New York Liberty, Off-White Team Up in Multi-Year Partnership
The New York Liberty and Off-White have entered a multi-year partnership, the two sides announced on Friday. In the new deal, Off-White will serve as the team’s official style and culture curator, marking the brand’s first-ever agreement with a US sports team. With the Liberty set to take on the Atlanta Dream to tip off the WNBA Playoffs on Sunday, Off-White will also reveal its custom varsity jacket, made available to fans during certain playoff games for pre-order.
Spotify’s Global Ad Revenue to Reach $2B in 2024
Music streaming giant Spotify is poised to surpass $2 billion in global ad profits in 2024, according to a report from WARC. This is the first time the company has crossed this threshold, and it marks a 13% jump year-over-year. On the trajectory it’s currently on, which includes six consecutive quarters of double-digit growth in its ads business, Spotify’s global revenue is expected to reach as high as $2.6 billion by 2026, the report stated. As the platform continues to be the preferred choice for consumers, Brownsell said Spotify “is eyeing opportunities in the video ad space, especially with video podcast consumption rising.”
Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Makes History with MLB’s First 50-50 Season
Shohei Ohtani made history on Thursday when the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar became the first player in MLB history to hit 50+ homers and steal 50+ bases in a single season. On top of that, the superstar went a perfect 6-for-6 from the plate and recorded three home runs, two doubles, two steals, four runs scored, and 10 RBI in a 20-4 rout of the Miami Marlins. The win also secured a postseason spot for the Dodgers, marking the first time Ohtani will compete in the MLB Playoffs in his illustrious career.
SZA & Keke Palmer’s Buddy Cop Comedy Gets a 2025 Release
SZA’s R-rated buddy cop comedy co-starring Keke Palmer doesn’t have a name yet, but there is a projected release date. According to Variety, the movie is set to premiere in theaters on Jan. 24, 2025. Details of the plot remain a secret, but supporting castmates include Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Maude Apatow, Katt Williams, Joshua Neal, Aziza Scott, and more. The project is produced by Issa Rae‘s Hoorae, with writing credits to Syreeta Singleton and Lawrence Lamont directing.
Fever, Mystics Finish Regular Season with Most-Attended Game in WNBA History
The phrase “everyone watches women’s sports” was evident this WNBA season, capped by Thursday’s regular-season finale between the Washington Mystics and Indiana Fever. Per Mystics PR, Thursday’s crowd set a league single-game record with 20,711 in attendance to watch Washington defeat the Fever. The news comes on the heels of a monumental campaign for the W that broke a slew of attendance records, landed a new landmark media deal, and more than doubled viewership numbers at networks like ESPN, Ion Television, and more.
Panthers vs. Raiders Marks NFL First With Two Women Presidents
History will be made on Sunday when the Carolina Panthers visit the Las Vegas Raiders, as two female NFL Team Presidents compete for the first time. Panthers President Kristi Coleman and Raiders President Sandra Douglass Morgan are the NFL’s only two female presidents out of its 32 franchises. Coleman became Carolina’s president in February 2022 after serving as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, Panthers owner Dave Tepper’s firm. Raiders owner Mark Davis appointed Douglass Morgan to her current role in July 2022.
Pitbull is Returning to Las Vegas with New Residency
Pitbull is returning to Las Vegas for a brand-new residency, this time at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Pitbull: Vegas After Dark is scheduled to debut on Nov. 8 and run for eight weekends between the end of this year and the beginning of 2025. While having frequently performed in Sin City over the years, Pitbull’s last residency in Vegas was Time of Our Lives at The AXIS from 2015 to 2019.
Cinema Chains Prepared to Invest $2B for Theater Renovations
In an effort to capitalize on the uptick in movie theater attendance, the eight biggest cinema chains are prepared to spend $2.2 billion to renovate theaters across North America, according to the National Association of Theatre Owners. The companies — AMC Entertainment, Regal Cinemas, Cinemark USA, Cineplex, Marcus, B&B Theatres, Harkins Theatres, and Santikos Entertainment — represent over 1,600 locations across all 50 states and Canada. Updates will include laser projection technology and advanced sound systems, improved food and beverage options, adding arcades and bowling to select locations, and better air conditioning, lighting, signage, and carpeting in theaters.
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