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Westchester Soccer Club Hosts Richmond Kickers FC at The Stadium at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon Sunday

Westchester SC returns to USL League One play this Sunday with their third of six home matches in May and June, taking on Richmond Kickers  at 4 pm at The Stadium at Memorial Field. The club is coming off a dramatic 1-1 draw vs. Forward Madison last Saturday.  Media are welcomed at any and all WSC home matches.

 J.C. Obregón (New York, NY) electrified the home crowd with a stunning long-range goal in the 17th minute,  launching a strike from  ~70 yards out, before Derek Gebhard converted a penalty  in the 4Oth minute, the only scores in a 1-1 draw against Forward Madison FC. The second half continued with the same pace and pressure, and in the 67th minute, Forward Madison was awarded a second penalty. This time, however, Westchester goalkeeper Andrew Hammersley, in only his second pro start, rose to the occasion, making a critical save to deny the go-ahead goal and preserve the 1-1 draw through the final whistle. It marked WSC’s first home point in USL League One play. 

Richmond, WSC Meet Again Following One of The USL League One Early Season Highlight Matches;   Richmond’s Josh Kirkland scored the final equalizer (and his second goal of the game) in the ninth minute of extra time on  April19th, snatching a frenetic late rush victory from WSC and sending both clubs home with a 4-4 draw for third place Richmond. The Erickland score came just two minutes after WSC’s scoring leader J.C. Obregón Jr. (New York, NY) found  the back of the net on a penalty kick after Bobby Pierre was fouled, to give Westchester their first lead of the match seven minutes into extra time in what was a back and forth affair for more than ninety minutes.  Richmond struck early, with  Darwin Espinal  beating keeper Dane Jacomen  just two minutes into the match before WSC counter on a Noah Powder (Edison, NJ) score just six minutes later.  Espinal’s second goal of the match in the 32nd minute gave Richmond the 2-1 lead at the break, before Samory Powder (Edison, NJ) again knotted the match at 2-2 in the 53rd minute. Richmond’s Kirkland’s tally in the 63rd minute again put Kickers back on top, but with less than seven minutes left in regulation Conor McGlynn (Middle Village, NY) countered off a pass from Noah Powder to knot the score at three, and set the stage for the drama in extra time. The stats belied the excitement the fans experienced on a beautiful night in Richmond, with each side taking 16 shots and WSC getting the slight edge on goal 8-7.

Putting Up The Numbers; Richmond and WSC enter Sunday’s match second-16 goals and third-15 goals, respectively in USL League One Play thus far this season.

Stopping the Slide: WSC enters Sunday looking to stop a seven match overall winless slide. They have not posted a match win since their victory over NY Pancyprian Freedoms 3-2 on April 2 in the US Open Cup, and have not won a USL League One match since their 3-1 win at Texoma FC on March 29. WSC has actually grabbed the lead in the first half of their last three matches, leading 1-0 at Spokane,   2-0 at home against Charlotte and 1-0 vs. Forward Madison.    

If it’s a WSC Match, JC is on the Board: Forward Juan Carlos Obregón, Jr. has been the scoring leader for WSC, not just in their USL matches but in their US Open Cup matches as well. Obregon’s seven overall goals easily tops the team in all games played. The 2024 USL League One All-League First Team forward scored his seventh  goal last  Saturday,  and he now has four   USL League One tallies one more than teammate Connor McGlynn.  Obregón leads the club in assists with two as well.

Hammer Time Arrives; Goalkeeper Andrew Hammersley (Garden City, NY) was inserted into the lineup by Head Coach Dave Carton prior to the May tenth match vs. Charlotte, and played well in his first pro match despite allowing three second half scores. The Sacred Heart University product followed that up with a solid performance again last Saturday, allowing the one score, but coming up with a game-saving second half stop of a penalty kick to keep the tight match tied. Hammersley has recorded ten saves in his first two matches, the best two match stretch for a keeper in WSC’s inaugural season.   He was selected to the USL League One Team of the Week for his efforts.

Homegrown Scorers: In USL play, New York area natives Obregón (New York, NY) McGlynn (Middle Village, NY) , Samory Powder and Noah Powder (Edison, NJ) have accounted for ten of the club’s 12 goals thus far, giving the back of the net a decided NY area edge so far.  WSC’s current roster features eight players who can call the greater New York area home. In addition, defender Kemar “Taxi” Lawrence has logged time in his career as a popular member of the New York Red Bulls. Defender Noah Powder and his brother Samory Powder have also logged time in the Red Bulls development system.

Brotherly Success, The Powder’s Pour it On: The Powder brothers, Samory and Noah (Edison, NJ), are just the fifth pair of brothers to suit up as teammates in a League One match, and the first pair of brothers to be named to the USL League One Team of the Week as teammates in the same week. Midfielder Noah Powder was named Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball with three goal contributions in a 4-4 draw against the Richmond Kickers on April 19 . Noah Powder’s assist on Samory Powder’s goal in the 53rd minute marked the second time in league history a pair of brothers have connected for a joint goal participation (Arturo/David Rodriguez (NTX), 2019). Then we have Samory Powder, the first-year professional registered a beauty of a first professional goal off an assist from his older brother, Noah at Richmond, and followed that up with his second goal, the club’s only tally, at Spokane.

Obregón,  Powder Get Gold Cup Call; Twenty-three players from the USL Championship and League One were named on Monday to the preliminary rosters for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.  Included among the group are WSC’S Juan Carlos Obregón, Jr., for Honduras and Noah Powder for Trinidad and Tobago. The final rosters for the tournament must be named by June 4 ahead of the competition’s opening game on Saturday, June 14 between Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Portland was the only other USL League One club with multiple players named.  

On The Team Side: WSC enters the weekend 4th in scoring in USL League One with  12 goals, tied for 4th  in conversion rate (1 8  %) and 5th in shots at 88.

WSC’s inaugural season partners in addition to Northwell Health and SCORE PT include; Leros Transportation Group – luxury transportation partner, Healthfirst – insurance partner, Manhattanville University – premier education partner, Pepsi Bottling Company of New York – beverage partner, RXR – luxury living/real estate partner,  MSG Networks – broadcast partner, Breezemont Day Camp – summer day camp partner, Seatgeek – ticketing partner, and Benjamin’s Steak House – steak house partner.

On The Air: All of WSC’s USL League One matchups will be seen locally on MSG Networks, with Sam Goldfarb calling the action for most home matches.

