Jay-Z, Meek Mill Among Star-studded Group to Buy Mitchell & Ness for $250M
Mitchell & Ness has long been synonymous with hip hop, and now the company best known for its throwback style has a new set of owners that includes some legends of the game. Fanatics has teamed up with Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Lil Baby, Maverick Carter, and more to acquire the Philadelphia-based company. Sources familiar with the deal estimate that it is worth approximately $250 million. The company previously lived under the Adidas umbrella, and was purchased by Juggernaut Capital Partners for $50 million in 2016, marking a significant profit for the company with the sale.
Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine Partners with World of Women NFT Collection
Reese Witherspoon is among the deep list of celebrities who have added World of Women NFTs to their personal collections. The actress and entrepreneur announced a partnership with WoW, its founder Yam Karkai, and Witherspoon’s media company Hello Sunshine. The new deal will see WoW expand across platforms to include feature films, TV series, live events, and more.
LeBron James Dives into the Metaverse with NIKELAND
Serving as the NBA All-Star Game’s West Coast coach isn’t the only thing that LeBron James has on his off-the-court agenda. NIKELAND, the new metaverse initiative by Nike and Roblox, announced King James’ presence in its construction, offering basketball insight and mini-games in the metaverse as a way to inspire athletes in the physical realm. Those balling within NIKELAND and moving in the physical world will compete for access to virtual releases. This spring’s Nike LeBron 19 “The Chosen 1” as well as this summer’s Nike LeBron 19 “Bron Bites” will first launch at the NIKELAND Showroom before hitting SNKRS.
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A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston Among New KLUTCH Sports Women’s Basketball Roster
Since its launch a decade ago, Rich Paul and KLUTCH Sports has left a lasting imprint. On Thursday, it announced its most recent move with the official launch of its women’s basketball division, which will be led by Jade-Li English. The KLUTCH roster will include A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Grey, South Carolina phenom Aliyah Boston, and more.
DAZN Preps for Expansion with $4.3B Investment from Billionaire Blavatnik
DAZN Group holds the rights to some of the world’s most exciting sporting events. From La Liga to Bundesliga, the company has streaming rights for over 700 sporting events worldwide; however, it is making moves to prepare for its next chapter. The company received a $4.3 billion investment from British billionaire Len Blavatnik as it plans to expand into sports betting, gaming, and the blockchain.
Bill Russell Set to Get the Netflix Treatment
Bill Russell had an unparalleled career and he has some stories to tell. The NBA legend is teaming up with Netflix to produce a documentary based on his life. The film will feature interviews with Russell and archives from the life and career of the 5-time MVP, 11-time NBA champion, 12-time All-Star, and Olympic gold medalist.
Projected No. 1 NFL Pick Aidan Hutchinson Teams Up with PFF for New Podcast
Ahead of the NFL Combine and the NFL Draft, Michigan Wolverines defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and Pro Football Focus are releasing a podcast called “HUTCH.” The four-episode pod series will focus on Hutchinson’s background, upbringing, early years wearing the Maize and Blue, and the Wolverines’ 2021 season that included a Big Ten title and a first-ever trip to the College Football Playoff. HUTCH will debut on PFF in April.
Nia Dennis Debuts as New Face of Adidas x Stella McCartney’s Agent of Kindness Campaign
During her senior season as a member of the UCLA Bruins gymnastics team, Nia Dennis crip walked her way into America’s hearts. Hot off of Simone Biles’ Gold Over America Tour, Dennis is joining a new team. Adidas x Stella McCartney tagged Dennis as the face of its Agent of Kindness campaign for the upcoming line. The collection centers around the balance of physical and mental health and the role of kindness as an agent for change.
Croatian Sensation Luka Modrić Launches NFT Collection
In his 19 years as a professional footballer, Luka Modrić has racked up quite the resume with five domestic league titles, three domestic cup titles, a runner-up medal with 2018 Croatia in the FIFA World Cup, and the 2018 Ballon d’Or. Now, the midfield maestro of this soccer generation is teaming up with Ethernity for his first-ever NFT collection. Featuring art from Dutch animation studio Visual Lab, the set of four Modrić collectibles includes two virtual jerseys that are fully wearable in metaverse spaces like Sandbox. The collection is now live on Ethernity.
Jack Harlow Levels Up with New Balance
The Louisville rapper has been repping New Balances for a minute, but on Thursday, the two made their partnership official. As part of the deal, Harlow will appear in upcoming marketing efforts and will sport the brand in a host of upcoming events, including this weekend’s NBA All-Star Game festivities. New Balance is just the most recent collab for Harlow. In December, he announced a one-year partnership with Kentucky Fried Chicken.
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