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September 27, 2022

LeBron James Goes All in on Pickleball

The 2022-23 NBA season is officially underway this week. While LeBron James and the Lakers hope to find redemption this season, James is teaming up with some NBA friends to invest in one of the summer’s hottest trends: pickleball. He has tapped Draymond Green and Kevin Love as co-investors in a Major League Pickleball team, CNBC was the first to report. Details, including where the team will be located and the franchise’s name, continue to evolve at this time. Drew Brees revealed his investment in the Mad Drops earlier this year. MLP also announced that it will expand the league from 12 to 16 teams. A strategic advisor to MLP indicated that the league has garnered interest from over 60 potential investors for future teams. Who might be next?

What is pickleball? Boardroom’s Kenny Ducey has everything you need to know.

McDonald’s and Cactus Plant Flea Market Team up for Adult Happy Meal

Everyone loves a little gift with their food. Now adults can rekindle the sweet sense of nostalgia with a Happy Meal that has grown alongside them. McDonald’s announced that it has partnered with Cynthia Lu’s Cactus Plant Flea Market to “reimagine” the iconic meal offering. Starting on Oct. 3, customers can select a Big Mac or a 10-piece Chicken McNugget version of the meal and each will come with a trippy, updated figurine of the franchise’s Grimace, Birdie, and Hamburglar characters. In addition, there will be a Cactus Plant Flea Market original, Cactus Buddy!, added to the collectible lineup.

Christie’s Steps Into the Future with New Sneaker and Streetwear Department

Christie’s is known for facilitating sales of some of the most important pieces of modern-day culture. Thus, it seems only right that its next area of expansion should encapsulate sneakers and streetwear with its reveal of Department X. The new enclaves will curate collectibles from across music, fashion, art and sports history — with a central focus on sneakers and streetwear. The move seeks to capitalize on the booming market of collectibles, the latest sign that there’s a new wave of younger collectors. Earlier this year, Christie’s organized a selection of 90 sneakers from Michael Jordan’s collection with its collaboration with Stadium Goods entitled “Original Air Takes Flight: The Evolution and Influence of Air Jordan Sneakers.”

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NFL Week 3 Climbs Past 11 Million on Prime Video

Amazon‘s gamble on Thursday Night Football continues to pay off. Amazon Prime Video drew 11.03 million viewers during the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns game that streamed during week three. The number demonstrates a staggering 39% increase year-over-year as compared to 2021’s week three viewership, which only brought in 7.96 million.

FTX Wins Voyager’s Assets for $1.4 Billion

FTX continues to navigate the world of crypto through tumultuous times. The company acquired the newly bankrupt crypto lender Voyager Digital through an auction for $1.4 billion. Voyager estimated that it had more than 100,000 creditors held between $1 billion and $10 billion in assets. The acquisition comes very shortly after FTX embarked on a $1 billion fundraising round through which the company seeks to maintain its $32 billion valuation.

Tyler, The Creator Reveals GOLF le FLEUR Converse Sneaker 

Tyler, The Creator, and Converse are teeing off an exclusive sneaker collaboration. The Grammy award-winning rapper’s brand GOLF le FLEUR put its spin on a simple sillhouette in a “Brilliant White” colorway of the Converse GLF 2.0, featuring textured midsoles in a cream color with branded pink outsoles.⁠ The shoes dropped this week, retailing for $110 on the Converse website.

Phil Mickelson Leads Group Departure from PGA Antitrust Lawsuit

Phil Mickelson and three other LIV Golfers have dropped out of an antitrust suit against the PGA Tour. Initially, Mickelson and 10 other LIV-affiliated players filed the lawsuit after the PGA Tour prevented them from participating in future tour events upon their departure for the competing LIV Tour. Talor Gooch, Ian Poulter, and Hudson Swafford also have removed themselves from the proceedings. In a statement, Mickelson indicated that the Tour has responded in a way that empowers its current players, and, therefore, he does not see a need to be involved at this time.

Tyrese Maxey Welcomes Fall as Saks Man Apparel Ambassador

Fall fashion is on the horizon, and Philadelphia Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey has his looks ready for a new season. In partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue menswear channel “Saks Man,” the Klutch Sports athlete unveiled the new partnership on Instagram. In the high-fashion shoot, Maxey repped wildly popular brands, including Palm Angels, Moncler, and Amiri. Maxey joins James Harden who worked with Saks Man last season to curate his off-court looks.

LaMelo Ball Shows Off New Signature Shoe at Media Day

The new NBA season is filled with potential for an exciting, young Hornets team. At this year’s media day, LaMelo Ball spoke to his hopes for the year ahead, while debuting his second signature shoe — the Puma MB.02. Although Puma hasn’t provided an official release date or price point, the sneaker is expected to drop sometime in late fall or early winter. Ball’s first signature shoe, the Puma MB.01, was released in Dec. 2021 for $125.

Boardroom’s Ian Stonebrook has all the details on what we know so far.

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Rory Robinson