Today's Sports Business Pulse
Messi joins Ronaldo as billionaire after US endorsement deals
Lionel Messi has entered the billionaire club, driven by a series of high‑value U.S. endorsement and licensing agreements announced this month. His net worth now exceeds $1 billion, matching Cristiano Ronaldo as the only footballers to reach that milestone.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Lucra raises $20M to expand its eSports gamification platform
U.S. Soccer and ŌURA Announce Long-Term Partnership, Naming Oura Ring Official Wearable of U.S. Soccer
Oura and U.S. Soccer have forged a long‑term partnership naming the Oura Ring the Official Wearable of U.S. Soccer and a founding partner of the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center. The ring will be deployed across all 27 national teams, delivering continuous sleep, recovery and readiness metrics to athletes, coaches and staff. Integration will feed Oura’s clinical‑grade data into existing monitoring platforms, enabling real‑time adjustments to training load and travel fatigue. The collaboration coincides with a historic competitive window that includes the 2026 Men’s World Cup, the 2027 Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Most Valuable Soccer Teams: Real Madrid, Barça Lead at Combined $14B
Sportico’s latest valuation shows the world’s 50 most valuable soccer clubs now total $95.5 billion, an 11% jump year‑over‑year. Real Madrid and Barcelona remain on top, valued at $7.7 billion and $6.65 billion respectively, while six of the top ten spots belong to...
NBC Sports' Manchester City-Arsenal Is Most-Watched Premier League Match in U.S. History
NBC Sports reported that Manchester City’s 2‑1 victory over Arsenal on April 19, 2026 became the most‑watched Premier League match in U.S. history, averaging 2.6 million viewers across NBC, Peacock, Telemundo and NBC Sports Digital. This marks the second time this...
ESPN, ABC Announce 2026 WNBA Regular Season Schedule
ESPN and ABC unveiled the 2026 WNBA regular‑season schedule, a 30‑game slate that coincides with the league’s 30th anniversary. The announcement kicks off a new 11‑year media‑rights partnership extending through 2036, featuring expanded coverage on ESPN, ABC, Disney+ and ESPN Deportes....
FIFA Launches New Last-Minute 2026 Ticket Sale. 5m Sold to Date
FIFA has opened a last‑minute ticket sale for all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup, releasing inventory on a first‑come, first‑serve basis until the final on July 19. To date, more than 5 million of the 6.5 million tickets have been sold,...
Cap Director Acts as Double Agent for Big Ten Rivals
👀👀👀 Double Agent? Washington Cap Director Reps Rival Big Ten Players https://t.co/Wl1EOxO4wP via @sportico @DanielLibit
Canada Soccer Adds Samsung as Key Technology Partner Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Samsung Canada has signed a multi‑year exclusive agreement to serve as the official TV and mobile partner of Canada Soccer. The deal will embed Samsung’s AI‑powered televisions, smartphones, tablets and other connected devices across the men’s and women’s national teams...
Spain: UTECA Sues RTVE over World Cup Ads
Spain's private broadcasters association UTECA has filed an urgent lawsuit against state‑owned RTVE, demanding a court order to stop the public broadcaster from selling World Cup advertising slots to brands that are not official FIFA sponsors. UTECA argues the practice...
Puma Appoints Nike and ASICS Alum as Vice President of Global Wholesale
Puma has hired former Nike and ASICS executive Bertrand Blanc as Vice President of Global Wholesale, effective May 1. The newly created role tasks Blanc with shaping sales strategy and driving revenue across Puma’s international wholesale accounts. This appointment follows two...
Colgate Keeps the Smiles Coming with Extended AFL Partnership and New Campaign via VML
Colgate‑Palmolive has renewed its partnership with the Australian Football League, remaining the Official Smile of the AFL. A new hero campaign created by VML features Carlton captain Patrick Cripps, highlighting oral‑health benefits and personal resilience. The deal adds naming rights to...
