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☆ DirecTV reaches deal to provide NFL 'Sunday Ticket' to bars and restaurants
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-25 | by ( Alex Sherman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

DirecTV has struck a multiyear deal to continue broadcasting the National Football League's "Sunday Ticket" package to commercial establishments, including bars and restaurants. The NFL sold the "Sunday Ticket" commercial rights to EverPass Media, a joint venture owned by private equity firm RedBird Capital Partners and the NFL, earlier this year. The companies confirmed the "Sunday Ticket" deal on Thursday afternoon. Bars and restaurants, such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Hooters, rely on "Sunday Ticket" to bring in big crowds on Sundays during the NFL season. The NFL signed a seven-year deal with Google 's YouTube TV for the residential "Sunday Ticket" broadcast rights in December.

☆ LeBron James' SpringHill is circling Complex Networks as owner BuzzFeed struggles to regroup after layoffs and a stock price plunge
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

LeBron James and Maverick Carter's SpringHill has had conversations about buying BuzzFeed's Complex Networks, sources said. SpringHill Co., LeBron James and Maverick Carter's media and entertainment venture, has explored buying troubled BuzzFeed's Complex Networks, two sources familiar with the situation said. In addition to Complex Networks, BuzzFeed has HuffPost; food vertical Tasty, which includes licensed cooking products; as well as video series like travel-themed "Bring Me." Complex built long-form, host-driven video series like "Hot Ones" and "Sneaker Shopping" into high-profile brands in their own right. SpringHill Co. is a rollup including SpringHill Entertainment, which Carter founded with LeBron James, his childhood friend.

☆ 9 Middle Eastern funds and investors pouring money into US media, sports, and entertainment
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( Lucia Moses | Claire Atkinson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Governments and investors in the Middle East are pouring money into Western media and entertainment. Sovereign funds and other entities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are pouring millions into US media and entertainment, and they're finding plenty of takers. The channels for money from Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East are complex. Insider broke down the key entities — their owners, leaders, and high-profile investments and joint ventures — in the top three Middle Eastern nations pouring money into US entertainment and media. It describes itself as the largest media company in the Middle East and North Africa and runs one of the largest TV news channels, Al Arabiya.

☆ Saudi money is flowing to US media and entertainment, from Live Nation to LIV Golf, 5 years after Jamal Khashoggi's murder: 'The ice has thawed'
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( Claire Atkinson | Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +20 min

Sovereign funds and other entities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are pouring millions into US media and entertainment. Insider identified some key people connecting Middle East investors with American companies. Saudi Arabia is trying to pitch itself to the world as a cultural and economic reformer and spur tourism. Vince McMahon's WWE has a long-term partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a major live WWE event there slated for May. Vince McMahon's WWE was one of the first US companies to create unique events in Saudi Arabia.

☆ NFL, RedBird Team Up to Distribute Sunday Ticket Games to Bars, Restaurants
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Joe Flint | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The NFL decided during negotiations that it would be better to have a distributor devoted exclusively to commercial establishments—which display multiple games at once on various TV screens. The National Football League and private-equity firm RedBird Capital Partners are creating a venture to stream NFL games and eventually other live sports and events to commercial establishments such as bars and restaurants. Starting with the 2023-24 season, the new venture, named EverPass Media, will be the commercial distributor for the NFL’s Sunday Ticket, a subscription-only package popular with sports bars that gives access to all Sunday afternoon games for out-of-market teams, the NFL and RedBird said.

☆ The future of sports rights
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailThe future of sports rightsCNBC's Julia Boorstin reports on the NFL teaming up with RedBird Capital.

☆ A 27-page report breaks down where the money is flowing in sports tech and the investors to watch. Here were 5 key takeaways.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Ashley Rodriguez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Investment bank Drake Star broke down dealmaking in 2022 and what it means for the year ahead. Sports tech M&A activity in 2022, from Drake Star's Global Sports Tech Report 2022. Drake Star Global Sports Tech Report 2022The fourth quarter saw a surge in M&A volume with 67 deals, the most in the sector's recent history. More sports tech companies could explore public listings in the second half of the year. "Some of the IPO ready sports tech companies are expected to explore IPO/SPAC listings."

☆ Saudi money is pouring into Hollywood and media, 5 years after the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Here's who's cashing in and how.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Claire Atkinson | Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

Sovereign funds and other entities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are pouring millions into US media and entertainment. Saudi Arabia is trying to pitch itself to the world as a cultural and economic reformer and spur tourism. Even those media players that are comfortable with invetment from the Middle East may not find funds flowing, one Hollywood veteran said. A major live WWE event in Saudi Arabia is slated for May. Of the growing ties between US entertainment and media and Middle East investors, this person added, "Presumably media organizations got into this to help society make better decisions."

☆ 3 big questions about the state of Goldman Sachs heading into its second-ever investor day
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Dan Defrancesco | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

All eyes are on 200 West Street in lower Manhattan today, the global headquarters of Goldman Sachs and site of the bank's second-ever investor day. Goldman's first investor day, in 2020, included plenty of discussion about the importance of building out its consumer bank. Will new details emerge regarding the asset and wealth management division that show the business is heading in the right direction? Goldman's asset and wealth management division will likely get plenty of attention today. Speaking of David Solomon... Goldman's CEO appeared on a recent episode of the bank's podcast, "Exchanges at Goldman Sachs."

