Monthly Archives: November 2025

TOGETHXR x StudBudz drives 4M impressions in 72 hours during NWSL Championship week

In a world where altcasts have become increasingly formalized, trailblazing media company TOGETHXR — originator of the Everyone Watches Women’s Sports™ slogan — continues to reimagine live sports content. During NWSL Championship week, the TOGETHXR x StudBudz takeover fully integrated active professional basketball players Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman into the soccer scene, with content spanning from media day, Wednesday, Nov. 19 through the pre-match livestream with Megan Rapinoe in a pink wig on Saturday, Nov. 22. 

TOGETHXR worked closely with the NWSL and CBS to introduce a new concept that blended access, entertainment, and storytelling into an unscripted format that is rarely seen in pregame coverage. By creating a platform for innovation to meet culture, the TOGETHXR x StudBudz takeover brought fans closer than ever to the action, turning matchday into a meet-and-greet with A listers, executives, and even a billionaire owner.

TOGETHXR’s resulting content generated 4 million impressions in 72 hours and reached 3.8 million accounts. The StudBudz x TOGETHXR takeover accounted for 74% of all engagement across social media during the NWSL Championship match. From the livestream alone, three videos contributed to 1.3M total views across Instagram and TikTok. 

Three livestream videos contributing to 1.3M total views across IG/TikTok

 – Do NWSL players date each other (WATCH)

 – StudBudz answering soccer trivia (WATCH)

 – Emily Sonnet is a bad B (WATCH)

TOGETHXR’s coverage began on Wednesday, when the StudBudz hosted TOGETHXR’s content capture station on media row at NWSL Championship Media Day. The reels created with both Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit players continue to tally up views on TOGETHXR’s instagram handle.

TOGETHXR x StudBudz NWSL MEDIA DAY CONTENT on IG

  – 257K Views: Soccer 101 with the Studbudz (WATCH)

  – 191K Views: Gotham and Spirit players attempt to say something nice (WATCH)

  – 73k Views: The StudBudz vs. Gotham compete on “Grab the mic” (WATCH)

TOGETHXR x StudBudz NWSL Championship Content on IG

 – 436K Views: Courtney Williams ask Megan Rapinoe the very important questions (WATCH)

 – 239K Views: Why everyone needs Emily Sonnett on their team  (WATCH)

As TOGETHXR continues to redefine how sports are consumed and celebrated, the TOGETHXR x StudBudz takeover is another example of how the company remains a first-mover in redefining sports media. 

For more information on TOGETHXR’s content and coverage, please contact press@togethxr.com.

Fans ‘Can See’ Actor, Wrestling Champion John Cena at FAN EXPO New Orleans

Fans of John Cena like to chant his famous “You Can’t See Me” catchphrase. But they certainly will be able to see the 16-time WWE champion, actor and best-selling author when he attends FAN EXPO New Orleans, set for Friday through Sunday, January 9-11, 2026 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. He joins an already stacked celebrity lineup that features four Lord of the Rings standouts and many others in the pop culture extravaganza.

Cena is one of the most iconic wrestlers in the pro organization’s history. Last year he made big news in wrestling circles with a “heel turn,” marking his first time as a “bad guy” in the narrative before announcing his retirement from the ring, effective next month. His growing Hollywood career has included roles in blockbuster hits like F9 and The Suicide Squad and the lead in the latter’s spinoff series Peacemaker.

Cena’s addition bolsters a powerful FAN EXPO New Orleans lineup that includes:
• The Lord of the Rings headliners Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan and Elijah Wood
• Helen Hunt (Twister, Mad About You)
• James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel)
• Jennifer Beals (Flashdance)
• My Name is Earl co-starring tandem of Jaime Pressley and Ethan Suplee
• Dean Norris (Breaking Bad)
• Mike Colter (Luke Cage, Men in Black³)
• Josh Holloway (Lost, Yellowstone)
• Judith Hoag (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Armageddon)
• Robbie Rist (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Brady Bunch)
• Ernie Reyes Jr. (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull)
• Brian Tochi (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Revenge of the Nerds)
• Kenn Scott (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, director/Adventures of Johnny Tao)
• François Chau (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Lost)
• Thomas Lennon (Reno 911!, American Dad)
• Cedric Yarbrough (Reno 911!, The Goldbergs)
• Shannon Chan-Chent (Death Note, Sonic the Hedgehog)
• Brad Swaile (Death Note, Mobile Suit Gundam)
• Alessandro Juliani (Death Note, Battlestar Galactica)
• Brian Drummond (Death Note, Sonic the Hedgehog)
• Hazbin Hotel voice acting foursome of Krystina Alabado, Christian Borle, Lilli Cooper and Joel Perez

FAN EXPO New Orleans features the biggest and best in pop culture: movies, TV, music, artists, writers, exhibitors, cosplay, with three full days of themed programming to satisfy every fandom.

