Record-setting Deal with Nike and Miami

Record-setting Deal with Nike and Miami

September 18, 2026

Miami athletics returns to Nike in record-setting deal
Miami athletics has agreed to a record-setting 10-year, $200 million apparel contract to return to Nike, ending a decade-long partnership with Adidas when its current deal expires next July. Leveraged by a national championship appearance and recent high-value collegiate apparel deals, Miami secured an offer that Adidas was ultimately unwilling to match. The agreement reunites the Hurricanes with the brand that outfitted them during multiple national titles and makes Miami the second-highest collegiate investment in Nike's portfolio.
^{The Miami Hurricane}

Chelsea: Clearlake takes control, Boehly steps down as chairman
Clearlake Capital has acquired the Chelsea FC stakes previously held by Todd Boehly and Mark Walter, granting the private equity firm full control of the club. As part of this ownership transition, Boehly is stepping down from his role as chairman, though investor Hansjörg Wyss will remain a key shareholder. Despite the leadership change, Chelsea confirmed that its daily operations, overall strategy, and planned investments in club infrastructure will proceed without disruption.
^{Benin Web TV}

Atlanta Braves investor calls on publicly traded team to sell amid looming MLB lockout
Breach Inlet Capital Management, a longtime shareholder in Atlanta Braves Holdings, has written a letter urging the team’s board of directors to seek a sale to private investors. The firm highlights high sports franchise valuations and risks surrounding an impending MLB lockout, which could threaten baseball's brand and lower future team values. Furthermore, upcoming tax law changes restricting executive and player salary deductions for publicly traded corporations could result in an annual $20 million tax liability, placing the Braves at a financial disadvantage against privately owned rivals.
^{ABC News 4}

REPORT: ESPN is Giving Joe Buck a $100 Million Contract Extension
Hall of Fame broadcaster Joe Buck has reportedly agreed to a six-year, $108 million contract extension with ESPN that will keep him calling Monday Night Football into the 2030s. Since joining the network alongside Troy Aikman in 2022, Buck has successfully revitalized the flagship broadcast and expanded his Disney presence into other non-sports programming. The deal also positions him to anchor upcoming Super Bowl coverage in 2027 and 2031, with potential opportunities to return to Major League Baseball play-by-play if ESPN acquires World Series broadcasting rights in the future.
^{Bleacher Nation}

Commanders unveil first look at new stadium seating bowl
The Washington Commanders and design firm HKS have unveiled the first renderings of their new stadium's seating bowl, which is inspired by the iconic RFK Stadium. Designed as a single, continuous sweep without stacked premium levels or heavy overhangs, the architecture aims to maximize crowd energy, optimize sightlines, and create one of the loudest home environments in the NFL. Key features of the design include an elevated lower bowl to bring spectators closer to the field, a dedicated "Wall of Fans" section for passionate supporters, and an interconnected system of digital videoboards.
^Commanders

Jaguars offer experiential insight into ‘Stadium of the Future’
The Jacksonville Jaguars have opened a Stadium of the Future Sales Center to allow season ticket holders to preview and purchase seating and hospitality options for 2028 and beyond. Developed by design and technology company Advent, the center features an "Immersive Cube" with a 180-degree LED environment that offers fans a digital preview of the upgraded stadium. The $1.4 billion redevelopment will transform EverBank Stadium into a flexible venue with a base capacity of 62,000, capable of expanding to over 71,500 for major events and concerts.
^{The Stadium Business}

Mike Priest to retire as president of Columbus Blue Jackets
Mike Priest has announced his retirement as president and alternate governor of the Columbus Blue Jackets, effective September 30 after 30 years with the franchise's holding company, JMAC, Inc. John H. McConnell II, who is expected to eventually become the team's majority owner, will step into the role of president for both JMAC, Inc. and the Blue Jackets while Priest remains in an advisory capacity through the end of the calendar year. This executive transition coincides with ongoing team contract negotiations, notably as top young center Adam Fantilli remains unsigned ahead of training camp.
^{The Columbus Dispatch}

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UCLA Athletics Announces Free Student Tickets for Football, Men’s and Women’s Basketball
UCLA Athletics has announced that admission to all regular-season home football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball games is now free for both undergraduate and graduate students. The new policy takes effect for the upcoming football game against Purdue at the Rose Bowl, with students who previously purchased a 2026–27 Den Pass receiving automatic refunds by September 25. Under this initiative, students can claim complimentary tickets each game week and have options to purchase guest tickets or reserve bus passes to boost student attendance and home-field atmosphere.
^UCLA

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