BioSteel makes a major move with the NHL, while the USFL looks for additional investors.
Serena Williams' return to Wimbledon was a short one, losing in an epic three-hour first-round match yesterday to Harmony Tan. There is speculation on both sides of the Atlantic that this could have been the last match for the 23-time major champion. If it is, and selfishly I hope it isn't, it was great to see her go out the way she should be remembered, a warrior that fought for every last point.
Good morning, and welcome to the Morning Buzzcast for Wednesday, June 29th. I'm Rick Ellington, the emergency catcher or third string quarterback called into action with both Abe Madkour and David Albright out of pocket this morning. But let's get to the news.
BioSteel continues to expand its presence in the sports world with perhaps its biggest deal to date. As Terry Lefton reports, it is poised to replace Gatorade as an official NHL sponsor. The sports drink's ties to hockey are obvious. The Toronto-based company is run by former NHL player, Mike Cammalleri, and counts Connor McDavid, the face of the league, as one of its major endorsers. But it's not just limiting itself to the frozen pond. BioSteel has its tentacles in other sports as well, with deals with the Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors among other NBA team partnerships, and an endorsement deal with all-pro quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
For what it's worth, I've started to notice a bigger presence for BioSteel regarding in-store displays and signage at convenience stores around our house, another sign that the company continues to grow. But the NHL association will ensure that the drink continues on its upward trajectory.
The USFL has set to return for a second season next year and plans to expand its base of operations from just Birmingham, and the New York Post is reporting that Fox, which owns the league, has hired Allen & Co. to find minority investors to help fund its expansion efforts. The plan reportedly is to raise between $150 and $200 million. Allen & Co. recently helped the Denver Broncos in its sales process, which resulted in a $4.6 billion deal with a group led by Rob Walton. As has been mentioned previously, the USFL could face some competition next spring, as the XFL looks to get back into action. So an infusion of capital can only be good for its efforts. One thing to keep in mind here, Fox does plan to continue running the USFL, even if it cannot find any more investors.
All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman has dropped Excel Sports Management and is looking for new representation. The timing of the move seeming very curious, coming after his long-awaited and very emotional return to Atlanta last weekend. Freeman, during the off season, signed a long-term deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but it was clear that his heart still remained in Atlanta to some extent. Freeman denies that his decision to change agents has anything to do with the timing of his return, though he stated on numerous occasions, that he never wanted to leave the Braves.
Meanwhile, multiple reports from the springs stated that Excel's Casey Close played hardball in the negotiations with the Braves that ultimately pushed the franchise icon out. Close obviously has a track record as one of the top agents in the game. Just ask Derek Jeter about him. But one has to wonder if the fallout from Freeman's situation will cause any ripple effects.
We'll end today on this note. The Los Angeles Clippers yesterday unveiled the 350th and final court renovation around the city as part of a partnership with the LA Parks Foundation. Team owner, Steve Ballmer, and Los Angeles mayor, Eric Garcetti, were on hand for the occasion, which culminated a four-year effort by the franchise. While the move certainly gives the Clips a higher profile in the city, still dominated by the Lakers, the move also shows a commitment to giving back to the community. So well done by Ballmer, Gillian Zucker, and the rest of the Clippers organization.
That's it for today. You'll be back in the able hands of Abe Madkour tomorrow as I pick up my clipboard once again. But I hope everyone has a great day as we are approaching the official midpoint of the year.