In partnership with
Welcome to Beyond The Sideline, the community resource for the next generation of sports business leaders.
The Big Idea
A New Era for NFL Fan Gear
The world of NFL merchandise has long been defined by the polyester jersey, the screen-printed tee, and the foam finger, staples of stadium-going fandom. But a recent, high-profile partnership signals a seismic shift in how the league views its apparel and, more importantly, its fans. The official collaboration between the NFL and Lululemon isn't just another product drop; it's the leading edge of a deliberate "premiumization" strategy designed to elevate the fan experience, attract a new demographic, and unlock lucrative new revenue streams.
Legal
One Week Later: The NBA's Integrity Crisis and the Scandal's Lingering Fallout
One week ago, the NBA was rocked by a sprawling federal investigation that reached into locker rooms and coaches' offices, resulting in the arrests of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. Now, as the initial shock subsides, the league, its players, and federal authorities are grappling with the complex and damaging fallout of a scandal that strikes at the very heart of professional sports: its integrity.
Guest Article
The Global Game Hits a Local Wall: La Liga’s American Dream Put on Hold
Guest Contributor Quinn Sheehan writes: Last week, La Liga was forced to cancel its ambitious plan to host a December 20th regular-season match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona in Miami, Florida. The decision came after intense backlash, culminating in a league-wide protest where teams abstained from play for the first 15 seconds of their matches. The controversy highlights a fundamental clash between the global ambitions of European soccer leagues and the deep-seated traditions of their local fanbases.
By The Numbers
Numbers That Jumped Off the Page
29%- Major League Soccer is celebrating a banner 30th season, reporting a 29% increase in weekly live viewership and the second-highest total attendance in league history. With 11.2 million fans attending games and digital engagement soaring, the league's growth is undeniable, boosted by international stars like Lionel Messi and Son Heung-Min.
24.7 Million- The NFL's reign over television is stronger than ever, as its broadcast partners are reporting record-setting viewership through the first two months of the season. NBC's Sunday Night Football is averaging 24.7 million viewers, its best start since acquiring the package in 2006. Not to be outdone, CBS is averaging 18.61 million viewers for its Sunday afternoon games, the network's best performance in over 25 years. With Amazon's Thursday Night Football also up 16% from last year, it's clear that America's appetite for pro football is only growing.
$1 Billion- The Dodgers have made history by becoming the first MLB team to surpass $1 billion in annual revenue. Their financial dominance is fueled by massive local media rights, league-leading attendance, and a huge boost in sponsorships. While the Yankees have long been the financial kings of baseball, the Dodgers have officially taken the crown.
Pulse Check
Last week, we asked BTS readers, “What type of sports content is most undervalued currently?” Here’s what they thought.
Do you believe the NBA's integrity is significantly damaged by the recent gambling arrests?
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.
Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.
Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.
/adver
Forward to other future sports business leaders