Jason Bateman, Netflix, and MLB Team Up on New Yankees Series
Netflix is taking the New York Yankees to scripted TV. The streamer is developing an untitled drama series with MLB Studios, Jason Bateman’s Aggregate Films and writer Josh Wakely. The series will span multiple eras of the Yankees’ history, spotlighting one of the most decorated franchises in sports. The project expands Netflix’s relationship with MLB, which includes streaming select games and events through 2028, including the Home Run Derby and the Field of Dreams game.
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Breaks Another Box Office Record
Stop us if you’ve heard this before: Spider-Man: Brand New Day has broken another box office record. The Tom Holland-led blockbuster has topped $500 million domestically in just seven days, making it the fastest movie ever to reach the milestone and surpassing Avengers: Endgame‘s opening-week mark. The film, also starring Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, and Mark Ruffalo, initially set a new record for the biggest domestic opening weekend with $360 million and crossed $1 billion globally in six days.
Mavericks Make Blockbuster Offer for Cooper Flagg’s Rare Rookie Card
The Dallas Mavericks are putting a blockbuster-style offer on the table for Cooper Flagg’s 1-of-1 rookie debut patch autograph card. The fan who pulls the ultra-rare Topps card can trade it to the team for 32 years of premium season tickets, a signed game-worn Flagg jersey, a road trip to see the Mavericks play in Boston, VIP team experiences, and more. The card could fetch more than $1.5 million at auction, making it one of basketball’s most valuable collectibles.
Meta Faces $900M+ Penalty After Judge Orders New Safety Measures
Meta is facing more than $900 million in penalties after a New Mexico judge ordered the company to pay an additional $567 million over allegations that Facebook and Instagram harmed young users. The ruling adds to a $375 million penalty issued earlier this year after a jury found Meta misled users about platform safety and enabled the sexual exploitation of minors. Meta must also introduce new safeguards, including limits on underage users’ screen time.
Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, ‘Grown Ups’ Cast Reunite for Third Film Production
Adam Sandler is rounding up the Grown Ups crew. Production has officially begun on Grown Ups 3, with Sandler reuniting with franchise favorites including Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade, Rob Schneider, and Salma Hayek. Netflix announced the third installment earlier this year, continuing Sandler’s long-running partnership with the streamer. Directed by Kyle Newacheck, the comedy marks the return of a franchise that has earned more than $500 million worldwide.
OpenAI Is Building a $300 AI Device to Take on Smart Speakers
OpenAI is preparing to enter the hardware market with a $300-plus AI device expected in 2027. The screenless, battery-powered speaker will be roughly the size of a hockey puck and feature a distinctive doughnut-shaped design with moving parts, microphones, and lights. Designed as an “AI-first” computer, it will use advanced voice capabilities to interact with users throughout the day and learn their preferences over time. The device marks OpenAI’s first step toward a broader family of consumer hardware.
‘GTA VI’ Pre-Orders Reach ‘Unprecedented’ Levels Ahead of Launch
Grand Theft Auto VI is already breaking expectations ahead of its launch. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick said pre-orders for the highly anticipated title reached an “unprecedented and astonishing” level after opening in June, though the company did not reveal sales figures. The publisher reported $1.39 billion in quarterly net bookings, boosted by strong performances from the GTA and NBA 2K franchises. GTA VI is set to release Nov. 19.
Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Joins Billion-Dollar Box Office Club
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has officially joined the billion-dollar club, surpassing $1 billion at the global box office. The Universal epic is on track to become Nolan’s highest-grossing film ever, overtaking The Dark Knight Rises, which earned $1.085 billion worldwide. The film has generated $429.7 million domestically and $570.3 million internationally, continuing a historic year for theaters.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Fronts Timberland x New Era’s MLB Collab
Yankees star Jazz Chisholm Jr. is fronting Timberland and New Era’s new MLB capsule, a limited-edition collection blending baseball heritage with streetwear style. The collaboration features Timberland’s Premium 6-Inch Waterproof Boot alongside New Era’s 59FIFTY and 19TWENTY caps, reimagined with the logos and colors of seven MLB teams, including the Yankees, Dodgers, and Red Sox. The collection launches Aug. 15 through Timberland, New Era, and MLB retail channels.
Entertainment Jobs Rise as Broader Labor Market Takes a Hit
The U.S. labor market took an unexpected step backward in July, shedding 23,000 jobs as employers pulled back amid economic uncertainty. The entertainment industry, however, bucked the broader trend. Jobs in movies and music rose by 9,900 to 332,700, offering a rare bright spot amid concerns about a production slowdown. The overall report fell well short of expectations, with economists anticipating as many as 100,000 new jobs.
Under Armour Cuts Product Line as Turnaround Effort Continues
Under Armour is cutting back again as it works to revive its struggling business. The sportswear company lowered its annual outlook, citing weak consumer demand in the U.S. and Asia, and plans to eliminate another 25% of its product lineup over the next 18 months. CEO Kevin Plank said the strategy moving forward will be focused on selling fewer products at higher prices. The company’s latest quarter saw revenue fall 3% to $1.1 billion, with footwear sales down 8%.
FAA Orders Boeing 737 Max Inspections After Structural Crack Reports
The FAA is ordering inspections for hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets after cracks were discovered in similar areas on older 737 models. The directive covers certain 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 aircraft and takes effect Sept. 10. No cracks have been reported on the affected Max planes, but the FAA said the review will apply to 473 aircraft to address a potential structural risk. Boeing said it supports the inspections and has already worked with operators on the issue.
Image: Elsa / Getty Images
Read More:
Inside Derek Jeter’s Bet on America’s College Towns: ‘That Passion Isn’t Something You Can Manufacture’
Kelsey Plum Gets Real About Money, Success, & the Future of Women’s Hoops
Maverick Carter on LeBron James’ NBA Career, The Decision, & Building a Billion-Dollar Blueprint
From Cursed to Contenders: LeBron James Picks the Sixers for Final Run
Diana Taurasi, Cathy Engelbert & Kristyn Cook on the WNBA’s Explosive Growth, Future of the League
