broadcast windows, consistent airtime and traditional media coverage. Steven Ferdman | Getty ImagesAmy Howe, FanDuel CEO: Women's sports need to continue to position their star athletes (i.e.

Persons: Caitlin Clark, Matthew Holst, there's, Renie Anderson, Jessica Berman, Jesse Grant, CNBC Jessica Berman, Cathy Engelbert, Breanna Stewart, David Dow, Jessica Gelman, John Lamparski, KAGR, Caitlin Clark's, Jayna Hefford, Haley Rosen, Mollie Marcoux Samaan, Michael Reaves, LPGA we've, Katrina Adams, Louis Armstrong, USTA Billie Jean King, Steven Ryan, Sabrina Ionescu, Coco Gauff, —, Berman, Pamela Duckworth, Engelbert, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Amy Howe, Steven Ferdman, FanDuel, Ionescu, A'ja Wilson, Rosen, Adams, they've, Renie, Anderson, I'm, influencers, Duckworth, Angel Reese, Billie Jean King, Jayna, Mark Blinch Organizations: Iowa Hawkeyes, NCAA, Michigan Wolverines, Carver, Getty, women's, Deloitte, CNBC, NFL, National Women's Soccer League, National Women's Soccer, WNBA, New York Liberty, Kia, Connecticut Sun, National Basketball Association, Business, New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, MIT Sloan Sports Analytics, MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, Sports, Professional Women's Hockey, Association, Tiburon Golf Club, Professional, LPGA, USTA, Louis, USTA Billie, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, United States Tennis Association, Women's Tennis, Fubo Studios, FuboTV, NBA, Nike, Wall, Spring Studios, Renie Anderson NFL, Toronto, New York, Mattamy Athletic Centre Locations: Iowa City , Iowa, Iowa, Nebraska, Brooklyn , New York, New, New York City, Naples , Florida, NY, Toronto , Ontario, Canada

☆ How NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman led the league out of crisis to revive women's soccer
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Jessica Berman, commissioner of the National Women’s Soccer League, speaks during a panel on women's professional soccer at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas on Feb. 10, 2024. In 2019, Berman became the first female deputy commissioner of a men's professional sports league, joining the National Lacrosse League. Taking the fieldBerman took the helm at the women's soccer league after allegations were made of emotional abuse and sexual misconduct across several teams. She also brought the first-ever million-dollar prize pool to U.S. women's soccer. She's also lured big-name investors, selling them on her new vision for professional women's soccer.

Persons: Jessica Berman, Omar Vega, Berman, Gary Bettman, Sally Yates, Yates, She's, lister Natalie Portman, Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Patrick Mahomes, Eli Manning, Kevin Durant, Carli Lloyd, Sofia Huerta, Delanie Sheehan, Ben Nichols, Sportico Organizations: National Women’s Soccer League, Hilton Anatole, Getty, New, National Women's Soccer League, CNBC, National Hockey League, NHL, National Lacrosse League, U.S, Chicago Red Stars, Portland Thorns, Hollywood, Seattle, NY Gotham FC, Women's Soccer League, Snapdragon, Amazon, Angel City FC Locations: Dallas, New York City, NJ, San Diego, Angeles

☆ Robinhood partners with Klutch Sports, brings Rich Paul on as advisor as it moves into sports and entertainment
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Rich Paul attends a basketball game between the National Basketball Association's Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 23, 2020. He will work closely with Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev to identify new partnership opportunities in the sports and entrepreneurship space. Paul, who founded Klutch in 2012, represents some of the biggest names in sports, including James. "When you think about what Robinhood represents, it represents access and entrepreneurship." Correction: Rich Paul is joining Robinhood as a strategic advisor.

Persons: Rich Paul, Robinhood, LeBron James, Rich Paul's, Paul, Vlad Tenev, Tenev, Rich, James, Klutch, Draymond, Trae Young, A'ja Wilson —, Klutch —, Ben Baller, brokerages Organizations: National Basketball, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Staples Center, Klutch Sport Group, CNBC, Klutch Sports, Klutch, United Talent Agency, Washington Wizards, Washington D.C, NBA, Robinhood, CNBC PRO Locations: Los Angeles, Robinhood, Washington, Metro, Akron

☆ Major League Pickleball and PPA Tour complete long-awaited merger
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Major League Pickleball and the Professional Pickleball Association have completed their long-awaited merger agreement and infused new capital into the sport, the leagues announced Thursday. The agreement comes after months of drama, hostility and negotiations between the competing pickleball leagues as they now join forces to determine the future of professional pickleball. "Today is an exciting day for everyone involved or interested in the world of pickleball," said PPA Tour founder and CEO Connor Pardoe. The merger will bring together more than 150 professional pickleball players, including many top-ranked players in the world. The PPA Tour features individual bracket-style tour, while MLP is a team-based format.

