150 Years of Spalding

150 Years of Spalding

April 2, 2026

Spalding celebrates 150 years, having been a major part of the history of sports in America
Spalding is celebrating its 150th anniversary, marking a legacy that began in 1876 with founders Albert G. Spalding and J. Walter Spalding opening a Chicago sporting-goods store that sold just one baseball in its first week but later grew into a brand central to U.S. sports culture. Over time, the company produced many early “firsts,” including the first National League baseball (1876), the first baseball glove (1877), and the first basketball (1894), along with early American-made footballs, golf balls, tennis balls, and volleyballs. The article highlights how Spalding’s equipment and publishing efforts helped shape the development and standardization of multiple sports, cementing its role as one of the most influential sporting-goods brands in American history.
^{Sports Business Journal}

Nike Plummets 11% on Disappointing Forecast: Generational Buy or Value Trap?
Nike shares fell roughly 11% after the company issued a weaker-than-expected sales forecast, overshadowing quarterly results that actually beat analyst earnings expectations. Nike reported about $11.3 billion in revenue and $0.35 per share in earnings, but warned sales could decline 2%–4% next quarter, with major pressure coming from slowing demand and a projected 20% drop in China revenue. Investors reacted negatively because the outlook signaled the company’s turnaround efforts are taking longer than expected and margins remain strained by inventory cleanup, promotions, and macroeconomic headwinds.
^{Yahoo Finance}

E. W. Scripps agreement expired March 31, 2026
Comcast announced its distribution agreement with E. W. Scripps Company expired on March 31, 2026, meaning Scripps programming can no longer be carried on Xfinity until a new deal is reached. As a result, customers in affected markets may temporarily lose access to local broadcast stations and related programming previously provided through those channels. The companies say negotiations are ongoing, and the channels could return if both sides agree on updated carriage terms.
^Xfinity

Why NFL, investors think flag football can be a moneymaker, not just sport development tool
The NFL and investors believe a planned professional flag football league—being developed with TMRW Sports—can become a profitable standalone business, not just a grassroots participation pipeline for tackle football. The league has already secured about $192 million in startup funding (including $32 million from the NFL and $160 million from outside investors), with plans to experiment with tech-driven presentation elements like modular venues and sensor-enabled flags to create a premium fan experience. While audience size and revenue projections remain uncertain, league leaders and owners say the initiative is expected to generate long-term return on investment while also expanding opportunities for women and international players and supporting the sport’s growth ahead of its 2028 Summer Olympics debut.
^{Sports Business Journal}

Official: Camping World Stadium to Be Jaguars Temporary Home for 2027
The Jacksonville Jaguars will play their 2027 home games at Camping World Stadium in Orlando after NFL owners unanimously approved a one-year lease while EverBank Stadium undergoes its major “Stadium of the Future” renovation. The temporary relocation is part of a broader $1.4 billion modernization project in Jacksonville, with the Orlando venue expected to host most of the team’s home schedule during the construction period. Team leadership described the move as a practical short-term solution that maintains regional accessibility for fans while positioning the franchise for a long-term return to a renovated home stadium in 2028.
^Jaguars

NFL owners approve Mark Davis' Raiders succession plan
NFL owners approved a succession plan for Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis that gives Egon Durban the option to purchase a majority stake in the franchise in the future if Davis decides to sell. The move does not signal an immediate sale, but instead establishes a clear ownership transition path because Davis has no direct heirs and wants long-term stability for the team. Durban—already a minority owner through his investment firm Silver Lake—is positioned as the leading successor under the plan approved at the NFL owners meetings.
^ESPN

Tiger Woods stepping away from golf to 'seek treatment' following DUI arrest
Tiger Woods announced he is stepping away from golf temporarily to seek treatment and focus on his healthfollowing his recent DUI arrest tied to a rollover crash in Florida. In a statement, Woods acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and said the break is necessary so he can prioritize his well-being and work toward recovery. The decision adds uncertainty to his short-term playing schedule as he deals with legal proceedings and personal health issues stemming from the incident.
^{Fox News}

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Top Seeds Sweep Women’s Final Four As 2025 Teams All Return
For the second straight year, all four No. 1 seeds—UConn, South Carolina, Texas, and UCLA—advanced to the NCAA Women’s Final Four, marking a rare repeat of the same quartet reaching the semifinals. The matchup underscores a season-long dominance by these programs, which started the year ranked among the nation’s top teams and largely avoided major upsets throughout the tournament. While some fans prefer Cinderella runs, the presence of four powerhouse programs highlights the sport’s rising competitive standard and helps drive strong national interest in women’s college basketball’s biggest stage.
^{Front Office Sports}

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