The Eagles were crowned the NFL’s champions in front of a record-setting number of TV viewers as they topped the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. But the sports calendar won’t slow up with that in the rearview mirror. This weekend, the U.S. faces Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off, the NASCAR Cup Series season begins with the Daytona 500 and NBA All-Star weekend tips off. Meanwhile, Giants owner John Mara is looking to sell a stake in the club, which could set the high-water mark in team value, while Anheuser-Busch and Monster Energy signed massive extensions with NASCAR and UFC, respectively.
Here are some highlights from the week:
AUDIO & VIDEO
- On this week’s Sports Media Podcast, co-hosts Austin Karp and Mollie Cahillane discuss the record-breaking Super Bowl viewership and how Fox was able to get the record even with a lopsided score. Karp is then joined by ESPN senior NBA writer Brian Windhorst to get us set for All-Star weekend. Later, Overtime co-founder Dan Porter chats with Cahillane about what is in store for the Gen Z-centric organization. Finally, SBJ’s Adam Stern pops in to get us set for the Daytona 500.
- Missed Morning Buzzcast this week? SBJ’s Abe Madkour and Ted Keith take you through the biggest stories influencing sports business.
SBJ EARLY ACCESS (February 17 issue):
SBJ’s Terry Lefton notes that while the Super Bowl has ended, the league’s sales season has only just begun.
SBJ’s Ben Fischer writes that the NFL is seeing signs it can continue its overseas growth, even in areas without a tradition of American football.
SBJ’s Tom Friend examines how the Trail Blazers have the NBA’s biggest local RSN gains this season to date.
EDITOR’S PICKS
FLY EAGLES FLY: Philadelphia’s Super Bowl victory has landed the Eagles in their golden era, thanks in large part to the leadership of owner Jeffrey Lurie and GM Howie Roseman.
MONSTER DEAL: UFC and Monster Energy agreed to their biggest sponsorship ever, signing a nine-figure extension that covers five years with an option for a sixth year.
A-ROD’S T’WOLVES? Arbitrators ruled in favor of minority owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore in their attempt to purchase the T’Wolves from majority owner Glen Taylor.
SLAM DUNK: WBD sold out its advertising inventory for the entire All-Star weekend earlier than ever, with clients that aren’t official NBA sponsors trying to lock in spots in advance.
GOING GLOBAL: The NHL and NHLPA committed to putting on a World Cup of Hockey in 2028, following up on the 4 Nations Face-Off and the return to the Olympics in 2026.
STARTING THE CLIMB: The build-up for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics has already begun as NBCU kicked off its year-out marketing to highlight the games.
HEAD FOR THE MOUNTAINS: Anheuser-Busch and NASCAR agreed to an extension to keep A-B as the official beer sponsor of the racing property ahead of this weekend’s Daytona 500.
IN NEXT WEEK’S SBJ: Taking a look back at the biggest movers and shakers in MLS' 30-year history.
TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
DAILY
- Trump attends SB, leaves early in second half
- Stakes in N.Y. Giants going on the market
- Fox debuts new score bug at Super Bowl, met with hostility from viewers
- The CW to debut NASCAR graphics package
- Eagles aiming for Super Bowl parade Friday
WEEKLY
- Steve Phelps looks forward
- Three favorites emerge to become next IOC president
- Digital Swings: Inside the SoFi Center, TGL’s tech-heavy, built-for-broadcast golf arena
- How Shaq cashed in
- London Calling? Why a Super Bowl in a foreign city could work
PEOPLE