🏟️ A Landmark Decision in D.C.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Sports Industry Weekly.
We’re breaking down the biggest headlines, boldest moves, and emerging trends shaping the business of sports. From major deals to industry shifts, here’s what you need to know. Let’s dive in.

The Commanders are officially coming back to D.C. after the City Council approved a $3.7B deal to redevelop the RFK Stadium site, including $1.1B in taxpayer funding. The project marks one of the most significant sports redevelopment efforts in the country and sets the stage for the team’s 2030 return to the District.

For Washington, the move represents more than just a new stadium, it’s the revival of a historic site and a chance to reconnect the franchise with its original home base. The deal also underscores the city’s willingness to invest heavily in sports infrastructure to drive economic growth and civic pride.

For fans, it means the Commanders’ future will be rooted once again in D.C., creating a home-field energy the team hasn’t felt since leaving RFK in 1996. For the NFL, it’s another example of how modern stadium projects are reshaping not only where teams play, but how cities reimagine their landmarks and communities. (more here)

⚾️ Dodgers icon Clayton Kershaw is hanging up his glove for good.

💻 Royals COO says AI is here to stay, reshaping forecasting and decision-making across operations.

📱 Steve Ballmer’s Clippers know nearly everything about fans at the tech-loaded Intuit Dome, how they use this info.

👑 History made: A’ja Wilson and Alanna Smith share WNBA Defensive Player of the Year honors.

💼 WNBA CBA fight heats up as players push for a 50-50 revenue split with owners.

🍭 U.S. Soccer adds Nerds, Trolli, and SweetTarts to its World Cup sponsor roster.

⛳️ Executive exits continue at LIV Golf with three more SVPs leaving this offseason.

🏟️ Utah Mammoth turned an old Macy’s into a cutting-edge 146,000 sq. ft. training facility.

🏁 NASCAR’s antitrust trial leaks spark heated talks between execs and teams.

🏈 Tom Brady is suiting up again, in the 2026 Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Saudi Arabia.

🏀 NBC’s NBA Monday puts analysts on team benches for an inside look, debuting Oct. 27.

⚽️ NWSL scraps rigid timelines with a rolling expansion model, Nashville, Philly, ATL and more in play.

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