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☆ Popeyes adds chicken wings to its menu permanently, including popular Ghost Pepper flavor
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-22 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Popeyes is expanding its menu beyond chicken sandwiches — and it's a permanent change this time. The fast-food chain announced Wednesday it's adding five chicken wing flavors to its menu nationwide, with three debuting at Popeyes for the first time, beginning Wednesday. The flavors include Honey BBQ, Roasted Garlic Parmesan, Signature Hot, Ghost Pepper and Sweet 'N Spicy. "We know our guests want even more bold Louisiana-inspired wing flavors to choose from and are excited to see our new wings line-up take flight." Siddiqui added that the Ghost Pepper wings were an "overnight success" when tested at locations earlier this year, and the Sweet 'N Spicy wings have been the chain's best-performing product since its chicken sandwich.

Persons: Pepper, Sami Siddiqui, Siddiqui, Popeyes, Chick Organizations: Popeyes, KFC, CNBC PRO Locations: Popeyes North America, Louisiana, U.S

The PGA Tour said Tuesday it will begin to offer professional players direct equity ownership in the new company that will be formed after it reaches a deal with investors, according to an internal memo obtained by CNBC. The talks with PIF and the DP World Tour remain the tour's "top priority," PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in Tuesday's memo. The new program outlined in Tuesday's memo is the latest move to align the interests of PGA Tour players with the business itself. Monahan also wrote that the Tour's agreement with PIF and DP World Tour has generated interest from other investors. Last week, Fenway Sports Group Chairman Tom Werner acknowledged that the company has held talks with the PGA Tour, but declined to comment with any further details.

Persons: Woods, Rory McIlroy, LIV, Jay Monahan, Monahan, Tom Werner, There's Organizations: Northern, Augusta National Golf Club, CNBC, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, PIF, PGA, Fenway Sports Locations: United States, Augusta , Georgia, Saudi, U.S

☆ NWSL announces media deals with CBS Sports, ESPN, Amazon worth $240 million
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The National Women's Soccer League announced a four-year contract Thursday for media distribution with CBS Sports, ESPN, Amazon Prime Video and Scripps Sports . The NWSL will begin each regular-season weekend with Friday night matches on Prime Video, followed by double-header Saturday night games on Scripps'-owned ION network. The league will also air a package of regular-season matches on CBS and stream live on Paramount+. Additionally, ESPN will air a package of matches across its various channels, including live streaming on ESPN+ in English and Spanish. CBS will air a minimum of 21 games, ESPN and ABC will air 20 games, Prime Video will air 27 games and Scripps will air 50, according to the league.

Persons: Carli Lloyd of, Sydney Leroux, Orlando, Jessica Berman, —, Jessica Golden Organizations: Carli Lloyd of NJ, NY Gotham FC, Match, Sydney, Orlando Pride, Red Bull Arena, Women's Soccer League, CBS Sports, ESPN, Amazon Prime, Scripps Sports, Prime, Scripps, ION, CBS, Paramount, CNBC, ABC

Disney said Monday that Hugh Johnston, longtime chief financial officer of PepsiCo , will join the company as its new CFO, as the entertainment giant contends with a sagging share price and streaming losses. Johnston has spent the last 34 years with PepsiCo, holding various positions at the food and beverage company before becoming CFO in 2010. Johnston, who starts at Disney on Dec. 4, will report directly to CEO Bob Iger. "Very few companies have withstood the test of time that Disney has, making the company as rare as it is special." Disney would like to name an heir apparent to Iger by early 2025, CNBC reported earlier this year.

Persons: Disney, Hugh Johnston, Johnston, Bob Iger, Bob, Christine McCarthy, Tom Staggs, Kevin Mayer, Nelson Peltz, Peltz's, Peltz, Iger Organizations: PepsiCo, Disney, ABC, ESPN, Trian Fund Management, CNBC, CNBC PRO Locations: Disney, Iger

☆ Paramount Global stock up double digits for second straight day
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Tom Ryan, CEO and President of Paramount Streaming, speaks during the LG press conference ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 4, 2023. Paramount stock jumped about 11% Friday, a day after posting another double-digit gain, on pace for its best day since last November. The media giant released its third quarter earnings report after the closing bell Thursday, posting higher profit and revenue from a year earlier. Bernstein Research analysts noted that the trends in the third quarter were strong, and if the company keeps them up, Paramount can expect more earnings growth. Moffett Nathanson Research analysts echoed that sentiment while remaining cautiously optimistic.

