Patriots Release Cam Newton as Roster Deadline Looms
The New England Patriots announced Tuesday morning they are cutting former NFL MVP Cam Newton, a shocking move leading up to today’s roster deadline. NFL teams have until 4 p.m. ET today to trim their rosters down to 53 players. In addition to Newton, notable roster cuts include Pro Bowl RB Devonta Freeman (Saints), QB Will Grier (Panthers), RB Peyton Barber (Washington) and backup QBs Garrett Gilbert and Ben DiNucci (Cowboys).
Osaka Rolls as US Open Gets Underway in Queens
Defending champion Naomi Osaka kicked off her title defense Monday with a straight-set victory in what was an eventful opening day of the US Open in Queens. Also making headlines Monday was a testy match between Stefanos Tsitsipas and three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray, who said he “lost respect” for the victorious Greek player for taking multiple breaks at key points during the match.
Saints, Tulane Deal with Hurricane Ida Fallout
In the wake of the Category 4 Hurricane Ida devastating Louisiana’s coast, over one million residents across the state are without power with no clear timeline for restoration. Tulane’s Sept. 4 football opener against Oklahoma has officially been moved to Norman. Saints owner Gayle Benson donated $1 million to relief efforts, while head coach Sean Payton could not confirm that the team would be able to play its Sept. 12 opener against the Packers at home.
Ronaldo’s Move to Man U Official as Transfer Season Enters Final Day
Cristiano Ronaldo officially signed a two-year deal on Tuesday — transfer deadline day — to return to Manchester United. The Red Devils paid Juventus a reported €15 million ($17.7 million) transfer fee that could potentially escalate to €23 million ($27 million) with add-ons,and will be paid out over a five-year span. CR7’s contract contains an option for an additional year.
Controversy Grows Around Ohio Online HS “Bishop Sycamore”
Ohio-based Bishop Sycamore is earning national attention for reportedly duping ESPN into allowing the supposed high school football program to play in a nationally televised game over the weekend against powerhouse IMG Academy. Details of how the team booked the matchup are still unraveling, but it appears the team misrepresented the strength of its roster. Coach Leroy Johnson reportedly faces an active and unrelated arrest warrant as he becomes the target of increasing national scrutiny.
SI Emerges as Fastest-growing Sports Media Group in the US
Sports Illustrated Media Group became the fastest growing sports media company in America on the strength of reports that its brands experienced 293% audience growth on Comscore year-over-year. SI, which is owned by Authentic Brands Group, is the sixth-most-visited sports media outlet, drawing 42 million monthly users.
FIFA Estimates that $48.5B Has Been Spend on Transfer Fees Since 2012
The world’s most popular sport is also the world’s most expensive. The governing body for global soccer maintains that nearly $50 billion has been spent on transfer fees alone on the worldwide talent market since 2012, which includes 10 transfers in excess of €100 million ($118 million) each. The all-time record remains the €222 million ($262 million) Paris Saint-Germain paid Barcelona to sign Neymar in 2017
Tito’s Pours Into PGA Tour, Announcing Five-Year Partnership Deal
Tito’s Handmade Vodka became the official vodka of the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions” in a multi-year deal announced on Monday. The Austin-based company will sponsor activations at official tour events throughout the season, enhance its advertising presence, and collaborate for charitable events.
Nifty Games Brings in $38M in Series B Funding
The mobile gaming company announced that they successfully completed a $26 million Series B funding round. They also secured $12 million in debt financing, bringing them to over $50 million raised since their 2018 launch.
Oak View Group and Spectra Merger Set to Revolutionize Live Events Industry
Two industry leaders in the live event space, Oak View Group (OVG) and Spectra, announced today that they are set to merge, pending regulatory appeals. The jointly formed company will leverage OVG’s deep experience in venue management and Spectra’s innovative approach to fan engagement to revolutionize live events while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.
