Author Archives: Jerry Milani

About Jerry Milani

Jerry Milani is a freelance writer and public relations executive living in Bloomfield, N.J. He has worked in P.R. for more than 30 years in college and conference sports media relations, two agencies and for the International Fight League, a team-based mixed martial arts league, and variouis sports and entertainment properties. Milani is a proud graduate of Fordham University and when not attending a Yankees or Rams game can be reached at Jerry (at) JerryMilani (dot) com.

Antonio Gates, Fanduel And Lupus Research Alliance Partner On A Daily Fantasy Contest To Fund Research

In support of the millions of people living with lupus, FanDuel has partnered with the Lupus Research Alliance and Legendary Chargers Tight End, Antonio Gates for a “Super Duel for a Difference” daily fantasy contest on FanDuel to help fund research for a cure for lupus. ​

Duel for a Difference, a signature FanDuel initiative, is a daily fantasy contest where entry fees are donated back to a charity or organization. FanDuel often partners with a celebrity or pro athlete to support these initiatives by playing against customers in the contest, and identify organizations the celebrity is passionate about.

The Super Duel for a Difference contest with Antonio Gates will take place for the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers game on Thursday night, 12/16/21. The contest will cost $5 to enter, and FanDuel will be donating all entry fees from the contest back to the Lupus Research Alliance, a cause that has a close personal connection for Gates. Gates will draft his own team and play alongside everyone, and the winner of the contest will receive two tickets to Super Bowl LVI in February.

For more information about Duel for a Difference, and to sign up, donate and play, please visit https://www.fanduel.com/games/68565/contests/68565-253048613/enter.

Inside Edge Partners With BetMGM And Sports Alerts, Launches Product For Fans

Inside Edge, Inc., a leading provider of in-depth sports analytics products for teams and media, is expanding its offerings into the sports betting industry through partnerships with BetMGM and Sports Alerts, and the launch of its first product for fans, My Inside Edge.

In September 2021, Inside Edge kicked off a 2-year partnership with BetMGM, a leading sports betting and digital gaming entertainment company. Inside Edge’s Remarkable insights will power BetMGM’s MLB, NFL and NCAAF game notes in a unique way, helping to drive more traffic, and ultimately, increase handle. Remarkable is patented AI technology that analyzes sports data and unveils unique performance insights that are fully-automated and produced both pregame and in-game.

Inside Edge is also partnering with Sports Alerts, a scores and statistics app, as one of the mobile app’s game experts. Users will have access to Inside Edge’s MLB and NFL products including Reasons, which predicts which team has the advantage, and 5-Star Picks, IE’s pick to win against the spread.

After serving media and sports teams for over 27 years, Inside Edge launched its first product for fans, My Inside Edge. The site provides sports bettors and daily fantasy players with free matchup-specific insights and projections to build winning lineups and make confident decisions. Insights include Daily Fantasy Player Cards, Inside Edge’s pick to win against the spread and Reasons one team has the advantage.

“As Inside Edge continues to innovate and expand our offerings, we are excited to make our debut in the sports betting world in partnership with industry leader BetMGM, and the fantastic mobile app developer, Sports Alerts / Luno Software. The power of our Remarkable insights engine in combination with their engaged users creates an elevated experience for fans and sports bettors,” said Inside Edge CEO Randy Istre.

SGPN Outpaces Industry Growth Projections With Almost 3 Million Downloads In 2021

Sports Gambling Podcast Network (SGPN), the only major independent sports wagering media network that places a premium on entertainment value and free user content, will clobber industry growth projections with a 30 per cent year-over-year increase in total downloads during the course of 2021.

According to the podcast analytics website Megaphone, SGPN has amassed a total of 2,848,068* downloads since January, led by the popular Sports Gambling Podcast, which focuses on the most prominent games and issues of the day with selections, analysis and opinions of co-founders and rising stars Sean Green and Ryan Kramer.  SGPN expects to hit three million downloads by the end of the year.

SGPN launched eight new podcast feeds this year and has seen marked growth in unique visitors, YouTube views and podcast audiences thanks in part to its affiliation with the BlueWire Podcasts distribution network.  SGPN’s 30 per cent growth over 2020 compares favorably to the industry-wide podcast consumption growth of 17 per cent reported by prominent media research company Edison Research of Somerville, NJ. http://www.edisonresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/The-Infinite-Dial-2021.pdf 

Unlike the clutter of football- and basketball-specific podcasts and offerings that leverage the prominence of legacy brand network- or betting house-affiliated offerings, SGPN has grown organically and now provides personalities and content from some 50 expert contributors covering all aspects of 10-plus sports, including international soccer, boxing/MMA and fantasy sports.

“The industry battle for eyeballs and listeners in our space is as fierce as it is among the wagering houses who spend millions of dollars to acquire account deposits,” stated Green, the Philadelphia area native now working out of his SGPN Studios in Los Angeles.  “SGPN is free.  We’re happy to serve the growing number of sports wagering enthusiasts at no cost with sophisticated picks, analysis, commentary and deep-dive detail.  Now, our growth shows that it is appreciated and we’re ready to build on that success using our tried-and-true formula heading into 2022, when we’ll be celebrating our 10th anniversary.”   Green provides NFL picks on a weekly basis for Burb Media in Philadelphia and is a favored sportstalk radio guest on shows around the country.   

Also a working stand-up comic in the Los Angeles region, Green used his immersive knowledge to win $200,000 in a DraftKings Daily Fantasy Football (DFS) competition in 2017, enabling him to enhance the SGPN facilities and branding initiatives.  The following year, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) was struck down by the courts and the current blizzard of growth ensued.  Still, fewer than half of the states have legalized sports wagering, so the industry has tremendous expansion ahead, a huge positive for SGPN and other established players.

cover image: Sean Green, Ryan Kramer (SGPN Photo)

BitFire Enters Into Three-Year Agreement With National Lacrosse League

The National Lacrosse League (NLL) and BitFire Networks announce a new three-year partnership to present the next three seasons of play, starting with the current 2021-2022 season.

A worldwide audience will watch as these matchups take place all across the U.S. and Canada and are broadcast by ESPN and TSN. The multi-year agreement ensures that BitFire will play a key role in the production and distribution of NLL games, starting with at least 120 games in year one alone.

