Category Archives: Sidebar Featured

FE to Launch The GR8 Chase Collection with NHL and Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin

FE, one of the fastest-growing brands in sustainable high-end sports apparel and an official NHL licensee, has secured the additional rights to create an apparel collection featuring Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin as he nears the National Hockey League’s all-time goals record. Ovechkin’s name, nickname, image, likeness, replica signature and trademarked “THE GR8 CHASE” logo assets all are part of the partnership.

To launch this collaboration, FE has created the Alex Ovechkin Capsule Collection —a tribute to one of hockey’s greatest players. With just 8 goals to go from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record of 894 career goals, FE is marking Ovechkin’s monumental journey with a collection as legendary as the player himself.

“Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of history is a moment that transcends hockey—it’s about legacy and perseverance,” said Bill Chang, CEO of FE. “At FE, we take immense pride in what we’ve built—pushing the boundaries of fan gear while staying true to our commitment to sustainability and innovation. Our Ovechkin Capsule Collection is highly detailed and crafted for fans who want to own a piece of history while supporting a more sustainable future.”

“We are excited for FE to bring Alex Ovechkin fans a unique collection of Officially Licensed NHL product that utilizes their unique digital printing technology and product designs to celebrate his career and embrace the excitement around The Gr8 Chase for the NHL goal record,” said David Abrutyn, Chief Business Officer for CAA Hockey and longtime agent of Alex Ovechkin.

The initial collection will feature hoodies, lace-up hoodies, track jackets, reversible bombers, waffle henleys, bonded fleece quarter-zips, and t-shirts—all made from 92% to 100% recycled fabric at FE’s solar-powered fabric mill and enhanced with FE’s state-of-the-art digital printing technology.

Standout pieces include the water-repellent Color Block Reversible Bomber. The main side is a statement piece, digitally printed with legendary photos of Ovechkin in action, while the sleek reversible side features his career achievements and iconic jersey number. The Lace-Up Hoodie takes fan gear to the next level with a customhood digitally printed with a collage of Ovechkin’s most unforgettable moments. Meanwhile, the Fleece Hoodie delivers an engineered ombre’ design featuring “THE GR8 CHASE” across the entire piece, from the front to the back and as an all-over print inside the hood. The Track Jacket‘s front showcases a dynamic image of Ovechkin celebrating, layered over a subtle “OVECHKIN” outline and an inner lining packed with an allover collage of Ovechkin’s memorable moments. The back highlights his Stanley Cup victory, with an iconic photo. The Bonded Fleece Quarter Zip features a bold silhouette of Ovechkin celebrating, with “The Chase” and “Ovi” prominently displayed, symbolizing his relentless pursuit of greatness.

The Ovechkin Capsule Collection is just the latest in FE’s celebration of the greatest moments in hockey, both past and present. FE has also designed custom blazers for some of the sport’s most historic celebrations, including the Boston Bruins Centennial Celebration on December 1, 2024, and the New York Islanders Hall of Fame Night on January 18, 2025. Additionally, FE has launched The Legends of the Game Collection, a line of limited-edition reversible bomber jackets that honor some of the most iconic players in hockey history.

Sustainability meets sports greatness in this exclusive drop. The collection will be available soon on FE’s official website and select exclusive retail partners, with the official release date to be announced. Stay tuned for more details on this launch.

REV Entertainment Announces PurchaseOf The Kane County Cougars

REV Entertainment today announced its purchase of the Kane County Cougars, marking an exciting new chapter in the franchise’s storied history. The American Association of Professional Baseball approved the new ownership team last week following approval by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

“We are honored to become the new stewards of the Kane County Cougars and look forward to continuing the team’s legacy in this incredible community,” said Sean Decker, President of REV Entertainment. “Our vision is to build upon the Cougars’ rich tradition of fun family entertainment by enhancing the experience for their loyal fans and partners while ensuring the long-term success of professional baseball in Kane County.”

The Kane County Cougars franchise history dates to 1888, and the club has been a staple of the Chicago-area baseball scene for over three decades since relocating to Kane County in 1991. The Cougars are a member of the American Association of Professional Baseball, an official Partner League of Major League Baseball. The team plays at Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva, Illinois. Kane County was a Single-A affiliate of six different MLB franchises as a member of the Midwest League from 1991 until 2020, before joining the American Association in 2021.

“The Cougars are more than just a baseball team—they are a community treasure,” said Dr. Bob Froehlich, former owner of the Kane County Cougars. “It has been a privilege and honor for my wife, Cheryl, and I to have owned the Kane County Cougars for the past 10 plus years and we are incredibly grateful to the Cougars community for their support and dedication over the years. REV Entertainment brings a wealth of experience in both baseball and live events, and I have no doubt they will take the Cougars to even greater heights.”

The Cougars are the defending champions of the American Association, winning the 2024 Miles Wolff Cup under manager George Tsamis. The team has perennially been the league leader in attendance since joining the American Association. Kane County will open the 2025 season on Thursday, May 8 against the Sioux City Explorers.

REV Entertainment’s acquisition ensures that the team remains a pillar of the community while opening the door for new growth and expanded opportunities. The Kane County Cougars become the second American Association franchise under the Sports Management division of REV Entertainment, as the organization has been the managing partner of the Cleburne Railroaders since June 2023.

An announcement event will be held on Wednesday, April 2 at Northwestern Medicine Field to formally introduce REV Entertainment as the new owners of the Kane County Cougars. Additional details will be announced soon.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

“The American Association extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Bob Froehlich for his unwavering dedication and leadership over the past decade. His commitment to the Kane County Cougars and the surrounding community has left an indelible mark on the franchise and the league as a whole. As we turn the page to this exciting new chapter, we are thrilled to welcome REV Entertainment as the Cougars’ new ownership group. REV’s proven track record in baseball and live events positions them perfectly to build upon the Cougars’ rich tradition and ensure continued success for years to come.”

– Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of American Association of Professional Baseball

“The Kane County Cougars are grateful to Dr. Bob and Cheryl for their years of dedication to the organization, the fans and community. This is an exciting transition for the Cougars and we are thrilled for this new chapter with REV Entertainment.”

– Curtis Haug, Kane County Cougars Vice President & General Manager

“The City of Geneva welcomes the Cougars’ new owners, REV Entertainment, and their voice, vision and values as they strive to elevate the experience, excitement and engagement at Northwestern Medicine Field. We embrace REV Entertainment’s investment in our home team, the sport we appreciate and the spirit that has been developed, shared and celebrated for more than three decades. On May 8, 2025, I look forward to joining the players, fans and REV Entertainment in shouting with joy, ‘Play Ball’ at Northwestern Medicine Field.”

