USMNT Nets $13M Payout with World Cup Win
Following a victory against Iran on Tuesday in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. Men’s National Team is moving on to the knockout stages. The team will play the Netherlands in the Round of 16 on Saturday, when they’ll look to earn their first quarterfinal bid since 2002. In the meantime, USMNT had already secured a $9 million payout for qualifying for the group stage. However, they’ll earn $13 million in guaranteed prize money in beating Iran and moving on to the next round.
Future Drops New Video for ‘712PM,’ Directed by Travis Scott
Travis Scott is pushing the limits of his artistic expression. Earlier this fall, the Houston rapper served as the creative director for Future’s epic performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Now, the two have teamed up once again. Scott directed Future’s newest video for “712PM,” the lead track off of his album, I NEVER LIKED YOU.
Disney Acquires MLB’s 15% Stake in Streaming Service BAMTech Media
The times are changing at Disney. Just a week after its major leadership shakeup, Disney paid $900 million to acquire the MLB’s 15% stake in BAMTech. The company drives the technological capabilities of services such as ESPN+. The MLB founded the company in 2000 as MLB Advanced Media. After several years of evolution, Disney purchased a majority stake in BAMTech in 2017 in what Bob Iger has described as “the beginning of the reinvention of The Walt Disney Company.”
Cristiano Ronaldo Eyeing $207M Move to Saudi Arabia
Cristiano Ronaldo’s next move is in question. Rumors have swirled as to what’s next for the Portuguese superstar following his uncoupling with Manchester United earlier this month. Reports indicate that Ronaldo may be headed to the Middle East. The Spanish outlet Marca reports that he is considering a contract that will be worth $207 million per year through 2025 with the Saudi Arabian squad Al Nassr FC. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the report, indicating that Ronaldo has received the offer, but will not make an official decision until after the World Cup.
Nas and 21 Savage Make Amends with New Track
The rap world was abuzz over the last few weeks, as 21 Savage questioned Nas’ rap “relevance.” Everyone weighed in on the topic – from Kodak Black to Kevin Durant. Now, the two are teaming up for a new track, produced by Hit-Boy. Nas took to Instagram to announce the drop, saying: “Only way we moving is with love, respect and unity. The foundational principles of hip hop. Excited to collaborate with my young brother and I hope more artist use turbulent moments and turn them into a time to make new art. That’s what it’s about.”
Bud Light Announces Super Bowl Fest Lineup
Celebrating its fourth year, Bud Light’s Super Bowl music festival will feature Paramore, Dave Matthews Band, Imagine Dragons, and Kane Brown. The three-day festival is known for cross-genre performances. Past notable acts ranged from Snoop Dogg to Guns N’ Roses to Demi Lovato since its debut in 2019. Quietly, it’s become a Super Bowl staple, setting ticket records while the New York Times deemed it the “Extended Super Bowl Halftime Show.” The shows will run from Friday, Feb. 9 to Saturday, Feb 11 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
AMC Networks Plans for Massive Layoff
AMC Networks revealed to the Wall Street Journal that they’re planning to lay off roughly 20% of its U.S. employees, moments after the company announced their new CEO Christina Spade had stepped down from the position. “We have determined we need to conserve resources at this time,” the entertainment company said. “This will involve cutbacks in operations which unfortunately includes a large-scale layoff, impacting approximately 20% of our employees in the U.S.” AMC has about 1,000 U.S. employees. The company is said to be struggling to generate enough money amidst the streaming wars.