Overview

HEADLINE: MLS names Larry Berg as Don Garber’s successor | SOURCE: Sports Business Journal | SUMMARY: MLS ended its commissioner search by selecting ownership insider Larry Berg as Don Garber’s replacement. The search firms had contacted around 125 candidates, but the league ultimately chose someone already embedded in the ownership group, underscoring continuity at the top. HEADLINE: MLS signs Polymarket as exclusive prediction-market partner | SOURCE: Front Office Sports | SUMMARY: MLS, through Soccer United Marketing, struck a deal making Polymarket the league’s exclusive prediction-market partner across MLS, the All-Star Game, MLS Cup, and Leagues Cup. The agreement also ties into stadium LED inventory and digital fan experiences, showing how MLS is extending commercial inventory beyond traditional sponsorships. HEADLINE: Columbus Crew ownership stake sold at $900 million valuation | SOURCE: ESPN | SUMMARY: Haslam Sports Group sold a 10% stake in the Columbus Crew to the Edwards family at a reported $900 million valuation. The move boosts the Edwards family’s position in the club and reinforces rising MLS franchise values.

HEADLINE: Agentiq lands first athlete deal with Nationals prospect Ronny Cruz | SOURCE: Sportico | SUMMARY: Ronny Cruz, a Washington Nationals prospect, agreed to sell a slice of his future baseball earnings to startup Agentiq in a deal that also includes branding support and NIL rights. The arrangement is notable because Agentiq says it plans to launch many more athlete-linked offerings, starting in baseball and expanding to other sports.[1] HEADLINE: Aaron Donald is building a media and entertainment business footprint | SOURCE: Front Office Sports | SUMMARY: Aaron Donald has hired Jon Rosen of Envisionary to grow his businesses, brand partnerships, and overall profile in media and entertainment. The move signals a broader post-playing business push beyond traditional endorsements.[2] HEADLINE: Jalen Brunson talks brand equity, equity deals and possible ownership | SOURCE: Sports Business Journal | SUMMARY: At a WSJ event, Knicks star Jalen Brunson said endorsement deals have been valuable, but he is increasingly interested in longer-term opportunities with more upside. His comments point to a strategy that goes beyond short-term sponsorships and toward equity and ownership plays.[3]