Welcome to this week's edition of the Sports & Entertainment Business News, where we break down the biggest moves shaping the game. From blockbuster expansion bids to major media rights shifts, here's what you need to know.
Seattle's NBA Dream Takes a Big Step Forward
Seattle Kraken owner Samantha Holloway is making a serious play to bring the NBA back to the Emerald City. Her One Roof Sports and Entertainment group has hired financial heavyweights JPMorgan and Moelis to advise on an expansion bid, as the league's process heats up. Holloway's group is currently the only publicly known ownership team in the running, and with NBA expansion fees expected to exceed $8 billion total, this is no small investment. Seattle and Las Vegas are seen as the frontrunners for new franchises that could tip off as early as the 2028-29 season, according to the Seattle Times.
NBA Goes Global with $3 Billion Europe Investment
The NBA is thinking big—really big. The league plans to invest a staggering $3 billion into NBA Europe, designed to support launch economics and franchise stability as it eyes a 2027 debut. According to Sports Business Journal, the NBA has told prospective investors it will help absorb early operating losses, fund launch marketing, and even provide participation payments to teams as the league ramps up. This is a bold move to grow the game on a global stage, and it could reshape how basketball is consumed across the Atlantic.
Formula One Faces Scheduling Headaches
Formula One is navigating choppy waters as it explores rescheduling the cancelled Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix amid ongoing Middle East conflict. League executives are evaluating ways to restore at least one cancelled race to the 2026 calendar, citing financial and scheduling pressures. The Athletic reports that maintaining a full race calendar is proving difficult, with growing strain on teams and personnel. For F1 fans, this means the season could look very different than originally planned.
PGA Tour Lets Players Shine on Social Media
Golf's biggest stars are getting a new kind of green light. The PGA Tour has loosened its social media restrictions, allowing players to post more tournament footage, extended YouTube highlights, and archive content across platforms. This move reflects a broader push to expand digital reach and better compete with golf creators and influencer-driven media ecosystems—led by figures like Bryson DeChambeau. For fans, it means more behind-the-scenes access and a closer look at the game's biggest personalities.
Fanatics Scores a World Cup Coup
In a move that's shaking up the collectibles world, FIFA has awarded exclusive World Cup trading card and sticker rights to Fanatics, starting in 2031. This ends Panini's 60-year run as the go-to for World Cup memorabilia. Fanatics-owned Topps will now produce FIFA trading cards, stickers, and collectibles, marking a new era for sports fans who love to collect. It's a win for Fanatics and a sign that the collectibles market is only getting bigger.
That's your weekly roundup of the biggest stories in sports business. Whether you're tracking expansion bids, global investments, or the latest in sports media, one thing is clear: the game is changing fast. Stay tuned for more updates, and don't forget to gear up with the latest apparel to show your team pride.