Crypto.com Secures Naming Rights to Iconic Staples Center
The Lakers and the Nets are set to square off on Christmas day in Los Angeles and when they do they will be the first to play in the newly-minted Crypto.com Arena. The iconic home of the NBA’s Lakers and Clippers, the WNBA’s Sparks, and NHL’s Kings is getting a new name in a deal with the cryptocurrency platform that reports indicate is worth $700 million over 20 years, making it the most expensive naming rights deal in history.
Sportradar and NBA Ink Long-term Data Partnership
Starting in the 2023-24 season, the NBA will enter an eight-year partnership with sports technology and data company Sportradar. As part of the agreement, Sportradar will become the exclusive data provider for the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League, supplying real-time betting data and exploring opportunities for fan engagement. The NBA will also get a three percent equity stake in Sportradar.
Fenway Sports Group Nearing Purchase of Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins have the most Stanley Cups in the history of the NHL and the legendary team is about to have a new owner. Sources say that the Fenway Sports Group – which also owns the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool, and NASCAR’s Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing – is in talks to purchase the team, which is expected to fetch approximately $1 billion in the sale. Penguins legend Mario Lemieux has been a majority owner since 1999 but is expected to retain a minority share if the sale goes through.
StarStock to Feature Live Auctions
The StarStock Marketplace is set to introduce a breakthrough feature for trading card collectors and investors. Boardroom exclusively announced on Tuesday that a live auctions service will debut on Nov. 23, giving enthusiasts more ways to engage with their favorite athletes in the hobby.
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Shohei Ohtani Named Newest FTX Ambassador
The Angels’ two-way phenom got an All-Star addition to his team’s lineup on Tuesday with the signing of Noah Syndergaard. And on Tuesday Ohtani announced that he has signed an endorsement deal with crypto giant FTX, joining a deep bench of sports superstars including Tom Brady, Steph Curry, and David Ortiz. Ohtani will receive his endorsement compensation in cryptocurrency and FTX will contribute to various charities on behalf of the MVP frontrunner.
Packers Raise $25M in First Day of Stock Sale
Fans of the Packers had the chance to purchase a share of the team on Tuesday, and over 83,000 people jumped at the chance. In the first three hours, the team sold 33,000 shares and closed out the day with a net of $25 million in sales that will help fund stadium improvements. Running back A.J. Dillon was among those that jumped on the opportunity, tweeting a picture of his purchase receipt. The sale will be active through February 25 and features 300,000 shares.
Roger Federer to Miss Australian Open with Knee Injury
Tennis’ billion-dollar man confirmed in an interview with Swiss publication Le Matin that he will miss January’s Australian Open and added that he would be “extremely surprised” if he completed his recovery in time for Wimbledon. The 40-year-old Federer indicated that he plans to return to the sport next summer and would like to say goodbye to the court “in his own way” prior to retiring.
Stephen Curry Hits the Street: Sesame Street.
One month into the NBA season and Steph Curry seems unstoppable. As he continues his MVP-level play throughout the Golden State Warriors’ league-leading start, Curry has been rotating through a series of new colorways for his Curry 9 Flow sneaker created in tandem with Sesame Street. Each edition highlights a different character from the iconic children’s educational show, with everyone from Big Bird to Elmo to the Count receiving their own detailed release as part of the seven-shoe “Street Pack” releasing this month.
NBA Solidifies Plans for Preseason Games in Abu Dhabi
For the first time in its 75 year history, the NBA is set to play in the Arabian Gulf. The league announced yesterday that it had finalized plans for two preseason games to be played in Abu Dhabi in October 2022.
Sloane Stephens Links with Whoop as the Brand Eyes Expansion
The wearable technology brand announced its plans to expand its research and product offerings for women. To do so, they will work closely with US Open champ Sloane Stephens, Crossfit athlete Annie Thorisdottir, and Olympic middle-distance runner Colleen Quigley.
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