– Kevin Burns, Mayor of Geneva, Illinois

“As owners of the stadium, we’ve met with leadership from REV Entertainment and we’re very excited with this transition. With all of REV’s experience, we know this will be a terrific partnership for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County and our community. We also appreciate all of Dr. Bob Froehlich’s tireless efforts in support of minor league baseball in Kane County. We wish him well and are looking forward to another winning season of Kane County Cougars baseball.”

– Bill Lenert, President of Forest Preserve District of Kane County

“The Kane County Cougars provide a place where families make cherished memories, children experience the thrill of baseball under stadium lights, and friends can come together for a simple, unforgettable night out. Like our historic downtowns, vast farmlands, and the flowing Fox River, Cougars baseball is part of Kane County’s heritage. I want to sincerely thank Dr. Froehlich and his family for their dedication. As we welcome the new ownership, I look forward to working together to ensure this beloved franchise continues to thrive right here in our own backyard. Here’s to many more summers of celebrating America’s favorite pastime.”

– Corinne M. Pierog, Kane County Board Chairman

ShotTracker’s Pulse Technology Becomes The Exclusive ‘Tech on the Bench’ partner for the Purple CBI

ShotTracker, the industry leader in adaptive real-time data and AI-driven insights for teams, leagues, facilities and consumers, today announced an exclusive agreement with The Purple College Basketball Invitational (The Purple CBI) to be the postseason tournament’s “Tech on Bench” live data/video partner for 2025. In addition, ShotTracker will implement its Hype in arena and broadcast technology for the event, which will take place March 22-26, 2025 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.

“It is great to be able to continue to expand our reach into the postseason with the Purple CBI and its participating schools, its fans and its broadcast partners,” said Davyeon Ross, ShotTracker co-founder and CEO. “We have found the more athletes and coaches who get exposed to our solutions, the more we become ‘must have’ as they look for a competitive, custom edge. This opportunity will provide yet another window of expansion for all the work our team is doing, as we continue to refine and grow our platforms across the board.”

“Our goal from the beginning is to provide a best in class postseason experience for all our participating schools, and this partnership with ShotTracker is the next step in that experience,” said Rick Giles, President of Gazelle Group, owners and organizers of the Purple CBI. “The technology ShotTracker provides will be a nice bonus for the schools looking for technology solutions on the bench, and we are proud to be able to make this happen in a few weeks.”

Hype, ShotTracker’s real-time player/team visualizations + graphics tied to the consumer experience in arena, broadcast and digital, will also be featured during the tournament, providing the most expansive activation of all ShotTracker technology. Content for Hype is expanded into use on social platforms, turning real-time stats into powerful 3D graphic displays for use by marketing/fan engagement offerings. In addition to custom content being developed for in-game activation, Hype 3D, an engaging platform that delivers three-dimensional real game stats to enhance the fan experience and generate more sponsorship revenue.

The partnership with the Purple CBI is ShotTracker’s first with a college basketball postseason tournament, and follows its expansion of both its Pulse and Hype technology with the 2025 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, as well as its recently announced partnerships with 17 colleges and universities, including Marshall University and San Diego State’s women’s basketball program, the men’s programs at Indiana University, Boise State and Purdue and four Big 12 schools that are adding products for both men’s and women’s programs at Arizona State, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. That brings the number of ShotTracker partner schools to over fifty, with more coming later this year.

ShotTracker Expands Helix and Hype Activation With Phillips BIG 12 M&W Basketball Tournaments

ShotTracker, the industry leader in adaptive real-time data and AI-driven insights for teams, leagues, facilities and consumers, today announced and expansion of their product offerings tied to the 2025 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships being held at The T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri last weekend and this week. This expansion of products will be the company’s most robust offering with a partner and will involve everything from consumer enhancement with scoreboard and in-game programming to technology on the bench and in broadcasts during the Conference’s tournaments.

“The Big 12 Conference and its members continue to set the standard for innovation in collegiate athletics and we’re privileged to deepen our strategic partnership by bringing both our advanced products, Hype and Helix, to the T-Mobile Center,” said Davyeon Ross, ShotTracker co-founder and CEO. “Our groundbreaking collaboration represents what happens when two innovative leaders work jointly to transform the basketball experience. The Big 12’s vision, coupled with ShotTracker’s latest AI-driven solutions, will create a transformative experience—providing teams with advanced analytics while delivering fans an enhanced tournament experience unlike any other in collegiate sports.”

“Our partnership with ShotTracker aligns with the Big 12’s mission to be the conference of innovation and live at the forefront of new technology,” said Big 12 Chief Marketing Officer Tyrel Kirkham. “The incorporation of these new features into our Conference’s basketball tournaments enhances the fan experience inside T-Mobile Center and provides cutting-edge analytics for our schools.”

Helix (sensor technology tied to team performance in real time) and Hype (graphics and games tied to the consumer experience in arena and in broadcast) will both be featured during the men’s and women’s tournaments, providing the most expansive activation of all ShotTracker technology for the first time. Content for Hype this year will be expanded into use on social platforms for the first time turning real-time stats into powerful 3D graphic displays for use by marketing. In addition to custom content being developed for in-game activation, Hype games is an entertainment platform that delivers multi-generational games including Bingo, Tic Tac Toe and others powered by real game stats to enhance the fan experience and generate more sponsorship revenue

The enhanced work with the 2025 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships is the latest in a series of proactive growth stories tied to the company. ShotTracker recently announced the addition or renewal of 17 partner schools, one of the largest expansions in recent company history and included Marshall University and San Diego State’s women’s basketball program, the men’s programs at Indiana University, Boise State and Purdue and four Big 12 schools that are adding products for both men’s and women’s programs at Arizona State, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. That brings the number of ShotTracker partner schools to over fifty, with more coming later this year.

Soft2Bet to Launch Award-Winning iGaming Solutions and Products in the United States

Soft2Bet, one of the world’s fastest growing iGaming turnkey solutions providers, today announced its plans to launch in the U.S. headlined by the debut of its award-winning Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA) product, made possible through a market access agreement with Caesars Entertainment. The launch will see Soft2Bet unveil a new iGaming brand in New Jersey, following necessary regulatory approvals, and with a targeted launch in the Summer of 2025. 

