Wander Franco Signs 12-Year, $223M Deal with Rays
The 20-year old phenom has put in less than a year on the professional diamond, but Tampa Bay has seen enough to believe that Franco is the future of the club. Reports indicate that the Rays and Franco are close to a 12-year deal, which would guarantee the shortstop $185 million, but include additional incentives, which would max out the contract at $223 million.
Dick Vitale Returns to Booth as No. 1 Gonzaga Takes Down No. 2 UCLA
The legendary announcer returned courtside in Las Vegas just one month after announcing that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma. Vitale got emotional as he recounted the support he received from fans and how important it was to him to be back. No. 1 Gonzaga beat No. 2 UCLA 83-63.
Knicks’ RJ Barrett Files Paperwork for “Made Different” Clothing Line
Knicks guard RJ Barrett filed for two trademarks last month that would indicate the formation of a clothing line, per trademark attorney Josh Gerben of Gerben Intellectual Property. The two trademarks include “MADE DIFFERENT” and an RJB logo. The paperwork was filed in Florida and covers nearly all articles of clothing, including suits and sportswear, hats, and t-shirts.
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James Franklin, Penn State Reach 10-Year Extension
The Nittany Lions are all in on James Franklin. Penn State announced on Tuesday that they have secured their football coach with a 10-year deal, which is believed to include a $7 million annual base salary, a $500,000 retention bonus, and up to $1.4 million in incentives. Since taking over the team in 2014, Franklin has posted a 67-32 record.
Oregon Athletes Launch First-of-its-Kind Airbnb
University of Oregon athletes will have a unique opportunity in the rental market in Eugene, made possible through Division Street — the sports venture company founded by prominent Oregon supporters like Phil Knight. The house will operate on a rotation, during which select athletes will serve as “hosts,” curating the space to match their vibes and aesthetic. Plus, the athletes will have the opportunity to use the rental property as a house for content creation and NIL monetization or as a traditional rental property.
NWSL Championship Sets Viewing Record
Saturday’s matchup between the Washington Spirit and the Chicago Red Stars brought in 525,000 viewers on CBS. The total eclipsed the 2019 championship match by 216% and made it the top watched game in NWSL history.
NFT Minting and Sports Event GENESIS Coming to Art Basel
Next week marks the annual event, which attracts some of the world’s best artists to Miami. This year, Bitcoin Latinum and TapStats, Inc. will partner for a new event, GENESIS, which will allow fans to engage in a hybrid-reality metaverse. MMA star Paige VanZant will be part of the experience, which will also include a “Fighter Draft,” featuring the top 25 MMA fighters and boxers.
Cincinnati Sneaks into College Playoff Picture
The Bearcats capitalized on Oregon’s loss last week to finally take a place in the college playoff picture. Unbeaten Cincinnati joins Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State in the coveted top four slots.
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