Astros Beat Red Sox 5-4, Take ALCS Game 1
The Houston Astros came from behind to secure a 5-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the ALCS on Friday night. José Altuve hit a two-run homer to tie the game 3-3, and Carlos Correa lifted a solo shot in the seventh putting Houston ahead for good. Boston’s Kiké Hernández continued his lights-out play in October with two home runs. The two teams will face off once again today at 4:20 p.m. EST.
Sky Hand Mercury Biggest Loss in WNBA Finals History
The Chicago Sky put on a show in front of a sold-out, star-studded hometown crowd on Friday, blowing out the Mercury 86-50. Kahleah Copper put up yet another powerful performance with 22 points to help Chicago go up 2-1 in the series. Game 4 will take place on Sunday at 3 p.m. EST.
Navarrete Retains WBO Featherweight Title
It was a night to remember in San Diego as Emanuel Navarrete maintained his title as WBO Featherweight champ with a unanimous decision over Joet Gonzalez. With the win, El Vaquero continued his dominance of the sport, despite a well-matched battle with Gonzalez. In his post-fight interview, Navarette said via an interpreter that the difference proved to be conditioning, as he was able to outlast his opponent and take home the title.
Staley Signs 7-year, $22.4M Extension with Gamecocks
The University of South Carolina has signed women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley to a long-term contract extension. The deal, announced Friday, makes Staley the highest-paid Black head coach in her sport and one of the highest-paid women’s basketball coaches in the country. Details of Staley’s contract include a base salary of $1 million per year, with an additional $1 million in outside compensation, plus performance compensation bonuses.
Eagles Trade Ertz to Cardinals
Philadelphia is sending three-time Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz to Arizona in exchange for cornerback Tay Gowan and a 2022 fifth-round draft pick, the teams announced Friday. Ertz, who has 18 receptions for 189 yards and two TDs this season, is expected to be a featured part of the Cardinals offense, but won’t be available this Sunday because he already played in Thursday night’s game against Tampa Bay.
Major Sports Investments Drive Goldman Sachs to Record Earnings
Three quarters into 2021, Goldman Sachs is on track for its best year in history. The financial services firm has outperformed projected revenues, driven in large part by the investment banking division, which has posted year-over-year gains of 88%. The historic earnings are linked to its involvement in major deals across the sporting world, including with the NFL, FC Barcelona, and European soccer outfit, La Liga.
Magic Sign Wendell Carter Jr. to 5-year, $50M Extension
Orlando is locking up its talented big man, signing Carter to a fully guaranteed $50 million contract extension that runs through the 2025-26 season. Carter, 22, who is represented by Vanguard Sports Group, played college ball at Duke and was originally drafted by the Bulls with the seventh pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Bucks Lock Down GM Horst to Long-term Contract Extension
Milwaukee Bucks GM Jon Horst is getting a long-term contract extension, the team announced Friday. Horst, who helped build the roster that brought the Bucks its first NBA championship in 50 years, had one year remaining on his current contract.
Cardinals Confront COVID Outbreak, Several Set to Miss Browns Matchup
The NFL’s only undefeated team received a setback on Friday as reports emerged that head coach Kliff Kingsbury, GM Steve Keim, QB Coach Cam Turner, and DT Zach Allen will all miss this weekend’s trip to Cleveland due to positive COVID-19 tests. Defensive All-Pro Chandler Jones is also on the COVID list, and unlikely to make the start. Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph and assistant head coach Jeff Rodgers will split the play-calling duties for the Cardinals.
Formula 1 Announces Record 23-Race Slate
Formula 1 announced Friday it will host its longest season-to-date in 2022 with 23 races in 21 locations across the globe, including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Monaco, Montreal, Mexico City, and a new Grand Prix in Miami. Noticeably absent from the upcoming racing calendar is the Chinese Grand Prix due to uncertainty around travel restrictions due to COVID-19.
Lakers Announce Sponsorship Deal with Socios.com
The Lakers became the most recent team to announce a sponsorship deal with Socios.com on Friday that will make the global blockchain provider the presenting sponsor of the team’s Facebook group, among other fan engagement opportunities and highly visible television signage. The partnership is expected to begin starting this season.
FuboTV Signs Gaming Deal with NASCAR
FuboTV has reached an agreement with NASCAR to make the company’s next-generation mobile sportsbook the official gaming app for the popular racing league. The deal is Fubo’s first in auto racing and third major marketing deal in professional sports following a partnership with the New York Jets and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Man City Teams Up with Qualtrics to Monitor Fan Engagement
The Premier League favorite named the software giant as its official experience management software partner. As part of the deal, Man City will engage Qualitrics to evaluate in-game fan experiences, including catering, facilities, and retail operations at Etihad Stadium.