Up Next: WSC will host their second Jägermeister Cup match, this one against Hartford Athletic on May 31 at 4 pm, before returning to USL League One play on June 7 against One Knoxville SC in their first home regular season night match of the season.   

Fanatics Sportsbook Partners with New York Racing Team for Two NASCAR Cup Series Events

Today, New York Racing Team announced a partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook to become the primary sponsor of the team’s No. 44 Chevrolet, driven by star driver J.J. Yeley for two of the NASCAR Cup Series’ most prestigious races – the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway and the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway.

The Fanatics Sportsbook No. 44 Chevrolet will take to the track – first in Music City on Sunday, June 1 and next in The Valley on Sunday, November 2 – decked in the company’s signature Lava Red and Black paint scheme and adorned with the Fanatics Sportsbook logo on the hood and sides of the car. It’s only fitting that Fanatics Sportsbook will grace the car for the first time in Tennessee, as the state was the first to experience the sportsbook upon its launch in 2023. 

In celebration of this partnership, Fanatics Sportsbook will have exclusive new customer offers for the Nashville and Phoenix races, along with expanded NASCAR betting capabilities, such as race parlays, to finish on the podium, exacta and trifecta betting. Fanatics Sportsbook will also offer unique JJ Yeley specials and live betting markets on Raceday.  

According to Fanatics Sportsbook, Yeley is +800 to have a Top 10 Finish at Nashville Superspeedway and customers will also be able to place wagers on J.J. Yeley’s Starting Grid Position, Chevrolet-specific placement, first lap results, and much more. NASCAR fans can download the Fanatics Sportsbook app on iOS and Android and begin their Fanatics betting experience.   

“We are proud to partner with John Cohen and the New York Racing Team,” said Selena Kalvaria, CMO of Fanatics Betting and Gaming. “The partnership with New York Racing Team is an incredible branding opportunity and an inflection point for us as we continue to build the fastest growing sportsbook in America.* We are going to develop exclusive content for NASCAR fans and curate an elevated experience for our customers at each race that only a brand like Fanatics can offer. Our employees and customers can’t wait to cheer on the No. 44 Fanatics Sportsbook Chevrolet toward the checkered flag at Nashville Superspeedway and Phoenix Raceway.”  

Nashville Superspeedway is Middle Tennessee’s racing jewel. The 1.33-mile D-shaped track with 14 degrees of banking is the largest concrete-only track in NASCAR and the perfect track for a prime time race. The sponsorship will see Fanatics Sportsbook featured on Yeley’s No. 44 Chevrolet in the Cracker Barrel 400 on Sunday, June 1 at 7 PM ET, broadcast live on Prime Video. The No. 44 Fanatics Sportsbook car will return at the end of the season to compete at the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, November 2, 2025, which will air live on NBC. For up to date news and information on the Fanatics Sportsbook No. 44 Chevrolet follow @FanaticsBook on X and @FanaticsSportsbook on Instagram. 

Rose, Jackson, Black Sox Take on Bonds, Other Outcasts in Strat-O-Matic Simulation

The recent reinstatement of Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson, the rest of the famed 1919 Chicago “Black Sox” and a few other long-deceased and long-forgotten players from more than a century ago made big news in baseball circles this month. Commentary continues on the Hall of Fame-worthiness of Rose, Jackson and perhaps a couple of the newly un-banned standouts.

Lurking too is the discussion about Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Jose Canseco, Alex Rodriguez and a few others whose career numbers would get them to Cooperstown easily but whose off-field activities, primarily connections with performance enhancing substances, have kept them out of the Hall and, in some cases, out of baseball.

Just how good were the newly reinstated players compared to the “shadow-banned” stars of more recent vintage? Strat-O-Matic (@strat-o-matic), the market leader in sports simulations, put it to the test with a contest between squads made up of the best players from those two groups. Taking the hill for the “Shadow Banned” stars was Clemens, facing Eddie Cicotte, famed for being among the ringleaders of the group throwing the 1919 World Series.

Dotted with multi-time All-Stars like Bonds, Canseco, Rodriguez, Robinson Cano, Mark McGwire and others, the modern team looked on paper like a more accomplished squad than Rose, Buck Weaver, Chick Gandil, Happy Felsch and the others. But in the Strat-O-Matic simulation, it was Cicotte who held that juggernaut team to six hits over seven innings, getting relief help from co-conspirator (and three-game loser in the ‘19 Series) Lefty Williams for a 4-2 Reinstated Team triumph.

Rodriguez led off the game with a solo home run, and Bonds hit one out in the fifth for a 2-0 lead. But Jackson drove in two runs with a sixth-inning double, and shortstop Swede Risberg brought in the go-ahead marker with a double in the seventh, followed by unheralded catcher Gene Paulette’s RBI single for the final margin.

The eight reinstated Black Sox make up a significant portion of that 1919 Chicago team that is one of the eight teams in the Strat-O-Matic Deadball Diamond Gems set releasing next month, with eight extensively researched and fully super-advanced squads from that era.

Shadow Banned… 1 0 0  0 1 0  0 0 0  –  2  7  0

Reinstated…… 0 0 0  0 0 2  2 0    –  4  5  1

WP: Cicotte; LP: Clemens; SV: Williams

HR: Rodriguez, Bonds

SBD World’s Strongest Man Announces 2025 Partners

The SBD World’s Strongest Man has unveiled its lineup of sponsors for the 2025 competition, which will feature 25 of the world’s top strongmen facing off in an epic series of events. The competition returns to Sacramento, California, from May 15–18, 2025, marking its first appearance in the city since 2022. LUCY joins the World’s Strongest Man roster as a first-time partner this year and will support the world-class event alongside returning partners Rogue Fitness, KNAACK, AIRWAAV, Visit Sacramento and title sponsor SBD.

“We deeply value the relationships we’ve cultivated with our core sponsors and the meaningful impact we’re able to create together through the World’s Strongest Man platform—including with the City of Sacramento, which we’re proud to return to for a third year,” said Rebecca Levin, Vice President, Rights, North America, IMG. “With its fast-growing digital fanbase, extensive global broadcast reach, and viral social content, World’s Strongest Man provides a unique opportunity for brands and host cities to connect with an organic, authentic, and highly-engaged audience.”

SBD returns for a sixth year as the title sponsor of the World’s Strongest Man. SBD is the market-leading producer of apparel and accessories for strength sports. Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom, SBD products are relied upon by elite strength athletes worldwide in the most grueling contests, like World’s Strongest Man.

