04/04/22: Tracy McGrady breaks down plans for his new one-on-one basketball league

Monday April 4, 2022

The end of March Madness and the approach of summer is no longer the end of the basketball season. From the NBA to the WNBA and then into the summer with NBA Summer League, Big 3, The Basketball Tournament, Overtime Elite etc., there is no shortage of interest and opportunity in and around the business of hoops. A new take was recently launched by Basketball Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady with the debut of The Ones Basketball Association which will test the waters later this month with a series of competitions looking to identify the best skilled young one-on-one players. We asked TMAC to lay out the business model, and the opportunity, on NCAA Championship Monday.

McGrady on how Ones Basketball Association sets itself apart: I love basketball. It’s my passion and deep in my heart and soul, and I believe one-on-one competition is the best representation of the essence of the game. Individual skills — like speed, dribbling, jumping, and shooting – receive less attention today and we want to change that. These skills are the foundation of elite careers and we will highlight, champion, and celebrate the raw, authentic essence of basketball. Whether it’s in UFC or tennis or penalty shots in hockey, there is nothing quite like watching two athletes go one-on-one. That’s the intensity and energy we are going after and we will first showcase and create new opportunity for elite young basketball players and then grow from there.

On how brands can integrate into the business: Great competition and storytelling are at the foundation of our new platform and that is the focus of this proof-of-concept season. We will grow into a complete sponsorship offering and we are building with Gen Z in mind: creating connection to individual athletes first, telling their stories through snackable, bite-sized digital content, and laying the foundation for an electrifying sports and lifestyle brand. Our earliest partners will have an opportunity to join with us and co-create from the very start. Brands will be able to craft totally bespoke activations.

On content strategy and distribution: Digital media will drive our content distribution strategy this year. You will see us on most every digital medium that matters and starting to tell the stories that need to be told about our competitors. We will build from there. We are also capturing behind-the-scenes content as we go and will have our own film crews working throughout this first season. Stay tuned for how we make use of all that and, again, Gen Z is top of mind.

On the role Jeffrey Pollack will play as an advisor: There is no better advisor I can have on the business side than Jeffrey. His relationships, experience, savvy, and judgment are beyond compare. As a startup tipping off quickly, I know we will have some bumps and Jeffrey will help smooth those bumps and ensure we are positioned for success and long-term growth. He is committed, trusted, and heartfelt, and Jeffrey already has created space for me to focus on the soul of our game and design of our competition.

On where Ones Basketball Association can grow: Our goal for this year is to test, listen and learn. Next year I would like to see us launch as a professional and world-class endeavor across North America. Five years from now our flag should be planted around the world and with every element of a global sports platform open for business and running smoothly: competition, media and content, events, marketing partnerships, branded merchandise, and cause-related marketing. I’m ready to get after this and with Jeffrey, my long-time business manager, Elissa Grabow, our creative director, Lisle Bowen, and the rest of our team, I know we can create more opportunity for basketball players globally, tell new stories that need to be told, and change a few lives for the better along the way.

PROGRAMMING

A classic rivalry and what ended up being Coach K’s final game drove big gains for Turner Sports and CBS Sports’ exclusive coverage of Sunday night’s Final Four matchup, which saw North Carolina topple Duke. The ran across TBS, TNT and truTV and became the most-viewed NCAA Men’s Final Four telecast on any network since 2017 with an average of 16.3 million viewers, based on total audience delivery, which projects to be the second most-viewed college basketball telecast in the history of cable television once out-of-home viewership is included. Based on tournament to date trends, out-of-home viewership is projected to be a lift of more than 10% to the final viewership totals. In the earlier window, Kansas vs. Villanova delivered an average of 10.3 million viewers, up 22% over Baylor’s blowout victory over Houston in 2021. Overall, last night’s two National Semifinal games averaged 13.5 million viewers based on total audience delivery (minus out-of-home audience), up 9% over last year, according to Nielsen Fast Nationals.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is reportedly tapping the brakes on plans to hold the men’s World Cup every two years instead of every four years. Infantino said last week that a proposal hasn’t been made and that the org only agreed to “study the feasibility” of a biennial World Cup, which drew strong resistance from some regions.