“As a global company with a proven history of success and innovation, our plans to launch in the U.S. is monumental for Soft2Bet and our continued growth,” said Uri Poliavich, Founder and CEO of Soft2Bet. “We are set to redefine gamification here in the U.S. and ultimately provide players with an incredible gaming experience with the debut of a new and transformative iGaming brand this summer.” 

Award-Winning MEGA Now Available:

Soft2Bet’s award-winning MEGA will soon be available to operators in the U.S. The MEGA product, which Soft2Bet unveiled in 2023, has quickly redefined and transformed gamification with increased engagement, customized player experience, and a proven player retention model. Operators around the world using Soft2Bet’s MEGA gamification technology platform have seen positive impact with high engagement and retention including: a 400% increase in screen time, 65% increase in Net Gaming Revenue (NGR), 50% increase in deposit amounts, and a 45% increase in Average Revenue Per User (ARPU).

Soft2Bet’s Proven History and Success:

Soft2Bet originally launched in 2016 and was founded by Poliavich, who is focused on creating generational and innovative products to revolutionize the gaming industry. The company has a proven track record of developing and launching successful iGaming brands around the world such as Betinia (Denmark, Sweden), Yoyocasino (Sweden), Campobet (Denmark, Mexico, Sweden), Quickcasino (Sweden) and Don.ro (Romania). 

Soft2Bet currently holds a portfolio of 16 global licenses in countries including Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Ontario (Canada), Romania, Spain, and Sweden.

Overall, Soft2Bet offers more than 12,500 games from hundreds of providers and conducts more than 1 million live events each year, with gaming features available in more than 20 languages for significant global reach and rapid scaling.

Soft2Bet has received numerous recognitions and awards from various industry leaders including EGR, SBC, SIGMA, and many others. Most recently, Soft2Bet received three major awards at the prestigious Global Gaming Awards EMEA 2025, including Executive of the Year (Poliavich), Platform Provider of the Year (Soft2Bet), and Product Launch of the Year (MEGA).

Defender Tobi Adewole, Forward Juan Carlos Obregón, Jr. Named to USL League One Team of the Week for Week 1

USL League One today announced that Westchester Soccer Club defender Tobi Adewole (Cheverly, Md.) and forward Juan Carlos Obregón, Jr. (New York, NY) have been named to the Team of the Week for the season’s inaugural weekend.

Adewole played a key role in holding Greenville to just one goal on Saturday through his 82% passing accuracy, seven duels won, six long passes completed, five clearances and two fouls won, while Obregón etched his name into the history books by converting a penalty in the first half, WSC’s first goal in their eventual 1-1 draw at Greenville SC. He won one penalty, completed 68% of his passes, tallied three recoveries, won three duels, completed two long passes and won two fouls as well.

“Saturday was a tough game against a very well coached and established club full of experience and quality on the pitch,’ said head coach Dave Carton. ‘Both Tobi and JC were outstanding in their roles, and it is great to see them honored by the league in our first match. The most pleasing aspect of our performance was how we grew into the game. I was encouraged by not only the physical output of the team, but also the mentality of our players showing their drive to get a more favorable result.”

The rest of the week one honor roll included: Coach – Darren Sawatzky (RIC), GK – Jason Smith (CHA), D – Jake Dengler (NAP), D – Tyler Polak (GVL), D – Maxi Schenfeld (RIC), M – Darwin Espinal (RIC), M – Chandler O’Dwyer (RIC), M – Nils Seufert (RIC), M – Sebastián Velásquez (GVL), F – Mason Tunbridge (TRM) and Bench: GK – Gunther Rankenburg (GVL), D – Simon Fitch (RIC), M – Hayden Anderson (RIC), M – Dakota Barnathan (RIC), M – Andrés Ferrín (NAP), M – Omar Hernandez (CHA), M – Niall Reid-Stephen (TRM)

WSC will next be in USL League One action on Saturday March 29th when they visit Texoma FC in Sherman, TX the second of four road matches to open their inaugural season, before their USL home opener on Sunday, April 27th against Rhode Island FC.

The full schedule is at https://www.westchestersc.com/

Telemundo Redefines Hispanic Sports News & Entertainment With “El Pelotazo” To Premiere March 10

Telemundo is set to redefine Hispanic sports entertainment with the launch of El Pelotazo, a dynamic and fast-paced late-night sports show premiering March 10 at midnight ET/PT. Airing live seven days a week, the new sports program offers the latest news and insightful analysis with special guests and an unconventional format designed to engage today’s Hispanic sports fans.
 

“We are proud to introduce El Pelotazo and offer our Hispanic audiences a new concept for sports entertainment—different from anything we’ve seen in Spanish-language television,” said Joaquin Duro, EVP, Sports, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. “With the growing influence of soccer in the U.S. and the pivotal role of the Latino community in the sports landscape, El Pelotazo will fill a void and become a must-watch, solidifying Telemundo as the go-to destination for sports coverage leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
 

DYNAMIC HOSTS FOR A PERSONALITY-DRIVEN FORMAT

El Pelotazo will be hosted by an exciting trio of personalities: Verónica Rodríguez, Pablo Mariño, and Diego Arrioja, who bring their unique perspectives and high energy to the show. Together, they will cover the latest sports headlines from around the world, provide expert analysis, engage in lively debates and welcome special guests, including athletes and sports experts, to enhance and elevate the conversation. Below are short bios and here’s a link to the press site: https://publicity.gettyimages.com/telemundo/elpelotazo
 

  • Verónica Rodríguez – knowledgeable and versatile Mexican sports journalist and anchor with more than 15 years of experience. A familiar face at Telemundo, Rodríguez serves as a host of Liga MX’s Chivas de Guadalajara pre- and post-game show, enhancing the network’s Liga MX offering with complete around the game coverage, analysis, special reports and exclusive interviews.
  • Pablo Mariño – seasoned and insightful Argentine sports journalist with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. Mariño brings his deep sports knowledge and sharp analysis to the discussion having been a prominent voice in sports media serving as presenter and analyst for major networks in the U.S. and Latin America.
  • Diego Arrioja – experienced and dynamic Mexican sports journalist with over 14 years in the industry. Arrioja’s career spans multiple major sporting events, including three FIFA World Cups, NFL Super Bowls, and UEFA Euro, among others.


