Monthly Archives: October 2025

AAPB Announces Record-Breaking Growth Across Digital Platforms, Broadcast Viewership, Sponsorship

The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) today announced historic growth across digital media, broadcast viewership, and sponsorship partnerships, reflecting the league’s expanding national presence and growing fan engagement on every platform. 

“This data confirms what we have felt all season, that our fans are more connected than ever,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association. “We are not just growing, we are thriving across every digital touchpoint, providing entertainment for fans and tremendous branding opportunities and exposure for our sponsors.” 

In 2025, the American Association’s total television audience reached 10.23 million viewers, representing a nearly 12,000 percent increase over the past seven years. The league’s multi-platform broadcast strategy continues to deliver record results with expanded coverage on AABaseball.TV, YouTube, Fubo Sports Network, RYZ Sports Network, Gray Media, and Unbeaten Sports Channel, among others. 

Key 2025 Growth Highlights 

Television Viewership: Up 41 percent year over year with games broadcast across nine major platforms. 
Attendance: 1.60 million fans in total, leading all MLB Partner Leagues in average attendance for the third consecutive year. 
League Sponsorship: Up 213 percent year over year. 
Major Partnerships: 
• Signed Carbliss as the league’s first Founding Partner on a multi-year agreement. 
• Added new league-wide partners including Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company, Ballpark Lighting Inc., CAPX, VensureHR, IAS Branding, JDP, and Champro Sports. 
• Partnered with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) for a co-promotion during the 2025 season. 

Social media engagement has also reached record levels across Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Followers: Up 26 percent year over year. 
Impressions: Up 182 percent year over year. 
Engagements: Up 181 percent year over year. 
Reach: Up 74 percent year over year. 

Email subscribers have increased by 244 percent over the past two seasons, strengthening the league’s direct communication with fans and partners. 

NY Jets, Partners Built PLAY 60 Fitness Zone for Riverdale, N.J. Public School

As part of the Jets’ Hometown Huddle project, the New York Jets, in collaboration with Dunkin’, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and United Way of Northern New Jersey, helped build a new PLAY 60 Fitness Zone for Riverdale Public School in Riverdale, N.J.

The Atlantic Health Jets Women’s Organization, comprised of the many women who are affiliated with the team, including staff members, significant others of coaches, players, and football personnel, along with the women of United Way Women United, Dunkin’, NJBPU, and the Florham Park Teachers Union volunteered their time to build the fitness zone with Sinclair Recreation on October 20.

The play space features an obstacle course with monkey bars, climbers, a lily pad bridge, four slides, and more. The playground not only provides an environment that facilitates play, but also allows students to develop strength and practice fine motor skills.

The Jets unveiled the new PLAY 60 Fitness Zone for the 27th Annual Hometown Huddle Day of Service at Riverdale Public School on October 21. The 17 members of the Jets 2025 Rookie Class – Armand Membou, Mason Taylor, Azareye’h Thomas, Arian Smith, Malachi Moore, Kiko Mauigoa, Tyler Baron, Brady Cook, Jordan Clark, Dean Clark, Ja’Markis Weston, Leander Wiegand, Esa Pole, Payton Page, Jamaal Pritchett, Quentin Skinner, and Fatorma Mulbah – exercised with students from Riverdale Public School on the new Fitness Zone.

The $150,000 playground build was made possible with contributions from the Jets Foundation, Dunkin’, and NJBPU.

New York Jets to Collaborate with Johnson & Johnson to Promote Better Health in the Community

The New York Jets have agreed to a multi-year sponsorship with Johnson & Johnson to promote better health to Jets fans, making them the team’s Official Medical Innovation Sponsor. Johnson & Johnson will become the presenting sponsor of My Cause My Cleats and will debut its monthly Healthcare Hero initiative during the 2025 season.

