☕ UFC record at the Sphere, McLaren x LEGO, 32 job offers, etc.

Your daily shot of sports business.

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Olivier Spaeth
September 16, 2024

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UFC 306 at the Sphere

UFC's Sphere Debut a Triumph

UFC's inaugural event at the state-of-the-art Sphere in Las Vegas has shattered multiple records, solidifying the venue's position as a game-changer in live entertainment.

The mixed-martial-arts promotion generated a staggering $22 million in gate receipts, surpassing previous highs set by the Conor McGregor-led UFC 205. Additionally, merchandise sales as well as sponsorships revenues reached unprecedented levels, further cementing the event's financial success.

Beyond the impressive financial metrics, UFC's Sphere debut was a technological marvel. The $2.3 billion venue's immersive capabilities, particularly its massive 160,000-square-foot interior screen, were showcased in a production that highlighted Mexico's rich history and culture.

UFC President Dana White praised the event's execution, emphasizing the seamless integration of the technology and the company's brand. Despite concerns about the short rehearsal time, White expressed satisfaction with the final result.

While the event was a commercial success, the main event saw a surprising upset as defending bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley lost his title to challenger Merab Dvalisvhili.

UFC's Sphere debut has not only set new records but has also demonstrated the potential of the venue to revolutionize live sports and entertainment experiences. The event's success is likely to attract other major sporting events and entertainment acts to the innovative space.

Quick Takes

Basketball

NBA Strikes Airbus Deal for 13 Planes, Delta to Operate Flights - sportico, paddle your own kanoo

Glen Taylor Subpoenaed NBA in $1.5B Timberwolves Ownership Fight - sportico

Baseball

S.F. Giants beta launch 'Pitch Your Price' ticket system - san francisco biz times💰

Soccer / Football

NYCFC hopes its long-awaited stadium can be a game-changer for the club and Queens - ny daily news, daily mail

Tottenham could build another new stadium after private equity takeover - tbr football

Inter Milan & AC Milan Hold “Positive Talks” With Milan Mayor On Building New Stadium Next To San Siro - sempre inter

College Sports

College Football Players Learn an Ugly Truth About Getting Paid - bloomberg 🔒

Jay Williams Wants to Own Half of Duke Basketball - front office sports

Tennis

Wimbledon tennis chief rules out ‘dynamic pricing’ - the ticketing business

Motorsports

IndyCar, Wisconsin State Fair Park report 'impressive crowd' for Milwaukee Mile 250s - milwaukee biz journal 💰

Rugby

Premiership clubs reportedly exploring merger with URC - sport industry, the telegraph 🔒

Other Sports

How Curling Canada is championing gender equity on and off the ice - sports pro media

Sponsorships

Marketing agency speaks on similarities and differences of NIL deals between men and women sports - wbir

Novotel and ALL Unveil the Ultimate Football Experience: A Permanent Hotel Room in Paris Saint-Germain's Parc des Princes - hospitalitynet

Companies & Brands

The man who made Nike uncoll - bloomberg 💰

WSC Sports brings AI tools to Snap in first social media platform partnership - sports pro media

Charlotte sports-tech startup Fastbreak.ai acquires Optimal Planning Solutions - carolina biz journal 💰

Agilitas Sports raises strategic money from Spring Marketing Capital - entrackr

How Vestible Is Building A Revolutionary Athlete Investment Platform - vetted sports

Sports Talent Management Company GSE Worldwide Raises Strategic Investment - pulse2

Media

DirecTV, The Walt Disney Company Reach Agreement - barrett media

Men & Women

Top LA28 executive Tanja Olano resigns - sports biz journal 💰

Chelsea Women appoint Aki Mandhar as first CEO - the guardian

Alex Williamson named as new Scottish Rugby CEO - scottish rugby

Mets hire Samantha Engelhardt as COO - sports biz journal 💰

Long format

In What a Day, the hosts are trying to answer the unbiaised (😅) question: Why you're paying for a Billionaire's Stadium

Brendan Guilfoyle, former administrator at Luton Town, Plymouth Argyle and Crystal Palace, is the guest of The Price of Football

Chloe Peterson, the Indiana Fever reporter for the IndyStar, is the guest of Richard Deitsch for the Sports Media Podcast.

Video

Lando Norris drives LEGO P1 at Silverstone - mclaren automotive

Figure

USD 151.4 billion

This is the estimated market size of the sports sponsorship market in 2032.

Read on newswire

Did you miss it?

This was the most popular link in the last newsletter:

Anfield Presents Amazon Dome may be closer than we think – and fans will be livid - the guardian

Jobs

USA / Canada

Wavemaker

Insight Global

Denver Broncos

MLS Next

Chattanooga FC

Tucson Sugar Skulls

Taymar Sales U

On Location

Fanatics

Fraction

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership

Nashville SC

North Carolina Courage

Charlotte FC

NFL

UK & Ireland

Wrexham AFC

Wembley - ASM Global

Liverpool FC

Lincoln City

England Rugby

British Bobsleigh & Skeleton Association

Australia / NZ

Australian Football League

Whittlesea Pacers Basketball

Other parts of the World

Swiss Olympic

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Olivier Spaeth

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