A NAME THAT SETS THE TONE

Like a pelotazo—the powerful strike of a ball—this show will deliver high-energy sports coverage infused with captivating storytelling and insightful analysis, feature innovative sports highlights, unconventional perspectives, and interactive segments that engage fans in fresh and unexpected ways. Notable segments include:


  • MINUTO DE FAMA: Celebrity guests share their passion for sports and discuss their favorite teams and moments.
  • !SE BUSCA!: A nostalgic look at legendary sports figures, tracking where they are now and what life looks like after the game.
  • MANO A MANO: Exclusive, never-before-heard stories from top athletes worldwide.


BOLD LOOK TO MATCH THE ENERGY

The show will debut with a look and branding designed specifically for El Pelotazo with cutting-edge technology and multiple vibrant positions that mirror the energy of the show. The set combines a bold brand with high-quality production to enhance the viewing experience with innovative graphics and immersive storytelling elements designed specifically for El Pelotazo. 

El Pelotazo is produced by Telemundo Deportes and will originate from its studio in Miami at Telemundo Center, a 500,000+ square-feet state-of-the-art production and broadcast facility second to none in the industry.

MULTIPLATFORM AND NATURALLY SOCIAL

El Pelotazo will extend beyond television with amplification of content, highlights and featured clips across social media platforms in real time and following its airing. In addition, due to its naturally social format, the show will integrate social media and encourage fan participation. Viewers can join the fun and follow the conversation on @TelemundoDeportes using #ElPelotazo and connect with the hosts @verolaguera, @diego__arrioja and @pablofmarino. 

Final X, Beat the Streets’ 2025 Annual Benefit, set for June 14 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

Beat the Streets Wrestling (New York) and USA Wrestling will present Final X on Saturday, June 14 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Final X will determine the 2025 U.S. Senior World Championships Teams in two Olympic disciplines: men’s and women’s freestyle. There will be 20 weight classes contested, 10 in each men’s and women’s freestyle.

The U.S. Greco-Roman World Championship Team members will be determined April 23-27 at the U.S. Open in Las Vegas, Nev., which means there will be no Greco-Roman matches at Final X this year.

The top two U.S. athletes in each weight class will compete in a best-of-three series at Final X to determine who will wrestle at the 2025 Senior World Championships on Sept. 13-21 in Zagreb, Croatia.

This year’s event will be the 15th BTSNY Annual Benefit. These unique and electrifying annual events help BTSNY raise critical funds to support local youth wrestling programs which empower young boys and girls in New York City. BTSNY provides a safe, positive environment for student-athletes to learn essential life lessons of discipline, perseverance, self-reliance, humility and a strong work ethic through the sport of wrestling. The BTSNY Annual Benefit after party will follow the conclusion of Final X.

Session times for Final X will be 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time. A variety of options for Final X wrestling-only event tickets are available to the public on Ticketmaster, starting at 11 a.m. Friday. Fans can also make a generous donation to BTSNY while purchasing wrestling-only tickets on Ticketmaster.

BTSNY Benefit tickets and sponsorship packages, which include access to premier seating to Final X and access to the exclusive after-party, are available at btsny.org. For more information on ticket packages, email BTS Executive Director Brendan Buckley at [email protected]. Donations and BTSNY Benefit tickets and sponsorship packages directly help BTSNY make a lifelong impact on New York City youth in need.

There are seven U.S. wrestlers who won a medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, and four athletes who won a medal at the 2024 World Championships that are eligible to advance directly to the Final X best-of-three series, if they accept their position and compete in the same weight class in Final X. They must declare they will compete at that weight class and accept their direct Final X qualification by Monday, April 15, 2025, USA Wrestling will announce when athletes accept their Final X position.

Once 2024 Olympic and World medalists have either accepted or refused their Final X position, the rest of the field will be determined at the U.S. Open on April 23-27 at The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas and the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament on May 17-18 at Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

In weight classes where an athlete has advanced directly to Final X, the U.S. Open champion will earn the opposing Final X spot. In weight classes in which no athlete earned an automatic Final X berth, the champions of the U.S. Open and World Team Trials Challenge Tournament will wrestle at Final X.

World Team Trials Challenge Tournament qualifiers are determined based on the approved World Team Trials procedures for each of the Olympic disciplines, which are posted in the Team Selection section of USA Wrestling’s website.

“Beat the Streets is thrilled to host Final X once again for our Annual Benefit, in partnership with USA Wrestling. This event is our largest fundraiser, covering 75% of our annual expenses and enabling us to empower 2,500-plus New York City boys and girls through the sport of wrestling. We are excited to hold Final X at Prudential Center and look forward to witnessing world-class athletes vie for spots on Team USA at the 2025 World Championships,” said Brendan Buckley, Beat the Streets Executive Director.

“Prudential Center is grateful for this opportunity to welcome back to Newark our partners at Beat the Streets Wrestling and USA Wrestling for another high stakes Final X competition,” said Dylan Wanagiel, Vice President, Sports Properties and Special Events, HBSE/Prudential Center. “We are honored to host the best wrestlers in the United States in their quest to represent our country and achieve wrestling immortality, while also supporting the mission of Beat the Streets. As we cement Prudential Center as a premier destination for all combat sports, we look forward to welcoming grappling fans from across the country to the wrestling hotbed of New Jersey for this marquee event.”

“USA Wrestling is pleased to partner again with Beat the Streets New York and the Prudential Center to bring Final X back to New Jersey. Our nation’s best men and women freestyle wrestlers will be showcased, with a berth on the 2025 U.S. Senior World Team up for grabs. Final X is one of the most exciting wrestling events in our nation, with many current or future World and Olympic medalists expected to compete. Wrestling fans are encouraged to come out and enjoy the action, while supporting youth wrestling in New York City. It will be a great showcase of world-class wrestling,” said Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director.

The United States is a world power in international wrestling, coming off a seven-medal performance at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. The athletes showcased in Final X in Newark are expected to be contenders for the U.S. team at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

  • If Prudential Center’s tenant, New Jersey Devils, host an NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs game on June 14 the contingency date for Final X would be Sunday, June 15.

TOGETHXR Reveals $6M Record Revenue As “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” Advances the Movement

Trailblazing media and commerce company TOGETHXR – which originated the “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” (EWWS) slogan and product line – today announced a record-breaking $6 million in 2024 revenue from the sale of its popular shirts, hoodies, and tote bags. Co-founded by sports media veteran Jessica Robertson alongside world-champion athletes Alex Morgan, Sue Bird, Simone Manuel, and Chloe Kim,TOGETHXR has doubled the company’s mid-year revenue reported in June, as it continues to advance the women’s sports movement.

