Azzi Fudd Joins Jordan Brand Ahead of March Madness
Azzi Fudd has signed with Jordan Brand, adding the UConn star to the company’s growing women’s basketball NIL roster alongside teammate Sarah Strong. Fudd previously made history in 2021 as the first college athlete to sign an NIL deal with Stephen Curry’s Curry Brand, even designing a signature colorway in 2022, though she never formally joined Under Armour before Curry’s 2025 split with the company.
Ohtani Hits Grand Slam in WBC Opener; Team USA Set to Kick Off Play
World Baseball Classic action started with a bang in Tokyo, where Shohei Ohtani thrilled a sellout crowd at the Tokyo Dome with a second-inning grand slam to power Japan past Taiwan, 13–0, in Pool C. The game ended after seven innings under the tournament’s mercy rule, giving Japan a dominant start to pool play as it attempts to defend its WBC crown. Meanwhile, Team USA opens its WBC campaign Friday night against Brazil at 8 p.m. ET.
Virgil Abloh Archive Launches Print Publication, Free Membership
The Virgil Abloh Archive™ has opened global pre-orders for its first publication, The Virgil Reader Vol. 001, a collection of interviews and features exploring Abloh’s creative philosophy. The archive also launched a free public membership offering digital excerpts, newsletters, and early access to future releases. To mark the rollout, a two-day event with talks and screenings will take place in Los Angeles on March 14–15.
ESPN Teams With Jake Paul’s MVP for New Women’s Boxing Promotion
Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions is launching MVPW, a new women’s boxing promotion, with ESPN securing a multi-year media rights deal. The series begins April 5 in London before heading to Madison Square Garden, where champion Alycia Baumgardner will face contender Bo Mi Re Shin. The launch expands MVP’s growing investment in women’s combat sports.
Adam Silver Signals “Substantial Changes” Ahead for NBA Draft Lottery
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league is preparing “substantial changes” to its draft lottery beginning next year, though sweeping reforms aren’t imminent. Speaking at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, Silver said the league is examining ideas like separating draft order from team records or adopting models similar to the WNBA lottery. He also warned that a highly touted 2026 draft class has contributed to what he sees as a growing normalization of tanking behavior.
Carlos Vela Joins LAFC Ownership in Deal Valuing Club at $1.25B
LAFC is welcoming retired star Carlos Vela back as a limited partner in a deal that values the club at $1.25 billion for a 6% equity stake. With the transaction, two investors, including Joe Tsai, are exiting the ownership group. Coming amid rising MLS valuations and record revenues, the move underscores LAFC’s growth, boosted by new investments, global partnerships, and star signings like Son Heung-min.
Uber Explores Subscription Models as Rival Pressure Mounts
Uber is exploring subscription-style pricing for drivers and couriers as it expands efforts to test alternative revenue models beyond traditional per-ride commissions. The company is hiring a New York–based product manager to develop and scale global subscription packages and assess competitive responses. The development comes as rivals promote similar models to attract drivers and increase platform flexibility.
OBB Pictures Named Production Partner for Vanity Fair Oscar Party Stream
Vanity Fair has tapped OBB Pictures as production partner for its 32nd annual Oscar Party livestream, airing March 15. Known for high-profile pop culture projects, OBB Pictures joins Condé Nast to elevate red carpet coverage and digital programming. The livestream is executive produced by Mark Guiducci, Traci Oshiro, Ella Ruffel, and Lauren Brenner for Vanity Fair alongside Michael D. Ratner, Scott Ratner, Simone Spira, and Leonor Castro for OBB Pictures.
February Jobs Report Shows Unexpected Decline
U.S. payrolls unexpectedly fell by 92,000 jobs in February, far below Wall Street’s forecast of a 50,000 gain, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The decline was largely tied to healthcare disruptions amid strikes. Unemployment ticked up to 4.4%, and payrolls have dropped three times in five months. Meanwhile, January’s job gains were also revised down to 126,000, though still exceeding analyst expectations.
Netflix is Bringing Back ‘The Night Agent’ for Season 4
The Night Agent has been renewed for a fourth season by Netflix, with production set to move to Los Angeles. The series, starring Gabriel Basso, continues following FBI agent Peter Sutherland after a strong performance on the platform’s charts, currently ranking as Netflix’s No. 2 show behind Bridgerton and sitting at No. 10 all-time.
Lamorne Morris to Voice Garfield in New Animated Paramount+ Series
Paramount+ has ordered a new animated series centered on the iconic cartoon cat, Garfield, with Lamorne Morris set to voice. Produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studios, the project builds on recent franchise efforts following the 2024 feature film. The series marks a continued push to expand the character across streaming, merchandising, and experiential content after rights were acquired under the Viacom deal.
Image: Courtesy of Jordan Brand
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