☆ Meet the ex-Goldman banker who relaunched the XFL with The Rock
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-25 | by ( Hayley Cuccinello | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Dealmaker Gerry Cardinale is betting on it, along with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and the star's business partner Dany Garcia. The XFL, previously owned by Vince McMahon, had been forced to cancel its season – its first in 19 years – due to the pandemic. In order to deliver NFL-quality football, the XFL inked an exclusive partnership with the NFL Alumni Academy to find top players. "Dwayne, Dany, and I think we can do that in five." READ THE FULL PROFILE: How Gerry Cardinale became the go-to dealmaker for the Yankees, AC Milan, and Ben Affleck

☆ RedBird Capital Takes More Than 5% Stake in Blade Air Mobility
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-18 | by ( Laura Cooper | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Blade Air Mobility provides short-distance passenger flights throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and India. The private-equity firm RedBird Capital Partners has amassed a more than 5% stake in the air-transportation provider Blade Air Mobility Inc., according to the investment firm’s founder. RedBird, best known for its investments in media companies and pro sports teams including the Boston Red Sox and AC Milan, has built the stake since originally taking a 1% position in Blade in 2021, according to the firm’s founder and managing partner, Gerry Cardinale .

☆ The private-equity firm behind Italian soccer champs AC Milan is quietly building a financial services powerhouse
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-05 | by ( Hayley Cuccinello | Dakin Campbell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

RedBird Capital is best known as the private-equity owner of soccer club AC Milan. But the sports dealmaker is quietly building a financial services arm to rival its flashier bets. RedBird Capital is one of the buzziest names in dealmaking when it comes to sports and Hollywood. In August, the New York City-based private equity firm bought soccer club AC Milan for $1.2 billion. The firm's philosophies for financial services and sports are one and the same: taking advantage of fragmented environments with firms that have long-term recurring cash flow.

☆ A PE firm that's built its brand on high-profile sports deals is broadening its scope
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-05 | by ( Dan Defrancesco | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

But one firm that's already well established in the space is looking to quietly diversify itself beyond the pitch. With seemingly everyone interested in sports these days, Cardinale is smart to want to hedge his firm. The crypto exchange also agreed to pay $50 million to improve how it vets customers and transactions. Mala Gaonkar's hedge fund just made its long-awaited debut. SurgoCap Partners entered the fray this week with $1.8 billion in capital, making it the biggest launch of a women-led hedge fund, Bloomberg reports.

☆ Our predictions for big themes in 2023, from China tensions to the abundance agenda and tech discipline
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-01 | by ( Matt Turner | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

On the agenda today:But first: Now that it's 2023, I want to share some of the things I'm personally fascinated with that I think will be big themes for the year ahead. 3 big themes for 2023China tensions: The fate of the world economy may depend on what happens to a company in Taiwan most Americans have never heard of. These are all huge storylines for 2023 driven by increasing tensions between China and the US. Big tech companies are making their performance reviews tougher. What do you think are the big themes that will shape 2023?

☆ Our best stories on financial tech in 2022
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( Dan Defrancesco | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Today, we're going to recap all the great stories we've done this year on financial tech, whether it's up-and-coming startups or the projects at the biggest banks and investment firms. Wall Street and sports have a long history together. How top Wall Street firms are testing out cutting-edge tech. Shaw, here are 10 of the most innovative tech projects at top Wall Street firms. And we also identified the top Big Tech executives who could get poached by Wall Street firms looking to do more in the cloud.

☆ How Gerry Cardinale became the go-to dealmaker for the likes of the Yankees, AC Milan, and Ben Affleck
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( Hayley Cuccinello | Dakin Campbell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +20 min

He bought the soccer club AC Milan in August, earning the attention of the Italian press. This past spring, AC Milan won its first national title in 11 years. Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images Show less Cardinale at a training session for AC Milan. For instance, the teams sell each other's merchandise in their stadiums, and the YES Network airs AC Milan games. "Now we have a new phase of expansion and internationalization of AC Milan with Gerry."

☆ Why Liverpool and Manchester United, two giants of soccer, are up for sale at the same time
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-24 | by ( Jenni Reid | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

In November, the owners of first Liverpool and then Manchester United confirmed they were open to new investment offers, with the potential for full sales of the top flight English clubs. Meanwhile New York-listed shares in Manchester United popped 18% on the news on Nov. 23 that its owners were similarly opening themselves up to investment opportunities. Big money competition One recurring complaint Manchester United fans have had of the Glazers is a lack of investment in the club, across both facilities and players. Old Trafford Stadium, the home of Manchester United Football Club. "In the cases of Liverpool and Manchester United, both owners have held the clubs for a long time, and both assets have appreciated a lot as their leagues and brands and global fan bases have developed.

