November 14, 2023

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Call Geddy Lee a skeptic won over by MLB’s much-discussed rule changes [[link removed]] of 2023. The legendary Rush frontman, Toronto Blue Jays season-ticket holder, and noted baseball memorabilia collector [[link removed]] was in New York on Monday to begin a book tour for his new memoir, “My Effin’ Life.” Unsurprisingly, the conversation turned at one point from music to baseball. Lee said he came around on the MLB’s new pitch clock after he, like many other fans – and even some team managers and GMs — failed to embrace the league’s use of ghost-runners in extra innings.

“You know, quit f—ing around up there. So that’s one rule I like,” Lee said about batters with the new pitch clock, before moving on to discuss catchers blocking home plate and larger bases. “We could do a whole show about this.”

— Eric Fisher [[link removed]]

PGA Tour Still Focused On PIF Negotiations As Deadline Nears [[link removed]]

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The PGA Tour is just over six weeks away from its deadline [[link removed]] to reach a definitive agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the DP World Tour — and it says completing that deal is still the top priority.

In a memo [[link removed]] to players, the PGA Tour policy board said its leaders “remain focused” on those negotiations. The memo said “progress has been deliberate,” but offered no update on potential timing for more news.

If the deal is completed, the PIF would invest at least $1 billion — and potentially much more — into a new commercial entity called PGA Tour Enterprises, which would oversee the commercial business of the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf. PGA Tour members will receive equity ownership in that company, it was also revealed [[link removed]] on Tuesday.

Beyond the PIF update, the memo confirmed the PGA Tour has moved forward with representatives from “potential minority investors.” That terminology is particularly notable as rumors continue to swirl that those interested outside investors could potentially replace the PIF as a financial partner altogether.

The PGA Tour had already reportedly narrowed that list down to five [[link removed]] entities, including Boston Red Sox parent company Fenway Sports Group, as well as a company owned by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly. Fenway had previously confirmed [[link removed]] its bid. Endeavor was once in discussions with the PGA Tour but is no longer in the running [[link removed]] to invest.

NBA Assist?

In a surprising move, some prospective PGA Tour investors reportedly reached out to NBA commissioner Adam Silver about overseeing the future of professional golf, according [[link removed]] to the New York Times. However, Silver isn’t interested, and no other details were forthcoming about the potential logistics.

Under the terms of the current framework agreement, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan would be CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises, while PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan would be the company’s chairman.

Netflix Reportedly Interested In NBA In-Season Tournament Rights [[link removed]]

Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Netflix makes its live sports debut [[link removed]] Tuesday night in Las Vegas, and reports continue to indicate that this won’t be the streamer’s only effort in the space.

As the NBA prepares to seal its next set of media rights deals, Netflix has expressed some interest in acquiring rights to the league’s in-season tournament, according [[link removed]] to Sports Business Journal.

One idea being discussed would be a docuseries based on the tournament similar to Formula 1’s “Drive to Survive,” if Netflix could buy the live game rights.

The NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament is already providing a viewership boost [[link removed]] for some of the league’s media partners. ESPN saw one game up 73% compared to a similar broadcast window last year. Tournament games are also airing on TNT, local channels, and NBA League Pass, a practice that will continue next season.

When the NBA’s new media deals arrive in 2025, the tournament will likely be carved out and sold as its own media rights package [[link removed]].

The NBA news is just the latest sports rumor tied to Netflix. The streaming company is also reportedly interested [[link removed]] in broadcasting a boxing event involving Jake Paul, as well as matches from Premier Boxing Champions.

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has admitted [[link removed]] the company is “in the sports business,” but stresses it will do things its own way.

For now, that appears to be one-off events with athletes or leagues with which it already has a relationship. Tuesday night’s Netflix Cup features many athletes from “Drive to Survive” and the PGA Tour’s “Full Swing” series, while Paul also has a documentary on Netflix.

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Wimbledon Expansion In Doubt Amid Local Objections [[link removed]]

Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club’s proposed $250 million expansion [[link removed]] of its grounds to stage Wimbledon has run into growing local opposition — putting the project’s future in doubt.

Two weeks after a Merton planning committee approved plans to build 39 courts, including an 8,000-seat stadium — allowing the All England Club to hold its qualifying events on site — planning officers in the neighboring London borough of Wandsworth are recommending refusal of the project, due primarily to its scale.

A report published by the Wandsworth council found that the construction would “remove a substantial area of the historic landscape, disrupt historic views, and detract from the open character of the parkland and the conversation area.” The 73-acre site spans parts of both Merton and Wandsworth.

The matter is due to head to the full Wandsworth council next week and then the Greater London Authority for approval.

The All England Club said they were “surprised” with the latest findings. “We regret that Wandsworth’s officers have taken a different view, but it is for councillors [sic] on the planning applications committee to make their own considered decision,” it said. “We firmly believe the AELTC Wimbledon Park project will deliver substantial social, economic, and environmental benefits.”

Wimbledon is the only one of tennis’ four Grand Slam tournaments to not hold its qualifying events on site — qualifiers are held several miles away at a smaller venue with a 2,000-person capacity.

Conversation Starters ESPN has rebranded [[link removed]] all of its SportsNation social media accounts under ESPN Bet. On Monday, former NBA All-Star Andre Iguodala stepped into his new role [[link removed]] as acting executive director of the NBPA. NFL teams have put an emphasis on filming game action from stadium catwalks [[link removed]] this year — and the results have been incredible. SPONSORED BY INVESCO QQQ Between unprecedented conference realignments, historic media rights deals, the wild world of NIL, and high-stakes competition, this space couldn’t be more exciting right now, but you need someone to help you make sense of it all. That’s where we come in. College Football Playoff Moves Closer to Format Change [[link removed]]by Doug Greenberg [[link removed]]The CFP is poised to move to a five-and-seven format. NCAA Football Players’ Rights Have Caught The Attention of President Biden [[link removed]]by Amanda Christovich [[link removed]]The Biden administration met with former college football players to discuss athlete compensation, organizing, and healthcare reforms. Unbeaten Michigan’s Fight to Free Jim Harbaugh Intensifies [[link removed]]by David Rumsey [[link removed]]Jim Harbaugh has been suspended by the Big Ten. Judge Issues Stay in Lawsuit Filed Against Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin [[link removed]]by A.J. Perez [[link removed]]Pause comes after Ole Miss, Kiffin file a motion to dismiss. Careers in Sports

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