The National Lacrosse League is a men’s professional box lacrosse league in North America, with fifteen teams: ten in the U.S. and five in Canada. The 2021-22 season represents a transformative year in the 35-year history of the NLL. Recently, the league announced multi-year, multi-platform media rights partnerships with ESPN and TSN, bringing the game’s reach to its largest potential audience ever, more than 100 million fans, establishing the league as a force in the North American sports space.

With a commitment to live sports production that brings viewers closer to the action than ever before, BitFire and the NLL are employing a centralized broadcast production workflow, with BitFire’s Network playing an integral role in supporting the League’s production partners. Utilizing a minimal on-site footprint at each of the teams’ respective arenas, a robust remote production solution was developed to ensure the League’s live content is captured and distributed in a high-quality and consistent manner.

“This partnership with the National Lacrosse League exemplifies how innovative and technically complex sports production has become,” said Bob Sullivan, CEO of BitFire. “Our agreement will ensure the League’s dedicated fans won’t miss any of the fast-paced action by providing a best-in-class broadcast quality experience.”

“Centralized remote production is fast becoming an industry standard for national sports broadcasts with the goal of improving production quality and consistency in a cost-effective manner,” said Joel Feld, NLL Executive Vice President, Broadcast and Content. “In Week 1 alone, we produced seven games, six in the same window. BitFire seamlessly delivered every game to eight takers, including national partners ESPN and TSN, and to the teams’ local partners.”

“The agility and flexibility of BitFire’s transmission network is allowing the NLL to take a big leap forward in the quality and scale of its broadcast delivery,” notes Edward Derse, the NLL’s broadcast operations and technology consultant. “BitFire allows us to provide greater value to the league and its individual teams by allowing us to produce remotely and deliver NLL broadcasts seamlessly and economically to all takers, including the teams themselves.”

BitFire will provide feeds from each venue to NLL production partners, TV networks, local TV stations, regional sports networks and OTT destinations across the United States and Canada. This allows production partners to remotely switch games and produce more than one game simultaneously. The communication component is critical in that BitFire provides the audio, video and communications for each game.

“Our work with the NLL is a custom solution, created by a team of broadcast experts,” added Sullivan. “This partnership shines a global spotlight on our solution-focused capabilities by creating the vision that our partners demand.”

BitFire is working on this new agreement in partnership with the league’s broadcast team, DOME Productions, Freedom Broadcast Group, DRAGONFLi Media Technologies and the league’s 14 active teams and venues spread out across the U.S and Canada.

With the addition of the NLL to its client roster, BitFire’s continued growth by providing superior, scalable, and end-to-end live transmission and production solutions.

Genius Sports, CFL Partner to Grow Fan Engagement and Extend Media Reach Via Sports Data, Global Tech

Genius Sports, the official data, technology and commercial partner that powers the ecosystem connecting sports, betting and media, today announced a landmark strategic partnership with the Canadian Football League (CFL), the second largest football league globally with over 100 years of history.

Genius Sports will provide a wide range of technology and services that will enable the CFL to accelerate its growth plans and engage new audiences around the world.

As part of the agreement, Genius Sports will have the exclusive rights to commercialize the CFL’s official data worldwide and video content with sportsbooks in international markets, replicating the global distribution and success of its official betting products for the EPL and NFL, among others. In connection with the partnership, in addition to the official data rights agreement, Genius Sports and the CFL have also agreed that Genius Sports will acquire a minority stake in CFL Ventures, the new commercial arm of the League, allowing the Company to benefit strategically and financially from the CFL’s growth.

The CFL will be provided with one of the widest and most innovative data ecosystems in world sport, transforming its relationships with fans, sportsbooks, and media in North America and globally. Bringing together its recent acquisitions of Second Spectrum, Spirable, FanHub and Sportzcast, Genius Sports will power the entire CFL digital infrastructure. This will include live broadcast augmentation, advanced data tracking tools, highly targeted and personalized fan engagement solutions, cross-platform streaming capabilities, play-by-play and scoreboard data collection technology, coaching analytics products, and integrity services to safeguard the league.

“Our partnership with Genius Sports has the potential to launch a new era for the CFL,” said Randy Ambrosie, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League. “It provides access to the technology and tools we need to engage our existing fans, and reach new ones, in exciting, innovative and highly customized ways. This goes beyond transforming our marketing. It can redefine our relationship with fans, partners and other key stakeholders, here in Canada and globally.”

“By providing the CFL with an incredible range of sports technology solutions, Genius Sports is setting a new precedent for sports partnerships,” said Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports. “Together, we will revolutionize the entire CFL product, delivering truly immersive experiences for their existing fans and attracting new audiences who crave year-round, top-flight football action.”

This partnership will help facilitate the CFL’s growth ambitions, expanding its audience in the U.S., while extending its reach into new international markets. Genius Sports will help the CFL to capitalize on the growth of the North American sports betting market, maximizing revenue and engagement opportunities.

The transaction is expected to become effective in January 2022. An O’Melveny & Myers LLP team, led by partners Charles Baker and Amy Siegel and counsel Eric Geffner and Rob Catmull together with McCarthy Tetrault LLP, advised Genius Sports on this transformative transaction.

FanDuel And Pat McAfee Announce Multi-Year Exclusive Content Partnership Agreement

Lincoln Riley bolted Oklahoma for the sun at USC. Brian Kelly left Notre Dame and added a southern accent at LSU. Pat McAfee? He is staying with FanDuel!

FanDuel Group got its man today, reaching a multi-year agreement with Pat McAfee Inc. (PMI), keeping the sports media industry’s fastest-growing star an exclusive partner of America’s #1 Sportsbook. The agreement represents a significant expansion of its previous deal and includes a formalized content partnership.

Highlights of the new agreement:

  • FanDuel will remain the official sportsbook of PMI and the Pat McAfee Show with the two companies continuing to deepen and evolve the integration of odds boosts and other promotions across PMI platforms
  • FanDuel and the entire team at PMI will attempt to create new shows/segments that are considered above average beyond the daily show content.
  • Expanded co-branded big brain ideas, and customer promotions such as the first ever crowd sourced Spread the Love campaign
  • Pat McAfee and FanDuel will create a series of annual special edition shows supporting tentpole events (ex. FanDuel NFL Draft Spectacular)
  • Development of “epic” live events tour including “on-the-road” shows throughout the year
  • McAfee and his team to support FanDuel during new state launches

FanDuel will be investing in PMI’s content development capabilities including a new campus/complex to support its production efforts. This includes the naming and branding rights for the soon to be redesigned live studio for the Pat McAfee Show. The new complex will be known as “The FanDuel Igloo” and will house production studios, a lounge, basketball court and golf simulator.