Returning as the “Official Equipment Supplier” for the eighth year, Rogue Fitness is the leading manufacturer of strength and conditioning equipment, including barbells, power racks, sleds, and accessories. Founded in a garage in 2006, the company remains dedicated to serving the needs of serious athletes at every level.

LUCY joins World’s Strongest Man as an official partner for the first time. Designed for adult nicotine users seeking a modern, more flexible experience, LUCY nicotine pouches offer a discreet, spit-free format that fits seamlessly into the lives of athletes and fans alike. As a first-year partner, LUCY is proud to support the strength, focus, and discipline that define the World’s Strongest Man — and to celebrate the power that drives us all, in both mind and body.

KNAACK® is excited to return for the fifth consecutive year as the “Official Security and Tool Storage” sponsor of the World’s Strongest Man competition. This year, KNAACK will sponsor the new KNAACK Carry & Hoist event, which challenges athletes with a timed two-part task: first, carrying two KNAACK toolboxes, followed by a seated arm-over-arm hoist of a larger toolbox. In celebration of the incredible strength and determination required to compete at this level, KNAACK will once again present the prestigious peer-voted “KNAACK Tools of a Strongman” award to one deserving athlete.

AIRWAAV is back for its third year as the “Official Mouthpiece” of World’s Strongest Man. Backed by 15+ years of peer-reviewed research, the AIRWAAV Performance Mouthpiece is trusted by top competitors—including 2023 champion Mitchell Hooper and reigning three-time champion Tom Stoltman—to boost strength, endurance, and recovery. This year, AIRWAAV is also highlighting the Recovery Mouthpiece for sleep, designed to improve nighttime breathing and accelerate recovery overnight, along with all-new Nasal Strips. AIRWAAV will have a booth in the WSM Fan Zone with a full range of products available at an exclusive event price. 

Visit Sacramento works to improve the quality of life for residents by driving visitor spending that supports the local business community, creates jobs and makes Sacramento a better place to call home. As the premier destination marketing and development organization for the region’s tourism industry, Visit Sacramento plays a lead role in the projects, programs and attractions that bring visitors to the city.

Additional 2025 partners also include Waiakea, Kinesio and Select Medical.

ShotTracker, ASB GlassFloor Announce New Strategic Partnership

ShotTracker, the industry leader in adaptive real-time data and AI-driven insights for basketball teams, leagues, facilities and fans today announced a new collaboration with ASB GlassFloor, placing ShotTracker’s advanced analytics and entertainment graphics into the design of ASB’s LED glass surfaces for the first time. As part of this initiative, the ShotTracker’s Helix system has been installed in the ASB Glassfloor Athlete’s Lab in Orlando, which is currently in use by NBA teams and other visiting sports properties year around.

“The ability to partner with ASB GlassFloor to add our state-of-the art data collection and visualization tools to their cutting-edge floor designs opens us up to a new global audience of teams. leagues, coaches, players and fans who have yet to experience the power and breadth of our AI fueled solutions,” said Davyeon Ross, ShotTracker co-founder and CEO. “This collaborative work will not only expand player development, but performance analytics and fan experience options.”

‘ShotTracker is one of the most progressive, forward thinking companies in not just basketball but in all of sports data, spanning from player development to fan engagement and we are proud to be working with them going forward,” said Chris Thornton with ASB GlassFloor. “Their work should fit quite seamlessly and effectively into the coaching and team drill designs we currently offer with more coming in addition to entertainment data in the months ahead and will help expand both our utility and literal visibility as we grow together.”

ASB GlassFloor’s glass-paneled, LED-embedded basketball courts first caught the NBA’s attention at the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup in 2023. Less than a year later, ASB’s flagship video floor, the LumiFlex, was canvas to the NBA celebrity game, dunk contest, 3- point shootout and skills competition at the 2024 All-Star weekend in Indianapolis. The implementation of ShotTracker will include interactive visual analytics focused on game planning and performance, as well as unlocking the potential for more “in the moment” marketing and sponsorship opportunities. The collaboration will also include a new Multi-Sport Adaptability component, with ASB’s instant court transformations combined with sport-specific statistics.

This news follows ShotTracker’s continued growth in 2025. That includes enhanced work with the 2025 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships and the largest expansion in university partners in recent company history. ShotTracker partner schools currently include over fifty universities, with more coming later this year.

American Association Sets Attendance Records On Opening Weekend

The Opening weekend for the 20th season of American Association baseball saw records fall off the field. Over 63,654 attended games in the four days (each of the six home teams hosting three games), breaking the Opening Weekend record of 61,382, set in 2022. The defending champion Kane County Cougars led the way with the largest crowd of the weekend, 7,032 Saturday against Sioux City.

“The data tells the story, the effort our teams put in during the offseason to build momentum and awareness from the start of the season literally paid off, and that bodes really well for what we think will be a record season in every aspect for our league,” American Association Commissioner Josh Schaub said. “From new brands and media partners to the innovative promotions our clubs are creating, we are set up for success in every aspect of our business in 2025 and beyond.”

Among the off-season partnerships the AAPB has announced are an agreement with Carbliss as the league’s first-ever Founding Partner and its official “Ready to Drink” beverage; Champro, the official uniform supplier for the BCL; an extension with VensureHR as the exclusive and preferred supplier in the payroll category for the league; Unbeaten, RYZ Network and FuboTV as broadcast partners; CAPX as official hat; and IAS Branding as preferred promotional partner.

The MLB Partner League began its slate, in which each of the 12 teams play 100 regular season contests, on Thursday with Kane County and Cleburne (Texas) opening the season at home. Milwaukee, Chicago, Kansas City and Fargo-Moorhead also hosted series over the weekend. Sioux Falls, Sioux City, Gary SouthShore, Lincoln and Lake Country will begin their home slates this week, while Winnipeg will do so on May 20.

The Harlem Globetrotters Sports Residency Returns To American Dream July 2025 For Nine Consecutive Days

Leaders in breaking barriers and making history, the world famous, Harlem Globetrotters™ today announced they will be returning Saturday, July 12th– Sunday, 20th to American Dream in New Jersey for the second version of their summer sports residency. The news was announced today by both Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios and Bryan Gaus, Senior Vice President and General Manager of American Dream.

