Today's Sports Business Pulse
Messi joins Ronaldo in billionaire football ranks after US endorsement deals
Lionel Messi's net worth now exceeds $1 billion, matching Cristiano Ronaldo as the only footballers to reach that milestone. The surge comes from a series of high‑value U.S. endorsement and licensing agreements across apparel, technology, and media.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Lucra raises $20M Series A
Zwift Buys Rouvy, Expanding Its Digital Footprint and Potentially Sidestepping the UCI
Zwift announced the acquisition of Rouvy, the real‑world indoor cycling platform, expanding its product suite beyond animated routes. The deal keeps both services separate for now, preserving Rouvy’s subscription model and development roadmap while integrating hardware compatibility. By absorbing Rouvy’s 300,000‑strong subscriber base and its digital licensing agreements for marquee race courses, Zwift strengthens its position in the indoor‑cycling market. The move also undercuts the UCI’s attempt to dominate cycling esports through competing platforms.
Burnley’s 2024 Accounts Reveal Massive Loss Despite Player Profit
Burnley publish 2024/25 accounts. 🔑figures ⚽️ Revenue £72m ⬇️46% ⚽️ Wages £82m ⬇️12% ⚽️ Ave first team weekly wage £37,000 ⚽️ Underlying loss £74m ⬆️171% ⚽️ Player sale profits £59m ⚽️ Pre tax loss £29m ⬆️2% ⚽️ Player purchases £86m ⚽️ Player sales £100m ⚽️Borrowings in year £135m ⚽️Borrowings...
All Free Clear Teams with Soccer Icon Alex Morgan
All® free clear, the dye‑ and perfume‑free laundry detergent owned by Henkel, has teamed up with U.S. Soccer star Alex Morgan to launch the “all Most Valuable Parents (MVP) Sweepstakes.” The promotion, running from April 21 to May 21, invites parents of youth‑soccer...
MLS Innovation Lab Selects AI Partners
Major League Soccer announced the 2026 cohort of its Innovation Lab, selecting five AI‑focused startups to test cutting‑edge solutions in player performance, fan engagement, and media production. The lab, now in its third year, will trial these technologies at high‑profile...
ReachTV Appoints New CEO
ReachTV named Rachel Jacobson as its new chief executive, effective immediately, while founder Lynnwood Bibbens transitioned to executive chairman. Jacobson previously led the Drone Racing League and held senior roles at the NBA, bringing deep sports‑media expertise. Bibbens will focus...
“Crazy” That Olympic Athletes Can’t Post Own Competition Footage, Says Payne
Former IOC marketing director Michael Payne called it "crazy" that Olympic athletes cannot share competition footage on social media. The IOC currently limits athletes to two‑minute clips from ceremonies and bans any competition‑venue content before and during events. Payne argues...
How HYROX Became A Billion-Dollar Business (without Spending Any Money on Marketing)
HYROX, launched in a Hamburg gym in 2017, has become a global fitness‑racing powerhouse by standardizing a 1 km run followed by functional workouts. The company now schedules 135 events across 43 countries and expects roughly 1.5 million participants in 2026, generating...
Canzano: Dam Nation Sues Blueprint Sports -- Look Out Oregon State
Dam Nation Collective, LLC filed a civil complaint in Portland federal court accusing Blueprint Sports and Entertainment, LLC of breaching a $166,828.50 agreement. The lawsuit, brought by Kyle Bjornstad’s legal team, seeks damages, interest, and attorney fees, with the plaintiff...
Flattened Lottery Odds May Spur More NBA Tanking
I like aspects of the NBA anti-tanking proposal, but I'm wary of flattened lottery odds, since flattening the odds in 2019 actually led to more tanking An 8.1% chance at the No. 1 pick for the 11-seed seems like a strong...
Tradition Meets “Made Different” – BEUMER Group Becomes Main Partner of FC Gelsenkirchen-Schalke 04 E.V.
