Everything's Bigger in Texas

AD Chris Del Conte and others have said that the school “plans to phase out its collective in favor of the revenue-sharing,” with one source calling it “unsustainable”

May 1, 2025

Report: Univ. of Texas to Spend $35M-$40M on Football Roster
The University of Texas will spend $35M-$40M on its football roster for the 2025 season, which “counts the likely revenue-sharing allotment” of $20.5M as well as payouts through the Texas One Fund, according to sources cited by Kirk Bohls of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE via SBJ. It also “figures to be a one-time exorbitant expense” because AD Chris Del Conte and others have said that the school “plans to phase out its collective in favor of the revenue-sharing” via the House settlement and with the move to NIL payouts through corporations. A source said, “It’s just unsustainable.”
^{Houston Chronicle via Sports Business Journal}

She’s in Charge: At the F1 Miami Grand Prix, Many Top Executive Roles are Held by Women
AP News’ Tim Reynolds writes, “For the Miami Grand Prix, someone is in charge of all the strategic planning and the budget. Someone else oversees the construction of 163 temporary buildings needed for a Formula 1 race weekend. Someone else designs the seating areas and keeps track of food and beverage needs. Someone else makes sure that the rich and famous have everything they need and want, from the right drink to the right kind of throw pillow.

“These jobs make the race happen. And in Miami, they’re all being done by women. It’s something that the Miami Grand Prix believes sets its race apart.”
^{AP News}

The Ownership Group Behind On3 Acquires Rivals and Forges Partnership With Yahoo Sports
On3 and Rivals will create a network that will serve millions of fans and student-athletes nationwide, offering unparalleled coverage of college and high school sports, recruiting, and the rapidly evolving NIL landscape.

As part of the transaction, Yahoo Sports will take an ownership stake in the On3 parent company. Yahoo Sports will have a seat on the On3 parent company board and leverage its unique scale to help On3 and Rivals grow their content and subscription businesses.
^{Yahoo! Sports}

Stars Fire Coach Lorne Donaldson After Poor Start to the NWSL Season
Donaldson, who led the Jamaican national team to the knockout round at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, was in his second season with Chicago. The Stars went 10-14-2 in his first season and made the playoffs.

This season, the Stars have five losses and have scored just three goals, fewest in the 14-team league. They’ve also allowed 14 goals, most in the NWSL.
^{AP News}

Ex-Amazon Exec Blackburn to Run Tennis Channel
Longtime Amazon SVP Jeff Blackburn is coming out of retirement to take over as Chairman & CEO of Tennis Channel. Blackburn will lead growth initiatives for the network and the expansion of its digital and streaming platforms.
^{Sports Business Journal}

Aston Villa President of Business Ops Heck to Leave for LIV Golf
Premier League club Aston Villa President of Business Operations CHRIS HECK will “leave at the end of the season to take on the same role at LIV Golf,” according to Sam Wallace of the London TELEGRAPH. Heck has been the “de facto chief executive of the business side” of the Premier League club and will “now build the same corporate infrastructure at LIV Golf.”
^{London Telegraph via Sports Business Journal}

SEG Will Try to Solve the Hockey vs. Basketball Arena Conundrum With Delta Center Renovation
SBJ’s Bret McCormick writes, “Utah Hockey Club’s launch was so quick last fall that Salt Lake City’s Delta Center didn’t have time to adapt to accommodating the sport, which has a much larger playing surface than basketball.

“The renovation of Delta Center taking place over the next three summers, starting this month, will address that issue in part through a novel riser seating system in both end zones of the 34-year-old arena. Nearly all dual sport arenas are built around a hockey-focused seating bowl, but Delta Center was a basketball-only arena for 33 years.”
^{Sports Business Journal}

Mexico City GP Signs Extension to Stay on F1 Calendar to 2028 and Mayor Hints at Longer Deal
The Mexico City Grand Prix will remain on the F1 calendar through at least the 2028 season after a three-year contract extension was announced on Wednesday, and the city’s mayor said negotiations are ongoing for an even longer deal.

Mexico first hosted an F1 championship race in 1963 and has been on the calendar every year since 2015, excluding 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
^{AP News}

Looking to fill an open position with top talent in the sports media industry? Advertise in the Sport & Story Daily to reach over 25,000 senior-level executives and professionals—and connect your job opportunity with the right audience.

Thanks for reading!

Sport & Story Daily is the sports industry’s daily resource for business news. In addition to serving up exclusive trends, Q&As, and columns, the newsletter connects readers to top platforms and stories from across the sports landscape.

Place your brand in front of the Sport & Story Daily audience and connect with the most influential people in sports.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here!

Feel free to read our Privacy Policy