“The Harlem Globetrotters are the first sports team in history to host a residency and we’re excited once again partner with American Dream and provide our fans legendary entertainment with the return of our kids day camps for the first time in over a decade,” said Dawkins. “This residency will also have us welcoming basketball competitors from all over the world to try out to join our Centennial team as we lead to our 100th in 2026!”

The nine-day residency at American Dream, the world’s leading and innovative retail, dining and entertainment destination, will include an open tryout for men and women to join the squad for next year’s historic season, eight LIVE games throughout the week, where the Harlem Globetrotters™ will take on their legendary rivals, the Washington Generals, and two-hour Globetrotter Basketball Day Camps for kids. Additional details and special events and activities tied to the residency will be announced in the coming weeks. The Globetrotters will also be streaming content on their new owned and operated channels and are in discussions with media partners on additional distribution channels highlighting the residency.

“The Harlem Globetrotters, just like American Dream, embody community, entertainment, and fun, making us the perfect partners for this groundbreaking residency,” said Gaus.  “Our property continues to set the standard as a unique sports and events destination while also complementing MetLife Stadium’s extensive list of events next door. Now, one of the most iconic sports franchises will call American Dream home.”

American Dream has become a destination for major sporting events. The center hosted the 2024 USA Curling National Championships, the National Basketball Player Association’s The Throne – High School Basketball National Championship and Arena Bowl 33. Additionally, there are several more athletic competitions and events in the pipeline that will be announced shortly. These events make up a portion of the 500 events held annually at the venue, which also boasts an extensive list of top retailers, fine dining and world-class attractions.

American Association Season Opens Today: Ten Things to Know in the AAPB This Week

After an off-season filled with new partnerships, MLB organization signings and a fun run by the Kane County Cougars in the Baseball Champions League (BCL) Americas last month, the American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball) is set to begin the 2025 regular season with two games today, including the defending Miles Wolff Cup Champion Cougars hosting Sioux City at 6:30 p.m. CT / 7:30 p.m. ET.

Here are 10 (or so) Things to Know about the AAPB this week:

Tim Smith Spirits Named ‘Official Whiskey Partner’ of TCL Team Boxing League

TCL Team Boxing League (TCL), the first and only professional boxing league with a team-based ownership model, is proud to announce a new multi-platform partnership with Tim Smith Spirits, the award-winning craft distiller behind Climax Fire No. 32 (“Fire 32 Whiskey”), an acclaimed cinnamon spice flavored whiskey. As the Official Whiskey Partner of TCL, Tim Smith Spirits and its Fire 32 Whiskey will be activated across TCL’s Third Season through a wide-ranging campaign spanning broadcast, in-ring branding, digital integration, and on-site fan engagement.

Through this collaboration, Fire 32 Whiskey will be prominently featured during TCL broadcasts on Merit TV, the multiplatform network founded by Dr. Phil McGraw. The partnership includes commercial spots, sponsored features, and integrated content during weekly matchups, including “Knockout of the Match”. Fire 32 Whiskey branding will also appear inside the ring at all league events, ensuring high visibility during key moments of competition.

Select TCL events will feature onsite activations with Tim Smith Spirits, bringing the bold flavor of Fire 32 Whiskey directly to fans. Beyond the arena, the partnership extends into TCL’s digital and social media campaigns, with Fire 32 Whiskey showcased through exclusive content, athlete collaborations, and brand storytelling that connects with passionate boxing fans and bourbon enthusiasts alike. Tim Smith Spirits will also receive intellectual property (IP) rights from TCL, allowing the brand to co-market using official league marks and team assets—providing expanded creative opportunities across advertising and retail promotions.

“We’re excited to light up the TCL ring with Fire 32 Whiskey,” said Tim Smith, founder of Tim Smith Spirits and star of Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners. “This partnership is about bold moves, big hits, and unforgettable flavor—both in the ring and in the glass. We can’t wait to engage with TCL fans who live for the energy and excitement we bring.”

“Fire 32 Whiskey brings authenticity, attitude, and energy to TCL,” added Kevin Cassidy, CEO of Team Combat Entertainment. “Tim Smith Spirits shares our passion for excellence and fan engagement, and this partnership brings tremendous value to our audience and athletes alike.”

ToonieBet Launches Sportsbook, Elevating Player Experience and Local Community Engagement in Ontario

ToonieBet, Soft2Bet’s flagship online casino and sportsbook for Ontario, has officially launched its sportsbook on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The platform is tailored specifically for local players, offering a dynamic betting experience with a broad range of sports events and competitive odds. The platform also features personalised promotions and loyalty rewards designed to match the preferences of Ontario’s diverse betting community.

The sportsbook uses official data feeds, ensuring players have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information on top local and international sports events. Additionally, the platform offers live broadcasting with real-time match analytics, allowing users to make informed betting decisions as events unfold. Integrated with MEGA and advanced player account management features, the operator is committed to delivering a seamless and responsible gaming environment that enhances the overall player experience while supporting local sports initiatives.

As part of this launch, the platform has also introduced a Sportsbook section on its official website, expanding its portfolio and bringing more choice to its growing customer base. With access to over 85,000 live events each month and more than 70,000 pre-match events across a wide range of sports, players now have even more ways to bet on what they love. Soft2Bet’s Canadian brand invites all players to explore its standout online casino and the full spectrum of sports betting, all delivered through a fast, secure, and fully localised platform.

Since its debut at the end of 2024, ToonieBet has offered a fast, fair, and secure online casino and sportsbook experience, fully localised for Ontario’s vibrant gaming market. The Apple App and Google Play additions further enhance accessibility, bringing ToonieBet’s premium entertainment to players on the go.                          

Additionally, this milestone complements the operator’s recent partnership with the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, which made ToonieBet the Official Online Casino Partner of the team. The partnership includes in-arena branding, digital promotions, and fan engagement initiatives like social contests, allowing ToonieBet to connect with Ontario sports fans in exciting ways and offering chances to win team merchandise and tickets.

Yoel Zuckerberg, Soft2Bet’s Chief Product Officer stated: “As Soft2Bet continues our rapid growth, we are excited to provide Ontario players with access to ToonieBet’s sportsbook which is now available on the Apple App and Google Play Store, offering seamless access to a customised experience tailored for the province’s passionate gaming community.”

ToonieBet is Soft2Bet’s brand, one of the world’s fastest-growing iGaming turnkey solutions providers, that delivers high-quality products and services for online gambling operators with iGaming brands around the world and a portfolio of 19 global licenses, including Ontario.

