Huddle Up

Huddle Up is a newsletter focusing on the intricate business and financial dynamics within the sports industry, covering major leagues, individual athletes' impacts, media rights deals, and strategic moves by sports companies. It transitions into a paid subscription model offering exclusive insights into the evolving sports economy.

Sports Business Models Media Rights and Broadcasting Deals Athlete Endorsements and Brand Impacts Emerging Trends in Sports Industries Financial Implications of Sports Events Strategic Expansion of Sports Leagues Sports Marketing and Sponsorships Digital Streaming in Sports

The hottest Substack posts of Huddle Up

And their main takeaways

Major League Soccer has arrived (with sky-rocketing valuations and increased profitability)

35 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Revenue growth
  1. Major League Soccer is becoming really popular in the U.S., now competing with the NHL as the fourth biggest sports league. It's seen a lot of growth in both fans and profits.
  2. Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami has brought huge attention and revenue to the team. His presence has boosted ticket sales and increased the team's value significantly.
  3. Other MLS teams are also benefiting from Messi's popularity. For instance, a game against Inter Miami sold out even when Messi was injured, showing the impact of his star power on the league.

Why ESPN ended its 35-year relationship with Major League Baseball

46 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Baseball Media Broadcasting Contracts History
  1. ESPN ended its long 35-year partnership with Major League Baseball. This change will affect how baseball is broadcasted on national TV.
  2. Both ESPN and MLB decided to part ways after a significant relationship that spanned multiple generations of fans.
  3. ESPN will continue to air MLB games for the remainder of the current season before officially ending their agreement.

Why athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and Max Verstappen are buying new private jets

23 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
💼 Business Finance Economics Investments Sports Business Luxury goods
  1. Many athletes, like Cristiano Ronaldo and Max Verstappen, are buying private jets for convenience and comfort on their travels.
  2. Ronaldo's jet, often said to cost $70 million, was actually used and likely bought for much less — he may have even leased it instead.
  3. Private jets can save time and offer luxury, but it's important to understand the full costs, including operation and maintenance.

The NBA All-Star Game is a circus (and that's okay)

28 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Basketball Events Entertainment Culture Media
  1. The NBA All-Star Game isn't as exciting as it used to be. Fans and players are showing less interest, which affects the overall vibe of the event.
  2. No matter how the league tries to change things up, like adding new rules or incentives, it doesn't seem to make a difference in player engagement.
  3. It's okay to recognize that the All-Star Game has become more of a show than a serious competition, and that's part of its charm for some fans.

Steve Cohen Wants To Spend $8 Billion To Transform Citi Field Into An Entertainment District

34 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Sports Management Real Estate Entertainment Finance Investment
  1. Steve Cohen, the owner of the Mets, plans to spend $8 billion to turn the area around Citi Field into a fun entertainment district.
  2. His vision includes parks, hotels, restaurants, and even a casino, all without using any taxpayer money.
  3. Cohen wants to create a better experience for fans, showcasing his commitment by hosting special fan events and spending heavily on player contracts.
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How A 20-Year Relationship Ended Up Sending Luka Doncic To The Lakers

68 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Basketball Contracts
  1. Luka Doncic was traded to the Lakers in a huge NBA deal that also involved Anthony Davis. This trade is considered one of the biggest trade moves in basketball history.
  2. The trade will cost Doncic over $100 million because he is moving from Texas, a low-tax state, to California, which has high taxes. He also misses out on a chance for a larger contract in Los Angeles.
  3. The story behind the trade is fascinating, involving long-term relationships, a month of negotiations, and key players from the business side of basketball, including agents and billionaires.

Kendrick Lamar Won't Be Paid For The Super Bowl Halftime Show (but will still walk away with millions)

50 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Events Entertainment Marketing Business Music
  1. The Super Bowl is a huge event that attracts millions of viewers, creating unique marketing chances for brands and artists.
  2. Performing at the Super Bowl is valuable for artists, providing massive exposure that can lead to increased music sales and ticket sales for tours.
  3. Kendrick Lamar may not get paid much for his halftime performance, but he stands to gain significantly in terms of music streams, social media followers, and tour ticket sales.

