Olympic Flag Football Participation
August 31, 2026
NFL, NFLPA Negotiating Terms for Olympic Flag Football Participation
The NFL and the NFL Players Association are actively negotiating the final terms to allow NFL players to compete in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Although NFL team owners unanimously passed a resolution supporting player participation, the two sides must still finalize details concerning medical care standards, field safety, salary-cap protections for injuries, and scheduling conflicts. Over 200 players—including high-profile quarterbacks Josh Allen and Joe Burrow—have expressed interest in competing in the tournament, which is set to take place in July 2028 at BMO Stadium.
Front Office Sports
Makar signs record 8-year, $163.2 million contract with Avalanche, worth $20.4M annually
The Colorado Avalanche signed star defenseman Cale Makar to a historic eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension featuring a league-record $20.4 million average annual value. Set to begin in the 2027–28 season and run through 2034–35, the deal makes Makar the highest-paid player in NHL history and the first to cross the $20 million annual salary threshold. The 27-year-old two-time Norris Trophy winner expressed excitement about remaining in Denver for the long term, while team management cemented their commitment to keeping their generational franchise cornerstone at the heart of their roster.
NHL
Chelsea announce new shirt sponsor
Chelsea Football Club has announced a new one-year front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Circle Internet Group to feature their dollar-backed digital stablecoin, USDC, across the men's, women's, and academy team kits. The agreement comes after the club began the season without a main shirt sponsor for the fourth consecutive year following the conclusion of their long-term deal with telecommunications company Three. Debuting in their upcoming Premier League fixture against Brighton, the deal provides Chelsea with vital commercial revenue while maintaining their focus on partnering with future-facing, innovation-driven organizations.
Yahoo Sports
Sports documentary creators adjust to changing landscape by adding live production, branded content capabilities
Driven by cooling platform demand and rising sports rights costs, production companies are pivoting away from multi-million-dollar "follow" documentaries to focus on tighter, lower-cost, or archival-driven projects. To adapt to these budget pullbacks, creators are diversifying their business models by expanding into live event production, branded content, unscripted shows, and podcasts. Despite the market shift, high demand remains for top-tier storytelling, leading studios to increasingly self-fund or partner on high-impact projects.
Sports Business Journal
State-of-the-art training facility for two major Oregon women’s sports teams opens in Hillsboro
The newly opened Kaiser Permanente Performance Center in Hillsboro, Oregon, serves as a state-of-the-art practice facility dedicated specifically to the Portland Thorns and the Portland Fire. Built by Raj Sports in partnership with Kaiser Permanente and Nike, the facility features customized locker rooms, soccer pitches, basketball courts, and family support spaces designed to meet the tailored needs of female athletes. Leaders and players view the center as a vital milestone that cements Oregon's position as a premier epicenter for women's professional sports.
OPB
Rays set for $2.3B stadium project as county, city OK financing plan
The Tampa Bay Rays secured final local government approval for a $2.3 billion ballpark project after Hillsborough County commissioners and the Tampa City Council voted to approve public funding shares of $796 million and $80 million, respectively. Scheduled to open in 2029 on the Hillsborough College campus near Raymond James Stadium, the development will feature a 31,000-seat stadium alongside a mixed-use entertainment district. The team has committed at least $1.3 billion toward the project, officially solidifying Major League Baseball's long-term future in Tampa Bay following years of venue uncertainty.
ESPN
NIKE, Inc. Announces Changes to Senior Leadership Team
NIKE, Inc. announced that Jane Ewing will join the company as Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, effective September 7, 2026. Reporting directly to President & CEO Elliott Hill, Ewing brings over two decades of global retail and leadership experience from previous executive roles at Walmart, Sam's Club China, and Diageo. In her new position, she will oversee Nike's global Marketplace organization—including Sales and Nike Direct—to help integrate physical and digital retail channels and accelerate international growth.
NIKE
Nashville Predators. Creative Services Project Manager.
The Creative Services Project Manager will manage projects from initial intake and briefing through creative development, approvals, production, installation, and final delivery. This individual will ensure projects are clearly scoped, appropriately prioritized, efficiently resourced, delivered on time and on budget, and aligned with Nashville Predators & Bridgestone Arena brand standards. Apply Now.
United Football League. Director, Design.
The Director, Design is a visionary, strategic and highly collaborative design leader who will shape the visual identity of the league and its eight teams across every major brand touchpoint. This is bigger than making things look great. It's about building a visual identity fans recognize instantly, partners are excited to be part of, and the broader sports industry takes notice of. Apply Now.
IRONMAN. Senior Tax Accountant.
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to assist with the preparation of the U.S. annual consolidated tax provision and corporate income tax returns, covering approximately 30 states, and to support various international tax filings. The role includes assisting with preparing quarterly estimated tax payments and coordinating payment requests. A solid understanding of accounting principles is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate is organized, eager to learn, and able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Apply Now.
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BYU's athletic department undergoes restructuring
BYU Athletics has restructured its administration by removing oversight of the football program from Athletic Director Brian Santiago and transferring it to Advancement Vice President Keith Vorkink. The organizational change comes following public frustration expressed by head coach Kalani Sitake regarding program resources, as well as media speculation surrounding Sitake's relationship with Santiago. University officials stated that the realignment is designed to increase administrative support and adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics while maintaining competitive excellence across all sports.
BYU Universe
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