Fanatics Casino Launches with $2 Million FanCash Drop

Today, Fanatics Betting and Gaming announced the launch of Fanatics Casino on iOS and Android in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Fanatics Casino is also launching a web version today in West Virginia with Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania coming soon. 

To celebrate the launch of the fastest growing online casino in America, all Fanatics Casino customers can enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a share of $2 million in FanCash**.  Fanatics Casino customers can wager $10 on their favorite casino games for an entry into the sweepstakes.  Every Thursday in May and June, Fanatics will draw winners and drop a share of $250,000 in FanCash into their accounts.  Each week, one winner will take home the top prize of $25,000 in FanCash.    

Players are invited to dive into a world of thrills as Fanatics Casino brings the casino floor directly to a customer’s fingertips, whether on-the-go or in front of a computer. Players can explore a wide array of classic and modern casino games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, progressive jackpots and video poker. Each game is crafted to deliver authentic casino action, ensuring endless entertainment.

Fanatics Casino offers a comprehensive and engaging gaming experience with the following features: 

  • Offer: We are giving first time players 500 free spins for Cash Eruption over 10 days when you wager $10.***  
  • Unlock the world of FanCash:  When you play with Fanatics Casino, players can earn FanCash on every spin, hand or roll, win or lose. Flip your FanCash into Casino Credit, Bonus Bets, exclusive apparel and so much more.**** 
  • Daily Free Spin: Play the exclusive Fanatics Casino Spin to Win game every day for a chance to win Casino Credit, Free Spins, merch and more.*****
  • Live Dealer Action: Engage with professional dealers in real-time through our live casino feature. Experience the excitement of live blackjack, roulette and baccarat, all from the comfort of your home.  
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In an effort to deliver a world class gaming experience, Fanatics Casino has curated a portfolio of games from its in-house development team, as well as, the most popular game developers in the world including: 

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  • Evolved Live Casino Games: Fanatics Casino has partnered with Evolution to provide customers with world-leading live casino games including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat and Poker variants. In addition, Evolution will provide Fanatics Casino with an exciting lineup of online slots, the award-winning Lightning Roulette, and many more. 
  • White Hat Studios: Known for bringing branded entertainment to life, White Hat Studios will offer Fanatics Casino customers access to popular slots, including the hit titles Goonies Hey You Guys™ and Ted Cashlock™.  Fanatics Casino will also house a curated selection of White Hat Studios’ dedicated table games and popular slots including Almighty Buffalo™ Megaways™.
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Fanatics Betting and Gaming is committed to responsible gaming. Fanatics Casino encourages customers to Play with A Plan using in-app tools that allow customers to set time, deposit and wager limits. Fanatics Betting and Gaming has also partnered with Birches Health to provide additional support services intended for customers with issues managing their play. 

United Super League Announces League-Wide Deal With Kitman Labs For Advanced EMR System

Kitman Labs, the global enterprise SaaS company delivering the only fully centralized operating system for performance intelligence in elite sports, today announced a new partnership with the United Soccer League (USL) that will see all eight clubs competing in the USL Super League deploy the Performance Medicine Solution in Kitman Labs’ iP: Intelligence Platform.

Now in its inaugural season following an August 2024 launch, the USL Super League is operated by the United Soccer League and marks a new era for women’s professional soccer in North America. Through this league-wide partnership, each club will leverage a centralized and configurable medical operating system that enables the aggregation and activation of all player health data.

The Performance Medicine Solution—one of four core solutions within iP: Intelligence Platform—is the only system natively built to integrate both medical and performance data into a single, comprehensive platform. This will give member clubs a real-time, 360° view of their respective players from a health and readiness perspective while generating insights to improve athlete welfare, reduce injury risk, and drive performance outcomes through actionable intelligence.

Key capabilities powered by Performance Medicine for USL Super League clubs include:

Standardized league-wide medical documentation and data collection – eliminating gaps and inconsistencies while supporting club-level configurability and compliance.
Cross-department collaboration – aligning medical and performance teams to support evidence-based decisions around player health, care, and wellness.
Operational efficiency – enabling practitioners to spend less time on admin and more time on athlete treatment and development.
Comprehensive, consistent datasets – laying the foundation for league-wide research, injury surveillance, and innovation.

All staff, coaches, and practitioners from across the eight Super League clubs will utilize the shared platform as a single source of truth. The resulting analytics will help inform data-led, evidence-based decisions on and off the pitch.

“We have the opportunity to build a cutting-edge data and analytics infrastructure from the ground up—a secure, fully integrated and scalable platform that benefits the league, the clubs, and most importantly, the athletes,” said Amanda Vandersort, USL Super League President. “With this system in place, our medical and performance staff can make better decisions around injury prevention, rehab, return to play, load management, and overall athlete care.”

“We’re proud to partner with the USL Super League in its inaugural season and be part of this defining moment for women’s professional soccer,” said Stephen Smith, CEO and Founder of Kitman Labs. “The league has a clear vision for innovation—prioritizing player health, performance, and longevity. With iP: Intelligence Platform, the USL has the foundation to scale and unify medical data management and analytics, equipping every club with the technology and intelligence needed to make data-informed decisions and elevate athlete care.”

The league’s eight inaugural clubs—Brooklyn FC, Carolina Ascent FC, Dallas Trinity FC, DC Power FC, Fort Lauderdale United FC, Lexington SC, Spokane Zephyr FC, and Tampa Bay Sun FC—are competing for the championship, set to be decided in June.

Kitman Labs has an established track record of working with top leagues, governing bodies, teams, and athletes across 26 countries and multiple sports, including soccer, basketball, rugby, and American football. The company’s technology is currently used by more than 2,000 teams and organizations, including the NFL, NBA, MLS, NWSL, Unrivaled, Premier League, and NCAA.

iP: Intelligence Platform represents the industry’s largest dataset of talent, performance, and medical data, supporting every stage of the athlete lifecycle.

Dave Checketts And The Cynosure Group Announce New Private Equity Joint Venture

Dave Checketts, an influential figure in global sports business, and The Cynosure Group, a diversified private investment firm founded by the Eccles family, today announced the formation of Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital, a new strategic collaboration dedicated to investing in high-potential sports opportunities. Work has begun on identifying and implementing plans in the global sports space, with several deals already in the pipeline, and their initial fund targets commitments in excess of $1.2 billion. The partnership will have offices in both New York and Salt Lake City.

