Sign in

Sportico

@sportico.bsky.social
1.7K followers 21 following 1.3K posts

Sportico is a high quality digital content company providing sports business breaking news, data, information, strategies, leadership and insight. Sign up for our newsletters: cloud.email.sportico.com/signup

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 20m
The next major NCAA lawsuit might not be against an athlete. Instead, it might be against a governor. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's executive order challenges NCAA eligibility rules and could trigger a constitutional fight. My latest for @sportico.bsky.social: www.sportico.com/law/analysis....
sportico.com
Ohio Gov. DeWine’s NCAA Eligibility Order Could Face Lawsuit
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has entered the litigious topic of NCAA eligibility with an executive order that could invite a legal challenge.
001
Reposted by Sportico
Justin Birnbaum @justbirny.bsky.social · 1h
Jacob Misiorowski and his Brewers are two wins away from the World Series. But even if he leads Milwaukee to a ring, he's likely many hundreds of innings away from a long-term contract that fully reflects his contributions. More at @sportico.bsky.social: www.sportico.com/personalitie...
sportico.com
Jacob Misiorowski Throws Fast. His Route to a Big Payday Is Far Slower
Even if Misiorowski leads Milwaukee to the World Series, his body will likely need to withstand many more innings before he gets a mega-contract.
011
Reposted by Sportico
Lev Akabas @levakabas.bsky.social · 19h
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard has agreed to a two-year, $44.2 million contract extension Last year, he was essentially the best bargain contract in the league aside from rookie deals, other than his teammate Neemias Queta
1123
Reposted by Sportico
Lev Akabas @levakabas.bsky.social · 23h
The Atlanta Dream will play Games 3 and 4 of the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena (capacity 17,000) instead of Gateway Center Arena (capacity 3,500) Game 3 is moved to Oct. 21 to make the change possible Atlanta averaged the 2nd fewest fans in 2026 due to lack of venue capacity
042
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
A showdown over NCAA eligibility arrives Tuesday at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit. The ruling in Wisne v. NCAA could affect thousands of former college athletes, millions in NIL opportunities, and the future of eligibility litigation. My latest for @sportico.bsky.social:
sportico.com
NCAA Eligibility Litigation Court Showdown Arrives
The 10th Circuit on Tuesday will hear an oral argument in Wisne v. NCAA, a key case in the eligibility litigation. Sportico previews the hearing.
123
Reposted by Sportico
Daniel Libit @daniellibit.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
NEWS: NCAA is not part of the latest plans for future CARE Consortium funding, a source tells Sportico. The concussion research project, launched in 2014 by the NCAA and Department of Defense, is nearing the end of its current five-year grant cycle. More👇 www.sportico.com/leagues/coll...
sportico.com
NCAA Won’t Commit to Future Concussion Research Funding
The CARE Consortium, a joint NCAA–Defense Department initiative focused on head injury research, is approaching the end of its current funding period.
012
Reposted by Sportico
Eben Novy-Williams @ebennovywilliams.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Today in Club Sportico we're talking about: - College football relegation ♻️ - Equity deals 📉 - Man City scandal explained ❌ - HelleBucks 💰 - Inside Sherrone Moore's office closet 👕 More 👇 club.sportico.com/p/college-fo...
club.sportico.com
A Good Idea for College Sports Reform
Plus: The Man City scandal elegantly explained, HelleBucks, and a peek inside a college coach’s office.
011
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
The odds of the U.S. Supreme Court agreeing to review sports prediction markets are climbing as a federal circuit split is problematic for multiple reasons and major voices—including the NFL + ex-Senator Chris Dodd of Dodd-Frank (key legislation)—have filed amicus briefs that could be game-changers:
sportico.com
Will the NFL’s Prediction Market Push Influence Supreme Court?
The U.S. Supreme Court is being pushed to review sports prediction markets by individuals and businesses—including the NFL—with a lot of influence.
024
Sportico @sportico.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
A look at Sportico's 2026 valuations rundown here.
sportico.com
WNBA Team Values 2026: Valkyries Lead, Average Jumps 59%
The average WNBA team is worth $427 million, while the Golden State Valkyries rank first for the second straight year at $850 million.
000
Sportico @sportico.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
All WNBA franchise valuations have been exploding in recent years.
