Dodgers set for $102 million in deferral obligations

Sport & Story Daily December 17, 2025: The Dodgers will owe $102 million in deferral obligations by the 2038 and 2039.

Author

Kelsey Middleton
December 17, 2025

Dodgers set for $102 million in deferral obligations

December 17, 2025

Dodgers Buying and Winning Now, but Still Owe $1B to 9 Players
The Dodgers signed free-agent reliever Edwin Díaz, a former Mets player, to a three-year, $69 million pact. This deal pushes their overall bill to more than $1.06 billion, involving nine players. In 2038 and 2039, the team has more than $102 million in annual deferral obligations— a sum grater than the 2025 payrolls of three MLB clubs. Dodgers owner Mark Walter and his partners are confident in the ability to pay the hefty future bills.
Front Office Sports

McLaughlin-Levrone among stars owed big money by Grand Slam Track
A total of seven athletes are still owed six-figure sums by Grand Slam Track. The company filed for bankruptcy earlier this month. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is owed the fifth most on the list: $365,250. Grand Slam Track said it owed between $10 million and $50 million to between 200 and 999 creditors.
ESPN

TNT Sports officially getting a CFP semifinal starting next year
TNT Sports has aired the lowest-profile games of the College Football Playoff. In 2026, the company will begin carrying a College Football Playoff semifinal. As part of its sublicensing agreement with CFP rightsholder ESPN, TNT Sports already carries two of the four first-round games and starting next season will carry two of the four quarterfinals. ESPN had the option — which it evidently exercised — to include a semifinal game as well.
Sports Media Watch

Check out what the Houston Texans are bringing to NRG Stadium (RENDERINGS)
The Houston Texans will add two exclusive, premium experiences at NRG Stadium starting next season. The new luxury hospitality spaces will be known as the BMW Lone Star Ballroom and BMW M Club Blue. BMW and the Texans signed a multiyear partnership extension. The team is renovating a 6,000-square-foot space in the southeast tunnel of the NRG Stadium for the clubs.
KHOU

Multi-billion-dollar casino complex at Citi Field gains approval
The New York State Gaming Commission approved the $8.1 billion plan to build a casino project near Citi Field in Queens. The 50 acres of land surrounding the 41,922-capacity venue will be converted into an integrated casino resort and entertainment district. Steve Cohen, owner of the Mets, and Hard Rock International are leading the project.
The Stadium Business

Sabres fire longtime GM Kevyn Adams, hire Jarmo Kekalainen
The Buffalo Sabres fired general manager Kevyn Adams. The new GM is Jarmo Kekalainen. Adams spent five-plus seasons with the team. Kekalainen was previously an NHL executive. He spent 11-plus years as the GM in Columbus. He is the first European-born GM in the league.
ESPN

David Levy reflects on TNT career ahead of Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame induction
David Levy was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame on Tuesday. He is the longtime chief of Turner and now co-CEO of Horizon Sports & Experiences. Levy helped grow a relationship between TNT and the NBA in 1989. One of the most memorable experiences in his career was crowning the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship on TNT and TBS.
Sports Business Journal

Los Angeles Lakers. Director, Partner Activation
The Director, Partner Activation role will oversee the planning, execution, and day-to-day responsibilities for all aspects surrounding fulfilling sponsorship agreements. The ideal candidate is highly motivated and focused on developing the team, driving our overall Activation strategy, and is a thought-partner to grow the Lakers’ portfolio. The Director, Partner Activation, leads the Corporate Partnership Activation staff and continually identifies processes that enhance team productivity, while ensuring our sponsors are serviced at a high-level. This role is a trusted leader to Account Managers and Account Coordinators, providing information, coaching, guidance, and ideas; allowing the Corporate Partnerships Sales staff to heavily focus on selling and renewing. The Director will drive departmental communication, operational efficiency, support the development of new tools, and ultimately serve as a resource to help achieve department goals. Apply Now.

USL Spokane. Game Day Producer
We are seeking a Game Day Producer who will lead and elevate the overall fan experience for Spokane Zephyr FC and Spokane Velocity FC matches, ensuring every aspect of gameday drives strong fan engagement and satisfaction. During the off-season, the Game Day Producer will focus on strengthening fan connection, enhancing engagement initiatives, and developing strategic plans that build momentum and excitement heading into the next season.  Apply Now.

Boston Red Sox.  Nutrition Assistant
The Red Sox Nutrition Assistant will serve as an integral member of the Sport Performance Team, supporting the delivery of nutrition services for the Boston Red Sox minor league players across all affiliate locations. This part-time position manages the daily administrative and operational functions of the nutrition program, including coordinating catering vendors for home and road games, conducting menu analysis, managing meal budgets, and ensuring timely billing and payment for affiliate meals. Apply Now.

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NBC president Cordella confirms Big Ten title game talks
NBC Sports president Rich Cordella said the company is looking to sell its rights to the Big Ten title game. Amazon is the assumed company that will acquire the game, but nothing has been set in stone. Both the Big Ten and Fox would have to sign off on NBC selling rights to the game.
Sports Media Watch

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