Cowboys, Warriors Boast Top Valuations in American Sports
Sportico dropped its list of the most valuable franchises in sports Wednesday, and the Dallas Cowboys top the rankings with a $9.2 billion valuation, while the Golden State Warriors check in at No. 2 with a valuation of $8.3 billion. Rounding out the top five are the New York Knicks ($7.4 billion), Los Angeles Lakers ($7.3 billion), and New York Yankees ($7.1 billion).
Pharrell Taps Tyler, the Creator for New Louis Vuitton Collection
Tyler, The Creator and Louis Vuitton Creative Director Pharrell Williams have teamed up on a new capsule collection for the French fashion house. “My main focus was making things I would wear all the time. I dress the same in a meeting as I do a performance or grocery store trip, so hand drawing the monogram felt like the perfect balance to me,” Tyler, The Creator told GQ about the pieces. The new Louis Vuitton products will be available on March 21 and include a cricket sweater, short suit, windbreaker, puffer jacket, monogram cereal bowl and spoon, a leather golf bag, travel chess set, and a Courrier Lozine 110 trunk worth roughly $73,500.
Thierry Henry, David Beckham Team Up with Lay’s
Soccer legends Thierry Henry and David Beckham have linked up with Lay’s with all eyes on the UEFA Champions League as tournament play continues. With the Round of 16 now underway, Henry, who has previously worked with the chip brand, and Beckham appear in the company’s “No Lay’s, No Game 2024” campaign, in which the two former stars appear on the “Chip Cam” during a match between AC Milan and PSG. “It was an experience — something that I’m not used to — but it’s always something good and challenging with Lay’s when we do something,” Henry, former Arsenal striker, told Boardroom.
Athletes Unlimited, ESPN Renew Rights Deal to Include All 4 AU Sports
Athletes Unlimited and ESPN announced a multi-year renewal of the network’s rights partnership Wednesday morning, and for the first time, the deal includes broadcasts of all four AU sports — women’s pro basketball, softball, lacrosse, and volleyball. Athletes Unlimited programs recorded a growth in audiences across ESPN platforms last year, including a 25% year-over-year increase for AU Pro Lacrosse on ESPN2 and ESPNU and a 38% year-over-year increase for AU Pro Softball on ESPNU. ESPN is expected to begin this agreement with the coverage of AU Pro Basketball, which tips off Feb. 29 at Fair Park Coliseum in Dallas. The 40-player roster boasts Olympians, WNBA All-Stars, and WNBA champions.
Montreal Expos Documentary in the Works at Netflix
A documentary about the Montreal Expos and the events contributing to the pro baseball team’s departure in 2004 is coming to Netflix, the streaming giant announced Wednesday. At press time, Netflix did not reveal a title or expected release date for the first project under the company’s creative partnership with Montreal-based Attraction. “This film will tell the story of the team through the eyes of those who lived it,” said Attraction President Richard Speer. Some of the obstacles that led to the franchise’s collapse and could be included in the film are the disagreements between the city and Expos owner Jeffrey Loria over the costs of a new stadium, the firing of popular manager Felipe Alou, MLB acquiring the Expos, and much more.
NTWRK Acquires Complex from BuzzFeed for $108.6 Million
Livestream shopping platform NTWRK has acquired media brand Complex from BuzzFeed for $108.6 million in an all-cash deal. Per the release, the settlement paves the way for a new entity that the two companies say will be “a new destination for ‘superfan’ culture.” An e-commerce marketplace that leverages Complex’s massive following of sneakerheads and fashion-obsessed audiences is also forthcoming.