“Simply put, Pat McAfee is the sports media industry’s fastest growing star and we’re thrilled to deepen our relationship with him as our exclusive partner,” said Mike Raffensperger Chief Marketing Officer, FanDuel Group. “Pat and his team champion the FanDuel brand and together we’ve developed groundbreaking content experiences for his audience and our customers alike. Of course, Pat isn’t just our best marketing partner, he’s also one of our best customers so we expect he will give us some of the money back!”

“This new deal with FanDuel will afford us the opportunity to take things to a different level,” said McAfee. “We are incredibly lucky the exclusive Sportsbook of our show remains the #1 Sportsbook in America. I’m excited for the future. With that being said, we still plan on taking every dollar FanDuel has with our Super Boosts, Hammer DAHN picks, and AJ Hawk’s big brain.”

FanDuel and PMI have been working together for several years and the Pat McAfee Show has become the gold standard of how to effectively integrate and deliver live odds and sports betting insights and commentary. Whether it’s branded McAfee odds boosts, enhanced odds or other special promotions the partnership between PMI and FanDuel has fueled a content genre that is now emulated but rarely duplicated across the sports media landscape. 

image: credit Flickr/Angie Six

O’Neil, Mackey, Foster Among Negro League Stars Featured In Strat-O-Matic, NLBM NFT Partnership

Strat-O-Matic, the market leader in sports simulation, and the Negro League Baseball Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African-American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America, today announced a partnership to distribute NFTs (non-fungible tokens) featuring all-time baseball greats from the Negro Leagues. The program includes partnerships with the estates of superstars like new Hall of Famer Buck O’Neil, Biz Mackey, Bill Foster, Rube Foster, Leon Day and Pete Hill in the first set of digital collectibles.

The NFT offerings will include images or media owned by the NLBM or estates as well as a voiceover discussing the player’s career and legacy and their unique Strat-O-Matic game card, playable via Strat-O-Matic’s proprietary game technology.

The NLBM will receive 25% of profits from the offering, making it one of the first philanthropic digital collectibles available.

“The Negro Leagues had a profound impact on the advancement of American civil rights and culture.” said Adam Richman, Strat-O-Matic C.E.O. “These NFTs will preserve this legacy and celebrate these players, who need to have their stories and contributions to history preserved for future generations.”

“The Negro League Baseball Museum is proud to continue its amazing partnership with Strat-O-Matic, which has long been a supporter of the museum and Negro Leagues history,” said Bob Kendrick, NLBM President. “The NFT offerings are a creative new way to help fans and collectors celebrate the greatness of these legendary players while supporting our mission.”

cover image: credit kc congdon

National Lacrosse League Launches Pick ‘Em Challenge

The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, today announced the launch of the NLL Pick ‘Em Challenge for the 2021-22 Season in partnership with Genius Sports (NYSE:GENI). Each week, fans will answer 10 questions relating to the upcoming weekends action for their chance to win cash and other prizes. Fans have the chance to win a weekly $10,000 prize should they answer every question correctly in any regular season week. The free-to-play game is available for fans at www.nllpickem.com/.

“NLL Pick ‘Em is another way that fans can stay engaged with the league and its players on a deeper level, encouraging greater knowledge of the game and rewarding our most loyal supporters,” said NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “And with all of our games more accessible in the U.S. and Canada, following the progress of their NLL Pick ‘Em selections will be easier than ever.”

NLL Pick ‘Em was developed in association with Genius Sports, the official data and technology partner that powers the ecosystem connecting sports, betting, and media. Genius Sports was also selected to develop the NLL Summer Polling Challenge which ran during the summer of 2021, asking NLL fans their opinions on a variety of topics.

For the most up to date information and breaking news, sign up for the NLL newsletter at NLL.com. Also follow Deputy Commissioner Jessica Berman and Commissioner Sakiewicz on Twitter @JessicaBerman1 and @NLLcommish, respectively.

Stars Including Ferguson, Press Come Out To Mark World Aids Day At Grassroot Soccer Charity Gala

To mark today’s World AIDS Day, celebrities, footballers, and leaders in business and media came together on Tuesday to support a fundraising gala evening for international football/soccer charity Grassroot Soccer (@GrassrootSoccer) at Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan. The international charity has used soccer/football as a platform to educate over 13 million young people in 60 countries around the world about health issues, including the dangers and preventative measures of one of the greatest health challenges in Africa: HIV/AIDS. The evening raised an estimated more than $1.4 million for the organization.

Among the standout dignitaries on hand were Sir Alex Ferguson, CBE, Legendary Football Manager; Christen Press, 2x World Champion with the US Women’s National Team; Ethan Zohn, Grassroot Soccer Co-Founder and winner of “Survivor Africa”; Dr. Tommy Clark, GRS Founder and CEO; Seth Meyers, television host, TV personality; Kweku Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela; and many others.

“To be able to bring everyone here to New York City for Giving Tuesday and World Aids day is just an incredible feeling,” said Zohn. “We’ve all been locked down and in isolation for a really long time so it just feels really good to bring everyone together to celebrate the beautiful sport of soccer and the incredible things we are doing around the world.”

“Soccer is without question the biggest sport in the world,” said Ferguson. “Grassroot Soccer is using the sport as a template to impact the most people. What Tommy Clark has undertaken is a fantastic challenge, and for me, it’s easy to get involved in something which is so honest and benefits so many in poverty.”

“It’s really nice I have friends who are involved with the event who reached out and when they explained what Grassroot was it was a no brainer,” added Meyers. “Then, to have soccer royalty on the scene, it’s a great way to spend an evening.”

Other notable guests included Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngucka, Former UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Founder Of Umlambo Foundation; Roger Bennett, Writer, Broadcaster, Filmmaker, and Co-Host of NBC’s Men In Blazers Show; GoldFish (Dominic Peters & David Poole), DJ duo; Fiona Ferguson, GRS Champion; Gregg Lemkau, GRS Champion and former board member; Kyle Martino, MLS commentator, former USA and MLS Soccer star; Hamza Syed, Host & Producer of New York Times Serial Podcast; and Jason Feitelberg, Head of Investment at Sterling Resources.

