StatusPRO Attracts All-star Investors Including Drake, LeBron James, and Naomi Osaka
The extended reality training and gaming company announced Thursday that they had successfully completed a follow-up round of funding, adding to their $5.2 million seed round. The list of investors featured a who’s-who of sports and entertainment, including LeBron James, Naomi Osaka, Drake, Jimmy Iovine, Paul Wachter, and Maverick Carter. The Miami-based company founded by former football players Andrew Hawkins and Troy Jones combines data with augmented reality and virtuality to provide training and gaming products to help enhance training. While StatusPRO is currently used by a number of NCAA and NFL teams, the company has its eyes on expansion into additional sports.
Rams Pad Star-studded Receiving Corps, Sign Odell Beckham Jr.
The Los Angeles Rams’ offense ranks first in the league with Matthew Stafford leading all passers in yards and boasting a stacked receiving corps that includes Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, and Van Jefferson. However, on Thursday, they added some additional All-Pro star power, signing Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year deal. The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the deal could be worth $4.5 million, including a $750,000 base salary, $500,000 bonus, and up to $3 million in incentives. It wasn’t the only contract for OBJ, as he announced Thursday that he has also joined sleep tracking company Oura Health as a brand ambassador.
Universal Launches New Band KINGSHIP Featuring Bored Ape NFT Members
Universal Music Group is taking music into the meteaverse. UMG’s blockchain-powered 10:22PM label announced a new artist signing Friday, but KINGSHIP is no typical group — all four of its members are characters from Bored Ape Yacht Club and Mutant Ape Yacht Club NFT platforms.
Pele Card Nets $900K, Becoming Most Expensive Soccer Card in History
A 1958 Alifabolaget card featuring the Brazilian GOAT went for $900,000 in a sale brokered by Goldin Auctions on Thursday. The PSA 9 mint condition card became the highest price ever paid for a soccer card.
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Cam Newton Set to Return to Carolina, Signs Deal with Panthers
Cam Newton is heading back to where it all started. The former MVP quarterback signed a deal with the Carolina Panthers on Thursday that could be worth up to $10 million according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, including $4.5 million fully guaranteed and a $1.5 million roster bonus.
Tyson Fury Links with Meme Coin Floki Inu
Floki Inu is among the latest meme coins looking to break into the market. And to do so, they have signed two-time world heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury as an ambassador. As part of their partnership, Fury will appear in the NFT game Valhala and host a question and answer feature about the alternative currency.
Real Salt Lake Nears Deal with New Ownership Group Featuring David Blitzer
David Blitzer is very close to achieving an elusive ownership trifecta. The owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils is reportedly part of a group that is on the precipice of purchasing Real Salt Lake, which has been on the market since August 2020. If the deal goes through, it will not be the first foray into soccer for Blitzer, who also has a stake in a number of European soccer clubs.
NBA League Pass Links with Apple for SharePlay Watch Parties
The NBA and Apple have finally found a solution to the frustrations of lag time. The new Apple operating system introduced SharePlay, giving fans new ways to connect with family and friends while on FaceTime. Now, multiple users can watch live and archived games and highlights together on League Pass with synced audio and video.
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