Persons: Tom Ryan, Moffett Nathanson Organizations: Paramount, LG, Consumer Electronics, Wall Street, Bernstein Research, Moffett Nathanson Research Locations: Las Vegas , Nevada

☆ Paramount stock rises after strong earnings report, adding to blockbuster day
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Paramount Global's stock moved higher in extended trading Thursday after it reported strong revenue and subscription trends in its third-quarter earnings report. In the third quarter, streaming service Paramount+ saw 2.7 million net additions to its 63 million total subscriber count. Adjusted for one-time items, earnings per share were 30 cents during the period. "Looking ahead, we remain on the path to achieving significant total company earnings growth in 2024." Paramount and other media stocks closed higher Thursday as streaming device maker Roku surged 30% following its own stellar earnings report.

Persons: Bob Bakish, Roku, there's, Bakish, Naveen Chopra, Chopra, we've, Simon & Schuster Organizations: Paramount, Columbia, CBS, Showtime, BET, Nickelodeon, SAG, WGA, Netflix, KKR, CNBC PRO Locations: Hollywood , California

☆ National Association of Realtors CEO quits earlier than expected after federal lawsuit loss
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The National Association of Realtors announced Thursday that CEO Bob Goldberg will resign earlier than expected, as the group contends with the fallout from a federal lawsuit and a harassment scandal. The leadership transition comes days after a federal jury found the association — and some residential brokerages, including units of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway — liable for conspiring to artificially inflate commissions from home sales. The association did not mention the lawsuit in Goldberg's decision to step down. Starting Nov. 30, Goldberg will be replaced by Nykia Wright, who's serving as interim CEO while the association searches for a permanent replacement. Goldberg will continue to serve as an executive consultant through the transition, the association added.

Persons: Bob Goldberg, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway —, Kenny Parcell, Goldberg, Nykia Wright, who's Organizations: National Association of Realtors, NAR, New York Times, CNBC PRO Locations: Edmonton , Alberta, Canada, Warren

☆ Norwegian Cruise Line cancels stops in Israel, cuts outlook for the year
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The passenger cruise ship Norwegian Prima arrives at the French Mediterranean port of Marseille. The Israel conflict has also impacted broader cruises to the Middle East area beyond just its Israel stops, the company said on its earnings call. Last week, rival cruise line Royal Caribbean Group said canceled sailings to Israel will negatively impact its earnings for the year by three cents a share. The cruise company also the wildfires in Maui forced Norwegian to modify some August itineraries. The company lowered its 2023 occupancy outlook to 102.6% from 103.5%, citing the disruptions affecting fourth quarter performance.

Persons: Norwegian Prima, Gerard Bottino, Harry Sommer Organizations: Getty Images, Cruise Line Holdings, Hamas, Royal Caribbean Group Locations: Norwegian, Marseille, Israel, Maui, East

☆ Major landlords, RealPage sued in DC for alleged rent-fixing scheme
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The alleged collusion violates the District of Columbia's Antitrust Act, the office said. Washington, D.C., Attorney General Brian Schwalb's office said Tuesday that it's suing RealPage, a property management software company, and 14 of the district's largest landlords for allegedly colluding to raise rents. In a statement to CNBC, a company spokesperson for William C. Smith & Co. said the company does not comment on pending litigation. The software uses proprietary, nonpublic data and statistical models to estimate supply and demand and generate a price to maximize the landlord's revenue. RealPage has previously been sued by renters in the Southern District of California and Tennessee over the past year.