Is Tom Brady Worth $375 Million To Fox?

29 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Broadcasting Athletes Contracts Media NFL
  1. Tom Brady recently finished his first season as a broadcaster in the NFL. His debut was closely watched as he announced some big games.
  2. His broadcasting contract with Fox is worth $375 million, which raises the question if he will bring in that amount in value.
  3. The TV ratings and viewership numbers from his broadcasts will be important to determine his impact and worth to the network.

The Timberwolves sale is one of the most unique transactions in sports history

20 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Ownership Transactions Basketball Investments
  1. Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore are set to buy the Minnesota Timberwolves, and they'll see a huge $1.5 billion increase in value right away.
  2. A dispute over the sale led to an arbitration ruling that supports Rodriguez and Lore against the current owner, Glen Taylor.
  3. Rodriguez and Lore are expected to be approved as owners soon, making this one of the most unusual deals in sports history with a lot of drama behind it.

YouTube TV is charging more money for a worse product — but what is the next best alternative?

11 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Streaming Television Digital Media Subscriptions Telecom
  1. YouTube TV started as a great alternative to cable, offering a slim package of channels for a low price, which many people loved.
  2. Over the years, YouTube TV gained huge popularity, reaching nearly all U.S. households and becoming the biggest streaming TV service.
  3. However, instead of improving the service, they have raised prices while not delivering better features, making customers feel it's a worse deal now.

Super Bowl ticket prices are down 60% (but not for the reason you might think)

22 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Football Tickets Economics Events Fan culture
  1. Super Bowl ticket prices have dropped by 60%, with the cheapest tickets going for $2,600 this year. This is a significant decrease compared to last year's prices.
  2. Despite the NFL's growing popularity, some fans may be experiencing 'Chiefs fatigue' from the team reaching the Super Bowl three times in a row, leading to less interest.
  3. Other factors like the stadium's large capacity and concerns about safety after a recent attack nearby might also be influencing the ticket price drop.

How Kobe Bryant's $400 Million Investment Win Set The Standard For Athlete Investing

55 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Investing Athletes Finance Entrepreneurship Success
  1. Kobe Bryant made a significant investment of $400 million, which shows how athletes can succeed financially after their sports careers. It highlights the importance of smart investing for athletes.
  2. Kobe's dedication and work ethic were key to his success, not just in sports but also in business. This shows that hard work can pay off in multiple fields.
  3. His achievements in investing have set a new standard for how other athletes think about their financial futures. Athletes today can learn from his example.

The Real Reason Adam Silver Wants To Shorten NBA Games

40 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎾 Sports NBA Games Viewership Television
  1. Adam Silver wants to shorten NBA games to 40 minutes by changing quarters from 12 to 10 minutes. He thinks this would fit better with TV viewing habits today.
  2. He believes that shorter games could help boost the NBA's declining TV viewership. A two-hour game could make it more appealing as a televised sport.
  3. While team owners may support his revenue-focused ideas, fans might not agree with changes that could impact traditional game structure.

The NFL has been testing optical tracking technology for first downs (but is that a good thing?)

40 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Technology NFL Analytics Fan Experience
  1. The NFL is exploring new tracking technology to improve accuracy in measuring first downs during games. This could make it easier to determine if a play is successful or not.
  2. Fans are frustrated because they feel the NFL is slow to adopt advancements that other sports have already embraced. For example, technologies like Hawk-Eye in tennis are much faster.
  3. Some people are questioning whether this new technology is actually needed or if it complicates the game more than it helps. There are mixed feelings about its impact on the sport.

How The Field At Caesars Superdome Is Being Prepared (And Tested) For Super Bowl LIX

17 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Football Events Athletics Training
  1. The field at Caesars Superdome is being specially prepared and tested for Super Bowl LIX. This ensures that the players have a safe and reliable surface to play on.
  2. There was a lot of criticism about the field during the previous Super Bowl because players were slipping. This highlights the importance of having a good playing surface.
  3. Proper field maintenance is crucial to prevent issues like slipping and sliding, which can affect the game's outcome and players' safety.

