| Boxing has undergone a disruption in business the past year, and perhaps no business has been pushing that disruption more than Triller. Led by Ryan Kavanaugh with input from Snoop Dogg, the music platform has made headlines after launching Triller Fight Club as “four quadrant entertainment,” in addition to acquiring streaming platform FITE and last week expanded into basketball by becoming the streaming partner for live games for BIG3 and recruiting staple talent like Jim Lampley, who will call fights, as well as famed producer Nigel Lythgoe. On June 19, the award-winning creator of “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance” (working with award winning boxing director Frank Belmonte) will look to combine musical talents like Lunai and Meek Mill with two historic world championship fights and a stocked undercard of talent at Miami’s loanDepot Park and will be launching the new series So You Think You Can Fight for the platform. Cynopsis asked Lythgoe about his latest move.
Lythgoe on the global appeal of boxing: For me the global appeal of boxing is its honesty. It is about two warriors staining every muscle in their body to overcome their opponent. It provides triumph and tragedy. We get so involved that we put ourselves in that ring with the boxers. We bob and weave with our hero, avoiding our opponents blows. Our Adrenaline is flowing and we want to find that knockout punch that will dismiss our opponent. It appeals to the darker side of our nature, this is real and the performers on this stage are risking their lives.
On the challenge of blending music and boxing together: The biggest challenge is not to lose either audience but create a flow that creates an entertainment package that appeals to both creating a wider audience. Over the years boxing has lost a great deal of its audience. There a several reasons for that. Having 3 main boxing sanctioning bodies…WBC, IBF and WBA don’t help to get the best fighters in the ring together. The heroes of yesteryear, that we all worshipped, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Chavez, Pacquiao are slowly disappearing. MMA, especially the UFC, have stolen boxing’s audience. Consequently, we need to find a new format to generate the public’s interest back to boxing. I fervently believe Triller Fight Club can do that.
On the lessons learned in entertainment that applied to Triller Fight Club: I believe the audience appeal for my shows “Idol” and “Dance” was the viewers recognizing and admiring ordinary people having extraordinary talents and striving to give of their best and become champions. When you think about it, it’s not too dissimilar to boxing is it? I believe I can get Triller Fight Club to understand that we need to show our audience that these brave combatants are also, husbands, fathers, mothers, wives somebody’s children. They’re fighting to find their place in life, to leave a mark, to be remembered. Triller has a great slogan,” Everybody fights for a reason.” The fact is from the Gladiators of Ancient Rome to the fighters we watch today they all have their own reasons for fighting. I want you to know what those reasons are.
On engaging the audience: I don’t believe boxing has a young audience. As we are aware music certainly does. It’s my job to bring those two audiences together so each can appreciate the other’s entertainment choices. Certainly, SYTYCD achieved a far wider audience than anyone dreamed, both male and female, young and old. I believe we can do that with boxing.
On creating So You Think You Can Fight: Well, it’s obviously it’s a totally different format. However, the ethos, the thought behind it will be the same. A journey of self-discovery, striving to learn, improve and be the best you can possibly be. Trained by the best in the business. Encouraged by the stars of boxing that have been there and done that. That’s what the audience will witness over months of training along with the problems that life dumps on us all. Then at the end of the journey, the biggest challenge awaits. Facing an opponent with all the same dreams and aspirations that you have. Only one of you will be successful, only one will be a CHAMPION.
PROGRAMMING
The NHL landed an exemption from Canadian health officials that will now allow cross-border travel for post-season teams starting with the semifinal round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the league announced. While in Canada, teams will have to stay in a bubble and be tested daily for COVID-19, similar to the tight restrictions that allowed the NHL to stage and complete its playoffs in two hub cities last year. Teams will be assigned designated hotels and have no interaction with the public. “The National Hockey League is very appreciative of the decision,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in a statement released by the league.
WWE is bringing SummerSlam to the bright lights of Las Vegas, announcing that this year’s event will take place in Allegiant Stadium on Aug. 21 at 8p to mark the first time the annual event has been held at an NFL stadium. “Coming out of the pandemic, it was important to us to have a big event like SummerSlam in Las Vegas. We expect to deliver a great night of sports entertainment for the people of the city and a boost in foot traffic for the casinos and local businesses,” said Nick Khan, WWE President & Chief Revenue Officer and Las Vegas native.
