Apple Tops Microsoft, Amazon, Google as Best Global Brand
Despite its brand value falling for the first time in 25 years, Apple has been named the best global brand by Interbrand for the 12th consecutive year. Sitting at $488.9 billion after a 3% year-over-year drop, Tim Cook and Co. still hold a comfortable lead over Microsoft, which takes second place at $352.5 billion. Rounding out the top five are Amazon ($298.1 billion), Google ($291.3 billion), and Samsung ($100.8. billion). New entries to the annual Top 100 list in 2024 are Nvidia (No. 36), Pandora (No. 91), Range Rover (No. 96), and Jordan Brand (No. 99).
Sports League Commissioners Team Up with Robert Kraft for Anti-Hate Campaign
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and the commissioners of the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, NWSL, WNBA, and MLS, as well as the president of NASCAR, are coming together for a new anti-hate campaign. The Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, founded by Kraft, will back the mission called Timeout Against Hate. “In sports, we call a ‘timeout’ when things are heading in the wrong direction, and right now, in our country, hate is winning, and we need to change the momentum,” Kraft said. The accompanying spot premieres during Thursday Night Football between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers and features Shaquille O’Neal, Billie Jean King, Candace Parker, and other famous faces making the universal “T” symbol for timeout.
Rafael Nadal to Retire From Tennis with 22 Grand Slam Titles
The King of Clay is hanging his tennis racket up for good. In a video shared on social media, Rafael Nadal announced his impending retirement from the sport. Nadal confirmed his final tournament will be with Spain at the Davis Cup finals next month. The decorated pro leaves the game with 22 Grand Slam singles titles (a record 14 championships at Roland-Garros), 92 career titles, and an Olympic gold medal in Beijing in 2008. He also won doubles gold in Rio 2016 and four Davis Cup titles.
JuJu Watkins Expands NIL Portfolio with Gatorade Deal
Days after JuJu Watkins reportedly agreed to “one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball” with Nike, the USC sophomore is adding another high-profile NIL deal to her growing portfolio. Gatorade announced Thursday that it has agreed to a multi-year deal with the standout guard, making the 2023 Gatorade National Player of the Year winner just the third college basketball player to have signed with the company. As part of the partnership, Watkins will appear in upcoming Gatorade marketing ads and help with the Gatorade Player of the Year program. Past National Basketball Player of the Year honorees who have become Gatorade athletes include Candace Parker, Jayson Tatum, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Paige Bueckers.
Patrick Mahomes, Adidas Reveal New Texas Tech Uniforms
Adidas and Patrick Mahomes unveiled a new Texas Tech University football jersey on Thursday that features the Chiefs QB’s signature “Gladiator” logo, marking one of the first times in history that an athlete’s personal branding is featured in official on-field apparel. In addition to the new-look unis, there will be several other product offerings for Red Raiders fans included in the new Texas Tech x Patrick Mahomes collection, all featuring Mahomes’ signature emblem. Texas Tech’s football team will debut the Mahomes Strategy jerseys at home against Colorado on Nov. 9.
Taylor Swift Donates $5 Million to Hurricane Relief
Feeding America confirmed that Taylor Swift donated $5 million to the non-profit’s disaster relief efforts for those across Florida’s Gulf Coast affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot said the funds will be used to “help communities rebuild and recover, providing essential food, clean water, and supplies to people affected by these devastating storms.” Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour is expected to resume in Miami for a three-night run on Oct. 18.
Cam Newton to Join ‘First Take’ Desk in New Deal with ESPN
Former Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton has signed a deal with ESPN as an analyst, the network announced Thursday. In this new role, Newton will be a commentator on First Take alongside hosts Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith. The former league MVP will make his first appearance on the show Friday at Tennessee State University as part of the First Take HBCU roadshow. Newton has established a strong media presence via his production company, Iconic Sage, through which he produces numerous content series like Funky Friday and 4th & 1.
Yahoo Sports, The Athletic Join Forces to Launch New Women’s Sports Hub
Yahoo Sports and The Athletic announced a new partnership Thursday with intentions to create a new hub for all-inclusive coverage of women’s sports. Content will live on the Yahoo Sports app and feature written, audio, and video stories produced by Yahoo Sports and The Athletic. Free for everyone, the landing page is available to visit today and will launch in the Yahoo Sports app in the coming months.