James Dostoyevsky: Nothing Matters
The article argues that FIFA has lost relevance amid a series of scandals and governance failures under Gianni Infantino, including the controversial Peace Award given to a convicted felon and the replacement of independent ethics judges. It highlights U.S. immigration...
EXCLUSIVE: Over the Years, Our Association with CSK Has Gone Far Beyond Visibility and Become a Strong Business Enabler for...
Gulf Oil Lubricants, a Hinduja Group company, has renewed its official lubricant partnership with the Chennai Super Kings for another four years, extending a 13‑season relationship. The deal deepens Gulf’s integrated marketing approach, moving beyond logo placement to digital storytelling,...
🚨 EXCL: Manchester United Eyeing €45m Midfielder as PL Rivals Already Make Contact
Manchester United have entered the market for a midfielder valued at roughly €45 million (about $49 million) as the summer transfer window opens. Sources say the club is among several Premier League sides already in dialogue with the player’s representatives. United’s pursuit...
Brummie Bellingham Into Bat with Birmingham Buy
Jude Bellingham, the 22‑year‑old Real Madrid and England midfielder, has bought a 1.2% minority stake in The Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix. The equity is split with Warwickshire County Cricket Club holding 50.4% and Knighthead Capital Management affiliates holding 48.4%, marking the entry...
Sony Bags India Broadcast Rights for Asian Games 2026
Sony Pictures Networks India has secured exclusive television and digital rights to broadcast the 2026 Asian Games across the Indian subcontinent. The multi‑sport event, slated for September‑October 2026 in Aichi and Nagoya, will be shown on Sony Sports Network channels...
Professional Triathletes Organisation Appoints Peter Hutton To Chairman As Chris Kermode Steps Down
The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) announced Peter Hutton, former Meta Head of Sport and ex‑Eurosport CEO, as interim Chairman, succeeding Chris Kermode. Hutton joins the board in 2020 and will steer the PTO as it prepares for the 2027 launch...
Hublot Becomes E1’s Official Timekeeping Partner
Hublot has been named the Official Timekeeping Partner of the E1 World Championship, the first all‑electric raceboat series. The Swiss watchmaker will provide precision timing and brand activation across a season that races on four continents and reaches viewers in...
Skechers Adds Suryakumar Yadav as It Sharpens Focus on Cricket Market
Global sportswear brand Skechers has named Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav as its newest brand ambassador, reinforcing its push into the cricket market. The deal will see Yadav front digital, retail and broadcast campaigns promoting Skechers’ expanding line of cricket...
Wednesday Briefing: Premier League Clubs Raise Concerns over Independent Football Regulator Costs
Premier League clubs are pressing the Independent Football Regulator for a clear breakdown of the levy that will fund its operations from the 2027/28 season, after budget estimates rose and details remain scarce. The clubs fear the involvement of high‑cost...
WBD Extends Giro D’Italia Rights
Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has extended its exclusive rights to broadcast the Giro d’Italia, Giro d’Italia Women and a suite of premier Italian road races through at least 2029. The agreement with RCS Sport preserves coverage on Eurosport across 50...
Double Agent? Washington Cap Director Reps Rival Big Ten Players
The University of Washington hired NFL agent Cameron Foster as senior director of contracts and cap management, paying him $185,004 annually while allowing him to retain ownership of his agency, Reign Sports Management. Foster’s firm has begun registering Washington‑based LLCs...
FIFA Unlocks More World Cup Tickets and Adds New, More Expensive Categories
FIFA announced a fresh wave of World Cup tickets for all 104 matches, releasing additional seats in Categories 1, 2 and 3 at 11 am EDT. The governing body also introduced a premium “front category” tier, pushing the top price for a final‑stage ticket...
Bid for Harry Styles, Bon Jovi, Luke Combs, Bruno Mars and The Weeknd Hilton VIP Packages
Hilton Honors has extended its multi‑year partnership with the Football Association and Wembley Stadium to include VIP concert experiences featuring artists such as Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, Luke Combs, The Weeknd and Bon Jovi. Members can bid on limited‑supply packages that combine two‑person...