Speaking of FIFA, the AP reports that South American soccer officials said Friday they are still working on a four-nation bid that would celebrate the World Cup’s 100th birthday in 2030 in its first home in Uruguay. “We think we are going to do the whole World Cup in South America,” said a Paraguayan official told the company, whose home country is part of the four-nation bid project with Argentina, Chile and Uruguay

The Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship will now stream exclusively on ESPN3 in the United States when the ATP 250 tournament runs April 4-10 at Houston’s River Oaks Country Club. The matches will be called by Sam Gore and Jason Knapp, with analysis from Jimmy Arias and Luke Jensen along with player interviews from Blair Henley. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with ESPN for coverage of the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship,” said Tournament Director Bronwyn Greer. “With the depth of our player field, we anticipate great action throughout the entire week. We are thrilled to have all our stadium court action covered in full, from the opening rounds through the finals.”

Learn from sport’s marketing masters. Do not miss the CMO Exchange on May 24, a virtual conference featuring the heads of marketing from the NFL, NHL, WNBA, NASCAR, UFC, MLS, ESPN, FOX Sports, NBC Sports, Sinclair, Riot Games, and many more! Top execs break down the road ahead. Be sure to get your tickets now by clicking here.

Tim McCarver is officially retired from his long-time analyst role, announcing – via the St. Louis Post-Dispatch – that he would step down from his role called the Cardinals for Bally Sports Midwest.

CYNOPSIS SPORTS: CMO EXCHANGE 2022
MORE SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED!

Tuesday, May 24, 2022 @ 1:00pm ET

Join the best thinkers in sports marketing as they share how they are reshaping their businesses in this shifting landscape. Newly confirmed speaking companies include WNBA, MLS, UFC, ESPN and Riot Games.

Check out the Speaker line-up and join us!

SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION

Major League Baseball rolled out details for its new on-uniform advertising program. Starting with the 2023 season, teams will be able to sell ad space on jerseys that would make up a 4-by-4-inch patch on jersey sleeves. Beforehand, advertisers may be able to put corporate logo decals on batting helmets beginning with the 2022 postseason this year, although alcohol, betting, and media companies will not be allowed to advertise through the program.

As part of a global partnership, the senior leadership of the World Health Organization, the State of Qatar and FIFA unveiled a range of measures for this year’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 designed to protect and encourage health. “WHO is committed to working with the State of Qatar and FIFA to leverage the global power of football to help people lead the healthiest lives possible,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This partnership will help to make the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 a role model for healthy sporting events.”

BetMGM locked in a deal with softball player A.J. Andrews. Under the terms of the agreement, Andrews will serve as BetMGM’s newest content creator and brand ambassador and will see her appear on behalf of BetMGM for multiple broadcasting opportunities related to the upcoming baseball season.

DIGITAL, DATA & TECH

Cue Health Inc., a healthcare technology company, and MLB announced a national partnership that expands Cue’s support of the league-wide COVID-19 testing program. Cue will provide Major League Clubs as well as the MLB league office with its integrated care platform, featuring both the portable and reusable Cue Health Monitoring System (Reader) and the most accurate* COVID-19 self-test. The new partnership also designates Cue as a presenting sponsor of Friday Night Baseball on Apple TV+.

ESPORTS

Misfits Gaming Group rolled up a new partnership with not-for-profit healthcare org Baptist Health South Florida, which now picks up naming rights for a new exercise and wellness area within the team’s headquarters located in Boca Raton. The duo will also collaborate on a slate of content to promote the importance of physical and mental health while Baptist Health becomes the org’s exclusive healthcare and wellness partner.

INDUSTRY & ROSTER MOVES

IMG completed its purchase of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament and the Acciona Open de España golf tournament from Super Slam Ltd and its affiliates. With the close of the acquisition, Madrid Trophy Promotion SLU (MTP), the Spanish entity that operates the tournament, is now part of IMG, with MTP’s CEO and tournament director Gerard Tsobanian serving as Senior Vice President, Tennis Events, IMG. Tsobanian and his team continue to oversee the day-to-day running of the Mutua Madrid Open as part of IMG’s global tennis events division led by Gavin Forbes.

Fuel Your Company by Training Your Team
Are they challenged to master basic Excel formulas? What’s a pivot table?
Upskill/Re-Skill your employees to succeed.

My Software Tutor offers three levels of real-time, Excel courses with a live instructor.
Learn practical software skills in a safe, supportive environment.
In-person or online.
Ask questions, get answers.

Custom curriculum available. Try a course free.
More info? Contact My Software Tutor today.

ON THIS DAY in
1989: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar plays last NBA game.