The event provided guests the opportunity to learn about Grassroot Soccer’s vital programs in Africa to educate and inspire young people to live healthier lives and give them hope for the future.

There was fierce bidding in the silent auction. Among the hottest prizes of the night were VIP tickets to the Late Show with Seth Meyers, a Chelsea FC matchday experience including a post-game meet and greet with Christian Pulisic, a dinner party with former Obama White House chef Sam Kass, and a signed print from artist Andre Saraiva.

Grassrooot Soccer has provided health education, access to testing, and support for treatment to over 150,000 young people in the past year, with programs in countries with the highest levels of HIV in the world, including its flagship projects in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, plus other nations with a high HIV rate such as Nigeria, Malawi, and many more.

“It’s amazing to see this,” added Clark. “A couple of reasons why I think it’s been successful is I think it’s a simple idea, it’s a good idea, but I think it’s the hard work of a lot of people if you really really think about it.”

National Lacrosse League Promotes Heritage, Inclusion, Service With Launch Of NLL Unites

The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, continues its unwavering commitment to its foundational pillars of heritage, inclusion and service with the unveiling of NLL Unites, the league’s umbrella social responsibility program. NLL Unites will combine the efforts of the league, teams, players and partners to promote each of those pillars through storytelling, education, activation and access.

NLL Unites will continue to evolve as the program develops and grows. Most visibly and imminently for the coming 2021-22 NLL season, players will wear a specially designed helmet decal with a Every Child Matters logo designed by Curt Styres and the Halifax Thunderbirds organization, raising awareness of the history and role of residential schools throughout North America.

“We are very proud to roll out NLL Unites and continue to amplify the great work already being done by the league and its teams, players and partners with respect to all our efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion,” said NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “NLL Unites is the creation of a tremendous amount of work led by our Deputy Commissioner Jessica Berman and many others throughout the process. It will provide continued direction increasing our commitment to important initiatives that make a meaningful difference in many lives and will also allow support of programs that are authentic in their connection to lacrosse.”

The pillars of heritage, inclusion and service are at the heart of NLL Unites:

  • Heritage involves honoring the history of lacrosse and being advocates for the indigenous community. It connects inherently with our sport, NLL players and staff.
  • Inclusion is focused on making sure anyone who wants to play, watch or experience the NLL feels welcome. We want more people and kids having access to lacrosse. We embrace the challenge to make lacrosse for everyone.
  • Service highlights the community efforts of the league and its teams as the NLL is now in 15 markets across North America; we will work to positively impact our communities and give back.

NLL Unites was formed through collaboration and consultation with various partners and leaders in CSR. RISE conducted a series of focus groups with NLL players, teams, and front office staff to explore topics around diversity and inclusion, heritage, and equality. Together with the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology, students conducted a CSR landscape analysis and recommended suggestions and initiatives that contributed to the framework of NLL Unites. Furthermore, the NLL reached out to other leagues, consultants, and ongoing partners to best understand the unique needs of the sport and its growing fandom.

Specific initiatives and programs will be announced throughout the 2021-22 season and beyond as NLL Unites puts a clear vision to the league’s corporate social responsibility efforts. These commitments will be guided through the subject matter expertise of the NLL’s non-profit partners including RISE, You Can Play and Right to Play, with more partners to come. Fans and anyone else who is interested can learn more about NLL Unites and learn how to get involved at nll.com/nll-unites.

Entain Foundation U.S. Sponsors NBA Legend Charles Oakley’s ‘Oak Out Hunger’ Community Project

The Entain Foundation U.S., the not-for-profit charitable trust of Entain, is to sponsor an initiative led by retired NBA legend Charles Oakley to include education in responsible gambling with other forms of support to impoverished, underprivileged communities facing hunger, addiction, and economic challenges in cities across the U.S.

The Entain Foundation U.S. sponsorship will provide both funding and expertise in preventing and mitigating problem gambling to the Oak Out Hunger initiative. It means that, for the first time, education in responsible gambling will sit alongside other valuable and worthwhile community services provided by the Charles Oakley Foundation, including anti-addiction and education programs.

Early next year this program will operate in U.S. cities including Los Angeles, New York, Buffalo, Philadelphia and New Orleans – coinciding with major sporting events including the Super Bowl and March Madness, the college basketball tournament. In addition, the campaign will visit further cities and towns also home to universities including Indiana University, the University of Michigan and Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers, West Virginia and Tennessee.

“As sports betting takes off across many U.S. states, we’re committed to do all we can to ensure that people only bet what they can afford – which is especially important in more deprived communities,” said Martin Lycka, Entain senior vice president for American regulatory affairs and responsible gambling, and trustee of the Entain Foundation U.S. “The Oak Out Hunger campaign is truly unique – and effective – in providing essential services to impoverished and underprivileged urban communities across the U.S. The Oakley Foundation is an ideal partner to help us reach those in most need with education on responsible gambling.”

“It’s all about giving back to people who are trying to get through life,” Charles Oakley said. “I go all over. And you see people hanging out on the streets, nowhere to get a meal, some of whom use what little money they have to fund addictions. Our program is about helping to break that cycle. Give them a chance and a good meal. Meet some different people and have a good time.”

With the Entain Foundation US sponsorship, the Charles Oakley Foundation and Oak Out Hunger campaign join other nationally and globally recognized partners who collaborate with Entain to prevent and combat potentially harmful behaviors among at-risk populations.

Entain and its two sister foundations, the Entain Foundation and the Entain Foundation U.S., operate some of the world’s most innovative and comprehensive portfolios of programs designed to prevent and mitigate problem gambling.  For example, a free app, developed by Entain, called “Gamble Responsibly America,” is available through the App Store and Google Play, with no branding or commercial promotion.

The Entain Foundation U.S. is a first-of-its-kind non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible gambling, sports integrity and corporate compliance in the U.S. The Foundation was launched in 2019 by the Entain Global Foundation and the Entain Group. Entain is the leading global sports betting, gaming and interactive entertainment operator, which jointly owns BetMGM in the U.S.

cover image: Charles Oakley (credit Bryan Horowitz)

Longtime NHL Referee Don Koharski Named NLL Director of Officials

The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, today announced the appointment of retired 32-year veteran National Hockey League referee Don Koharski as its Director of Officials. Koharski, affectionately known as ‘Koho’, will begin his NLL duties immediately as the league gears up for the 2021-22 season launching on December 3.

