Welcome back to the Spotlight, and with it (in like a lion…) the college basketball-dominated month of March. And wow, in case it was not on your radar, madam, allow me to fulfill my civic duty to level with you and refer you to the fact that today’s date (3/2/23) is a palindrome—a mirror-image sequence that reads the same backwards and forwards. Bonus points if you caught all of them in that sentence. With that backdrop, as good a place as any at which to start is with two young women of college basketball who are mirror images of one another: The Cavinder Twins. Haley and Hanna (almost a palindrome) Cavinder are two of the most recognized names in the NIL era, leveraging their star power and social media following to command multiple six figure endorsement deals at Fresno State University and more recently at the University of Miami. So, that is perhaps why late last week the NCAA made its very first NIL era enforcement action with regard to conduct surrounding the Cavinders and the apparent inducements given to them to become Miami Hurricanes. In doing so, the NCAA appears to this writer and to many other observers to be taking a shot across the bow to universities and their boosters (i.e., affiliated alumni who support the school’s athletic programs) alike, notwithstanding the relatively light penalties (a three game suspension for the Cavinders’ coach, a fine and a limited restriction on recruitment activities), but it stopped short of dissociating the billionaire booster from the University. However, as much as the move seemed calculated to send a message to take another look in the mirror before acting, it also seemed to signal self-restraint out of fear of being embroiled in a politically and financially costly antitrust litigation. Speaking of politics, the NCAA’s best chance of again wielding decisive enforcement power lies with comprehensive federal legislation from the house of mirrors that is the US Congress. So the question remains: unless/until that happens, is the NCAA’s use of the Cavinders’ recruitment a high profile bluff or a prelude to its dropping the hammer on the next booster looking to lure an athlete with a spotlight?
- Music copyrights still appear to be an attractive investment for private equity markets, as Lyric Capital closes a fund with $800 million in commitments. Meaning, it’s still not too late for me to begin writing music. On the other hand, singing is out of the question.
- Undoubtedly fueled by the success of the Netflix docuseries, Formula 1, Formula One racing enjoyed record fan attendance last year. Fan engagement that brings people from their living room to the stands seems to be a formula won.
- Adidas renewed its partnership with Major League Soccer to outfit its players for the 2023 Season, narrowly averting the prospect of barefooted, shirts and skins soccer matches.
Endorsement Sponsorship and Investments
BTS Luxury Brand Endorsements: J-Hope Is New Louis Vuitton Ambassador
March 1, 2023 via International Business Times - Top Stories
UNI Athletics launches new NIL marketplace for student-athletes
March 1, 2023 via UNI Athletics
Major League Soccer Extends Partnership With Adidas Heading Into The 2023 Season
February 28, 2023 via Benzinga.com
NCAA Issues First NIL Ruling, With Cavinder Twins at the Center of It
February 24, 2023 via SI
Sport
F1 revenue boosted to $2.5 billion in 2022 amid record fan attendance
March 1, 2023 via Autosport
Warrants out for arrest of draft prospect Carter
March 1, 2023 via ESPN - News
Medical Analysis: Breaking down LeBron James’ right foot injury
March 1, 2023 via Silver Screen and Roll
Ex-groundskeeper explains why Super Bowl field was awful
March 1, 2023 via RSN
Music Biz
Lyric Capital Group Closes Second Music Royalty Fund with Approximately $800 Million in Total Commitments
February 28, 2023 via Yahoo Finance - Top Stories
Winamp Transforming the Music Industry Once Again
February 28, 2023 via Business Wire - Top Stories
Germany’s recorded music business generated $2.17bn in 2022, up 6.1% YoY
February 28, 2023 via Music Business Worldwide
Demand for Yeezy shoes has rocketed since Kanye's antisemitic rants
February 27, 2023 via Fortune Magazine - Headlines
Film & TV
Tumbling RSN industry has teams looking for a new model for local sports rights
March 1, 2023 via Biz Journal - Agriculture News
AAFCA Celebrates 20 Years of Amplifying Black Voices in Film and TV
March 1, 2023 via Variety
British Film Director Ken Loach Says UK’s Film And TV Unions At Risk Of Failing Industry Workers
March 1, 2023 via mxdwn
After securing $100m to buy film and TV music rights, Cutting Edge forms strategic venture with Village Roadshow Entertainment
February 27, 2023 via Music Business Worldwide
Emerging Sports
A look at trends for women in college sports
March 1, 2023 via NCAA.org
Women’s Triathlon to Become the 36th Varsity Sport at the Naval Academy
March 1, 2023 via Navy Sports
Brentsville's May Culyer paves the way in becoming county's first official girls state wrestling champ
February 28, 2023 via Manassas Journal Messenger News
