NCAA Basketball fixer pleads guilty

NCAA Basketball fixer pleads guilty

March 11, 2025

Fixer in NCAA basketball point-shaving scheme pleads guilty
One of the fixers in a college basketball betting scheme has pleaded guilty. Jalen Smith appeared in federal court in Philadelphia and pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bribery charges, becoming the first of 26 people charged in the scheme to formally do so. Smith trained and developed local basketball players for professional scouting combines and used those connections with players when he became part of the scheme.
^ESPN

Wasserman changes name to The Team amid buyer search
L.A.-based sports marketing and talent representation giant Wasserman is changing its name to The Team. The branding shift comes after the agency’s founder and CEO, Casey Wasserman, is selling off an estimated 40% stake valued at approximately $2 billion. No structural changes are happening for now. Existing investor, Providence Equity Partners, seems most likely to buy the 40% stake.
^{Sports Business Journal}

NBA cancels Atlanta Hawks' Magic City event, citing 'significant concerns' about strip club promotion
The NBA is cancelling the Atlanta Hawks’ upcoming Magic City promotional night. Some planned elements of the night will remain in place. Pre-ordered merchandise will still be delivered. However, the Magic City-themed hoodie the team has promoted will not be on sale at the game. Atlanta-based rapper T.I. will still perform at halftime. Magic City is a well-known strip club in Atlanta. The first backlash of the event was from San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet.
^{CBS Sports}

PGA TOUR launches PGA TOUR Pass, free-to-join fan membership program
The PGA TOUR announced PGA TOUR Pass. It is a new fan membership program. The free-to-join initiative is available to fans online and on the app. It offers a wider range of exclusive benefits spanning digital platforms, tournaments, the TPC Network, retail and licensing partners, sponsors and more. At launch, members will have access to exclusive ticket offers and presale opportunities, member-only Signature sweepstakes and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, retail offers from top brands and the PGA TOUR and exclusive content and digital features.
^{PGA Tour}

NBA Explores Launching Streaming RSN Hub For 2026/27
The NBA could introduce a streaming hub for local broadcasts as soon as next season. Many of the clubs’ local broadcasts have been thrown into disarray because Main Street Sports Group is likely headed for insolvency. The Thunder, Spurs, Pistons, Cavaliers, Clippers, Heat, Timberwolves, Magic, Hornets, Hawks, Pacers, Grizzlies and Bucks would be the most likely candidates to be involved in the NBA’s new streaming hub.
^{Hoops Rumors}

Wembley fitted with 10,000 safe-standing seats
London’s Wembley Stadium has been fitted with 10,000 additional licensed standing seats ahead of upcoming football matches, starting with the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City on March 22. The seats were installed over the winter and are located on the east and west sections of the stadium on Level 5. Each seat has an independent waist-high rail, providing support and safety for fans wishing to stand in the licensed area.
^{The Stadium Business}

ESPN Vice President of News David Kraft will retire in April after 30-year career
David Kraft has been a key newsroom leader at ESPN for 30 years. He will retire from his post as Vice President of News in April. He was named to his current position in May of 2021. He previously was the senior director and executive editor of ESPN’s news operations since October 2015. Kraft currently leads ESPN’s Universal News Group. He has decided to retire to spend more time with family and enjoy a slower lifestyle.
^{ESPN Front Row}

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College Sports Commission's NIL clearinghouse strained by surge in school-linked deals
The surge of NIL agreements tied to school-affiliated entities is overwhelming the College Sports Commission, college sports’ new clearinghouse and driving longer review timelines. The spike coincided with the January transfer portal window when thousands of players moved between programs across college football. NIL agreements involving associated entities accounted for 63% of all NIL deals and 78% of their value in January and February.
^{CBS Sports}

Fred Hoiberg contract extension: Nebraska rewards coach after Huskers secure No. 2 seed in Big Ten Tournament
Nebraska has rewarded one of the best seasons in program history by extending coach Fred Hoiberg through the 2031-32 season. The Cornhuskers head into postseason with a 26-5 record, matching a new program high for the most wins in a season. Their 15 conference victories set a new school mark. The men secured the No. 2 seed in the Big Ten Tournament.
^{CBS Sports}

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