Mike Tyson, Jake Paul to Headline Docuseries Ahead of Netflix Boxing Match
The highly anticipated fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul will be the subject of a new three-part docuseries on Netflix. Audiences will be treated to a behind-the-scenes look at both competitors’ intense training regimens, commentary on the fighters’ journeys through interviews with loved ones, and candid scenes of life in the lead up to the clash. The Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson drops in two parts on Nov. 7 and 12 ahead of the fight, which is scheduled for Nov. 15 on the streaming platform.
LAFC Acquires Stake in Angel City
Los Angeles FC has purchased a small stake in Angel City FC, Sportico reported Thursday. The deal is the byproduct of an existing agreement between the two clubs, which was brokered when Angel City signed a lease to play its matches at LAFC’s stadium. As a result, LAFC cashed in the so-called “warrants” in exchange for an investment in the club, although the specifics of the stake is is unknown at this time. LAFC confirmed the news in a statement, saying that they “look forward to continuing to support the club, management, Willow and Bob for many years to come.” Founded in 2020, Angel City topped Sportico’s 2024 list of the most valuable NWSL franchises with a $250 million valuation.
Mary J. Blige, Lifetime Agree to ‘Family Affair’-Inspired TV Movie in Multi-Picture Deal
Inspired by Mary J. Blige’s 2001 song of the same name, a film with the working title Family Affair is coming to Lifetime as a part of the singer’s multiproject deal with the network. Per Variety, the feature drops in 2025 as part of its Voices of a Lifetime slate and follows a couple as they navigate an unsettling transition period and multiple family conflicts. Blige serves as executive producer through her Blue Butterfly entertainment firm alongside Jordan and John Davis of Davis Entertainment.
Shohei Ohtani’s Record-Setting 50-50 Ball is Up for Auction
The ball Shohei Ohtani hit to become the founding member of the 50-50 club is officially up for auction. On Sept. 19, the Los Angeles Dodgers hit his 50th homer of the season and stole his 50th base in a 20-4 win against the Miami Marlins. Bidding for the historic collectible starts at Goldin for $500,000, but fans with no budget and anxious to own a piece of history can purchase it privately for $4.5 million. The auction begins Sept. 27 at noon ET and ends on Oct. 16.
Tribeca Festival Sets Official Dates
Dates for the 2025 Tribeca Festival are set for June 4-15 in New York City and per Variety, will include a new summit event aimed at highlighting projects created by emerging filmmakers. Called the Creators Forum, Tribeca CEO and Co-Founder Jane Rosenthal said the program plans to “facilitate connections, provide mentorship, offer creative support, and, hopefully, shift the trajectory of someone’s career.” The announcement also revealed that the festival took meaningful steps towards inclusivity for early-career film makers by expanding eligibility to films screened in New York or online for out-of-competition consideration.
Junior Bridgeman Officially Buys Minority Stake in Milwaukee Bucks
Former Milwaukee Bucks player Junior Bridgeman has purchased a minority stake in the NBA team. Bridgeman played 711 career games for the Bucks, which ranks him third in franchise history, behind only current Bucks stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. His No. 2 jersey was retired by the franchise in 1988. After retiring from the league, Bridgeman began investing in restaurants and eventually became the Owner and CEO of Bridgeman Foods, which operated over 450 Wendy’s and Chili’s restaurants across 20 states until 2016.
Eve Nets Eight-figure Deal with Iconoclast for Her Publishing Catalog
According to a Thursday alert from Music Business Worldwide, Eve has sold the rights to her publishing catalog to Olivier Chastan’s acquisition firm, Iconoclast, in a deal worth between $25 and $50 million. In a statement, Chastan confirmed the deal while also praising the Philly-born rapper. “Eve’s contributions to hip-hop and popular culture are unparalleled. She’s not only a great artist but a true pioneer for women in the genre,” he said. Earlier this month, Eve released her memoir Who’s That Girl? chronicling her rise in the music industry, mental health, and her journey through fertility issues and motherhood.
UFC Agrees to $375M Settlement in Antitrust Lawsuit
The UFC reached a settlement in one of its two antitrust lawsuits. Per ESPN, UFC’s parent company TKO Group agreed to pay out $375 million to the plaintiffs of the Le v. Zuffa class-action lawsuit. Dating back to 2014, the indictment filed by Cung Le and a group of fighters claims that the UFC practiced unfair business practices “to acquire and maintain monopsony power” in the mixed martial arts industry. The second antitrust lawsuit – filed in 2021 by ex-UFC fighter Kajan Johnson – is still pending.