100
Sportico @sportico.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
The Golden State Valkyries are valued at $850 million. The Atlanta Dream are valued at $280 million. They'll meet in the WNBA Finals.
sportico.com
WNBA Finals Pairs League’s Most and Least Valuable Teams
The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream will compete for what will be the first WNBA championship for either team.
152
Reposted by Sportico
Lev Akabas @levakabas.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Annual NBA franchise valuations from @sportico.bsky.social are out! The Warriors (No. 1), Knicks (No. 2), and Lakers (No. 3) continue to separate themselves from the pack Average is up 21% to $6.64 BILLION
162
Reposted by Sportico
Justin Birnbaum @justbirny.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
@sportico.bsky.social's latest set of NBA valuations are live, and the average franchise in the 30-team league is now worth $6.6B, up 21% from last year. Kurt Badenhausen and I hopped in the studio to mark the occasion. Check it out: youtu.be/VIQE6jCgb6w?...
youtu.be
The Knicks Are Now Worth More Than The $12.5 Billion Los Angeles Lakers
YouTube video by Sportico
011
Reposted by Sportico
Lev Akabas @levakabas.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
The MLB's postseason is so short relative to the regular season compared to other sports leagues Cutting the regular season to 154 games and making the Division Series 7 games would only make a slight difference
143
Reposted by Sportico
Dan Bernstein @dan-bernstein.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
The NFL says legal clarity is essential for preserving the integrity of professional football, which it claims is being undermined by a “laissez-faire” approach from the government to prediction markets.
sportico.com
NFL Escalates Prediction Market Frustrations to Supreme Court
After sending warnings to the prediction market industry, led by Kalshi and Polymarket, the richest sports league in the world adjusted its route.
001
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Satire can be a powerful defense in copyright and trademark litigation. A federal judge ruled that a YouTube video's mockery of a famed youth baseball camp in Cooperstown was protected criticism and commentary, leading to dismissal of infringement claims: www.sportico.com/law/analysis....
sportico.com
Cooperstown Dreams Park Loses Federal Case Over YouTube Satire
A federal judge in New York has dismissed federal trademark and copyright claims regarding a YouTube channel's depiction of a youth baseball facility.
012
Reposted by Sportico
Kurt Badenhausen @kbadenhausen.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
The Golden State Valkyries have been breaking boundaries on and off the court since the franchise launched. The latest: the world's first women's sports team to generate $100 million in annual revenue. A run to the WNBA Finals could push # to $135M. 🏀💰🏀 www.sportico.com/leagues/bask...
sportico.com
Valkyries First Women’s Sports Team With $100M Annual Revenue
The Golden State Valkyries sell out every game and have more than 40 sponsor partners. The result: $100 million in 2026 revenue before the playoffs.
032
Reposted by Sportico
Justin Birnbaum @justbirny.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
A consortium of athletes, celebrities and institutional investors, including Lisa Leslie and Sha'Carri Richardson, is backing the League One Volleyball’s expansion to the East Coast in Miami. More at @sportico.bsky.social: www.sportico.com/leagues/othe...
sportico.com
Lisa Leslie, Sha’Carri Richardson Headline LOVB Miami Cap Table
A consortium of athletes, celebrities and institutional investors are backing the upstart volleyball league’s expansion to the East Coast.
012
Reposted by Sportico
Justin Birnbaum @justbirny.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
The NBA won’t be joining forces with the EuroLeague, at least not yet. More at @sportico.bsky.social: www.sportico.com/leagues/bask...
sportico.com
EuroLeague Rejects NBA’s Collaboration Offer, for Now
The owners in Europe’s top basketball competition voted unanimously to reject a potential partnership with the NBA.
001
Reposted by Sportico
Dan Bernstein @dan-bernstein.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Kalshi responds to the CFTC's conflict of interest rulemaking for prediction markets.
sportico.com
Kalshi Offers to Cap Affiliate’s Activity Amid Conflict Concerns
The prediction market operator acknowledged for the first time how owning both an exchange and trading arm could create conflicts of interest.
001
Reposted by Sportico
Justin Birnbaum @justbirny.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi rank No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, among a group of 10 soccer players that are projected to collectively earn $935 million this season. Full list at @sportico.bsky.social: www.sportico.com/personalitie...
sportico.com
The World’s Highest-Paid Soccer Players of 2026
Meet the 10 highest-paid soccer players in the world in 2026, ranked by total earnings from salaries, bonuses, endorsements and other income.
