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

How Bryson DeChambeau Became YouTube's Favorite Golfer

20 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Golf Athletes Sports Media Fan engagement Fitness
  1. Bryson DeChambeau has become really popular on YouTube for his entertaining golfing challenges and interactions with fans. This fun approach has helped him connect with a wider audience.
  2. He did a 'hole-in-one challenge' that drew a lot of attention and excitement from golf fans online. People love watching these fun and creative challenges.
  3. DeChambeau's efforts to engage with fans during the offseason show how modern golfers are using social media to stay in the spotlight and maintain their popularity.

Is Stephen A. Smith Worth $100 Million To ESPN?

19 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Sports Media Contracts Television Entertainment Celebrity Culture
  1. Stephen A. Smith is close to signing a groundbreaking contract with ESPN worth over $100 million. This will make him the highest-paid talent in the network's history.
  2. His deal is significant because it reflects his popularity and influence in sports media, especially with the success of his show 'First Take.'
  3. The structure of Smith’s contract may include details that justify the high cost for ESPN, despite concerns about how much viewers value sports talk shows compared to live sports.

Who Really Won Christmas Day? The NBA, NFL, or Netflix?

11 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎾 Sports NBA NFL Ratings Media Christmas
  1. The NBA has traditionally been the main sports attraction on Christmas Day. It has built a strong audience over the years for their holiday games.
  2. The NFL is gaining popularity and has started to compete with the NBA for viewership on Christmas. This shows that preferences in sports are shifting.
  3. Netflix is also becoming a competitor for viewers on Christmas, highlighting how streaming services are changing how people spend their holiday time.

NBA Valuations Reach $4.4 Billion As The Focus On Real Estate Development Intensifies

34 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Real Estate Valuations Investments Sports
  1. NBA teams are now worth an average of $4.4 billion. This shows how valuable basketball franchises have become.
  2. The Golden State Warriors are the most valuable team at $8.8 billion, followed by the Knicks and Lakers. These teams are leading the pack in terms of worth.
  3. Real estate development is becoming more important for NBA teams. It seems teams are trying to boost their value through property investments.

How The New York Liberty Went From A Fire Sale To $200 Million WNBA Champions

31 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Teams Leagues Championships Athletes Fan culture
  1. The New York Liberty turned around their team from a tough phase to win the WNBA championship, showing that big changes can lead to success.
  2. They attracted a large number of fans, averaging more than most teams in the league, which helped boost their popularity.
  3. With a strong regular season record and passionate support, they proved to be a strong contender in women's basketball.
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Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: Netflix's First Live Boxing Match Will Put Up Historic Numbers

22 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Entertainment Streaming Events Athletes
  1. Jake Paul and Mike Tyson are set to face each other in a boxing match that is generating a lot of buzz. This matchup is seen as a big deal in the world of sports, possibly even historic.
  2. Jake Paul has a record of 10 wins and 1 loss as a boxer, but he often picks opponents who aren't professional boxers. This has raised questions about the legitimacy of his boxing skills.
  3. This boxing match is Netflix's first live sports event, and it is expected to attract a large audience. Many people are curious to see how the event will perform in terms of viewership.

How Yasir Al-Rumayyan Became The Most Powerful Person In Sports

19 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Management Finance Culture Politics Economics
  1. Yasir Al-Rumayyan has become a key figure in sports, connecting with major players like FIFA's president and Tiger Woods. His influence helps him shape decisions in various sports leagues.
  2. Saudi Arabia is using its wealth to expand into sports, with its state-controlled oil company making huge profits. This financial power supports the country's long-term growth strategy.
  3. Al-Rumayyan's rise shows how money and relationships can create significant influence in global sports, impacting leagues like UFC, Formula 1, and soccer.

How Scott Boras Became The Most Powerful Agent In Sports

22 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Athletes Contracts Negotiations Management
  1. Scott Boras is known as the most powerful sports agent in the industry. He has a reputation for making big deals for his clients.
  2. Juan Soto's decision to turn down a massive $440 million contract surprised many. People thought it was a risky move for a young player.
  3. Negotiating big contracts in sports is complex. It's about more than just money; it's about career strategy and future opportunities.