IN THE KNOW
In which sport would you find a major event titled “Head of the Charles”? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company and city).

Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question
What does SCUBA stand for? Answer: Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Kudos: Marc Goldstein-Marc Goldstein Media Solutions/NY; Aileen Larsen-PHD/NY; Rob Casalaina-ITN/NY; Michael Ritz-Lenox Advisors/NY; C.J. Bottitta-Big Picture Productions/Apex; Matt Laramee-Southern New Hampshire University/Manchester; Brian Bonder-a4 Advertising/Piscataway; Roger Furman-Sports Marketing Communications/Greentown; Tom Lorenz-ASM Global, Pinnacle Bank Arena/Lincoln; Kyle Krebs-CBS 42/Birmingham; Jack Hodgson-Oklahoma State University/Stillwater; Dory Petsrillo-CoxReps/Dallas; Andy Babb-Super League Gaming/Santa Monica; David Westberg-SAG*AFTRA Credit Union/Burbank; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; John Baghdassarian-Olympusat/LA

Cynopsis Team

Chris Pursell
@VegasandVine

Kerry Smith
Division President
Access Intelligence

Roberta Caploe
VP/Group Publisher
@robertacaploe

Executive Director of Sales
Albert Nassour
917-545-3129

Cynopsis Job Listings Sales
John Cox

CynopsisJobs
Check out more jobs in Cynopsis Classifieds »

Job of the day

THE DIRECTOR OF SALES
CIRCLE MEDIA
REMOTE (PREFER NYC, CHICAGO, NASHVILLE)
Responsible for selling general advertising of our Linear network for year over year growth of our advertising sales projections. Source, create, and maintain relationships, as well as execute contracts for our Linear/Cable/VOD networks. Use of qualitative sales packaging and the drive to meet/exceed sales goals is a top priority. Full info HERE (4/15)

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
CIRCLE MEDIA
NASHVILLE
Proven track record of success with strategic programming initiatives, preferably experience launching a new linear/VOD network. Lead the programming and scheduling of our network including live events. Create quarterly grids, promo plans, develop stunts, graphic and secondary event requests and review all on air plans for the network. Full info HERE (4/15)

TRAFFIC BILLING COORDINATOR
CIRCLE MEDIA
NASHVILLE
This position will serve as a conduit between Linear Sales, Traffic and the Accounting Department. Previous invoicing experience is a must, and the ability to work in a fast pace environment. Strong communication skills via phone and email are both required. Full info HERE (4/15)

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER, ON-AIR PROMOTIONS
YES NETWORK
STAMFORD, CT
Ideation for scripts, pitches, brainstorming sessions, and 360-degree marketing campaigns. Overseeing all aspects of assigned projects including screening footage, acquiring media assets, writing scripts, VO sessions, and edit sessions. Minimum 2-3 years of experience in assisting/writing/producing for sports television networks or media companies. Full info HERE (4/15)

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING MANAGER, COMMERCE
A+E NETWORKS
NYC or REMOTE
Engineering team manager to develop and launch high quality services in support of web, mobile, and television products. 5+ years of technology experience developing and maintaining APIs and backend services with min 1 year of leadership. Strong knowledge of JavaScript, React and Node. JS. Full info HERE (4/15)

DAILY ENTERTAINMENT VIDEO PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
theGrio
LOS ANGELES
Experienced in research, pitching ideas, reporting, and coordinating logistics for field production are major responsibilities. Pull video assets including SOTs and Vos, clear footage and provide breaking news support. Manage archives, have a firm understanding of rights and clearances, and thoroughly track sources of material for licensing. Full info HERE (4/15)

COPY EDITOR
theGrio
ATLANTA, LA, NYC, WASHINGTON DC
Read text for grammatical, typographical and factual errors, upholding the highest level of grammar, usage and accuracy. Confirm final drafts are free of errors. Ensure the writing is easy to read and fits the editorial style of the platform. Confirm theGrio’s original news stories and aggregated stories are accurate and meet journalism standards. Full info HERE (4/15)

ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
theGrio
ATLANTA, WASHINGTON DC, LA, NYC
Manage the assignment and publishing of stories about Black people across America. We are seeking a reliable self-starter to work alongside a shift-based team to manage stories that are accurate, authoritative, and indispensable. Experience in journalism and an ability to work in a breaking news environment is required. Full info HERE (4/15)