Comcast Eyes Mixed Q1 Outlook as Broadband Losses Meet Sports‑Driven Ad Surge
Comcast is set to report first‑quarter 2026 results with consensus estimates of $30.84 billion in revenue and 73 cents per share earnings, down 33% YoY for EPS but up 3% YoY for revenue. Analysts flag broadband subscriber losses and ARPU pressure, while...
Nike Turns to Australia for Its First Local Tiktok Play
Nike has launched @nikeaustralia, the brand’s first country‑specific TikTok account, debuting with a CommBank Socceroos‑themed bulldozer stunt and later featuring Paralympian Dylan Alcott’s Ability Fest promotion. The move marks a shift from Nike’s global‑first model to a local‑first strategy that...
Is Splitting NRL Rights In The Long-Term Interest Of The Code?
The NRL is negotiating a record‑breaking 2028 TV deal that could split broadcast rights in an NFL‑style model, aiming to maximise short‑term revenue. While the approach may generate a larger cheque, it risks diluting audience reach and complicating fan access....
Mets GM Overpaid for Bullpen, Ignored Cab Drivers' Advice
The Mets GM could have gotten a better bullpen for half the price by doing some Tom Friedman esque interview NYC cab drivers on who to sign, instead of whatever it was he did.
Las Vegas Plans for 50,000-Capacity Soccer Stadium, It May Even Get a Team
Las Vegas announced a $10 billion mixed‑use district that will feature a 50,000‑seat soccer stadium, an NBA‑grade arena, a casino and a sportsbook on a 63‑acre site near West Star Avenue. The project has already secured $6 billion in funding and follows...
Topgolf Rival Chain Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Topgolf’s parent Callaway sold a 60% stake in the brand for $660 million, valuing Topgolf at $1.1 billion—down roughly 45% from its 2020 $2 billion equity value. Meanwhile, Craft Putt LLC, a two‑location mini‑golf and taproom chain, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Kansas, listing...
WWE’s Celebrity Push Costs Fans While TKO Defends Strategy
WWE, now owned by TKO, amplified celebrity appearances at WrestleMania 42, prompting criticism that the approach inflates costs and alienates core fans. TKO President Mark Shapiro defended the tactic as essential for growth in a shifting media landscape.
Churchill Downs Inc (CHDN) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Churchill Downs reported record 2025 financial results, posting its highest ever net revenue and adjusted EBITDA, driven by strong Kentucky Derby wagering and growth in its Historical Racing Machine (HRM) portfolio. Free cash flow reached $700 million and the company returned...
NFL Goes to the FCC
The NFL met with Federal Communications Commission staff to argue that its reliance on free, over‑the‑air broadcasts benefits fans, local stations, and all 32 clubs. The league highlighted the steep decline in pay‑TV subscriptions and cited Amazon’s record‑breaking Thursday Night...
NBC’s Miller Time
Jon Miller, president of acquisitions at NBC Sports, outlined the network’s recent multibillion‑dollar rights strategy, including a $200 million three‑year MLB agreement and a historic $27 billion, 11‑year NBA contract. The deals secure Sunday Night Baseball, roughly 25 primetime games, and extensive...
Nine Secures NBL Rights in Two Year Deal
Nine has secured a two‑year free‑to‑air broadcast agreement with the National Basketball League, delivering two marquee games each week on the 9Network and 9Now. The deal also includes live coverage of the NBL Finals, a weekly analysis show, and a...
Leicester's Cash‑out of Parachutes Fuels £375m Loss
The biggest concern for Leicester is that they have already cashed in on future instalments from Premier League parachute payments and player sale instalments by selling those sums to MacQuarie bank. Borrowed a net £85m in the last two seasons,...
The Dealmaking 3: NBA Playoffs on NBC, NFL Draft AI & $7M for Athletes
The Dealmaking 3 highlights three major sports‑industry moves. NBC Sports has signed an 11‑year agreement to broadcast NBA playoff games, marking its return to the league’s postseason. Amazon’s NFL Draft AI, branded as NFL IQ, now provides live fan‑prediction updates every...