MLS Needs More Than Lionel Messi

217 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Soccer Business
  1. MLS needs more than just Lionel Messi to thrive.
  2. Inter Miami's preseason schedule covers 23,000 miles over three weeks.
  3. A peek into the future of major US sports leagues is being discussed in the newsletter.

Nick Saban Was Worth Billions To Alabama

203 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎾 Sports College Football Financial impact
  1. Nick Saban's management style ran Alabama football like a successful business.
  2. Saban's long-term strategies contributed to his extraordinary success, earning multiple championships and producing top NFL draft picks.
  3. Alabama's financial success under Saban turned them into a national powerhouse through leveraging athletic achievements.

The Real Reason Bryce Underwood Flipped His Commitment From LSU To Michigan

14 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎾 Sports College Football Recruitment Team Dynamics
  1. Bryce Underwood is a highly regarded quarterback and recently switched his commitment from LSU to Michigan. This change surprised many because he had initially committed to LSU just before Michigan's national championship.
  2. His decision to flip schools wasn't simply about money, though some people think it was due to Michigan's NIL offer. There were many factors at play, including long-standing connections and influential figures in his decision.
  3. Underwood has had an amazing high school football career, winning two state championships and throwing a lot of touchdowns. He’s also grown up close to Michigan's campus, which likely influenced his choice too.

The New Sports-Only Streaming Service Ignores Traditional Media's Biggest Problem

175 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
💼 Business Media Streaming Sports Partnerships Finance
  1. A new sports-only streaming service is being launched by ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery, bundling various sports rights into one package.
  2. The pricing for the new service hasn't been finalized but is expected to be more than ESPN+ and cheaper than YouTubeTV, likely around $40/month.
  3. This move highlights the trend in the industry where companies either bundle or unbundle content to make money, showcasing the evolution in how media services are structured.

Cooper Flagg Will Have A Zion Williamson-Like Impact At Duke

17 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Athletes Coaching Training Team Dynamics
  1. Cooper Flagg is expected to have a huge impact at Duke, much like Zion Williamson did. He has a lot of talent and skill that can change games.
  2. Fans and analysts believe Flagg's presence will draw attention and elevate the team's performance. His style of play can inspire those around him.
  3. His performance at Duke may lead to a bright future in professional basketball, similar to fandom and support experienced by Zion during his college career.

ESPN Flexes Its Muscles With An Exclusive $7.8 Billion Deal For The College Football Playoff

122 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Media Broadcasting College sports
  1. ESPN secured a lucrative $7.8 billion exclusive deal for the College Football Playoff, emphasizing the importance of premium sports rights in the current media landscape.
  2. The agreement, pending commissioner and president approval, solidifies ESPN as the go-to network for the new CFP 12-team tournament, showcasing their persistent dedication to college sports.
  3. Previous reports speculating on broadcasting rights for the expanded College Football Playoff proved inaccurate, indicating a potentially unrealistic expectation of the market dynamics.

Patrick Mahomes Wants To Add A WNBA Team To His Growing Sports Portfolio

14 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Athletes Teams Leagues Investments Business
  1. Patrick Mahomes is looking to buy a WNBA team for Kansas City. He already has stakes in several sports teams, showing he's serious about sports investing.
  2. The WNBA is experiencing a big rise in popularity and viewership, especially thanks to players like Caitlin Clark.
  3. Mahomes seems to be taking advantage of the WNBA's growth, as it sets new records in attendance, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.

How FIFA Rigged Its Process For Saudi Arabia To Host The 2034 World Cup

4 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎾 Sports World Cup Saudi Arabia Sponsorship
  1. FIFA has given the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, showing that it values sponsorship deals and connections with FIFA officials.
  2. Saudi Arabia's efforts over the years to build relationships with FIFA leaders have paid off in a significant way.
  3. This decision highlights how FIFA can change its process to favor certain countries, raising questions about fairness in hosting major events.

The PGA Tour Strikes Back With A $3 Billion Deal

83 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Golf Investment
  1. The PGA Tour secured a $3 billion deal, signaling a strong response to LIV Golf's impact on golf.
  2. LIV Golf has been challenging the PGA Tour by luring top players with lucrative contracts.
  3. The PGA Tour has faced significant legal battles and sponsor withdrawals but is fighting back with new developments.