“The Jets are honored to team up with Johnson & Johnson to recognize healthcare workers in our community that put in countless hours to protect all of us,” said Jeff Fernandez, Jets Senior Vice President of Business Development + Ventures. “Through this meaningful sponsorship, we will be able to promote the importance of early screenings for critical illnesses, while showcasing the value in healthier lifestyle habits and then extending the awareness of health issues to Jets players’ personal support of the My Cause My Cleats program.”

Through this sponsorship, the Jets and Johnson & Johnson will be able to communicate the importance of looking after your health and highlight the vital role of healthcare workers through new and engaging mediums. As the presenting sponsor of the Jets “My Cause My Cleats” initiative, Johnson & Johnson will amplify and highlight players’ chosen causes and custom cleats through various media channels, leading up to the game against the Falcons on Nov. 30.

The sponsorship kicked off by launching a “Stories of Strength” PSA campaign, where Jets linebacker Quincy Williams informed fans about the importance of early and frequent cancer screenings. The PSAs will be distributed across both Jets and Johnson & Johnson’s digital media platforms. To watch the Quincy Williams’ PSA about cancer screenings, please click here.

In addition, the Jets will also recognize a local healthcare worker each month during the NFL season as a “Healthcare Hero”. This new initiative will showcase the lifesaving work of healthcare workers by honoring them as community heroes with an in-game recognition at MetLife Stadium. The chosen healthcare worker will be featured throughout articles and digital content about their dedication to the community and their careers on NewYorkJets.com and the team’s various social media channels.

The Jets will continue to build awareness about healthcare with Johnson & Johnson exclusive signage throughout MetLife Stadium during Jets home games. They will also be featured on “Protect Your Health” messaging during defensive redzone stands on the MetLife Stadium videoboards.

Find out more about these and other programs sponsored by Johnson & Johnson at www.nyjets.com.

The Harlem Globetrotters Reveal Four Style Collaborators In Advance Of Centennial Season

Leaders in breaking barriers and making history, the world famous, Harlem Globetrotters™ today revealed four new fashion collaborations in support of their Centennial season, which tips off with a special event at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, December 14. Each of the four will be creating, marketing, and distributing distinct fashion elements reflective of the Globetrotters rich history to their very unique audiences.

“The Globetrotters have always been trailblazers in popular culture, and these brands, will work to expand our storytelling, and reach, through the lens of fashion and apparel to a global set of consumers,” said Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. “Our research tells us that fandom, and what you represent, can be synonymous with what you wear. So, it’s important that we work with a broad range of ‘best in class’ partners as a way to tell our story and co-create products that people of all ages, from around the globe, can actually wear and represent the Harlem Globetrotters brand.”

The initial round of Fashion Apparel collaborations include:

  • Shoe Palace – Designs will pull from the long history of art styles from the Globetrotters over the years for a nostalgic yet fashion forward apparel capsule launching in spring 2026.
  • OVO – A limited edition capsule collection, designed by OVO, honoring the Harlem Globetrotters’ 100 year legacy. A celebration of creativity, culture, and influence. Launching February 2026, during Black History Month.
  • Actively Black – Bringing the Harlem Globetrotters in to Actively Black’s premium athleisure wear apparel. A Black owned brand that celebrates Black culture and history, this collaboration will feature tees, shorts, sweatpants, and accessories which was teased on the runway during NY Fashion Week last month. Set to launch in early 2026.
  • NBALab – Celebrating the 100-year anniversary with special collaboration tees and hoodies with NBA teams under the slogan “Shared Court. Shared History”, given the deep connection between the two iconic basketball properties. The collection of designs will be sold across key NBA markets on the 100th anniversary tour, , as well as in NBA venue stores, both https://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/and nbalab.com, and additional fashion retailers

Facilitated by the Globetrotters’ licensing agency IMG Licensing, these collaborations are in addition to the upcoming partnership with celebrated sports designer, Jeff Hamilton. Hamilton, who designed the Globetrotters Centennial uniform look and feel, will expand the collaboration with additional products in the coming months.