Persons: Lacy Schneemann, Major League Pickleball, Al Tylis, Tom Dundon, Connor Pardoe, haven't, Bruce Popko, Steve Kuhn, Julian DePietro, Brooks Wiley Organizations: Florida, League Pickleball, BLQK, Major League, Professional Pickleball Association, PPA, MLP, SC Holdings, D.C, Pickleball Team, CNBC, CNBC PRO Locations: Columbus , Ohio

Nike is cutting 2% of its current workforce, or more than 1,500 jobs, as part of a broader restructuring, the company said late Thursday. Cuts in Nike's EMEA region will be on a different timeline based on local labor laws, the company said. In December, Nike unveiled a broad restructuring plan to cut costs by about $2 billion over the next three years. Shortly before the restructuring was announced, The Oregonian reported that Nike had been quietly laying off employees over the past several weeks and had signaled that it was planning for a broader restructuring. It's not clear how many jobs in total Nike has cut since December.

Persons: Jordan, John Donahoe, It's, Oppenheimer, Donahoe Organizations: Nike, CNBC, The Oregonian Locations: Beaverton , Oregon, EMEA

☆ Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia forms new investment group called Player 15
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mat Ishbia, majority owner of the NBA's Phoenix Suns, talks to the media during his introductory press conference at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, on Feb. 8, 2023. Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is forming a new sports, entertainment and real estate investment group as a single unifying place for his investments. The new investment or holding company will be called the Player 15 Group, the company announced Wednesday. It will house the National Basketball Association's Phoenix Suns, the Women's National Basketball Association's Phoenix Mercury and the newly acquired G-League team for the Suns. The group follows similar one-stop shop investment groups such as Fenway Sports Group, Harris Blitzer Group and The Kraft Group.

Persons: Mat Ishbia, Ishbia, Harris Organizations: Phoenix Suns, Footprint, Basketball, Phoenix Mercury, League, Suns, NBA, CNBC, Footprint Center, Phoenix, Mercury, Fenway Sports Group, Harris Blitzer Group, The Kraft Group, United Wholesale Mortgage, Forbes, Michigan State University Locations: Phoenix , Arizona, Phoenix

☆ Tiger Woods signs apparel and footwear deal with TaylorMade following his split with Nike
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Tiger Woods at the practice range on April 5, 2022, before the start of the 2022 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Woods says the name of the brand "Sun Day Red" is a tribute to the fact that he's always worn red on Sundays. The tiger logo is a tribute to the 15 majors he has worn over the course of his career. The brand, Sun Day Red , will be available first only online beginning in May. Tiger Woods and TaylorMade have made it official.

Persons: Tiger Woods, Woods, Tiger, TaylorMade, David Abeles, Abeles, Mark Steinberg, Michael Jordan, Eric Smallwood, Smallwood, Rory McIlroy, That's, Josh Gerben, Gerben Organizations: Augusta National Golf Club, PGA, Sun, Nike, CNBC, TaylorMade, Air, Apex Marketing, of Famer, Apex, ESPN, Ventures, Gerben, CNBC PRO Locations: Augusta , Georgia, Pacific Palisades , California, Carlsbad , California, TaylorMade, Los Angeles

☆ NFL reminds teams they can't bet on sports during Super Bowl week in Las Vegas
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

"Super Bowl LVIII is a highly anticipated and thrilling event for our fans and viewers. Super Bowl 58 in Vegas is expected to be the most bet on NFL championship ever. Staff must also strictly avoid sportsbooks, even for food or drink, while at the Super Bowl. However, employees of the Chiefs and 49ers won't be allowed to play until the Super Bowl is over. Correction: This story has been updated to reflect NFL gambling suspensions start at one to two years for players.

Persons: Roger Goodell, Goodell, Kayshon Boutte Organizations: National Football League, Super, Vegas . Employees, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, CNBC, American Gaming Association, NFL, Louisiana State University, Staff, Chiefs, 49ers, CNBC PRO Locations: Las Vegas, Vegas ., Vegas

☆ PGA Tour secures up to $3 billion from U.S. investors as LIV Golf merger hangs in the balance
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The PGA Tour logo is seen during the third round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, on June 24, 2017. A U.S. consortium has agreed to invest up to $3 billion into the PGA Tour, the professional golf organization announced on Wednesday. Under the terms of the deal, the investor, Strategic Sports Group, will become a minority owner in PGA Tour enterprises, the for-profit entity of the PGA Tour. "Today marks an important moment for the PGA Tour and fans of golf across the world," PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said. "By making PGA Tour members owners of their league, we strengthen the collectives investment of our players in the success of the PGA Tour," Monahan said.