Persons: Igor Golovniov, Brian Schwalb's, it's, RealPage, William C, Smith, didn't, Schwalb, Jennifer Bowcock, Berkshire Hathaway Organizations: Inc, Getty, Columbia's, Washington , D.C, CNBC, Southern District of, D.C, National Association of Realtors, CNBC PRO Locations: Washington ,, Southern District, Southern District of California, Tennessee, Seattle , Texas, Boston, Missouri, Berkshire

☆ 'Sesame Street' will be revamped as Max streaming deal is set to expire
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie during the presentation of the NDR and Deutsche Post commemorative stamp of 'Sesamstrasse' on March 2, 2020 in Hamburg, Germany. "Sesame Street" will soon have a new format as it turns the page on season 55, ending the children's show's magazine-style structure, Sesame Workshop executives told The Hollywood Reporter. The revamped "Sesame Street" will debut in 2025. Last year, Max yanked about 200 older episodes of "Sesame Street" as the streaming service refined content for its target audience, which isn't children. The show's current deal with Max ends after season 55, which is set to begin about a year from now.

Persons: Bert, Ernie, Elmo, Big Bird, HBO Max, Max, Max yanked, Steve Youngwood, Youngwood, Max didn't Organizations: NDR, Deutsche, Sesame, Hollywood, Warner Bros, HBO, Warner Locations: Hamburg, Germany

☆ UPS stock falls after delivery giant cuts revenue outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Shares of the United Parcel Service closed 6% lower Thursday after the company reported a bigger-than-expected revenue decline and cut its revenue guidance for the year. Adjusted for one-time earnings, per share earnings were $1.57. The company also lowered its revenue outlook for the full year. UPS now expects this year's consolidated revenue to be between $91.3 billion and $92.3 billion, down from its previous projection of $93 billion. The delivery giant cited global economic uncertainty as the main factor in lowering its outlook.

Persons: Carol Tomé Organizations: UPS, United Parcel Service, Teamsters Locations: San Francisco , California

☆ The NBA is back and expanding its global reach. Here's how
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

As the National Basketball Association's new season tips off this week, the league is seeing more international interest than ever. The NBA said it expects fans from more than 200 countries to tune in to games in more than 50 languages this season, with interest across international markets increasing significantly from last season. Global business accounts for about 10% of total team and league revenue, according to a person familiar with the matter. A significant factor driving the surge in international interest is the number of international players taking part in the league this season, according to Samantha Engelhardt, the NBA's senior vice president of global strategy and innovation. This season, all 30 NBA teams feature at least one international player, and 15 international players on opening-night rosters have been NBA All-Stars.

Persons: Nikola Jokic, Bones Hyland, Norman Powell, wasn't, Matt Brabants, Samantha Engelhardt, Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Wembanyama, " Engelhardt, it's, Jokić Organizations: Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Crypto.com Arena, Basketball, NBA, Global, Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs, Nuggets Locations: Los Angeles, India, Serbia, Greece, France

☆ ‘Oppenheimer’ helps IMAX swing to a profit in the third quarter
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

IMAX on Wednesday posted third-quarter earnings showing its second highest-grossing quarter ever at the global box office, led by Universal's "Oppenheimer." The quarter was behind only the fourth quarter of 2019, when "Joker" and "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" opened, in terms of grosses, IMAX said. In the third quarter, IMAX also generated 120 new signings for new and upgraded IMAX systems across the world. The company delivered a record performance in the third quarter," Gelfond said during the call. Looking to next year, IMAX expects "some movement" due to effects felt from the Hollywood actors' strike, Gelfond said.

Persons: Universal's, Oppenheimer, Richard Gelfond, We've, Gelfond, I've, Indiana Jones, Natasha Fernandes, Taylor Swift, Beyonce Organizations: Revenue, Hollywood, CNBC, Universal Pictures

Passengers check in for United Airlines flights at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on Dec. 13, 2022. United Airlines will change its boarding order next week by letting economy-class passengers who have selected window seats to board before those with middle and aisle seats. The company said the change could shave two minutes off the boarding process. Airlines regularly tinker with boarding procedures to save precious time getting passengers onto planes, generally rewarding their biggest spenders with some of the earliest boarding. The new boarding process will be implemented on all domestic flights and some international flights.

