Mark Cuban, Rashaun Williams Firm buys stake in A’s
July 28, 2026
Mark Cuban, Rashaun Williams Firm Buys Stake in A’s
Harbinger Sports Partners, a private-equity firm led by Mark Cuban, Rashaun Williams, Jonathan Mariner, and Steve Cannon, has acquired a minority stake in the Oakland Athletics as its debut investment. While financial terms were undisclosed, the team is currently valued at around $2 billion and is preparing for a full-time move to a new stadium in Las Vegas by 2028. Harbinger leaders expressed confidence in the market's demand and cited Major League Baseball’s long-term growth potential as key drivers for the deal.
Front Office Sports
Barbie® Celebrates Basketball Superstar Angel Reese with a Barbie Signature Doll and Matching Reebok Angel Reese 1 Basketball Shoes
Mattel has unveiled a new Barbie Signature doll modeled after basketball superstar Angel Reese to honor her impact across sports, business, and culture. The doll debuts alongside a matching Barbie-pink colorway of the Reebok Angel Reese 1 basketball shoes, which will be available in both adult and kids' sizes. Unveiled during All-Star Weekend at the TOGETHXR House fan experience, the collaboration aims to empower young girls and celebrate confidence and ambition.
Matel
MLS eyes $400 million TV deal amid crowded soccer landscape
Major League Soccer is targeting annual media rights fees between $400 million and $500 million when its exclusive agreement with Apple expires after the 2029 season. However, the league faces significant competition for American viewers from established international leagues like England's Premier League as well as emerging domestic rivals like the USL. With limited viewership transparency from Apple and strong international fan loyalty, MLS still has much to prove to justify its ambitious broadcast payout.
Awful Announcing
Malaysia steps in to host F1’s Bahrain Grand Prix
Formula 1 has announced that Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit will host a race from October 2–4, 2026, branded as the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The event serves as a replacement after the original April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were postponed due to conflict in the Middle East. Slotting in between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, the return to Sepang marks F1's first race at the iconic track since 2017.
The Stadium Business
Savannah Bananas Take Over Wrigley Field With 3 Sold-out Games Phoenix Mercury
The Savannah Bananas exhibition baseball team is heading to Chicago's historic Wrigley Field for a series of games this weekend. During their visit, the team will play three completely sold-out games against their opponents, the Firefighters. The takeover is popular. The fan-favorite team continues to draw massive crowds.
AmeliCa
FIFA's Infantino Aims at World Cup Critics for 'Spreading Hate'
FIFA President Gianni Infantino dismissed widespread criticism of the World Cup as "hate and false rumors" in an Instagram post, calling the tournament an unparalleled success with 7 million attendees and zero safety incidents. Despite his positive portrayal, Infantino faced intense scrutiny, resignation calls, and backlash over issues such as high ticket prices, controversial referee decisions, and political interference. The stark contrast between FIFA's official narrative of joy and the reality of external criticism highlights the lingering tension surrounding the organization's handling of the event.
Ground News
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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Stanford football players join push for collective bargaining
Stanford football players have formed a campus chapter of the College Football Players Association, becoming the first team to partner with the organization in a step toward establishing collective bargaining rights. Although the athletes are not currently petitioning for formal union status or employee classification, chapter leaders hope to build support across their conference to eventually negotiate safety standards, schedules, and compensation. The initiative highlights a growing push among college athletes to secure direct representation in shaping their sport's future, offering a player-driven alternative to proposed federal legislation.
ESPN
UNC football GM Michael Lombardi placed on paid administrative leave
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has placed football general manager Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave, effective immediately. School officials have not disclosed the cause for the decision, citing standard procedures regarding personnel matters. The move comes just ahead of the team opening its second fall practice under head coach Bill Belichick, who was expected to address the media following practice.
WRAL News
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