Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid Invest in Mitchell & Ness
Nothing is cleaner than the perfect throwback jersey. Earlier this year, Jay-Z and Fanatics teamed up for a majority takeover of Mitchell & Ness, the vintage-inspired lifestyle brand. Now, Hov’s investment has attracted some big names to join him. LeBron James, Devin Booker, Kevin Hart, and Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman’s 35V are among an all-star set of investors in the company’s most recent fundraising round. According to Fanatics boss Michael Rubin, they purchased their share of the company at a valuation of $250 million, which has increased by 30% in less than a year.
Jaylen Brown, Aaron Donald Walk Away from Donda Sports Amidst Ye Fallout
Donda Sports officially lost its two big-name clients. Celtics star Jaylen Brown and Rams standout Aaron Donald each released statements indicating that in the wake of Kanye West’s vitriolic, antisemitic comments, they would no longer work with Donda Sports. The news is only the most recent in people walking away from West. Yesterday, Adidas cut ties with Ye, ending the popular Yeezy line.
Baltimore Arena Scores Naming Rights Sponsor with CFG Bank
The countdown to the doors opening at Baltimore’s newest high-profile arena is on. Expected to open its doors in February 2023, the Oak View Group announced that it has partnered with Baltimore’s own CFG Bank for a multiyear naming rights deal. The arena will play host to sporting events, concerts, and more. Pharrell Williams, 35V, and Ray Lewis are each investors in the new project.
Tennessee Titans Reveal Renderings for $2.1B Stadium
Move over, SoFi — the NFL has a new platinum stadium on the horizon. The Tennessee Titans partnered with MANICA and Hastings to design the new $2.1 billion stadium, which it unveiled via renderings. The new stadium will have 9,000 fewer seats than Nissan Stadium. However, the team said it’s “a building where there literally isn’t a bad seat in the house.” Pictures also show exterior porches and terraces with panoramic views of Music City.
Phillies Fans Prepare for Game One with Record-setting Merch Purchases
When their teams are bad, they’ll let you know. But when they’re good — Philadelphia fans always show out. The Phillies set a 24-hour record for merchandise sales after winning the NL pennant Sunday, according to Fanatics. The feat broke the previous record set back in 2016 when the Cubs defeated the Dodgers in the NLCS. Since clincing their spot in the World Series, the top-selling Phillies product is the Fanatics Men’s Locker Room Championship t-shirt.
NBA and DoorDash Score One For The Neighborhood
The NBA, WNBA, and DoorDash have partnered up in an effort to help kids and teens facing food insecurity in the U.S. and Canada. For every free throw made throughout the 2022-23 NBA season and the 2023 WNBA season, DoorDash will provide up to 40 meals for kids and teens facing food insecurity. The initiative is called “Score One For The Neighborhood” which will partner with No Kid Hungry for a national campaign that’s working to end childhood hunger.
Former USMNT Player Chris Wondolowski Documents Unlikely Journey in New Film
Former San Jose Earthquakes and U.S. Men’s National Team striker Chris Wondolowski is the latest athlete to announce a personal documentary. Wondolowski, who retired in 2021, is MLS‘s all-time leading scorer. Though there’s no director announced yet, the film will detail the striker’s rise as one of the best to play the game on American soil. Wondolowski went from a Supplemental Draft pick out of Chico State University to the league’s leading scorer with 171 goals. The film documents the joys and trials of his storied career.
X Games Lands New Majority Owner with MSP Sports Capital
Every winter and every summer, extreme athletes defy gravity at the X Games. The longstanding ESPN property now has a new majority owner. The network sold the lion’s share of its stake to MSP Sports Capital. As part of the deal, the NYC-based firm will assume all production and day-to-day business operations for the global sporting events. According to the report, X Games legend Tony Hawk will join MSP Capital as a “brand steward” to help enable the transition.