As the WGA strike continues on, eight professional players’ unions released a joint statement in solidarity with the writers. The statement, which represented athletes from the NHL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, NWSL, MLS, and USWNT players’ associations, said that they “stand in solidarity with WGA members in their fight for a fair deal that reflects the immense value they create for the television and film industries.” With the public statement of support, the athletes join several other unions in standing with the writers. The comments come as many major networks have been centering sports amidst the annual upfronts, due to the uncertainty of the strike’s timeline.

Eligible FBS college athletes will now be awarded the chance to be featured in the forthcoming “EA Sports College Football” video game expected to drop in 2024, says the gaming company. With the establishment of name, image and likeness, it’s unclear how much players will earn as a result of EA using their personality, however licensing will occur on an opt-in basis. More than 120 FBS football programs have committed to join the franchise, and EA’s goal is to have 100% participation — which at the moment would mean 133 schools.

Boardroom’s Sam Dunn has more info on the return of EA Sports College Football.

The MLB has launched a community assistance platform called “MLB Together.” The league unveiled the campaign Wednesday and says it will focus on youth empowerment; diversity, equity and inclusion; domestic and physical safety; health research and resources; military family and veteran resources; disaster relief; and environmental sustainability and green initiatives. A part of MLB Together focuses on public knowledge and de-stigmatization of mental health struggles, providing necessary education, resources, and positive stories from MLB players.

The University of Cincinnati has signed a new apparel contract with Nike’s Jordan Brand. Set to begin in the 2023-24 school year, players from both the men’s and women’s basketball teams will sport jerseys, sneakers, and shorts all splashed with the iconic Jumpman logo. Meanwhile, the school’s other athletic programs will be decked in Nike. From 1997 to 2006, the Bearcat basketball program wore Jumpman while the football team opted for Reebok before switching to Nike.

Boardroom’s Ian Stonebrook details more of Cincinnati’s reunion with Jordan.

A Texas Tech alumni-run NIL collective revealed on Tuesday their intention to sign the entire school’s baseball team to “five-figure NIL deals.” Players will license their name, image, and likeness to support Lubbock-based non-profit organizations. The exact amount each player is expected to receive has not been revealed.

Ahead of tip-off for its 27th season this weekend, the WNBA announced Wednesday they’ve inked a multiyear partnership agreement with CarMax, the country’s largest retailer of used cars. Already a long time partner of the W’s efforts, the company is strengthening its pledge by joining the Changemaker program, which is the league’s highest level of sponsorship. In addition to being a featured partner and sponsor marquee events throughout the season, CarMax will have an expanded presence in arenas and across the WNBA’s media and digital platforms. The league’s other ChangeMaker sponsors include Google, Nike, AT&T, Deloitte, and U.S. Bank.