This strategic collaboration combines Checketts’ unique experience across four decades in sports management and investment, with Cynosure’s established investment expertise and financial resources. It also reunites two powerful entities who worked closely to keep the Utah Jazz of the NBA in Salt Lake City over 30 years ago, effectively jumpstarting one of the most desirable sports investment communities in the world today.

“This partnership is a dream come true for me, reuniting me with the Eccles family, who were key in keeping the Jazz in Salt Lake City, bringing the Olympic Winter Games to Utah in 2002 and building tremendous intercollegiate athletic programs in the state,” said Dave Checketts. “By joining forces today with The Cynosure Group, we are creating a powerhouse entity with assets that will make us competitive on a global scale and will give us great opportunities to help shape the future of the industry right away.”

“We have known Dave Checketts for nearly half a century, since the years when our family’s bank provided the financing for the Utah Jazz, and we’ve always admired his achievements and integrity,” added Spencer P. Eccles, managing director of the Cynosure Group. “This venture brings together Dave’s storied career in the business of sport and his remarkable team, with Cynosure’s disciplined investment process and financial horsepower. We’re confident that Cynosure | Checketts will quickly establish itself as a leading investor in this space.”

Randal Quarles, Chairman of The Cynosure Group and former Vice Chairman of the Federal Reserve, added: “Sports represents a unique asset class with tremendous growth potential. By partnering with Dave Checketts, whose expertise in building value across multiple sports properties is unmatched, we are positioning ourselves to capitalize on the most compelling opportunities in this dynamic market.”

Strategic Investment Focus

Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital will target investments across multiple segments of the sports industry, including:

  • Professional and collegiate sports teams
  • Sports leagues and governing bodies
  • Stadiums, arenas, and other sports facilities
  • Sports technology and innovation companies
  • Media rights and broadcasting ventures

MLS, MLS Next Pro And MLS Next Expand Collaboration With Kitman Labs To Unify And Optimize Player Pathway Data

Major League Soccer (MLS), MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT today announced an expansion of the work being done alongside Kitman Labs that will help complete the management of the player pathway across the three organizations. Teaming up to centralize MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT operations and performance data into an integrated platform to drive connectivity between competitions, teams and players, this collaboration will ultimately help define and solidify player pathways from the academy level all the way up to MLS first teams. 

The initiative – which will completely unify all MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT operations and player performance data into one advanced operating system, is being led by MLS Assist. Developed to help advance the technological infrastructure of MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT, MLS Assist will aid in elevating the level of play and competition through innovation. 

“The focus of MLS Assist is to streamline the technology behind our competitions by consolidating solutions, modernizing sports management processes, and standardizing the reporting and distribution of our sports data,” said John Sullivan, MLS Chief Information Officer. “A key goal is digitizing the player pathway—using integrated technologies and data-driven systems to modernize scouting, optimize player development, and build a smarter, more connected talent pipeline. By aligning efforts across MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, and MLS NEXT, the Sporting Technology department and Kitman Labs are building an innovative and scalable foundation for how the game is managed.”

The new League Operations Solution and MLS Intelligence Platform has launched this season and will consolidate and streamline program-wide operations and build a unified data set for players, staff, coaches and games played at every level across MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT. The ability to now collect this data across the pathway represents a critical and foundational step in understanding, defining and optimizing the player pathway.

“Through our work with MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT, we are building a strong foundation—one that not only identifies and develops talent but also fosters a competitive, sustainable ecosystem. Too often, organizations are held back by disconnected systems that create inefficiencies and obscure the full picture of player development and league operations,” said Stephen Smith, Founder & CEO, Kitman Labs. “With the launch of the League Operations Solution in iP: Intelligence Platform*, we’re working to empower MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT by unifying their data, streamlining operations, and ultimately unlocking transformative growth—ensuring they continue to be a destination for top talent while delivering an exceptional experience for players, practitioners, partners, and fans alike.”

MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT are the first soccer leagues to launch the League Operations Solution from Kitman Labs and will include:

  • Player and Staff Registration: Simplifying the registration process with a streamlined, scalable approach that reduces administrative burdens while enhancing data quality.
  • Fixture Management: Provides a centralized view of all fixtures and automated tools for rescheduling, ensuring more streamlined processes and better communication across all stakeholders. 
  • Discipline and Eligibility: Centralizes the tracking of disciplinary actions, ensuring consistency and compliance. 
  • Match Reporting: Provides a centralized platform for match reports, making critical data accessible and actionable. 
  • Digital Match Rosters: Automates roster management, ensuring eligibility and providing critical match information to stakeholders. 
  • Scheduling: Simplifies scheduling logistics with automation and real-time updates.

“The commitment of MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT to provide best-in-class management of their respective competitions and the player pathway has been supported by the recent expansion of our work with Kitman Labs,” said Paul Grafer, MLS Senior Technical Director, Competition. “Collaboratively, we have developed customized software that serves as the administrative backbone for MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT. We are excited by the opportunity these tools present to improve the management of each MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT competition while enhancing various aspects of the player development pathway.”

Kitman Labs has an established track record of working with top governing bodies, leagues, teams and athletes across a variety of sports, including soccer/global football, basketball, rugby, and American football. The company’s technology has been used by leagues and teams in some of the world’s most elite sports organizations and universities including the NFL, NBA, NWSL, Premier League and NCAA.

Ten Finalists Named in Harlem Globetrotters’ 2025 Court of Creativity Contest Presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs

The Harlem Globetrotters and Jersey Mike’s Subs have announced the ten national finalists in the third annual Court of Creativity contest – a nationwide competition that challenges K–5 students to channel their imagination through basketball-themed projects inspired by the legendary Globetrotters.

Each finalist school will receive a $1,000 cash prize from Jersey Mike’s to support future creative programming. One grand prize winner will also earn a catered lunch from Jersey Mike’s and an in-school visit from the Harlem Globetrotters later this school year.

This year’s ten standout submissions include custom jersey designs, literacy-driven videos, full-scale performances, STEM activities, and more – all highlighting themes of teamwork, perseverance, and creativity. Finalists include:

  • Alpha School (Jackson, NJ) – Used basketballs and paint to create collaborative artwork as part of a sensory-integrated “Athletic Arts” program for students with multiple disabilities.

  • Berea Elementary (Berea, SC) – Designed cultural jerseys, studied force and energy in science, and performed freestyle basketball skills in PE class.

