In partnership with
Welcome to Beyond The Sideline, the community resource for the next generation of sports business leaders.
Big Idea
For over a decade, the road to the FCS National Championship ran through Fargo. With 10 titles since 2011 and a trophy case that essentially required its own zip code, North Dakota State University (NDSU) hasn’t just dominated the Football Championship Subdivision; they’ve officially outgrown it.
Recently, the long-simmering rumors finally solidified into a monumental shift in the college football landscape. NDSU officially announced it is joining the Mountain West Conference (MWC) as a football-only member, effective July 1, 2026. For the Bison, this signals far more than a desire to change schedules for the sake of better competition; it’s a high-stakes bet on the institutionalization of their brand as a national asset.
Contract Negotiation
In the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball finance, the Detroit Tigers just learned a $13 million lesson in the dangers of "nickel-and-diming" greatness. Last week, an arbitration panel awarded left-handed ace Tarik Skubal a record-breaking $32 million salary for the 2026 season. While the decision shattered the previous arbitration record, it also exposed a significant strategic rift between a franchise trying to maintain fiscal discipline and a generational talent represented by the sport’s most formidable agent, Scott Boras.
To understand how Skubal secured a raise that practically doubled the Tigers’ offer, we need to take a look at the idiosyncratic, often cold-blooded machinery of MLB salary arbitration.
Tired of news that feels like noise?
Every day, 4.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news fix. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture — all in a brief 5-minute email. No spin. No slant. Just clarity.
By The Numbers
Numbers That Jumped Off the Page
15- Baseball’s "emergency" in-house media department is now a permanent powerhouse. With the Angels joining this week, MLB Media will now produce and distribute local games for 15 teams, exactly half the league, as the Main Street Sports (formerly Diamond) RSN model officially enters its final inning.
69%- While football is king, hoops is having a moment. Average viewership for men’s college basketball on Fox is up a staggering 69% this season. The "Selection Sunday" window is already being projected to outpace the Super Bowl in total gambling/prediction market volume.
124.9 Million- The NFL title game at Levi’s Stadium fell just 2% shy of last year’s all-time record, but still managed to pull a massive 124.9 million viewers. Despite the slight dip, even a "down" year for the NFL is still the undisputed king of American television.
$1 Billion- Prediction markets are no longer a niche hobby for those in states without legalized sports gambling, as Kalshi reports over $1 billion traded on Super Bowl contracts, with downloads surging 1,544% compared to last year. The "What will Bad Bunny perform?" market alone saw $100 million in action. Just don’t ask whether Cardi B technically performed or not.
Pulse Check
Last week, we asked BTS readers, “As college sports moves toward direct revenue sharing, what is the most important element of the ‘college brand’ to protect?” Here’s what they thought.
Where do you prefer to get your "inside scoop" or deep-dive player analysis?
The Highlight Reel
Catch up on our most-read articles from previous weeks
Do you have a topic you want us to cover, a survey question you'd like us to ask, or any news you'd like to share? Let us know at [email protected].
Looking for a new role? Subscribe to the BTS Job Roundup for a weekly summary of the hottest jobs across the business of sports.
Smart starts here.
You don't have to read everything — just the right thing. 1440's daily newsletter distills the day's biggest stories from 100+ sources into one quick, 5-minute read. It's the fastest way to stay sharp, sound informed, and actually understand what's happening in the world. Join 4.5 million readers who start their day the smart way.