TikTok Finally Strikes Deal to Keep Platform in U.S.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has reportedly reached a binding agreement to restructure the ownership of its U.S. operations. The deal, expected to close on Jan. 22, will create a joint venture with majority stakes held by American investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX. Under the agreement, these investors will collectively own 45% of the U.S. entity, while existing ByteDance affiliates retain nearly a third, and ByteDance itself keeps roughly 20%. The move resolves a years-long push by U.S. regulators to address national security concerns over Chinese ownership of the popular social media platform.
Tom Cruise & Alejandro González Iñárritu’s ‘Digger’ Set for October 2026 Release
Alejandro González Iñárritu’s new film Digger, starring and produced by Tom Cruise, will be released on Oct. 2 by Warner Bros. and Legendary. Described as “a comedy of catastrophic proportions,” it marks Iñárritu’s first English-language film since The Revenant and stars Cruise as a powerful man trying to save humanity from a disaster he caused. The film features a large ensemble cast and is Cruise’s first project under his new deal with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Kevin Garnett’s Jersey to Be Retired as Part of New Role with Timberwolves, Lynx
Kevin Garnett is reuniting with the Minnesota Timberwolves, a move that will finally lead to the retirement of his No. 21 jersey. Garnett will take on a broad role focused on business, community, and content work with both the Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx. After years of estrangement from the franchise’s former owner, Garnett rebuilt relationships with new owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, paving the way for his return and long-overdue recognition.
Ludacris, Shaboozey & Cortis to Headline 2026 NBA All-Star Concert Series
The NBA announced Thursday that Ludacris, Shaboozey, and K-pop group Cortis will headline the NBA Crossover concert series during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles in 2026. The three-night event will take place Feb. 12-14 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Cortis performs Feb. 12, Ludacris headlines Friday night, and Shaboozey closes the series on Valentine’s Day, with tickets already on sale.
Elle Duncan Officially Joins Netflix Sports After ESPN Run
Elle Duncan has entered into a multi-year deal with Netflix Sports to serve as an on-air host across sports and live events. She will make her debut on Jan. 23, hosting Skyscraper Live, a global event featuring Alex Honnold’s attempt to climb Taipei 101. Duncan joins Netflix after nearly a decade at ESPN, where she was a prominent SportsCenter anchor and a leading voice in college basketball and WNBA coverage.
Versace Eyes Pieter Mulier as Next Creative Director
Pieter Mulier, the creative director of Maison Azzedine Alaïa, is widely expected to succeed Dario Vitale at Versace, according to Milan sources cited by WWD. Although Richemont is still negotiating Mulier’s exit from Alaïa and no deal has been finalized, he has long been identified by Prada Group as the preferred choice to lead Versace’s creative direction. Earlier rumors linking Saint Laurent’s Anthony Vaccarello to the role have since faded.
WNBA Players Association Greenlights Strike Should CBA Talks Fail
On Thursday, the WNBA Players Association granted its executive committee broad authority to initiate a strike if needed, signaling growing tension in negotiations with the league. Talks over a new collective bargaining agreement remain stalled, with the league offering players 15% of revenue — dropping gradually over the contract — while the union is pushing for a starting share of 29% that would increase over time. Both sides remain far apart on key financial terms, with WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson telling CNBC that she is “a little frustrated with where we are right now.”
U.S. Inflation Shows Signs of Cooling in November
U.S. consumer prices rose less than expected in November, with the CPI increasing 2.7% annually versus forecasts of 3.1%, boosting hopes that inflation is easing. Core CPI also came in cooler at 2.6% year-over-year, below expectations, suggesting reduced inflationary pressure. The delayed report was affected by the government shutdown and missing October data, though shelter costs continued to moderate, signaling progress toward the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation goal.
Matthew McConaughey, Zoe Saldaña In Talks for Netflix’s ‘Positano’
Matthew McConaughey and Zoe Saldaña are in talks to star in the Netflix film Positano, a romantic caper set in the Italian town of the same name. The project will be directed by Daniel Roher from a script by Alessandro Tanaka and Brian Gatewood, with Working Title’s Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan producing. After attracting strong interest from the actors, Netflix acquired the package and plans to fast-track the film once deals are finalized.
LOVB Expands to San Francisco, Set to Debut in 2027
On Thursday, League One Volleyball revealed LOVB San Francisco, a new team set to debut in January 2027, supported by an ownership group of influential women in sports, media, and entrepreneurship. The group includes Jes Wolfe, Chantell Preston, Olympic medalist Kelsey Cook, Bay FC founders Leslie Osborne, Brandi Chastain, and Danielle Slaton, as well as broadcast commentator Ari Chambers, all of whom serve as active partners in the team’s growth. The organization aims to grow volleyball at all levels in the Bay Area, a region known for elite athlete development and strong support for women’s sports.
Phelps, Raleigh, Collier, Stewart to Be Honored at SI’s Sportsperson of the Year Ceremony
Sports Illustrated announced that its Sportsperson of the Year ceremony will return to Las Vegas on Jan. 6 at Wynn Las Vegas, with the 2025 recipient revealed on Jan. 2. The event will also honor other standout athletes from the year. Michael Phelps will receive the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award for his advocacy on mental health; Seattle Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh has been named Breakout Star of the Year after hitting 60 home runs in 2025; and Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart are Innovators of the Year for co-founding Unrivaled, reshaping the future of women’s basketball.
Image: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
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