The full 100th Anniversary Tour will continue onwards with Boston and Pittsburgh on Friday, December 26th and rolling out across 200+ domestic markets and over 125+ markets internationally. Fans can also expect all-new surprises like the Golden Basketball by Spalding®, epic pre-game Magic Pass experiences, a 100 Year Souvenir Ticket and many other new innovations for the “Ambassadors of Basketball.” International markets such as France, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Mexico, and across Asia are just a few of the many locations the Harlem Globetrotters will be touring in winter of 2026 and running through the remainder of the year.

AKTIV Against Cancer Honors Peter Kirk and Ethan Zohn at annual benefit Oct. 28 in NYC

AKTIV Against Cancer, the organization co-founded by legendary runner Grete Waitz, and Helle Aanesen, announced today that Healthcare entrepreneur and cancer survivor Peter Kirk, and entrepreneur, philanthropist and veteran athlete Ethan Zohn will be this year’s honorees at the eleventh annual awards dinner, which will take place at the New York Athletic Club on October 28, the week prior to the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. The event has generated over $750,000 in donations in the first ten years it has been held.

“As we start our second decade, we could not think of a better pair to honor than Peter and Ethan this year,” Aanesen said. “Their entrepreneurial spirit, grit, empathy, determination to succeed and most importantly connection to our cause of exercise and cancer embody everything that AKTIV Against Cancer stands for, and we are so excited they have both chosen to join a group of honorees from our first ten years.”

Peter Kirk is a husband, father, cancer survivor, CEO of Sermo and founder of the charitable organization Be Your Possible. Under Peter’s leadership over the past 25 years, Sermo has been turning physician experience, expertise, and observations into actionable business insights that benefit pharmaceutical companies, healthcare partners, and the medical community at large.

Diagnosed at the height of the pandemic with Acute Leukemia (AML) as well as double lung pneumonia, Peter received a life-saving stem cell bone marrow transplant 8 months after diagnosis, in June 2021 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). When Peter crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon five months post-transplant, he knew that his life’s work had only just begun. It’s now Peter’s mission to raise money for medical research – an integral part of improving patient outcomes – and empower and inspire others along the way. Be Your Possible’s flagship event is the annual Run for Research, hosted by Peter and attracting thousands of HCPs and others globally to hit the ground running to unlock money for medical advancement. Since its inception, Run for Research has donated $1M+ to more than 50 medical research organizations. Peter has also committed to running 1,000 half marathons by the 10th anniversary of his life-saving blood stem cell transplant to raise $1,000,000 for research at MSK, creating a movement to inspire others to live up to their greatest potential – whatever that may be.

Wizards Tip Off Season with Special ‘529 Plan,’ Multiple Promotions

The Washington Wizards announced today the launch of the “Wizards 529” season ticket plan for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season. This limited-quantity package offers fans full access to all 41 home games for just $529 – less than $13 per game. Designed as an innovative and affordable season ticket option, the “529 Plan” includes reserved seating in select value sections, along with early access to marquee matchups, exclusive fan events, and loyalty incentives.

Inspired by both the Wizards’ youth movement and the widely recognized 529 college savings plan, the “529 Plan” encourages fans to invest in the future of D.C. basketball. Tailored for first-time season ticket buyers, students, families, and young professionals, the package offers an accessible and affordable long-term way to witness the next era of the Wizards, and the growth of the game in the nation’s capital firsthand.

“Our Basketball leadership is building a talented roster for the future, and we want our fans to be part of that journey,” said Hunter Lochmann, Monumental Sports and Entertainment Chief Marketing Officer. “Just like a 529 savings plan, this ticket package is all about smart investing – in this case, investing in the future of D.C. basketball.”

In addition, the Wizards’ College Series and Student Rush ticket packages are returning for the 2025-26 season. The College Series features a 10-game lineup highlighted by UNC, UVA, UMD, and Pittsburgh, and purchases include a limited edition, co-branded school and Wizards Hawaiian shirt, while supplies last. Student Rush presented by Chick-fil-A, will be offered for select home games throughout the season, with tickets starting at just $15. Students will also receive a Chick-fil-A meal voucher with their purchase.

