🏟️ A signature sneaker for the fastest man in the world

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Happy Friday! This week’s edition of Sports Industry Weekly shares insights from the most significant business headlines in the sports industry including:

👟 The signature sneaker request from the fastest man in the world

🏀 A beauty brand invests heavily in women’s college basketball

🏟️ An international music superstar signs a university’s stadium deal

🏈 Flag football is officially an Olympic sport

THE FASTEST MAN IN THE WORLD WANTS HIS OWN SIGNATURE SNEAKER

What a week it's been for Noah Lyles.

He clinched gold in the 100M final with an epic finish, then secured bronze in the 200M final just days later.

Minutes after the race, he was seen leaving the stadium in a wheelchair and Olympics officials confirmed he raced with COVID.

However, his most significant headline this week was boldly announcing to the world his desire for a signature sneaker.

Currently sponsored by Adidas, he hopes to join an elite group of athletes with their own signature sneakers, including Anthony Edwards, Patrick Mahomes, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Trae Young, Derrick Rose, Candace Parker, Billie Jean King, and Stan Smith.

The signature shoe stands as the pinnacle of an athlete’s portfolio, and the primary focus for any company is whether the athlete can drive sales to justify the brand’s investment.

Do you think Noah Lyles should get his own signature sneaker?

Reply and let us know!

💇‍♀️ Beauty brand Madison Reed announces a partnership with UConn Women’s Basketball players Morgan Cheli, Azzi Fudd, Paige Bueckers and Ice Brady to launch ColorWonder, their first demi-permanent hair dye. The brand’s founder Amy Erreett is a UConn alum and anticipates ColorWonder alone could be a $50 million business within the next few years. 

🏟️ Florida International University's football stadium has approved a five-year agreement granting international recording artist Pitbull the naming rights, now officially known as Pitbull Stadium. The Miami-based artist will compose an anthem for FIU, actively promote the school on social media, make appearances on campus, and enjoy exclusive use of the stadium for 10 days each year. Additionally, his vodka brand will be the preferred beverage distributed within the stadium.

🏎️ Lamborghini Austin have each signed NIL deals with University of Texas WR Isaiah Bond and DB Michael Taafe. The duo was selected due to their “strong academic achievements, community leadership and success on the field.” For MSRP context, a Lamborghini Urus starts at $269,885 and a Lamborghini Aventador starts at $789,809.

📺 Despite the on-going media rights saga between NBA and TNT, Charles Barkley has stated he isn’t retiring and isn’t going to another network. TNT Sports holds broadcasting rights for the NHL, College Football Playoffs, NASCAR, Big East college basketball, Mountain West football, and more. This broad portfolio opens up opportunities to feature Charles in a variety of non-NBA programming.

🏈 Flag football is set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The NFL launched a new commercial starring Jalen Hurts, which not only looks forward to LA28 but also pays tribute to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

🌵 Travis Scott is set to release limited-edition Cactus Jack x Topps trading cards, featuring designs of Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz, and Travis Scott. These exclusive cards will be part of the Fanatics Fest NYC, which runs from August 16 to August 18. This inaugural immersive sports festival will host appearances from notable figures such as Tom Brady, Stephen A. Smith, Derek Jeter, Jalen Brunson, Sabrina Ionescu, Allen Iverson, and Peyton and Eli Manning, among others.

🌎 Tim Reynolds reports that the NBA is intensifying discussions with FIBA to establish an annual in-season tournament or an NBA-run league abroad. Commissioner Adam Silver is determined to expand the NBA's footprint in Europe.

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