January 31, 2023
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There’s nothing like a rematch. CBS Sports’ coverage [[link removed]] of Sunday’s AFC Championship Game was the most-watched TV program since Super Bowl LVI. The thriller, which saw the Chiefs beat the Bengals by a field goal, drew 53.1 million viewers — up 11% from last year’s AFC title contest between the same two teams.
Sports Betting Super Bowl LVII Expected to Take Record Bets [[link removed]]
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Super Bowl LVII could see the most bets for any U.S. sports event.
The Feb. 12 contest — between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona — is projected [[link removed]] to take in more than $1.1 billion in wagers at legal sportsbooks across the U.S., also making it the most bet-on Super Bowl.
The top five sports betting states could bring in more than $621.9 million in bets for the game, or around 56.5% of all bets, according to Play USA.
Nevada is expected to see the most bets at $176.2 million. Legalized betting during the Super Bowl will be new to Kansas, Ohio, and Massachusetts. Legal online sports betting is now also available in Maryland.
The Eagles’ home state of Pennsylvania does have legalized sports betting, whereas the Chiefs’ Missouri does not. The Eagles are currently favored [[link removed]] by two points.
56 Figures
It was projected [[link removed]] that legal bets would total $1 billion for Super Bowl LVI — but the American Gaming Association estimated that there were $7.6 billion in total wagers (not just at legal sportsbooks). More than 31 million Americans made legal wagers, and 9 million bet online.
Fitness Nike Sues Lululemon Over Shoe Patents [[link removed]]
Lululemon
Nike and Lululemon are fighting again.
The shoe giant sued the popular athleisure wear on Monday, alleging that at least four of Lululemon’s footwear products infringe on Nike’s patents, causing it economic harm and irreparable injury.
Lululemon’s Chargefeel (Mid and Low), Blissfeel, and Strongfeel sneakers are the products referenced. Blissfeel — the company’s first running shoe — was released in March at a price point of $148.
The three patent claims focus [[link removed].] on textiles, including tubular structures, knitted elements, and webbed areas, as well as performance. Nike is seeking unspecified damages.
“Nike’s claims are unjustified, and we look forward to proving our case in court,” a Lululemon spokesperson said.
Lululemon, which reported [[link removed]] $1.9 billion in third-quarter revenue, is expected [[link removed]] to unveil men’s footwear this year.
Patent Aggressive
It’s not the first time the companies have fought over patent infringements.
Nike sued Lululemon in January 2022, alleging [[link removed]] the latter’s sale and distribution of the Mirror Home Gym and mobile apps infringed on six patents.
Nike, which is seeking triple damages in the case, claimed it invented a device using technology that determines speed, calories, distance, and time — and noted similarities with the Mirror.
Lululemon refused to stop producing and selling the product after receiving a letter from Nike in November 2021 informing it of the claim.
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World Ukraine Unleashes Strong Criticism of IOC Over Russian Athletes [[link removed]]
IOC
The International Olympic Committee is facing backlash after it considered allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Ukrainian officials accused [[link removed]] the IOC of promoting war by mulling whether to allow those athletes to qualify for the Games following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics would give Russia “a platform to promote genocide,” said [[link removed]] Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak.
Following Russia’s invasion, the IOC recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes be indefinitely suspended from competing in international competitions. Earlier this month, the governing body said [[link removed]] that no athlete should “be prevented from competing just because of their passport.”
Olympic committees around the world have taken diverse stances on the issue.
The Olympic Council of Asia has offered Russian and Belarusian athletes the chance to compete in Asia, while the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee believes Russian and Belarusian athletes should compete in the Games, but not under their nation’s flags or colors.
Committees in Europe have been torn [[link removed]] on whether to allow the athletes, with groups from Germany, France, Greece, Italy, and the U.K. not providing a firm position on the issue.
Different Approaches
The IOC joins several sports-related organizations making tough decisions regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes.
FIFA and UEFA have banned those athletes from competing, while the NHL and the U.S. Open Tennis Championships are allowing them to participate.
Conversation Starters In The Leadoff, the Bundesliga resumes discussions on selling a stake in a new media rights business, the Australian Open sets an attendance record, Goldman Sachs eyes an investment in Serie A’s media arm, and Michael Jordan’s deal with Nike continues to pay off. Click here to listen [[link removed]]. The Fisk University women’s gymnastics team — the first-ever HBCU gymnastics program to participate in NCAA competition — is reportedly [[link removed]] set to be the subject of a new documentary series. New Balance announced [[link removed]] that it has signed Los Angeles Angels pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani to a long-term footwear and apparel deal.
SPONSORED BY WIT SPORTS
Engaging 10,000 Fans in 90 Minutes
As the last home game of the season, the annual Fan Appreciation Game is a big deal for the Nets – but in 2022, they wanted to go even bigger (like, beyond the walls of the Barclays Center).
With the help of Wit Sports [[link removed]], they were able to do just that.
Working with Wit and their multitude of corporate partners, the Nets launched a Fan Appreciation Prize Wheel, giving fans all over the world the chance to win prizes [[link removed]] from JetBlue, Nike, SeatGeek, Tissot and more with just a single click.
Nets fans went nuts for the wheel – accumulating 10,000 spins in the first 90 minutes alone, it was a massive win for both the Nets and their partners.
Read more [[link removed]] to see how Wit helps partnerships teams seamlessly create cutting-edge digital assets.
What to Watch
The Los Angeles Lakers (23-28) face the New York Knicks (27-24) on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
How to Watch: 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Betting Odds: Knicks -1.5 || ML -115 || O/U 232
Win A Vegas VIP Hoops Package
We have teamed up with the Pac-12 Conference to provide a VIP experience [[link removed]] to the Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament in Las Vegas from March 8 to March 11, 2023.
One lucky winner will receive two (2) all tournament passes with club access to the tournament at T-Mobile Arena. The winner will also receive a hotel room at an MGM Resorts property for four (4) nights in Las Vegas, a $300 food and beverage voucher valid at MGM restaurants, and two (2) tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple show. For more information on the Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament, visit Pac-12.com [[link removed]]. See Official Rules [[link removed]] for details.
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