DAILY AGGREGATION WRITER
theGrio
ATLANTA
Write accurate aggregations of about six to eight 400-600 word stories daily significant news stories. Craft original, engaging headlines, and ledes that arrest and audience. Source appropriately licensed photos to accompany stories, government agencies, Associated Press, Getty, Adobe Stock, public domain repositories, and other institutions. Full info HERE (4/15)

DAILY NEWS WRITER
theGrio
ATLANTA
Write a daily story with original reporting each day covering the Black experience domestically. Stay up to date on relevant trends, stories and experiences that impact Black Americans. Coordinate story parameters with Managing Editor. Strong knowledge of current events. Research and craft stories in a way that resonates with our audiences. Full info HERE (4/15)

LINE EDITOR
theGrio
ATLANTA, WASHINGTON DC, LOS ANGELES, OR NEW YORK
Veteran journalist who has leveraged skills acquired as a print or digital beat or enterprise reporter to transform into a seasoned news editor. Support the well-being, rights, livelihood, protection, joy, financial security, and success of Black people. Coach writers, edit aggregated and original copy, and provide options for sourcing images. Full info HERE (4/15)

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER
theGrio
ATLANTA, WASHINGTON DC, LOS ANGELES OR NEW YORK
Cover stories about Black people across America. Develop and research investigative stories, with a particular emphasis on data reporting. Creative self-starter to break journalism stories that are accurate, authoritative, and indispensable. Experience in investigative reporting and an ability to work in a breaking news environment is required. Full info HERE (4/15)

AD OPERATIONS MANAGER >>
FUSE MEDIA INC/GLENDALE, CA: Work with a cross functional team spanning sales, business intelligence, and digital operations to traffic direct sales and programmatic digital advertising campaigns in a timely manner to ensure client expectations are exceeded. 3+ years’ experience in Data Analysis/Ad Operations/Media Buying in the digital advertising industry. Full info HERE (4/14)

VP, BRAND MARKETING
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS
LA, CA
Manage strategy and execution of 360º consumer marketing campaigns for Crown Media’s linear and SVOD initiatives. Will collaborate cross functionally and manage external media, creative & promotional agencies while leading internal team. Bachelor’s Degree in related field, 12+ yrs marketing experience within entertainment required. Full info HERE (4/12)

VP, LEARNING& DEVELOPMENT, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS
LA, CA
Accountable for oversight, development and execution of highly impactful D&I strategic initiatives, as well as identifying individual, group and organizational development needs; the VP is instrumental in aligning enterprise training and D&I partnership opportunities with business strategies and cultural initiatives. Full info HERE (4/12)

SALES DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVE >>
MEDIAOCEAN/NYC, CHICAGO: Find and screen potential customers and have a strong understanding of the sales process, excelling at researching leads, starting new relationships, and setting our sales team up for success. Have the ability to showcase our offerings in a compelling way. 1-3 years of professional work experience preferred. Full info HERE (4/12)

ACCOUNT MANAGER FOR CLIENT SERVICES – DEAL MAKER >>
MEDIAOCEAN/NYC/EAST COAST: Execute a coordinated account plan for driving growth and adoption of Mediaocean solutions. Maintain a regular cadence of on-site visits to consult end users, identify and address business needs and challenges. Act as a trusted advisor and partner with customer contacts. 3+ years of experience in client services or consulting. Full info HERE (4/12)

AD SALES PLANNING MANAGER
OVATION
NYC, REMOTE
Oversee and develop the national planning team for Ovation’s linear network. Manage inventory, approve allocations and move requests, build and distribute ADU packages. Construct upfront and scatter rate cards. Work closely with research to evaluate projections and make necessary adjustments. Experience as a national planner for a linear network. Full info HERE (4/9)

VICE PRESIDENT, PRICING & PLANNING >>
FUSE MEDIA INC/NYC: Establish pricing and sellout guidelines in support of the network’s financial objectives. Provide weekly Sales revenue pacing & projection reports. Strategically determine most effective utilization of National inventory. Development of the financial plans, annual budget, and quarterly forecast. 10+ years of media experience. Full info HERE (4/9)

DIRECT RESPONSE SALES PLANNER >>
REELZ/NY: Create/revise media plans. Serve as agency liaison and work closely with AE, planning & traffic to set pricing & schedules. A min. 2 yrs ad sales/agency exp. Strong written and verbal communication skills, strong media math skills. Proficient in Wide Orbit, MS Suite. Full info HERE (4/9)

