Follow the money. From team valuations to private equity takeovers, this is where sports and business collide.
Business of Sports
Tech execs like Pichai and Nadella are going all in on cricket—backing leagues in the US and UK with millions in funding. With growing fan interest and Olympic momentum, the sport may finally break through in America.
Pickleball
Six-time MLB All-Star J.D. Martinez just signed a deal to go pro—in pickleball. As more athletes retire to the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., Martinez is joining names like Brady, Bouchard, and LeBron in giving the paddle a serious swing.
NBA
A-Rod and Marc Lore just won arbitration in their bid to take over the Timberwolves—but they still need NBA owner approval to seal the deal. With valuations soaring and billionaires backing the bid, the four-year saga is almost over. Almost.
nhl
The NHL is replacing its All-Star Game with a new 4 Nations tournament—featuring Canada, the US, Sweden, and Finland—in a push to boost global viewership and fan interest ahead of the Olympics and a planned World Cup of Hockey.
MLB
MLB ump Pat Hoberg, once praised for a perfect World Series game, has been fired over a gambling rules violation involving 141 bets—eight during games he worked. No game-fixing found, but the league says integrity matters.
NBA
Luka Dončić is now a Laker. The Mavs’ shocking trade for AD and a pick flipped NBA title odds, broke betting records, and had players and pundits stunned. Stephen A. was speechless.
Soccer
18 matches. One day. UEFA’s new Champions League format is the biggest shake-up in decades—bringing more chaos, more stakes, and plenty of pushback from managers and fans alike.
NFL
A playoff win gave the Commanders their best merch day in 92 years. But does winning really grow a team’s value? Experts say it’s more about stadiums and media markets than scoreboard success.