Chelsea Home Tickets Sold to Rivals, Profit over Safety
Hundreds upon hundreds of tickets for Chelsea’s final home match available on Todd Boehly’s Vivid Seats website. This could be a crucial match & having away fans in the home end is a risk. Yet all this is sacrificed for...
The Handle: Wolverines' NCAA Tournament Run Fuels Mega March For Michigan Sports Betting
Michigan’s regulated sports betting market posted a $50.8 million revenue haul in April 2026, a 52% jump from the prior month. The total handle reached $494 million, up 1.4%, while the hold stayed at 10.3%. Taxes generated $3.04 million for the state, marking...
Kelsey Plum Leaves Under Armour: Is Adidas Her Next Stop?
WNBA star Kelsey Plum has terminated her four‑year partnership with Under Armour ahead of the contract's 2026 expiration. The split follows Under Armour's earlier loss of Steph Curry and comes as Plum has been regularly spotted in adidas apparel, sparking...
NHL TV Ratings Surge 30% on ESPN/ABC
Very good year for the NHL as far as viewership on ESPN/ABC. ESPN averaged 760K viewers across 54 games on ABC and ESPN, up 30 percent over last year. New measurement helps, as do increased games on ABC. But we definitely...
Columbus NWSL Franchise Secured for $205M Fee
New at @SBJ: A consortium led by Haslam Sports Group has agreed to pay a $205M expansion fee to bring an @NWSL franchise to Columbus. That's up from the $165M the league received for Atlanta and $110M it receieved for...
NY Attorney General Sues Prediction Market over Wire Act Violations
The New York AG's Office becomes the first law enforcement agency in the country to accuse a prediction market platform of violating the federal Wire Act by offering sports-event contracts across state lines. https://t.co/xCd3WbLHM6
Rays and Royals Battle over Worst Stadium Planning
If the outcomes weren't so depressingly consequential, it would be entertaining to watch the Rays and Royals compete over who has the least thought-out stadium plan. https://t.co/vsEYwrEp1z
Overhyped PR Backfires, Amplifying Lando Norris Controversy
Great piece by @donaldgmcrae of @guardian on overzealous public relations and management people for Lando Norris. The Streisand Effect in full. HT: @pearbea1 https://t.co/jg0L5Fg0Ll
Caesars Takes Over Iconic Westgate SuperBook Operations
Caesars is set to take over operations of the Westgate SuperBook, one of Las Vegas' most iconic retail sportsbooks, the groups announced earlier today; The popular SuperContest will remain "an integral part of the SuperBook experience," per release
Rams' Post Becomes NFL Teams' Top-Performing Content
Not only was this EASILY the best performing piece of content the @RamsNFL have ever had, but it's also likely the best performing brand content any @NFL team has had (with a nice assist from @SnoopDogg sharing on Instagram to...
Liberalizing NIL and Transfers Boosts College Competition
Fun paper on how liberalizing the US college athlete market (aka NIL & transfer rules) improved competition in college sports, with broader labor policy implications: https://t.co/6n9OLql6Ho https://t.co/E3giENONKR
NFL Wins $27M Lawsuit Over Packers Cheer Song Claims
The NFL defeats a $27 million lawsuit accusing the league and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue of copyright infringement and antitrust violations over the use of Green Bay Packers cheer songs: https://t.co/XSQ6TJTIwl.
Haslams Pay Record $205M for New NWSL Franchise
SCOOP: The Haslams have landed the latest @NWSL expansion team. They've agreed to pay a record $205 million fee, separate from practice facility project and stadium upgrades. More at @Sportico w/ @JacobFeldman4 👇 https://t.co/cxZ6UJoRDe
Missouri Sportsbook Tax Increase Stalled, 10% Likely Remains
Missouri lawmakers will not discuss a bill to raise sportsbooks' tax rate to 34% of GGR after the bill's sponsor pulled it from consideration during a public hearing today; the bill may be considered again, but the probability increases that...