  • Calvin Public School (Calvin, OK) – Created a March Madness-inspired math and spelling video that turned academic learning into a basketball game.

  • Columbia Elementary (Mount Vernon, OH) – Merged PBIS rewards with basketball challenges and community engagement, including a Jersey Mike’s-themed bingo celebration.

  • Everson Elementary (Everson, WA) – Produced a schoolwide video starring “Dribble McDunkerson,” a basketball on a journey of self-discovery and trick shots.

  • Lincoln Elementary (Vancouver, WA) – Developed a scripted video featuring their school mascot learning to play basketball, with support from every grade.

  • Sandhill Elementary (Stoughton, WI) – Led a March Madness-inspired PE unit across all grade levels, culminating in a trick-shot-filled video.

  • Shreve Elementary (Shreve, OH) – Celebrated literacy with a student-led video linking reading, research, and basketball in an imaginative classroom setting.

  • South Lebanon Elementary (South Lebanon, PA) – Engaged second graders in basketball-themed STEM challenges, creative writing, and history lessons throughout March.

  • Twin Oak Elementary (Mount Vernon, OH) – Created a schoolwide March Madness event assigning every student a team role—from Equipment Manager to Jersey Designer—celebrating multiple skill sets.

“Each year, the creativity and school pride in these projects is amazing to witness,” said Rich Hope, Chief Marketing Officer at Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, LLC. “The Court of Creativity is about more than just basketball—it’s about inspiring students to express themselves and work together. Congratulations to all the schools that participated.”

The contest was open to public, private, and vocational elementary schools with grades K–5 across the U.S. and remains a platform for promoting creativity, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement among young students.

BCL Americas Opens Today: Ten Things to Know in the American Association This Week

The Baseball Champions League (BCL) Americas gets underway today at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú in Mexico City, with a team made up mostly of players from the American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball) reigning champion Kane County Cougars representing the league in the six-team international competition.

Here are 10 (or so) Things to Know about the BCL and AAPB this week:

  • Hosted by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) in conjunction with the Mexican Baseball League (LMB), the 2025 BCL Americas features the Cougars and five other champion clubs:
    • Leñadores de Las Tunas (Cuba) – Serie Nacional Champions
    • Pirates de Santa Maria (Curaçao) – Curaçao Baseball League Champions
    • Tigres de Chinandega (Nicaragua) – Liga de Béisbol Profesional Nacional
    • Titanes de Florida (Puerto Rico) – Liga de Béisbol Superior Doble A
    • Diablos Rojos del México (Mexico) – Mexican Baseball League (LMB) Champions and tournament hosts
  • These teams are divided into two groups:
    • Group A: Diablos Rojos del México, Tigres de Chinandega, Titanes de Florida
    • Group B: Kane County Cougars, Leñadores de Las Tunas, Pirates de Santa Maria
  • Play begins today in the Round Robin portion of the contest, with the Cougars taking on Santa Maria at 4 p.m. ET (3 p.m. CT). Vin Timpanelli (Staten Island, N.Y. / Ramapo (N.J.) College; 1-2. 2.70 for Kane County last year) gets the starting assignment on the mound
  • Some of the notable players on other teams competing in the event include:
    • Aristides Aquino, Diablos Rojos del México
    • Robinson Canó, Diablos Rojos del México
    • Francisco Mejía, Diablos Rojos del México
    • Jose Pirela, Diablos Rojos del México
    • Jonathan Schoop, Santa María Pirates
    • Andrelton Simmons, Santa María Pirates
  • The format includes two group-stage games for each team (today through Thursday), followed by crossover games between second- and third-place finishers (Friday). Winners from those matchups advance to the semifinals (Saturday), and the championship game will take place on Sunday at 4 p.m ET / 3 p.m. CT.
  • Kane County also plays on Thursday vs. Leñadores (4 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. CT) before QF/Semifinal matchups the next two days.
  • All BCL games involving the Cougars are available for free live viewing at aabaseball.tv, as well as broadcast partners Fubo, Unbeaten, Ryz Sports Network and Gray TV.
  • There are several companies that are helping support the American Association and its players in participating in the Baseball Champions League:
    • Carbliss – ​Carbliss is a Wisconsin-based company offering premium, ready-to-drink, handcrafted cocktails that are zero carbs, zero sugar, gluten-free, and only 100 calories per serving
    • CAPX – CapX Lab is a headwear innovation company offering a range of customizable hats designed with intention
    • Champro – Champro is a sporting goods manufacturer founded in 1986, providing high-quality sports apparel, uniforms, equipment, and accessories for youth, women, and men across various sports
    • VensureHR – Vensure is a leading provider of human resources services and technology, offering comprehensive solutions including payroll processing, employee benefits, risk management, and compliance assistance to small and mid-sized businesses
  • In the inaugural 2023 edition of the BCL, the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks captured the international baseball world’s attention by storming through the field in Mérida, Mexico, and claiming the first-ever title
  • The AAPB season gets underway on Thursday, May 8, when Kane County hosts Sioux City and Cleburne entertains Winnipeg.
  • The original American Association was formed in 1902 as an independent minor league circuit for Midwestern U.S. cities like Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Louisville and others. After several iterations, the realignment of Major League Baseball in 1997 spelled the end of the venerable league in that form. But in 2006, a new league formed using that great name, the result of a merger between two other “independent” leagues. Today, the AAPB is 12 teams strong and is a Major League Baseball Partner League operating in nine states and one Canadian province.

Chicago Wins Championship in 2025 Baseball Strat-O-Matic Simulation

A lot has been made of how, on paper, Los Angeles seems to have cornered the market on so many stars that it would be prohibitive favorites to win, or at least reach, this year’s baseball championship. But, as the saying goes, that’s why they play the games–or, in this case–simulate the games, as Strat-O-Matic (@strat-o-matic), the market leader in sports simulation games, today released its annual Opening Day projection of the 2025 baseball season. 

With 107 wins, Los Angeles breezed to the #1 seed in the N.L, but suffered a five-game defeat to Wild Card Milwaukee in the Division Series to end its season. Chicago, 91-game winners to take the Central, swept East champ Atlanta, then dispatched Milwaukee in six to reach the final, where the Chicagolanders swept A.L. winner Toronto (A.L. East champion, 92-70) for the title.

