Giannis Antetokounmpo Expands Network with Launch of VC Firm
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is the latest athlete to launch a venture capital firm that will “focus on investments in sports, entertainment and technology,” it was announced Thursday. Called Build Your Legacy Ventures, Antetokounmpo said in a statement that “this fund is not just about capital,” explaining that “it’s about forging partnerships and opening my network.” Build Your Legacy Ventures already has its first two investments: Unrivaled, the new 3v3 professional women’s basketball league, and Candy Funhouse, a confectionary platform that leans heavily on nostalgia.
Fox Entertainment, Hulu Ink $1.5B Streaming Extension
Fox Entertainment and Hulu are extending their streaming partnership in a new four-year deal worth over $1.5 billion, according to a Deadline report. After agreeing to the previous arrangement just last year, Deadline writes that this new deal will extend through 2029. Under this extension, new episodes and seasons of Fox programs such as The Masked Singer, Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef, and The Simpsons will continue to be available to stream on Hulu the day after their linear telecasts. This contract also includes an extension of the two companies’ marketing collab. First established last year, it specifies that Fox and Hulu share joint branding across all Fox-owned and external consumer points of contact.
ScHoolboy Q Becomes Latest Artist to Announce 2025 Tour
ScHoolboy Q is the latest musician to announce a tour, sharing via Instagram his plans to spend the start of 2025 on the road. The Blue Lips Got New Songs 2025 Global Tour is in support of his latest project, Blue Lips, and begins Jan. 23 in Oakland, making domestic stops in Los Angeles and Las Vegas before trekking overseas to perform in Berlin, Paris, and other European cities. It’ll wrap up in London on Feb. 20. While the presale is currently ongoing, general tickets go on sale Friday.
Andy Reid & Steve Kerr Among Highest-Paid US Sports Coaches in 2024
Andy Reid has won three Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs since becoming head coach in 2013, and his paycheck is certainly a reflection of those accomplishments. Sportico dropped its 2024 highest-paid coaches list across all major US sports, and Big Red tops the ranks with an average annual salary of $20 million. The NFL claims second place as well, with Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton earning $18 million per year. Golden State Warriors game manager Steve Kerr sits in third at $17.5 million, followed by his NBA counterpart in the San Antonio Spurs’ Gregg Popovich just behind at $17 million. Sharing the fifth spot are longtime Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and, in his first year back in the NFL, Los Angeles Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh, both taking home $16 million annually.
A Banana Duct-Taped to a Wall Sells for $6.2M at Art Auction
A banana purchased at the supermarket can’t cost more than $1, but a banana duct-taped to a wall? Now, that just sold for $6.2 million at an auction hosted by Sotheby’s on Wednesday night. According to The Wall Street Journal, Comedian, by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, now belongs to Justin Sun, founder of the cryptocurrency platform TRON. “In the coming days, I will personally eat the banana as part of this unique artistic experience, honoring its place in both art history and popular culture,” said Sun, who added he plans to pay for the “art” in crypto.
Popular ESPN Show ‘Around the Horn’ Will Come to an End in 2025
After 23 years on air, the beloved ESPN program Around the Horn is coming to an end, The Athletic reports. Hosted by Tony Reali, the roundtable debate series is scheduled to air its last episode in mid-2025. When Around the Horn premiered in 2002, Max Kellerman was its original host before Reali took over hosting duties in 2004, remaining in the role until now.
Willow Smith Teams Up with Moncler on New Collection
Willow Smith’s unique fashion aesthetic has landed the artist a new collab with Moncler. The capsule is a minimalist dream, boasting down jackets, an eyelet tee, sweatpants, and leather boots for footwear. “I’m incredibly passionate about the outdoors and exploring this magnificent earth. I imagine these clothes effortlessly transitioning from nighttime camping to high-fashion eveningwear,” Smith said about the looks. Shop the full line at moncler.com.
NYCFC Reveals Etihad Park After Agreeing to Naming Rights Deal for New Queens Stadium
Etihad Airways has been granted naming rights to the forthcoming soccer-specific stadium in Queens that will be the home pitch of New York City FC. The 25,000-seat venue will be known as Etihad Park for the next 20 years and is scheduled to open ahead of the 2027 MLS season. Located in Willets Point, Queens, additional features surrounding the grounds include 2,500 new affordable housing structures, a new 650-seat public school, a brand-new hotel, and more than 150,000 square feet of public open space.