NFL season opener viewership down
September 16, 2026
Season-opening Super Bowl rematch was a ratings bust
NBC's broadcast of the Week 1 NFL kickoff game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots averaged 25.1 million viewers, making it the network's lowest-rated season opener since 2022. Viewership dropped 11% compared to last year's season opener, influenced in part by an offensive struggle that featured a early hip injury to Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold and three fourth-quarter interceptions by Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Despite the decline, the broadcast peaked at 27.4 million viewers and marked the fourth consecutive year the kickoff game reached at least 25 million viewers.
USA Today
Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms
Sports programs across college athletics and professional leagues like the WNBA are investing millions of dollars into high-end, custom locker rooms to elevate athlete performance, recruiting, and retention. Modern designs feature extreme luxuries—such as zero-gravity recliners, private studio lockboxes, in-house barbershops, and custom antimicrobial storage—far surpassing standard-issue stalls of the past. Beyond mere comfort, these tailored facilities reflect a major shift toward intentional engineering, providing personalized spaces for collegiate programs and female pro athletes who historically lacked dedicated equipment and facilities.
Front Office Sports
NHL on TNT to Drop the Puck on 2026-27 Season with Opening Night Studio Show at Stateside Live! in Philadelphia
TNT Sports will launch its sixth season of coverage on Wednesday, September 30, with a live NHL on TNT Opening Night studio show originating from Stateside Live! in Philadelphia. Beginning at 6 p.m. ET, the pregame show featuring Liam McHugh, Wayne Gretzky, Henrik Lundqvist, Anson Carter, and Paul Bissonnette will deliver live interviews and analysis leading up to the season opener between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers. The broadcast forms part of a opening-night doubleheader that continues later in the evening with a matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and the Colorado Avalanche.
NHL
ESPN debuts new NHL season campaign
ESPN has launched its new NHL season promotional campaign, created alongside Arts & Letters, which debuted during a Monday Night Football broadcast. The creative spot highlights a blend of young stars—such as Macklin Celebrini, Jack Hughes, and Quinn Hughes—alongside established veterans Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin to engage younger and expanding fan demographics. Running in various durations across linear, digital, and social platforms, the campaign continues the network's established "That's Hockey" tagline while promoting its on-air talent and extensive out-of-market game coverage on the ESPN App.
Sports Business Journal
Royals select construction team for new ballpark
The Kansas City Royals have selected a construction team—consisting of Mortenson, McCownGordon, and JE Dunn—to build a planned $3 billion mixed-use development centered around a new 34,000-seat downtown stadium. Backed by at least $2 billion in private investment and $600 million in framework funding from the Kansas City Council, the project features a 30-year lease agreement to host team operations and games. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 with a target opening for the start of the 2030 MLB season, a year before the team's current lease at Kauffman Stadium expires.
Sports Business Journal
PGA Tour strengthens senior leadership team to support long-term growth, innovation
The PGA Tour has appointed Tyler Rutstein as Chief Marketing Officer, Mike Mahar as Chief Technology Officer, and John Fizer as Senior Vice President of Investor Relations to bolster its senior leadership team. These new executives bring extensive backgrounds from major organizations such as Under Armour, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and JPMorgan, each reporting to President of Enterprise Operations Andy Weitz. Their primary focus will be driving innovation, digital transformation, and growth across marketing, technology, and investor relations functions to serve fans and partners better.
PGA Tour
Macklemore says Patriots' Robert Kraft banned him from stadium over Palestine stance
Rapper Macklemore has been removed as an opening act from the remainder of Ed Sheeran's U.S. concert tour following pushback over pro-Palestinian comments he made onstage in New Jersey. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and other stadium officials issued Ultimatums declaring that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at their venues, citing concerns regarding antisemitic rhetoric. While Kraft emphasized that his decision aimed to combat hate speech rather than diminish Palestinian suffering, Macklemore maintained that his priority remains drawing attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
USA Today
Monumental Sports Network. Manager, Member Services.
The Manager, Membership Services is responsible for all revenue goals associated with an assigned account base of existing WNBA Washington Mystics season ticket members, focusing on customer service, renewals and retention, new business referrals, add-ons and upgrades. Apply Now.
Minnesota United. Director, Security Operations.
The Director, Security Operations leads all security operations across Allianz Field and related properties including business office space and training facility. This role oversees 24/7 security services, directs match day event security operations, and drives initiatives that enhance the safety, security, and experience for employees, players and guests. Apply Now.
Carolina Hurricanes. Retail Event Manager.
The Retail Event Manager is responsible for leading all retail operations during Carolina Hurricanes events, ensuring an exceptional fan shopping experience while maximizing sales, maintaining operational excellence, and developing a high-performing team. This position oversees game day staffing, store execution, and operational readiness for all events. The ideal candidate is an organized, energetic leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering outstanding customer service. Apply Now.
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NAACP President to make ‘SportsCenter’ appearance regarding Protect College Sports Act
NAACP President Derrick Johnson is scheduled to appear on ESPN’s SportsCenter to voice opposition to the Protect College Sports Act. His interview follows public criticism over ESPN airing a College GameDay segment with Sen. Ted Cruz, who co-sponsored and spoke in favor of the legislation. Although ESPN initially considered hosting Johnson on GameDay, executives moved the interview to SportsCenter so his dissenting perspective could air before the bill faces a vote in the U.S. Senate.
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