Monthly Archives: May 2026

Next League Partners With Marvik To Expand A Engineering Capacity For Sports Clients

Next League, the AI Operating Partner for Sports, today announced a strategic partnership with Marvik, an AI engineering firm whose client roster includes multiple Fortune 500 companies including Procter & Gamble, Stanford University and UNICEF. This new strategic relationship will bolster Next League’s existing AI development team, bringing Marvik’s enterprise-grade AI capabilities to its growing client portfolio.

The pairing of Next League’s proven sports operator playbook, applied across the leading leagues, federations and teams that define the industry, with Marvik’s enterprise AI engineering experience having over 300 production AI projects shipped and its strategic partnerships with the world’s leading AI platforms including NVIDIA, Anthropic Oracle, Google, Microsoft and AWS, is a combination the global sports industry has not previously had access to.

The two firms have already collaborated on several client engagements leveraging Next League’s sports operator playbook and utilizing integrated delivery teams.The relationship is now expanding into new engagements across Next League’s global sports portfolio.

“We have spent the past eighteen months scaling Next League for this moment with senior AI leadership hires, an actively expanding onshore engineering bench and successful AI Strategy and Training engagements,” said Next League Chief AI & Innovation Officer Shripal Shah. Pairing our AI engineers and proven sports operating experience with Marvik gives our clients access to a combination of top-tier talent, AI platform certifications, and delivery economics that the legacy consulting landscape in sports cannot match. We are excited to have their support in complementing the AI-assisted development we already apply across the digital platforms we operate.”

“Next League brings the tech advisory, engineering and sports operating relationships, as well as a deep understanding of the industry ecosystem, and we add enterprise-grade execution depth in production AI systems in complex enterprise environments,” said Marvik CEO Paula Martinez. “Together, this partnership allows us to bring real AI capability to the global sports industry that requires both operator credibility and world-class engineering.”

Through its existing AI Strategy and Training practice, Next League has led enterprise AI enablement engagements with some of the industry’s fastest adopters to AI in the workplace including Gotham FC and the Breeders’ Cup, working alongside their executive teams to embed AI within their front office operations. Next League currently applies AI-assisted development across most of its engagements, accelerating delivery and reducing operational overhead for the global sports organizations it supports.

Today’s announcement comes during a period of rapid expansion for Next League’s AI and emerging technologies capabilities. Over the last 18 months, Next League has added Shripal Shah as Chief AI & Innovation Officer and Scott Gutterman as Chief Digital Officer. Vishal Vasan, formerly of Fox Sports, joins next week as its AI Product Manager with additional onshore job positions, including a VP of Engineering as well as roles in Data Science, being actively recruited.

Tracy McGrady’s Ones Basketball League Joins Fubo Sports Network Programming Lineup

Tracy McGrady’s Ones Basketball League and FuboTV Inc. (NYSE: FUBO) today announced an agreement to stream this summer’s “OBL: Battle of The Cities” on Fubo Sports Network, Fubo’s FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) channel. With Bobby Ciafardini and Josh Smith calling the action, the season will be held across three event days on May 15, June 12 and July 1, and will also include feature programming outside of the event windows. This season marks the first time the league is available to streaming TV audiences.

Founded by Basketball Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady, the OBL is a 1v1 basketball competition drawing players from cities nationwide. During the Summer 2026 multi-week season, eight initial cities will field teams featuring hoopers who embody the heart and essence of their respective towns, bringing a unique and dynamic aspect to their representation. Cities battle for pride and prize, each sending out one player at a time in one-on-one matchups for thrilling, quick games that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The production will feature intense gameplay, as well as a deeper look into player backgrounds and real individual stories highlighting their talent and authenticity.

Watch the “OBL: Battle of The Cities” season trailer here.

“OBL: Battle of The Cities” will take an expanded version of the original OBL, with elite athletes bringing their own vision, culture and prestige from the cities where they grew up, played, or call home. Each city-based team will have a four-man roster, comprised of players who best reflect the tradition, values and basketball culture of that city, hand-selected by the teams’ celebrity Owners and GMs.

