NBA Dynasties Thing of the Past

The New York Times’ headline: “The N.B.A.’s Age of Dynasties Is Over. Will That Hurt Its Business?”

May 28, 2025

The N.B.A.’s Age of Dynasties Is Over. Will That Hurt Its Business?
The New York Times’ Tania Ganguli writes, “The best teams may have players who are less familiar to casual fans, since viewers aren’t seeing the same players on the biggest stages year after year. When the Warriors and Cavaliers played each other in the finals, the games averaged nearly 20 million viewers. Last year’s finals averaged 11.3 million. This year’s winner will be the seventh new champion in the past seven years.”
^{The New York Times}

Haliburton, Clark Push Parent Company to New Financial Heights
Sportico’s Eric Jackson writes, “A notable season-ticket holder was seated courtside during the Indiana Fever’s last home game. It was Indiana Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has become a regular at Fever games where he watches his friend and colleague Caitlin Clark shine on the same floor where he makes his coin.

“A day later, the WNBA sister team returned the favor as Aliyah Boston, Makayla Timpson and other Fever players attended the Pacers-Knicks playoff matchup on Sunday night. The back-and-forth cheer-a-thon is the latest example of the organic support system between the pro basketball teams, which play at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and operate under parent company Pacers Sports & Entertainment.”
^Sportico

Fox Draws Best Indy 500 Since ’08 in Debut
Fox drew 7.05 million viewers for its debut Indianapolis 500 on Sunday afternoon, per fast-national data, marking what will be the race’s best audience since 7.25 million in 2008. This year also is up 33% from 5.31 million last year on NBC. There was a short weather delay this year, and a four-hour delay last year. The race peaked from 4:15-4:30pm ET at 8.4 million viewers as Alex Palou was getting set to capture his first Indy 500.
^{Sports Business Journal}

Aramark Wins A’s Las Vegas Ballpark Concessions
SBJ’s Bret McCormick writes, “The win didn’t come cheaply for the Philadelphia-based, publicly traded concessionaire. As part of a 20-year deal, Aramark’s total outlay is at least $175M, sources said, with others indicating it could be more. The $175M includes an equity investment into the team of at least $100M and a capex investment commitment of at least $75M. The deal hasn’t been finalized yet, and neither the A’s nor Aramark could comment.”
^{Sports Business Journal}

Report: WNBA Signs TV Data Reporting Deal With Nielsen
Nielsen has “struck a new multiyear deal with the WNBA alongside the NBA to measure its television viewership across traditional TV and streaming,” according to a source cited by Sara Fischer of AXIOS via SBJ. It is the “largest commercial measurement deal that Nielsen has ever struck with a women’s sports league.” Nielsen has an existing deal with the LPGA, but the WNBA agreement “marks a significant milestone in the advancement of women’s sports rights.”
^{AXIOS via Sports Business Journal}

PepsiCo Inks Multi-Brand Deal With F1 Through 2030
PepsiCo is becoming the latest American consumer-facing company to make a splash in F1, with a new arrangement that involves several brands and pouring and snack-distribution rights to most grand prix events around the world. The agreement between Formula One Management and the beverage giant was announced during overnight hours in the U.S. this morning, and it will result in Gatorade, Doritos and Sting Energy drinks all becoming sponsors in F1 with plans for everything from digital content to on-package retail promotions.
^{Sports Business Journal}

Relevent Unveils Leadership of New UEFA Business
Relevent Sports has launched its new subsidiary called Relevent Football Partners to manage the global commercial rights for all UEFA men’s club competitions from 2027-2033 after winning the opportunity in an open tender process in March. Relevent CEO Daniel Sillman will serve as Exec Chair of the new company, and Relevent President & Partner Boris Gartner will serve as CEO.
^{Sports Business Journal}

Havens Stepping Down as Mets’ President of Business Ops
Mets owner Steve Cohen cited the two having “differing perspectives on long-term strategy,” as part of a statement on the move. Havens had been in the role since 2023.

The franchise has been revamping its front office, with Andy Goldberg (chief marketing officer), Katie Pothier (chief legal officer), Nancy Elder (chief communications officer), and Peter Woll (senior vice president of finance) leaving the organization in recent months.
^{Sports Business Journal}

Blashill and the Blackhawks Think He is Ready for a Second Opportunity as an NHL Head Coach
AP News’ Jay Cohen writes, “Jeff Blashill was 41 when he replaced Mike Babcock with the Detroit Red Wings in 2015. A decade later, long after he was dumped by the Red Wings, he has a second chance to prove himself as a head coach in the NHL.

“Blashill was introduced Tuesday as the 42nd coach in franchise history, taking over a Blackhawks team looking to transition out of a painful rebuilding project. He brings along extensive experience at multiple levels, from the college ranks to his time with Detroit and the past three seasons as an assistant to Jon Cooper with the Tampa Bay Lightning.”
^{AP News}

Cristiano Ronaldo Hints $550M Saudi Arabia Tenure Is Over
Sportico’s Kurt Badenhausen writes, “Cristiano Ronaldo notched his 25th goal Sunday in the season finale for Al-Nassr. It clinched the Golden Boot award for the second straight year in the Saudi Pro League, and the seventh time overall he has been the top goal scorer in a league.

“It might also mark his final appearance in Saudi Arabia, based on a post on his social media accounts that count 940 million followers combined…”
^Sportico

Where Do the Mystics Fit in a Rapidly Evolving WNBA?
FOS’ Annie Costabile writes, “One change that has hit the WNBA nearly overnight is the ability for teams to sell out large NBA-sized arenas, after the arrival of Caitlin Clark supercharged the league last year. The Mystics play in tiny CareFirst Arena with a capacity of under 5,000, and are tied to a lease there through 2037. The team occasionally plays at Capital One Arena, home to the Capitals and Wizards, drawing more than 20,000 fans.

“[Mystics owner Ted] Leonsis said he wants Capital One Arena to be available to the Mystics, but he isn’t ready to fully commit to moving his WNBA team.”
^{Front Office Sports}

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SEC Making Alternative Plans to Keep Key Rivalries in an 8-Game Schedule
The Athletic’s Seth Emerson writes, “The assumption has long been that several key rivalries — such as Auburn-Georgia, Alabama-Tennessee and Texas-Texas A&M — were doomed as annual games if the SEC stuck with an eight-game schedule. There may be another option, as it turns out. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said Tuesday the conference could make an effort to preserve certain games if it sticks with an eight-game schedule.”
^{The Athletic}

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