February 7, 2023

Read in Browser [[link removed]]

POWERED BY

FOS is teaming up with the Pac-12 to give you the VIP experience at the Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament in Las Vegas from March 8-11.

One lucky winner gets two all-tournament passes with club access, a four-night stay at an MGM Resorts hotel, $300 in food and beverage vouchers, and two tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple. Find out more details here [[link removed]].

Commerce LeBron James’ Scoring Chase Could Set Lakers Ticket Record [[link removed]]

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James is just 36 points away from surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time NBA scoring record of 38,387 — and the price of a ticket to see him do it continues to rise.

The big question for those hoping to witness history: Which game will it happen?

As of Monday morning, the “get-in” price at Crypto.com Arena for Thursday’s matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks is $763 — a 663% increase from the start of the season ($100), per ticket marketplace TickPick.

Regardless of the price, fans are still buying up the tickets to be on hand for the iconic moment — or selling their seats for a serious profit.

The average purchase price for the game in the last seven days is $1,230 — 390% more expensive than the average purchase price for a Lakers home game this season ($251). Not surprisingly, the most expensive tickets are down in front: Courtside seats cost as much as $68,995 for Thursday’s game. At the beginning of the season, someone purchased a 300-level ticket for $100 before the season started; that same ticket is now listed for $800.

James’ accomplishment could command the most expensive regular-season ticket in Lakers history. According to TickPick, the previous record-holder is Kobe Bryant’s final game on April 13, 2016, which had an average purchase price of $1,137.

A Risky Value

James will actually get a crack at breaking the record sooner. Because he’s averaging 30 points per game, there’s the distinct possibility that James could break the record Tuesday night at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder — and, according to Reuters, tickets currently start at “only” $284.

And courtside tickets? They are going [[link removed]] for as much as $48,403.

Teams FSG Might Be Thinking Twice About Selling Liverpool [[link removed]]

Liverpool FC

Fenway Sports Group is reportedly considering alternative ways to raise money and retain control of the Premier League club, according [[link removed]] to the Daily Mail.

RedBird Capital Partners has held talks with FSG on increasing its stake. RedBird bought an 11% stake in FSG in 2011 for $640.7 million. An additional 20% stake sale could bank another $1.2 billion for FSG.

FSG, principally owned by John Henry, has cooled on the idea of selling Liverpool after putting the team up for sale in November.

The company has also discussed a stake sale with the Qatar Investment Authority, among others. The sovereign wealth fund would reportedly prefer to hold a controlling stake rather than a minority one.

FSG also owns the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park, the Pittsburgh Penguins, RFK Racking, and regional sports network NESN.

Moving Parts

FSG’s position may be clarified once Manchester United is sold.

A high price tag on the club owned by the Glazer family could help set the market for a potential Liverpool sale. Bids for Manchester United are due next week.

RedBird already has a strong presence in European soccer after buying Serie A club AC Milan for $1.2 billion in August.

SPONSORED BY WENDY'S

Start Your Day With a Better Breakfast

Wendy’s Homestyle French Toast Sticks [[link removed]] are so good, some are saying they’re better than their Mom’s French Toast.

They are perfectly crispy on the outside. Perfectly fluffy on the inside. And perfectly perfect in every way. Wendy’s Homestyle French Toast Sticks might be the best thing to ever happen to breakfast.

You’re going to want to set your alarm a little earlier. Tell your boss you’re going to be a little late. Move a little closer to your nearest Wendy’s. Whatever it takes to start your day the right way with these sweet and crispy delights.

The bar for breakfast hasn’t just been raised, it’s been completely replaced. Choose wisely. Choose Wendy’s Homestyle French Toast Sticks [[link removed]] today.

Available during breakfast hours only, until 10:30 a.m.

Leagues Oakland Paves Way for WNBA Expansion Team [[link removed]]

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Oakland is getting closer to its own WNBA team.

The city has entered [[link removed]] into an exclusive negotiating agreement with the African American Sports and Entertainment Group over development of the city’s 50% stake of the Oakland Coliseum site — which could bring sports, entertainment, and housing to the area.

In 2021, it was announced [[link removed]] that WNBA champion and four-time All-Star Alana Beard and attorney Jade Smith-Williams were leading efforts by the AASEG to begin the process of establishing a team.

Beard is close to completing and submitting the proposal to the WNBA, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The WNBA previously announced plans to add two teams for the 2024 season, but the timeline has been moved to at least 2025. Beard is reportedly [[link removed]] using the delay to secure infrastructure.

AASEG has two years to negotiate.

Nashville, San Francisco, and Toronto are also thought to be possible [[link removed]] contenders for expansion teams.