USA Cycling and FloSports signed a three-year partnership to bring more cycling competition to fans in North America starting this month. Each year, the partnership will feature multiple cycling events on FloBikes and will begin with the USA Cycling Professional Road National Championships in Knoxville on June 17, followed by a series of major competitive events scheduled throughout the year, including the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships, Mountain Bike National Championships, BMX Freestyle National Championships, and Collegiate Track National Championships. As part of the new agreement, FloSports also becomes the Official Sponsor of USA Cycling through the 2023 season.
CrossFit announced the 2021 NOBULL CrossFit Games will return to CBS Sports for a live, two-hour broadcast of the individual finals on CBS on Aug. 1 from 2-4p. Broadcast coverage will also stream live on Paramount+, with an additional six hours of highlights to be aired on CBS Sports Network throughout the week of competition. Every event of the competition leading up to the final stage on Sunday will be streamed on games.crossfit.com and CrossFit’s Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch channels.
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| SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION
Major League Baseball revealed plans to work with its clubs to offer incentives to unvaccinated fans through a new program called “MLB Vaccinate At The Plate,” running throughout June. Each of the 30 MLB Clubs will host at least one event in June where unvaccinated fans will be able to receive a free ticket to a game if they get a COVID-19 vaccination shot at the event. MLB Clubs will have the flexibility to construct the giveaway to their own specifications including where the event is hosted, when in June it takes place, and if the tickets are good for that day’s game or a game later in the 2021 season. “Major League Baseball wants to play a role in expanding widespread adoption of the vaccines which have proven to be safe and effective,” said Dr. Gary Green, Medical Director of MLB. “As more people get vaccinated, the rate of infection decreases and more areas of society can safely reopen. We are proud of the efforts MLB Clubs are taking to help in this effort.”
The Big Machine brand is beefing up ties with INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, announcing that Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers will become the title sponsor of the NTT INDYCAR Series race Aug. 14 on the IMS road course. “Big Machine’s enthusiasm for IMS, INDYCAR and motorsports is incredible,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Scott Borchetta and his team have been such engaged, dynamic partners over the last decade, and this title sponsorship of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES road race during Brickyard Weekend takes that to a new level. We’re so grateful for our loyal friends at Big Machine, and their support will help us to elevate this exciting triple-header race weekend even higher.”
The PBR, ASM Global and Stockyards Heritage Development Co. entered into new joint venture to operate the historic Cowtown Coliseum and to expand entertainment programming and marketing partnerships within the National Historic District. Through this landmark partnership, the trio will exclusively manage and promote Cowtown Coliseum and portions of the surrounding historic District, including event programming, sponsorship opportunities, venue rentals, operations, marketing and enhanced guest experience initiatives. In addition, PBR will produce dozens of western sports events at Cowtown Coliseum annually, as well as concerts, live entertainment and other western lifestyle content.
Hennessy, the official spirit of the NBA, opened the doors to its Make Moves That Start Movements program, featuring Russell Westbrook, artist Victor Solomon and entrepreneur Alex Taylor. The initiative kicks off a leaguewide partnership between Hennessy and the NBA to extend Hennessy’s Unfinished Business platform to encourage movement for the better, including league-specific activations. Unfinished Business is Hennessy’s initiative providing material support to Black, Asian and Latinx small business owners in response to inequities exacerbated by COVID-19, with more than $5 million in funding distributed to-date.
DIGITAL, DATA & TECH
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football launched Experience60, a new interactive virtual experience for fans to learn about and celebrate Concacaf’s rich 60-year history, as well as drive engagement around the upcoming Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup 2021 competitions. The online-only interactive hub is now live at https://concacaf60.com/. “Concacaf is committed to providing our fans with more innovative ways to engage with the sport they love,” said Heidi Pellerano, Chief Commercial Officer. “The 60th Anniversary of our Confederation is a major milestone for all of Concacaf and our partners. We’re thrilled to leverage this milestone to launch Experience60 and give our passionate fans around the world the opportunity to immerse themselves in the past, present and future of our Confederation.”
YinzCam, specializing in mobile apps for professional sports and entertainment events, and CLEAR, the secure identity company, announced a strategic partnership to bring together YinzCam’s mobile technology and CLEAR’s secure identity platform to offer new solutions and shape the future fan experience for sports teams, leagues and venues. As part of the new relationship, YinzCam will integrate with CLEAR’s verified identity platform with a plan to unlock a variety of experiences across its existing suite of services, which may include biometric ticketing entry and validation and age verified purchases and content.
