Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Draws 33M Viewers on Netflix
The anticipated boxing bout between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua on Netflix drew an estimated 33 million viewers globally. Joshua’s sixth-round knockout of Paul reached Netflix’s Top 10 in 91 countries and No. 1 in 45, including the U.S., UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia, while the co-main event between Alycia Baumgardner and Leila Beaudoin also put up strong numbers, averaging 15 million viewers. The event underscores Netflix’s growing commitment to live sports alongside its expanding slate that includes NFL, WWE, and MLB programming.
Taylor Swift Donates $1M to Feeding America
Taylor Swift has donated $1 million to Feeding America, the organization announced Tuesday, to support its mission to combat hunger nationwide. The nonprofit praised the contribution as especially impactful during the holiday season, highlighting how collective action can help ensure families have reliable access to food now and in the months ahead. The donation arrives as many low-income households face increased uncertainty, with recent government disruptions affecting SNAP assistance.
‘Avatar’ Expected to Stay at No. 1, ‘Marty Supreme’ Aims for $12M Opening
Avatar: Fire and Ash is expected to remain atop the box office over the Christmas holiday weekend, projected to bring in roughly $75 million over the four days. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Marty Supreme movie starring Timothée Chalamet, who appeared atop the Las Vegas Sphere on Tuesday to market the film, is set to hit theaters alongside Anaconda and Song Sung Blue, all of which are anticipated to sit in the $12 million to $15 million range throughout opening weekend.
Travis Kelce Tops Fan Vote as NFL Reveals Pro Bowl Rosters
The NFL officially revealed its Pro Bowl rosters on Tuesday, led by the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks, each earning six selections. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce topped the fan vote for a second straight year, securing his 11th Pro Bowl nod and tying Jason Witten for the second-most selections ever by a tight end. Only three teams — the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints — finished without a single Pro Bowl representative. For the first time, Pro Bowl festivities will take place during Super Bowl week on Feb. 3.
U.S. Shoppers Spend Smarter This Season, Driving 4% Retail Growth
U.S. retail spending has climbed roughly 4% this holiday season, as shoppers navigate tighter budgets while still investing in electronics and updating their wardrobes, based on early data from Visa and Mastercard. Consumers approached purchases more strategically, turning to AI-powered tools to maximize value, while also shopping earlier than usual and relying on discounts and promotions to secure better deals.
Saks Weighs Bankruptcy Amid Debt Pressure
Saks Global Enterprises is exploring restructuring options as it approaches a debt obligation exceeding $100 million due by month’s end, with Chapter 11 bankruptcy being considered among them, according to a Bloomberg report. The retailer is also examining alternative ways to boost its balance sheet, including securing short-term financing or selling assets, while lenders have begun private discussions around the company’s liquidity needs.
NWSL Unveils “High Impact Player” Rule Amid Trinity Rodman Buzz
The NWSL introduced a new “High Impact Player” rule on Tuesday that allows teams to spend up to $1 million over the salary cap on elite players who meet specific criteria, a move widely seen as an effort to keep top talent in the league. The change comes amid growing international interest in Washington Spirit star Trinity Rodman, who has reportedly drawn attention from several of the world’s biggest clubs. The Spirit reportedly recently offered Rodman a record-setting deal that was vetoed by commissioner Jessica Berman for violating existing league rules. Minutes after Tuesday’s announcement, the NWSL Players Association pushed back strongly, saying, “A league that truly believes in the value of its Players would not be afraid to bargain over it.”
‘Stranger Things’ Breaks Records on Netflix, Broadway
Stranger Things continues to dominate across screens and stages alike. The Netflix phenomenon has cemented itself as the platform’s most successful series ever, racking up roughly 1.2 billion total views for the entirety of the show, and its momentum has carried to Broadway, where Stranger Things: The First Shadow surged to $1.9 million in weekly ticket sales around the Season 5 release, its highest yet, playing to near full capacity at the Marquis Theatre.
Delayed Report Shows U.S. Economy Surges 4.3% in Q3
The U.S. economy picked up more speed than expected in the third quarter, according to a delayed government report released Tuesday. The U.S. gross domestic product increased 4.3% from July through September, beating forecasts that had growth closer to the low-3% range. Household spending played a major role, rising more than it did in the previous quarter, while higher exports and increased government outlays also contributed.
NBA Targets Tanking, Consults Owners and GMs
The NBA is trying to stop tanking … again. What seems like a never-ending problem is once again making headlines, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting that the league has consulted owners and general managers on how it can combat the strategy. Charania says that the NBA presented multiple ideas at a board meeting last week, writing that Adam Silver and Co. hope to target those teams that “manipulate their rosters down the stretch of a season to land a higher pick.”
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