🏟️ NASCAR’s Power Structure Is on Trial

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.

NASCAR is facing one of the most consequential legal challenges in its history — a sweeping antitrust lawsuit that could rewrite how the sport is structured and who holds the power.

Teams argue the league’s charter system gives NASCAR monopolistic control, forcing them into “take-it-or-leave-it” agreements that limit independence and make it nearly impossible for smaller organizations to turn a profit. One Front Row owner testified he had just hours to sign a lengthy deal he called “insulting.”

The financial strain is central: running a single car costs roughly $20 million a season, yet current payouts don’t reliably cover that investment.

A federal judge recently denied NASCAR’s motion to dismiss, allowing the case to proceed and keeping teams on track through 2025.

The outcome could be transformational — potentially shifting governance, revenue, and competitive balance toward a more team-driven model. This isn’t just a lawsuit… it could redefine the future of stock-car racing. (read more)

📺 Cowboys–Chiefs drew 57.2M viewers, the most-watched NFL regular-season game ever.

🏈 The Jets and ECAC are launching a women’s college flag football league in 2026 with a $1M investment.

💰 LSU’s footing the bill for three head coaches at once, turning its buyout situation into a full-blown college football spectacle.

🏀 Unrivaled renamed its Miami venue Sephora Arena as the league’s beauty-backed expansion keeps growing.

🤝 The WNBPA countered with a 30% revenue-share ask, double the WNBA’s offer.

📱 MLS and Apple partner and debut live “Shot on iPhone” footage during the MLS Cup broadcast using the iPhone 17 Pro.

📺 MLS playoff viewership is surging double digits thanks to expanded distribution and free Apple TV streaming.

⚽ A multimillion-dollar deal was rejected, triggering a union grievance for NWSL.

⏳ Power schools missed the House settlement enforcement deadline, stalling NCAA progress.

🛒 Fanatics won the 2026 World Cup retail takeover, covering 2,000+ points of sale.

⚽ Oklahoma City unveiled a $121M, 10,000-seat soccer stadium plan to anchor a new district.

🏟️ Columbus approved a $400M Nationwide Arena renovation to modernize the Blue Jackets’ home.

💼 Monumental Sports is adding Innovation Suites in Capital One Arena’s $800M+ overhaul.

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