Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen Signs with New Balance
Ahead of his Week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills quarterback and reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen has signed a new partnership deal with New Balance. Allen announced the move in a letter shared on social media, comparing the brand to his hometown of Firebaugh, Calif., noting that both are rooted in “family, community, and authenticity.” As part of the deal, Allen — previously a Nike athlete since entering the league — and New Balance will support community sports programs in Firebaugh.
Darth Vader Lightsaber Breaks ‘Star Wars’ Record with $3.6M Price Tag
Darth Vader’s iconic red lightsaber, used in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, sold at auction for $3,654,000, surpassing its estimated range of $1 million to $3 million and becoming the highest-priced Star Wars item ever. The screen-matched, hero dueling prop was featured in the legendary “I am your father” scene and was wielded by both David Prowse and stuntman Bob Anderson. The sale was held by Propstore on Thursday.
Anthropic to Pay $1.5B to Authors to Settle Lawsuit
Anthropic has agreed to pay $1.5 billion to settle a class action lawsuit brought by authors, following allegations that it used pirated books to train its AI language models. According to the plaintiffs’ attorneys, the settlement represents the largest copyright recovery in U.S. history, amounting to approximately $3,000 per book.
Nike Signs Drew Allar to NIL Deal; Nittany Lions Leaving for Adidas in 2026
Nike has officially signed an NIL deal with Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, highlighting the company’s commitment to empowering the next generation through sport. The announcement follows Allar’s strong season-opening performance, where he went 22-of-26 for 217 yards and a touchdown. Penn State is currently ranked No. 2 in both the AP and Coaches polls, behind fellow Nike-sponsored school and Big Ten rival Ohio State. Ironically, the Nittany Lions announced Friday they are leaving the Swoosh for a 10-year deal with Adidas, starting next year.
Snoop Dogg to Produce New Horror Film
Snoop Dogg is teaming up with director Eli Roth to produce a horror film titled Don’t Go in That House, Bitch! Snoop will also write and produce music for the movie’s soundtrack. The two have previously collaborated on Snoop Dogg’s “La La La” music video in 2012, which Roth directed. Media Capital Technologies and the Horror Section have committed to fully financing and producing the film.
Angel City’s Alyssa Thompson Heads to Chelsea in 5-Year Deal
Chelsea have signed USWNT forward Alyssa Thompson from Angel City FC on a landmark five-year deal worth roughly £1 million (between $1.3 million and $1.45 million), plus potential add-ons. Thompson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft and the first high school player ever selected first, joins Chelsea after scoring six goals in 16 league appearances this season. She becomes the third Angel City player to move to the Women’s Super League this summer, signaling a significant shift in the landscape of women’s football transfers.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper Lands First Airline Deal with JetBlue
Amazon has landed its first airline partner for its satellite internet business, Project Kuiper, announcing a new deal with JetBlue that will see Project Kuiper provide Wi-Fi service to roughly a quarter of the airline’s fleet starting in 2027. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The move is aimed at keeping up with Elon Musk’s Starlink in the satellite internet arms race.
LeBron James Family Foundation Leads Effort to Rethink Hiring Through New Initiative
UNINTERRUPTED, in partnership with Indeed and the LeBron James Family Foundation, has launched a national campaign promoting skills-first hiring. Aimed at advancing economic mobility and equity, the initiative provides resources to help individuals highlight their abilities regardless of background or experience. The campaign kicked off with a commercial narrated by Ernie Johnson Jr., using LeBron James’ journey to spotlight the challenges many face when their talents go unrecognized.
Job Growth Slows in August, Unemployment Hits 4.3%
The United States economy added just 22,000 jobs in August, far below the expected 75,000, while the unemployment rate increased to 4.3%. Hiring slowed sharply from July, and revisions showed a net job loss in June. Wage growth met monthly expectations at 0.3%, but the annual increase of 3.7% was slightly under forecast. Job gains were led by health care and social assistance, while government, manufacturing, and wholesale trade saw declines.
HBO’s ‘White Lotus’ Eyes French Riviera for Season 4 Setting
The White Lotus creator Mike White and HBO are planning to set the show’s fourth season in France, with the French Riviera emerging as a likely backdrop. While no specific hotel has been confirmed, Deadline writes that the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat is a strong contender due to its Hollywood ties and scenic location. HBO’s ongoing partnership with the Four Seasons hotel chain continues to influence location choices. Location scouting, initially planned for spring, was delayed to summer to give White a break following Season 3.
Image: Courtesy of New Balance
Read More:
The World Is Finally Catching Up to Taylor Townsend
Aaron Rodgers’ Opportunity to Go Out on His Own Terms
Ace Greene Is Building More Than a Brand
From Cannes to Queens: SPORT BEACH Is Expanding Its Reach
The Richest Stage in Tennis: Why the US Open Reigns Supreme