From marquee athletes (Steph Curry, Serena Williams) and celebrities (Aubrey Plaza, Jason Sudeikis) donning TOGETHXR’s highly coveted EWWS apparel to former President Joe Biden incorporating the tagline into his official remarks at the White House, TOGETHXR has put a longstanding truth into words, boldly stating and giving life to the undeniable fact that the entire industry has adopted – everyone watches women’s sports.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the ‘Everyone Watches Women’s Sports’ product line as a mantra that has rallied and validated a unified community,” said TOGETHXR Co-Founder and Chief Content Officer Jessica Robertson. “TOGETHXR is intentionally positioned at the intersection of culture, lifestyle, and sports. As a media and commerce company, we are fulfilling the longstanding desire from those seeking more women’s sports apparel, media coverage, and multi-platform storytelling.”

In addition to the EWWS product line, TOGETHXR is the fastest growing and most engaging media company in its category. With media content that focuses on rich storytelling rooted in lifestyle and culture, TOGETHXR highlights a diverse and inclusive community for women in sports across a wide range of owned and operated channels as well as for top-tier streamers and networks. TOGETHXR’s in-house production studio has developed a slate of scripted and unscripted premium content – including documentaries and docuseries that are streaming on Amazon Prime Video and FuboTV among others.

Meanwhile from 2023-2024,TOGETHXR has achieved a global reach of more than 3.5 million across all @togethxr social media platforms (approximately 17% YTD increase from 2023-24). The brand’s burgeoning social audience includes 2.25 million followers on TikTok – the largest among women’s sports media outlets, and the company launched @gettogethxr – a sub account for community members. As a social media destination for content, TOGETHXR’s follower comments increased by 42.7%, with July and August 2024, generating TOGETHXR’s highest performing content months of the year.

At the forefront of leading connectivity to the women’s sports movement, TOGETHXR maintains long-term partnerships with global brands, including Aflac, TJ Maxx, Nike and others, who aim to authentically invest in women’s sports. In collaboration with Nike in December 2024, TOGETHXR launched a special player-exclusive edition of the Nike G.T. Hustle 3 footwear in team-inspired colorways that celebrated USC and JuJu Watkins versus UConn and Paige Bueckers in a rematch of two of the top teams in women’s college basketball.

As a league-wide partner of both the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), TOGETHXR continues to highlight female athletes’ journeys and increase the visibility of women’s sports and its respective media coverage.

TOGETHXR has partnered with several teams across the two leagues, including the Golden State Valkyries (WNBA), New York Liberty (WNBA), Angel City FC (NWSL), Bay FC (NWSL), Gotham FC (NWSL), and Kansas City Current (NWSL).

Belleville, N.J. Native Max Correa Named Eighth Caldwell University Men’s Soccer Coach

Max Correa, a native of nearby Belleville, N.J., has been named the eighth Caldwell University Head Men’s Soccer Coach, it was announced today by Mark A. Corino, Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics. Correa, most recently an assistant coach at Division I College of Charleston since 2021, succeeds Evan Marques, who resigned in December after three years at the helm.

Correa, a 2018 graduate of Drew University, was promoted in 2023 to assistant coach at Charleston after serving as director of operations & player development and volunteer assistant coach at the South Carolina school. In his most recent role, he had a hand in all facets of the Coastal Athletic Association program, responsible for scouting reports, Playertek Data, session planning, organizing camps, video, recruiting, on-field training and more. Previously, he was assistant coach at Wilkes (Pa.) University from 2019-2021.

Under his assistance, Charleston recorded a 10-6-2 season—its best since 2017—exceeding preseason projections and securing a fifth-place conference finish. He also coached multiple award-winning players, including the Co-Midfielder of the Year, two First Team All-Conference selections, and three All-Region honorees. His expertise in set-piece strategies contributed to 15 goals, accounting for 40% of the team’s total scoring.

During the Fall 2023 season, Correa helped Charleston achieve a 6-6-5 record, marking the program’s first non-losing season since 2017. Throughout his tenure, six players received postseason accolades, including the 2021 CAA Rookie of the Year. Prior to Charleston, Correa played a pivotal role at Wilkes University, where he helped secure the program’s first playoff victory since 2008 and its first winning record since 2013.

“The combination of Max’s experience in the sport, New Jersey connections, and demonstrated variety of skills and abilities made him a strong candidate,” said Corino. “It became even more apparent when we met him that he would be a good fit here, and we are pleased to welcome him to the Caldwell University family.”

Correa will have Caldwell Athletics administrator duties as well as his coaching responsibilities.

Correa enjoyed a standout playing career at Drew, where the team captain helped the Rangers to an NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen appearance, Landmark Conference championship and ECAC championship. The 2019 graduate finished third in school and second in Landmark history in assists (26). The economics major went on to earn his MBA at Wilkes and a Master coach Diploma from the University of Delaware.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to take on the role of Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Caldwell University,” said Correa. “I want to thank Mr. Corino and the Caldwell Athletics Department for this opportunity. This program has a strong foundation, and I look forward to building on the success that Coach Marques established while fostering a culture of excellence, discipline, and growth for our student-athletes. I am eager to bring my experience and passion for the game to Caldwell and to help our players reach their full potential both on and off the field.”

His local ties run even deeper, as the Belleville, N.J. native was a four-year varsity player and three-year captain at Belleville High School. His extensive youth soccer coaching experience includes stints with the Montclair Soccer Club, Bound-brook based United Soccer Academy, and South Carolina Surf.

Max holds his USSF B License and Scottish FA UEFA C Diploma and is a Level 2 ISPAS Accredited Performance Analyst.

ShotTracker Announces Additions and Partnership Extensions for 17 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Programs

ShotTracker, the industry leader in adaptive real-time data and AI-driven insights for teams, leagues, facilities and consumers, today announced the addition or renewal of 17 partner schools, one of the largest expansions in recent company history.  The 17 schools who have either extended, expanded, or recently joined the ShotTracker family represent some of the most successful programs in men’s and women’s basketball, further adding to the continued upward path of the company and its cutting edge technology.

“We are proud to be leading the continued evolution and integration of technology into the college performance space with tools like HYPE and HELIX and our growing work with AI, and this list of new and renewing partners shows we are on the right track,” said Davyeon Ross, ShotTracker co-founder and CEO. Best in class partners demand best in class products, and we will keep evolving, learning and providing for this group and a list that continues to grow.”  

