Overview

The most significant NFL sports business news this week centers on **Eli Manning’s private equity firm acquiring the NFL Flag licensing company** and **Josh Allen expressing interest in a future broadcasting career**. Key details include: - **Eli Manning’s Brand Velocity Capital** acquired youth sports company RCX, which holds the licensing rights for **NFL Flag**, in a strategic bet on youth sports despite a pending congressional bill that could ban private equity involvement in youth athletics [1]. - **Josh Allen**, the Buffalo Bills quarterback, told CNBC Sport he would **“entertain”** the idea of moving into broadcasting after his playing career, similar to **Tom Brady** and **Drew Brees**, though he noted some reservations about the transition [1]. Other notable NFL-related business developments include: - **ESPN nearing a deal with Mike Garafolo** to strengthen its NFL reporting lineup, signaling increased investment in NFL coverage [5]. - The **Bears’ Indiana stadium plans** are in the “red zone,” with the governor indicating the team is close to a final decision on a long-awaited stadium [5]. - The NFL **rejected Brendan Sorsby’s supplemental draft bid**, leaving open the possibility of a lawsuit that could challenge league procedures [2]. These stories reflect ongoing trends in NFL business: private equity moving into youth sports, player transition to media, media rights consolidation, and infrastructure development.

The most significant sports business news this week involving individual athletes centers on **Jalen Peterson** signing a historic rookie shoe deal, **Steph Curry** ending his 13-year partnership with Under Armour, and **OG Anunoby** launching a new crypto prediction market deal amid the NBA Finals. Here are the key stories broken down by sport: ### **NBA (Basketball)** * **Jalen Peterson’s Historic Rookie Deal:** The Jazz’s No. 2 pick signed with **Adidas** for a deal ranking as the **top-5 richest rookie shoe agreements in NBA history**, valued significantly higher than typical rookie contracts [1]. * **Steph Curry Leaves Under Armour:** After nearly **13 years**, the star split with Under Armour, ending one of the basketball world’s most enduring sneaker partnerships [4]. * **OG Anunoby’s Crypto Deal:** Minutes after putting the Knicks on the verge of their first championship in 53 years, the 28-year-old signed a deal to endorse **Crypto.com’s “OG Prediction Markets”** platform [1]. * **Kawhi Leonard Trade Held:** The trade of **Kawhi Leonard** to the Raptors remains on hold until the NBA completes its investigation into allegations of Clippers salary-cap circumvention [2][3]. * **Jersey Collectibles Boom:** **Jalen Brunson’s** NBA Finals Game 1 jersey sold for **over $1 million** at auction, cementing his status as a top collectible name [2]. ### **Golf** * **Wyndham Clark’s $4.5M Prize:** After winning the **2026 U.S. Open**, Clark received **$4.5 million** in prize money, a payout matching the 2026 Masters and backing up his 2023 major win [1]. ### **WNBA & Soccer** * **First-Ever Network Merch Deals:** **Kaleena Smith** and **Beckham Black** landed the **first-ever merchandising deals** with their network, marking a breakthrough for WNBA athlete branding [1]. * **OKC Soccer Investment:** **Mayfield**, **J-Dub** (likely referring to a specific player or duo, context suggests a star trio), and **McLaughlin-Levrone** invested in a **$1 billion OKC soccer project**, joining **Russell Westbrook** and **Jozy Altidore** in the ownership group [1]. * **Christian Pulisic Injury Impact:** The USMNT star suffered a **leg microfracture** against Belgium and will miss several weeks, creating urgency for team business planning during the World Cup [2]. ### **Other Notables** * **Nelly Korda’s History Run:** The LPGA’s biggest star is chasing history at the **Women’s PGA Championship**, with a career Grand Slam and Hall of Fame qualification on the line [1]. * **Rafael Nadal’s Retirement Confirmed:** Nadal confirmed he will **not return** to pro tennis, closing the chapter on his playing career while expanding into hospitality with his fourth Zel hotel [6]. * **Victor Wembanyama’s Bonus Forgone:** The Spurs star **forwent a potential $50 million bonus** to help the team’s finances, prompting the NBPA to call for system changes [2].