Koharski, 65, officiated 1,882 regular season, 262 playoff and 11 Stanley Cup Finals games in his NHL career, which began in 1977 as a linesman before ascending to referee in 1981. The Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, native has been a longtime lacrosse supporter, as a player helping the Nova Scotia team to a silver medal in the Canada Summer Games in 1973 and coaching the Hamilton Bengals midget lacrosse team in 1980 and 1981. He is a member of the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame, inducted in 2007.

“In preparation for the 2021-22 season, Koho will take a deeper dive into more effective positioning and movement patterns, enhanced game management and communication skills allowing our officials to take their skill set to the next level” said Brian Lemon, NLL EVP of Lacrosse Operations. “His passion for the sport of lacrosse and the respect he earned in more than 2,000 NHL games will be crucial when recruiting and developing the best amateur officials for our sport.”

“I am honored to be a part of the National Lacrosse League, and excited to work with our officiating staff to make them the best they can be for the 2021-22 season and beyond.” said Koharski

For the most up to date information and breaking news, sign up for the NLL newsletter at NLL.com. Also follow Deputy Commissioner Jessica Berman and Commissioner Sakiewicz on Twitter @JessicaBerman1 and @NLLcommish, respectively.

VKTRY Brings NFL Star Jonathan Taylor On Board As Latest Brand Ambassador

VKTRY GEAR, the fast growing, industry leader in Performance Insoles for heightened athletic performance and injury protection, continued to make 2021 a record year, announcing six months in a row of month over month sales increases while bringing fast-rising NFL running back Jonathan Taylor on as the latest brand ambassador. The Indianapolis Colts star has the second highest grade among all NFL running backs per Pro Football Focus and is second in the league in rushing heading into this weekend. Players on all 32 NFL clubs are now using VKTRY insoles for the first time in the history of the company.

“When I first put VKTRY Insoles into my cleats, it was an instant boost of explosion, power & speed. Being able to explode out of my cuts with more power helps me separate from a defender,” stated Jonathan Taylor. “Knowing that VKTRY Insoles are made with the latest and greatest technology makes you feel almost like you’re a superhero or something out of this world. Having this high-tech product inside your cleats makes you feel like no one can stop you on the field.”

“We are honored to have two of the best young running backs in the NFL as VKTRY’s spokespeople – first Nick Chubb – and now Jonathan Taylor,” said VKTRY CEO Steve Wasik. “JT is one of the most explosive players in the league, highly respected by everyone who knows him. We are honored to have him representing VKTRY.”

During the 2021 NFL season, a record number of over 200 NFL players, from all 32 clubs, are now wearing VKTRY’S carbon fiber insoles, a 75% increase from 2020. The list includes some of the brightest young stars and respected veterans in the NFL: Nick Chubb, Saquan Barkley, Antonio Gibson, Bryan Bulaga, George Kittle, Josh Norman, DK Metcalf, Deebo Samuel and many more. VKTRY Insoles are used across multiple sports and the company’s endorsements include NBA legend Tracy McGrady, Captain of the Gold Medal-winning US Women’s Volleyball Team Jordan Larson, MLB slugger Vlad Guerrero, Jr., and 3X PGA major winner Padraig Harrington.

Made from aerospace-grade carbon fiber, VKTRY Insoles store and return energy to the athlete. They also provide a “spring-like” effect to improve shock absorption and reduce the load and stress on the athlete’s body. In independent performance testing, athletes wearing VKs increased their broad jump by an average of +4.0″, their vert by +1.6″ and improved their 40 times by 0.12 seconds. Because all athletes are not alike, VKs are customized based on the size of the athlete and the sport or activity. VKTRY’s Gold Insoles are available in five different levels of flexibility to optimize performance, protection and comfort.

“VKTRY’s Gold Insoles have been designed for serious athletes, while our recent launch of Silver Insoles appeals to more casual athletes or weekend warriors”, stated Wasik. “2021 has proven to be our best year ever as sales are trending at close to +40% higher than year ago. More and more athletes are discovering the performance and protection benefits of VKTRY Insoles.”

Taylor added: “If a teammate asked me about VKTRY Insoles, I would tell them that this is the one product that would help them take their game to the next level. Foam insoles don’t respond or give you anything back. Wearing VKTRY’s carbon fiber insoles, the one thing I notice instantly is that extra power & explosion that they give me.”

600 Picks For Dant On Tap As CBB & CFB Seasons Intersect

 Sports Gambling Podcast Network (SGPN) college sports handicapping expert Colby Dant will make a total 593 selections against the spread on college football and college basketball contests, in accordance with the slate of FBS and Division I basketball games in place for November 14-20.

With college basketball teams swinging into action across the country while the college football season continues apace, Colby Dant, his brother, Nick, and Patty C  will produce the Week 12 College Football Experience podcast and add The College Basketball Experience podcast in addition to posting their picks on SportsGamblingPodcast.com for the myriad SGPN audiences (CFB picks, CBB picks).  Dant has spearheaded the selection of every game over the past four years and boasts a success rate well above industry standards during that time.

The commitment to providing input and a pick against the spread for each major college game is part of the exhaustive approach of Sports Gambling Podcast Network (SGPN), the only independently owned and operated sports gambling media network that places a premium on entertainment value.  The predictive podcasts are most readily available on the SGPN app, downloadable at Apple’s App Store, The Google Play Store , and from www.SportsGamblingPodcast.com.

“It is, by far, the craziest week of the year,” offered Dant, who is 31 games over .500 on college football prognostications this year.  “Though it breaks my heart, the college football slate slows down as Thanksgiving week arrives.  That allows for a transition of focus to the hardwood, where there are great wagering opportunities because the oddsmakers will be putting up unsophisticated lines.  So, join us and we’ll give you some early-season college BBall winners.”

“We just sit back in amazement,” said Sean Green, co-founder with Ryan Kramer of SGPN’s formidable lineup of sports wagering content offerings.  “The college podcasts are among our most popular, so we’re expecting traffic increases as the audiences join Colby in embracing the simultaneous hardwood action.”