The latest additions include: Marshall University and San Diego State’s women’s basketball program, the men’s programs at Indiana University, Boise State, Creighton, Purdue, Johnson C. Smith and four Big 12 schools that are adding products for both men’s and women’s programs at  Arizona State, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Northwood.

These additions now bring ShotTracker to 50 teams total for Helix and/or Hype. 

World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters Re-Enter The Record Books By Smashing 18 Guinness World Records

The world-famous, Harlem Globetrotters, in the midst of their 2025 World Tour today officially announced they have set 18 Guinness World Records for basketball skills. The 18 records will be chronicled in an upcoming premiere episode of “Harlem Globetrotters: Play it Forward,” their weekly morning show on NBC and Telemundo premiering Saturday, February 22nd; a compilation video can be seen here.

“Throughout the 99 years of Globetrotter history, our athletes have combined great athleticism with showpersonship, and these world records further cement the fact that our tradition and excitement aren’t just continuing, it’s growing as we head towards our centennial in 2026,” said Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. “We congratulate all the recordholders and look forward to smashing even more in the years ahead.”

In all, 11 athletes combined to set the 18 records, the second-most the Globetrotters have broken in one year. The new record setters, three women and eight men, include: Cherelle “Torch” George (Reading, Pa.), Corey ‘Thunder” Law (Chesapeake, Va.), Latif “Jet” Rivers (Elizabeth, N.J.), Rock “Wham” Middleton (Atlanta), Arysia “Ace” Porter (San Antonio, Texas), Fatima “TNT” Lister (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Jahmani “Hot Shot” Swanson (New York), Darnell “Speedy” Artis (Philadelphia), Lou “Too Tall” Winston (Russellville, Ala.), and Alex “Moose” Weekes (Lilburn. Ga.).

The new official records are: (**new records set)

  • Most Dribble Turns between the Leg with One Hand in One Minute (Female) – Torch
  • Most Behind the Back Crossovers in One-Minute – Jet **
  • Most Behind the Backboard Shots in One-Minute (Female) – Torch
  • Most Spins from a Lateral Position while Dribbling in One-Minute – Ace
  • Most Transfers of a Basketball in One Continuous Spin between a Group – Torch, Ace, TNT
  • Most Three Pointers in One-Minute (Team of Two) – Hot Shot, Ace
  • Most Three Pointers in One-Minute (Male Team of Two) – Wham, Too Tall **
  • Farthest Backward Basketball Shot off the Back of the Hand – Moose**
  • Farthest Backward Basketball Shot – Thunder
  • Most Alternate One-Handed Basketball Bounces in One Minute (Two Balls) – Too Tall**
  • Longest Slide Dribbling a Basketball (Female) – TNT
  • Most Basketball Layups in Three Minutes – Too Tall**
  • Farthest Blindfolded Hookshot – Thunder **
  • Most Basketball Passes in One-Minute (Team of Two) – TNT, Wham**
  • Most 4 Point Shots from 30 Feet in Three Minutes (Male) – Speedy**
  • Most Three Pointers in One-Minute by a Trio – Jet, Wham, Too Tall**
  • Most transfers of a Basketball in One Continuous Spin between a Pair – Ace, Wham**
  • Farthest Basketball Shot made while sitting (Male) – Thunder

CAPX Named Official Hat of American Association and Preferred Supplier

The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) and CAPX are pleased to announce a league wide partnership beginning in 2025.

The multi-year agreement names CAPX as the official hat, exclusive headwear marketing partner, and preferred headwear supplier of the league. As part of the partnership, CAPX will serve as the official hat provider for AAPB championship teams competing in the WBSC Baseball Champions League (BCL), starting this April with the reigning AAPB Champion Kane County Cougars.

“We are extremely excited to partner with CAPX. Their team’s resume of 35+ years in design and headwear innovation are unparalleled in the industry,” said American Association Commissioner Joshua Schaub. “We look forward to growing together.”

“At CAPX, we are thrilled to join forces with the American Association as their official hat partner,” said David Gormley, Founder of CAPX. “Our team is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge designs, superior craftmanship, and innovative headwear solutions for athletes and fans alike. We look forward to seeing our caps on the field and being part of the league’s continued success.”

In addition to its official designation, CAPX will offer AAPB team-branded hats for sale at stadiums throughout the League. CAPX will also be prominently featured in promotions across the league’s AABaseball.TV broadcast assets, social media platforms, and marquee events, including the All-Star Game, Home Run Derby, and Miles Wolff Cup Playoffs/Final.

The partnership was brokered by SRS Partners, the exclusive sponsorship sales agency for the Amercian Association.

Westchester Soccer Club, MSG Networks Announce Broadcast Partnership for Inaugural Season

Westchester Soccer Club (WSC) today announced an exclusive broadcast rights partnership with MSG Networks for the club’s inaugural USL League One season. WSC will officially open their first season on March 8 in Greenville, SC against Greenville Triumph SC with their home opener at The Stadium at Memorial Park against Rhode Island SC on April 27.

“New York sports fans know that MSG Networks is the premier platform in the biggest U.S. market to find their favorite team, and we are honored to be part of their sports portfolio from day one as Westchester’s first home grown professional team,” said Westchester SC Principal owner Mitch Baruchowitz.

“We’re proud to be the home of the Westchester Soccer Club in their inaugural season,” said Armando Polanco, vice president, content distribution, MSG Networks. “Adding the Westchester SC to our robust lineup of live professional team coverage is a win for our passionate fan base.”

WSC’s matches will be available via multiple platforms, including MSG Network, MSG Sportsnet, and MSG+, MSG Networks’ direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming service (included in the Gotham Sports App). Broadcasters as well as the full broadcast schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

The club has been aggressively building its roster and leadership team and will be announcing several more signings in the coming weeks, as they ready for their initial season. The full schedule is at https://www.westchestersc.com.

Tim Kurkjian Among ‘Hal Richman Strat-O-Matic Hall of Fame’ Inductees on SOM Opening Day, Feb. 21

A time-honored tradition for thousands of fans throughout the years, Strat-O-Matic Opening Day is set for Friday, February 21, at company Headquarters in Glen Head, N.Y. There, Strat-O-Matic’s greatest enthusiasts line up along Railroad Avenue in the Long Island hamlet to be among the first to get their hands on new 2025 baseball games as well as the debut of numerous product offerings from the market leader in sports simulations.