The “Battle of The Cities” team Owners and GMs include:

  • Team Atlanta: Jaylen Brown, star of the Boston Celtics
  • Team Baltimore: Muggsy Bogues, 14-year NBA veteran
  • Team Chicago: Larenz Tate, actor, film producer, basketball aficionado
  • Team Miami: Tim Hardaway Sr., five-time NBA All-Star
  • Team New York: Jadakiss, recording star and basketball insider
  • Team Orlando: Vince Carter, 22-year NBA veteran
  • Team Raleigh: John Wall, five-time NBA All-Star
  • Team Washington, D.C.: Quinn Cook, two-time NBA champion

The full player roster can be found here.

“We are proud to have Fubo Sports Network as our first media partner for OBL, and look forward to working with them to tell the stories of these amazing athletes repping their cities and battling for the title,” said Tracy McGrady, founder, Ones Basketball League.

“Tracy’s Ones Basketball League represents the exact type of content we love – authentic stories where grit meets determination,” said Pamela Duckworth, head of Fubo Studios, Fubo. “Tracy is a basketball legend and together we’re giving these talented athletes a place to shine by bringing OBL to streaming audiences for the first time.”

About Ones Basketball League

OBL is the premier one-on-one basketball league in the world, celebrating the most skilled one-on-one players on the planet.

American Association of Professional Baseball Continues Record Broadcast Expansion Growth

The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) continued its record expansion of live broadcast content this week, announcing that it will have a regular Game of The Week broadcast across a host of regional networks for the first time, through a new partnership with Unbeaten Sports Channel.

‘It is obvious that the interest in the stories of our athletes combined with the quality of play and the delivery of best-in-class live video has grown exponentially, especially into markets and on platforms that fully understand the ease and depth with which we approach partnerships,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association of Professional Baseball. “By this expansion to new platforms through Unbeaten, we are able to touch not just our core baseball fans, but consumers looking for good stories on whatever device they choose in markets we have not been seen in, and that benefits everyone, from our brand partners to our players and fans to the sport itself.”

Unbeaten’s co-founder, Matt Whytcross said, “Over the three seasons we’ve been in partnership, we’ve seen remarkable growth in demand for the AAPB league. This directly reflects the quality of the competition and the investment AAPB and their teams have made, season-on-season, in raising the bar in production and presentation of their games as a premium television product. Viewership of AAPB continues to grow on our channel, we’re excited to drive that growth once again in 2026.”

The syndication will include: NBC Regional Sports Networks, Marquee Sports Network, NESN, Sportsnet Pittsburgh, Silver State Sports Network and the Unbeaten Sports App. It also expands the league footprint from what was going to already be a record season through new and renewed broadcast agreements alongside Unbeaten’s linear channels carried on Samsung TV+, Prime Video, DAZN and over 30 other streaming and broadcast platforms, in the US and internationally through Europe, Asia and Australia.

The expanded distribution is projected to drive US viewership growth from 10 million in 2025 to over 20 million in 2026. The 2026 distribution slate also represents the largest footprint for distribution in league history.

The agreements strengthen the AAPB’s position as the premier MLB Partner League and underscore its role in growing the sport through strategic media distribution and international collaboration.

Super Patch Named Official Performance and Recovery Partner of Ones Basketball League (OBL)

Ones Basketball League (OBL), the innovative one-on-one basketball competition founded by NBA legend Tracy McGrady, today announced that The Super Patch Company, the cutting-edge wellness technology company known for its drug-free performance and recovery patches, will be the league’s Official Performance and Recovery Partner, starting with the tip off of “OBL: Battle of the Cities” this Friday night in Orlando, Florida.

The partnership will roll out throughout the 2026 OBL season, with Super Patch featured in broadcast integrations, digital content, and live event experiences.
“OBL is about elevating elite individual performance and giving athletes a platform to shine,” said Tracy McGrady, founder of Ones Basketball League. “”As a player, performance and recovery was the difference between getting another year out of my body and not getting it. I wish I’d had something like Super Patch in my prime. The fact that it’s drug-free, non-invasive, and built for the kind of pounding the body takes at this level, game changer. Bringing this to OBL means our athletes have access to tools not many have at any level.”

“Partnering with OBL allows us to bring our technology to one of the most exciting, athlete-driven leagues in basketball,” said Jay Dhaliwal, CEO of Super Patch. “We’re thrilled to support these competitors with tools that can enhance performance and well-being in a completely natural way.”

