Amazon, The New York Times Team Up in AI Deal
The New York Times announced Thursday that it has agreed to a multi-year licensing deal with Amazon that will allow the tech firm to use the publication’s content for AI capabilities. Amazon is permitted to share excerpts of Times coverage through Alexa, its AI-controlled voice assistant, while Amazon’s AI models will be trained to use select content. Amazon also gains access to material from The Athletic, the digital sports platform, and NYT Cooking material.
Drake Racks Up Most RIAA Diamond Certifications Ever
Drake is celebrating another milestone this week. The Recording Institute Association of America (RIAA) gave diamond certifications to two of the rapper’s biggest hits, “Best I Ever Had” and “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” bringing the total number of Drake’s diamond certifications to 10, the most of any musician ever. Some of Drake’s other diamond-certified hits include “God’s Plan,” “One Dance,” and “Hotline Bling.”
Major League Baseball Invests in Athletes Unlimited Softball
Major League Baseball is making a strategic investment in Athletes Unlimited Softball ahead of its inaugural season next week, the first time MLB will have a comprehensive partnership with a pro women’s sports league. The new deal will help finance operational expenses while assisting with content, marketing and sales, events, distribution, editorial, and digital and social platforms. The 2025 AUSL season begins June 7 and will feature four teams playing 24 games across 10 cities.
Boardroom’s Shlomo Sprung has more details on this landmark partnership.
Tyler, the Creator Headlines Bottega Veneta Anniversary Campaign
Bottega Veneta is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its signature Intrecciato leather weave with a star-studded campaign, including Tyler, the Creator, Julianne Moore, Dave Free, and more. Shot by Jack Antonoff, the spot features Tyler and Co. wearing Bottega Veneta pieces, including bags, gloves, and outerwear. Also featured is Edward Buchanan, the Design Director for the luxury house from 1995 to 2000, who introduced the company’s first ready-to-wear collection.
JetBlue, United Form Airline Alliance
JetBlue Airways and United Airlines announced a partnership Thursday that will allow the airlines to sell seats on each other’s platforms. Called Blue Sky, the deal also means United will return to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, as early as 2027. JetBlue consumers can also earn frequent-flyer miles on United and vice versa. Reciprocal loyalty perks, such as priority boarding and roomier seats, are also included for travelers with elite status.
Maria Grazia Chiuri to Leave Dior Women
After nine years in charge, Maria Grazia Chiuri is leaving her role as artistic director of women’s collections at Dior. Although the French fashion house didn’t identify a successor, WWD speculates that Jonathan Anderson, who was named as Dior’s menswear head in April, is the likely heir to the women’s division as well.
New Balance, Men in Blazers Reveal Partnership
Soccer meets sportswear as New Balance and Men in Blazers Media Network revealed they’ve entered a multi-year partnership. Scheduled to coincide with the start of the FIFA Club World Cup this summer and building toward the 2026 Men’s World Cup, storytelling will spotlight some of New Balance’s soccer athletes, such as Bukayo Saka, Tim Weah, Sadio Mané, and Michelle Cooper. Additionally, a series of live events will be held across the U.S., beginning with a pop-up experience in New York City on June 14.
Sha’Carri Richardson Headlines Olympics Stars Investing in Alexis Ohanian’s Athlos
Alexis Ohanian‘s all-women track event Athlos is expanding to a team-based format in 2026 thanks to the backing of some of Team USA’s biggest stars, Sha’Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas, and Tara Davis-Woodhall. All three Olympic medalists will compete in the league. Athlos’ inaugural event took place last September at Icahn Stadium in New York City, featuring six sprint-style races, prize money for the winners, and a post-event Megan Thee Stallion concert.
Megan Thee Stallion to Debut Swimwear Line at Miami Swim Week
Megan Thee Stallion is set to unveil her Hot Girl Summer swimwear line for the first time with a show during PARAISO Miami Swim Week on Thursday night. Designed by the Hot Girl Coach herself, Megan’s line includes multi-colored bikinis, monokinis, one-piece swimsuits, and swimsuit cover-ups. The full line is available for purchase at Walmart stores, the store’s website, and Megan’s official site.
LEGO, Nike Unveil 1,180-Piece Dunk Set
After revealing their multi-year partnership last year, LEGO and Nike have finally unveiled their first project together — a 1,180-piece Nike Dunk kit that includes a movable brick basketball toy and an exclusive minifigure. The set will go on sale for $100 on July 1, but is available for pre-order now. Additionally, Nike recently revealed that it’s dropping a LEGO-themed Air Max Dn later this year.
Image: Drew Angerer / AFP via Getty Images
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