BEUMER Group, the family‑owned material‑handling specialist, has signed a multi‑year deal to become the main and jersey partner of FC Schalke 04 starting in the 2026/27 season, with the agreement running through at least 2029. The partnership links a global firm...
‘CW Sports’ Gets Streaming Boost With ESPN App Deal
The CW Network’s sports division, CW Sports, will begin streaming its live events on the ESPN app through the ESPN Unlimited subscription, with a launch targeted for summer 2026. The partnership adds more than 800 hours of college football, basketball, NASCAR,...
National Market Gives Franchise Unbeatable Advantage for Success
Nearly eight years ago I snapped this photo. I've said it many times. I'll say it again: This franchise will be a success. They have everything in place (deep finances, smart people running it, a coach with championship pedigree, a...
Hartlepool United Faces £1.08m Loss, Deepening Debt
Hartlepool United submit 24/25 accounts Loss for year £1.08m ⬇️14% Total losses over the years £9.9m Player signings in year £10k Staff numbers 118 ⬇️14 Borrowings £4.33m https://t.co/M0MkNa3Zjn
Galway Start-Up Launches Platform That Takes the Hard Work Out of Club Fundraising
Irish tech startup Entrypoint, founded in Galway, has launched an online platform that automates club fundraising competitions. The service lets clubs run golf pools, football Last Man Standing contests and other sports‑betting style games, with real‑time scoring and instant payouts...
Brett Yormark Laid CFP Expansion Foundations Last Year
The breadcrumbs to Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark's CFP expansion strategy were laid last year, regardless of 16 or 24 -->
Learning F1 Business Insights From Miami GP President
Appreciate the time and insight learning the @F1 business from the wonderful @KatharinaNovak President of the Miami Grand Prix 🙏🏾…. thanks Kathy https://t.co/A0Ds5FzJ9p
Jack & Tim Live: The SPORTS Episode
Jack Myers and Tim Spengler devoted an entire Lead Human episode to sports, turning their usual opening banter into a deep dive on why live athletics remain one of the last truly communal experiences. They highlighted how the rise of...
Students Build Athlete Brands in New NIL Course
Between grading finals, I'm working on my new summer grad Sport Management class where students will work directly with athletes on their personal brands and seeking out NIL opportunities. This course is part of @ufspm's new NIL Specialization. https://t.co/7ZmgPoDiKu
Gonzaga Retains Valuable ESPN Partnership in New Deal
Focus here is on football, obviously. But: the deal allows Gonzaga to keep a connection to ESPN that has been immensely valuable to both entities for many years
Pure Hockey Acquires Perani's Hockey World, Expands to Over 110 U.S. Stores
Pure Hockey announced the acquisition of Perani's Hockey World’s 22 Midwest stores, raising its total U.S. retail presence to more than 110 locations. The deal deepens Pure Hockey’s brick‑and‑online reach and signals accelerating consolidation in specialty sports ecommerce.
Apple TV Debuts Two New Original F1 Series
Apple TV launches two new original F1 series. Circuits in Focus puts Nico Rosberg & Emelia Hartford on track preview duty. After the race, The POV, with ex-Red Bull technician Calum Nicholas & engineer-creator Christina Roki break down key moments.
John Strong, Stu Holden to Lead Fox's World Cup Coverage
Fox announced its World Cup Broadcast teams today, with John Strong and Stu Holden once again as the lead team. That means they call the Final and the U.S. games. Story: https://t.co/DfHZKAfKqj
CW Sporting Events to Stream on ESPN Unlimited
ESPN Unlimited announced it will stream a slate of CW sporting events, expanding its live‑sports portfolio beyond its traditional lineup. The move includes the NFL Draft’s final two days, a series of neutral‑site college basketball games on Prime Video, and...
