November 30, 2022

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We’re dealing with some big numbers in today’s Leadoff: Analysts expect a significant increase in World Cup bets, Manchester United’s stock surges after sale news, the Portland Thorns’ owner looks to sell, and Candy Digital lays off a third of its workforce. Listen here [[link removed]].

Ronaldo Could Become Highest-Earning Athlete With Next Club [[link removed]]

Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

After his nasty breakup with Manchester United [[link removed]], Cristiano Ronaldo could be on the move to a non-European league for the first time in his career — and receive a record payday in the process.

Ronaldo has received a two-and-a-half year offer worth $207 million annually from the Saudi Pro League’s Al Nassr FC, according [[link removed]] to the Spanish news outlet MARCA.

If the report is accurate and the Portuguese national signs, it would be the largest annual salary in soccer history.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano notes [[link removed]] that sponsorship deals are important to Ronaldo, and it’s unclear if image rights can be agreed upon with Al Nassr.The 37-year-old made [[link removed]'s%20Highest-Paid%20Soccer%20Players%202022&text=Messi%2C%2035%2C%20is%20expected%20to,more%20than%20any%20other%20player).] $60 million off the field last season, the most of any player in the world.Ronaldo is unlikely to make a decision until after the World Cup concludes.

Rival Lionel Messi — who signed [[link removed]] a four-year deal with FC Barcelona worth $673.8 million in 2017 — could also be on the move following reports that MLS side Inter Miami CF are willing to make him the highest-paid player in league history.

Rare Company

Messi ($1.15 billion) and Ronaldo ($1.24 billion) have both earned [[link removed]] over $1 billion on and off the field over their respective careers.

Two other athletes currently earn more than $100 million per year, including endorsements: LeBron James ($122 million) and Messi ($124 million). Ronaldo is next in line, earning $115 million total with $55 million coming from off-the-field deals, per [[link removed]] Forbes.

Wizards and Capitals Jump in Value After New Investment [[link removed]]

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

A group of professional sports teams in Washington, D.C., have a new investor.

Former eBay president and billionaire Jeff Skoll — whose net worth is $4.3 billion, per [[link removed]] Forbes — has become a minority investor in Monumental Sports & Entertainment, a holding company created by Ted Leonsis that owns the Washington Wizards, Capitals, and Mystics.

Skoll has invested [[link removed]] roughly $300 million in MSE.The minority stake is less than 10%.The investment gives MSE an enterprise value of $4.1 billion — up 23% since January.MSE also owns the NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go and 2K League’s District District Gaming.

Skoll’s investment in MSE not only provides team ownership, but an investment in media.

In September, MSE closed its acquisition [[link removed]] for a 67% stake in NBC Sports Washington sold by Comcast’s NBCUniversal, making it the controlling owner of NBC Sports Washington — it acquired a 33% stake in the regional sports network in 2016. The network is the exclusive local-TV rights holder for Wizards and Capitals games and will rebrand in 2023.

Expanding Portfolio

Leonsis has emerged [[link removed]] as a frontrunner to purchase the Washington Nationals — the 12th-most- valuable [[link removed]] team in MLB at $2 billion.

He is working with Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein on a potential bid, but a sale by current owners the Lerner family isn’t imminent.

Rubenstein and Leonsis have also expressed [[link removed]] interest in the Baltimore Orioles if the team becomes available.

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Coyotes’ Plans for $2.1B Arena, Entertainment District Approved [[link removed]]

Arizona Coyotes

A new home for the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes is one step closer to reality.

The Tempe City Council has unanimously approved the team’s proposal for a new arena and entertainment district that could cost up to $2.1 billion.

The plan was proposed [[link removed]] by Bluebird Development, a real estate company owned by Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo.

The 46-acre project would feature a 16,000-seat arena and practice facility.Hotels, retail shops, apartments, and a theater are also included. At least $1.9 billion of development costs will be privately funded.

Final approval for the proposed project depends on a voter referendum on May 16, which will decide whether the Coyotes will eventually move from Arizona State University’s Mullett Arena.

The Coyotes — the least valuable NHL team at $400 million, per [[link removed]] Forbes — have played [[link removed]] their home games this season at ASU, which has a capacity of only 5,100.

The team began playing at ASU following a dispute with the city of Glendale over Gila River Arena. The Coyotes owe [[link removed]] $1.3 million in unpaid taxes and arena charges and have until Dec. 20 to settle their outstanding debt, which includes $250,000 owed to the city of Glendale.

Making A Commitment

Despite waiting for approval on a new home, the Coyotes could see new opportunities if their development plan comes to fruition.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has vowed [[link removed]] to bring the NHL All-Star Game or NHL Draft to Tempe if the project is approved. “It’s a private-funded project, and the club’s prepared to execute a 30-year, non-relocation agreement,” Bettman said.

Conversation Starters Recent reports reveal that NBA guard Stephen Curry sold [[link removed]] his residence in the Bay Area suburb of Atherton last fall for $31.2 million. Telemundo estimates that its World Cup coverage reached [[link removed]] 22% of the Hispanic population in the U.S. over the first week of the tournament. With Lane Kiffin’s newly signed contract extension at Ole Miss, five SEC head football coaches now earn [[link removed]] an average salary of more than $9 million.

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What to Watch

The Los Angeles Lakers (7-12) face the Milwaukee Bucks (14-5) on Friday night at Fiserv Forum.

Look for an underwhelming Lakers team to compete for all four quarters against the Eastern Conference contenders.

How to Watch: 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ / Stream Lakers vs. Bucks exclusively on ESPN+ [[link removed]]*

Pick: Expect Giannis Antetokounmpo to have another strong outing. Take Milwaukee to cover.

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