June 13, 2024

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Saudi Arabia appears to be making boxing its next big sporting target. … The U.S. Open has a new strategy for maximizing the value of ticket sales. … An NWSL club is unhappy about having a match booted from its regular stadium. … Front Office Sports Today goes behind the scenes at the Stanley Cup Final. … And we look back on a pivotal day in U.S. soccer history.

— David Rumsey [[link removed]] and Eric Fisher [[link removed]]

Saudi Arabia’s Next Big Sports Target: Boxing, With Joint Venture Worth $5B [[link removed]]

Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Despite still being a long way from fully realizing a bold vision to unify men’s pro golf and top-flight tennis, Saudi Arabian officials are already locking in on their next big sports target: boxing.

The country’s Public Investment Fund—the key backer behind LIV Golf and also a potential merger between the ATP and WTA—is now in discussions with multiple entities in boxing on a possible joint venture to similarly bring greater cohesion to that sport, according to Reuters [[link removed]].

The effort to create a new boxing league reportedly involves major promoters such as Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions, and it is designed as a means to bring greater prominence, fan appeal, and revenue to boxing—which has encountered numerous struggles over the past decade, including from the rise of mixed martial arts. The new joint venture could carry a valuation of as much as $5 billion, Reuters reported.

“There is big opportunity in boxing,” Turki al-Sheikh, chair of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, told ESPN [[link removed]] earlier this year. “But you must improve the market. You must fix all the problems.”

Even before this latest initiative, Saudi Arabia has hosted several top-tier fights, most recently when Oleksandr Usyk (above) beat Tyson Fury in Riyadh last month to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years.

A Larger Strategy

Saudi Arabia’s aggressive moves in sports have taken on multiple dimensions, with some of the activities seen as a means toward establishing greater economic diversity beyond the country’s stronghold in oil, and as a way to help create a new image for the country. But given the widespread criticism Saudi Arabia has received for its record on human rights, these efforts have also been widely viewed [[link removed]] as sportswashing.

Key parts of the country’s sports strategy also remain decidedly incomplete. A potential union between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour is still uncertain [[link removed]], more than a year after it was first announced. And the tie-up between the tennis tours, actively discussed [[link removed]] for more than six months, is similarly bogged down [[link removed]] by a variety of deal points.

In addition to its developing activities in golf and tennis, the Saudi Pro League is also creating [[link removed]] seismic waves in men’s pro soccer as a result of top-tier player salaries and transfer fees that only a select few elsewhere in the world can match.

Crowd Control: U.S. Open Taking a Less-Is-More Approach With Fans [[link removed]]

FOS image

The U.S. Open is teeing off Thursday at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina as organizers plan on welcoming an estimated 225,000 fans throughout the tournament week. That’s a lower total than the previous two U.S. Opens at the course, in 2014 and ’05, as the focus shifts from packing in as many people as possible to a more comfortable atmosphere for fans—at a higher price point.

In 2014, Pinehurst welcomed roughly 55,000 fans on peak days. This year, no more than 45,000 will be admitted daily, with the cheapest general admission tickets that start at $225 sold out for each round except the final on Sunday. More expensive options include a reserved grandstand (starting at $325) and luxury tickets that range from slightly under $1,000 all the way up to the $2,500 per day at 1895 Club [[link removed]], which is completely sold out.

All Aboard

The village of Pinehurst has a population of less than 20,000, so even the reduced spectator load this year still represents some logistical challenges. For fans coming from Raleigh, which is about 70 miles away, there’s a new transportation option.

The United States Golf Association partnered with Amtrak to run a special train, dubbed the “Open Express,” daily from Raleigh to Pinehurst. Round-trip tickets start at $25 for the train that leaves in the morning, arrives to one of the U.S. Open spectator gates, and returns in the evening. Parked next to the driving range all day, the train provides some fun views [[link removed]] for fans watching golfers practice.

Ownership Perks

While the USGA is using nearly every inch of space and permanent infrastructure around the course to build out corporate hospitality that has resulted in more than $23 million worth of sales [[link removed]], the owners of Pinehurst Resort saved some prime real estate for themselves.

The Dedman family, which has owned the property since 1984, is keeping The Deuce restaurant right behind the 18th green for special guests. About 50 to 100 lucky attendees will be entertained each day at the coveted spot that is typically a watering hole for tired golfers searching for post-round libations.

SPONSORED BY HOKA

Racing Toward Change

In the evolving landscape of NIL, HOKA [[link removed]] is reshaping athlete-brand relationships beyond one-off deals.

The renowned athletic brand, in collaboration with Foot Locker, revitalized the USATF National Club Cross Country Championships in December, exemplifying a broader vision for a robust NIL ecosystem [[link removed]].

Unlike short-term deals, HOKA focuses on ongoing growth, mentorship, and community engagement. Examples include University of Colorado runner Kole Mathison and the mentorship between Summit High School’s Ella Hagen and triathlete Heather Jackson.

