Neymar, Jr. Teams up with Meta for Live Gaming Events
Meta announced on Thursday that Brazilian soccer sensation Neymar Jr. is joining Facebook Gaming to stream gaming content exclusively on the platform. Neymar Jr. will stream gameplay on the platform multiple times each month, and once a month he’ll play with a different creator.
Warner Music Goes All In On 300 Entertainment
In a massive move for an industry giant, Warner Music Group announced its acquisition of 300 Entertainment on Thursday morning. That means the 300 roster, which boasts Megan Thee Stallion, Young Thug, Mary J. Blige, Gunna, Fetty Wap, Tee Grizzley, and more, now falls under Warner’s umbrella. Founded in 2013 by industry veterans and Def Jam alumni Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles, 300 is expected to retain its identity as an independent. Liles will retain a leadership position in 300’s new home at Warner, serving as a chairman and CEO for 300 and Elektra Music Group. Sources tell Variety that the deal is worth a reported $400 million.
Michael Jordan Ticket Sells for $270,600, Sets Record for Debut Stub
Michael Jordan set yet another record in sports on Thursday night. Huggins and Scott Auctions featured the highest-rated ticket stub from the Hall of Famer’s Oct. 26, 1984 Bulls debut against the Washington Bullets. When the auction was over, the winner paid $270,600, setting a new record for the highest price for a ticket stub which was previously held by a 1903 Game 3 World Series ticket at $175,000 sold at auction at Christie’s in October.
J.J. Watt, CP3, and Carmelo Anthony Among CAA Stars Included in Metaverse Teaser
With so many premier athletes and media talent in its stable, CAA Sports has ample opportunity to showcase its talent and draw millions of fans into its new Web3 world in The Sandbox. And on Thursday, the agency confirmed that it has purchased a plot in the metaverse. The agency dropped a 20-second Twitter video showcasing its metaverse campus on Thursday, filled with allusions to its vast roster of talent, including D.K. Metcalf, J.J. Watt, and Devin Booker.
Lindsey Vonn Joins Tempo as Ambassador, Investor, and Strategic Advisor
Lindsey Vonn has officially partnered with Tempo as an ambassador, investor & strategic advisor, the two-time Olympic gold medalist announced on Thursday. As part of their partnership, Vonn will coach Tempo classes, including a six-part series to help prepare for the upcoming ski season.
Adidas NFT Collection to Unlock Early Access to Product Drops
Adidas announced last week that it planned to enter the metaverse, unveiling Indigo Herz, a Bored Ape in an Adidas drip that serves as the mascot for its Web3 endeavors. The brand revealed on Thursday that they plan to launch an NFT line that will enable exclusive, early access to product releases, both in the real world and in the metaverse. All assets and purchases will be secured by Coinbase.
Dwyane Wade Releases Limited Edition Cannabis Line with Jeeter
Dwyane Wade is maximizing life in retirement. The 13-time All-Star is well known for his wine brand, but on Thursday, he announced that he is partnering with Jeeter for a limited-edition cannabis release. As part of the collaboration, there will be three unique strains and will be presented in a book format as a nod to Wade’s recently released memoir.
WAGMI United In Late-Stage Talks for First-Ever Crypto Purchase of European Soccer Team
WAGMI United is in advanced talks to purchase a yet-to-be-named English Football League team in what will be the first recorded crypto-financed sale of a professional sports team. Gary Vaynerchuk, Preston Johnson, Eben Smith, & Daryl Morey spearhead the ownership group of leaders from sports, tech, business & entertainment. Together, they plan to leverage enhanced analytics as well as blockchain-backed fan engagement strategies in order to usher in a new style of team ownership.
DAZN Joins Fan Controlled Football League as New Partner
Global streaming platform DAZN will be the new broadcast partner of the Fan Controlled Football League, which is set to double in size this season. DAZN will begin streaming FCF content this weekend, when the league hosts an open player combine tryout on Saturday at Jerry Chabola Stadium in Culver City, California. Things will continue next Spring when the league plays its nine-week season. There will be seven regular-season weeks, one playoff week in June, and a championship game shortly after.