Closing Bell

LeBron James is signing with the 76ers “for his final run at another NBA championship.” James, who said in a series of social posts that he “seriously considered retirement,” is signing a two-year, $8M contract with a player option. James in those social posts also “addressed his decision-making, writing that he initially thought he was done playing after the 2025-26 season before taking time to decide on his future.” This “will be James’ final free agency choice as he enters a record-breaking 24th season” (ESPN.com, 7/24).

James used trading card partner Topps to announce his signing, making history as the first athlete to announce his new team via a trading card. To mark the occasion, the company -- which signed James to an exclusive trading-card deal in January 2024 -- has produced a Topps NOW card that will only be available for the next 48 hours highlighting James’ “Year 24” in the background of the card, with his first appearance in a 76ers uniform in the foreground. There will only be one card sold, and the one collector who purchases the base edition receives a one-of-one autograph (Topps).

Since hiring Mike Gansey as its new President of Basketball Operations in late May, the 76ers have traded for F Jaylen Brown and convinced James to choose the 76ers in free agency “over Cleveland, Miami and Golden State” (X, 7/24). Gansey “has now assembled a starting five featuring arguably the best player of all time in James, a former NBA MVP in Joel Embiid, a five-time All-Star in his prime in Brown, and ascending guards Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.” This “second monumental move during a transformational offseason further illustrates that the Sixers are making the all-in push toward championship contention” (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 7/24).

Former President Barack Obama “surprised the WNBA All-Stars” before their practice at his new Presidential Center on Friday. He “spoke to the players for a few minutes before taking a group photo.” Obama then “spent about 10 minutes shaking hands with the players and taking photos with them,” including Fever G Caitlin Clark, and Aces C A’ja Wilson. After the photo-ops were done, Obama “stepped on the court and talked with” Liberty C Jonquel Jones. Obama said that he “unfortunately wasn’t going to be able to make the All-Star Game on Saturday because of a previous engagement” with his wife, Michelle. After talking to the players, Obama “went across the center to talk to a group of investors in the league and nearly 100 high school girls” (AP, 7/24). Dream F Angel Reese, Fever C Aliyah Boston, Fever G Kelsey Mitchell, Wings G Paige Bueckers and Liberty F Breanna Stewart were also present for the former president’s visit (SBJ).

Mattel on Friday unveiled a Barbie doll modeled after Dream F Angel Reese, transforming Reese’s “famous ‘Bayou Barbie’ nickname into a collectible fans can finally own.” The launch “puts Reese in exclusive company,” as only one other WNBAer has received a Barbie doll -- Basketball HOFer Sue Bird. The Angel Reese Barbie officially launched Friday at Mattel, Amazon, Walmart and Target. The collectible doll features Reese “in a pink basketball uniform inspired by her on-court style, complete with her signature leg sleeve and headband.” It also “comes in display-worthy packaging” (Lafayette JOURNAL & COURIER, 7/24). Reese’s doll comes “dressed head to toe in classic Barbie style, laced into a pink version of the Reebok Angel Reese 1.” The matching shoe, which releases to the general public on Aug. 3, “carries co-branded touches on the tongue and sockliner” (SI, 7/24).

Togethxr SVP/Brand Partnerships Lauren Tolila takes SBJ inside the company’s WNBA All-Star Weekend activation, where brands like Xfinity, Barbie and Reebok are turning fan engagement into immersive experiences. Get a look at how the space is bringing community, culture and brand access together in the heart of Chicago.

Lululemon and Fanatics have reached a new deal with MLB that brings fans a new collection featuring team colors from all 30 clubs. The collection will feature both performance and lifestyle items across men’s and women’s apparel and accessories. The creative campaign features Yankees 1B Ben Rice alongside his girlfriend, Sara Falkson, showcasing products from the collection. Highlights from the assortment include the Scuba Hoodie, Define Jacket and Align Pant, alongside the Everywhere Belt Bag and Coach’s Jacket. A leopard-print Lightweight Run Shell and Multi-Pocket Running Anorak complete the product lineup. To celebrate the collection, a program of expert instructor-led studio sessions will launch across key cities, including Boston, Chicago, L.A., N.Y. and Philadelphia to give one-of-a-kind studio sessions to MLB team fans (Fanatics).

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Tim Leiweke’s Entrepreneur Equity Partners is acquiring a minority stake in EFL Championship club Bolton Wanderers that will see Leiweke appointed to the BOD and partner Keegan McDonald “serve as a board observer.” The deal will “not have a significant impact on the playing budget or transfers,” but is seen as the “next step in the club’s journey of sustainable growth since its takeover by Football Ventures in 2019.” EEP earlier this year invested in Serie A club Venezia and later “held talks over a potential investment in Portuguese outfit Benfica but ultimately those plans didn’t come to fruition” (BOLTON NEWS, 7/24).

Tottenham Hotspur will begin a tour of New Zealand and Australia on Sunday when they play Auckland FC at Eden Park, and the match is “expected to attract the biggest crowd for a men’s match in New Zealand football history.” More than 36,000 tickets had been sold by Thursday night, and organizers “expect that number could top 40,000 by Sunday afternoon.” The current record of 37,034 was set in 2017 for a New Zealand national game against Peru. The expected crowd “underscores the status” of Tottenham in New Zealand, as the club remains “one of the most popular teams, despite relative struggles in recent years” (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 7/23).