August 23, 2023

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There’s more stadium drama in Chicago — and this time it doesn’t involve the Bears.

We’ll dive into those details today, as well as examine Lionel Messi’s next conquest, the ramifications of Fanatics’ bombshell NFLPA move, and a pricing update at Formula 1’s Las Vegas GP.

— David Rumsey [[link removed]]

White Sox Latest Chicago Team To Ponder Move As Lease Nears End [[link removed]]

Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

The countdown to keep the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field has officially begun.

According to a recent report [[link removed]], White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf is considering the possibility of moving the team out of the stadium it has called home for over 30 years once its lease with the city expires in 2029.

The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority — a subsidiary of the state government — opened [[link removed]] the stadium in 1991 after a $137 million construction project, and taxpayers still owe about $50 million on the bonds issued.

“We have not had any conversations about our lease situation,” White Sox spokesperson Scott Reifert said. “With six years remaining, it is naturally nearing a time where discussions should begin to take place.”

In Crain’s Chicago Business report, Reinsdorf floated the idea of a new stadium in Chicago, moving to the suburbs, or even going to Nashville — which has frequently [[link removed]] popped up as a potential destination [[link removed]] for an MLB team.

Bear Necessities

The Sox aren’t the first team in town to make headlines about a possible new home.

After purchasing the former Arlington International Racecourse property, the Chicago Bears have reached a “ stalemate [[link removed]]” with the city of Arlington Heights over tax issues — meaning plans for a new stadium on the grounds have stalled.

Subsequently, the city of Chicago [[link removed]], Aurora [[link removed]], Naperville [[link removed]], Richton Park [[link removed]], and Waukegan [[link removed]] have all attempted to woo the Bears.

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🎙️ They Said What?

“The intent was that … it would be like [we] are at a bar watching the game, and people are there watching with you. I think we accomplished that.”

— Former Braves pitcher and hall-of-famer Tom Glavine on joining Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, and Jeff Franceour in the broadcast booth for a special telecast of the Atlanta Braves. To hear more about the Braves’ version of “ManningCast”, download the latest episode of FOS Today.

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

U.S. Open Cup Brings Messi Mania To New Broadcasters [[link removed]]

Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Inter Miami continues its quest for its second trophy in the brief but already brilliant Lionel Messi era on Wednesday night.

After winning the inaugural Leagues Cup — which came with a $2 million prize — this past weekend, Inter Miami faces FC Cincinnati in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. Tickets for the match at Cincinnati’s 26,000-seat TQL Stadium are unsurprisingly reaching [[link removed]] astronomical prices as Messi’s U.S. tour hits another city.

The match marks a rare opportunity for a broadcaster other than Apple — which is paying $250 million annually for MLS media rights — to profit from Messi’s Inter Miami stint. CBS Sports will stream the game, which begins at 7 p.m. ET, on its Golazo Network, Paramount+, and Pluto TV. Telemundo and Peacock have the Spanish-language broadcast rights for the match.

Messi’s appeal is creating new business for the U.S. Open Cup organizer, too. Just this month, U.S. Soccer was even able to sell global media rights to the remainder of the tournament, which will now air in more than 100 countries.

A U.S. Open Cup title would bring Inter Miami a modest $300,000 and a slot in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup — but the Leagues Cup win has already qualified the club for that tournament, which in turn could lead to a berth in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Messi is set to start [[link removed]] and likely play the entire match, despite playing his sixth match in 22 days — another sign the Argentinian star is committed to boosting soccer’s profile in the U.S., which he feels [[link removed]] is ripe for growth.

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F1 Cuts Las Vegas Grand Prix Fees After Uproar [[link removed]]

Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports

Formula 1 is still looking to squeeze every dollar out of the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix — but at a more reasonable cost to local establishments.

The racing league plans to charge bars and restaurants located along the 3.8-mile racecourse around $50,000 in licensing fees, per the New York Post [[link removed]]. The Post originally reported [[link removed]] that F1 would charge $1,500 per patron, sparking outrage and potentially costing the business owners millions.

The fees are standard practice for Formula 1’s other street races in places like Monaco — but bar and restaurant owners felt the circuit was “shaking people down” with threats to put barricades or other viewing obstructions in place if the businesses didn’t pay the fee.

Assuming they pay the newly adjusted fee, bars and restaurants will be guaranteed unobstructed views of the live action, as well as a direct live feed from F1’s cameras.

