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Private Equity May Need to Shift Focus to Find Scale in Sports
CEO Chris Russo argues that private‑equity firms must broaden their strategy beyond buying pro‑teams to tap the wider sports ecosystem—events, agencies, tech, media, youth leagues and consumer products. While PE capital pours into team ownership, investors repeatedly hit roadblocks when chasing growth opportunities across these adjacent sectors. Russo outlines why a shift in focus is essential for achieving scale and sustainable returns in sports.
NCAA Hit With Antitrust Suit Over Ban on D-III Athletic Scholarships
A class‑action lawsuit filed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California challenges the NCAA’s ban on athletic scholarships for Division III athletes. The complaint seeks monetary damages for players who competed under the prohibition and requests an injunction to stop its enforcement. The case could reshape scholarship rules for thousands of student‑athletes across the nation.
Sportico Transactions: Moves and Mergers Roundup for Oct. 23
Sportico’s weekly transactions wire highlights TMRW Sports’ latest hire, naming Chris Zaber as senior vice president of ticketing and venue experience. The appointment comes as TMRW Sports expands its portfolio, which includes ownership and operation of SoFi Stadium. The roundup also previews other personnel moves, partnership deals, product launches, and acquisitions shaping the sports business landscape this week.
MLB Updates App in Time for iPhone Duo Launch—and the World Series
Ahead of Apple’s debut folding iPhone Duo, MLB rolls out a tailored version of its MLB At Bat app, debuting the first 500‑app veteran with new UI tweaks and live‑game features optimized for the dual‑screen device. The update arrives just before the World Series, promising smoother navigation, split‑screen stats and instant highlights for fans catching the championship action on the new hardware.
Bob Uecker Trademarks Near Finish Line With Brewers in World Series
When the Brewers clinched the NLCS by beating the Dodgers in Game 4, longtime broadcaster Jeff Levering delivered a classic call that echoed Hall‑of‑Famer Bob Uecker’s signature style, underscoring Milwaukee’s march toward a World Series trip. The article revisits the memorable moment, highlights Uecker’s trademark enthusiasm, and examines how the call captures the Brewers’ historic run.
Duopoly of One: SEC Blows Past Big Ten, Dominates TV Ratings
Nielsen data shows the SEC dominates college football TV viewership, outpacing the Big Ten and prompting ESPN to expand the College Football Playoff. The article argues the SEC’s ratings power explains the network’s enthusiasm for a larger playoff field, despite mixed fan reactions to the change.
Every NBA Game Can Be Streamed. You Just Need the Right Service
All NBA games are now streamable, but regional TV rights still dictate which services let fans watch their home teams. The article breaks down the unequal distribution of nationally televised games across franchises and explains how each team’s partnership with streaming platforms—like NBA League Pass, ESPN+, and regional network apps—affects availability in different markets. It also highlights which services provide the most consistent access for fans and points out gaps where certain games remain tied to local cable agreements.
Trump’s DC Golf Course Plans Hit Legal Snag With Appeal Likely
President Donald Trump’s plan to remodel Washington’s historic East Potomac Golf Links into a single, championship‑level course with pricier tee times hits a legal roadblock as a federal judge refuses to lift a ruling. The controversy revives the site’s legacy as one of the nation’s first desegregated public courses and signals that Trump may soon file an appeal to push the project forward.
FIFA Opens Bidding for 2030 Men’s World Cup U.S. Media Rights
FIFA has opened a 30‑day tender for U.S. broadcast and streaming rights to the 2030 Men’s World Cup, reigniting the battle between established TV networks and digital platforms. The invitation to bid marks the start of intense competition for the lucrative stakes of the tournament's American coverage.
Kalshi and Polymarket’s U.S. Formula Could Hurt Them Abroad
Kalshi and Polymarket, two New York‑based prediction‑market platforms, depend on the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission classifying their offerings as financial assets to sidestep state gambling regulations and taxes. While this regulatory approach fuels domestic growth, the companies face uncertainty abroad because the CFTC’s protection does not extend internationally, potentially limiting expansion into foreign markets. The article examines how the U.S. framework that underpins their success could become a barrier to global operations.
Andalusian Adds Former NFL Exec Joe Siclare as Deal Partner
Joe Siclare, a veteran NFL executive with over 30 years of experience, joins Andalusian Sports Advisors as a senior deal partner. He recently helped orchestrate the Khosla family's $9.6 billion purchase of the Seattle Seahawks, where Andalusian served as advisor. The hire signals ASA’s intent to deepen its role in high‑profile NFL transactions.
Apex Eyes Investment in Portuguese Soccer Comeback Story
Apex Capital’s CEO António Caçorino is betting on a revival of historic Lisbon club Os Belenenses, one of only five sides ever to clinch Portugal’s Primeira Liga. The article explores why the centennial club, long eclipsed by the country’s giants, now attracts investment aimed at restoring its former glory. Caçorino’s strategy, the financial plan, and the club’s recent performance trends are detailed, offering a glimpse into a potential comeback story in Portuguese football.
Sporticast: The NFL Has a New Revenue Stream
In the 597th Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy‑Williams break down the week’s top sports business headlines, spotlighting the NFL’s newly announced revenue stream that could reshape league finances. They also revisit the Milwaukee Brewers’ controversial $1,000 Timeless Ticket program, noting the team’s recent admission of mistake after fan backlash. The episode offers a concise analysis of these developments and their potential impact on leagues and fans alike.