The All-Star Game Isn't The NBA's Biggest Problem

31 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Viewership Business Players
  1. The NBA's All-Star Game had issues with lack of defense and high scoring, but this highlights broader problems like declining viewership and owners selling stakes.
  2. Adam Silver is a unique NBA commissioner loved by many for his approach balancing on-court and off-court business, though the league faces challenges on the court with lack of defense and player engagement.
  3. The NBA's decline in viewership, financial-savvy owners selling stakes, and upcoming retirements of key players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry pose challenges for the league's future success.

Caitlin Clark Is College Basketball's Biggest Star

31 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Athlete Women's Sports College Basketball
  1. Caitlin Clark is not only a star on the basketball court but also making a significant impact off the court by driving media rights deals higher and elevating women's sports.
  2. Caitlin Clark recently broke the NCAA women's all-time scoring record, showcasing her exceptional skills and dominance in the sport.
  3. Clark's performance and charisma have drawn large audiences to women's basketball, solidifying her position as the biggest superstar in college basketball.

FC Barcelona Considers Dropping $100 Million Nike Contract To Start Its Own Clothing Brand

25 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
💼 Business Sports Branding Finance
  1. FC Barcelona is thinking of ending their $100 million Nike deal to create their own clothing brand, potentially setting a new trend in the industry.
  2. Viewership stats show women's college basketball attracting more attention than men's, indicating the power of certain players and stars.
  3. Nike has not only sponsored FC Barcelona for 26 years but also subsidized player wages, highlighting the significant financial relationship between the two.

The NFL Is Working On Technology To Eliminate The Chain Gang

22 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎾 Sports Technology NFL Analytics Business Entertainment
  1. The NFL is developing optical tracking technology to replace the traditional 'chain gang' for measuring first-down yardage.
  2. The NFL has been using RFID chips in footballs and players' gear for tracking player movements and collecting Next Gen stats.
  3. Introducing additional video review technology in the NFL could complicate the game over time and may not necessarily be a positive change.

Red Bull's Dominance Threatens Formula 1's Investment Potential

22 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🎾 Sports Investment
  1. Red Bull's dominance has transformed the Formula 1 investment landscape with significant team valuations and profitable operations.
  2. The economic shift in Formula 1 is attributed to Liberty Media's acquisition strategies and sustainability efforts, including introducing new regulations and the Drive to Survive series on Netflix.
  3. Red Bull's purchase of the Jaguar Formula 1 team for $1 in 2004, requiring annual investments of hundreds of millions, contrasts sharply with its current $2.4 billion valuation.

The Bears New Stadium Deal Offers More Questions Than Answers + Thoughts On Deion Sanders, Jay Monahan, Russell Wilson, and Nick Saban

20 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎾 Sports NFL Stadiums Contracts Athletes Ownership
  1. Deion Sanders' coaching at Colorado led to a significant increase in applicants, showcasing the Flutie Effect where athletic success boosts academic interest.
  2. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan's lack of communication and handling of the LIV Golf-PGA Tour merger raised concerns among players and media.
  3. NFL free agency deals often involve intricate negotiations, with insiders getting details from agents and shaping the narrative of the contracts.

College Football Players Get $600, Amazon Snags An Exclusive Playoff Game for $150 Million, And Apple Takes Its Next Step In Sports

20 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Business Technology Video Games Finance App
  1. EA Sports is paying college football players $600 to use their name, image, and likeness in the new video game, sparking debate over the adequacy of the compensation compared to NFL players.
  2. Amazon secured rights to stream an exclusive NFL playoff game by paying a hefty $150 million, highlighting the competitive landscape for sports broadcasting among tech giants.
  3. Apple is making strides in the sports industry with its new Sports app, underlining the company's expansion into the realm of sports entertainment beyond its traditional tech offerings.

Sports Betting Goes Live In North Carolina + Saudi Arabia's $2B Tennis Offer, The Chiefs Threaten To Leave Kansas City, Caitlin Clark's NIL Potential, And More

16 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎾 Sports Betting Tennis NFL Finance Stadiums
  1. Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund made a $2 billion offer to merge men's and women's pro tennis tours, signaling its growing interest in sports investments.
  2. The Kansas City Chiefs threatened to leave the city if they don't receive $500 million in taxpayer funds for stadium renovations, showcasing the dynamics of professional sports teams and public financing.
  3. Professional sports teams often leverage relocation threats to secure public funding for stadium projects, even when viable relocation options may be limited.