More FAN EXPO New Orleans guest announcements will follow from the worlds of film, television, streaming, art, literature, gaming, cosplay, anime, animation and more in the coming weeks.

Adult, Youth and Child Single-Day Tickets, Three-Day Passes, Family passes, and Ultimate and VIP Packages for FAN EXPO New Orleans are available now at www.fanexponeworleans.com. Advance pricing is available until December 26.

New Orleans is the first event on the 2026 FAN EXPO HQ calendar; the full schedule is available at fanexpohq.com/home/events.

Harlem Globetrotters, EQL Games Announce Lottery Program Partnership For The 2026 Centennial Season

The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters and lottery vendor EQL Games today formally announced a joint partnership to identify and launch state lottery games across the country in celebration of the organization’s centennial season. The program, the first-ever lottery series connected to the Globetrotters brand, will officially begin in December with a scratch ticket released by the Maryland Lottery.

The Globetrotters Centennial season will officially tip off with a special event at Madison Square Garden on December 14.

“The growth of casual gaming continues to be a key engagement point for consumers and we are proud to be able to use this partnership with EQL Games to have our brand story in front of millions of consumers who might not be our traditional fanbase,” said Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. “This is yet another great example of the fun and unique ways the organization will grow our areas of consumer engagement as our Centennial season tips off.”

“The 2026 season marks 100 years of the Globetrotters being synonymous with fun and entertainment, two of the biggest reasons people play the lottery,” said Brad Cummings, CEO of EQL Games. “We are honored to kick off this partnership with the Maryland Lottery, and we are looking forward to expanding it to other lotteries in the coming months. Players will have the best of both worlds – a chance to win money and the opportunity to see the Globetrotters.”

Released on the eve of the team’s 100th year celebration in 2026, the new $2 Maryland tickets feature vintage Harlem Globetrotters designs, including the iconic basketball spinning on a finger, and the chance to win prizes, both instantly and through a second-chance promotion. Similar programs are in discussion with other states and will be announced in the coming months.

The full 100th Anniversary Tour will continue onwards with Boston and Pittsburgh on Friday, December 26th and continue the roll 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, 100 Year limited edition merchandise 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.

Westchester Soccer Club Names George Gjokaj Sporting Director and Head Coach and Ray Selvadurai Technical Advisor

Westchester Soccer Club today announced that it has named George Gjokaj Sporting Director and Head Coach and Ray Selvadurai Technical Advisor for the club, effective immediately. These two veteran coaches and talent evaluators have over 60 years of combined experience in every area of the game, begin their new roles immediately.

‘When we looked at both the needs and the opportunity we have in re-focusing and building our organization from the academy level to the professional side, we realized that two professionals who were almost literally in our backyard were interested and available, and we are proud to welcome George and Ray to our team,” said Westchester SC Principal Owner Mitch Baruchowitz. “We have said from day one our success lies in the talent in our region that we need to develop, a fan base that needs to be cultivated and inspired, and to make sure that the level of play and execution on the pitch at our USL League One club mirrors our growth on every level, and we are confident that these two talented and well-respected soccer lifers are the ones to take us there.”

“I look at Westchester Soccer Club and understand the vast potential and impact we can have, especially as someone who has lived and worked on the development and coaching side right here in the area for decades,” Gjokaj said. “It will be an honor to help lead and realize that potential for years to come as we build and grow together in this amazing community.”

Gjokaj comes to WSC after serving as the head men’s soccer coach at Purchase College, and as the head of FC Westchester, one of the most prestigious programs in the nation. He has coached and mentored a constant stream of pro Pathway and collegiate level players since 1997. Gjokaj is a lifetime New Yorker having played youth soccer for BW Gottschee and collegiately at both Adelphi and St John’s Universities, captaining the Red Storm as a senior in 1995 and leading them to their fourth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance. George was also a key member of the scouting team that was responsible for building the player base for NYCFC in their launch season in MLS, a club that eventually won the MLS Cup. As a player Gjokaj spent time at FC Kaiserslautern before returning to the US to feature for NY Fever, North Jersey Imperials as well as Albany Alley Cats, all of the former USISL.

