Boardroom

Since sports betting went live in 2022, New York just hit a new record, raking in a massive $22.7 billion in wagers in 2024. That’s a 14% jump from last year and nearly 40% more than the industry’s first full year.? ? On top of that, the state’s nine online sportsbooks pulled in a record-breaking $2.05 billion—the most ever in a single year.? ? (via?Ben Fawkes)

Coca-Cola is expanding into the booming ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage market with new Minute Maid-branded vodka cocktails under its Red Tree Beverages subsidiary.? ? This move aligns with the company’s strategy to diversify beyond soft drinks, where it already holds a 44.9% U.S. market share, and build on its $47.1 billion in 2024 revenue.? ? These 5% ABV, non-carbonated cocktails position Coke to tap into the surging demand for spirits-infused canned drinks, a category that continues to reshape the beverage industry.

Great stuff from Fabolous ??? (??: IG/mworthogfame)

For the first time in MLB history, two players will break $100 million in a single year, far surpassing the previous record of $72 million. Juan Soto leads with $129 million, fueled by his 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets, including an MLB-record $75 million signing bonus.? ? Shohei Ohtani, earning just $2 million annually from his deferred $700 million Dodgers contract, will make up the difference with an estimated $100 million from endorsements and memorabilia.? ? In 2025, MLB’s 15 highest-paid players will earn a combined $745 million, up 15% from last year’s $647 million. Scott Boras represents nine of them, while Wasserman has two: Zack Wheeler and Giancarlo Stanton.? ? (via Sportico)

Despite owning content rights, Universal and Warner Music have a combined valuation of just $70 billion, while Spotify’s market cap has surged to $110 billion.? ? The difference? Labels still rely on traditional licensing and sales models, while Spotify drives growth by bundling content, scaling subscriptions, and strategically raising prices.? ? By continuously refining its pricing strategy and monetizing user engagement through ads and premium tiers, Spotify has fueled both revenue growth and investor confidence—leaving major labels struggling to keep up with streaming’s financial momentum.? ? (via Bloomberg)

A group of investors are reportedly looking to raise $5 billion to launch a new international basketball league, advised by Maverick Carter.? ? (??: Sloan Sports Analytics Conference)

George Foreman’s name is etched in sports history as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. From a Joe Frazier knockout to 'Rumble in the Jungle' to becoming the oldest boxer ever to win the heavyweight title at 45, his boxing career was a powerful story of endurance. Outside the ring, Foreman achieved even greater financial success. In the late ’90s, he became the face of the 'George Foreman Grill' — a product that sold over 100 million units and reportedly earned him over $200 million. The grill turned him into one of the most successful athlete-entrepreneurs in history. Foreman’s legacy is one of transformation and triumph — from Olympic champion to heavyweight icon to savvy businessman, his name is synonymous with reinvention. Rest in peace, George.

TV advertisers poured $244 million into women’s sports in 2024—a staggering 139% increase from the previous year—with basketball leading the way. This surge highlights the growing popularity and commercial appeal of women’s sports, fueled by record-breaking viewership and attendance across multiple leagues.? ? Big brands took notice, with State Farm, AT&T, Allstate, Nike, and AbbVie’s Skyrizi leading the pack in ad spending. Meanwhile, brands like Skims, Poppi, Oura, Fabletics, and Bombas saw the strongest engagement from audiences.? ? The WNBA had a blockbuster year, boasting a 50% jump in attendance and a 170% spike in ESPN ratings, thanks in part to rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Beyond basketball, soccer and tennis also stood out as top sports for ad engagement, signaling a broader shift in the market’s enthusiasm for women’s athletics, per CNBC.

The 2025 MLB Tokyo Series was more than just a season opener—it was a global event that shattered records. Shohei Ohtani’s homecoming helped drive massive viewership, with Game 1 pulling in 25 million viewers in Japan, the most ever for an MLB game in the country. Even in the U.S., where the games aired in the early morning, the first matchup drew 838,000 viewers on FOX—MLB’s biggest Opening Day broadcast in Asia and a 139% jump from last year’s Seoul Series.? ? The demand wasn’t just on screens—it was everywhere. Merchandise sales hit all-time highs, surpassing every past MLB international event and All-Star Game. Fanatics-operated stores at the Tokyo Dome were processing over 1,000 transactions per hour, with Ohtani’s Dodgers jersey as the hottest item. More than 200,000 fans shopped at official MLB stores in Tokyo, making this the best-selling special event in Fanatics history across all sports.? ? On the ground, the energy was unmatched. Six sold-out games brought in 252,795 fans, and more than 380,000 people fought for tickets during the pre-sale. The Tokyo Series Fan Fest became the most-attended in MLB history, drawing 450,000 fans over 12 days. Social engagement exploded too, with 88 million video plays and a 75% spike from last year’s Seoul Series. With record-breaking numbers across the board, it’s clear Major League Baseball (MLB)’s international footprint is only getting bigger.

The Starbury sneaker is making a comeback in 2026, celebrating 20 years since its game-changing debut. ???? Originally launched in 2006 at just $15, the shoe disrupted the market by proving that style and performance didn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Despite its cult following, the brand was discontinued in 2009. Marbury attempted a relaunch in 2016, but this time, he’s bringing a global perspective—shaped by his legendary run in China—to rebuild the brand with a stronger foundation, per?Complex NTWRK. A two-time NBA All-Star and one of the most electrifying guards of his era, Marbury was known for his elite handles, scoring ability, and playmaking. After dominating in the NBA, he became a basketball icon in China, winning multiple championships and earning a statue in Beijing. Now, he’s looking to bring that same championship mindset to the Starbury revival.