  • In prominent college football games this week, Dant likes four underdogs to cover, as posted on the website.  He has homestanding Pitt +6.5 over North Carolina, Michigan +7.5 at Penn State, Tennessee +22 hosting Georgia and Purdue +23.5 at Ohio St.  Among his season over/under win total predictions that cashed by midseason was South Carolina over 3.5 wins.  The Gamecocks are now 5-4 after their dismantling of Florida Saturday night.

NLL Announces Partnership with Ontario Junior Lacrosse League

The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, announced a partnership with the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League (@TheOJLL) of the Ontario Lacrosse Association, focusing on game-related matters, from coaching and officiating development to marketing and sponsorship initiatives.

Although details of the partnership are being formalized now, the NLL and the OJLL have been working together informally for the last several months as the OJLL adopted nine rules from the NLL ahead of their 2021 season, providing players, coaches, and officials with enhanced opportunities to elevate themselves to the next level. Many members of the NLL were involved in OJLL Commissioner Mark Grimes’ recommendation to implement the rules, including NLL general managers Ed Comeau (Georgia Swarm), Paul Day (Philadelphia Wings) and Derek Keenan (Saskatchewan Rush), and NLL referee Ian Garrison.

“We have been very impressed with what the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League has been able to accomplish under the leadership of Mark Grimes since he took over in April of 2021,” said Nick Sakiewicz, NLL Commissioner. “We want to continue to grow and unify the game of lacrosse under a consistent rulebook and serve as an inspiration to the players, coaches, and officials who are currently and will eventually go through the OJLL.”

“We have some of the best minds in the National Lacrosse League behind the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League right now,” said OJLL Commissioner, Mark Grimes. “The OJLL is committed to remaining the NLL’s number one source for talent and this partnership brings together two leaders in the sport to provide a continuous pathway of development for players, coaches, and officials.”

“The NLL is very excited about continuing our work with the OJLL,” said Brian Lemon, EVP of Lacrosse Operations for the NLL. “The ability to have OJLL playing NLL rules will benefit players, coaches, and officials for the future. Now is the time to establish these relationships with the lacrosse organizations as the NLL continues to grow, needing the next crop of talent and to unify the game.”

The OJLL has perennially provided top level talent to the NLL and 2021 was no exception— 48% of all selections in the 2021 NLL Entry Draft were developed in the OJLL, including 12 first-round picks. Heading into the 2021-22 NLL season, three officials were onboarded to the NLL after demonstrating standout performances in the 2021 OJLL season. These three officials will join 24 others as members of the NLL staff who began their careers in the Ontario Lacrosse Association and are veterans of the OJLL.

For the most up to date information and breaking news, sign up for the NLL newsletter at NLL.com. Also follow Deputy Commissioner Jessica Berman and Commissioner Sakiewicz on Twitter @JessicaBerman1 and @NLLcommish, respectively.

About the National Lacrosse League

The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s premier professional lacrosse league. Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 15 franchises across the United States and Canada: Albany FireWolves, Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Halifax Thunderbirds, Las Vegas NLL, New York Riptide, Panther City Lacrosse Club (TX), Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks, San Diego Seals, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock, and Vancouver Warriors.

2021 American 7s Football Season to Launch on fubo Sports Network

On the heels of a pilot program between the American 7s Football League and fubo Sports Network, the network will showcase the top games from the A7FL’s hard-hitting 2021 season.  The partnership, which kicked off October 25 and will continue each Monday thereafter at 6 PM ET with fubo Sports Network providing fans with their first free opportunity to view A7FL’s signature no helmets no pads football action from the league’s recently wrapped 7th season.

The fast-growing A7FL topped 200 million total video views in 2021 and grew to 750,000+ social media followers.  The league recently extended its successful StartEngine fundraising campaign and added 4 new division owners, expanding to 8 divisions and 32 teams nationwide for its 2022 season, which runs April-July.  In just the past year, several new sponsors have joined the fold including Cricket Wireless, Marshawn Lynch’s ZoomBang / Beast Mode, Herff-Jones, BioHemp+, and BetDSI.

Monday night’s game on fubo Sports Network features perennial A7FL powerhouse the Trenton BIC facing off against the Baltimore Cobras.  The BIC head into their 2021 campaign led by explosive two-time MVP Matt Riddick and 2020 Rookie of the Year Ashante Worthy.  The Cobras feature the always dangerous Jon “Ace Boogie” Gause Jr. at quarterback while nose guard Derrell Harris can clog holes on defense but can also break games open behind center or at wide receiver.

“We are thrilled to give fans the chance to tune in every Monday night to enjoy the action from our top games from the 2021 season,” said A7FL Co-Founder and CEO Sener Korkusuz. “Since we launched our “From the Vault” series with fuboTV in late summer, we’ve seen a 47% increase in viewing, so these games are clearly resonating with their sports-oriented audience – just as they have on social media and other platforms.”      

“Our audience has a strong appetite for action-packed sports content from partners like the American 7s Football League,” said Pamela Duckworth, head of Fubo Sports Network and original programming, fuboTV. “We’re excited to bring the 2021 A7FL season to Fubo Sports Network and provide viewers with even more unique 7-on-7 football the league is known for.”

Available on 75 million devices, fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming and partner content from BeIN Sports Xtra, Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, Stadium, USA TODAY and VSiN, among others. Stream for free on Hisense Smart TVs, LG Channels, Sports on Tubi, Plex, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s subscription packages of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.

For Soccer Ventures Announces Topps, 47 Brand, Umbro Among Partner Lineup for FootyCon, November 10

For Soccer Ventures (FSV) today announced the lineup for FootyCon, a soccer and lifestyle digital festival taking place exclusively on the NTWRK app at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 10.

FootyCon was founded by Curtis Brown and Ben Hooper to unite the diverse communities of the sport of soccer through art, fashion, and culture. The festival on NTWRK will bring together consumers from around the globe and give them access to exclusive products as well as the chance to engage with cultural tastemakers, personalities, and players with deep ties to the sport.

“We’re thrilled to reveal the lineup for the inaugural FootyCon festival,” said Heath Pearce, Chief Creative Officer at FSV. “We know fans of the game and its culture will connect and engage with the creators and brands that are participating and we’re excited to host a great event with NTWRK.”

