In S.F., Sam Gordon noted the Warriors yesterday commemorated the 10th anniversary of their 2014-15 championship team by welcoming former NBAers Marreese Speights, Festus Ezeli and Brandon Rush for a halftime ceremony during their game against the Hornets. The ceremony included a “highlight reel on Chase Center’s scoreboard.” Standing beside a Larry O’Brien Trophy, the three were “cheered by the sellout crowd.” Warriors coach Steve Kerr before the game credited former Warriors coach Mark Jackson for “implementing the defensive culture he built on.” The Warriors' 128-92 win was their 3,000th organizationally, with the team joining the Celtics, Lakers, 76ers and Knicks as the only franchises to reach that mark (S.F. CHRONICLE, 2/26).
LEGAL VICTORY: In Miami, Cortney Moore noted Inter Miami has “secured a legal victory in its lawsuit against local marketing firm Big Victories LLC over the canceled 2024 Florida Beach Bowl.” Miami-Dade Circuit Court awarded Inter Miami $164,176.45 after “granting a final default judgment in the case.” The ruling, issued by Judge Jose Rodriguez on Jan. 17, allows Inter Miami to “collect the awarded sum, with interest, from Big Victories.” The court also “reserved the right to grant attorneys' fees and costs to the club.” The lawsuit stemmed from the firm’s involvement in the “ill-fated Florida Beach Bowl,” a college football event that was “ultimately scrapped.” The inaugural Florida Beach Bowl was held Dec. 13, 2023, at Chase Stadium (then known as DRV PNK Stadium). Urban Edge Network was the broadcaster for the bowl, and Amerant Bank signed as the official sponsor. However, on November 4, 2024, sources within the CIAA and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference confirmed the Florida Beach Bowl would not return, stating that “funding was an issue” (SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS JOURNAL, 2/25).
NEW DRIP: In San Diego, Ryan Finley noted the San Diego Wave will unveil a new secondary jersey tomorrow with a party at Belmont Park. The event runs from 4-7pm PT at Beach House, and “will feature a uniform reveal, fashion show, Q&A with players and trivia contest.” Fans can register to attend by visiting sandiegowavefc.com (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 2/25).