A’s Contribution

The Oakland A’s own the other half of the property and would have to approve any plans to redevelop the area. The team’s lease expires in 2024, and the A’s have been exploring a new $12 billion waterfront stadium project at Howard Terminal.

“Certainly, the A’s are welcome to be a part of this; I want to make it clear, they’re not being kicked out,” said [[link removed]] Rebecca Kaplan, an Oakland City Council member. “We welcome them to be a part of revitalization of the site.”

Media DFL Seeking Up to $3.25B for Bundesliga TV Rights [[link removed]]

DFL/Bundesliga

The DFL has created a framework for a stake sale in its television rights — and, according to multiple reports, is looking to generate around $2.7 billion to $3.25 billion.

The governing body of Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga reportedly [[link removed]] wants to offload a 12-15% stake in a new licensing company that will sell domestic and international broadcasting rights over a set time of 25-30 years.

Investors will have no influence on the clubs or league schedule. The DFL issued a press release stating [[link removed]] that the top two divisions need investment to guarantee growth and development. The Bundesliga currently earns around $1.2 billion annually from national rights — significantly lower than the $1.9 billion the English Premier League earns.

The framework would still allow the DFL to follow the so-called 50+1 rule, which requires parent clubs to own at least 50% plus one additional share of the football company.

The plan is set to be presented to the DFL board this week and will be voted on by members of the 36 Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga clubs once approved.

Sixth Stake

Sixth Street is set [[link removed]] to become a sixth potential bidder, according to the Financial Times, which also reported that Bundesliga is looking to sell a 25% stake in the new venture for around $4.8 billion, valuing the rights at roughly $19.3 billion.

SPONSORED BY WENDY'S

The Perfect Note of Nostalgia

Everyone has a sports memory that takes them back to their childhood. Front Office Sports and Wendy’s [[link removed]] teamed up to share some of their unforgettable sports memories.

Writer Doug Greenberg recalls the Patriots comeback from the Falcons 28-3 lead in 2017.

“I was at my buddy’s place in Madison, WI, and halfway through the third quarter, I just slumped down on the floor and kept repeating ‘It’s over. The Pats can’t come back from this.’

When Dont’a Hightower strip sacked Matt Ryan, suddenly I knew they were back in it. I went nuts when Julian Edelman made a ridiculous catch, and even more nuts when the Pats tied it up to send it to overtime!”

Like unforgettable sports moments etched in our memories, Wendy’s Homestyle French Toast Sticks [[link removed]] make you feel like a kid again. Start your day with nostalgia and syrupy goodness!

Conversation Starters Four-star quarterback Jaden Rashada opted out [[link removed]] of his commitment to Florida after an NIL contract worth $13.85 million fell through. People are auctioning off jars of sand from the “exact” beach location where Tom Brady announced his retirement, with bids reaching [[link removed]] $99,800. Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder has officially listed [[link removed]] his Maryland estate for $49 million — a would-be record for the D.C. area. From the wildest passes and the biggest dunks to the final serve, Atmosphere Sports is streaming sports back to the center with live scores, highlights, and more. Learn more [[link removed]].* Front Office Sports Today They Said What?

Manchester City FC

“Well, basically, they’ve been charged with breaking the Premier League’s financial fair play rules around 100 times over a nine-year period.”

— Sky Sports News’ chief reporter Kaveh Solhekolon summing up what Manchester City has been charged with following the Premier League’s lengthy investigation into the club’s financial reporting — specifically its sponsorship revenue and operating costs — on the latest episode of Front Office Sports Today.

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

Today's Action

NHL

08:38 PM

Ducks (+110) at Blackhawks (-130)

Bet Now [[link removed]]

NHL

08:08 PM

Golden Knights (+100) at Predators (-120)

Bet Now [[link removed]]

*All times are EST unless otherwise noted.

*Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See [[link removed]] for details.

Question Of The Day

Have you ever been hunting?

Yes [[link removed]] No [[link removed]] No, but I want to [[link removed]]

Monday’s Answer

86% of respondents prefer to buy American made products.

DISCLAIMER

*Sponsored Content

Advertise [[link removed]] Awards [[link removed]] Learning [[link removed]] Video [[link removed]] Podcasts [[link removed]] Pro [[link removed]] Written by Doug Greenberg [[link removed]], Owen Poindexter [[link removed]], Abigail Gentrup [[link removed]] Edited by Matthew Tabeek [[link removed]], Brian Krikorian [[link removed]]

If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here [[link removed]].

Update your preferences [link removed] / Unsubscribe [link removed]

Copyright © 2023 Front Office Sports. All rights reserved.

80 Pine Street Suite 3202 New York, NY 10005