As part of the announcement, Topps was also revealed as the exclusive collectible partner of FootyCon. Topps and FootyCon will collaborate and feature unique content and exclusive giveaways to fans from its Major League Soccer, UEFA Champions League, and Bundesliga collections during the buildup to the festival and the event itself.

“Topps is excited to partner with FSV for their inaugural FootyCon festival,” said Emily Kless, Topps Communications Manager. “FootyCon provides a unique opportunity for football fans to connect from anywhere in the world, and we’re proud that Topps trading cards are featured as the medium in which to unite creators, brands and fans alike.”

NTWRK presents FootyCon – Festival Lineup, Nov. 10

47 Brand – Premier sports lifestyle brand founded in Boston, Ma. that uniquely melds sport and style.

Angel City FC – Angel City Football Club is a member of NWSL and will take the pitch in Spring 2022 in Downtown Los Angeles. Angel City seeks to set higher expectations on and off the pitch through equality and impact. This is a different way of building a sporting club where mission and capital can coexist and make positive change in the community.

The Black Star Initiative – The Black Star Initiative has been developed to accelerate the growth of soccer in Black American communities and to increase access and opportunity in the sport at the grassroots level, while celebrating and amplifying the diverse Black soccer culture.

Bumpy Pitch – Purveyors of gourmet soccer culture.

Fan Ink – Fi Collection is an official licensed premium football (soccer) inspired lifestyle collection, with a focus on head-wear and accessories that express our passion of the sport and club.

FC Dorsum – F.C. Dorsum is a Los Angeles based brand conceptualized around a fictitious football club to fill the void between football and fashion.

Kicks to the Pitch – Kicks to the Pitch represents the future of soccer through sneakers, fashion, music and art.

LA Galaxy – The most celebrated and decorated club in Major League Soccer.  From uniting a city in ’96 through winning five MLS Cups, the Galaxy have made a lasting impact in the global game and united Angelenos for over 25 years.

LAFC – LAFC is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. LAFC’s ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise, and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology, and media.

NR – Heritage Italian sports brand rooted in style and soccer.

Oakland Roots – Oakland Roots Sports Club seeks to harness the magic of Oakland and the power of sport as a force for social good. Whether on the pitch, in the stands, or within the community, Oakland Roots will represent our one-of-a-kind city with passion, pride, and commitment to all things Oakland.

Umbro – Umbro founder Harold Humphreys believed that style was a performance advantage – if you look smart, you play smart – a belief we retain today, combining stylish and technical team and street wear with a professional service for all.

Venice Beach FC – Venice Beach Football Club is a community of dreamers, drifters, nobodies and somebodies; home to champions, rising stars, beach bums, and everything in between.

Additional participants in FootyCon will be announced at a later date.

About For Soccer Ventures

For Soccer Ventures (FSV) is a new media company, leading a collaborative movement to connect brands and platforms to the diverse American soccer community through immersive storytelling, properties, activations and strategic services. Uniquely positioned within the industry, the company’s mission is to advance soccer in the United States, both on and off the field. FSV’s host of capabilities and properties are aimed at putting the fan and player first. FSV’s current properties and investments include Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union, Alianza de Futbol, Black Star Initiative, FootyCon, The Association, JUGOtv, YSC Academy, YSC Sports, APL Leagues and Tournaments, Best Soccer Show Podcast, Orange Slices Podcast, and the FSV Soccer Influencer Network.

About NTWRK

Named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies and Ad Age’s Hottest Brands, NTWRK is the premier North American livestream shopping platform where “entertainment meets e-commerce” (Forbes). Built on a digitally-innovative model of daily product drops, livestream shopping festivals and exclusive partnerships with world-renowned brands and creators, NTWRK has fostered an organic global community of artists and fans since its launch in 2018. Under the motto “Shopping At The Speed of Culture,” NTWRK provides a curated digital shopping experience and access for Gen-Z and millennial consumers.

National Lacrosse League Signs Historic Multiyear Agreement with ESPN

The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, today announced the most extensive United States media rights agreement in its history, giving ESPN and ESPN+ exclusive rights in the U.S. and the rest of the world outside Canada for live NLL games. All NLL games will be carried on an ESPN network or platform. ESPN linear networks – with a minimum of 10 live games annually – and ESPN+ will combine to carry up to 139 games exclusively each year. It will be the largest number of live televised games in the history of the league.

“We are so proud, honored and excited to work with ESPN and ESPN+ in this unprecedented landmark announcement for the NLL. Never before in the 35-year history of the league have fans, sponsors, teams and players had this type of access and exposure across the United States,” said NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “While we, our sport and the industry continue to focus on digital native fans, we will also have the benefit of expanded reach through live distribution on ESPN linear networks. We’ve been steadily building on our media strategy and towards this kind of distribution over the last few years and are excited about the momentum an announcement like this generates heading into NLL Faceoff Weekend, December 3-4.”

“We’re thrilled to reach this new multi-year rights agreement with the National Lacrosse League, adding to our already extensive commitment to the sport of lacrosse on ESPN platforms. The NLL features elite players competing in an exciting and fast-paced game that we look forward to showcasing across ESPN and ESPN+ in the years ahead,” said Dan Margulis, Senior Director, Programming & Acquisitions, ESPN.

The broadcast schedule for the 2021-22 season on ESPN’s linear networks will be announced in the coming weeks. The regular season begins with the Vancouver Warriors at San Diego Seals on Friday, December 3; and six games on Saturday December 4, including the debut of the expansion Panther City (TX) Lacrosse Club at the Philadelphia Wings and the 2019 NLL Championship Finals rematch between the Calgary Roughnecks and Buffalo Bandits in Buffalo.

The agreement with ESPN follows an earlier announcement for TSN in Canada for both linear television and live streaming coverage of NLL games, the first broadcast deal for the NLL in Canada since 2016.

For the most up-to-date information and breaking news, sign up for the NLL newsletter at NLL.com. Also follow Deputy Commissioner Jessica Berman and Commissioner Sakiewicz on Twitter @JessicaBerman1 and @NLLcommish, respectively.

Caesars Sportsbook App is Now Live in Louisiana

Legalized sports betting is on its way to Louisiana and today, Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR) (“Caesars”) announced its best-in-class Caesars Sportsbook app is officially available for download and sign-up by eligible sports fans in Louisiana. In celebration of its longstanding presence in Louisiana, and in advance of the launch of mobile sports betting in the state, Caesars is excited to offer local sports fans an early chance to download the Caesars Sportsbook app, register, deposit funds, and explore a deep array of pre-match and live markets and odds – including for every local team.

