Kansas Stages Biggest Comeback in Title Game History for NCAA Championship
The Jayhawks are national champs for the second time under Bill Self, who also took home the title in 2008. Kansas entered the second half down 40-25, but the 15-point deficit proved to be too narrow as they stormed back to win 72-69. UNC’s scrappy squad put together an excellent performance throughout the tournament, riding the eighth seed all the way to the championship and signaling big things to come for first-year coach Hubert Davis and his staff in the years ahead.
Epic Games Raises $144M for Ukraine
The makers of Fortnite are up to something good. Epic Games announced on Monday that it has raised over $144 million for Ukrainian aid. The video game maker announced previously that it would donate all of the profits from this season to humanitarian efforts, raising $36 million on the first day alone.
Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Contract Could Shake Up Formula 1
Max Verstappen brought Red Bull Racing a championship last season. And to reward his efforts, the team extended the 24-year-old a new contract, making him the sports’ highest-paid driver, spanning four years at $53.3 million per year. But there’s a catch: there’s an escape clause that could enable his departure if he desires should the team experience a “crash.” It is the first loophole of its variety in the sport, and could change the way business is done forever.
Get on our list for weekly sports business, industry trends, interviews, and more.
Doja Cat Dares Greatly with New JBL Sponsorship
Hot off her Grammys win – and maybe ahead of her impending retirement – Doja Cat is making moves. The singer and rapper announced on Monday that she will join speaker and audio company JBL as its newest global ambassador and the face of its “Dare To” campaign. She teased the collab on the red carpet at music’s biggest night, as she swapped out a standard purse with a bedazzled speaker. Doja Cat will also headline the JBL Fest, set to take place in Las Vegas this September.
Adidas and Waffle House Honor Georgia-based Traditions with Golf Shoe
It’s like butter. Adidas and Waffle House are teaming up for a special version of the Tour360 22 in honor of the impending 86th Masters Tournament. The home of the southern breakfast staple co-designed a shoe that is both covered and smothered with inspiration from their delicious breakfast menu, including a hue reminiscent of batter and a lightly waffled material.
Ralph Lauren Gallops into the Metaverse
Ralph Lauren may be moving toward multiple NFT– and metaverse-related projects based on the fashion empire’s recent trademark filings. On March 30, the iconic label filed for a group of trademarks with the US Patent and Trademark Office, as noted by attorney Josh Gerben of Gerben Intellectual Property. The trademarks include: its famous logo depicting a polo player riding a horse, the Polo name, and the Ralph Lauren phrase.
Big3 Announces Decentralized Team Ownership, Enabling Fan Participation
It’s a good day. Ice Cube’s Big3 basketball league announced on Monday that it will release an NFT collection that will unlock new levels of fan participation. The Big3 unveiled a new ownership structure that will enable fans access to various perks including team decision making, IP, in-person events, and more. There are two tiers of ownership, Fire ($25k) and Gold ($5k). The league is set to tip-off its fifth season this summer.
LL Cool J Returns Home to Queens with ‘Rock the Bells’
The festival circuit is back and this year, an extended slate of hip hop’s most iconic acts will assemble in Queens. In an interview with Billboard, LL Cool J announced the return of the throwback festival, which will include Rick Ross, Jadakiss, and Trina. It will take place on August 6 at Forest Hills Stadium.
Get on our list for weekly sports business, industry trends, interviews, and more.