How Mercedes-Benz Stadium Created A Blueprint For Modern Sports Venues

49 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Events Venues Teams Fan Experience Marketing
  1. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a modern sports venue that serves as a model for others. It's designed to enhance the experience for fans and players alike.
  2. The stadium hosts a variety of events, showing its versatility and importance in the community. From football games to championships, it’s always busy.
  3. Its innovative features set a new standard for sports facilities, making it a blueprint that other stadiums might follow in the future.

Did Ohio State Buy A National Championship?

25 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎾 Sports College sports Championships Football
  1. Some people think Ohio State's national championship win isn't genuine because they spent a lot on player payments through NIL deals. Money plays a huge role in college sports today.
  2. Investment in facilities and player support affects performance and team success. Teams are spending big to attract talent and improve their chances of winning.
  3. Discussion about 'buying' championships raises questions about fairness in college football. Many fans debate whether money truly influences the outcome of games.

How A Local Photographer Captures Aerial Photos Of The B-2 Stealth Bomber Flyover At The Rose Bowl

49 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Photography Events Aviation Art Local
  1. A local photographer has a unique ability to capture stunning aerial photos of the B-2 Stealth Bomber during its flyover at the Rose Bowl. It's cool to see how he mixes his passion for photography with major events.
  2. He enjoys the freedom of writing a newsletter without any restrictions, letting his creativity flow. It must be nice to write about what truly interests him!
  3. Sharing such events helps connect people to their community and create memorable experiences. Those images can make moments even more special for fans and attendees.

My Sports Business Predictions For 2025

53 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Business Media Events Trends
  1. UFC's media rights deal is expected to change how fans access fights. This could make it easier or harder for viewers to watch events.
  2. College sports programs are likely to be sold, which could shift the focus on how universities manage their athletic departments. This might impact student athletes as well.
  3. The Chicago Bears plan to build a new stadium, which could affect their fan experience and the local economy. There may be a lot of discussions about that in the coming years.

The Dallas Cowboys are a soap opera (and that's exactly how Jerry Jones likes it)

32 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Football Business Entertainment Culture Media
  1. Jerry Jones has transformed the Dallas Cowboys into a major entertainment brand, likening the team to a soap opera. This approach keeps fans engaged and invested in the team's drama.
  2. Under Jerry's leadership, the Cowboys have reengineered the NFL's business model, making it more profitable and appealing to a wider audience. This shift has set a new standard for NFL franchises.
  3. The ongoing narrative and spectacle around the Cowboys create a unique form of entertainment that goes beyond just football games. It draws people in, making them care about the team and its story.

The Smartest NBA Owners Have Been Anticipating The Arrival Of Maverick Carter's $5 Billion NBA Competitor

22 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎾 Sports NBA Ownership Competitors Investments Business Strategies
  1. Maverick Carter is planning to launch a new basketball league worth $5 billion, which could compete with the NBA. This shows how the sports landscape is changing with new players entering the market.
  2. Some smart NBA owners have started to notice this change and are preparing for the arrival of this competitor. They might see it as a chance to adapt their strategies or invest differently.
  3. A former NBA owner mentioned that he sold his stake in a team after many years, hinting at potential uncertainties in the value and future of NBA investments. This could suggest that investors are becoming cautious about their commitments in the league.

How Live Sports Helped Netflix's Stock Surge 400%

16 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💼 Business Investing Finance Markets Economics Consumer Trends
  1. Live sports have become a key factor in Netflix’s success, contributing to a significant increase in its stock price. It seems that people love watching sports, and that keeps them subscribed to streaming services.
  2. The involvement of high-profile investors, like Bill Ackman, in companies can also impact market trends and stock prices. When a big name invests, it often grabs attention.
  3. Streaming platforms are adapting to include live events to attract and retain viewers. This shift highlights the importance of diverse content to engage audiences.

