🏟️ WNBA Expands with $750M Power Move

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 WNBA is expanding to 18 teams by 2030, with Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030) each paying a record $250M to join the league.

✍️ With the WNBA CBA set to expire in 2025, players like Paige Bueckers are calling for major changes around scheduling and rookie transition into the league.

🏀 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just inked the richest deal in NBA history, signing a four-year, $285M contract worth a record $71.25M per year.

🤝 NBA Free Agency 2025 is heating up, with signings, trades, and insider buzz rolling in across the league.

📑 The NBA salary cap is set at $154.647M for the 2025–26 season, setting the financial stage for team roster moves and free agent deals.

⚾️ MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is preparing early for the next CBA, questioning whether the MLBPA still reflects player interests ahead of the current deal's 2026 expiration.

🚀 Texas State is officially joining the Pac-12, becoming the ninth member ahead of the conference’s 2026 relaunch.

🏒 NHL players are officially set to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics, following a landmark agreement between the NHL, NHLPA, and IIHF.

📺 MLB and ESPN are back in talks after ending their $550M-a-year deal. They’re exploring a new agreement before the All-Star Game.

🌟 Netflix’s first Christmas NFL games may air without ESPN or Fox broadcasters, as both networks are reportedly unwilling to share talent.

🎟️ South Carolina women’s basketball sold nearly 800 more tickets using AI-driven dynamic pricing from WMT Digital and Ticketmaster, a model other teams may soon follow.

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