Sport & Story Daily July 3, 2024

Stay Ahead of the Game

July 3, 2024

Good morning! Eyes Still on Women’s Sports 👀

Fever, Sky Pushing WNBA Resale Ticket Prices Upward
Logitix, a ticketing platform, published a report that monitors multiple secondary ticket exchanges for WNBA games. Among its findings is that the average resale ticket price, without ticketing fees, has grown to $87.75 through the first half of the 2024 season, up from $50.10 during the 2023 season. As Jason Clinkscales writes, “While there’s no question that the arrival of Caitlin Clark has led to the jump, the average resale price for games not involving her Indiana Fever still trends upward to $61.36 per ticket.”
^{Sportico via Yahoo! Sports}

Caitlin Clark-Diana Taurasi Matchup Becomes Second Most-Watched WNBA Game on ESPN
As The Athletic’s Richard Deitsch writes, “The Rookie versus The GOAT produced some viewership magic for the WNBA.

“Last week’s much-anticipated meeting between Caitlin Clark and Diana Taurasi turned out to be a big ratings winner. The Indiana Fever’s 88-82 win over the Phoenix Mercury on June 30 averaged 1.9 million viewers, the second most-watched WNBA game in the history of ESPN only behind the Fever against the Chicago Sky on June 23 (which averaged 2.302 million viewers on ESPN and was the most-watched WNBA game in 23 years).”
_{The Athletic}

❤️ 🤍 💙 We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to let you know that there will be no Sport & Story Daily on July 4 or July 5, so please be safe and enjoy your Independence Day celebrations! We will have your S & S back and full of great info for you on Monday, July 8.🇺🇸

Celtics Sale Price Will Come Down to Brand Vs. Business
Kurt Badenhausen of Sportico writes, “Boston Celtics have hit the market in a sale announcement that shocked the sports world on Monday. If a deal is completed, it will certainly top the record for the richest price ever paid for an NBA team (Phoenix Suns, $4 billion) and could set a mark across all sports (Washington Commanders, $6.05 billion).”

And then, SBJ is reporting that Celtics co-Chair Steve Pagliuca has made it clear that he would like to take over majority ownership of the team after Wyc Grousbeck sells his stake. Celtics fans “would be wise to pray that Pagliuca steps up to take over,” according to Steve Buckley of THE ATHLETIC.
^{Sportico and The Athletic via SBJ}

NBA and NHL Free Agency: Billions in New Deals Despite Economic Unrest
As FOS’ Eric Fisher writes, “The first day of 2024’s free agency in the NHL on Monday was marked by $1.2 billion in total salary commitments, according to salary cap website CapFriendly. The figure is a one-day league record, and the NHL’s first 24-hour period with at least $1 billion in player spending. 

“The NBA, meanwhile, has seen $3.1 billion in total salary commitments since free agency began June 30, according to Spotrac. That total—already more than half of the $5.7 billion in NBA total offseason spending a year ago—includes $2.1 billion in free agency pacts and $1 billion more in contract extensions.”
^{Front Office Sports}

Florida Panthers Move to Scripps For Local TV
Per SBJ, the Florida Panthers are taking their local telecasts over the air with Scripps Sports after agreeing with Diamond Sports Group to terminate their deal that has seen games air on the Bally Sports Florida regional sports network. The Panthers and Scripps will be 50-50 partners on a direct-to-consumer streaming service, including live games and ancillary content.
^{Sports Business Journal}

Jimmy Pitaro Reflects on Strong Start for 2024, Plans in Back Half of Year for Venu, ESPN Bet
“We provide so many options for talent,” said ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. “We are a sprawling enterprise here, and I have to believe that is very, very attractive to talent. Our brand is very important in the sports industry, and our research shows that our brand continues to improve, especially with younger people.”
^{Sports Business Journal}

Utah State is Firing Football Coach Blake Anderson, 2 Other Staffers After Title IX Review
Utah State announced Tuesday it’s firing football coach Blake Anderson after an external review of allegations that he hadn’t complied with Title IX policies regarding the reporting of sexual misconduct cases. Nate Dreiling, who had been Utah State’s defensive coordinator and defensive ends coach, will be Utah State’s interim coach during the upcoming season.

Utah State also said associate vice president/deputy athletic director of external affairs Jerry Bovee and football director of player development and community Austin Albrecht were fired “for violations of university policies related to the reporting of sexual and domestic violence and failures of professional responsibilities.”
^{AP News}

Calls for Berhalter to Step Down From USMNT Are Growing. Here Are Possible Candidates to Replace Him
Jürgen Klopp, Thierry Henry and Marcelo Bielsa are among those being speculated about as candidates to take over from Gregg Berhalter as U.S. coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Jesse Marsch, Hugo Pérez and Pellegrino Matarazzo could be considered if Berhalter is fired or quits. Among high-level European club coaches, Massimiliano Allegri and Mauricio Pochettino also are available.

Berhalter remained as coach Tuesday, a day after the U.S. was eliminated from the Copa America in the first round with a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay. He has a contract through the 2026 tournament, but has lost the support of a significant portion of the fan base.
^{AP News}

AAC Commissioner Tim Pernetti Plans 'To Break Some Glass' in New Era of College Sports
New AAC Commissioner Tim Pernetti is “open to fresh ways to drive revenue” as he outlines his “vision for a conference that is willing to make waves to keep pace in an evolving era for college sports,” according to Greg Luca of the SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS via SBJ. Pernetti said, “Collegiate athletics has changed. It’s not what it was 10 years ago. People have to think differently about the industry in order to try to create more resources, so the institutions can deliver on a great experience.” He said that he is open to a number of revenue-driving options—such as a “leaguewide jersey patch” for all teams across all sports, “perhaps as an NIL engagement.”
^{Sports Business Journal}

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