☆ Ben Affleck says Netflix's 'assembly line' approach to making quality films is
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Ben Affleck is sounding off on how movies are being made in today’s age of Netflix and other streaming platforms, which offer an ever-expanding glut of content. “[Netflix’s head of original films] Scott Stuber is a really talented, smart guy who I really like…but it’s an impossible job,” he added. There aren’t enough – you just can’t do it.”Affleck acknowledged that “there’s (a) bigger audience for action movies than there is for small dramas. As seen in Variety, Artists Equity already has a first project in production – a yet-to-be-titled drama about the beginnings of Nike’s incredibly popular Air Jordan sneaker brand. Written and directed by Affleck, the film stars Damon as the executive who landed the endorsement deal for the shoe with Chicago Bulls superstar Michael Jordan.

☆ 11 production companies cashing in on Hollywood's sports content boom, from Religion of Sports to SpringHill
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Claire Atkinson | Colin Salao | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Netflix's Formula 1 series, "Drive to Survive" is the model other streamers and leagues hope to emulate. Insider identified 11 top companies making scripted and documentary sports content to feed the boom. Investment firms Shamrock, RedBird Capital, and Providence Equity have all made sports content plays, with Shamrock spearheading an investment in Religion of Sports in June. Speaking to buyers, sellers, and other industry stakeholders, Insider identified 11 production companies making the most sought-after sports content. These shingles are poised to capitalize — with many attracting investment and acquisition interest — as Amazon and other streamers keep buying.

☆ Ben Affleck and Matt Damon just scored $100 million from RedBird Capital. Check out 15 more private equity players making big bets on Hollywood.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Elaine Low | Claire Atkinson | Madeline Berg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Private equity firms are investing heavily in film and TV companies, even amid a possible recession. Private equity accounted for 42% of deals over the last year vs. 24% in 2018, according to PwC. RedBird Capital just invested $100 million in Ben Affeck and Matt Damon's new production company, Artists Equity. And earlier that month, Swedish firm EQT invested in UTA, which makes the private equity player the largest outside shareholder of the talent agency. Insider's second annual list of the top private equity players in Hollywood highlights 16 firms, based on our reporting and conversations with investors and insiders.

Deals for European football clubs this year, beginning with the sanctions-driven sale of Chelsea Football Club by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich in May, have fetched top dollar. Those complaints were aired again this month by superstar player Cristiano Ronaldo, who parted ways with Manchester United for the second time. Spokespeople for the six members of the Glazer family that are major Manchester United shareholders could not be reached for comment. More deals are in the works, with Manchester United arch rival Liverpool Football Club also exploring a sale. In August, Elon Musk tweeted: "I'm buying Manchester United ur welcome" only to then clarify he meant it as a joke.

☆ 'Top Gun' studio Skydance just inked a TV and film partnership with the NFL. Here are 10 more top production companies capitalizing on the sports content boom.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( Claire Atkinson | Colin Salao | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The NFL has partnered with Skydance Sports to create a "global multi-sport production studio." Netflix's Formula 1 series, "Drive to Survive" is the model other streamers and leagues hope to emulate. Insider identified 11 top companies making scripted and documentary sports content to feed the boom. NFL is muscling into the booming sports production world, investing in a new joint venture with David Ellison's Skydance Sports. Speaking to buyers, sellers, and other industry stakeholders, Insider identified 11 production companies making the most sought-after sports content.

☆ Walmart-backed One has made a splash with high-profile hires and big potential, but customers of the old regime feel left behind
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Dan Defrancesco | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The ones left behindHaving your bank acquired by the nation's largest retailer might seem like an exciting opportunity. Read our full deep-dive into how One customers feel frustrated by changes made to their bank in the wake of its acquisition. In other news:Diddy, Heidi Klum, and Mindy Kaling are just a few of the many celebrities that celebrate Halloween with statement looks. Diddy/Instagram; Noam Galai/Getty Images for Heidi Klum; Mindy Kaling/Instagram2. Credit to Heidi Klum for going all in.

☆ Former CNN Boss Jeff Zucker in Talks to Join RedBird Capital
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( Jessica Toonkel | Miriam Gottfried | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Jeff Zucker resigned from CNN in February after he failed to disclose a consensual relationship with a colleague. Former CNN President Jeff Zucker is in talks with private-equity firm RedBird Capital Partners to run a roughly $1 billion fund investing in sports and media, according to people familiar with the matter. The move would mark Mr. Zucker’s return to the business world since he resigned from CNN in February after he failed to disclose a consensual relationship with a colleague.

☆ How Gregg Lemkau went from Goldman CEO contender to building a hybrid investment bank catering to billionaires
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( Hayley Cuccinello | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Gregg Lemkau was in the running for CEO before he left Goldman Sachs in 2020. Now he runs Michael Dell's investment firm, which is merging with billionaire advisory BDT. When Gregg Lemkau left Goldman Sachs in late 2020 to run Michael Dell's investment firm, many within and outside the bank were surprised. Cardinale, who had left Goldman a decade ago to start his own investment firm, knew it had to be a massive opportunity to pull away Lemkau. Oldest sibling Kristin runs JPMorgan's US wealth management business and Lemkau's younger brother Chip is a managing director at Goldman Sachs in private wealth management.

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