Shams Charania Joins ESPN
NBA insider Shams Charania confirmed via social media on Monday that he’s joining ESPN. This news comes just weeks after longtime NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski departed from his role with the network to become the general manager for the men’s basketball program at his alma mater St. Bonaventure. Prior to joining ESPN, Charania spent six years at The Athletic and Stadium as well as two years on FanDuel TV. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but in a statement, Charania called the move “a dream come true.”
Taylor Swift Overtakes Rihanna as World’s Wealthiest Female Musician
According to Forbes, Taylor Swift has surpassed Rihanna to become the world’s richest female musician with an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion. The publication indicates that Swift reached billionaire status in October 2023 following the deluge of profits generated by her worldwide Eras Tour and her extensive music catalog. The “Fortnight” singer also became the first-ever billionaire based exclusively on her songwriting and performing. Rihanna, who sits at No. 2, has built a lucrative fashion and beauty empire in addition to her massive success as an entertainer. Swift now sits in second place overall on the list of richest musicians, trailing Jay-Z, whose net worth is projected to be around $2.5 billion.
Tyrese Haliburton Signs With Puma
Tyrese Haliburton and Puma have reportedly agreed to a multiyear deal, as first reported by Boardroom’s Nick DePaula. Details of the contract were not disclosed, but Haliburton did turn heads when he arrived wearing Prada loafers instead of basketball sneakers on NBA Media Day last week, where he also flipped his socks to hide the Nike logo. When the Sacramento Kings picked Haliburton with the 12th overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, he inked a footwear deal with Nike. The deal makes the Indiana Pacers star a future face of Puma.
MLS Sets New All-Time Attendance Record during the 2024 Season
With 16 matches remaining this season, MLS announced Monday it has surpassed its previous regular season attendance record with 11,085,336 fans attending matches in 2024 – not including Leagues Cup contests. Previously, the 2023 season claimed the record, with 10,900,804 heading to stadiums to watch their favorite team compete. The league singled out two games, which took the Nos. 1 and 2 all-time, single-game records: the April game featuring Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF playing Sporting Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium with 72,610 fans on site and an in-person crowd of 70,076 at the Rose Bowl for a July 4 El Tráfico clash between LAFC and LA Galaxy.
Jack Nicholson, Spike Lee Among NBA SuperFans to Be Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame
Four new NBA SuperFans are set to be inducted to the James F. Goldstein SuperFan Gallery, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame confirmed. Spike Lee, Billy Crystal, Jack Nicholson, and real estate developer and 76ers staple Alan Horwitz make up the 2024 class. Named after businessman and longtime NBA fan Jimmy Goldstein, the honor was created in 2021 to celebrate the league’s most recognizable and most loyal fans. The ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 13.
‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Disappoints with $37 Million Box Office Debut
Joker: Folie à Deux may have the No. 1 movie at the weekend box office, but its debut earnings don’t compare to the 2019 flick that rewrote the record books. Per The Hollywood Reporter, the sequel to Todd Phillips’ 2019 origin story about the Batman villain opened nationwide to an unimpressive $37.8 million. Early projections estimated that the sequel would generate around $70 million, which still wouldn’t compare to the record-breaking $96.2 million opening for the first film. For context, the original took in $39 million on Friday alone during its opening weekend. At the international box office, Joker: Folie à Deux debuted to an estimated $81.1 million this weekend.
Vanderbilt to Auction Off Helmets, Pylon, More from Upset Alabama Win
Vanderbilt stunned football fans everywhere on Saturday as it posted its first win in 40 years over then-No. 1 Alabama, 40-35. Now, the Commodores are cashing in on the upset. The university is auctioning off pieces of memorabilia from the shocking win to the highest bidder. The collection includes four personalized game pylons, four personalized game balls, and pieces of the field goal crossbar and upright, but those have been quickly snatched up. The current most expensive item up for grabs is a personalized game helmet signed by head coach Clark Lea. As of Monday evening, the going bid is more than $31,000.
Naomi Osaka-Produced ‘Julia Keeps Quiet’ Lands North American Deal with Film Movement
The North American rights to a film executive produced by Naomi Osaka have been purchased by Film Movement, Variety exclusively revealed Monday. Called Julie Keeps Quiet, the film follows the story of a young tennis player facing a conflict when her coach is suspended following the death of a former wunderkind. As allegations about his involvement persist, pressure mounts for Julie to share her experience. Directed by Leonardo Van Dijl, the project is scheduled to open in theaters next year before landing on digital streamers shortly after.