NHL looking at second Texas franchise
September 10, 2026
NHL Readies Sun Belt Expansion, but Georgia Isn’t Done Deal
The NHL is targeting the 2029–30 season for a second Texas franchise, having reached a formal agreement with billionaire Dan Friedkin to explore expanding to Houston or Austin. However, the league has pushed back on rumors regarding a 34th franchise in Georgia, clarifying that no formal application has been submitted by any metro Atlanta entity despite interest from local development groups. While metro Phoenix also remains under consideration, Texas negotiations take priority, illustrating the league's cautious approach to further Sun Belt expansion.
Front Office Sports
LIV Golf files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
LIV Golf has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New Jersey as it faces an impending funding cliff with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund pulling its financial backing at the end of the 2026 season. Under a proposed restructuring agreement with BC Partner Advisors LP, the upstart league plans to transition to a player-majority ownership model while utilizing $49.6 million in interim bankruptcy financing from PIF to maintain operations. Following its court-approved exit from bankruptcy, LIV aims to secure long-term capital from BC Partners Credit and minority stakeholders to establish a sustainable, player-first structure within global golf.
CNBC
ESPN expands Women’s Sports Sundays franchise into Fall 2026, anchored by college volleyball and NWSL
ESPN is extending its "Women's Sports Sundays" franchise into Fall 2026, offering 11 consecutive weeks of live programming beginning September 13 on ESPN and the ESPN App. The expanded schedule will be anchored by 10 college volleyball matchups and five NWSL matches, alongside coverage of the WNBA Playoffs, MVPW boxing, WTGL, and women's college basketball. Building on the strong audience growth from its inaugural summer launch, this expansion aims to create a broader year-round destination for women's sports fans across ESPN platforms.
ESPN
ESPN, ION to Broadcast TMRW Sports’ New Indoor WTGL League
ESPN and ION have signed broadcast deals to cover TMRW Sports’ new indoor golf league, the WTGL, ahead of its November 8 debut at Florida’s SoFi Center. Featuring five five-player teams competing in a round-robin format, the league features high-profile talent like world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul, Charley Hull, and Michelle Wie West. Coverage will air across ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2, while ION incorporates the venture into its expanding women's sports lineup alongside the WNBA, NWSL, PWHL, and MLV.
Just Women’s Sports
Ten years of Rogers Place marked with naming rights extension
OEG Sports & Entertainment has agreed to a 10-year naming rights extension with Rogers Communications to keep the home arena of the Edmonton Oilers named Rogers Place through 2036. Coinciding with the venue's 10th anniversary, the expanded agreement includes enhanced arena branding, advertising placements, and in-game sponsorship applications. To celebrate the milestone, Rogers is distributing more than 1,500 Oilers tickets to customers throughout the upcoming season, starting with 300 tickets for the home opener against the Vancouver Canucks.
The Stadium Business
French Alps 2030 Winter Games boss set to leave amid governance turmoil, source says
Edgar Grospiron, president of the organising committee for the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, is set to step down just 18 months after his appointment following severe governance disputes. Key stakeholders, including the French government and national Olympic committees, informed the International Olympic Committee that trust with Grospiron had been broken after tense disagreements over executive appointments and staff exits. His expected departure comes amid broader logistical hurdles for the Games, including the recent decision to relocate most ice sports events from Nice to Lyon.
Reuters
The Sports Facilities Company. General Manager.
As the General Manager for the Portland Sports Complex, you will lead day-to-day operations and business strategy by overseeing tournament bookings, food and beverage, and site administrative control processes. Your primary focus includes direct financial management, annual budget creation, and performance reporting to ensure maximum productivity and investment return. Additionally, you will direct human resources, appoint key department heads, and serve as the main liaison between corporate leadership, shareholders, and regional community stakeholders. Apply Now.
Dallas Cowboys. Senior Cinematographer/Editor.
Leads high-level cinematography and editing efforts across all Creative Video projects, ensuring technical excellence and creative innovation. Serves as a mentor to junior team members while managing multiple projects and verticals within the department. Apply Now.
New Jersey Devils. Manager, Photography.
The Manager of Photography serves as the lead photographer for the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center, overseeing photography production, visual direction and asset workflows across both brands. The ideal candidate combines exceptional technical photography skills with a sophisticated editorial and brand eye. This individual must thrive in fast-paced live environments, make strong decisions under tight deadlines and collaborate effectively across departments. Apply Now.
Looking to fill an open position with top talent in the sports media industry? Advertise in the Sport & Story Daily to reach over 25,000 senior-level executives and professionals—and connect your job opportunity with the right audience.
LSU roster finalized: Lane Kiffin doesn't add ex-NFL players Dae'Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris to team
LSU finalized its 105-man roster for the 2026 season by filling its final two spots with cornerback Aidan Anding and defensive end Gabriel Reliford, officially omitting former NFL players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris. The decision follows intense friction with the SEC, which filed a lawsuit against LSU and head coach Lane Kiffin while threatening conference expulsion if the program defied SEC rules prohibiting former professional athletes. Kiffin ultimately chose to comply with the league's restrictions, citing the long-term uncertainties and best interests of the university despite a Louisiana judge granting a preliminary injunction that would have allowed the players to suit up.
CBS Sports
Thanks for reading!
Sport & Story Daily is the sports industry’s daily resource for business news. In addition to serving up exclusive trends, Q&As, and columns, the newsletter connects readers to top platforms and stories from across the sports landscape.
Place your brand in front of the Sport & Story Daily audience and connect with the most influential people in sports.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here!
Feel free to read our Privacy Policy