Court Tosses Fanatics Antitrust Lawsuit
October 2, 2026
Court Tosses Fanatics Antitrust Class Action Over Lack of Standing and Evidence
Chief U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain dismissed a 13-count class action lawsuit accusing Fanatics and major professional sports leagues of monopolizing the sports trading card market. The court ruled that the 18 named plaintiffs failed to establish Article III standing, as they relied on general internet complaints rather than providing evidence of personal concrete injuries or specific transactions. While this decision resolves consumer-led claims regarding indirect sales, Fanatics continues to face a separate antitrust lawsuit brought directly by rival manufacturer Panini.
Yahoo Sports
Black Box Wines, NHL announce multiyear partnership
Black Box Wines and the National Hockey League have entered into a multiyear U.S. partnership, establishing Black Box as the league's first official wine brand. The collaboration will feature a "Wine Wednesdays" marketing campaign designed to align with midweek hockey broadcasts and engage the league's growing fan base. Starting in 2027, the brand will be featured across digital platforms, in-arena advertising, retail promotions, and marquee events like the NHL Stadium Series and Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL
Tennis Channel’s streaming future led by Jeff Blackburn
Tennis Channel Chairman and CEO Jeff Blackburn is leading a shift toward a direct-to-consumer streaming future by bringing software development in-house to rebuild the network's digital apps. Backed by a newly assembled software team, the network has modernized its platform features and added exclusive streaming content, including condensed match highlights and original docu-shorts. As cable television subscriptions decline, Tennis Channel aims to expand its reach via platforms like Prime Video and Roku, targeting a goal where digital streaming accounts for 50% of its total audience.
Sports Business Journal
ESPN & TMRW Sports extend multi-year U.S. media rights deal for TGL Presented by SoFi
ESPN and TMRW Sports have announced a multi-year extension of their domestic media rights agreement for TGL presented by SoFi, continuing to make ESPN the home of the primetime team golf league. The upcoming 2027 season is set to launch on Sunday, December 27, featuring top PGA Tour players competing in a fast-paced team format at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The league continues to expand its reach and attract younger audiences, with this season introducing Motor City Golf Club as its newest expansion franchise.
ESPN Press Room
Boston Legacy FC Selects Levy as Food and Beverage Partner for White Stadium
Boston Legacy FC has selected Levy as the official food and beverage partner for White Stadium ahead of the club's permanent move to the venue for the 2028 NWSL season. The partnership will bring a mix of self-service markets, traditional concession stands, and rotating chef tables featuring local Boston restaurants and New England specialties. In addition to elevated stadium favorites and flexible concessions, the renovated 10,500-seat stadium will feature modern amenities and a natural grass playing surface for players and fans.
Our Sports Central
Chicago Fire to launch hospitality offerings priced as high as $25,000
Chicago Fire FC has unveiled new premium hospitality packages at its under-construction McDonald’s Park stadium in Chicago's South Loop, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. Launching on October 8 with 600 available seats, options include mini loge suites and an invite-only Chairman’s Club featuring field seats alongside a private speakeasy bar with views into the player tunnel. Designed by Gensler, the 22,000-seat natural grass venue is scheduled to open in 2028.
The Stadium Business
Caitlin Clark’s Signature Nike Shoe, the Caitlin 1, Makes Its Long-Awaited Debut
Nike has officially launched the Caitlin 1, the debut signature basketball shoe for Caitlin Clark, following the start of their multi-year partnership. Tailored specifically to her high-speed playing style, the sneaker incorporates several personal details, including her signature logo, her jersey number molded into the upper, and motivational phrases along the soles. The silhouette debuted in "Caitlin Blue" and "Warning Yellow" colorways, launching alongside an expanded collection of apparel available across major retailers.
The Hollywood Reporter
USA Triathlon. Director Brand, Content & Fandom.
USA Triathlon is hiring a builder to lead brand, storytelling, and fandom across our brands: USA Triathlon, USA TRI, and our USA Triathlon Foundation brand, heading into the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. For USA Triathlon, you'll celebrate the age group athletes, clubs, coaches, race directors, and youth who make up the sport. For USA TRI, our elite and development pipeline, you'll make our Olympic, Paralympic, and emerging athletes known and followed by a national audience. For our Foundation brand, it is meaningfully telling our stories to connect with donors – enabling philanthropy to support our organizational mission and our athletes. Apply Now.
Houston Rockets. Director of Arena Marketing.
Responsible for marketing all concerts, events and shows held at the Toyota Center. Develop and execute creative strategies to promote all arena events, working within established budgets and collaborating with promoters. Coordinate with Houston Rockets & Comets marketing department in leveraging team assets, resources and all external relations to support promotional efforts for all Toyota Center events. Apply Now.
Chip Ganassi Racing. Lead Race Engineer.
The Lead Race Engineer is responsible for supporting the Race Engineer and team by providing expertise in data acquisition, performance analysis, and optimizing race car operations. This role involves working closely with drivers, strategists, mechanics, and other engineers to enhance vehicle performance and ensure successful race execution. Apply Now.
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Atlantic 10 Conference Taps Playfly Sports For Men's Basketball Tournament Ticket Sales
The Atlantic 10 Conference has entered into a multiyear ticketing partnership with Playfly Sports to manage and boost ticket sales for its Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Under the agreement beginning in September 2026, Playfly Sports will assign a dedicated representative to drive revenue across full session packages, group, premium, and individual ticket options. This initiative aims to capitalize on the venue's recent hospitality upgrades and enhance the overall experience for fans during the March tournament.
Atlantic 10
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