HOKA’s strategy emphasizes personal development and professional opportunities, ensuring athletes benefit beyond financial gains. By pushing the boundaries of NIL, HOKA aims to inspire the next generation and make a lasting impact on the sports world.

Read the full article [[link removed]] to delve into HOKA’s visionary approach to NIL.

FRONT OFFICE SPORTS TODAY Behind the Scenes: Stanley Cup Final

Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

This year’s Stanley Cup Final pits a newer market riding the wave of its recent success and a past dynasty looking to return to glory. ESPN’s Emily Kaplan joins the show to break down the stories on and off the ice. She also provides her take on where the league could expand, how teams will react to a growing salary cap, and which teams could make big moves this offseason.

🎧 Watch, listen, and subscribe on Apple [[link removed]], Google [[link removed]], Spotify [[link removed]], and YouTube [[link removed]].

LOUD AND CLEAR Venue Change Criticized

Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

“It is unfair and unfortunate to have put our club in this situation.”

—Chicago Red Stars president Karen Leetzow, responding [[link removed]] to the club’s forced move of its Sept. 21 home game against San Diego Wave FC from SeatGeek Stadium to an as-yet-undetermined venue. The shift stems from the move of the three-day Riot Fest music festival that same weekend to the Bridgeview, Ill., facility.

The situation arrives just days after the Red Stars set [[link removed]] an NWSL single-game attendance record. Leetzow added that moving the team’s game “shines a light on the vast discrepancies in the treatment of women’s professional sports versus men’s professional sports.” Wrigley Field (above), where the Red Stars set that attendance mark, will not be an option for the Red Stars as the Cubs have a home game against the Nationals on Sept. 21. The Red Stars have played at SeatGeek Stadium since 2016, but club owner Laura Ricketts is seeking [[link removed]] to bring the club into the city of Chicago, similar to what Fire of MLS have done.

TIME CAPSULE June 13, 2018: A Bold Gambit

Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports

On this day six years ago: During the 68th FIFA Congress taking place in Moscow, the governing body selected a joint bid from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to host the 2026 World Cup, easily beating a rival entry from Morocco. Marking just the fourth iteration of the global tournament to be held in North America following 1970 and ’86 (Mexico) and the U.S. in ’94, the selection carried significant economic ramifications from the outset. Morocco’s bid was projected to generate about $1.07 billion in ticket and hospitality revenue, while the North American entry came in at nearly three times as much. The forthcoming event is also widely targeted as another inflection point in what has already been accelerating popularity for soccer in the U.S.

Even before games are played, though, there’s been no shortage of drama stemming from the decision for 2026. Issues already arising have included FIFA’s insistence on temporarily removing [[link removed]] the corporate names of the host venues, getting NFL team owners to change [[link removed]] field surfaces and infuriating [[link removed]] the NFL Players Association in the process, and a high-stakes battle to host the final—ultimately won [[link removed]] by New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. But the ’26 World Cup is also advancing the concept of shared bids among multiple countries for major events such as the World Cup, including the six-nation plan [[link removed]] for ’30.

FRONT OFFICE SPORTS AWARDS

Last Week to Nominate

It’s not easy being green 🌱.

Companies recognize the importance of operating sustainably, especially as new generations of fans have demonstrated their fandom aligns more closely than ever with their values, and have adopted practices making an impact in the fight against climate change. Front Office Sports has teamed up with Sports Innovation Lab to honor organizations that have been leading the sustainability movement.

The deadline to submit is June 16 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Submit your organization [[link removed]] today.

Conversation Starters The outfield at the College World Series was designed to resemble the NCAA championship trophy. Look here [[link removed]]. Celebrity-owned LAFC features [[link removed]] some of the most luxurious suites in MLS, offering top-tier amenities and an exclusive game-day experience. Robert Griffin III is a big believer in giving [[link removed]] the behind-the-scenes TV professionals the recognition and credit they deserve for their crucial contributions. Editors’ Picks Sage Steele Claims in Suit That Her Agents Prioritized Relationship With ESPN Over Her [[link removed]]by Margaret Fleming [[link removed]]She says CAA chose its relationship over ESPN over advocating for her. The Many Beneficiaries of Dan Hurley’s UConn Career Crisis [[link removed]]by Amanda Christovich [[link removed]]His return inadvertently helped the players, athletic department, and perhaps the conference. One Boom Season Won’t Close the Hole in the WNBA’s Balance Sheet [[link removed]]by Margaret Fleming [[link removed]]Reports say the league and teams will lose about $50 million this year. Advertise [[link removed]] Awards [[link removed]] Learning [[link removed]] Video [[link removed]] Podcast [[link removed]] Sports Careers [[link removed]] Written by Eric Fisher [[link removed]], David Rumsey [[link removed]] Edited by Matthew Tabeek [[link removed]], Catherine Chen [[link removed]]

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