Persons: United Organizations: United Airlines, O'Hare International, CNBC, United, Airlines, tinker Locations: Chicago

☆ StubHub sees 60% jump in ticket sales for NBA season as international interest surges
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Anthony Davis, #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers, drives to the basket during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Oct. 15, 2023. With the National Basketball Association season tipping off next week, StubHub sees ticket sales up nearly 60% compared to last year, with the Los Angeles Lakers returning to the top of the list as the most in-demand team. The ticket exchange's annual NBA preview breaks down the company's projections for the upcoming basketball season based on years of data, according to spokesperson Adam Budelli. Across the board, Budelli told CNBC that all teams are seeing an encouraging rise in demand this season, with international interest surging. Those international sales will be up 120% from last season, StubHub predicted, with the most popular countries attending NBA games including Australia, the United Kingdom and Brazil.

Persons: Anthony Davis, StubHub, Adam Budelli, Budelli, Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Wembanyama Organizations: Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, Crypto.com Arena, National Basketball Association, CNBC, NBA, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs Locations: Los Angeles, Australia, United Kingdom, Brazil

☆ An Absolut Vodka and Sprite canned cocktail is coming next year
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The new cocktail will contain a mix of Absolut Vodka and Sprite, the companies said. The drink will be available in two versions with Sprite and Sprite Zero Sugar. The announcement didn't say when the Absolut and Sprite drinks would hit the U.S. market. "We are excited about our new relationship with Pernod Ricard and look forward to the introduction of Absolut & Sprite." Vodka is already one of the most popular bases for alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages, and lemon-lime soft drinks such as Sprite are one of the most popular mixers in premixed cocktails.

Persons: Pernod Ricard, Jack, James Quincey Locations: United Kingdom, Netherlands, Spain, Germany

☆ Disney World and Disneyland raise prices for passes and tickets
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

It's about to get a bit more expensive to experience the magic of Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The parks are increasing a wide variety of prices for passes, effective immediately, including parking and annual passes. At Disneyland, that least expensive option will run you $104 — consistent since before the pandemic — and at Disney World it'll cost $109. At Disney World in Orlando, annual price passes jumped by nearly 10%, with the most expensive Incredi-Pass now selling for $1,449. Parking at the theme park will also rise by $5 to $30 total, but it's free for hotel guests.

Persons: Hopper Organizations: Walt Disney, Disney Locations: Anaheim , California, Orlando, Anaheim, California

☆ Cruise prices are way up as operators meet surging travel demand
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

As vacationers emerge into a post-pandemic travel world, cruises have made a spectacular comeback — and ticket prices are surging. Cruise operators such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruises are setting some ticket prices higher than pre-pandemic levels and are indicating they may raise them further, even as they post pre-Covid profits. Compared to 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic decimated the cruising industry, December ticket prices are up 43%. The company's booking volumes likewise hit an all-time high, pushing cruise occupancy and revenue beyond 2019 levels, he said. Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty echoed the sentiment, saying on that company's post-earnings call in July that his company is also considering increasing prices to meet the surge in demand.

Persons: Josh Weinstein, Jason Liberty Organizations: Royal Caribbean Cruises, Cruise, Tripadvisor, Wall, Carnival, CNBC, Royal Locations: Caribbean, Royal Caribbean

☆ Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert film surpasses $100 million in ticket sales
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert film is already a $100 million blockbuster — and it hasn't even hit theaters yet. AMC announced Thursday that global advance ticket sales for the pop singer's movie surpassed the jaw-dropping threshold this week. "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" is set to hit the big screen on Oct. 13 in more than 100 countries across the world, distributed by AMC. AMC said audience demand for the movie has been exceedingly high since the film was announced, shattering the theater chain's U.S. record for the highest ticket sales revenue during a single day. The film will chronicle Swift's experience during her record-breaking Eras Tour.

Persons: Taylor, Taylor Swift Organizations: AMC

☆ Hyundai and Kia to adopt Tesla's EV charging tech next year
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Hyundai Motor and Kia announced Thursday they will soon adopt Tesla's electric vehicle charging system, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2024 in the United States. Hyundai and Kia join others like Ford and General Motors to integrate the Tesla charging ports, called North American Charging Standard, into their electric vehicles, allowing drivers to use any Tesla charging stations. The charging tech has gained steam in recent months toward becoming a unified charging standard among electric vehicle makers. "Our collaboration with Tesla marks another milestone in our commitment to delivering exceptional EV experiences to our customers," said José Muñoz, president and global COO of Hyundai. Additionally, owners of current Hyundai and Kia electric vehicle models will be able to access Tesla Superchargers using adapters beginning in the first quarter of 2025.

