The future of Michigan Football could be in question. While rumors swirl about head coach Jim Harbaugh’s NFL future, sources revealed that the NCAA is pursuing an investigation of the Wolverines. The inquiry comes as the result of the team’s potential violation of rules during the recruiting restrictions put in place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The team could be subject to a multigame suspension and Harbaugh himself could face repercussions.

Vince McMahon announced Thursday that he’s returning to WWE, re-assuming the role of executive chairman as the company navigates its media rights negotiation process. McMahon, 77, retired in July as the company’s CEO and chairman, following an investigation into alleged misconduct involving a female employee. Now, he returns as the company examines the potential for acquisition. WWE’s shares rose more than 10% in after-hours trading. 

Donovan Mitchell had the night of his life this week. The Cavs star put up 71 points to fuel his team to a 145-134 overtime win over the Bulls on Jan.2 . To commemorate his achievement, Adidas is donating $71,000 to his SPIDACARES Foundation, which “strives to positively impact families and communities through the life-changing power of education and athletics.” In addition, the three stripes listed each of his DON 4 editions for $71 each on the website. 

The future is here. ChatGPT uses an AI chatbot that replicates language and provides nuanced answers to user-generated questions. Its parent research company OpenAI is exploring selling existing shares in its business at a $29 billion valuation. This figure is double the tender estimate of $14 million set in 2021. 

Shlomo Sprung has all the details.

Ons Jabeur and Naomi Osaka may be occasional nemesi on the tennis court, but game recognizes game. Jabeur, the No. 2 tennis player in the world, signed with Osaka and Stuart Duguid’s EVOLVE agency. She joins Nick Kyrgios as the new endeavor’s athlete talent. 

Boardroom’s Ian Stonebrook has all the exclusive details of the signing 

Nicki Minaj is kicking off 2023 exactly where she left off last year: on the Billboard Charts. As “Super Freaky Girl” took the No. 51 spot, it marked the 14th consecutive year that Minaj has found herself on the charts. With the accomplishment, she eclipses Missy Elliot, who previous held the longest standing reign for a female rapper with a 13-year run.

The NBA announced Thursday that Lesley Slaton Brown will become the league’s new Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, effective Feb. 1. In her role, Slaton Brown is responsible for driving DEI efforts for both the NBA and its teams, working with the league’s Chief People Officer and teams’ diversity and inclusion leaders to help advance DEI processes. Prior to coming to the league, Slaton Brown worked as Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for HP since 2015. 

Boardroom’s Anthony Puccio has more details here.

Pickleball is often referred to as the nation’s hottest sport. Now, the APP Pickleball Participation report from YouGov found that over 36 million Americans played Pickleball between August 2021 and August 2022. Of that group, roughly one quarter played regularly through that time. The proliferation in play has driven the popularity of the sport, and attracted some of the biggest celebrities, both as players and investors, including Tom Brady, LeBron James, Naomi Osaka, Patrick Mahomes, and Kevin Durant.