Sports Business Journal

🚨 The SBJ Tech Week 2025 agenda is here 🚨 From artificial intelligence, to fan experience, to digital content innovation, this event features a robust dive into how technology plays a pivotal role in every aspect of sports business. 🚀 Check out the agenda and be sure not to miss out on the opportunity to network and learn from some of the industry's biggest names: https://ow.ly/hltj50UCMAi

Looking ahead to 2025, sports tech is on the brink of a major transformation. #SBJ's Ethan Joyce tapped industry experts for their predictions, and here’s a glimpse of what’s to come: 🔹Sandy Khaund (Credenza) foresees blockchain evolving into a decentralized, transparent ecosystem that empowers partners. 🔹David Shapiro (Pixellot - AI-Automated Sports Video and Analytics) predicts personalized data and highlights will elevate sports coverage across all levels. 🔹Jeff Boehm (Wicket) envisions teams enhancing fan journeys, particularly for local supporters. 🔹📈 Amir Zonozi (Zoomph) sees more teams managing their broadcasts and monetizing content through emerging tech. 🔹Ishveen Jolly (OpenSponsorship) anticipates more M&A activity and AI-driven process improvements, though significant changes may take a few years. Click here to read more 2025 tech predictions: https://ow.ly/156v50UCHs9

Fanatics has signed a new NIL deal… but with a twist 🤯🎮 The sports retailer has partnered with "Sari Fercussin," a fictional Texas quarterback created in the EA Sports College Football 25 video game by popular game streamer Sketch. While some might call it silly, others see it as ingenious. Either way, it’s all about fun and tapping into the excitement surrounding the game's record-breaking success. Read more from Ben Portnoy: https://ow.ly/yJGe50UCFXq

DLR Group redesigned locker rooms at Purdue University's Mackey Arena last year, as well as the John Wooden Club. Check out images from the project below:

👀 Take a look around the new #TGL setup at Sofi Center with SBJ's Josh Carpenter. The Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy-founded league teed off for the first time this week in an indoor, virtual format that pitted PGA TOUR players against each other in group play.

Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 women’s basketball venture, has transformed a production studio and empty parking lot into a premier basketball venue in just six weeks 🏀 The facility in Miami offers plush seating, massive LED boards, a rail cam, a “Hype Hall,” a weight facility, and a glam room designed by Sephora. With a capacity of 850, all seats are either courtside or “elevated courtside.” The league raised $35 million in seed and Series A funding to create an “immersive basketball” experience, shocking both players and fans. Read more from Tom Friend in #SBJ Unpacks Newsletter: https://ow.ly/kM3f50UCC5O

Leadership Changes at Nashville Soccer Club 📢 The team has promoted Lindsey Paola to Chief Business Officer, while founding CEO Ian Ayre transitions to Vice Chair, effective January 1. Both will report directly to Majority Owner and Chair John Ingram. Ayre, who helped build the club from the ground up since 2018, will oversee budgets, lead special projects, and represent the team at MLS meetings. Paola, with a decade of political experience and years at the club, steps into the CBO role after serving as COO in 2023. Read more Alex Silverman: https://ow.ly/mvTm50UCx9g

"Our app will be the most innovative and interactive way to experience ESPN content." ESPN SVP of Digital / Social / Streaming Content Kaitee Daley breaks down what fans can expect from the network's upcoming direct-to-consumer service this fall. 🎙️ More from Kaitee, Austin Karp and Mollie Cahillane on this week's Sports Media Podcast — https://bit.ly/3PuPyjh

Cosm is adding pro wrestling to its programming in L.A. and Dallas through a new multiyear partnership with WWE 🤝 This deal gives Cosm rights to present select WWE Premium Live Events, like Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, in its immersive 87-ft LED domes. The first events will be Royal Rumble on February 1 and Elimination Chamber on March 1. Read more from Rob Schaefer: https://ow.ly/22zy50UCyjN

NEWS: The National Basketball Association (NBA) is launching a league-wide biomechanics program with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). “It's one of several major initiatives that we have in the works, including with the Players Association, to try to reduce injuries in the league,” NBA EVP for Operations & Administration David Weiss said, emphasizing its scope and ambition by adding, “We're not aware of anything quite like this league-wide in the world.” It's baked into the CBA and will ensure standardized assessments across the NBA. The four tech vendors are Qualisys, BreakAway Data, Bertec and Theia. P3 is also on board as a consultant. Marcus Elliott, M.D. David K Anderson Nils Betzler Marcus Brown Sports Business Journal