ESPORTS
TSM secured a $210 million, multi-year partnership deal split between FTX Trading Limited and West Realm Shires Services Inc. As part of deal, FTX.com and FTX.US have, together, secured exclusive naming rights for TSM, which will now be known as ‘TSM FTX’ (with exception of its Riot teams, reportedly). TSM FTX will embark on a new set of initiatives and look to invest these resources into esports and gaming over the next five years with a focus on massive expansion into new platforms such as mobile, accelerating existing global reach with the opening of offices in Asia, Europe, South America and more. Additionally, TSM FTX will distribute cryptocurrency to each of its players and employees as well as purchasing $1 million in FTT, FTX’s native token. “When I met Sam Bankman-Fried, I immediately knew we had to work together,” said Andy Dinh, Founder and CEO of TSM. “Not only did TSM FTX fit perfectly as a brand, Sam is an innovative CEO that is in every way ahead of his time. Against all odds as a young ambitious entrepreneur, he has been able to disrupt markets by making smart decisions and by surrounding himself with smart people. He has proven that you can build a multi-billion-dollar business that can grow incredibly fast at scale – all while charging a fraction of what other platforms charge, and creating a culture of community and focus on social impact.”
Community Effort Orlando, aka CEO, confirmed plans for a return in December. CEO founder Alex Jebailey announced that entrants are being capped at 2,500 across the 10 games in the official lineup. The headline games available to play at CEO 2021 includes the following: Guilty Gear Strive, Granblue Fantasy: Versus, Street Fighter 5: Champion Edition, Tekken 7, Mortal Kombat 11: Ultimate, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Dragon Ball FighterZ, Skullgirls 2nd Encore, BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.
NASCAR announced a partnership with Stay Plugged IN, an organizer of collegiate recruiting events in the US, to bring a three-part scholarship series to students throughout the country who are interested in pursuing esports and gaming scholastically. Over the summer, Stay Plugged IN will organize and produce two amateur tournaments where participants have the opportunity to compete in front of collegiate recruiters from around the country. Throughout gameplay, contestants will utilize NASCAR-themed vehicles available to the public for purchase in game. There will also be a game creation competition where students use coding to design games
The Electronic Gaming Federation wrapped its 2020-21 intercollegiate season and championships with record engagement across a growing number of games. The org saw over 70 colleges and universities, including the BIG EAST and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference participate in sanctioned season-long co-ed events for the first time, with St. John’s University (FIFA), UT Arlington (Rocket League and Overwatch) and Mississippi State University (Super Smash Brothers) winning national titles.
Meanwhile, tournament operator Unified locked in a deal with ESPAT AI to help catalogue and distribute both photo and video content from past and future tournaments. “It’s a win for esports and for our attendees, to be able to showcase these great players and organizations with their emergence in the scene or their assertion of skills across competitions,” said Unified Event Director, Rebecca Rong. “Through on-site tournaments, we’re giving attendees of all skill levels the chance to face-off on the big stage and to play like the pros. Through ESPAT, we are able to distribute high quality content through new channels and share these victories on a whole new level.”
INDUSTRY & ROSTER MOVES
The Washington Football Team announced the retention of consulting firm Vestry Laight to conduct a comprehensive review of the team’s recently enhanced and updated policies and practices, benchmark the team against DE&I best practice organizations, and provide ongoing counsel that will help the Washington Football Team ensure its DE&I work is meaningful, enduring and measurable. The engagement will begin immediately, and the Vestry Laight team will be fully integrated with internal personnel and resources dedicated to ongoing, comprehensive DE&I work.
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THINK NATIONALLY. BUY LOCALLY.
Check out the importance of single-market media buying in our 12-page report co-produced with our partners from New York Interconnect.
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On this Day
1986: Chris Evert wins her 18th and final Grand Slam title at the French Open.
IN THE KNOW
In 1994, this famed volleyball player became Nike’s first female athlete to design a shoe. Who was she? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company and city).
Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question
Which team did the Seahawks beat in the Super Bowl? Answer: The Broncos. Kudos: Frank Costa-CBS/NY; Paul Crevier-BBC America/NY; Rick Ramage-UTA/NY; Traci Liner-Initiative/NY; Matt Sautter-WideOrbit/Harrisburg; Michael Goodman-Radio One/Atlanta; Sam Pittman-Juniper & Berkeley/Raleigh; Louis Lewow-FITE/Atlanta; Lexi Betcher-Playfly/Home Team Sports/Chicago; John Kukla-KDFW-KDFI/Dallas-Fort Worth; David Hauptman/Denver; Brianne Maciejowski-Miles/Tucson; David Westberg-SAG•AFTRA Credit Union/Burbank; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA
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EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, PRESIDENT & CEO
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS
LA, CA
Manages the day-to-day operations of the office of the President & CEO. All matters pertaining to the CEO including discrete handling of confidential and sensitive information. Undergraduate Degree or 4 years of equivalent executive administrative experience, preferably with Entertainment Industry and an expert level using MS Office Suite and building PowerPoint decks. Full info HERE (6/21)
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, BUSINESS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS
NYC, NY
Manages the day-to-day administrative work of the Business & Legal Affairs team, with focused support for the EVP, General Counsel. This position serves as a key coordinator for the Business & Legal Affairs team, as well as a key coordinator between the Crown Media Business & Legal Affairs team and the Hallmark Legal team. Full info HERE (6/21)
COORDINATOR, PARTNERSHIP MARKETING (ASSETS)
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS
LA, CA
Responsible for the execution and management of promotional materials utilizing image and video assets for merchandising of programming content across all Hallmark’s programming channels. Adobe Suite skills (Photoshop & InDesign) and a minimum of 2 years of experience in entertainment is required, cable preferred. Full info HERE (6/21)
SR. PRODUCT MANAGER-OTT/WEB, PANTAYA
HEMISPHERE MEDIA GROUP INC.
SANTA MONICA, CA
Design technology, content, customer service and marketing teams to deliver a best-in-class streaming experience across multiple device platforms. Own the user experience, feature set and AB testing for engagement campaigns. 2-4+ years’ experience designing, launching, and maintaining digital D2C products required. Full info HERE (6/16)
SALES PLANNER >>
MARATHON VENTURES LLC/NY, NJ, CT, REMOTE: Primary point of contact for our media partners, effectively anticipating and solving problems. Review client orders for accuracy and resolve discrepancies and reconcile logs and reports. Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office required. Full info HERE (6/16)
CAMPAIGN MANAGER – NATIONAL >>
AMPERSAND/NYC, NY: Input and transmit all new orders for the National business. Facilitate communication amongst stakeholders regarding order details, copy and traffic and collaborate with MVPD contacts on order confirmation and campaign activation to ensure all platforms are live. BS/BA Degree required. Full info HERE (6/15)
SALES ASSISTANT >>
REELZ/NYC, NY: Maintain agency accounts including upfront and scatter order entry, campaign changes, and product allocations. Assist Account Executives and work closely with the Director of Inventory Control. Bachelor’s Degree required. Proficient in Excel & PowerPoint. Full info HERE (6/14)
SR. SALES PLANNER >>
REELZ/NYC, NY: Create/revise upfront/scatter media plans, account stewardship & serve as agency liaison. Should be comfortable presenting and cultivating agency relationships. A min. 5 yrs ad sales exp. Strong written and verbal communication skills, strong media math skills. Proficient in Wide Orbit, MS Suite. Full info HERE (6/14)
DIRECTOR GROWTH MARKETING-CONSUMER MARKETING
A+E NETWORKS
NYC, NY
Data-driven digital marketer needed to acquire and retain viewers for the A&E, HISTORY, and Lifetime apps. Own strategy and implementation for retention tactics including email, push notifications, and digital video house ads. Requires 7-10 years of experience, product marketing experience is a plus. Full info HERE (6/14)
LOCAL ACCOUNT MANAGER >>
AMPERSAND/LOS ANGELES, CA: Assist Account Directors with preparation of sales proposals, and work across functional groups such as MVPD’s, Partners, Research, etc. to assist in the creation of client proposals, presentations, and Media Plans. 2-3 years advertising related experience and thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office required. Full info HERE (6/13)
DIGITAL CAMPAIGN MANAGER >>
AMPERSAND/NYC, NY: Review and validate online insertion orders (IO) and obtain all creative materials from Sales and/or Advertisers. Process and transmit all digital orders through Ampersand applications and streamline communication to publishers. Knowledge of ad-serving and verification vendors and Bachelor’s degree required. Full info HERE (6/13)
SALES ASSISTANT
UP ENTERTAINMENT
NYC/NY
