Kelly Clarkson, Peyton Manning, Mike Tirico to Host Olympics Opening Ceremony
The countdown to the Olympics Opening Ceremony is on. Ahead of the July 26 event in Paris, Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning joined NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to confirm that they will host the introductory installment of NBC‘s Olympics coverage. The announcement is part of an ongoing series of reveals by NBCUniversal. Additionally, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb will take to the banks of the Seine for their daily Today Show responsibilities.
Under Armour Brings Back Founder Kevin Plank as CEO
Kevin Plank is returning to Under Armour as CEO, the company announced on Wednesday. Stephanie Linnartz, who held the position since February 2023, is stepping down but will remain with the company through April. Plank previously served as CEO after founding the company in 1996 but stepped down four years ago. He’s remained on board this entire time as the company’s chairman. With the move, Plank will be forfeiting his chair position to Mohamed El-Erian.
David Beckham Links up with Stella Artois
David Beckham has a new partnership to add to his lengthy portfolio. The former footballer and current Inter Miami CF exec is linking up with Stella Artois for the beer brand’s newest campaign. Beckham fronted a new ad for the Anheuser-Busch brand, in which bar patrons are more smitten with the beverage than Beckham himself, leaving him humbled and a bit confused. Market analysts point to the partnership as part of a broader play on behalf of A-B to rebrand after a difficult couple of years. An executive for Anheuser-Busch lauded the partnership, deeming Beckham as the “epitome of premium values,” in an interview with CNN.
Allen Iverson, Pepsi Team Up for March Madness Bracket Challenge
It was nearly 30 years ago that Allen Iverson got his first taste of March Madness when he led the Georgetown Hoyas to the Sweet 16, followed by a run to the Elite Eight in his final collegiate season. And now, he’s ready to help you with your upcoming bracket — well, sort of. Ahead of this year’s men’s tournament, Iverson has partnered with Pepsi for the second straight year on the “Zero Right Bracket Challenge.” Starting Thursday, fans can visit the Pepsi social media channels for links to sign up for the promotion run on DraftKings, paying $100,000 to anyone who picks every game wrong. Brackets must be submitted by March 21.
Roger Federer Launches Eyewear Line with Oliver Peoples
Roger Federer is tennis’ $1 billion man. Now, the retired superstar has a new venture in his ever-growing portfolio. Federer teamed up with eyewear brand Oliver Peoples to launch their first collaborative line. After debuting the model on the Oscars red carpet, the new collab kicked off with a star-studded event in Los Angeles, which featured Maria Sharapova, Jay Ellis, Trevor Noah, and many more. Oliver Peoples unveiled the planned line at the Met Gala in May 2023, where Federer was a co-host. The collection is available for purchase in stores and online.
Megan Thee Stallion Announces 'Hot Girl Summer' Tour
Megan Thee Stallion is hitting the road. The Houston rapper announced her upcoming “Hot Girl Summer” tour, which is set to kick off in May. While she hasn’t revealed the official route of the tour, it will include stops in New York City, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Chicago, Dallas, and more. Official dates will be revealed on March 20. The news comes on the heels of Meg’s new line with Nike and ahead of what many believe will be a new album, her first with Warner Music Group since leaving 1501 Ent. and 300.