How The Buffalo Bills Are Utilizing Technology To Make An Outdoor Stadium Feel Like A Dome

41 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Sports Business Technology Architecture Innovation
  1. The Buffalo Bills are using technology to enhance the game experience in their outdoor stadium. This means fans can enjoy the game with a feel similar to being in a dome.
  2. Stadium architecture has become very complex as teams look for new ways to earn money. They are doing this to prepare for changes in how people watch sports, especially with the decline of cable TV.
  3. Many sports teams are investing in their stadiums to create more than just a place to watch games. They want to make these venues destinations for entertainment and socializing.

Is Notre Dame's Independent Status Actually An Advantage?

22 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎾 Sports College Football Athletics Team Management
  1. Notre Dame's independent status gives the school a financial edge. They keep all the money from performance bonuses instead of sharing it with other schools.
  2. Unlike conference teams, Notre Dame can choose its schedule and doesn't have to play a conference championship game, which many think is unfair.
  3. Some football coaches believe all teams should be in conferences and compete equally. However, the actual financial benefits of Notre Dame's status paint a different picture.

How McLaren Went From The Brink Of Bankruptcy To Formula 1 World Champions

52 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Sports History Sports Management
  1. McLaren made a surprising comeback in Formula 1, turning their season around after being close to bankruptcy. This shows how resilience and smart decisions can change a team's fortune quickly.
  2. This year's F1 season was thrilling, with McLaren proving to be competitive against teams like Red Bull. Their journey reminded fans of the excitement during previous intense title fights.
  3. Despite Red Bull's dominance with Wins, McLaren's performance revitalized interest in the sport. Their success added more drama and excitement to the races.

How Vail Resorts Unique Business Model Led To A Strike In Park City (and why they don't care)

25 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Corporate strategy Labor relations Market Trends Financial Performance
  1. Vail Resorts' strategy of buying multiple ski resorts has led to a strike at Park City due to rising costs for employees. Over 200 workers are protesting for better wages and benefits.
  2. The strike is affecting the resort's capacity, with many trails closed and lifts not operating. This has led to long lines and unhappy guests during a peak time for skiing.
  3. Despite earning substantial profits, Vail Resorts seems uninterested in meeting the employees' demands. This highlights how corporate priorities can harm both worker conditions and customer experiences.

Juan Soto's $765 Million Contract Is A Bad Deal (But Steve Cohen Doesn't Care)

46 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Athletes Contracts Baseball Analysis Finance
  1. Juan Soto's $765 million contract is seen as a bad deal due to the risks involved. It raises questions about long-term investments in sports players.
  2. The high value of Soto's contract can create pressure for him to perform consistently. This could impact his performance and overall career.
  3. Steve Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets, doesn't seem to mind the potential downsides of the deal and is willing to invest heavily. This shows a willingness to take risks for big talent.

Inside Netflix's $150 Million Bet On Christmas Day NFL Games

31 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎾 Sports NFL Media Viewership Analytics Investments
  1. Netflix is investing $150 million in NFL games on Christmas Day. This is a big move as they try to attract more viewers.
  2. NBA viewership has dropped a lot recently, down over 25% compared to last year. This decline is making people worry about the sport's popularity.
  3. Despite NBA's falling ratings, they signed a massive $76 billion media rights deal. This shows that there's still a strong market interest in basketball, even if viewership is down.

How The Las Vegas Grand Prix Became Formula 1's Most Important Race

44 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Racing Events Culture Business Controversies
  1. The Las Vegas Grand Prix stirred a lot of controversy in its first year, especially among local residents. Many people complained about road work and traffic issues during the event.
  2. Hotel prices skyrocketed, with rooms costing two to three times their usual rates. This made it tough for some fans and visitors to find affordable places to stay.
  3. Despite the complaints, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is considered very important for Formula 1. It has the potential to greatly influence the sport's presence in the United States.

How Cadillac Secured Its Spot As F1's 11th Team

35 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Business Marketing Media Finance
  1. Formula 1 is hugely popular, attracting over 1.5 billion viewers each season. This means millions of fans are tuning in to watch races and follow their favorite teams.
  2. Top drivers earn impressive salaries, with some making over $50 million a year. This shows just how lucrative the sport has become for those at the top.
  3. Cadillac is joining the Formula 1 team lineup as the 11th team, highlighting the continued growth and interest in the sport from major automotive brands.

