MLB Preparing for Lockout
October 9, 2026
MLB sends memo to owners, executives outlining how they should act, operate during looming lockout
Major League Baseball sent a 34-page memo to team owners and executives outlining operational guidelines in preparation for a likely lockout following the expiration of the collective-bargaining agreement on December 1. The document prohibits teams from discussing business with players, which includes restrictions on holiday cards, restrictions on business conversations at social events like weddings, and instructions to remove player photos and names from league websites. Additionally, the memo provides messaging guidelines for executives to reassure season-ticket holders about refunds while emphasizing MLB's stated goal of reaching a deal before games are impacted.
Yahoo Sports
AEG signs tech, sponsorship deal with Fundamental
AEG has signed a technology and sponsorship deal with AI firm Fundamental to utilize its flagship large tabular model, Nexus, for generating predictive insights across ticketing, marketing, and partnerships. In return, Fundamental will gain brand visibility across AEG's assets, including sponsorship of the L.A. Galaxy, the L.A. Galaxy Golf Tournament, L.A. Live, and the Coachella Valley Invitational. The partnership marks Fundamental's first commercial contract with a sports and entertainment organization following its $255 million funding launch earlier in the year.
Sports Business Journal
Apple and Dolby Bringing Dolby Atmos to Live Formula 1 Coverage
Apple is partnering with Dolby Laboratories to bring Dolby Atmos spatial audio and Dolby Vision to its live Formula 1 coverage on Apple TV. The enhanced immersive audio technology will debut with the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, before expanding across future race broadcasts on supported Apple devices and compatible home theater systems. This integration is part of Apple's broader strategy to elevate the viewing experience for sports fans following its multi-year deal to stream F1 races.
The Hollywood Reporter
WNBA Playoffs Deliver Most-Watched First Round Ever
The first round of the 2026 WNBA playoffs set a new viewership record, averaging 1.3 million viewers across ESPN, Prime Video, and USA Network—a 37% increase over the previous year. A decisive Game 3 matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever led the opening round in ratings, drawing 2.3 million viewers. This surge in audience engagement marks a strong start for the league's inaugural postseason under its new multi-partner media rights deal valued at over $3 billion.
Front Office Sports
A new nine-figure Churchill Downs renovation will create more of its most popular premium product
Churchill Downs Incorporated is launching ticket sales for a $300 million renovation project called Victory Run, designed to expand its high-demand luxury track-view dining options. Designed by Populous, the four-story construction replaces 6,400 uncovered seats with 7,800 covered seats while adding trackside garden suites, box seating, and premium dining rooms like the Legacy Club and Crown Jewel Club. Additionally, the project optimizes the infield space by removing a water-collecting swale to add approximately 40 upgraded cabanas with private amenities.
Sports Business Journal
Lionel Messi scores in tearful 'last tango' for Argentina
Lionel Messi played his 208th and final international match for Argentina in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin in Buenos Aires, finishing his 21-year international career with a 126th goal alongside two assists. The emotional farewell at the sold-out Estadio Monumental featured tearful speeches, standing ovations, and a post-match drone show celebrating his historic career, including two Copa América titles and a World Cup trophy. Following his retirement from national team duty, the 39-year-old icon will focus exclusively on continuing his club career with Inter Miami.
ESPN
CBS Sports Chief David Berson To Expand Portfolio As TNT Sports Chief Luis Silberwasser Exits
CBS Sports president David Berson will expand his executive role to oversee sports operations across Skydance following the completion of the $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The portfolio expansion coincides with the departure of TNT Sports chief Luis Silberwasser, who supported the transition in a memo to staff after leading the division through major broadcast rights changes. Under the new corporate alignment, Berson will manage a unified sports enterprise that combines CBS Sports' broadcast properties with TNT Sports' NHL and Major League Baseball coverage.
Deadline
Swish Analytics. Analytics Engineer.
The Suspensions team is responsible for the framework, monitoring, and analysis behind how markets are suspended and resumed — from the moment a market opens pregame through live gameplay to close. A few examples of what the team owns: real-time event processing that triggers suspensions off live game state, monitoring and alerting on suspension/resumption latency and failures, tooling that reconstructs and audits what happened during a specific suspension event, and rate/downtime metrics that describe how well suspension coverage is performing across sports and markets. The team works directly in Python and Rust across this stack, and partners closely with data science, trading, and engineering teams whose systems intersect with suspension logic. Apply Now.
Legends Global. Ice Operations Manager.
You are responsible for leading the installation, resurfacing, and ongoing maintenance of the ice sheet, including operating specialized equipment like Zambonis and reverse osmosis systems. You will supervise, train, and direct conversion and maintenance staff while overseeing inventory, ordering supplies, and managing blade sharpening schedules. Additionally, the role involves supporting general facility operations, monitoring environmental automation systems, and handling arena conversions for non-ice events. Apply Now.
PGA of America Corporate. Senior Accountant.
Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities for assigned PGA Section offices while overseeing account reconciliations, journal entries, and fixed asset tracking. You will act as a primary financial advisor to Section Executive Directors by reviewing financial statements, explaining budget variances, and supporting annual operating budget preparations. Additionally, the role involves coordinating with accounts payable and receivable, training Section staff on financial tools, and leading special projects or onboarding initiatives to drive operational efficiency. Apply Now.
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Former Michigan football players get another shot at $50M NIL lawsuit
Former University of Michigan football players including Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards are seeking to revive a $50 million class-action lawsuit against the NCAA, the Big Ten Conference, and the Big Ten Network for uncompensated use of their name, image, and likeness. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals accepted their appeal following a lower court's dismissal of the case last year over statute-of-limitations concerns. The legal action covers former athletes who played between 1969 and 2015 and aims to secure financial justice for historical revenues generated from jersey sales and game rebroadcasts.
Yahoo Sports
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