ESPN Analyst Ryan Clark Laid Off
July 22, 2026
Ryan Clark was in the middle of a show when ESPN laid him off. Here’s the last thing he said
During a live taping of NFL Live, ESPN abruptly cut ties with veteran analyst Ryan Clark after learning that media inquiries were about to leak news of his departure. Network executives had originally planned to inform Clark of his release the following morning as part of a broader wave of company layoffs, but instead pulled him off the air mid-broadcast to notify him directly. Prior to his sudden departure, Clark was on air evaluating whether the Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl expectations for the upcoming season were realistic.
AL
Tech company suing LIV Golf for unpaid fees and damages, per report
Canadian technology company Mobii Systems Group Ltd. has filed a lawsuit against LIV Golf, seeking over $1 million in unpaid fees and lost revenue related to its broadcast technology. The legal action alleges that LIV Golf defaulted on licensing and usage fees before abruptly canceling the use of Mobii's "Any Shot, Any Time" features for the remainder of its season. This dispute adds to LIV Golf's compounding financial and legal challenges, coming shortly after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund pulled its funding and amidst separate high-stakes intellectual property litigation.
Front Office Sports
John Textor Seeks $400M From Michele Kang in Lyon Takeover Suit
Eagle Football Holdings owner John Textor has filed a $400 million lawsuit against Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang in Florida state court following her deal to take over French soccer club Olympique Lyonnais. The suit alleges seven counts—including defamation, fraudulent concealment, and civil conspiracy—claiming Kang secretly partnered with private-credit firm Ares to establish a "shadow board" that forced Textor out and pushed his holding company toward insolvency. In response, a spokesperson for Kang dismissed the allegations as entirely baseless, calling the lawsuit a diversion from Textor's own wrongdoings while reiterating her commitment to the club's long-term recovery.
Front Office Sports
NHL unveils new centralized production for club regional broadcasts
The National Hockey League announced that NHL Productions will offer centralized local broadcast production services starting in the 2026-27 season, initially partnering with the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues. This initiative will provide participating clubs with comprehensive studio programming, premium game production, advanced graphics, and operational infrastructure to enhance overall broadcast quality. By managing these services internally under new General Manager of Local Media Robert McGlarry, the league aims to give teams greater flexibility in negotiating distribution deals and maximizing regional media revenue.
NHL
CONMEBOL president says the next World Cup will have 64 teams
CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez announced on social media that the 2030 World Cup will feature an expanded 64-team tournament to celebrate the competition's centenary. Although FIFA has not officially confirmed the change, FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged that expanding the tournament will be formally evaluated by relevant committees. If implemented, this proposed expansion would increase the competition to 128 matches, doubling the schedule of the traditional 32-team format.
ESPN
Brothers in Arms: Childhood journeys of Mike and Paul Rabil fuel Premier Lacrosse League success
Founded by brothers Mike and Paul Rabil, the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) was born from their competitive childhood in Maryland and a joint determination to build a sustainable, player-centric professional lacrosse league. Combining Paul’s status as the sport's marquee player with Mike’s Silicon Valley entrepreneurial experience, the duo disrupted traditional pro sports models by offering players equity options, higher compensation, and healthcare benefits. Supported by high-profile investors like Joe Tsai and major broadcast partnerships, the Rabils leveraged their scrappy, us-against-the-world mentality to establish and grow a flourishing, tour-based professional league.
Sports Business Journal
TMRW Sports Names Brendan Donohue President of Flag Football
TMRW Sports has appointed veteran executive Brendan Donohue as President of Flag Football to lead its new professional flag football league created in partnership with the NFL. Donohue brings nearly three decades of sports management experience to the role, notably having launched and served as president of the NBA 2K League as well as holding senior business positions across the NBA. Slated to debut prior to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, the tech-forward league will feature elite men's and women's flag football athletes to capitalize on the sport's rapid global growth.
TMRW Sports
Phoenix Suns. Finance Analyst.
Headquartered in downtown Phoenix, Player 15 Group is the collaborative, people-first sports and entertainment company behind the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Valley Suns. To support their growing organization, they are seeking an experienced and motivated Finance Analyst for a high-impact role on their team. This position will primarily support all financial facets of the Payroll department while actively contributing to broader department-wide initiatives. Apply Now.
TOCA Football. Lead Experience Associate.
TOCA Football is seeking a high-energy Lead Experience Associate to serve as a hands-on shift leader and guest experience champion at their sports center in Evanston, Illinois. In this part-time role of up to 30 hours per week, the selected candidate will own the front desk operations, manage daily facility logistics, and coach teammates to maintain a vibrant, welcoming environment. Ideal candidates should possess natural leadership skills, technical confidence, and the flexibility to work during peak times, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Apply Now.
Legends Global. Concessions Manager.
Position is responsible for managing the concessions operations of INTRUST Bank Arena. Manages food preparation and service operation for multiple concessions and portables. Responsible for inventory control with an emphasis on production needs. Manages staff, hiring, scheduling and training. Provides premium services and backstage catering at Capitol Federal Amphitheater. Apply Now.
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Vanderbilt inks jersey patch partnership with SRM Concrete
Vanderbilt University has entered into a multi-million-dollar jersey patch partnership with SRM Concrete, placing the company's logo on uniforms across all 17 Commodore athletic sports. Brokered by Learfield, this agreement marks the third jersey patch sponsorship in the SEC, joining similar deals made by Arkansas and LSU. Led by Vanderbilt alumnus and CEO Jeff Hollingshead, SRM Concrete expands its existing campus presence after previously holding naming rights for FirstBank Field's club area.
Yahoo Sports
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