Cowboys-Seahawks Sets Prime Video, NFL Streaming Records
The Dallas Cowboys‘ 41-35 win against the Seattle Seahawks last Thursday averaged 15.26 million viewers, making it the most-watched game ever on Prime Video and the most-streamed NFL game in history, Amazon announced on Monday. At its peak, 17.76 million viewers tuned in to the showdown on Prime Video. The previous highest-streamed game came in Week 2 when an average of 15.05 million viewers watched the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Minnesota Vikings.
Lakers' Austin Reaves, Rigorer Agree to Huge Shoe Contract Extension
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has agreed to a seven-figure multi-year extension with performance footwear brand Rigorer. The 25-year-old first inked a deal with the Chinese sneaker company in 2022, becoming the company’s first NBA athlete. In June 2023, Reaves signed a signature sneaker deal with Rigorer. On Monday, the two sides announced another contract extension that makes Reaves a shareholder. “To be able to enter into an equity partnership with Rigorer was a big deal for me, knowing that we can truly grow this company together going forward,” said Reaves.
Boardroom’s Nick DePaula has the full rundown on Austin Reaves’ equity extension with Rigorer.
Shane Battier is Taking His Talents to Garnett Station as Senior Advisor
Former NBA star Shane Battier has joined private equity firm Garnett Station as a senior advisor. The New York-based company that manages over $2 billion of assets announced the news Monday, adding that Battier will “work with Garnett Station’s portfolio companies to optimize organizational design and integrate data-based decision making to improve operation.” The two-time NBA Finals champion is also the founder of the Battier Take Charge Foundation alongside his wife, Heidi, which provides resources for furthering the education of underserved youth.
Spotify Fires Roughly 1,500 Employees Across Company
Spotify has laid off roughly 17% of its staff, equating to about 1,500 jobs across the company, CEO Daniel Ek confirmed on Monday, saying that “economic growth has slowed dramatically and capital has become more expensive.” This marks the third round of cutbacks for Spotify this year, having dismissed around 800 employees in January and June combined. The music and podcast streaming platform said it will be paying employees five months of severance, as well as paying out their unused PTO. Spotify plans to work with those whose immigration status is tied to their jobs and will provide career support where needed.
Groot Hospitality Boss Launches New Production Endeavor
David Grutman, founder of Groot Hospitality, has entered the film and television space with his own production company, DGN Studios. According to The Hollywood Reporter, DGN Studios has a list that includes a first-look deal with Emmy Award-winning production arm Film 45, documentary film and TV shows, and unscripted reality and competition series. The hospitality businessman boasts a roster of celebrity clientele and is responsible for some of the highest-earning venues in the country, such as Papi Steak, Komodo, Swan, and LIV Nightclub, among others.
Warner Bros. Discovery & Comcast Land $8.5B Premier League Deal
The Premier League has a new broadcast home. The League announced on Monday that it inked a whopping four-year, $8.5 billion deal with Warner Bros. Discovery’s TNT and Comcast’s Sky Sports. Sky Sports will broadcast at least 215 matches through the next season, while TNT will broadcast 52. As part of the new agreement, Amazon will no longer broadcast any games for the elite league.