“Like George, being a native New Yorker who has been involved in every area of the soccer development pipeline I understand both challenges and potential, and I firmly believe that the potential here for both performance and business growth from the academy level through the professional side is very much untapped,” Selvadurai added. “I believe in working in a nurturing and cooperative atmosphere that will translate to success, and it is an honor to take on this role to help execute a vision that is very much needed not just in this area, but nationally as well.”

Selvadurai brings over 25 years of experience of coaching as the youth, college, pre-professional and professional levels to WSC. Most recently he has been the Director of Coaching for Manhattan Soccer Club, the largest youth and pre-professional soccer club in the New York City Area, where he oversees the youth soccer player, coach and team development of over 1,500 club registrants for both genders. Ray has developed a nationally recognized program that has produced four (4) youth soccer national championships, numerous NCAA and NJCAA college student-athletes, as well as several professional players overseas, in the USL (United Soccer Leagues) and MLS (Major League Soccer). With a keen understanding of the soccer landscape in the tri-state area and nationally, Ray will bring his expertise to advise the Westchester SC leadership in club operations, player relations and acquisition. He was a four-year starter and team captain as a senior and Brandeis University, earning All-UAA and NSCAA Regional All-American honors as well.

Westchester Soccer Club will begin its second season in USL League One in April, 2026.

Volition America Announces The Launch Of Its First Women’s Collection

Volition America, the patriotic lifestyle brand that celebrates America and supports military families through Folds of Honor, is proud to announce the release of its most anticipated launch to date with the brand’s first women’s collection. The line debuts as part of the new Patriot Collection, arriving at the end of November, with presales beginning on Veterans Day.

The introduction of the women’s line marks a major milestone for Volition America, which has built a loyal following through its purpose-driven approach to apparel. Since the brand’s founding, women have been among its most vocal supporters, consistently asking for a line that lets them represent the mission in their own way. That moment has now arrived.

“The response from women over the years has been overwhelming,” said John Sapiente, CEO of Volition America. “They’ve supported the brand from day one and wanted the opportunity to wear and share in what Volition stands for. This launch is our way of saying we hear you — and we are proud to bring you something that feels every bit as strong, refined, and purposeful as the movement itself.”

The Patriot Collection introduces a full lifestyle range of men’s and women’s pieces designed for performance, comfort, and versatility. The women’s collection embodies confidence and sophistication, with clean lines, premium technical fabrics, and subtle nods to the brand’s patriotic heritage. Signature design elements include tonal star embossing, aviation-inspired trims, and a modern color palette of navy, white, and deep red-toned neutrals that symbolize unity and perseverance.

Sapiente further explained, “The Patriot Collection represents the evolution of Volition America. It is more than apparel it’s a reminder of what we stand for as Americans. Every piece carries meaning. We design for people who believe in something bigger than themselves, and the women’s line completes that vision. “Our mission has always been about more than clothes – it’s about gratitude, unity, and giving back to those who protect our freedom.”

A portion of all proceeds from the Patriot Collection will benefit Folds of Honor, providing scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members and first responders.

The Patriot Collection will be available for preorder on Veterans Day, November 11, exclusively at www.volitionamerica.com, with full availability online.

NBRPA Partners with Harlem Globetrotters to Celebrate 100 Years of Global Basketball Legacy

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today announced a historic partnership with the Harlem Globetrotters, honoring 100 years of basketball excellence, community impact, and cultural influence. This collaboration marks a powerful moment of unity between two storied basketball institutions committed to supporting former players and uplifting future generations. The Globetrotters Centennial season will begin with a special event at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, December 14.

This milestone partnership — led by Charles “Choo” Smith, Chairman of the NBRPA, Keith Dawkins, President of the Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios, and Antonio Davis, President & CEO of the NBRPA — embodies the enduring spirit of teamwork, joy, and service that has defined the Globetrotter legacy for a century.

“Being part of the Harlem Globetrotter family taught me the power of connection,” said Charles “Choo” Smith, NBRPA Chairman. “This partnership continues that legacy — bringing together generations of players to serve and inspire. It’s about unity, honoring where basketball has taken us, and using our collective platform to impact the next generation.”

Antonio Davis, President & CEO of the NBRPA, added: “The Harlem Globetrotters have been cultural ambassadors and pioneers for basketball around the world. Partnering with them during their 100th anniversary is both an honor and a responsibility — one that reflects our shared mission to uplift, empower, and unite former players across every league.”

