DraftKings Eyes Esports with FaZe Clan Deal
DraftKings has set its sights on the next major arena for sports betting: esports. The betting giant inked a deal with FaZe Clan, making it the official sports betting, daily fantasy, and free-to-play partner. The two brands will also work together to produce exclusive content, including a podcast.
Michigan State Locks in Coach Mel Tucker with Historic 10-year Deal
Mel Tucker is deep in preparation for the No. 7 Spartans’ matchup against No. 4 Ohio State on Saturday, but on Wednesday reports emerged that the coach has brokered a historic deal with the school that will keep him at the helm for many years to come. The 10-year, $95 million deal makes Tucker the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten, places him just behind Alabama’s Nick Saban as the second-highest paid coach in college football, and establishes him as the top earner among Black coaches across all American sports.
New Jersey Reports Record-setting $1.3B in Bets Placed in October
DraftKings has set its sights on the next major arena for sports betting: esports. The betting giant inked a deal with FaZe Clan, making it the official sports betting, daily fantasy, and free-to-play partner. The two brands will also work together to produce exclusive content, including a podcast.
Get on our list for weekly sports business, industry trends, interviews, and more.
University of Oregon Builds NIL Marketplace with Opendorse, Division Street
The Oregon Ducks have long been trendsetters in college sports. Soon, they’ll have their own marketplace to match student-athletes with potential NIL deals.Opendorse and Division Street announced a partnership on Thursday that will create the first licensed NIL marketplace of its kind made specifically for the Ducks.
Caesars Prepares for NY Sports Betting Expansion with MSG Partnership
The road to sports betting in New York is getting shorter. And various sports betting companies are starting to stake their claim in the market. Caesars announced an official partnership with Madison Square Garden on Thursday, which will include a branded premium club and various other assets throughout the iconic arena.
Justin Verlander to Remain in Houston with One-Year, $25M Extension
After losing last month’s World Series, the Houston Astros are preparing for a 2022 run at the Commissioner’s Trophy. And to do so, they’re betting on the heroic return of 2019 Cy Young Award Winner Justin Verlander who was sidelined for the entire 2021 season with an elbow injury. Fox Sports analyst – and Justin’s brother – Ben Verlander confirmed that Houston secured the ace with a $25 million contract which includes a player option for a second year.
NCAA Expands Women’s Basketball Tournament Field to 68
In a quest to establish gender parity between the men’s and women’s games, the NCAA announced on Wednesday that, beginning in 2022, it will increase the number of teams that enter the March basketball tournament to 68. The men’s tournament made a similar leap in 2011.
VOCAL Podcast Network Launches with Backing of Quality Ventures and The Network Advisory
Quality Ventures, LLC and The Network Advisory (TNA) are partnering to launch VOCAL, a multi-platform podcast and audio streaming network that will cover music, sports, fashion, and culture, both parties announced Thursday. Multiple VOCAL podcasts are slated to launch in early 2022, and will include podcast and audio projects covering sports, pop culture, lifestyle, and beyond.
Get on our list for weekly sports business, industry trends, interviews, and more.