For the third straight year, Opening Day will also serve as Induction Friday, with four new members joining the ranks of the “Hal Richman Strat-O-Matic Hall of Fame.” This year, legendary baseball media member and longtime SOM player Tim Kurkjian, Lamanna Baseball Bulletin creator John Lamanna, “Original Strat-O-Matic Ambassador” Tom Swank and longtime SOM game tester Ken Wenger will be honored on the 21st with enshrinement.

Kurkjian, who began playing Strat-O-Matic at age 13, also introduced the game to his son Jeff. Together they share baseball stories on their popular podcast “Is This A Great Game, or What?,” on which they also discuss a customized Strat-O-Matic simulation every week during the season.

In 2024, fans from as far away as Las Vegas began lining up as early as 2 a.m., braving less than temperate conditions to pick up their orders as well as gain the honor of meeting the Strat-O-Matic founder and creator, Hal Richman, who enjoys hearing fans talk about the decades of enjoyment that the game has brought them.

This year, fans who preordered will be able to go home with their purchases, including the new 2024 baseball season cards, “Diamond Gems” series featuring 16 great teams from the 2000-2009 decade, the full super-advanced 1970 baseball season, and the “True Blue Strat” designed t-shirt. Windows products including the 2025 game, numerous Negro League seasons, Cuban All-Time Stars teams and updated Hall of Fame roster will be released on Feb. 24.

American Association Names Carbliss First-Ever Founding Partner

The American Association of Professional Baseball and Carbliss have announced a three-year partnership beginning in 2025. Carbliss becomes the American Association’s first-ever Founding Partner and official “Ready to Drink” beverage of the League.

Carbliss, a canned ready-to-drink cocktail brand founded in Wisconsin, has seen sales grow from 52,000 cans in 2019 to 72,000,000 in 2024. Carbliss now ranks as the #1 Fastest Growing Food and Beverage Company on Inc. 5000s list of fastest growing privately owned companies.

“We are extremely thrilled that Carbliss selected the American Association of Professional Baseball as the marketing platform to introduce its brand for the first time ever on a League level. Our footprint, highlighted by our markets across the Midwest provides a grand opportunity to expand Carbliss’ brand and reach, while driving “seat-to-sip” in our intimate, professional stadiums” said American Association Commissioner, Joshua Schaub. “We look forward to working and growing together for years to come.”

As a part of the new League-wide program, Carbliss will have Behind Home Plate signage, a dominant branding position across nearly all twelve AAPB stadiums. Further, Carbliss will be featured as the Official Helmet Partner, with decal branding ownership across the league. This is the first time in League history that a sponsor has been featured on AAPB helmets.

Carbliss will also be named the Presenting partner of the AAPB All-Star Game to be played at Newman Outdoor Field in Fargo, N.D. on July 22, 2025. Additionally, Carbliss will sponsor a new league-wide Veterans Day initiative, honoring veteran owned companies throughout the American Association footprint.

The American Association, a MLB Partner League has achieved a 31% growth in attendance since 2021 (now over 1.65 million fans in 2024) while over 4 million fans watched AAPB broadcasts across various distribution platforms in 2024. At the same time, the League’s social media platforms totaled a reach of more than 12.1 million.

“Sports marketing has proven to be an excellent way for Carbliss to connect with our loyal fans while introducing our brand to new audiences. Our partnership with the American Association marks Carbliss’ first League-wide marketing collaboration, and we’re thrilled to work with the League and its member teams to showcase everything Carbliss has to offer to AAPB fans,” said Adam Kroener, President and Co-Founder of Carbliss.

Along with the forementioned marketing entitlements, Carbliss will focus on pouring, sampling, activation, and promotional nights across American Association teams. A direct part of this partnership will include Agave, a lead generation in-game gamification program.

SRS Partners, led by Seth Frankenthal, serves as the exclusive agency of record for the AAPB and brokered the deal on behalf of the League.

Kansas City Edges Philadelphia On Mahomes TD Pass With 0:15 Left In Strat-O-Matic Simulation

Patrick Mahomes completed a seven-yard touchdown pass to Marquise Brown for the game-winning score with 0:15 left as Kansas City earned its third straight title, a 30-27 verdict over Philadelphia in a simulation of this Sunday’s season-ending football contest by Strat-O-Matic (@StratOMatic), the market leader in sports simulations. The championship is the third straight for Kansas City, the first-ever “three-peat” since the league merger and the first team to win three consecutive circuit crowns since the 1966-68 Green Bay teams.

In the simulation, the Eagles took a 24-23 lead early in the fourth on a nine-yard pass from Jalen Hurts to Dallas Goedert, then extended to a 27-23 advantage on a 41-yard field goal by Jake Elliott with 8:22 left. After an exchange of punts, the Chiefs took over on their own 20 with 4:43 remaining, moving methodically down the field. Mahomes converted two third-and-threes with short passes to Samaje Perine and Noah Gray to keep the drive alive, the latter coming with 0:48 left, moving the ball to the Philadelphia 14. After getting half that distance on a look-in pass to Xavier Worthy with 0:30 left, Hurts connected with Marquise Brown in the end zone for the winning score.

Mahomes earned Game MVP by completing 29 of 44 passes for 344 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. His counterpart Hurts was up to the task, finishing with 16 of 27 for 216 yards, two scores and no INTs. The Chiefs did well to contain Saquon Barkley to 87 yards on 20 carries and a TD, while Goedert had the two TD catches among his three grabs for 48 yards.

Harrison Butker’s 22-yard field goal with 5:47 left in the third had given Kansas City the largest lead by either team, 23-14, before an Elliott field goal and Goedert’s second TD put Philadelphia ahead in the see-saw battle that saw five lead changes in all.

