Good afternoon, here’s what we’re following at SBJ Today:
- Sen. Maria Cantwell on the Protect College Sports Act
- Carolina Hurricanes executive Brian Fork leading development at critical time for club, venue
- Bettman says succession has been discussed, nothing imminent
- Plus: Louisville’s Fante gets exec of the year nod; MLB and TelevisaUnivision expand radio deal; the NBA introduces its Finals promo; and more.
Start your morning with Buzzcast with Abe Madkour: The NHL’s killer opening; NBA Europe moves forward; SEC and Big 10 push back on Protect College Sports Act; and the ever-present Messi. Listen >>
THE BIG STORY
Opens in new windowSen. Maria Cantwell on the Protect College Sports Act and a path forward
College sports might just have the legislative path it has so desperately sought, SBJ’s Ben Portnoy writes.
The Protect College Sports Act from Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) could provide the industry with the congressional assistance many have long desired.
Portnoy spoke with Cantwell on the heels of the bill’s release to talk through some of the big ideas and better understand why she wanted to be involved in this issue.
5 STORIES WE’RE WATCHING
1. Carolina Hurricanes executive Brian Fork leading development at critical time for club, venue: Two years into his role as CEO of Hurricanes Holdings LLC, Brian Fork has played a hand in the Stanley Cup contender’s business success.
2. Bettman says succession has been discussed, nothing imminent: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who turned 74 on Tuesday as the Stanley Cup Final began, addressed a Sportsnet report citing sources as saying he has begun “laying the groundwork for his eventual exit.”
3. Louisville’s Fante named Executive of the Year by Sports ETA: Louisville Sports Commission President Greg Fante was recognized by the trade association for the sports events and tourism industry.
4. MLB, TelevisaUnivision expand radio deal: The expansion adds more than 30 live audio games to its schedule from June 14 through July 19.
5. NBA introduces composer Britell, rapper Nas for Finals promo: The NBA’s creative promo for Game 1 of the Finals dropped Wednesday with original scores from Emmy Award winning composer Nicholas Britell and narration from Grammy Award winning rapper Nas.
ON THE MOVE
- The Lakers named Yao Williams II as VP & Head of Global Partnerships. Williams most recently co-led global partnerships at Elevate Sports Ventures and has held roles with the Yankees, NBA, Premier League club Manchester City and Athletes First (Lakers).
- The Predators are hiring Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland to “be their president of hockey operations and general manager.” MacFarland has spent the past 11 seasons with the Avalanche, and he will “take over the duties” performed by GM Barry Trotz, who announced his retirement on Feb. 2 but stayed on in an advisory role (Nashville Tennessean).
- HKS named Simon Thomlinson a Sports Business Development Director in the London office. Thomlinson spent 11 years at Leaders in Sport, most recently as Global Head of Business Development and Strategy. He also served six years at Leaders Group Sports (SBJ).
NAMES IN THE NEWS
- As the Cubs observed Lou Gehrig Day on Tuesday, team TV play-by-play announcer Boog Sciambi wants us to remember ALS “not just once a year.” Sciambi “adopted ALS care as a personal mission” when Tim Sheehy, a childhood friend who grew up on Roosevelt Island in N.Y., was stricken with the disease in 2005. Sciambi “became an early supporter” with his charitable organization Project Main Street and has continued in that role for nearly 20 years (Chicago Sun-Times).
- The bronze statue of late Rogers Communications CEO Ted Rogers “was quietly removed” from the Rogers Centre. The statue, briefcase under arm and eyes peering into the distance, had for 13 years greeted fans arriving at the stadium between Gates 5 and 6 for games and other events (Toronto Star).
- The Cowboys PR staff, “lauded for overall professionalism with reporters” who cover the franchise, were selected as the 2026 Pete Rozelle Award winner by the Professional Football Writers of America, the first time in franchise history. During the 2025 season, the Cowboys’ football communications staff was comprised of SVP/Communications Tad Carper, Dir of Football Communications Scott Agulnek, PR manager David Abbruzese, coordinator Bronte Hermesmeyer, public and community relations program manager Whitney Faulkner and seasonal intern Kalie Smith (NBCSports.com).
HOT READS
GOAL went with the header, “Mauricio Pochettino wants everyone to believe in the USMNT - but will his American adventure result in a World Cup to remember?” The “big moment” for Pochettino, the UMSNT coach, has “finally arrived.” Pochettino left Chelsea wanting “a project,” and he “found one with the USMNT that would give him a chance to redefine his World Cup memories.”
Also:
- SI’s Pat Forde writes that it is Texas Tech vs. Everybody, which is just how the Red Raiders like it.
- Gophers AD Mark Coyle, after a decade in his role, says job is ‘night and day’ different.
- What is Gianni Infantino’s legacy as FIFA president: reformer, or ringleader?