Kobe Bryant Returns to Nike
Nearly a year ago, Vanessa Bryant announced that after ongoing negotiations with Nike, she was unable to reach an agreement with the brand suitable enough to honor the legacy of her late husband and their daughter. In the months that followed, the Kobe Bryant estate filed countless trademarks, potentially signaling a new brand of its own. Late Wednesday, Vanessa Bryant took to Instagram to announce that she had come to an agreement with the Swoosh that will appropriately commemorate the Mamba and the Mambacita, and that “100% of the net proceeds yearly for Gianna’s shoes [will go] to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.” Read more about the news here.
A$AP Rocky Toasts to Newest Project with Whisky Brand Mercer + Prince
A$AP Rocky is the king of New York. Capping off an eventful few weeks of creative collaboration, the Harlem-born rapper revealed his newest project on Thursday and jumping into the spirits game. He announced the brand, which is a Canadian Whisky inspired by Japanese spirit stylings with a name that roots you in his hometown. The news comes just a week after he uncovered new collabs with AMG and Eddie Bauer, as part of his ongoing creative partnership with PacSun.
Yankees Top Baseball’s List of Highest Valuations
America’s pastime is a billion-dollar sport. Forbes released its annual list of team valuations, and the Yankees continued their reign at the top of the list with a $6 billion price tag, distantly followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers ($4.07 billion) and Boston Red Sox ($3.9 billion). However, the full rundown showed a collective increase in overall value, placing the average team value over $2 billion for the first time in history.
Get on our list for weekly sports business, industry trends, interviews, and more.
David Beckham Kicks Off Next Chapter with DigitalBits
David Beckham recently confirmed the sale of the majority of his DB Ventures to Authentic Brands Group Inc. With the sale, he freed up the time and space to pursue some new opportunities, and now the part-owner of Inter Miami is launching into Web3. DigitalBits tapped the soccer superstar as the blockchain’s newest global ambassador. He will team up with the company for a number of projects, including an NFT collection, which he cites as an exciting new opportunity to connect with his fans.
Zach LaVine Joins New Balance Family
The NBA has one less sneaker free agent. After much speculation, Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine announced on Thursday that he has inked a deal with New Balance. The company won him over with the designs of his impending signature shoe. LaVine spoke with Boardroom about his decision, what it’s like to be a free agent on the sneaker market, and what he’s most excited about for the new collaboration.
Bill Murray Has Stories to Tell with New NFT Collection
Bill Murray is taking his signature quirkiness to the blockchain. The Cubs-loving actor announced this upcoming NFT project entitled “Bill Murray Stories,” which he is producing in partnership with The Chive’s Project Venkman. The collection will be rooted in verified stories from Murray’s life, according to The Hollywood Reporter. For example, one of the NFTs captures Murray’s cell phone, an eight-year old Blackberry that he lovingly calls “Bill Urray” because the “M” doesn’t work. Details of the NFT collection continue to unfold.
Aidan Hutchinson, Garrett Wilson & Matt Corral Star in ‘Road to Rated Rookie’
The NFL Draft is only a month away. And in the run-up to Las Vegas, some of the league’s top prospects are teaming up with Panini for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes docuseries “Road to Rated Rookie.” The series’ third installment will spotlight Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson, Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson, and Ole Miss’ Matt Corral, Boardroom exclusively reports. The series will offer an inside look at the road to their leap into the pros.
The RealReal Lists a Coveted Pair of Eminem’s Air Max 97s
Air Max Day is nearly upon us. And in advance of one of sneakerheads’ highest holy days, a unicorn-like pair of Eminem’s coveted Air Max 97s have hit the market. However, the coveted pairs of Nike ACG-inspired kicks will run a cool $50,000. Previously, a limited run of the shoe was made available exclusively through the Marshall Mather Foundation, but a pair appeared on The RealReal with the sky-high price tag.
Bad Bunny Links with Airbnb for Unique Miami Experience
Bad Bunny is an international superstar of the greatest proportions. The Puerto Rican multi-hyphenate recently set a record with 9.1 billion streams on Spotify in 2021, and in his time outside of the booth, he can even be seen in the wrestling ring. Now, fans can get a unique experience when his tour rolls into Miami next month, as he is teaming with Airbnb and opening his tour trailer for three one-night stays. Although Bad Bunny himself will not be there for turn down service, he will leave the lucky bookers with a virtual message.
Get on our list for weekly sports business, industry trends, interviews, and more.