001
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The New York Knicks are NBA champions, which means increased sales for licensed Knicks apparel and other official merchandise. The team is now taking counterfeiters and pirates to court in a federal lawsuit. Details at @sportico.bsky.social: www.sportico.com/law/analysis....
sportico.com
Knicks Sue Chinese ‘Infringement Network’ for Bootleg Merch
The New York Knicks and Madison Square Garden are taking alleged counterfeiters from China and other countries to court over trademark infringement.
011
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
With the fate of the Protect College Sports Act uncertain in Congress, the NCAA will need to keep litigating eligibility lawsuits. It won a couple of key court decisions last Friday, but the lawsuits keep coming. More on the current legal landscape at @sportico.bsky.social:
sportico.com
NCAA’s Ohio Court Win Boosts Eligibility Rules With PCSA in Doubt
As the NCAA waits to see if Congress passes the Protect College Sports Act, the association scores an important legal win in Borovicanin v. NCAA.
001
Reposted by Sportico
Sara Germano @germanotes.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
I have a proposal for the NBA: waive the second apron for Finals-winning teams for one (1) year. Owners should not be jettisoning core players in the interest of "roster flexibility" before champion teams even receive their rings. My Substack debut for Club @sportico.bsky.social
101
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The Chicago Cubs win their misappropriation and trademark lawsuit against Wrigley View Rooftop over sale of rooftop seats in a building across the street. The judge didn't agree that Wrigley View Rooftop can use its property as it sees fit. We have details + analysis at @sportico.bsky.social:
sportico.com
Chicago Cubs Win Wrigley Field Rooftop Lawsuit
A judge granted the Chicago Cubs a permanent injunction to stop Wrigley View Rooftop from selling seats to watch Cubs games from a nearby building.
123
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Arizona State University has placed hockey coach Greg Powers on paid administrative leave after players requested he be removed pending an investigation into the recent collapse of defenseman Matthew Mayich. The move has major legal implications in a controversy that is expanding:
sportico.com
ASU Puts Hockey Coach on Leave as Legal Issues Hover Over Injury
With Arizona State placing head coach Greg Powers on administrative leave, the severe injury suffered by Matthew Mayich raises legal questions.
162
Reposted by Sportico
Lev Akabas @levakabas.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The average WNBA game drew 11,474 fans in 2026 That's up 76% from the pre-COVID average
0174
Reposted by Sportico
Justin Birnbaum @justbirny.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The Yankees drew 48,437 fans for their victory in the AL WC opener last night. But when the postseason ends, it's unclear when Yankee Stadium will be full again because of MLB's impending labor dispute. The Yanks are prepared. Story at @sportico.bsky.social: www.sportico.com/business/rea...
sportico.com
Yankee Stadium Has Cash Cushion in Case of 2027 MLB Lockout
The New York Yankees' home venue has an emergency fund of nearly $120 million.
022
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Backers of the Protect College Sports Act contend if it becomes law, the PCSA would hold agents of college athletes accountable, prevent excessive commissions and ensure NIL deals are paid out. They have a point, but the facts and the law are complicated: www.sportico.com/law/analysis....
sportico.com
PCSA’s Backers Lambast College Athlete Agents
College sports agents will be regulated much more closely if the PCSA becomes law, a point the bill's backers argue will increase athlete pay.
034
Reposted by Sportico
Lev Akabas @levakabas.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Incredible stat: No NHL player making more than $10 million against the salary cap has ever won the Stanley Cup 🚫🏆 In 2026-27, 18 out of 32 teams are paying a player more than $10 million... will the NHL's $10+M ice ceiling finally shatter? Read more: www.sportico.com?p=1234945986
111
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The Mickey Mantle Topps rookie card sold for $12.6 million a few years ago. Now Mantle I.P., which owns Mantle's trademarks and NIL, has sued a card company that allegedly reproduced aspects of that iconic card. A very interesting sports and IP case: www.sportico.com/law/analysis....
sportico.com
Mickey Mantle Baseball Cards Spark NIL, Trademarks Lawsuit
A company that controls the IP of the late Yankees star Mickey Mantle argues a card company is making unauthorized trading cards featuring "the Mick."
