LeBron James Enters Prediction Markets With Star-Studded Polymarket Ad
LeBron James has inked a partnership with Polymarket, becoming the face of the prediction market’s latest advertising campaign. James, who teased the pact over Labor Day Weekend, appears in the spot alongside a star-studded lineup of athletes and celebrities, including Eli Manning, Derek Jeter, Sue Bird, Spike Lee, and more. The partnership comes as Polymarket and other prediction markets continue expanding across sports and other areas, while facing increased regulatory scrutiny.
‘Spider-Man’, ‘The Odyssey’ Power Record Summer at Box Office
The summer box office has officially reached a new high. Domestic ticket sales from May through Labor Day hit $4.76 billion, surpassing the previous record set in 2013. It’s the first summer ever for all four months to top $1 billion, with August leading at $1.27 billion. Blockbusters including Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey fueled the surge, signaling renewed momentum for theaters after years of uncertainty.
MAC Appeals Michigan-WMU Result Over Clock Error
The Mid-American Conference is appealing Michigan’s controversial 13-12 win over Western Michigan after determining Big Ten replay officials improperly restored one second to the game clock. That extra play allowed Michigan to escape with a last-second touchdown. The conference is asking the NCAA and College Football Playoff to recognize Western Michigan as the winner, though no formal process exists to overturn a finalized result. A CFP berth could mean millions in revenue and exposure for WMU and the MAC.
76ers, Flyers Unveil Vision for New South Philadelphia Arena
The 76ers and Flyers are ushering in a new era in Philadelphia. The teams unveiled renderings for a new privately funded arena on the former Spectrum site, targeted to open before the WNBA’s Philadelphia expansion team begins play in 2030. The project brings the Flyers back to the grounds where the franchise began in 1967 and is expected to create nearly 15,000 jobs and $6 billion in economic activity over the next decade.
Nike to Exit S&P 100 After Stock Decline
Nike is set to lose its spot among America’s 100 largest public companies. The sportswear giant will exit the S&P 100 on Sept. 21 as Dell Technologies, Palo Alto Networks, Arista Networks, and SanDisk move in. Nike will remain in the S&P 500, but its decline reflects a brutal stretch for investors. Shares have fallen roughly 50% over the past year and 78% in five years, while tech stocks continue riding the AI investment boom.
Anne Hathaway, Kelce Brothers, Larry David Headline ‘ManningCast’ Reveal
Peyton and Eli Manning turned the ManningCast schedule reveal into a Hollywood production. Omaha Productions’ new 15-minute short, ManningCast: Heist, takes an Ocean’s 11-style approach, featuring roughly 40 cameos from stars including Anne Hathaway, Paul Rudd, Jon Hamm, Larry David, and Jason and Travis Kelce. The film culminates in the reveal of the brothers’ 2026 NFL schedule, including their Super Bowl broadcast, as the ManningCast continues expanding beyond football.
Christian Gonzalez Lands Record $135M Patriots Extension
Christian Gonzalez is the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback. The Patriots reportedly agreed to a four-year, $135 million extension with the All-Pro, including $102 million guaranteed and a record $33 million signing bonus. Gonzalez’s $33.75 million annual average also tops the position, surpassing Seahawks star Devon Witherspoon’s recent deal. The 2023 first-round pick becomes the third cornerback this offseason to receive at least $100 million guaranteed.
Chris Paul Builds New Media Company With Genius Sports, Words + Pictures
Chris Paul is expanding his sports media footprint. The former NBA star is teaming with Genius Sports and Words + Pictures through his Ohh Dip!!! Entertainment banner to launch a new athlete-led media company. The venture will create original programming powered by Genius Sports’ data, AI, and technology, with Paul hosting its first slate. It will also build a wider network of athletes and creators while opening new sponsorship opportunities, with the first programming expected to launch in Q4 2026.
Nathan Fielder’s Elizabeth Holmes Doc Gets Surprise Telluride Debut
Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim have unveiled You Can See Everything, a new documentary about disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. The film, which premiered as Telluride’s secret screening Sunday, follows Holmes 34 days before she reported to prison and evolves into a three-year portrait of her life. A24 will release the documentary in October.
Be sure to watch the teaser here. >>>
Snoop Dogg Biopic Casts D’Angelo’s Son as The Notorious B.I.G.
The Snoop Dogg biopic continues to take shape, with new faces joining the cast. SwayvoTwain, son of D’Angelo and the late Angie Stone, will make his major film debut as The Notorious B.I.G., while Bentley Green will portray RBX and G Perico will play Big Reecie Cup. Jonathan Daviss stars as Snoop, with Craig Brewer directing. Universal has set the film for Aug. 6, 2027, with Dr. Dre, Tupac, Suge Knight, and Nate Dogg all featured.
Anthropic Passes on Potential $6B Decart Acquisition
Anthropic is walking away from a potential $6 billion acquisition of Israeli AI startup Decart, according to Bloomberg. The decision follows due diligence on Decart, whose technology helps optimize AI models across different processors and could have helped Anthropic lower the cost of running its increasingly powerful systems. The companies could still pursue a partnership, as Anthropic continues preparing for a potential blockbuster IPO.
Hollywood Ventures Group Creates New Pipeline for Producers, Projects, & Financing
Hollywood Ventures Group is expanding its footprint with Producers365, a private global network built to connect producers, creatives, projects, and production resources. The membership platform offers industry updates, financing, and co-production opportunities, trusted vendors, production incentives, and access to potential partners. HVG is also partnering with First-Look on a digital script vault designed to connect writers with verified buyers seeking unrepresented material.
Image: Roy Rochlin / Getty Images for Fanatics
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