Travis Kelce Partners With Publicis on New College NIL Venture
Travis Kelce is partnering with Publicis Sports to bring more structure to the college NIL marketplace. The agency launched Tekta, a new business designed to help brands identify athletes and schools, build partnerships and measure results. Kelce will advise the venture, while his talent firm, 3 Arts Sports, will serve as a strategic operating partner. The move comes as college NIL spending is projected to hit $4.5 billion in 2026-27.
Madonna Tops 2026 VMAs Nominations; Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande Follow
Madonna is leading the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards nominations with 11 nods, putting her ahead of Taylor Swift with nine and Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande with seven each. Bruno Mars, Zara Larsson, and PinkPantheress each earned five nominations. The VMAs will take place Sept. 27 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre, marking the show’s return to the West Coast for the first time since 2017. The ceremony will air live on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+.
Jeanie Buss Challenges Family Sale That Could Cost Her Lakers Control
Jeanie Buss is challenging her siblings’ decision to sell the Buss family’s remaining 17.8% stake in the Lakers, potentially putting her position as the franchise’s controlling owner at risk. The five other siblings voted to sell the shares to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger at a $12.5 billion valuation, but Buss argues a 2017 court ruling requires trustee approval to complete the deal. Buss has an agreement to remain controlling owner through 2030.
Justin Bieber Gives First Look at SKYLRK’s Next Sneaker
Justin Bieber is expanding SKYLRK’s footwear lineup with the Sensory Runner, a new silhouette that has been four years in the making, he says. Bieber unveiled the shoe in a sleek black-and-white colorway, offering a first look at the design ahead of its official launch. Details on materials, technical features, and pricing remain under wraps, and a release date has not yet been announced. The Sensory Runner adds another chapter to Bieber’s growing presence in fashion and footwear.
Disney’s ABC Sues FCC Over Early License Review
Disney-owned ABC is suing the FCC over its early review of the network’s broadcast licenses, alleging the agency’s actions violate the First Amendment and amount to government retaliation over its programming. The FCC began the renewal process years ahead of schedule, citing concerns over Disney’s DEI practices. ABC is seeking to halt the proceedings, escalating a months-long dispute with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. Disney says it will continue defending its editorial independence and journalistic standards.
NBA Ad Sales Reach $2.11B in First Season of New Media Deals
The NBA’s new media rights era is already paying off, with $2.11 billion in advertising revenue generated during the 2025-26 season, up 38% year over year. The league’s expanded broadcast footprint helped drive average viewership to 1.78 million per game, a seven-year high. Streaming also surged, accounting for $874 million in ad sales, led by Prime Video and Peacock. ABC/ESPN generated the most ad revenue at $824.5 million, followed by NBC Sports at $782.2 million.
Shakira Leads $1.25M Effort to Rebuild Schools in Colombia
Shakira, Global Citizen, Live Nation, and CAF are committing $1.25 million to rebuild schools in Colombia following last week’s devastating earthquake. The funding includes $500,000 from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a matching $500,000 from Live Nation, and $250,000 from CAF. Shakira visited the affected Chocó region and will also personally support the reconstruction of Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó. At least 40 schools collapsed, with more than 3,200 affected nationwide.
WNBA All-Star Weekend Heads to the Bay Area in 2027
The WNBA All-Star Game is heading to the Bay Area in 2027, with the Golden State Valkyries set to host the league’s midseason showcase at Chase Center. The Valkyries have sold out every home game since joining the WNBA in 2025, making San Francisco a natural choice for the event. The league set an All-Star attendance record with 19,783 fans in Chicago last month. Next year’s festivities will mark the first WNBA All-Star Game hosted in the Golden State.
Roger Goodell Says NFL Team Outside U.S. Is Inevitable
The NFL’s international ambitions could eventually include a franchise outside the U.S. Commissioner Roger Goodell said he has “no doubt” the league will one day have a team permanently based abroad, though he did not identify a potential market. Goodell also suggested an international city could eventually host a Super Bowl if it first becomes home to an NFL team. The league is already expanding its overseas schedule, with up to 10 international games planned annually beginning in 2027.
OpenAI Launches ChatGPT for Teens With New Safety Protections
OpenAI is launching ChatGPT for Teens, a version of its chatbot built for users ages 13 to 17 with stronger safeguards around self-harm, sexual content, and other sensitive topics. The experience will also emphasize learning over simply generating homework and essays. The launch comes as AI chatbot use among teenagers grows, raising concerns among parents and experts about cheating, emotional dependence, and exposure to harmful content. OpenAI says the new version is designed to encourage safer, age-appropriate AI use.
Pac-12-Bound Schools Agree to $49M Mountain West Settlement
Five schools leaving the Mountain West for the Pac-12 will pay their former conference $49 million, resolving a long-running dispute over exit fees. Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Colorado State, and Utah State had faced penalties ranging from $19 million to $38 million each. The settlement is roughly half of what the Mountain West initially sought. The agreement also resolves litigation between the schools and conference and clears the way for final league distributions.
Fanatics Expands European Golf Business With Ryder Cup Deal
Fanatics is expanding its golf business in Europe through a multi-year partnership with the European Tour Group. The company will exclusively operate official stores and create licensed merchandise for the DP World Tour and Ryder Cup Europe, while serving as the retail partner for the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland. The deal also covers major events including the Irish Open, Scottish Open, and BMW PGA Championship, giving Fanatics a larger foothold in one of golf’s biggest global merchandising markets.
Drake’s OVO, UFC Team Up for Second Apparel Collection
Drake’s OVO and UFC are teaming up again for their second collaborative apparel collection, blending the worlds of combat sports and streetwear. The 2026 capsule features hoodies, jerseys, graphic tees, and long-sleeve shirts with co-branded designs and references to UFC legends and stars. Canadian welterweight Mike Malott fronts the campaign. The collection launches Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. ET, marking another step in OVO’s growing presence across sports and culture.
LIV Golf’s Financial Woes Deepen With $1.23M Lawsuit
LIV Golf is facing a $1.23 million lawsuit from Fresh Tape Media over unpaid invoices tied to the league’s preseason media event in January. The production company says LIV paid roughly half its contracted fees before the event but left eight invoices outstanding, despite repeated assurances that payment was coming. The suit adds to growing concerns around LIV’s finances after Saudi Arabia’s PIF said it would end funding following the 2026 season. LIV has not publicly responded.
Image: Aaron M. Sprecher / Getty Images
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