LeBron James’ 76ers jersey breaks Fanatics record
July 31, 2026
LeBron James' 76ers jersey breaks all-time Fanatics sales record for player joining new team across all sports
Following his announcement to join the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year contract, LeBron James' new jersey set an all-time Fanatics sales record for a player joining a new team across all sports within its first 48 hours. Merchandise sales for James surpassed the previous record set by Shohei Ohtani's move to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023, with James-branded gear capturing eight of the top ten selling products on Fanatics network sites. Taking a significant pay discount to chase another title in his 24th season, James aims to lead a stacked 76ers roster alongside Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown for the upcoming season.
FOX Business
Marquee matchups set for $1M women's volleyball exhibition
Organizers of the Spikes Under the Lights exhibition announced that Nebraska will face Florida and Penn State will take on SMU on August 27 at AT&T Stadium. The event will feature the two opening matches followed by a final, utilizing a best-of-three set format designed to fit a three-hour broadcast window. Each participating program will earn a $200,000 appearance fee alongside a portion of $200,000 in additional prize money to distribute among its players.
ESPN
Jameson Irish Whiskey Scores NFL Spirits Sponsorship Deal
Jameson Irish Whiskey has signed a multiyear deal worth an estimated $20 million annually to become the official spirits sponsor of the National Football League. The global partnership grants Jameson exclusive marketing rights at major events like the Super Bowl Experience and NFL Draft, as well as sponsorship rights for select international games. Parent company Pernod Ricard selected Jameson for its broad appeal as the spirits industry seeks growth opportunities amidst broader sales declines.
Forbes
Quiet, please: Announcer-free stream to debut during Rocket Classic on PGA TOUR LIVE, ESPN+
PGA TOUR Studios is piloting a new announcer-free stream called "Marquee Group: Quiet Please" on ESPN+ during all four rounds of the Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club. The coverage focuses on player-caddie conversations, crowd reactions, and natural course audio, using visual graphics and real-time statistics instead of traditional commentary. Part of the PGA TOUR’s Fan Forward Initiative, this project aims to offer deeper insights and may become a regular feature in 2027 based on fan feedback.
PGA Tour
The Women’s Lacrosse League is preparing to make history in the Philly area. To Mayor Parker, ‘it’s about opening doors.’
The Women’s Lacrosse League is set to host its inaugural championship on August 15 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker celebrated the upcoming milestone event, highlighting its significance for opening new opportunities and doors in the region. The league features strong local connections, boasting 18 players and two coaches with ties to the Philadelphia area.
Inquirer
Ukraine appeal IOC decision to reinstate Russia
Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the International Olympic Committee's decision to provisionally reinstate Russia. The IOC's ruling cleared the way for Russian athletes to potentially compete under their national flag at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Ukrainian officials argue that lifting the suspension is premature and violates the Olympic Charter, as the underlying territorial violations by the Russian Olympic Committee remain unresolved.
BBC
Macklin Celebrini Contract Extension Sets New NHL Salary High-Water Mark
The San Jose Sharks signed star center Macklin Celebrini to a record-setting five-year, $94 million contract extension, making his $18.8 million average annual value the highest in NHL history. Entering the final year of his entry-level contract after a stellar 115-point season, the 20-year-old centerpiece of San Jose's rebuild is now locked with the team through the 2031–32 campaign. A rising salary cap has enabled the Sharks to commit heavily to Celebrini, whose deal surpasses recent major extensions for young stars like Leo Carlsson and Connor Bedard.
Front Office Sports
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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Renovation of The Swamp puts microscope on college sports facilities’ past-versus-future tension
The University of Florida has proposed a $1.45 billion renovation of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, better known as "The Swamp," making it the most expensive stadium project in college football history. The multi-year project aims to address $500 million in deferred maintenance and accessibility upgrades while introducing modern amenities like wider concourses and on-site hot cooking. By adding a two-story premium seating structure atop the bowl, Florida plans to nearly double its annual venue revenue to $145 million while preserving the stadium's historic character and 88,548-seat capacity.
Sports Business Journal
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