Charles Barkley Walks Back Retirement Plan, Affirms Extended Contract with TNT Sports
Charles Barkley will have to wait a little longer for that retirement life. Barkley and TNT Sports released a statement on Tuesday confirming that he has re-signed for a term that will extend beyond the NBA’s likely departure from the network. “I love my TNT Sports family,” Barkley, 61, said in a statement. “My #1 priority has been and always will be our people and keeping everyone together for as long as possible.” Last week, Barkley told The Athletic that he would entertain staying with TNT only if it re-upped his 10-year, $210 million contract. The network has expanded plans for him beyond the NBA, including March Madness coverage and potentially making his way into NHL programming.
Post Malone, Taylor Swift Among Top Nominees at This Year’s MTV Video Music Awards
The MTV Video Music Awards are coming. The annual awards ceremony is set to take place at the UBS Arena on Sept. 10. Taylor Swift leads all nominees with 10 nods. Meanwhile, Post Malone picked up nine nominations, followed by Ariana Grande, Eminem, and Sabrina Carpenter, each of whom posted six.
Pitbull Brands FIU Football Stadium
Pitbull may be Mr. Worldwide, but his latest investment will keep him locked in with his native Miami. The entertainer revealed on Tuesday that he has purchased the naming rights to Florida International University’s football stadium, which will be called Pitbull Stadium. He will pay $6 million over 5 years for the honor. As part of the deal, he will also write a new anthem for the school among other marketing responsibilities, according to FIU board documents secured by ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Disney Hopes to Spur Bundled Subscriptions with Sweeping Price Increases Across Individual Platforms
Over the last few weeks, Netflix and Spotify both boasted boosted financials in the wake of raising their subscription rates. Now, Disney has announced that it will follow suit. The House of Mouse announced that it will increase subscription prices by $1 to $2 across its Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+ platforms beginning this October. Executives hope that the move will help increase their subscribers across the diffferent streamers, as they move towards a bundled model, offered at a reduced rate.
Savannah Bananas Coming to the Silver Screen with TruTV
The Savannah Bananas have solidified themselves as one of the most fun summer sports traditions. The kitschy farm league team with TikTok techniques have amassed a huge viral following. Now, they’re heading to TruTV for a five-game, Friday night run between Aug 16 and Sept 13. The games will be part of the Banana Ball World Tour between the Bananas and The Party Animals. The games are part of TNT Sports expansion to truTV, where it is playing 1,000 hours of sports in 2024.
ProRata Links with UMG, Financial Times, and More for New AI Technology that Compensates Creators
The battle for AI attribution continues, but a new player seeks to provide compensation and credit to creators. ProRata announced on Tuesday that it has garnered support from the likes of Universal Music Group, The Financial Times, The Atlantic, and more, as it formally launches as a generative AI tool. The company’s CEO, Bill Gross, described the company’s approach as being “pro-author, pro-artist and pro-consumer,” and hopes that its formation will lead to major changes across the industry.
Athletic Brewing Expands Its NA Takeover with New Arsenal FC Partnership
Nonalcoholic beverages are all the rage. Now, one of the biggest brands in the industry is linking with one of the biggest football clubs on earth. Athletic Brewing announced on Tuesday that it has signed on as Arsenal FC’s first-ever non-alcoholic beer partner. Athletic will be on ice at Emirates Stadium for all upcoming men’s and women’s matches and marks the most recent in the NA beverage company’s European expansion through its “Summer of Sport.”
