Messi Eyes New Record with Sotheby's Jersey Auction
Six of the jerseys worn by Lionel Messi during Argentina’s historic 2022 FIFA World Cup run, including one from their victory over France in the final, will be put up for auction by Sotheby’s. According to the Associated Press, organizers believe the sale could make history as the most valuable collection of sports memorabilia ever sold at possibly more than $10 million. The trio includes game-worn jerseys worn by Messi in two of the three group stage matches, Argentina’s 2-1 win over Australia in the round of 16, their quarterfinal penalty shootout win over the Netherlands, the 3-0 triumph over Croatia in the semifinals, and the thrilling victory over France to capture its third World Cup title.
Kevin Durant Leads Star-studded Holiday Campaign for Foot Locker
Foot Locker has tapped Kevin Durant as the leading face of its holiday campaign, alongside former teammate Stephen Curry and fellow NBAers Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. The brand announced its hoop-focused holiday lineup — one that also includes global music artist Enisa — last week in conjunction with launching the company’s new global platform, The Heart of Sneakers.
Boardroom’s Griffin Adams has more on the Foot Locker Holiday campaign.
Snoop Dogg Clarifies Smoke-free Claims, Reveals New Solo Stove Partnership
Last Thursday, Snoop Dogg shocked fans when he announced he was giving up the smoke. Turns out, the rapper meant he was going “smokeless” in a different way. On Monday, the Doggfather posted an Instagram video saying, “I have an announcement: I’m giving up smoke. I know what you’re thinking: ‘Snoop, smoke is kinda your whole thing.’ But I’m done with it. Done with the coughing and my clothes smelling all sticky-icky. I’m going smokeless.” At that point, the camera pans out and reveals a Solo Stove smokeless fire pit. The Snoop Stove – Bonfire 2.0 Limited Edition Bundle retails for $350 and promises that it’s “hot enough to make the Doggfather go smokeless.”
TGL Postponing Debut Until 2025 Due to Dome Issues
In a statement on Monday, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy‘s TGL announced it would be postponing the debut of the simulator golf league to 2025 due to the damage caused at its host venue, the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Originally scheduled to begin in January 2024, the statement confirmed a breakdown of the temporary power system and backup systems used during construction caused the dome to deflate. With more time to make repairs, McIlroy said the postponement “will allow us to regroup, refocus, and return stronger.”
Puma and Rihanna Bring Back the Creeper
Since Rihanna and Puma announced the return of the Fenty partnership in September, many wondered if the iconic Suede Creeper sneaker would also come back. On Monday, the German sportswear brand put an end to the speculation with the announcement of an upcoming Creeper drop. A new iteration of the silhouette, The Puma Creeper Phatty, is here. Though similar to the original Suede Creeper, subtle changes include additional padding throughout the upper and an update of the original chunky brown sole. The Fenty x Puma Creeper Phatty arrives in three colorways and will be available to purchase on Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. ET via Puma’s website.
Professional Fighters League Purchase Rival MMA Company Bellator
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has purchased rival MMA company Bellator from Paramount Global, the companies confirmed on Monday. In announcing the deal to make PFL a “global powerhouse in MMA,” PFL Chairman Donn Davis also said the acquisition “turbocharges PFL’s mission to advance the sport and become the co-leader.” The exec also teased a “mega-event” in 2024 that will pit Bellator champions against PFL winners in seven divisions. PFL did not disclose the financial terms of the purchase. While details are unknown at this time, prior reports indicate that the sale approached $500 million.
Trevor Noah To Narrate 'The World According to Football' Docuseries
Former “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah is set to narrate The World According to Football, a five-part documentary that focuses on how soccer teams and fans in five countries face global issues through the sport. Noah will also serve as executive producer alongside Gotham Chopra’s Religion of Sports, Day Zero Productions, and Mainstay Entertainment. Brazil, US, UK, France, and Qatar are among the nations profiled for the series. The World According to Football will debut its first episode Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. on Showtime, with episodes airing weekly for five weeks.