Washington will also have custom player designed giveaways. On Nov. 25, the first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive pajama pants designed by guard Bub Carrington. Fans can also take home a City Edition themed hat designed by second-year guard AJ Johnson on Feb. 3.

The Wizards will also celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants night on Sunday, Jan. 4, with the first 10,000 fans in attendance taking home a co-branded Wizards x SpongeBob SquarePants hat. Fans can also upgrade their experience and purchase a special ticket package that includes a SpongeBob SquarePants basketball jersey.

This season, the Wizards will host a variety of theme nights. For the second consecutive season, Washington will host Hoops & Hounds Night presented by Brandywine Valley SPCA on Feb. 22, inviting fans and their dog to watch the Wizards vs. Hornets matchup at Capital One Arena. In addition, the SPCA will be on the concourse with dogs available for adoption. Further details will be announced later in the season.

The team will also celebrate Wizards alum John Wall with a special celebration during the season. The night will serve as a celebration of Wall’s retirement from the NBA, his remarkable career with the team, and his contributions to the Wizards and the D.C. community. Full details will be announced at a later date.

The popular Friday Night Concert Series presented by Sprite will return for the 10th season. Artists and details will be announced in the coming weeks.

To view the complete giveaway schedule and purchase a special ticket offer, fans can visit washingtonwizards.com/promotions.

49ers, Texans, Seahawks Take To The Stairs This Weekend In 4th Annual Coach Knapp Stair Climb

The Coach Knapp Memorial Fund, named in honor of veteran NFL assistant coach Greg Knapp, dedicated to educating drivers on the dangers of distracted driving, reduce the number of distracted driving related deaths, and promote distracted driving awareness reform, will return to both Levi’s Stadium this Sunday as the San Francsico 49ers meet the Atlanta Falcons, and Monday night at Lumen Field, when the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks will stage a joint run prior to their matchups as the latest participants in the fourth season of the “Coach Knapp Stair Climb.”

This year’s initiative started during the preseason led by Ripon College, Lenoir-Rhyne University and the Los Angeles Rams, followed by the Green Bay Packers who climbed the Lambeau Field steps prior to their week 1 matchup. Over 500 coaches, players and staff will be participating in various forms on game days.

The fund, which has raised over $300,000 to date already, was created by Greg’s wife, Charlotte, and close friend and agent, the late Jeff Sperbeck, to honor the legacy of Greg Knapp who tragically passed away in July 2021 after being hit by a distracted driver while he was bicycling. Coach Knapp was known for climbing the stadium stairs before every single NFL game he coached over his 25 season career. All will be tagged #knappstairclimb on social platforms.

In honor of Coach Knapp, NFL coaches, players, executives and alumni will participate in raising funds and awareness at each NFL stadium prior to team warm ups. Teams confirmed to participate in the stair climb include: the Packers, Rams, Commanders, Falcons, Dolphins, Texans, Seahawks and 49ers as well as Fordham University, Syracuse University, Sacramento State, San Jose State, The University of Houston, Lenoir-Rhyne University and Ripon College. Additional participants will be announced in the coming weeks.

At the time of his passing, Knapp was recently named Passing Game Coordinator of the New York Jets under then head coach Robert Saleh, after serving as an assistant coach for over a quarter of a century with the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders, Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. Known as a “quarterback whisperer,” Greg coached some of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history helping chart the careers of many young athletes with kindness, humor and trust.

Fans, athletes, and coaches at any level can also participate wherever is most convenient to them across the country, such as apartment building stairs or a high school sports stadium. Images will be shared on various social channels.

To learn more on how you can get involved, details can be found at https://www.knappmemorial.org/stairclimb

Bush’s Chili Beans Returns as Official Beans of the International Chili Society and World Championship Chili Cook-off

The International Chili Society (ICS) is proud to announce a renewed partnership with Bush’s® Beans, who will once again serve as the Official Beans of ICS and the World Championship Chili Cook-off (WCCC).