However, there remains another sticking point for Las Vegas locals: Formula 1 has been repaving streets and making other preparations for the November race — causing huge, consistent traffic jams [[link removed]] on and around the famous Las Vegas Strip.

But for all of the headaches and arguments, the LVGP should still be a massive financial success for both F1 and the city. The racing league is targeting [[link removed]] $500 million in revenue, while one report suggests the race could generate [[link removed]] $1.3 billion in economic impact for the city.

NFLPA’s Abrupt Panini Move Fuels Fanatics’ Meteoric Rise [[link removed]]

Design: Alex Brooks

The NFL is good at creating headlines all year long — and just over two weeks before the 2023 season kicks off, a wild story is playing out at one of the biggest companies in sports.

On Monday, the NFLPA shockingly and abruptly ended [[link removed]] its licensing deal with Panini — paving the way for Fanatics to become its exclusive trading cards partner three years before it was set to do so. Panini’s deal began in 2016 and was set to run until 2026.

Financial terms of the deals are unclear, but Panini reportedly paid [[link removed]] the NFLPA $24.2 million in 2020.

Fanatical Moves

Fanatics — recently valued [[link removed]] at $31 billion — has been making significant moves in the sports collectibles space.

In 2022, the company acquired [[link removed]] Topps — previously a top rival of Panini. Just this month, Panini filed an antitrust suit [[link removed]] against Fanatics, claiming the company violated federal law with its dominant entry into the trading card business. Fanatics also bought [[link removed]] part of vintage sports jersey maker Mitchell & Ness last year.

The NFLPA situation is an interesting one on several fronts. Fanatics is already a partner with the NFL and actually received a $320 million investment [[link removed]] from the league last year. This brings synergy to its NFL efforts — which could be why getting the NFLPA deal started immediately was crucial for Fanatics. The company is now under contract for the next 20 years.

Fanatics also has deals with players associations in the NBA and MLB, but the NHLPA has a long-term contract with Upper Deck.

Conversation Starters Titans QB Will Levis signed [[link removed]] a ‘lifetime deal’ with Hellmann’s Mayonnaise, making him the first athlete to sign with Hellman’s parent company, Unilever. Levis is known for putting mayo in his coffee. Playfly Aspire’s latest campaign at Ball State drove 36% growth in men’s basketball ticket revenue and recorded the highest women’s basketball revenue in 15 years. These achievements have led to a long-term extension [[link removed]] in the Playfly Aspire-Ball State partnership announced this week.* Double the delicious with Wendy’s BOGO $1 [[link removed]]. Buy any of these fan faves: Dave’s Single, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, 10 PC Nuggets, or Medium Frosty, and get another one for $1. So BOGO get it!*

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A Day on the Water With J.K. Dobbins

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As one of football’s best young running backs, J.K. Dobbins is mostly known for his work on the field. But like many professional athletes – J.K has his own passions off the field.

In our new series, My Other Passion, presented by Chevrolet, we hit the outdoors [[link removed]] with some of the most recognizable athletes in sports to explore their interests outside the arena.

Learn how J.K. Dobbins grew up fishing in Texas, how it helps him practice patience on and off the field, the importance of family, his thoughts on the upcoming season and more.

Watch episode one [[link removed]] now.

Editor's Picks Peloton Enters NIL With Michigan Athletics Deal [[link removed]]by Andrew Cohen [[link removed]]Michigan's football players will use Peloton's bikes during games. Could Multibillion-Dollar Endowments Fund Conference Realignment? [[link removed]]by Amanda Christovich [[link removed]]Endowment funds may not be available to fund athletic departments. Blue Wire Launches Crowdfunding Round To Keep Pace In Podcast Wars [[link removed]]by Michael McCarthy [[link removed]]Blue Wire podcast is launching a $1 million community fundraising round. U.K. Reconsiders Activision Takeover Amid Revised Microsoft Offer [[link removed]]by Andrew Cohen [[link removed]]Microsoft's new proposal grants cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft. Question Of The Day

How important is a good beer selection in a stadium to your overall satisfaction / experience attending a live sports event?

Very Important [[link removed]] Important [[link removed]] Neutral [[link removed]] Not Important [[link removed]] Not Important At All [[link removed]]

Tuesday’s Answer

55% of respondents are involved in the budgeting process for their company/department at work.

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