SMU Takes Football Hype to San Francisco Streets
Southern Methodist University is advertising their football team on the buses in San Francisco. https://t.co/sUpubyicwS
FIFA's Exorbitant World Cup Tickets Deter Fans, US Opener Unsold
“Extortion’s a strong word. But in essence, I think that’s the spirit of what they’re doing.” FIFA's sky-high ticket prices for the World Cup have so repelled fans that the U.S. team opener isn't sold out. https://t.co/Rzd2FnwRAL
3 PR Trends From the Upcoming World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set for June 11‑July 19 across U.S., Canada and Mexico, offers brands a massive cultural moment even without official sponsorship. While only 12% of Americans identify as soccer fans, the tournament’s broader appeal draws non‑fans, creating a...
Justin Simmons Retires After $70M, Nine-Season NFL Career
S Justin Simmons retires from the NFL having earned over $70M across 9 seasons with the #Broncos & #Falcons. Contract History 4-year, $3M (Drafted Rookie) 1-year, $11.4M (Franchise Tag) 4-year, $61M (Extension) 1-year, $7.5M (Free Agent) https://t.co/JdjUF3TuGq
Apple TV Unveils Ted Lasso Season 4 Trailer, Showcases Richmond Women
Via @justwsports: Apple TV Drops ‘Ted Lasso’ Season 4 Trailer, Spotlights Richmond Women’s Team https://t.co/4TSUPmDzHq
FIFA to Award $871 Million in Prize Money for 2026 World Cup, Increasing Figure by a Further 15%
FIFA announced a $871 million prize pool for the 2026 World Cup, a 15% increase from the previously disclosed $727 million. The boost reflects the expanded 48‑team format, adding extra preparation funds, qualification money, delegation subsidies and ticket allocations. The FIFA Council...
NFL Must Police Teams' Schedule Hype Videos Mocking Patriots Coach
good inference from @ProFootballTalk the NFL should be on alert 4 teams' hyped social media videos highlighting the schedule release (coming next month) that might make light of the Patriots HC's travails. Would the NFL deem it fair game or...
Patriots Lock Gonzalez, Eye $85M Extension
The #Patriots have officially exercised an $18.1M 5th-year option for CB Christian Gonzalez, putting him on a 2-year $20.9M fully guaranteed contract through 2027. The 23-year-old currently projects toward a 3-year, $85M extension in our system.
AI Is the New Betting, Which Was the New Tobacco
The article argues that artificial intelligence will become the next dominant sponsorship category in sports, mirroring the rise of betting and the earlier tobacco era. It predicts that within five years two‑thirds of Premier League shirts could feature AI brand...
Lions Lock Gibbs Cheap Despite $60.5M Valuation
The #Lions have exercised RB Jahmyr Gibbs' $14.3M 5th-year option salary for 2027, putting on a 2-year, $17.4M fully guaranteed contract. Gibbs holds a 3-year, $60.5M valuation according to our model.
Chargers Lock in Johnston; Model Predicts $55M Extension
The #Chargers have officially exercised WR Quentin Johnston's $16.46M 5th-year option, putting him under contract at a fully guaranteed 2-years, $19.1M through 2027. The 24-year-old projects toward a 3-year, $55M extension according to our model.
Adidas Profits Surge Despite ‘Volatile’ Trading Environment
Adidas reported a 14% year‑on‑year revenue increase to €6.6 bn (about $7.2 bn), driven by double‑digit growth in North America, Greater China, Japan, South Korea and Latin America. Fashion sales surged 31%, while footwear rose 4% and accessories 13%. The direct‑to‑consumer channel...
NFL Media Deals Reshaped
The Varsity * Yahoo hires a new head of sports. * Main Street Sports RSNs aren't going dark this week. * A bull case for college basketball. Guggenheim analyst Mike Morris assesses how the negotiating table has shifted for the NFL and its media...