Keith Dawkins, President of the Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios, echoed this sentiment: “Our Centennial season brings about the opportunity to expand our relationships across the global sport of basketball. With the NBRPA, there’s not only a shared history and commitment to our athletes but also for about where we are going in the future. From community events to special projects to our massive global tour, we are looking forward to expanding the reach, and power, of our collective efforts to garner larger audiences around the world.”

The partnership between the two organizations symbolizes the alignment of two visionary leaders and CEOs united by a purpose-driven commitment to amplify basketball’s influence far beyond the court.

Through this collaboration, the NBRPA and Harlem Globetrotters will launch a yearlong celebration highlighting the Globetrotters’ 100-year legacy, including:

  • National Events & Appearances: Joint appearances at community and league events featuring former Globetrotters and other Legends of Basketball.
  • Storytelling & Content Series: Digital and social campaigns celebrating Globetrotter alumni and the organization’s trailblazing role in sports and entertainment.
  • Legends Care Initiatives: Programs designed to support former Globetrotter players with resources in health, education, and career development.
  • Youth Engagement & Clinics: Basketball clinics, mentorship opportunities, and educational activations emphasizing leadership, sportsmanship, and inclusion.

Together, the NBRPA and Harlem Globetrotters will honor the past while building a future rooted in legacy, community, and opportunity — ensuring that the joy of the game and its life-changing impact continue for the next 100 years. As both organizations look ahead, this partnership symbolizes a new chapter of basketball unity — one where every player, regardless of league, is celebrated for their impact on and off the court.

Caldwell University Adds Women’s Flag Football For 2026-27 Academic Year, Names Kroncke Head Coach

Caldwell University will add Women’s Flag Football as its 17th varsity level sport, for the 2026-27 academic year, it was announced today by Mark A. Corino, Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics. Additionally, T.J. Kroncke has been named the program’s first head coach.

“The addition of the fast-paced, fast-growing sport of women’s flag football represents another strong commitment to student-athletes, particularly in the New Jersey area,” said Corino. “We are pleased to be joined by other CACC members and look forward to being one of the first in New Jersey to offer it as a varsity program next year.

“I simply love football,” said Caldwell University President Dr. Jeffrey Senese. “It’s going to be a great pleasure to cheer on our men in the fall and women in the spring. Go Cougars!”

Kroncke, who has also served as the defensive line coach for Caldwell University’s sprint football team since 2024, also coached flag football at Lyndhurst H.S. for the past two seasons. The 2006 graduate of Montclair State who earned Master’s degrees at the University of Texas in 2010 and American College of Education in 2021, began his coaching career at Paramus Catholic H.S. in 2010, mentoring running backs and the junior varsity team for four years. He moved on to Wood Ridge H.S., where he was assistant head coach and defensive coordinator from 2014-2018. He took over as head coach at Palisades Park/Leonia H.S. in 2018, leading the Tigers for four seasons.

“I’m excited to take on this new chapter in Caldwell University Athletics,” said Kroncke.

“We have gotten to know T.J. over the past couple of seasons from his excellent work with our sprint football team,” added Corino. “With his experience as head and assistant coach in New Jersey and familiarity with Caldwell University, he is the ideal person to build the new Women’s Flag Football program here from the ground up.”

Caldwell will become the sixth New Jersey four-year institution and only NCAA Division II school in the Garden State to sponsor Women’s Flag Football on the varsity level when it begins play in the Spring of 2027. The Cougars join fellow Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) members University of Bridgeport, Chestnut Hill College, Dominican University, Goldey-Beacom College, Holy Family University and Post University in sponsoring the sport.

“The emergence of women’s flag football in the CACC mirrors its rapid growth nationally,” said CACC Commissioner Dan Mara in an earlier statement. “With seven of our members now committed to sponsor the sport, we look forward to hosting our first CACC women’s flag football championship in 2027.”

Flag football is a non-contact sport that combines the strategy and excitement of traditional football. The sport is played with seven players on each side of an 80-yard field. Offensive players advance the ball through running or passing, while defensive players stop plays by pulling the ball carrier’s flag.

In April, the NCAA Division II Management Council sponsored a 2026 NCAA Convention proposal to add flag football as an Emerging Sport for Women. In a further sign of its growth, the sport has also been added to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

At present, Caldwell’s NCAA Division II sports competing in the CACC include men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s track & field, women’s volleyball, women’s bowling, softball and baseball. Sprint Football competes in the Collegiate Sprint Football League and Acrobatics & Tumbling competes in the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association. Full information about Caldwell Athletics is available at www.caldwellathletics.com.

