Biles, Maroney, Raisman Blast FBI, USA Gymnastics Before Congress
US Olympic gymnasts Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, and Maggie Nichols went before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday to give explosive testimony on the FBI’s mishandling of an investigation into sexual abuse allegations against former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. Biles told the committee that she blames not only Nassar, but “an entire system that allowed his abuse,” including USA Gymnastics and the USOlympic and Paralympic Committees.
Kentucky Lands Livingston as Third 5-star Basketball Recruit
Five-star forward Chris Livingston announced Wednesday he is committing to Kentucky — giving the Wildcats their third five-star prospect in the 2022 basketball class. Livingston, a 6-foot-6 small forward from Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, chose to join the Wildcats over other top programs such as Memphis, Georgetown, and Tennessee State.
Federer-backed Shoe Company On Soars in First Day of Public Trading, Attains $11B Valuation
On went public on Wednesday with the stock trading at $24 per share, nearly 25% higher than its anticipated launch. The Roger Federer-backed Swiss footwear brand is estimated to have raised $746 million in its first day through the IPO.
“Candace Parker Day” Proclaimed in Chicago as Legend Drops New Collection with Adidas
The Chicago native received the honor of a lifetime as Sept. 16th was deemed “Candace Parker Day” by Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The Wednesday announcement came as the decorated WNBA star launched The Candace Parker Collection with Adidas, which features three new colorways of her signature shoe.
Autograph to Offer Tony Hawk Signature NFT Drop Today on DraftKings Marketplace
Fans of skateboarding legend Tony Hawk can land Signature NFTs from Autograph today on DraftKings Marketplace. The Tony Hawk Signature Drop kicks off at 3 p.m. ET featuring non-fungible tokens listed between $250 and $1,500 dropping every hour until 7 p.m. The Tony Hawk Premier Drops released on Tuesday sold out within minutes.
Fanatics Deal to Acquire Sports Betting Company “Expected to Close Soon”
The leader in sports merchandising is on its way to becoming the owner of an established sports betting operator, The Action Network reported Wednesday. The deal, which Rovell reports is “expected to close soon,” reportedly involves such sports betting companies as Rush Street Interactive (RSI) and Swedish company Betsson.
Bucks Make Byington First Female Play-by-play Announcer in Men’s Sports
The Milwaukee Bucks are making Lisa Byington the first woman to handle full-time TV play-by-play duties for a major men’s professional sports team. The landmark hire announced by the team on Wednesday means Byington will replace longtime Bucks announcer Jim Paschke, who spent the previous 35 years on the job.
Inter Miami Announces Kit Deal with Cryptocurrency Company XBTO
The MLS team announced a multi-year partnership with crypto finance company XBTO. The deal is estimated to be worth $4 to 5 million, per Sports Business Journal, and makes the club the 26th (of 27) MLS teams to secure jersey sponsorships.
US Soccer Seeking New Media Partner
US Soccer is looking for a new media partner, and CBS Sports, Turner Sports, and Amazon are among several broadcasters reportedly in the mix. Currently, both ESPN and Fox hold English-language rights in the country for US men’s and women’s national team games, however that may all change in the next cycle starting in 2023. A decision is expected in the next 30-60 days, reports SportsProMedia.
