April 27, 2023

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The NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night and, as always, there’s plenty of intrigue — especially atop the draft board. Perhaps the biggest question mark is Houston at No. 2 where there could be “a massive surprise,” said ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller on the latest episode of Front Office Sports Today.

Listen and subscribe on Apple [[link removed]], Google [[link removed]], and Spotify [[link removed]].

Fox Will Air Most Ever Women’s World Cup Games on Main Network [[link removed]]

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Women’s World Cup is getting more primetime real estate than ever before.

The tournament, which runs from July 20 to Aug. 20, will have a record 29 games on Fox’s main broadcast network.

The 35 group stage matches will all appear [[link removed]] on FS1. The quarterfinals, semifinals, third-place match, and finals will all be on the network’s main channel. Five of those matches will air on primetime and 12 will air on the weekends.

The 2023 Women’s World Cup, hosted by Australia and New Zealand, will be the first with 32 teams, up from 24 in 2019.

The 2015 Women’s World Cup final had 25.4 million primetime viewers as the U.S. defeated Japan. The 2019 edition saw the final drop to 14.3 million viewers on Fox, but the game, played at France’s Parc Olympique Lyonnais aired at 8 a.m. ET in the U.S.

This will be the first Women’s World Cup under the new revenue sharing agreement between the U.S. teams. The USWNT received more money from the USMNT making it past the group stage in the 2022 World Cup than they did from their two consecutive World Cup victories combined.

The men’s team will take in half of the women’s team’s prize money as they seek to become the first team with three consecutive World Cup championships.

AWARDS

Rising 25 is back, and it’s time to nominate an up-and-coming young professional changing the game in the business of sports!

The Front Office Sports Rising 25 Award [[link removed]], presented by Anheuser-Busch, celebrates the careers of the brightest young stars in the business of sports. To date, we’ve honored 150 individuals and we’re looking for our next group of young stars.

Nominations are open NOW through May 2. Winners will be announced in June.

Nominate [[link removed]] today!

Man United Wants Financial Data From Bidders [[link removed]]

The Times

With third-round bids for Manchester United due on Friday, the bank managing the sale is looking for more than just a number.

Manchester United bidders are being asked to show where their money comes from, who would be in charge of the team if the bid is successful, specifics on debt financing related to the bid, and future financing plans, according [[link removed]] to Bloomberg.

The data request from the Raine Group, which is managing the sale, came in recent days, with bidders preparing third-round offers. The leading contenders to purchase the team are the INEOS Group, led by billionaire and lifelong Manchester United fan Jim Ratcliffe, and Qatar’s Sheikh ­Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Offer Split

The biggest difference between the two offers may be in how much of the team they are offering to buy. While Sheikh Jassim is seeking to buy 100% of the club in an all-cash offer, Ratcliffe is reportedly looking to purchase [[link removed]] just enough to claim a majority, and could allow the Glazer family to retain a minority stake.

That proposal could appeal to Joel and Avram Glazer, who, unlike their siblings, are reportedly reluctant to let go of the team. Previous reports indicated that they could only sell off minority shares to buy out their siblings while retaining control of the club.

SPONSORED BY PEPSI

None of the Sugar, All of the Taste

Pepsi just keeps getting better. Introducing, Pepsi Zero Sugar [[link removed]].

Pepsi Zero Sugar is changing the game with a new and improved flavor that puts other zero sugar colas to shame.

Whether you’re in the stadium or watching from home, Pepsi Zero Sugar will make you feel like a winner with its bold and refreshing taste. And while ‘zero’ may not be the outcome you want from your favorite team, it’s exactly what you want from your favorite cola.

With a taste so good you’ll have to try it to believe it, the new Pepsi Zero Sugar is available nationwide across the United States. Learn more [[link removed]].

Activision Blizzard Reports Strong Quarter Amid Microsoft Fallout [[link removed]]

Shutterstock

With its future sale to Microsoft up in the air, Activision Blizzard reported strong first quarter 2023 financial results.

The “Call of Duty” game publisher reported that net income for the three months ending March 31 rose 87% to $740 million, while revenue rose 36% to $2.38 billion.

The positive results were driven [[link removed]] by growth across three of its segments, according to Video Game News.

“Every one of our key intellectual properties continues to grow year-over-year, with ‘Call of Duty’ once again a key driver of growth,” said Bobby Kotick, chief executive officer of Activision Blizzard

Based on strong pre-sales for “Diablo IV,” Activision Blizzard also projected positive results for the second quarter ending June 30.

“We expect Activision Blizzard second quarter GAAP revenue to grow at least 10%, net bookings to grow at least 30%, and total segment operating income to grow at least 40%, in each case on a year-over-year basis,” read a statement from the company.

$69B Deal Blocked in U.K.

On Wednesday, Britain’s top competition regulator stepped in to block [[link removed]] Microsoft’s proposed $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The Xbox maker will appeal the decision.

“The CMA’s decision rejects a pragmatic path to address competition concerns and discourages technology innovation and investment in the United Kingdom,” said Microsoft president Brad Smith.

“We have already signed contracts to make Activision Blizzard’s popular games available on 150 million more devices, and we remain committed to reinforcing these agreements through regulatory remedies”

Conversation Starters The national champs are adding more talent: Two-time All-American guard Hailey Van Lith has decided to join [[link removed]] the LSU Tigers and transfer from Louisville. Aaron Rodgers charmed the notorious New York media [[link removed]] Wednesday. But what happens if the Jets lose — and Big Apple tabloids sink their teeth into the future Hall of Famer? Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé is one of seven finalists bidding [[link removed]] to buy the Ottawa Senators.

SPONSORED BY CISCO

Drafting Success

NFL Draft night – one of the biggest nights in football. A night that determines the fate of teams, families, and players alike.

You see the bright lights, big names, and boundless pressure. But what you don’t see is the behind-the-scenes partnerships that help make it all possible.

As an Official Technology and Cybersecurity Partner of the NFL, Cisco [[link removed]] ensures the league is always connected and protected – especially on Draft night.

From securing split-second Draft choices to powering the Countdown Clock, Cisco technology plays an integral role in everyone’s Draft experience.

Read the full story here [[link removed]].

FOS Feature Coming Saturday: The NFL Draft Gurus

“There is no NFL Draft on TV without Mel Kiper. He’s an institution. I think he should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for what he’s accomplished and what he’s brought to this TV event. Everybody that’s come after him … they’re all just offspring of Mel.”

— ESPN vice president of production Seth Markman on how Mel Kiper — and the many others who have followed in his footsteps — have turned the NFL Draft into a year-round enterprise.

Never miss a feature. Subscribe [[link removed]] to Front Office Sports newsletters today.

What to Watch

The Boston Celtics will take on the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of the first round of the NBA playoffs on Thursday night at State Farm Arena.

How to watch: 8:30 p.m. ET, TNT

Betting odds: Celtics -7.|| ML -290 || O/U 231

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