Welcome back to the Spotlight! In recognition of Father’s Day this upcoming weekend, I would be remiss not to impart some learned wisdom while also dialing the dad jokes up to 11. If you decide to read on, then you probably have the same last name as me. For those playing ketchup (though surely by now many of you musta-heard), the hottest news off the grill this week is that the 16 time winner of the annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating competition (and presumptive 4 time recipient of a new heart valve) Joey Chestnut received some news that was just the wurst. Indeed Chestnut was rolled off this year’s competition. Namely, since Nathan’s relishes its annual brand spotlight (no relation), it has a real beef with Chestnut endorsing Impossible Foods, a purveyor of fake beef—including plant-based hot dogs. To put things in perspective, Chestnut’s deal with Impossible Foods is akin to Michael Jordan moving his buns from Nike to Adidas. To be frank, Chestnut’s representatives would have done well to consider not only whether his deal violated exclusivity or non-competition obligations owed to Nathan’s, but also whether they could cause heartburn. If this is some carefully orchestrated publicity stunt that ends with Nathan’s offering Impossible hot dogs in its restaurants, then that would sure be grate to make everyone may feel less sauer. As it stands, Chestnut is setup for a Labor Day one on one hot dog eating competition opposite his rival Takeru Kobayashi, which is to be streamed on Netflix. For now, let’s walk one footlong in front of the other into the next segment…
- The Cricket World Cup is in full swing here in New York, with much fanfare surrounding an American team outperforming the expectations of many (including by beating heavy favorite Pakistan). While I’m still brushing up on the rules and terminology of the sport of British origin, I would expect swarms of capital to be infused into the sport here in the states. An infinitely better proposition than swarms of joro spiders (see last week’s Spotlight).
- Meanwhile, the cross-cultural exchange was in full effect with the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies taking Major League Baseball across the pond to London for what was by all accounts a successful endeavor. Smart move by the MLB not scheduling the Kansas City Royals—that could have been confusing.
- Speaking of Kansas City, the Chiefs organization must be relieved that a player made news this offseason for other than for committing a crime or making misogynistic comments, as Travis Kelce and his recently retired brother Jason acquire a significant stake in craft brewing company, Garage Beer. For my part, I’m relieved I did not have to mention T.S. (Taylor Swift for search engine optimization purposes).
Endorsement Deals, Sponsorships & Investments
Members of NC State's 1983 national champions sue NCAA over name, image and likeness compensation
June 12, 2024 via New Orleans WDSU 6
Jason, Travis Kelce now significant owners of Garage Beer: 'The best light beer'
June 12, 2024 via The Enquirer
Under Armour Signs USA Football Deal, Eyeing Olympic Flag Debut
June 11, 2024 via Sportico
Sports
Tatis-Style Income Sharing Grows in Shaky Regulatory Climate
June 12, 2024 via Sportico
After USA Cricket’s Early Success, World Cup Shifts Ticket Approach
June 11, 2024 via Sportico
The NFL’s dedication to expanding flag football starts at the top.
June 11, 2024 via Associated Press
Joey Chestnut is out of 2024 Nathan’s hot dog eating contest in beef over vegan franks
June 11, 2024 via New York Post
Cricket, NWSL Among Emerging Sports to Set Attendance Marks
June 10, 2024 via Front Office Sports
Ads on football fields will create new revenue for schools preparing to give more money to athletes
June 8, 2024 via Lancaster Online
Music Biz
How Low Will Spotify’s Royalty Payments Go? The Entire Music Industry Is About to Find Out
June 12, 2024 via Digital Music News
Primary Wave Music Partners with Spin Doctors
June 11, 2024 via Digital Music News
Bronx-born rapper and friends launch Sonrisa, Puerto Rico’s newest rum
June 11, 2024 via AM NY
Neon Gold Records Inks Multi-Year Virgin Music Group Distribution Deal Following Atlantic JV’s Conclusion
June 11, 2024 via Digital Music News
Film & TV
Serena Williams premieres new docuseries at Tribeca Film Festival
June 14, 2024 via Women's Tennis Association
MMA property Invicta signs media rights deal with CBS Sports
June 11, 2024 via Sports Business Journal
Tetris turns 40 with a grand old party | The DeanBeat
June 7, 2024 via Venturebeat
