🏟️ The Business Behind Being #1

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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.

💰 Not all #1 picks are paid equally, here’s what first-year salaries look like across the MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL in 2025.

🏀 Cooper Flagg could earn close to $1 billion in NBA salary and endorsements by age 32 if he lives up to the hype.

📺 NBA Finals viewership hit a 5-year high with Game 7, but the series as a whole averaged its lowest ratings since 2007 (excluding pandemic years).

➡️ NBA playoff bonuses add serious cash, here’s what players are really making beyond their regular-season salaries.

🚑 Michael Jordan expanded his business impact by opening his fourth free medical clinic in Charlotte, boosting healthcare access for underserved communities.

⛹🏾‍♀️ Angel Reese partnered with Cash App to give back in Chicago, combining hoops and community impact.

🌉 The Golden State Valkyries are now valued at $500M, making them the first women’s pro team to hit that milestone.

💵 The Big 12 is teaming up with PayPal and Venmo to streamline revenue-sharing payments directly to student-athletes.

🇨🇦 Serena Williams is now part of the ownership group bringing women’s pro basketball to Toronto.

📺 Apple TV+ is producing a three-part docuseries on 40 years of UConn women’s basketball under Geno Auriemma, featuring past legends and the 2024–25 squad.

🏟️ OVG and TD Bank have struck a multiyear naming deal for Hamilton’s TD Coliseum, set to reopen this year after a $280M renovation.

⚾️ The Arizona House approved a bill granting the D-backs access to $500M for Chase Field upgrades, pending the governor’s final sign-off.

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