Michael Jordan Dream Team Jacket Heads to Auction
A jacket worn by Michael Jordan during the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona while receiving his gold medal is set to be auctioned off, and NBC Sports reports it could fetch as much as $1 million. “I’ve enjoyed it and it’s just the right time to do this,” Brian McIntyre, the current product’s owner said. “And it’s easier to do this than it is to leave things for my kids.” McIntyre worked in the NBA during that period, joining the league’s comms team in 1981. Sotheby’s is hosting the auction online and will display the jacket in New York from June 24-28.
Adidas Prepares to Sell off Yeezy Backstock, Promises Donation of Proceeds
While addressing investors in Germany on Thursday, Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden announced plans to sell the remaining Yeezy stock. The exec added that Adidas will donate profits from the sales to organizations Kanye West targeted with his anti-Semitic remarks, which led to the split. The Three Stripes has $1.3 billion worth of Yeezy shoes sitting in storage. West will reportedly receive 15% of sales, as previously agreed upon in their contract.
Boardroom’s Vinciane Ngomsi has more details on Adidas’ decision.
The NFL Draft Is Getting Its First-Ever Documentary Treatment
On Thursday, the NFL announced they’ve teamed up with Roku on an untitled documentary feature focused on the NFL Draft. A project of Skydance Sports and NFL Films, the plan is for this to be an annual event on the platform. Per the release, the doc was shot throughout all three days of last month’s NFL Draft in Kansas City and features four teams and their respective draftees. The franchises and players getting their turn in the spotlight includes the Carolina Panthers and first overall pick Bryce Young, the Indianapolis Colts and their newest QB Anthony Richardson, the Dallas Cowboys and incoming running back Deuce Young, and the Jacksonville Jaguars’ work in the final day, which turned out to be a shock to fans and analysts alike.
Roc Nation Doubles Down on Times Square Casino Interest with Open Letter
Roc Nation took out a full-page advertisement to reveal plans for a forthcoming casino in New York City. Appearing in the New York Post, the New York Daily News, and Amsterdam News, the open letter reads in part: “A gaming license is going to be awarded to New York City. A bill was passed in the state legislature confirming it. The question is: which applicant will get the license? Some conflicted parties have attempted to spread misinformation, so we wanted to speak to you, New York City, directly.” The full-scale entertainment and gambling complex will be located in the Times Square area.
Peloton’s Struggles Continue with Major Bike Recall
In the second major recall the fitness brand has experienced, Peloton announced Thursday that they’ve recalled 2 million bikes due to safety concerns. Per the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the bike’s seat post assembly can break during use, posing fall and injury hazards to the rider. Peloton has already received 35 reports of the seat post breaking and detaching from the bike during use, the CPSC added. “Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled exercise bikes and contact Peloton for a free repair,” the release states. “Peloton is offering consumers a free seat post that can be self-installed.”
Peacock Prepares to Stream Every Event at Paris ‘24 Olympics
Next summer’s Olympics in Paris is poised to break broadcast hours for host network NBC. The channel and streaming platform Peacock plan to air round-the-clock Olympic coverage. Streaming will include daytime NBC broadcasts with live swimming, gymnastics and track and field finals. The Olympics officially begin on July 26, starting with an outdoor Opening Ceremony along the Seine River. Medal events are scheduled to commence the following day.
Tom Brady to Get the Hometown Treatment as Patriots Prepare to Honor GOAT at Opener
Tom Brady is coming home to the city that made him a star. The retired NFL legend is slated to be honored at Gillette Stadium during the 2023 home opener, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced. Brady won six Super Bowls with the team before heading south to Tampa Bay. The NFL also unveiled some marquee matchups for the coming season. The Kansas City Chiefs will open the year against the Detroit Lions.
Meta Becomes Official VR Headset of WNBA
The WNBA and tech company Meta announced a multiyear partnership. It will include live streaming of 20 games per season on Meta Quest software, set to begin with the upcoming 2023 campaign. This collab sees Meta as the Official VR Headset of the league. “Meta has been a tremendous partner of the WNBA for years and we are excited to continue our work with them to find innovative ways to engage our fans,” said Colie Edison, the league’s Chief Growth Officer, in the release. In total, 205 WNBA games will also be televised throughout the season, a monumental improvement over previous efforts.