Philadelphia 7 7 3 10 > 27
Kansas City 10 10 3 7 > 30

Scoring Plays
Qtr Clock Team Scoring Description(Extra Point) Score
1 13:24 Phila D.Goedert 26 yd. pass from J.Hurts (J.Elliott kick) 7-0 PHN
1 10:37 K.C. H.Butker 45 yd. field goal 7-3 PHN
1 7:12 K.C. N.Gray 10 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) 10-7 KCA
2 12:20 K.C. H.Butker 52 yd. field goal 13-7 KCA
2 6:58 Phila S.Barkley 3 yd. run (J.Elliott kick) 14-13 PHN
2 2:00 K.C. K.Hunt 2 yd. run (H.Butker kick) 20-14 KCA
3 5:47 K.C. H.Butker 22 yd. field goal 23-14 KCA
3 1:03 Phila J.Elliott 46 yd. field goal 23-17 KCA
4 13:12 Phila D.Goedert 9 yd. pass from J.Hurts (J.Elliott kick) 24-23 PHN
4 8:22 Phila J.Elliott 41 yd. field goal 27-23 PHN
4 0:15 K.C. M.Brown 7 yd. pass from P.Mahomes (H.Butker kick) 30-27 KCA

Global Fight League Partners with Box to Box to Revolutionize MMA Storytelling

The Global Fight League (GFL) today announced an exclusive partnership with Box to Box, the Emmy-winning production company behind sports storytelling hits such as “Formula 1: Drive to Survive,” “Faceoff: Inside the NHL,” and “Sprint.” In this new partnership, Box to Box will collaborate with the GFL on content creation and ideation, from a flagship docuseries to dynamic digital features, live event broadcasts, and in-depth athlete profiles into and through the first season, which will begin this coming April.

“Box to Box is a global leader in transforming sports into captivating cultural phenomena, and their vision aligns perfectly with ours,” said Darren Owen, GFL Founder and Commissioner. “From the intensity of our athletes getting ready for the season to showcasing the emotional and physical challenges they will face during our launch, the Box to Box team will help us tell the GFL story in a way that resonates deeply with fans worldwide. This partnership is about creating an entirely new way for fans to experience MMA.”

“The GFL is pioneering a new chapter in MMA, and we’re thrilled to partner with them to bring their vision to life,” said Paul Martin, Founder of Box to Box. “We will help shape how the league and its athletes connect with audiences worldwide through groundbreaking content.”

Box to Box will oversee the creation of GFL’s content, chronicling the league’s historic launch and inaugural season. The company will also collaborate on production for live events, digital content, and exclusive athlete features, bringing the drama and excitement of GFL MMA directly to fans.

The partnership ensures the GFL’s content strategy is cohesive, compelling, and tailored for a global audience. Fans will gain a unique, behind-the-scenes look into the league’s journey, its innovative co-ed team-based format and 50-50 economic partnership with fighters, and the lives of its world-class athletes and coaches who are breaking barriers in the sport.

Additional details about the season launch will be announced in the coming weeks.

USMNT player and local soccer legend Tyler Adams to Join Westchester SC Ownership Group

Westchester Soccer Club today announced 2022 U.S. Soccer Player of the year, U.S. Men’s National Captain and current AFC Bournemouth star Tyler Adams has joined the club’s ownership group. Adams, a Red Bulls Academy product and Dutchess County NY, native, will become one of the first active professional players to take an ownership stake in a professional club, and is expected to be involved with all aspects of Westchester SC business when the club begins play this March. Adams is the second active professional athlete to join the Westchester SC ownership group. Current New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor was and remains part of the originally announced core of owners.

“This is a special day not just for our club, but for all of soccer and sport in the region,” said Westchester SC Principal owner Mitch Baruchowitz. “To have not only an elite athlete who was starred on the biggest stage, but someone whose family is deeply connected to developmental soccer in the region proactively join us at this stage of his career in a leadership position speaks volumes as to what we are building. We welcome Tyler and his family and look forward to having them with us as we head toward our inaugural season and beyond. ”

“Westchester Soccer Club represents everything I value about the game—community, development, and opportunity,” said Adams. “Growing up in Dutchess County, I’ve seen firsthand how soccer can bring people together and inspire young players to dream big. Joining this ownership group is not only an honor but also an incredible chance to give back to the region that played such a huge role in my journey.”

Adams began his career playing for the NY Red Bulls II in 2015 and excelled for the senior team before making his way to play in Germany with RB Leipzig. He moved to Leeds United of the Barclays Premier League and currently stars for AFC Bournemouth in the same league. Adams has also been a centerpiece for the US Men’s National team since 2017, earning 42 caps and anchoring the team’s advance to the knockout rounds of the 2022 World Cup, where he was the youngest captain for the USMNT since 1950.

Adams’s connection to the USL and the local Westchester soccer community goes far beyond his playing roots. Tyler’s mother, Melissa Russo, would drive Tyler three hours round trip from Wappingers Falls during his Red Bulls Academy days and Adams and his stepfather, Darryl Sullivan, owns the local USL 2 team Hudson Valley Hammers, and Tyler’s stepbrothers, Dylan, Darryl Jr., and Donovan all shined for local soccer teams.

Initial discussions between Westchester SC and Darryl and Tyler focused on the importance of family, the unique bond that the Westchester region has to soccer and how much it unites the diverse and unique neighborhoods throughout Westchester. As talks progressed between the parties, Baruchowitz and Sporting Director Simon Baines grew excited at the prospect of bringing one of the region’s true soccer success stories and a family of local soccer prominence into the effort.

Westchester is set to open its League One Season on the road in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 8th and will host its inaugural home game April 27th, at Memorial Stadium in Mount Vernon against 2024 USL Championship finalists Rhode Island FC.

The club has been aggressively building its roster and leadership team, and will be announcing several more signings in the coming weeks, as they ready for their initial season. The full schedule is at https://www.westchestersc.com/.

Tyron Woodley First of 120 Elite MMA Athletes Selected in Inaugural Global Fight League Draft

Former world champion welterweight Tyron Woodley made history tonight as the first selection in the six team, 20 round inaugural Global Fight League (GFL) Draft, which took place virtually from Van Wagner Studios in Phoenix. Woodley was selected by Dubai manager Cain Velasquez and coach Javier Mendez, and was followed in the first round by lightweight Sage Northcutt (Los Angeles), middleweight Gegard Mousasi (London), heavyweight Junior Dos Santos (Miami), heavyweight Fabricio Werdum (São Paulo) and lightweight Kevin Lee (New York). London selected strawweight Josefine Knutsson in the third round, the first woman selected in the co-ed league and one of five women chosen in the first four rounds of the draft.

The new team-based MMA organization launching in April 2025 had its six teams: Dubai, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and São Paulo, complete their initial rosters during the three hour livestreamed event.

The complete draft list per round and by weight class can be seen at the following link:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qjJY06fZ_E4X8OOJu_2Q0pHjnQ0Oz-iBHLHwjtysF6Y/edit?usp=sharing

Additional details for the league will be available in the weeks to come.