Derek Carr Bound for the Bayou with $150M Contract
Former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr reached a four-year, $150 million contract with the New Orleans Saints on Monday, making him the ninth-highest-paid QB in the NFL (by average annual salary). Carr, who was released by the Raiders in February, received $60 million guaranteed at signing and $100 million total guaranteed. In nine seasons with the Raiders, the 32-year-old threw for 35,222 passing yards, 217 touchdowns, and 99 interceptions, finishing with a 63-79 record in 142 starts.
Kelly Rowland Takes Her Talents to UTA, Netflix
Kelly Rowland has signed with United Talent Agency (UTA), officially joining a global roster of premier talent, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The award-winning singer and actress is receiving representation with UTA in film, television, music, broadcasting, digital books and more. Rowland’s next plan includes producing and acting in Netflix’s Mea Culpa, Tyler Perry’s latest project with the streamer.
Mariners’ Julio Rodríguez Signs Endorsement Deal With Adidas
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez is ready to rock the three stripes. On Monday, Adidas announced that it’s agreed to a multi-year endorsement deal with the rising MLB star. Regarded as one of the biggest talents of the next generation, Rodriguez became the fastest player to hit 25 home runs and steal 25 bases amid an AL Rookie of the Year nod. While Adidas did not disclose how much the deal is worth, the 22-year-old slugger signed a 12-year, $209.3 million deal with Seattle in August. |
HYBE Boss Says K-Pop is on the Decline
The K-Pop wave has taken the global music industry by storm over the last few years. Unfortunately, that wave seems to be slowing down, according to Bang Si-Hyuk, chairman of entertainment company HYBE, which manages the business affairs of global sensations including BTS. The shifts come as other worldly access take center stage. “Globally, [K-Pop is] not occupying much of the market. On the other hand, Latin music and Afrobeat are very rapidly growing,” Bang told Variety. “So, being where we are, it is more urgent to increase the exposure. Looking at our export indicators and streaming growth, the slowdown in growth is very clear.”
EA Sports Brings the NWSL to FIFA 23
The NWSL will be featured in a video game for the very first time thanks to a partnership between the league, EA Sports, and the NWSLPA, the companies announced Monday. Starting March 15 across all platforms, all 12 teams will be available in Kick Off, Tournament Mode, Head-to-Head season / Co-op Seasons, and Online Friendlies in FIFA 23. Four NWSL stadiums, authentic kits, trophies, and celebrations will also be available.
SiriusXM Cuts 8% of Workforce
Media layoffs continued Monday after SiriusXM announced that it cut 8% of its workforce (475 jobs) as they look to restructure its business. The cutbacks are the result of a sharp decline in the company’s keystone product of car radio subscriptions . “We are entering into a new phase for our Company,” CEO Jennifer Witz said in an email to employees on Monday. “The investments we are making in the business this year, coupled with today’s uncertain economic environment, require us to think differently about how our organization is structured.” Backed by Liberty Media, SiriusXM said it previously had 32.4 million self-paying subscribers at the end of 2022, but ended the fourth quarter at 6.8 million trial subscribers — down 224,000 from the prior quarter. |
NLE Choppa Takes Center Stage at Overtime Elite Finals
Some of the brightest stars of the next generation of hoops are taking center court. Tonight, Overtime Elite’s City Reapers and YNG Dreamerz tip off at 6:00 PM ET at Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta. However, before the game, fans will be treated to an exclusive performance from NLE Choppa as part of OTE’s ongoing partnership with Amazon Music. Fans can tune into the broadcast on both Prime Video and the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch. |
