Sports Business Journal

SBJ capped off four days in New York City with the Forty Under 40 gala, honoring 40 executives for their contributions to the industry before the age of 40. Three executives — Russ D’Souza, Michael Melnitzky and Uzma Rawn Dowler — joined the SBJ Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame. Read about the Class of 2026 here: https://lnkd.in/gxSGmEMJ

BSE Global’s Nicole Pincus is stepping out on her own. She'll be launching Theory & Practice — a consultancy focused on commercial strategy, sponsorship, organizational optimization, and investor readiness. The firm will support rights-holders and brands across the sports ecosystem, with women’s sports shaping much of the early vision. Pincus: “I want to bring my expertise wider than any one organization and help build sustainable growth across the industry.” Read more: https://ow.ly/qomb50Xw0zX

Meet the New York Jets' newest rookie 🐶 🏈 Jet, a 10-week-old yellow Lab, has been named by fans and is starting his journey to become a service dog.

After 31 years guiding the Big Ten Conference, Jim Delany reflects on a time when the conference was run by athletic directors and coaches, long before today’s financial scale and presidential influence 📋 Back then, the grant of rights was a tool to consolidate media agreements; today, it’s a cornerstone of stability. Now, the Big Ten is navigating a $2.4 billion private capital deal with UC Investments. Sixteen schools support it, while Michigan, USC, and their trustees do not. READ MORE: https://ow.ly/HeVs50XvTz4

We asked this year's Forty Under 40 class to tell us their favorite book and discovered an interesting trend. One book in particular is still shaping sports business leaders, six years after it was first released. “I come back to it from time to time whenever things feel like they’re going sideways,” said Forty Under 40 honoree Mike Foss, “and it’s been an amazing grounding tool for me.” https://lnkd.in/gTvWbg6B

A closer look at the standout Class of 2025 New Voices Under 30 honorees from last night 🏆 Future leaders on the rise 📈

The disability market is one of the most overlooked opportunities in the U.S. sports economy 🌎 Sport businesses that prioritize accessibility, from adaptive equipment and inclusive fan experiences to innovative technology, are gaining a competitive edge. In 2024, adapted and para sports generated nearly $164 million in economic impact. Disabled fans are loyal, engaged, and respond strongly to brands that value inclusion. Read more from our guest contributor, Dawna Callahan: https://ow.ly/MbXh50XsZM8

The Milwaukee Bucks Inc. are debuting Bango’s Workshop this weekend, introducing what they’re calling the most extensive customization shop in any NBA arena 🪡 The 715-square-foot former guest services space at Fiserv Forum has been transformed into a full creative hub, complete with heat presses, laser engraving, a hat bar, an embroidery station, and a My Moments kiosk for personalized keepsakes. MORE: https://ow.ly/KRoh50XvLmM

The future of Washington Spirit F Trinity Rodman is a big topic of conversation at NWSL Championship week. The 23-year-old Rodman, whose four-year, $1.1M contract with the Spirit expires after this season, reportedly has contract offers from high-profile overseas clubs, as well as the DC Power of the USL’s Gainbridge Super League, that the NWSL’s salary cap will prevent any of its teams from matching. Speaking at the league’s media day Thursday, NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said the league intends to do everything it can to keep Rodman. “She is a representative or a proxy of our broader point, which is that we want top players to play here, and we believe that we are already doing that and can continue to attract those players," Berman said. [LINK TO READ Alex Silverman's STORY IN COMMENTS]

Debbie Antonelli, one of ESPN’s most recognizable voices in women’s basketball, recently spoke at the University of South Carolina 🎤 She spent nearly an hour talking with every undergraduate who sought advice before sitting down with our Ben Portnoy for an interview. Antonelli reflected on her love for the game, calling more than 100 college and WNBA games this year, and shared her perspective on the evolution of women’s basketball. Read more: https://ow.ly/yVbY50XsSOb