102
Reposted by Sportico
Lev Akabas @levakabas.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Every year, sports teams are being valued at higher multiples of revenue than before The NHL is no exception, with the average value up to $2.43 billion (9.4x revenue)
132
Reposted by Sportico
Dan Bernstein @dan-bernstein.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Brazil's second thoughts on legalized online betting are bad news for FanDuel parent Flutter Entertainment. The company was already reeling from India passing an anti-gambling law last year.
sportico.com
FanDuel’s Parent Can’t Buy a Break
Brazil's about-face around online betting delivers the second blow to Flutter in a major market in two years.
001
Reposted by Sportico
Lev Akabas @levakabas.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
8 of the top 10 highest-spending MLB teams made the playoffs 💰💰 3 of the top 5 bottom-spending teams made the playoffs 🚫💵
051
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
If limiting college athlete pay is necessary to "save" college sports, why not limit coach pay too? Some senators want to cap coaches at $5 million. Would that survive a legal challenge? And is it good policy? My @sportico.bsky.social legal column: www.sportico.com/law/analysis....
sportico.com
Cap on College Coach Cash Crashes Congress’ PCSA Debate
The Protect College Sports Act could feature a cap on coaches' compensation, which would probably withstand legal scrutiny but raises many questions.
272
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
The federal circuit split widens for Kalshi and sports prediction markets as the Sixth Circuit joins the Ninth Circuit in ruling that sports event contracts aren't swaps, so can be regulated by state betting laws. I discuss with @dan-bernstein.bsky.social for @sportico.bsky.social:
sportico.com
Kalshi Split Widens With 6th Circuit Ruling on Sports Event Contracts
Kalshi's legal efforts to combat states regulation sports prediction markets through gambling laws hit a snag on Friday with the 6th Circuit's ruling.
021
Reposted by Sportico
Lev Akabas @levakabas.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Last week, two NFL head coaches named Todd Robert faced off That same day, we had Mike Vrabel vs. Mike McCarthy and Mike Macdonald vs. Mike LaFluer This week, Sean Patrick McVay will coach against Patrick Sean Payton This is bonkers
161
Reposted by Sportico
Eben Novy-Williams @ebennovywilliams.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
You won't believe the name overlaps among NFL head coaches 🤯 In Week 1, Mike Vrabel coached against Mike Macdonald. Then both coached against other Mikes in Week 2. Two NFL coaches named Todd Robert faced off last week. This week, it's two Sean Patricks 👇
111
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Huge soccer news as Manchester City FC loses arbitration over allegations regarding deceptive accounting and spending strategies. The club could now face relegation, among other types of potential penalties. We have details and analysis @sportico.bsky.social: www.sportico.com/law/analysis....
sportico.com
Man City Found Guilty of Breaking Premier League Financial Rules
An independent arbitration commission held that Manchester City violated rules in how it has maintained a dominant club.
011
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Kalshi refers to MLB teams like the Red Sox and Yankees as "Boston" and "New York," but with Liga MX, Kalshi uses league trademarks and the real names of clubs. That's now at issue in a federal trademarks lawsuit, as @dan-bernstein.bsky.social and I detail for @sportico.bsky.social:
sportico.com
Kalshi-Liga MX Lawsuit Revives Gambling Logo-Use Debate
Kalshi is accused of trademark infringement by using Liga MX marks and logos, but Kalshi is poised to argue it has a right to use those properties.
042
Reposted by Sportico
Dan Bernstein @dan-bernstein.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Kalshi is accused of infringing on Liga MX trademarks in a new lawsuit. This NCAA and NFL previously stopped short of taking the prediction market operator to court for similar activity.
sportico.com
Kalshi-Liga MX Lawsuit Revives Gambling Logo-Use Debate
Kalshi is accused of trademark infringement by using Liga MX marks and logos, but Kalshi is poised to argue it has a right to use those properties.
011
Reposted by Sportico
Eben Novy-Williams @ebennovywilliams.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The Cowboys' $2 billion development around The Star is the envy of many sports teams. Now the world's most valuable sports franchise is getting ready to develop the land around its stadium. More on the Cowboys' plans for AT&T Stadium at @sportico.bsky.social 👇 www.sportico.com/business/rea...
sportico.com
Cowboys Eye Star-Like Development Around AT&T Stadium
The Dallas Cowboys are considering a mixed-use development around AT&T Stadium, similar to what the team notably did around its practice facility.