The other division winners in Strat-O-Matic’s simulation were Minnesota (92-70) and Seattle (94-68). The Wild Cards were New York (84-78), Houston (84-78) and Kansas City (84-78) in the American and New York (95-67) and San Francisco (88-74).
Major award winners in the American League are Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero (.321, 45 HR, 130 RBI, 1.024OPS), while Minnesota’s Pablo Lopez turns in a 16-8 mark with 3.23 ERA and 212 strikeouts to win the Cy Young. In the N.L., Shohei Ohtani of L.A. collected another MVP, at .298 with 38 HR and 124 RBI and .998 OPS, and his teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto earned the top pitching award by posting a 20-7 record and 2.96 ERA with 190 whiffs.

WNBA and nVenue Collaborate to Enhance Fan Engagement and Analytics Capabilities

nVenue, a leading global provider of live predictive analytics solutions used by leagues and media for fan engagement across broadcast, OTT and digital properties, today announced a groundbreaking collaboration with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) that will revolutionize the way fans experience the game.

Through this effort, the WNBA will gain access to nVenue’s industry-leading analytics platform to power its media products and drive real-time fan engagement, which will enable the league to provide fans with personalized content, interactive experiences, and deeper insights into the game.

nVenue will gain access to the WNBA’s unmatched expertise in fan engagement as it develops innovative products and solutions for the WNBA gaming and media ecosystems. The collaboration will also allow nVenue to expand its reach in women’s sports and further its mission of providing fans with the most immersive and engaging sports entertainment experiences to date.

The WNBA is a leader in fan engagement, and we are honored to work with them to bring our analytics and engagement solutions to their passionate fan base,” said nVenue CEO Kelly Pracht. “We will create new and exciting ways for fans to connect with the WNBA and its players in what is a testament to the growing importance of analytics and fan engagement in the sports industry. By combining the WNBA’s expertise with nVenue’s technology, this effort will set a new standard for fan engagement in women’s sports.”

“Collaboration with nVenue’s industry-leading technology will continue to enhance how fans engage with WNBA games,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison. “As the WNBA fan base continues to expand, nVenue will enable us to provide additional ways to reach audiences in an even more engaging and immersive way.”

ERA Real Estate Kicks Off Spring Season With Baseball Advertising Investment

ERA Real Estate, a global franchising leader within the Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS) portfolio of brands, is stepping up to the plate with an exciting, season-long national media campaign across Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) games. This marks the first time the ERA® brand has embarked on a multifaceted media campaign. Cast Iron Media, which manages local inventory on MLB’s digital platform through an exclusive strategic partnership, facilitated the campaign.

The national media campaign features a mix of ERA ads on MLB.TV, a dynamic social media approach and in-stadium local events with more than a dozen MiLB teams. The first component of the media campaign consists of ERA advertisements that will broadcast across MLB.TV during live games throughout the 2025 baseball season during the most-watched MLB and MiLB games.

“ERA Real Estate has always been a powerhouse, steadily increasing its market share through community-focused initiatives,” said Alex Vidal, president of ERA Real Estate. “Our network was eager to elevate the ERA® brand on a national stage, and baseball, with its deep community ties and diverse fanbase, aligns perfectly with our target market. The baseball season offers an extended period to build brand loyalty while coinciding with our peak real estate selling seasons. We’re excited to dive into the baseball world and transform passionate baseball fans into enthusiastic raving fans of ERA Real Estate.”

In addition to streaming advertisements, ERA® is also launching its ’On the Move’ social media series as part of the campaign. The ERA® brand is teaming up with Walker Buehler, starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, to create engaging cross-branded social content. This collaboration will highlight Buehler’s ‘Moving Moments’ and help boost the brand’s recognition among millions of baseball fans.

Walker Buehler made his MLB debut in 2017 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, quickly becoming a key player. His career is decorated with significant milestones, including two World Series titles with the Dodgers (2020 and 2024) and being a two-time All-Star (2019 and 2021). Before turning professional, Buehler played college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores and was part of their 2014 College World Series championship team.

Lastly, ERA is taking the media campaign to the next level by working with local MiLB teams to host various events entitled, ERA Real Estate ‘Day at the Park’ nationwide. This will come to life locally in select ERA markets with in-stadium events to captivate new audiences, energize fans, and so much more.

“ERA Real Estate has a rich history of industry leadership and helping millions of home buyers and sellers. Our national baseball media campaign is the perfect fit for the ERA® brand due to its strong ties to community roots and perfect alignment with our vision of massive reach with hyperlocal knowledge,” said David Marine, chief marketing officer for Anywhere Brands. “This campaign will power a new level of visibility for ERA on a national level, but its true power lies in our local activations, which benefit our franchisees at the community level. Minor league baseball serves as a central piece of local communities across the country and attracts over 32 million people each year. We are proud to be part of that classic piece of Americana.”

Westchester Soccer Club Formally Launches Community Ownership Opportunity

Westchester Soccer Club, which began play this month in USL League One, today formally announced a community ownership opportunity, offering supporters from around the world the chance to own a piece of the club. The fan ownership program, which has seen great success in Europe and in other parts of the United States, will be a first for the New York region in any professional sport. Interest has also dramatically increased in the past week since the USL’s announcement to be the first professional sports league in the United States to adopt promotion and relegation in the next few years.

“Westchester SC wanted to provide its supporters with a platform to become deeply involved in the team’s future success. We believe the community ownership opportunity was a perfect vehicle to for all fans – from the soccer-crazy fans in the New York area to our supporters across the globe,” said Westchester SC Principal Owner Mitch Baruchowitz. “There are few better ways to show your fandom than to say you have a part of ownership, and for a small financial investment, we are providing an opportunity for fans to become part of the team’s legacy.”

The investment, which can be as little as $150, is open to potential supporters globally. Details can be found here: https://republic.com/westchestersc. By becoming an equity investor, fans will become owners of WSC and will support the team’s planned growth. Fans have the opportunity to participate in the investment round via Republic, with tiered bonus perks including exclusive owner’s merchandise, dinners and special events with the WSC squad, and special ticket opportunities.

Westchester SC officially launched their inaugural season in USL League One on Saturday March 8 with a 1-1 tie at Greenville Triumph SC. It was their first of four USL road matches to start the season before their home opener at The Stadium at Memorial Park in Mount Vernon, NY against Rhode Island SC on April 27. All WSC home and away USL matches will be broadcast by MSG Networks.

The program follows similar offerings amongst growing professional soccer clubs, including Oakland Roots SC, FC Chattanooga and Orange County SC in California, all of whom created and executed successful fan ownership opportunities in the past few years.