COORDINATOR – DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA, CHAMPIONSHIPS AND ALLIANCES >>
NCAA/ INDIANAPOLIS: This individual will assist in executing the departmental strategy including: enhancing the student-athlete experience; promoting NCAA championships; increasing revenue-generating opportunities, awareness, and viewership to NCAA championships and ancillary events; and communicating consistent NCAA brand messages through digital and social media. Full info HERE (4/8)

DIRECTOR, BRAND & MARKETING CONTENT >>
WONDRIUM/REMOTE: Lead a team as well as write, produce, and deliver promotional materials that creatively and effectively promote the Wondrium brand. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree with specialty in video production and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in A/V Content creation environment with a strong marketing creative perspective. Full info HERE (4/8)

RESEARCH ANALYST >>
ENDEAVOR ANALYTICS/NYC (ON-SITE): Passion for entertainment, sports, and cultural trends. Curious/creative thinker. Work centers on analyzing media usage, cultural interests, and talent. Internal and external support. Experience with consumer profiling, social analytics, and linear measurement tools are a plus. Full info/apply HERE (4/8)

DIRECTOR, DIGITAL AD SALES
A+E NETWORKS
NYC
Help lead/direct digital direct sales efforts. Includes sales strat & rev responsibility across dig portfolio. Provide dig knowledge/training, evaluate new dig products, evolving upfront rate cards & more. High level knowledge of evolving media landscape, industry trends competitive marketplace. Full info HERE (4/7)

SR SPECIALIST, ADVANCED ADVERTISING SOLUTIONS
A+E NETWORKS
NYC
Responsible for executing day-to-day objectives of Advanced Ad Solutions assisting w/prod dev & specializing in QC, user acceptance testing (UAT) & optimization of ad products brands on web, mobile & OTT w/focus on new AVOD Platforms. Full info HERE (4/7)

MGR, AD SALES PARTNERSHIPS
A+E NETWORKS
NYC
Establish strat & manage dept activities for monetizing network content & assets to drive nat’l ad sales rev. Lead 360 ideation & response on RFPs under assigned categories; meet w/acct execs,w advising on pitch strat & leading brainstorms w/internal resources. Full info HERE (4/7)

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE >>
GIPHTING/REMOTE: Build relationships with retailers at all levels of the organizations through cold calling. Sell retailers on the benefits of being part of the Giphting platform; sell sponsorship opportunities available on the app. Work with leadership team to develop sales strategy, negotiate retailer contracts and maintain partnerships. Sales experience a plus. Full info HERE (4/6)

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
PREMION
LOS ANGELES
This is the opportunity to be part of the National Sales West Region team, evangelizing the Premion brand and generating sales revenue. Are you excited about disrupting the traditional and doing something different in the television space? Join in! Full info HERE (4/6)

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
PREMION
LOS ANGELES
As part of the National Sales team’s West region, you will focus on sales of OTT/CTV advertising solution to agencies and clients, and be responsible for revenue achievement across the region. PREMION is the best OTT & Streaming Platform as recognized by TechLeadership, Gabbcon, & Cynopsis. Full info HERE (4/6)

SALES PLANNER >>
SiriusXM/SANTA MONICA, CA: SiriusXM is seeking a motivated, independent and creative Sales Planner to join the Ad Sales team. The Ad Sales department manages and prices our commercial advertising inventory while working closely with the ad sales staff to facilitate the selling of radio advertising by providing plans that meet the needs and goals of clients and agencies. Full info HERE (4/5)

DIGITAL BUSINESS OPERATIONS LEAD >>
PGA of AMERICA/DALLAS/FT. WORTH market: Oversee digital partnership operations with broadcast & digital media partners. Oversee the creation of clear and concise digital executional plans by partnering with internal and external content, technology, product, marketing, sales, and brand teams. Develop strategy and priorities for innovative event site improvements. Five yrs exp req. Full info HERE (4/5)

ANALYST, LINEAR & DIGITAL AUDIENCE RESEARCH
BET
NYC
0-2 yrs. Interest in media/ad sales research. Collect & analyze TV, digital, social & syndicated data to support ad sales and the positioning of BET in the ad marketplace. Create reports & PP decks for ad sales. Strong MS Office, quant & comm skills. Recent grads welcome to apply! Full info HERE (4/5)

@{optoutfooterhtml}@