011
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
There have been several athletes suspended for testing positive for substances banned by anti-doping rules who claim the positive tests resulted from meat they ate. Tara Moore challenged her suspension through arbitration and in court but comes up short. My @sportico.bsky.social column:
sportico.com
Tennis Player’s ‘Bad Meat’ Doping Suspension Upheld by Court
A judge denies suspended tennis player Tara Moore's petition to vacate an arbitration award related to her blaming contaminated meat for drug result.
022
Reposted by Sportico
Justin Birnbaum @justbirny.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Multiple federal agencies are looking into Mark Walter's dense web of overlapping insurance interests. Earlier this year, he used the PWHL's intellectual property as backing for a loan. My story, with @ebennovywilliams.bsky.social, at @sportico.bsky.social: www.sportico.com/business/fin...
sportico.com
Mark Walter Used PWHL Trademarks as Collateral for BlackRock Loan
Multiple federal agencies are looking into the embattled billionaire’s dense web of overlapping insurance interests. Earlier this year, he used the women’s hockey league’s intellectual property as bac...
033
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
ESPN intervenes to become a defendant in a multimillion dollar lawsuit against WWE over price increases moving premium live events from Peacock to ESPN. Very interesting case as more live sports content moves to streaming. I have details + legal analysis for @sportico.bsky.social:
sportico.com
ESPN Enters Ring in WWE Streaming Lawsuit
A federal judge has granted ESPN's motion to intervene to defend against Diesa & Toback v. WWE, a case over alleged deception in prices to watch WWE.
101
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The U.S. Supreme Court now has another reason to review Kalshi and sports prediction markets, as the Ninth Circuit decides Blue Lake Rancheria v. Kalshi, a case involving sports event contracts on tribal lands and finding that those contracts are bets. My @sportico.bsky.social legal column:
sportico.com
Kalshi, Tribes Appellate Ruling Could Grab SCOTUS Attention
The 9th Circuit issues second decision against Kalshi as the Supreme Court could find unique federal, state and tribal legal issues worthy of review.
063
Reposted by Sportico
Eben Novy-Williams @ebennovywilliams.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
SCOOP: The Steinbrenners are selling a small piece of their Yankees equity (more than 4% of the team's parent) as part of the $2.6 billion Apollo deal... More from Kurt and Scott @sportico.bsky.social 👇 www.sportico.com/business/tea...
sportico.com
Steinbrenner Family Selling 4% Yankees Stake in Apollo Deal
The Steinbrenner family is selling a small part, more than 4%, of its ownership in the New York Yankees as part of the already-announced Apollo deal.
022
Reposted by Sportico
Dan Bernstein @dan-bernstein.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The “brutal, bloody” war Kalshi's CEO declared last year against “100 tribes” and other critics of his company does not include the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, which teamed up with Kalshi today.
sportico.com
Kalshi Asks Tribes to Embrace Prediction Markets After First Deal
CEO Tarek Mansour suggested early movers will be rewarded. Sportico breaks down the industry implications.
001
Reposted by Sportico
Justin Birnbaum @justbirny.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Scoop from me and @ebennovywilliams.bsky.social! MLS is implementing some significant changes over the next 12 months. Among those still under consideration is a potential presenting sponsorship like those seen in many European leagues. At @sportico.bsky.social: www.sportico.com/business/spo...
sportico.com
MLS Shops Lucrative Presenting Sponsorship as It Preps ‘MLS 3.0’
Major League Soccer is implementing some significant changes over the next 12 months. Among those still under consideration is a potential presenting sponsorship like those seen in many European leagu...
1133
Reposted by Sportico
Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The NFL says Zxavian Harris and Dae’Quan Wright—players who went from college to the NFL and back to college in a span of months—can't return to NFL this season. They've sued the NCAA to return to college football. Could they sue NFL to return to pro football? Yes, but they'd face long odds:
sportico.com
NFL Nixes Return of Pro-to-College Players, Raising Legal Questions
NFL teams can't sign Zxavian Harris and Dae’Quan Wright, both of whom were not drafted, cut from training camps as rookies and then tried to join LSU.
001