Sports Biz Rundown (8/3/2020 - 8/7/2020)
It was another huge week in sports with August marking the start of the first full month of sports (since March) and the XFL living to see another season. As the monumental summer of 2020 starts to wind down, some organizations are taking steps forward (WNBA social justice) and some a step back (UConn canceling their CFB season). NBA players are getting to work in The Bubble with the launch of JJ Redick's podcast company & P.J. Tucker's new eBay deal. Outside of The Bubble, NBA stars flock to fund a digital-item consumer-focused blockchain.
The goal of Sports Biz Rundown is to give you a very concise rundown of what happened this week in the world of sports & entertainment. Providing you every Friday with the top sports biz news, events, careers, and more.
SPORTS MONEY
The XFL will live on, thanks to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. RedBird Capital, Dwayne Johnson, and Dany Garcia teamed up to purchase the XFL for approximately $15 million. RedBird Capital is an investment firm that focuses on providing flexible and long-term capital to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses, and the XFL will be its latest challenge. Garcia, Johnson's business partner and ex-wife, will also be a stakeholder in the league. (CBS Sports)
CryptoKitties creator Dapper Labs has raised $12 million in funding from NBA stars and others to build a consumer-focused Flow blockchain that supports digital collectibles. The company aims to enable users to own the digital items they collect with the assurance that the goods are genuine. Investors in the round include Andre Iguodala of the Miami Heat basketball team, JaVale McGee (Los Angeles Lakers), Spencer Dinwiddie (Brooklyn Nets), Garrett Temple (Brooklyn Nets), and Aaron Gordon (Orlando Magic). (Venture Beat)
COVID-19 & SOCIAL JUSTICE
UConn announced Wednesday that it is suspending its football program for the 2020 season because of the coronavirus pandemic. "After receiving guidance from state and public health officials and consulting with football student-athletes, we've decided that we will not compete on the gridiron this season," UConn athletic director David Benedict said in a news release. "The safety challenges created by COVID-19 place our football student-athletes at an unacceptable level of risk." In a statement released by the school, UConn's players said, "As a team we are in full support of the decision to not compete in 2020. We have many health concerns and not enough is known about the potential long term effects of contracting COVID-19." (ESPN)
WNBA players are stepping up their opposition to Atlanta Dream owner Kelly Loeffler, a U.S. senator, by wearing “Vote Warnock” T-shirts this week to show support for the Rev. Raphael Warnock, who is challenging the Republican from Georgia for her U.S. Senate seat. Players wearing the shirts include members of Loeffler’s team. Loeffler, who was appointed to her seat and faces a special election in November, alienated players last month when she objected to the league’s Black Lives Matter message on uniforms and on the court at IMG Academy in Florida. (The Washington Post)
BUBBLE LIFE - MONEY MOVES
In recent years, JJ Redick has added another dimension to his public persona by hosting his own podcast. He has interviewed athletes and chefs, authors and bankers, politicians and actors. Now, Redick hopes to expand his platform. In a telephone interview, he said he was set to start his podcast company, ThreeFourTwo Productions, this week with his co-host and business partner, Tommy Alter. (New York Times)
P.J. Tucker is known as the “Sneaker King” throughout the National Basketball Association. He famously used his first debit card to buy shoes on the eBay as a junior in high school. Houston Rockets forward is partnering with eBay in a new influencer-style deal aimed at showcasing and capitalizing on his new sneaker loft. eBay will “launch a selection of sneakers inspired by his own collection.” A similar style of sneakers will be auctioned on eBay. (CNBC)
Sports Biz Pod, a podcast covering sports business. Two episodes released per week. (On Tuesday) Featuring interviews with athletes, investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in sports & entertainment. (On Friday) Featuring commentary with special guests recapping the week of sports business news, events, and careers. Produced by the Blue Wire podcast network. Affiliate of Sports Biz Group. www.sportsbizpod.com
Episodes released this week (Click to listen in Apple Podcasts):
UPCOMING EVENTS
We are continuing to update our google calendar with accurate online events and rescheduled physical events. Here are some new updates:
- WTA: Aug 3rd *Return
- PGA Championship: Aug 6-9 *Reschedule
- Champions League: Aug 12-23 *Reschedule
- FedEx Cup Playoffs: Aug 13 - Sep 7 *Reschedule
- Indy 500: Aug 23 *Reschedule
- Kentucky Derby: Sep 5 *Reschedule
- CFB Week 1: Sep 5 *No Change
- NFL Opening Game: Sep 10 *No Change
- Preakness Stakes: Oct 3 *Reschedule
- Masters Tournament: Nov 12-15 *Reschedule
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ENTRY-LEVEL
Overtime: Account Manager
- Apply (Scroll down in LinkedIn job posting)
Barstool Sports: Operations Associate - Old Row
MID-LEVEL
PointsBet: Senior Solutions Engineer
Legends: Event Sales Manager
SENIOR-LEVEL
Utah Jazz: Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
Draft Kings: Director - Internal Communications
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