Kalshi’s FIFA World Cup Outcome
July 27, 2026
Kalshi hits the back of the net with $27 billion FIFA World Cup windfall
Prediction market startup Kalshi recorded $27 billion in trading volume and attracted 3 million users during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, roughly doubling its initial projections as Spain defeated Argentina in the final. Building on this momentum, the platform is expanding its event-contract offerings into new domains such as FDA regulatory reviews and clinical trials. However, Kalshi continues to face legal and regulatory friction, including a federal insider trading investigation and state court injunctions over gambling law violations.
Reuters
Venezia owner Leiweke buys minority stake in Bolton Wanderers
Venezia owner Tim Leiweke and his daughter Francesca Bodie have acquired a minority stake in English club Bolton Wanderers via their firm, Entrepreneur Equity Partners. The investment comes after the group was reportedly blocked from purchasing a 16 percent stake in Benfica due to the Portuguese club's resistance to joining a multi-club model. Having previously invested €100 million in Venezia, Leiweke aims to leverage his global sports management experience to strengthen Bolton as they continue their resurgence after nearly facing bankruptcy in 2019.
Yahoo Sports
Wasserman’s Buyout & The Allure of Athlete-Adjacent Media
Private equity firm Providence Equity Partners is finalizing a deal to buy out founder Casey Wasserman and acquire full control of his sports and talent agency, currently known as The Team. The transaction comes months after Wasserman agreed to sell the company and steps down following an Epstein-adjacent email scandal, granting him a substantial payout despite the controversy. With Providence already holding a 60 percent majority stake, the buyout concludes a monthslong auction for the agency as live events and athlete-adjacent media continue to gain valuation momentum across the entertainment industry.
Puck News
Disney doubles WNBA All-Star ad revenue for second consecutive year
Disney Advertising has more than doubled its advertising revenue for the WNBA All-Star Game for a second consecutive year, selling out available inventory earlier than it did in 2025. Driven by high demand and triple-digit scatter rate price increases, the event attracted over 20 advertisers across 13 new categories, illustrating a broader corporate pivot toward treating women's sports as a premium, long-term investment. Disney's extensive coverage spans ESPN, ABC, and Disney+, complemented by multi-platform programming in Chicago and the premiere of the ESPN Original docuseries Life in the W.
Sports Business Journal
Why The Green Bay Packers Will Miss The Playoffs In 2026
Following a historic late-season collapse in 2025, the Green Bay Packers are projected to miss the 2026 playoffs as head coach Matt LaFleur faces mounting scrutiny over the team's multi-year decline. The Packers enter the season further compromised by star pass-rusher Micah Parsons' expected absence through Week 7, a depleted roster after heavy offseason departures, and a chronic inability to close out late-game leads. Facing the NFL's third-toughest schedule alongside a strengthened NFC North division, Green Bay will likely struggle to remain competitive enough to secure a postseason spot.
Forbes
World Team Tennis sets out venues plan for relaunch
World Team Tennis is returning for its 47th season in December 2026 with city-based teams competing across major arenas in Brooklyn, Toronto, and Sunrise, Florida. To attract modern audiences, the revamped league will introduce a faster single-set match format alongside live entertainment, premium hospitality, and interactive fan activations. In a historic move for professional tennis, competing players are being offered equity in the league, with world No. 3 Jessica Pegula already signed as the first featured participant.
The Stadium Business
Why LeBron James, 76ers could become a perfect match
LeBron James has chosen to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers for his 24th NBA season, joining a star-studded core that includes Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey. The move provides Philadelphia with essential elite playmaking and championship experience while allowing the 41-year-old veteran to share scoring duties among dynamic teammates. By returning to the Eastern Conference, James positions himself to immediately contend for a fifth NBA title without having to shoulder the entire daily offensive burden alone.
NBA
Hawk-Eye Innovations. Ice Hockey Program Manager.
The Ice Hockey Program Manager oversees and aligns technology initiatives specifically for the Ice Hockey division. Operating as a bridge between hockey operations and Global Technology teams, this position handles program delivery, governance, and project workflows to ensure high-tech tracking and broadcast integrations are seamlessly delivered to key partners like the NHL. Apply Now.
Green Bay Packers. Event Sales and Service Coordinator.
This position supports and assists the Events Department. Duties include generating revenue, planning of events and delivering exceptional client service. Candidate to develop and execute strategic sales and marketing initiatives to drive business growth and elevate the event experience. Ideal candidate will excel in managing event software, coordinating event logistical details and providing support for various types of events. Strong client relationship-building skills, identifying new business opportunities and ensuring positive event execution is essential. Position entails some flexibility to working some nights, holidays, weekends and gamedays, as needed. Apply Now.
UFC. Email Marketing Manager.
This position reports to the Vice President of Brand Marketing & Fan Engagement and is responsible for designing, executing, and continuously optimizing UFC’s global email marketing strategy to drive fan engagement, revenue generation, and audience retention. The Email Marketing Manager oversees the development of campaign strategies, segmentation frameworks, and performance optimization plans across all business units. Apply Now.
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College basketball rosters now start at $10 million. And one league is spending 3 times that
High-major college basketball roster spending has surged dramatically, establishing a new $10 million baseline just to field a competitive, NCAA Tournament-caliber team. Driven by lucrative media rights revenue, the SEC leads all conferences with an estimated average roster budget of $18 million, with select top-tier programs reportedly approaching $30 million. Frontcourt players and point guards are commanding the highest individual payouts in the transfer market, prompting coaches to voice growing concern over runaway inflation and a lack of financial transparency.
The Athletic
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