Sport & Story Daily June 4, 2024

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June 4, 2024

Good morning! Caitlin Clark Opinions Fly

Just about everyone has had something to say about Caitlin Clark’s treatment in the WNBA, and here’s a sampling:

⇢ Coach Says Sky 'Will Learn' From Flagrant Foul to Caitlin Clark - ESPN
⇢ Opposing Players Aren't Fond of Caitlin Clark ... Which Should Be Good for the WNBA - Yahoo! Sports
⇢ Is the Caitlin Clark Phenomenon Posing Issues For the WNBA? - Front Office Sports
⇢ Fans Rip McAfee Over Latest Caitlin Clark Comments - Sports Business Journal
⇢ Caitlin Clark Wins WNBA Rookie of the Month for First 9 Games With Fever - The Athletic

Ineos Continues to Make ‘Sweeping Changes’ to Manchester United
Ineos believes ManU has “too many employees and that the workforce is bloated compared to other English clubs.” Consultancy firm Interpath Advisory has been hired to review the business and operational costs all across the club.
^{Sports Business Journal}

PWHL Players, Investors ‘Ecstatic’ With Success of Inaugural Season
The league's sole investors, Mark and Kimbra Walter, are "'ecstatic' with the way the season went"—as is "everyone from players to team employees to PWHL officials," according to Rachel Blount of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. The six-team league drew "nearly 500,000 fans" to its 85 games, including the regular season and playoffs. More than 40 corporate sponsors signed on.
^{Sports Business Journal}

Everton’s Takeover Is Dead. Another U.S. Investor Is Already Interested
FOS’ David Rumsey reports: “In September, 777—which already had stakes in six other soccer clubs around the world, like LaLiga’s Sevilla—struck a deal to acquire Everton at a reported valuation of roughly $685 million. The takeover was set to be completed by the end of 2023, but it never received regulatory approval because 777 didn’t provide audited financial statements to the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority. In May, a British asset management company sued 777 over fraud.

“Now, Everton is officially back on the market...”
^{Front Office Sports}

Bulls, White Sox, Blackhawks Launch Chicago Sports Network as New RSN TV Home
The Chicago Sports Network will be the new home for the White Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks when it launches in October, and the network said it will launch "with agreements in place with cable, streaming and over-the-air providers, but it did not name them," according to Jeff Agrest of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES per SBJ.
^{Sports Business Journal}

Panthers Propose $800 Million in Bank of America Stadium Renovations
Months after the city announced a new practice facility and arena upgrades for the Charlotte Hornets, the city is now considering a $800 million investment into upgrading Bank of America Stadium, the current home of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC. The renovations would ensure both the Panthers and Charlotte FC stay in the city for the next two decades. 
^{Front Office Sports}

Former MSG Exec Lustgarten to Lead Hudson Yards Experiences
Former Madison Square Garden Sports CEO Andrew Lustgarten will be the first executive chairman of Hudson Yards Experiences (HYE).

Located on the west side of Manhattan, Hudson Yards is one of the largest sports and entertainment developments in North America. It was spearheaded by Related Companies, the real estate group founded by billionaire Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. According to Lustgarten, its retail and shops alone currently see about 14 million visitors per year.
^Sportico

Who Should Join Nick Saban in Hall, Has Transfer Portal Affected Recruiting Interest?
As The Athletic’s Manny Navarro writes, “Nick Saban and Urban Meyer were the headliners among the list of 2025 candidates released Monday for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. With 10 national championships between them (seven for Saban!), Saban and Meyer are slam dunks to make it in. But who else should get in?”
^{The Athletic}

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