Sports Bundles Split Across Three Streaming Platforms
The sports bundle is being rebuilt. The problem is it's being built in 3 places. ESPN: NFL Network, https://t.co/8Jco4DeBci, CW Amazon Prime: NBA League Pass, Peacock, Paramount+ YouTube TV: Easy channel-flipping, smaller networks https://t.co/5hmzyDiIBo
Steelers' Move Forces Rodgers Toward Cardinals' Pricey Deal
The Steelers putting Aaron Rodgers in that box is just daring him to sign with the Cardinals at an amount of money they don’t want to pay
Tax Cuts Could Add $1B to Bears' $2B Breaks
Stripping an amusement tax and adding in state infrastructure spending could add close to $1B more to the Bears' potential $2B in property tax breaks — plus cost local Illinois governments billions more in the future for other "megaproject" tax...
Taxpayers Face Extra $300M Bailout for Titans Stadium
Surprise, the $1.26 billion in taxpayer money going to build the Titans stadium isn't enough. Now $300 million of tax revenue is needed to bail out the development...which is supposed to self-fund the stadium. If only someone had warned them.🤔...
FIFA Pushes Blanket US Tax Exemption for World Cup Teams
I've been following FIFA's efforts to secure tax-exempt status for member associations participating in the World Cup this summer. This is the first of hearing of some sort of blanket exemption for all participating teams. Interested to see whether this...
College Basketball Tourney Dominates TV Time, Football Playoffs Lag
He's got a point here on "playoff" expansion. The NCAA Men's Tourney already accounts for around 50% of the viewing hours for a college basketball season. Compare that with the CFP, which currently only accounts for like 17% of viewing hours for...
Mike Morris Unpacks NFL’s High‑Stakes Rights Negotiations
New pod: A conversation with analyst Guggenheim analyst Mike Morris about the myriad questions swirling around the NFL’s looming, blockbuster rights negotiations. https://t.co/6VmcON2TgU
Reed’s New 3-Year Deal Packs $20M Guarantee
WR Jayden Reed's #Packers Extension ▫️3-years, $50.25M new ▫️$20M fully guaranteed ▫️large per-game bonuses ▫️2-years, $27M practical Cap Hits 2026: $6.7M 2027: $10.8M 2028: $17.6M 2029: $17.2M
CW Partners with ESPN, Opts for Bundling over Solo Streaming
The CW will stream its 800 hours of sports content on ESPN's broadband service, a sign that bundling may be a more attractive prospect for some TV outlets than launching yet another stand alone streaming option.... https://t.co/EBd41pyqp6
Eagles Lock in Greenard, Cap Spikes by 2030
DE Jonathan Greenard's #Eagles Extension ▪️4-years, $98M base value ▪️$50M fully guaranteed ▪️Annual $500k escalator ▪️4 void years for cap ▪️2-years, $50M practical Cap Hits 2026: $6.2M 2027: $11.1M 2028: $15.7M 2029: $20.2M 2030: $44.4M (void)
Schools Hire Experts to Manage NIL Revenue Shares
The smartest programs are making major investments in partners, platforms, and people to manage NIL/rev-share... Are schools hiring general managers or analysts to manage NIL budgets? I break this down in my book NIL 101: The House Settlement 40% off https://t.co/yBVisUkFCL https://t.co/KLO5NYnlxj
Public Stadium Costs Always Climb, Warns Bradbury
Bradbury's iron law of stadium finance: the cost of a publicly funded stadium only goes up.
League Officials Face Relentless Club and Media Pressure
Those who run/ran leagues will all feel a chill down the spine on this story. You get a kicking regardless. And often your hands are tied. Clubs are ruthless in pressuring you. The media is used ruthlessly. https://t.co/MtqABPnj3Z
Athletes Craft Secret Social Feeds Beyond Traditional Platforms
Hiding in plain sight - how athletes are building a new form of social media presence On finstas, fame, and the feeds nobody paid for https://t.co/wyzgn8zAPH @Fire_and_Skill #Geosport https://t.co/cOoaPuc6DH