FAGE Enters Global Partnership With Ferrari Hypercar

FAGE International S.A., a leading international Greek yogurt company, today announced a new global partnership with Ferrari. Beginning in 2026, FAGE will join Ferrari Hypercar in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) – the world’s premier international sports car championship that includes the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

This announcement follows FAGE’s 2025 regional sponsorship of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, one of the world’s most renowned single-marque racing series, and represents a significant expansion of the relationship between two brands united by passion, pursuit of performance and craftsmanship.

Driven by such values, FAGE has chosen to join Ferrari’s successful Hypercar program in a collaboration that marks the beginning of a journey combining the pursuit of performance and flavor. In this perspective, FAGE-led culinary experiences will aim to celebrate the spirit of Ferrari beyond the racetrack.

Through this partnership, FAGE becomes a voice for the importance of nutrition — not only as a foundation for everyday health, but as a driving force behind elite performance. As drivers must carefully train balance, strength, and endurance, FAGE embodies the same principles. This collaboration celebrates how mindful nutrition can empower everyone to pursue excellence — on and beyond the racetrack.

Athanassios Filippou, FAGE’s CEO commented: “We’re proud of our growing relationship with Ferrari Hypercar, and this announcement shows our commitment to excellence with a like-minded, iconic brand. Additionally, this partnership will allow us to show customers how nutrition has a strong impact on overall performance.”

We are delighted to partner with FAGE,” said Antonello Coletta, Ferrari Global Head of Endurance and Corse Clienti. “We share common values such as passion, excellence, and the pursuit of continuous improvement. FAGE’s commitment to quality and authenticity aligns perfectly with the spirit of Ferrari’s Hypercar programme. They join a select group of partners who contribute to our ongoing drive for innovation and success.

image: FAGE and Ferrari executives join Ferrari – AF Corse team to celebrate partnership launch. From left to right: Enrico Galliera, Athanassios Filippou, James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi, Alessandro Pier Guidi, Nicklas Nielsen, Miguel Molina, Antonio Fuoco, Kyros Filippou, Antonello Coletta (Credit: FAGE)

ALK Capital and Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital Reunite in Significant Strategic Investment Across European Football

ALK Capital today announced that Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital Fund I has made a significant strategic investment in its football operations, bringing together ALK’s proven record in elite football operations with one of the most ambitious new investment funds in global sport. The partnership expands ALK Capital’s leadership as owner of Burnley FC in the Premier League and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona in La Liga, reflecting its growing influence across two of Europe’s most competitive football markets.

The collaboration marks a powerful continuation of a relationship that began more than 20 years ago, when Pace served as a partner at Checketts’ Sports Capital Partners and as President of Real Salt Lake, where the duo led the club to its first MLS Cup Championship and developed one of Major League Soccer’s most admired stadiums and fan experiences.

Alan Pace, Managing Partner of ALK Capital, said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to reunite with Dave after our success together at Real Salt Lake. We share the same vision for what great sports ownership looks like — combining integrity, innovation, long-term value creation, and championship culture. Adding the Cynosure team and two of its founding partners, Spencer Eccles and Randy Quarles, brings deep experience, trusted relationships, and a successful investment track record, which we believe will enable us to accelerate our growth across Burnley, Espanyol, and the wider ALK network.”

David W. Checketts, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital, said: “Alan and I have known each other for decades — as partners, colleagues, and friends. We built Real Salt Lake from the ground up, and now we can collaborate once again on two of Europe’s most historic football clubs. I’ve long admired what Alan has accomplished with Burnley and more recently with Espanyol. We’re thrilled to join forces to support their continued growth and global ambitions.”

Spencer P. Eccles, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of The Cynosure Group, added: “This partnership reflects exactly what we strive for at Cynosure — linking arms with exceptional people who combine operational excellence with disciplined, long-term investment. Alan’s leadership at ALK exemplifies the future of thoughtful sports ownership: one that prioritizes a winning culture, a great fan experience, and honors the great heritage of these two Clubs. We’re proud to be a big part of the dream of winning titles!”

The investment unites ALK Capital’s football expertise with Cynosure | Checketts’ experience across the sports industry, strengthening the growth trajectory of both Burnley FC and RCD Espanyol. Together, the firms will work to drive on-field performance, commercial expansion, and sustainable value creation across two of Europe’s most competitive football markets.

The partnership also extends Checketts’ deep ties to Burnley, where he has served as a board member and early investor since ALK’s acquisition of the club in 2020.