Through this collaboration, Super Patch will be integrating its patented neuro-haptic technology into the training and recovery regimens of OBL athletes. Super Patch’s non-invasive technology uses specific tactile patterns that stimulate the skin to improve balance, focus, energy, and recovery—all without drugs or supplements. By aligning with OBL, Super Patch continues to expand its presence in elite sports, supporting athletes who push the boundaries of personal achievement.

“OBL: Battle of the Cities” will take an expanded version of the original OBL, with elite one-on-one athletes bringing their own vision, culture and prestige tied to the city from where they grew up, played and/or call home. Each city-based team will have a four man roster, comprised of players who best reflect the tradition, values and basketball culture of the city the 1 v 1 team represents, hand selected by the Owners/GMs.

The “Battle of the Cities” owner/GM’s who selected the teams are:
Team Orlando- Vince Carter, Team Washington, DC – Quinn Cook, two-time NBA Champion, Team Miami – Tim Hardaway Sr., five-time NBA All-Star, Team New York – Jadakiss, recording star and basketball insider, Team Chicago – Larenz Tate, actor, film producer, basketball aficionado, Team Raleigh – John Wall, five-time NBA All-Star, Team Atlanta – Jaylen Brown, star of the Boston Celtics, and Team Baltimore – Muggsy Bogues, 14 year NBA veteran.

The full player rosters can be seen at https://oblhoops.com/elementor-page-458/.

OBL is hosting a multi-week season where eight initial cities will field teams featuring hoopers who fit the criteria of embodying the heart and essence of their respective cities, bringing a unique and dynamic aspect to their representation. Cities battle for pride and prize, each sending out one player at a time in 1-on-1 matchups. Thrilling, quick games that keep audiences on the edge of their seat. The production will feature intense game-play, as well as a deeper look into player backgrounds and real individual stories centering on highlighting players’ talent and authenticity.

For Soccer and Gemini XIII Partner to Launch ‘Orange Slices’ Vodcast Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

For Soccer, the preeminent soccer media and experiences company, and Gemini XIII, the premium podcast and vodcast entertainment network, today announced the launch of “Orange Slices,” a bold new soccer media vodcast and event vertical rooted in the shared story of the American game. Designed as a 360-degree content and fan engagement hub, Orange Slices will span premium long-form and short-form content, social storytelling, custom features, and a marquee fan event—all leading into and surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The twice-weekly flagship podcast will be hosted by former U.S. Men’s National Team Player, Major League Soccer All-Star and Apple TV analyst Heath Pearce, with appearances from current and former players across generations of the game, including active USMNT and Toulouse FC center back Mark McKenzie. Bridging past, present, and future voices of the sport, the show blends seasoned perspective with real-time insight from inside the game—offering fans a rare window into the evolving identity of soccer in the United States and beyond.

In the lead-up to the World Cup, Orange Slices will deliver match previews and recaps, tactical breakdowns, player profiles, and cultural storytelling from host cities across North America. At its core, the show is a cross-generational celebration of soccer—from the muddy fields across America to the global stage—featuring voices from across eras of the game. Episodes will spotlight guests spanning past, present, and emerging stars, sharing stories, insights, and perspectives that shape the broader American soccer narrative. The name “Orange Slices” nods to the universal halftime ritual of youth soccer, grounding the global spectacle of the sport in its community roots and shared joy.

“Orange Slices is about connecting generations of U.S. Soccer—from the players who built it, to the ones living it now, to those who will carry it forward,” said Heath Pearce, host of Orange Slices and President of For Soccer. “This show is a celebration of our shared soccer story, told from the inside—through the voices, experiences, and moments that have shaped the American game, from youth fields to the World Cup stage.”

The launch also marks a major branded activation within Gemini XIII’s expanding Constellation portfolio, a recently released product that brings together premium talent, IP, and brand partners to create scalable, multi-format franchises.

“With the World Cup coming to North America, there’s an unprecedented opportunity to capture the energy of the moment. This is exactly what Constellation was built to do—bring together world-class talent, cultural moments, and brand partners to create something bigger than a show,” said Charles Steinhauer, Gemini XIII Media.

Orange Slices will be available on all major podcast streaming platforms including YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.