This renewed collaboration ensures that Bush’s, the iconic brand known for quality and flavor, will be an integral part of chili culture throughout the championship weekend. As part of the partnership, Bush’s will support ICS with year-long brand promotional efforts, while ICS and WCCC58 will spotlight Bush’s across all qualifying events, competitor communications, and promotional messaging leading up to the 2025 World Championship Chili Cook-off.

The partnership will come to life in an exciting way at WCCC58 in Indianapolis, October 16-19, where Bush’s will be engaging with fans through consumer activations inside the Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. Chili lovers and event attendees will also have a chance to connect with Bush’s at the inaugural IGNITE! WFC Music & BBQ Kickoff Party on Friday night, October 17, where Bush’s will be sampling their Grillin’ Beans products and celebrating with the FoodSport community.

“Bush’s has been a trusted partner of ICS for years, and their commitment to flavor and quality makes them the perfect fit for the world’s biggest chili stage,” said Mike McCloud, President of the International Chili Society and Founder of the World Food Championships. “We’re thrilled to have them back as we head into another record-breaking year for chili.”

The World Championship Chili Cook-off (WCCC58) will bring together the best chili cooks from across the globe to compete for the coveted title of World Champion. With Bush’s by their side, competitors and fans alike will celebrate the role beans play in creating bold, award-winning flavors.

The World Championship Chili Cook-off, which has been a cornerstone of the International Chili Society’s mission since 1967, brings together the best chili cooks from across the nation. The WCCC, presented by the ICS, will name World Champions in Traditional Red, Verde, Vegetarian, and Homestyle chili categories. Additionally, the event features a fiery youth/junior competition in the Homestyle category. This year’s event will be held in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion, adjacent to the World Food Championships festivities being held in the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, with admission included for all WFC ticket holders.

Competitors, partners, and fans of Food Sport can stay up to date on all things related to the World Food Championships and World Championship Chili Cook-off by visiting worldfoodchampionships.com or eatgreatchili.com. They can also follow World Food Championships on Facebook and Instagram (@WorldFoodChampionships), X (@WorldFoodChamp), and LinkedIn (@WorldFoodChampionshipsHoldings); and follow the International Chili Society/World Championship Chili Cook-Offs on Facebook and Instagram (@icschili and @worldchampionshipchilicookoff).

New York Jets Unveil Exclusive Collaboration with Trapstar London x Mitchell & Ness

The New York Jets have announced the launch of an exclusive capsule collaboration with Trapstar London, in partnership with Mitchell & Ness, to mark the team’s return to the UK capital for the 2025 London games.

Exclusively available to fans in London, the limited-edition range celebrates the Jets deepening sense of connection with London and the wider UK market. 

The collection features a host of limited-edition items, including jackets, fashion tops, t shirts, fleece hoodies and caps. The green, white and black range brings together the iconography of the Jets and Trapstar London in typical bold and dramatic style.

It will officially go on sale at the NFL Shop, Oxford Street on Friday, Oct. 10, with members of the Jets’ official international membership club, New York Jets FC, granted early access. It will then be available at Touchdown Tailgate, the fan experience taking place at Vinegar Yard on Saturday, Oct. 11, plus on gameday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“To be able to work with a UK brand such as Trapstar London is a huge honour, coupled with the Authentic quality of Mitchell & Ness we are incredibly proud of how we have been able to bring this capsule collection to life,” said Chris Pierce, New York Jets VP, Fan Commerce. “Our aim was to mark our game in London with a truly unique collection, and we are incredibly excited to see how our UK fans react in London.”

The Jets will take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Oct. 12, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The game represents the Jets fourth visit to London, but their first as a designated team, meaning fans can also expect the famous energy and buzz of a Jets home game as the team brings its MetLife gameday experience to London.

The team will also be building excitement for the matchup throughout the week leading up to the game with a host of exciting events and activations planned across London. Fans can keep updated on the latest news by visiting www.nyjetsinternational.com or by following the team on social platforms, @NYJetsinUKandIE on X and @newyorkjetsinuk on Instagram.