Persons: Tesla, José Muñoz, Mary Barra Organizations: Hyundai Motor, Kia, Hyundai, Ford, General Motors, South Korean, Hyundai EV Locations: United States, U.S, Canada, Mexico, North America

☆ Sphere Entertainment stock soars more than 10% after Las Vegas venue opening
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Sphere is seen during its opening night with the U2:UV Achtung Baby Live concert at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas on Sept. 29, 2023. Sphere Entertainment shares soared more than 10% Monday morning following the successful opening weekend of the company's new Las Vegas venue. The Sphere plans to host live concerts and sporting events. Sphere calls itself a "next-generation entertainment medium" that aims to bring a fresh take to live entertainment, fit with a futuristic dome-shaped arena and wall-to-wall video screens. The Las Vegas venue is the company's first opening.

Persons: James Dolan Organizations: Sphere Entertainment, New York Knicks Locations: Las Vegas, London

☆ Toys R Us is planning a brick-and-mortar comeback in the U.S., with up to 24 new flagship stores
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Toys R Us is plotting a bold comeback in the U.S., as it plans to expand its brick-and-mortar presence with as many as 24 new flagship stores and a separate rollout at airports and on cruise ships starting this holiday season. Toys R Us aims to start opening the up to two dozen flagship stores as early as next year in partnership with Go! Toys R Us filed for bankruptcy in 2017, though it could not come out of it on its own, pushing it into liquidation. In summer 2021, WHP announced a rollout of more than 400 new Toys R Us stores at Macy's locations across the country. WHP told CNBC the new flagship stores will be modeled after the American Dream location with "immersive" shopping experiences.

Persons: WHP, Yehuda Shmidman, Shmidman Organizations: WHP Global, Go, Retail, Dallas, Fort Worth International, Tru, CNBC, Duty Locations: U.S, New Jersey, Dallas

☆ Shoppers face higher orange juice prices as futures hit another record
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Orange juice is the latest item to succumb to higher prices at the grocery store, with futures on the commodity good reaching an all-time high this week. Future prices for the breakfast staple have been steadily climbing over the past few months, hitting a record high of $3.69 per pound Tuesday morning. With the price hike, the juice joins other major grocery store items facing high prices even as inflation slows, including raw sugar and cocoa. The drink's price has shot up due to hurricanes and bad weather that slammed Florida — the main producer of orange juice for the U.S. — last year, which reduced the crop to its lowest level in nearly 80 years. Other exporters such as Brazil and Mexico also lowered their estimated yields for the year, citing crop difficulties from warmer weather.

Persons: — Organizations: Florida, U.S, U.S . Department of Agriculture Locations: Florida, Brazil, Mexico

☆ Aluminum producer Alcoa names new president and CEO
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Aluminum producer Alcoa announced Monday that the company has named William Oplinger as its new president and CEO, effective immediately. Oplinger had served as Alcoa's executive vice president and chief operations officer since February. "Our Board believes Bill's extensive experience with Alcoa makes him well-positioned to carry the company forward." The Pittsburgh-based producer split into two publicly traded companies and created the current iteration of Alcoa in 2016. Before that, Oplinger had served as chief financial officer and oversaw the mining, refining, smelting and energy businesses.

Persons: William Oplinger, Roy Harvey, Oplinger, Roy, Steven Williams, Harvey, We've Organizations: Alcoa Locations: Pittsburgh, Alcoa

☆ NeNe Leakes’ son, 23, is struggling to speak after stroke and heart failure
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-10 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

NeNe Leakes, former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star, shared on her Instagram stories on Monday that her son Brentt suffered from congestive heart failure and a stroke two weeks ago. Brentt Leakes is 23. “This is not the way I wanted it to come out,” Nene Leakes said in her video. Doctors are still running tests, Nene Leakes said, because they don’t know exactly what caused the stroke. “They have run a number of tests on him to see what could have possibly made this happen to him,” Nene Leakes said.

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