OpenAI Hits $852B Valuation in Historic Funding Round
OpenAI has closed a record $122 billion funding round at an $852 billion post-money valuation, marking one of the largest private financings in tech history. The round was co-led by SoftBank alongside major investors including a16z and D. E. Shaw Ventures. OpenAI claims it now generates $2 billion in monthly revenue but remains unprofitable as it scales. The company says the capital will fund AI infrastructure, compute expansion, and continued development of its ChatGPT ecosystem.
Whoop Hits $10B Valuation After $575M Raise Backed by LeBron, Ronaldo
Whoop has raised $575 million in a Series G round at a $10.1 billion valuation, nearly tripling its previous mark. The round drew high-profile backing from stars like LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Rory McIlroy, alongside institutions including Abbott and Mayo Clinic. “We started with the world’s best athletes, and now we support millions of members. I’ve been building this company for 14 years, and this feels like it’s just the beginning,” Whoop Founder & CEO Will Ahmed told Boardroom.
Seahawks, Patriots to Make Debuts on HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’
The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will headline Hard Knocks ahead of the 2026 season, marking the franchise’s debut and the first time the series has followed a reigning champion since 2001. The five-episode run, produced by NFL Films and HBO, premieres Aug. 11 on HBO Max. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots are set to appear in 2027, also for the first time.
Nike Tops Wall Street Forecasts Despite Profit Drop, Tariff Pressure
Nike reported quarterly results that beat Wall Street expectations on both earnings and revenue, even as profits fell year over year. The company earned 35 cents per share on $11.28 billion in sales, with strength in North America helping offset weakness in China and higher tariff-related costs. Net income dropped 35% as margins declined due to tariffs. Nike remains in a broader turnaround under CEO Elliott Hill, who is working to stabilize performance across key markets.
Amazon Takes on Starlink With New Delta Airline Wi-Fi Deal
Delta Air Lines has signed a deal with Amazon to install its Leo satellite Wi-Fi on 500 aircraft starting in 2028, marking a major push into in-flight connectivity. The move positions Amazon to compete more directly with SpaceX’s Starlink, which already has deals with multiple airlines. Amazon previously partnered with JetBlue, as airlines increasingly adopt low-Earth orbit satellites for faster, more reliable onboard internet.
Spotify Rolls Out Interactive Carousel Ads, Branded Playlists
Spotify is expanding beyond audio ads with the launch of swipeable carousel formats and branded playlist takeovers, per Adweek. The new units let advertisers showcase multiple products directly within the app, reflecting Spotify’s broader shift toward video and more interactive content. Brands can also sponsor top playlists like Rap Caviar, gaining exclusive visibility. Early partners testing the formats include Priceline and GNC.
Netflix Looking to Double NFL Package; Targets Thanksgiving Eve, International Games
Netflix is reportedly looking to expand its NFL coverage, aiming to grow its package from two games to four. The streamer is targeting additional marquee matchups, including a potential Thanksgiving Eve game and an international season opener. The push builds on Netflix’s growing investment in live sports, including its existing Christmas Day rights deal and recent additions across boxing, WWE, and MLB.
Judge Rules Funding Cuts to PBS, NPR Unconstitutional
A federal judge has struck down parts of President Trump’s executive order aimed at cutting federal funding for PBS and NPR, ruling the move unconstitutional. The injunction blocks the government from enforcing funding cuts tied to the directive. PBS and NPR welcomed the decision, calling it a major win for independent journalism and public media, which relies heavily on federal support.
Big 12 Explores 2028 Launch for Women’s Flag Football
Plans are taking shape for the Big 12 to potentially become the first FBS conference to sponsor women’s flag football, targeting a 2028 launch with at least six teams. The effort, led by commissioner Brett Yormark and officials alongside support from the NFL, builds on a broader push to grow the sport. Flag football has surged in youth and high school participation and is set for Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Tommy Fleetwood Tapped as Blackstone’s First-Ever Global Ambassador
Blackstone has tapped World No. 4 golfer Tommy Fleetwood as its first global brand ambassador. The partnership is part of Blackstone’s push into private wealth marketing, aligning the firm with Fleetwood’s consistent performance across the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. Fleetwood, a Ryder Cup mainstay and Olympic medalist, said the deal reflects shared values of discipline, trust, and continuous improvement at the highest level of sport and finance.
‘The Pitt’ Expands Beyond Streaming With 10-City Finale Screenings
The Pitt is heading to theaters for special Season 2 finale screenings through a partnership between HBO Max, Warner Bros. Television, and Alamo Drafthouse. The advance events will take place on April 13 across 10 U.S. cities, ahead of the episode’s April 16 streaming debut. The medical drama set inside a Pittsburgh trauma center has been a huge streaming success for HBO Max, averaging over 10 million viewers per episode in Season 1.
Jason Kelce Joins ESPN’s Masters Coverage as On-Course Reporter
Jason Kelce is set to make his Masters debut as an on-course reporter for The Masters Par 3 Contest, airing across ESPN platforms on April 8. Kelce will interview players and families during the relaxed Wednesday tradition at Augusta National ahead of the tournament’s opening round. It marks his latest crossover into golf coverage following recent work on ESPN’s TGL broadcasts, as the network continues expanding his role beyond NFL studio analysis.
Image: Courtesy Image
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