For photos of the exclusive capsule collection between the New York Jets and Trapstar London, please click here. 

New York Jets Announce Slew of UK-Based Partnerships for First-Ever London Home Game

Prior to the team’s game in London against the Broncos, the New York Jets have announced three new exciting United Kingdom-based partnerships with Helix Wireless, Hershey’s, and Topman. The team’s newest international sponsors will be joined in market by existing partners: Avery Dennison, Choose NJ, Nike, and Visa, bringing an extensive lineup of activations and programming that can be enjoyed by fans the week leading into their game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Oct. 12. 
 

“We’re proud to expand our partnership with Helix Wireless as they join us in London, building on their impactful presence in the U.S.,” said Jeff Fernandez, Senior Vice President of Business Development + Ventures for the New York Jets. “Alongside Hershey’s and Topman, and in collaboration with our existing global partners, this dynamic lineup will deliver an unforgettable week of fan engagement and celebration leading into our game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.”

Helix Wireless will join the Jets across the pond as the presenting partner of Touchdown Tailgate, an all-encompassing fan experience full of activations, giveaways, games, food, music, and merchandise at Vinegar Yard on Saturday, Oct. 11. 

  • Helix Wireless will be visible on player uniforms with a Practice Jersey Patch, which will be worn throughout the week at the team’s training grounds 
  • Showcased at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with exclusive videoboard features. 
  • Helix Wireless is also a US market partner.

Hershey’s and Topman will also be a part of the Jets UK sponsorship lineup as supporting partners of Touchdown Tailgate. 

  • Hershey’s will host an activation consisting of Reese’s-themed games, prizes, and product giveaways. 
  • Topman will be rolling out a Green Carpet and double-decker bus at Touchdown Tailgate, where fans can take part in a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity. 
  • Both partners will be highlighted on the team’s social media channels.

As a part of its continuing partnership with the New York Jets, Nike will join Hershey’s and Topman as supporting partners of Touchdown Tailgate. 

  • Nike will host a live customization activation where a local artist will paint one-of-a-kind Jets pieces on Nike Air Force 1s, which will be raffled off to lucky winners during NYJ events. 
  • Nike will provide championship rings to three-time Jets NFL Girls Flag League champions Ealing Fields. The rings will be presented to the team by Jets Legends at Touchdown Tailgate, before they are honored on-field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during the Jets game against the Broncos the next day. 

JETS WATCH PARTIES


Avery Dennison will serve as the presenting partner of all New York Jets watch parties throughout London. 

  • The first watch party will take place on Oct. 5 during the Jets matchup against the Cowboys at The Bierkeller Liverpool. Jets Legend Erik Coleman is set to make a guest appearance at the event in Liverpool. 
  • The second watch party will be held when the Jets take on the Broncos on Sunday, Oct. 12, at Jets Pub at Greenwood for fans without tickets to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 
  • Additionally, Avery Dennison will be sponsoring a rally towels giveaway for all fans at both watch parties and Touchdown Tailgate on Oct. 11. 

N17-JETS FAN ZONE AT TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR STADIUM
 

Inside the N17-Jets Fan Zone, a designated activation area that mimics the gameday and tailgating experience from Jets gamedays at MetLife Stadium, Choose New Jersey will be hosting the Jets Field Goal Kick Challenge. The brand-new activation will give fans a chance to test their luck and attempt a field goal just like the pros will do inside the stadium. 

FAN GIVE AWAY 
 

On gameday, Visa will be sponsoring a Flag Fan Giveaway for all attendees. Each section of the stadium will be given either a green or white flag, creating a sea of color within the venue. 
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

The Jets were awarded international marketing rights to the UK in 2022 and were recently awarded rights into Ireland in 2024 as part of the NFL’s Global Marketing Program. 

For more information about partnerships, events, and programming leading to the Jets game against the Broncos in London, please visit nyjetsinternational.com or follow the team on X or Instagram.