TikTok, iHeartMedia Ink Creator Podcast Partnership
iHeartMedia and TikTok are teaming up to launch the TikTok Podcast Network, featuring up to 25 new shows from creators. iHeartMedia will open co-branded podcast studios in Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta for audio and video production, and debut TikTok Radio, a station highlighting trending songs and creator stories. Creators will also join major iHeart events, such as the iHeartRadio Music Festival. The partnership aims to expand creator revenue opportunities while helping iHeartMedia connect with younger audiences and the growing video podcast market.
Pharrell, Adidas to Receive Shoe of the Year Award at ‘Shoe Oscars’
Pharrell Williams and Adidas will be honored with Shoe of the Year at the 2025 FN Achievement Awards, known as the “Shoe Oscars,” on Dec. 3 in New York for their Virginia Adistar Jellyfish sneaker. The sneaker debuted in August after a year of anticipation, with Pharrell calling the silhouette “fluid, futuristic, and free.” The FNAAs will also honor Tommy Hilfiger with the Lifetime Achievement Award at its 39th annual event.
Atlanta Reportedly Tapped for Next NWSL Expansion Club
The NWSL is reportedly awarding its 17th franchise to Atlanta for a record expansion fee of $165 million. The team will be owned by Arthur Blank’s AMB Sports + Entertainment, which also operates the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, and will play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Like to kick off in the 2027 season, the move marks the return of pro women’s soccer to Atlanta, which previously hosted the Atlanta Beat in the WUSA and WPS leagues. The fee surpasses Denver’s $110 million bid earlier this year and eclipses the roughly $53 million paid by Bay FC and Boston Legacy.
‘Predator: Badlands’ Sets Franchise Record with $40M Box Office Debut
Predator: Badlands dominated the box office this weekend with a strong $40 million domestic debut, setting a new franchise record and surpassing 2004’s Alien vs. Predator. The film also earned $40 million internationally, bringing its global total to $80 million against a $105 million budget. Regretting You followed in second with $7.1 million, while Black Phone 2 placed third with $5.3 million in its third weekend.
Candace Parker Named Co-Chair of Pro Athlete Community’s Board of Advisors
Pro Athlete Community (PAC), a network of more than 1,600 pro athletes working to redefine life after sports, has named Candace Parker as Co-Chair of its Board of Advisors. In this role, the WNBA legend will help expand opportunities and representation for women athletes within PAC’s network. She joins NFL vets Devin and Jason McCourty as co-chairs, and will work alongside PAC co-founders Chip Paucek and Kaleb Thornhill to capitalize on the momentum of women’s sports growth.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’ to Hit Apple TV, Prime Video This Friday
One Battle After Another, the film from Paul Thomas Anderson starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro that has gained Oscar buzz since releasing in late September, is set to debut on streaming platforms this Friday. The movie will be available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Fandango, while physical 4K UHD, Blu-Ray, and DVD copies will drop in January.
Wicked Witch of the West’s Hat, Ruby Slippers from ‘Wizard of Oz’ Up for Sale
Just ahead of the release of Wicked: For Good, fans can bid on rare memorabilia from the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. Heritage Auctions will offer Margaret Hamilton’s black Wicked Witch of the West hat, along with a cast-signed Wizard of Oz book featuring Judy Garland’s handwriting and Toto’s paw prints. Two pairs of ruby slippers will also be up for auction – a rehearsal shoe worn by Garland and a 50th-anniversary replica. The auction takes place Dec. 9-10, both online and at Heritage’s headquarters.
New York Giants Part Ways with Brian Daboll
After starting the season 2-8, a year removed from going 3-14, the New York Giants have decided to part ways with head coach Brian Daboll. General manager Joe Schoen will remain on staff and help lead the search for Daboll’s replacement. Daboll won the 2022 NFL Coach of the Year award in his first season with the Giants with a 9-7-1 record, but went on to win just 11 games the next two and a half seasons combined.
A ‘V for Vendetta’ TV Series Is In the Works at HBO
HBO is working on bringing a V for Vendetta TV series to the platform, Variety reported Monday, with Pete Jackson set to write while James Gunn and Peter Safran will hold executive producer credits. The V for Vendetta feature film was released in 2005 and went on to gross over $130 million globally. Warner Bros. is bringing the movie back to the big screen in November 2026 to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Paramount Increasing Theatrical Output to 15 in 2026
Paramount confirmed Monday that it’ll be expanding its theatrical slate to at least 15 movies in 2026, with a goal of releasing 20 films annually in the future. This is just the latest strategic move since merging with Skydance, as David Ellison and Co. look to reverse course on what’s been an underperforming 2025 at the box office, with the company stating most of the produced films are “expected to miss their lifetime profit targets.”
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