In addition, early registrants will receive special benefits. Starting today, customers can combine offers for a first bet experience unlike any other:

Register early to get a $100 Free Bet bonus:
Download and register prior to the first day of sports betting to receive a $100 Free Bet bonus the day mobile wagering goes live
Plus, deposit and have funds in an account at launch, and for every point scored by select local teams during launch week, receive an additional $1 in Free Bet bonuses:
Deposit and retain in your account $50 or more by mobile launch date to earn a Free Bet bonus equal to the points scored by top Louisiana teams during our mobile sports betting launch week
“Louisiana and the entire Gulf Coast region are a special part of the Caesars family. We couldn’t be more excited to build on our longstanding commitments in the state with the launch of legal sports betting,” said Eric Hession, Co-President of Caesars Digital. “We know how passionate Bayou State sports fans are about their teams and we’re confident our brand-new Caesars Sportsbook app and the exciting offers we have for launch can offer them a sports experience that can’t be matched.”

The Caesars Sportsbook app links the excitement of mobile sports betting with the industry-leading loyalty program, Caesars Rewards. Every wager, win or lose, rewards the bettor with Tier Credits and Reward Credits that can be used to unlock unbeatable experiences within the Caesars portfolio of properties and partnerships. Customized offerings, a wide range of betting lines and flexible limits allow Caesars Sportsbook to treat every sports bettor like royalty.

Every bet earns – win or lose, every wager gives you more with Caesars Rewards. Each bet earns Caesars Rewards Tier Credits and Reward Credits. Caesars Sportsbook links with Caesars Rewards, making it as easy to earn and redeem online as it is in person at one of Caesars’ more than 50 destinations across 16 states. Reward Credits earned within the Caesars Rewards network can be redeemed everywhere, meaning everything you earn online can be used for free play, dining, getaways, and specially curated sports and entertainment experiences

Thousands of ways to wager – Caesars Sportsbook provides extensive odds and flexible limits, including live in-play betting, player props, and same-game parlays, making it the most dynamic way to bet sports

Easy to play – Caesars Sportsbook makes it easy to get a bet down, and to deposit and withdraw funds securely through a wide variety of industry-leading wallet options

A trusted name in casino entertainment – Caesars Sportsbook has best-in-class partnerships with some of the biggest leagues, teams, and media companies in Louisiana and nationally
In addition to mobile sports wagering, sports bettors in Louisiana can soon enjoy in-person sports betting at iconic Caesars properties Harrah’s New Orleans and Horseshoe Bossier City. Each casino will soon take in-person bets at temporary retail locations inside their properties, before the unveiling of their new Caesars Sportsbooks, pending regulatory approval in the state. In the fall of 2022, Isle of Capri Lake Charles will be renovated into Horseshoe Lake Charles and reopen with an additional Caesars Sportsbook location.

Caesars’ commitment to Louisiana includes the recent 20-year, exclusive naming-rights partnership with the New Orleans Saints to rebrand New Orleans’ iconic downtown stadium as the Caesars Superdome. Caesars Sportsbook is also the official sportsbook partner of LSU Athletics, the official casino sponsor and an official sports betting partner of the NFL, and has partnerships with the NBA, NHL, MLB, and several individual teams.

For betting insights, a fresh take on the day’s action as games unfold, and special promotions and offers, follow the Caesars Sportsbook social handle @CaesarsSports on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The Caesars Sportsbook app is available for download on iOS or Android.

Costacos Collection Announces Inaugural NFT Drop with Baseball Legend Willie Mays

Today, the Costacos Collection announced its inaugural drop will feature one of the most respected legends in professional sports, Baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays. The 90th Birthday Celebration Drop will take place this Sunday, October 24, as an ode to Willie’s iconic number and two days before the start of the 117th World Series. For the fifth year, the MVP of the Fall Classic will be recognized as the “Willie Mays World Series Most Valuable Player.”

Willie will be donating all proceeds from the drop to his Say Hey Foundation’s effort to honor the people who gave him a start in life, by establishing a baseball academy for underprivileged youth where he grew up in Alabama, and to restore the historic baseball facilities at Rickwood Field where Willie started his career with the Negro League Birmingham Black Barons. Mays said, “I’ve never forgotten the people who supported me, taught me, and helped me find my way. I want every child to have the same chances that I had, and this gives me a way to do that starting in my original hometown. Rickwood was the first place I ever got to see professional ballplayers, and I want these kids to learn the game and be inspired the way I was.” Rickwood Field itself serves as a central theme of the drop’s art.

The first drop tells the story of Willie’s path to the majors, from Fairfield Industrial High in Birmingham, to the Negro American League, culminating with his move to the New York Giants with whom he would win the Rookie of the Year Award in 1951. The various edition pieces capture the key themes and statistics of those periods, and the 1/1 hero piece adds to the story with a number of never-before-seen personal documents and images from Willie’s journey – most notably, a copy of Willie’s high school diploma, in which he was assigned a career in “cleaning, dyeing, and pressing.” Willie recalls that all Black kids were assigned trade careers, while white kids “on the other side of the barbed-wire fence” were able to choose their paths and professions. Willie’s journey to becoming one of America’s most beloved sports figures and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom was only possible because of baseball and the people of Fairfield and beyond who helped him chart a different path. The NFT art piece includes a voiceover in which Willie’s powerful story is told by an iconic voice of sports, Bob Costas, who will join Mays in donating to the baseball academy and Rickwood Field restoration project.

Costacos explained, “In the mid-1960s, I learned to read a box score by stealing my dad’s paper to see what magic Willie Mays had done the night before. Yet with all the historic moments in his career, Willie, the humblest GOAT you’ll ever meet, asked us to focus not on his 24 All Star Games, 2 MVP awards, World Series victory in ‘54, his 12 Gold Gloves or 660 home runs – rather, he saw this as a unique opportunity to pay tribute to his roots and earliest days growing up in Fairfield, Alabama. We’re honored to partner with the great Willie Mays and to give fans an opportunity to connect with the legend through one-of-a-kind digital art in support of the Say Hey Foundation.”