Lionel Messi Launches Production Company 525 Rosario
On Thursday, Lionel Messi announced the launch of his production company 525 Rosario, saying entertainment has “always been a passion for me whether that be on the pitch or in other areas.” The company’s name comes from the Inter Miami captain’s hometown of Rosario, Argentina. Formed as a joint venture with Smuggler Entertainment — the company that produced the Apple TV+ docuseries Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend and Messi Meets America — 525 Rosario is set to produce films, sporting events, and branded commercials for athletes on a global scale.
Nike CEO to Step Down Amid Leadership Shake-Up, Veteran Exec Tapped to Take Over
In the wake of shaky performance, Nike, Inc. is mixing things up. The Beaverton brand announced on Thursday that sitting CEO and President John Donahoe will step down on Oct. 13 to be succeeded by longtime executive Elliot Hill. Hill previously retired in 2020 following a 32-year career with the brand. In his new role, Hill will also join the Board of Directors of Nike, Inc. and the Executive Committee. The Swoosh confirmed the news with a statement from its board, which also indicated that Donahoe will remain on as an advisor through January 2025 to help ease the transition. The news comes after Nike struggled to hit performance targets over the last several months and faced sharp criticism in the competitive footwear market.
Sabrina Carpenter Secures Netflix Holiday Special
As the holiday season nears, networks are busy working on specials to get viewers in the spirit. Netflix announced its first programming news on Thursday, a variety music special starring Sabrina Carpenter. Titled A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter, the breakout pop star will sing tunes from her holiday EP fruitcake in addition to covering other chart-topping holiday hits. The special will also feature guest performers, comedic cameos, and unexpected duets when it streams exclusively on Dec. 6 at 9 p.m. EST.
Amazon Eyeing Entrepreneurs in New ‘Shark Tank’-style Show
A program reminiscent of Shark Tank is coming soon to Amazon. Called Buy It Now, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the e-commerce company’s new show will invite entrepreneurs to deliver a 90-second pitch of their products in front of a studio audience and judges, including Amazon executives and celebs like Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow and fashion designer Christian Siriano. In addition to taking home $20,000, winners of the show will see their items advertised in a new marketplace on Amazon. Hosted by comedian JB Smoove, Buy it Now premieres on Oct. 30.
Ali Krieger Named Gotham FC’s First-ever Club Ambassador
Ali Krieger may no longer be playing pro soccer, but the NWSL champion is staying with the team she won her final career title with. Gotham FC said Thursday that the legendary defender will be its first-ever club ambassador. In this role, Krieger will collaborate with Gotham’s front office to develop a variety of off-pitch projects to elevate the team’s influence in the New York and New Jersey markets. Additionally, the two-time World Cup champ is tasked with creating unique fan experiences that deepen Gotham’s connection to the community.
Marc Lasry Looks to Expand Portfolio with NC Courage Offer
Ex-Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry is nearing an agreement to purchase a controlling stake in the North Carolina Courage, Sportico reported Thursday. The team’s valuation sits at roughly $108 million, and Lasry would own around 60% of the NWSL club if his offer is accepted. The report also stated that the Avenue Capital Group CEO recently signed a letter of intent, essentially a non-binding form outlining the basic points of the sale.
Queen Latifah to Receive Biopic Treatment; Will Smith Among Producers
A biopic on veteran actress Queen Latifah is in the works, chronicling Latifah’s ascent as a multihyphenate who became a rapper, singer, and actress with Emmy, Grammy, and Golden Globe award wins throughout her decades-long career. Although no writers or directors have been attached to the project, producers include Latifah and Shakim Compere for Flavor Unit Entertainment, Will Smith and Miguel Melendez for Westbrook Studios, and Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon for Jesse Collins Entertainment.
OpenAI, T-Mobile Team Up to Create New Customer Service System
T-Mobile and OpenAI have partnered to create a new customer service system called IntentCX, managed by AI agents as part of a multi-year deal announced Wednesday. Launching next year, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert said the new program is “much more than chatbots” and that customers will be able to “leave millions of clues about how they want to be treated through their real experiences and interactions.” T-Mobile added that the partnership will help the telecommunication firm automate duties that might ordinarily require an in-store visit or a call to a customer service representative.
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