🏟️ New Teams, New Markets, New Era for Women’s Basketball

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.

Unrivaled will add two new franchises in 2026, expanding the league to eight teams in just its third year of existence. The move signals both the surging popularity of women’s basketball and the league’s ambition to scale quickly in a competitive sports landscape.

Co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled has drawn attention for its player-led model, which emphasizes empowerment, visibility, and year-round opportunities for athletes. Adding teams so soon after launch shows early momentum and investor confidence in the product’s growth potential.

For fans, the expansion means more markets to rally around and more chances to see top-tier talent outside the traditional WNBA season. For players, it’s a signal that the women’s basketball ecosystem is broadening, and that demand for the game has never been stronger. (more here)

🎟️ Valkyries make history: 22 straight sellouts and WNBA attendance records in year one.

📺 Amazon’s $1B TNF deal adds Christmas Day game as Year 4 kicks off tonight.

🏈 NFL MNF explodes with 22.1M viewers, ESPN’s 2nd-biggest Week 1 since 2006.

💪 Josh Allen ditches Nike for New Balance and signs on as Therabody’s first adviser.

🏟️ AmEx locks in $9M+ MetLife Stadium deal with Jets and Giants starting 2026.

🎥 ESPN/ABC college football posts best season start since 2009 with 9.7M for Michigan-Oklahoma.

⛳️ Greg Norman has officially exited LIV Golf after serving as CEO and commissioner since 2021.

🎾 Alcaraz-Sinner US Open final draws 3M viewers, biggest men’s final in a decade.

🏒 Kirill Kaprizov rejects record-setting $128M deal, turning down largest offer in NHL history.

🇨🇦 Bills partner with MLSE to grow NFL presence across Canada.

🏟️ Broncos unveil plans for retractable-roof stadium in Denver’s Burnham Yard.

🎯 Raleigh emerges as MLB expansion target with Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon leading push.

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