Persons: LIV, PIF, Jay Monahan, " Monahan, Fenway Sports Group's John Henry, Arthur Blank, Steve Cohen, Tom Ricketts, Wyc Grousbeck, John Henry, Monahan, Henry, Yasir Al, Rumayyan, Critics, Prince Muhammad bin Salman, LIV Golf, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brook Koepka, John Rahm Organizations: PGA Tour, Strategic Sports Group, Saudi, PGA, Fenway Sports, Atlanta Falcons, Arthur Blank , New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Boston Celtics, Fenway Sports Group, Saudi Public Investment Fund, Saudi Public Investment, CNBC, Justice Department Locations: Cromwell , Connecticut, U.S, Arthur Blank ,, Saudi Arabia, Saudi

☆ Tom Brady is merging his nutrition and apparel brands with training company Nobull
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Tom Brady will become the No. Seven-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady is merging his health and nutrition company, TB12, and his apparel company, Brady, with training brand Nobull. As part of the deal, Brady will become the No. The Boston-based company employs about 100 people across the U.S., U.K. and China, and sells its sneakers and apparel primarily online. Under the merger, the company will continue to operate under the brand name Nobull and aims to become a complete wellness company.

Persons: Tom Brady, Brady, Mike Repole, Nobull, Marcus Wilson, Michael Schaeffer, Repole Organizations: Reebok Locations: Nobull, Boston, U.S, China

☆ LeBron James signs trading card deal with Fanatics Collectibles, leaving Upper Deck
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-10 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

LeBron James is moving his trading card sponsorship to Fanatics Collectibles after more than 20 years with rival Upper Deck. Fanatics will kick off the deal by selling a unique Bowman brand card featuring a dual autograph of the National Basketball Association legend and his son Bronny. The multiyear deal will mean new inventory of signed James trading cards. It also shakes up the balance of power in the recently revived sports memorabilia and trading card industry. Fanatics Collectibles, under Michael Rubin's $31 billion sports platform company Fanatics, purchased Topps in 2022 for $500 million.

Persons: LeBron James, Bronny, James, James hasn't, Mike Mahan, Michael Rubin's Organizations: Bowman, National Basketball Association, Topps

☆ NFL offers buyouts to more than 200 employees
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-09 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The National Football League offered voluntary buyouts to at least 200 employees as it gears up for start of the playoffs this coming weekend, according to a memo obtained by CNBC. The NFL, which has about 1,100 employees, told staff that it is "continuously evaluating ways to enhance efficiency and improve outcomes," according to the memo. The buyouts come when the league has shown financial strength, with revenue in 2022 hitting nearly $12 billion. It wasn't immediately clear how many buyouts the NFL is aiming for. The league offered eligible employees three weeks salary for every year served, in addition to bonuses.

Persons: Roger Goodell, hasn't Organizations: National Football League, CNBC, NFL, Washington, NFL Network, Sports Business

☆ Tiger Woods ends Nike partnership after 27 years
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-08 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Tiger Woods during the pro-am as a preview for the Hero World Challenge at Albany Golf Course in Nassau on Nov. 29, 2023. Tiger Woods' 27-year partnership with Nike has come to an end. "Phil Knight's passion and vision brought this Nike and Nike Golf partnership together and I want to personally thank him, along with the Nike employees and incredible athletes I have had the pleasure of working with along the way," Woods wrote. In a statement, the company said: "For over 27 years, we have had the honor to partner with Tiger Woods, one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen. Yet, Woods brought significant exposure to the Nike brand.

Persons: Woods, Tiger Woods, Phil Knight's, Mark Steinberg, Tiger, Roger Federer, Marc Maurer, it's, TaylorMade, aren't, Brian Yarbrough, Edward Jones, Eric Smallwood, LeBron James, Smallwood, — CNBC's Gabrielle Fonrouge Organizations: Nike, Nike Golf, CNBC, Apex Marketing, Golfers, CNBC PRO Locations: Nassau, Swiss, Orlando, Oregon

☆ NCAA and ESPN ink 8-year, $920 million media rights deal
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-04 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The NCAA and ESPN have reached a new eight-year media rights deal worth more than $115 million annually, as the value of sports media rights reaches new heights. The new agreement carries an annual value of roughly three times the current 14-year deal, which pays about $40 million annually. It will include the rights to 40 NCAA championships — 21 women's and 19 men's events — as well as exclusive championship coverage of all rounds for women's basketball, women's volleyball, women's gymnastics, softball, baseball and FCS football. ESPN has benefited through its airing of the NCAA women's basketball tournament and the WNBA playoffs, among other sports. "Concurrent with the terms of the new media rights, several enhancements to student-athlete benefits across all three NCAA divisions will take effect, and this deal will help fund those important programs.

Persons: Jimmy Pitaro, Charlie Baker, Baker, Linda Livingstone Organizations: ESPN, Orange, Georgia Bulldogs, Florida State Seminoles, NCAA, FCS, WNBA, IMG, WME Sports, Associated Press, of Governors, Baylor University, NBA, CNBC PRO Locations: Miami Gardens , Florida

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