Ferrari's Unique Business Model Leads To Record Financial Performance

43 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💼 Business Finance Marketing Strategy Operations Management
  1. Ferrari has a special business model that helps it perform really well financially. This unique approach sets it apart from other car brands.
  2. The company focuses on making limited-edition cars, which keeps them exclusive and desirable. This strategy boosts their appeal and profits.
  3. Ferrari's success is also linked to its strong brand image and connection to racing. People love the thrill of Formula 1, which enhances the brand's prestige.

How Bill Belichick's UNC Contract Came Together (And Why it May Actually Work)

26 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎾 Sports College Football Coaching Contracts Player development
  1. Bill Belichick is returning to coaching as the head coach for the University of North Carolina after leaving the NFL. It's a big move for him as he transitions from professional to college football.
  2. He presented UNC with a detailed 400-page plan for running the football program, showing he has a clear vision and strategy. This plan includes specifics like salary minimums and staffing.
  3. The school plans to invest significantly in NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money, which indicates a serious commitment to building a competitive program under Belichick's leadership.

How Teamworks Became The Operating System For College Sports

25 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎾 Sports College sports Sports Management Scheduling
  1. College sports are changing, looking more like professional sports. This means teams need better ways to manage everything efficiently.
  2. Coaches are now expected to handle a lot of different tasks, like scheduling and budgeting. This shows how much pressure they are under to do more.
  3. There is a big business opportunity in improving how college sports are organized and run. Companies can step in to help make things easier.

Inside Amazon's $100 Million Plan To Turn NFL Fans Into Black Friday Shoppers

32 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business E-commerce Advertising Retail Consumer behavior
  1. Amazon is creating an advertising program for NFL games, letting fans shop deals without leaving the game broadcast. It aims to connect NFL viewers directly to their shopping experience.
  2. They are investing $100 million to encourage NFL fans to be Black Friday shoppers, targeting a large audience during games.
  3. This initiative shows how Amazon combines entertainment with shopping, making it easier for viewers to buy products while they enjoy the game.

How The Los Angeles Dodgers Used Analytics To Become MLB's Most Feared Team

46 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Analytics Team Dynamics Baseball Investment Performance
  1. The Dodgers became very successful by investing a lot in analytics over ten years. This helped them make smart decisions that improved their performance.
  2. Their analytics-driven approach changed the team's fortune, turning them into MLB's second-most valuable team. It shows how important data can be in sports.
  3. Winning two World Series Championships in four years highlights the effectiveness of their strategies. It's a great example of how teamwork and strategy can lead to big successes.

How The New 12-Team College Football Playoff Will Actually Work

17 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Football Playoffs College sports Athlete Events
  1. The new 12-team College Football Playoff will have its first-round games on college campuses. This means more teams and more excitement for fans.
  2. The College Football Playoff committee will control important aspects like ticket sales and sponsorships. This could change how it feels to have a home game.
  3. The structure of college football's postseason has evolved over time, simplifying what used to be a complex system with many disagreements.

The Dallas Cowboys are a soap opera (and that's exactly how Jerry Jones likes it)

7 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Football Management Media Business Culture
  1. Jerry Jones has changed how the NFL makes money. His approach makes teams share revenue differently than before.
  2. The Dallas Cowboys are known for their dramatic stories, almost like a soap opera. This is part of what makes them interesting to fans.
  3. Jones's style mixes seriousness with fun, making him one of the most talked-about owners in sports.

The (Secret) Process To Becoming A Member At Augusta National Golf Club

38 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Golf Membership Athletics Entertainment Business
  1. Augusta National Golf Club has a secretive membership process that's not easy to break into. Getting invited is a big deal and usually involves knowing the right people.
  2. This year, some notable figures joined the club including Eli Manning and the CEOs of Delta and Amazon. These new members highlight the club's allure among influential individuals.
  3. Membership at Augusta is very exclusive and considered prestigious. Being a member comes with a certain level of status in the golfing community.