Can Ezekiel Elliott Keep His NIL Lawsuit Alive? NCAA Says No
The NCAA is pushing U.S. Chief District Judge Sarah D. Morrison to toss former Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott’s NIL earnings lawsuit, leveraging her prior dismissal of a similar case filed by ex‑Buckeye Terrelle Pryor. The filing argues that Morrison’s 2025 ruling against Pryor sets a precedent that Elliott’s claim—seeking compensation for lost name, image and likeness deals—should also be rejected. The outcome could determine whether high‑profile athletes can still pursue NIL damages against the NCAA.
More Live Sports Could Reverse Netflix’s Stock Slide
Netflix’s shares keep slipping, and analysts say the streaming giant could halt the decline by adding more live sports. After a recent layoff of about 1,000 workers – including chief content officer Bela Bajaria – and a Q3 earnings call on Oct. 21, 2026, executives hinted that securing broadcasting rights for live events might boost subscriber growth and justify price hikes. The proposal follows a broader industry trend where platforms like Amazon Prime and Disney+ use live games to lock in viewers. Investors are watching to see if Netflix can negotiate deals fast enough to offset the recent staffing cuts and stagnant subscriber numbers.
Gains in Sports Team Values Lag Stock Market Since 2022
Sports team valuations have surged, with 2026 record deals like the Los Angeles Lakers at $12.5 billion, Seattle Seahawks at $9.34 billion, and Los Angeles Angels at $4 billion. Despite these headline‑grabbing price tags, the growth rate of team values lags behind the broader stock market since 2022, fueling debate over a potential valuation bubble in the industry.
Kansas’ NBA Signee Spotlights a Major Eligibility Problem—Schools
Former Purdue standout Trey Kaufman‑Renn, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 2026 second‑round pick, has secured a court order against the NCAA and returned to college basketball, signing with Kansas for a fifth season. At 24, his move spotlights a deep‑rooted eligibility issue that threatens stability in the sport, as the NCAA wrestles with rules affecting players with professional experience. The article examines how Kaufman‑Renn’s case could reshape college‑basketball eligibility policies.
Milwaukee Brewers Apologize for Timeless Ticket Missteps
The Milwaukee Brewers issue an apology after botching their “Timeless Ticket” promotion ahead of their first World Series appearance in 44 years. The club acknowledges that hundreds of fans had intended to redeem tickets for the championship game before the deadline, but the rollout caused confusion and denied many fans access. The statement, released on Tuesday, details the missteps and promises corrective measures.
NFL Launches Bigger, Richer Investment Platform
The NFL has teamed up with private-equity firm General Atlantic to launch a new investment platform aimed at boosting the league's stake in fandom, sports, media and technology ventures. Approved at the owners' meeting in New York on October 20, 2026, the partnership will create a vehicle to fund frontline businesses that complement the NFL’s growth strategy. The joint statement highlights the plan’s goal to accelerate the league’s investing efforts and expand its influence across emerging tech and content opportunities.
Grant Hill, Steve Greenberg, Al Tylis Join Sportico Invest NY Lineup
Sportico Invest New York will host its second Nasdaq event on Nov. 10, gathering top figures shaping the business side of sports. New additions to the lineup include former NBA star Grant Hill, sports‑media veteran Steve Greenberg, and investment executive Al Tylis, who will discuss finance, technology, real‑estate and media trends driving the industry’s growth.
SMU Ponied Up Big for Andy Enfield, Who’s Stumbled Out of the Gate
Southern Methodist University’s athletic director Rick Hart touted Andy Enfield as a "game changer" when hiring him as the men's basketball coach in April 2024, but the on‑court results have lagged. Nonetheless, Enfield’s salary tells a different story: SMU’s latest tax filing reveals he earned $7.54 million in total compensation for the 2024 calendar year, making him one of the highest‑paid college coaches despite a rocky start.
How the NBA Made $14.5 Billion in Revenue Last Season
The NBA reports a record $14.5 billion in revenue for the 2025‑26 season, driven by soaring team valuations, a second year of a lucrative media partnership, and high‑profile player moves to new markets. The league’s financial rise contrasts sharply with its $56 million annual media deal when Michael Jordan was a rookie, highlighting the explosive growth of NBA media rights and franchise sales.
How Adam Silver Remade the NBA’s Competitive Balance
NBA commissioner Adam Silver touts the league’s unprecedented parity, citing the fact that eight different teams have won the championship in as many seasons—a stat he’s highlighted in ten of his last thirteen press conferences. The article examines how Silver’s policies—like the luxury‑tax reforms, revamped draft lottery and player‑movement rules—have reshaped competitive balance, and assesses whether his focus on parity has truly transformed the NBA’s on‑court landscape.
Championship Rings May Be Sports’ Last Sponsor-Free Realm
The New York Knicks will receive their 2026 championship rings before the NBA season opener, marking the franchise's first title in 53 years. As the rings are unveiled, the article argues they could become the final moments in pro sports free of corporate sponsorship, as every other milestone now carries brand logos. It explores how commercial deals have permeated everything from trophies to celebrations, raising questions about the future of tradition in a fully monetized landscape.
Sporticast: Brewers Miss Golden Opportunity With Golden Tickets
In the 596th Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams examine the Milwaukee Brewers' missed chance to capitalize on their "Golden Tickets" promotion. Over ten years ago, the team sold 1,000 "Timeless Tickets" for $1,000 each, promising exclusive benefits that now clash with the Brewers' quest for a first World Series title. The discussion highlights how the outdated ticket program could have provided valuable revenue and fan engagement at a critical moment.
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