Maintain agency accounts including upfront and scatter order entry, inventory moves, and product allocations and Electronic Data Interchange. Assist Account Executives, Sales Planner and Pricing Inventory and compile information for Sales team. B.A. in Communications or equivalent required. Full info HERE (6/13)
PAID SOCIAL ANALYST >>
WARNERMEDIA/NYC or LA or ATLANTA or CHICAGO-currently REMOTE: Implement, plan, and measure paid social media campaigns for sponsored content across the WarnerMedia portfolio. Develop audience insights and analyze campaign performance. 1+ years working experience in paid social, digital marketing or social insights required. Full info HERE (6/12)
SVP, COMMUNICATIONS
OWN
WEST HOLLYWOOD
Design, lead, and manage all internal and external communication for the OWN brand. Work directly with talent, creatives, and more. Must have 15 years exp in comms/PR preferably with media (tv/streaming) exp. Full info HERE (6/12)
SR. MANAGER, PUBLICITY >>
PBS/ARLINGTON, VA: Develop and implement publicity campaigns for PBS primetime programs and digital initiatives. 6+ years exp in communications, publicity, and/or journalism. Broadcast/TV exp strongly preferred. Full info HERE (6/12)
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & REGIONAL MANAGER >>
NEXSTAR/IRVING, TX: Direct oversight of several markets and will report directly to the President of Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. Provide daily management and guidance of multiple General Managers and responsible for the achievement and growth of their assigned markets. Min. of 10 yrs in television management and sales required. Full info HERE (6/11)
QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIAN – BROADCAST
A+E NETWORKS
STAMFORD
Bilingual Spanish Technician needed for the QC of AETN programs prior to Broadcast. Evaluate show and movie master files for technical quality, Standards & Practices, grammar, spelling and closed caption accuracy so AETN content meets network standards and air critical deadlines. Requires 2+ years of related experience and ability to read waveform/vector and audio scopes. Full info HERE (6/11)
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT PRODUCER
MSG SPHERE
LOS ANGELES
Building, nurturing and managing creative talent partnerships for MSG Sphere, working under the direction of the VP Creative Development. Managing talent relationships for multiple simultaneous projects and overseeing relevant budget management. 10+ years’ creative digital experience required. Full info HERE (6/10)
PRODUCTION MANAGER & RESOURCE SCHEDULING
MSG SPHERE
LOS ANGELES
Manage the scheduling of all production and post-production staff and freelancers. Work with departmental leads to plan staffing needs and changes and maintain status of freelancer availability to meet short-term staffing needs. Min of 5 years of experience as a VFX, studio, network or post-production facility scheduler. Full info HERE (6/10)
GAME DIRECTOR
MSG SPHERE
NYC
Defining and ensuring that the creative vision is realized and translated for each project. Establish the creative design direction for all Interactive projects in collaboration with Art and Engineer directors and relevant MSG Ventures executives. Min 10+ years of Game Design Lead or Game Director experience required. Full info HERE (6/10)
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, AGENCY & BRAND SALES >>
KERV INTERACTIVE/CHICAGO AND LA: Build and grow relationships with key decision makers at agencies and brands. Develop and implement a revenue strategy for growing your territory and account list. Drive demand among buyers at agencies and brands. 3-5+ years in digital advertising (or related) sales role required. Full info HERE (6/9)
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, PUBLISHER PARTNERSHIPS >>
KERV INTERACTIVE/NYC AND LA: Develop key strategic partnerships with publishers, providers, and DSPs. Drive demand among partner sales teams and build and grow relationships with key decision makers, including sales and operations. 5+ years in digital advertising (or related) sales role required Full info HERE (6/9)
COORDINATOR, CREATIVE AFFAIRS
JIM HENSON COMPANY
LA
Manage substantial calendar and priority activity for the President of Television. Provide meaningful support to other television staff members. Code department invoices, maintain call sheet and process expense reports. Effective and tactful communication skills required. Full info HERE (6/9)
EXEC PRODUCER
TLC
NYC, LA or MD
Looking for a strong EP to create, produce and manage production across TLC programming. Must have 10+ years creative production experience in female-skewing long form unscripted content space. More info HERE (6/8)
SENIOR MANAGER, PROGRAMMING PAYMENTS
A+E NETWORKS
NYC
Review and process all executed media programming contracts for payment, including produced and acquired programming. Ensure that all payments are completed in a timely fashion per the agreements. Provide support to develop programming cash payment projections. Requires 6+ yrs experience working with contracts. Full info HERE (6/8)
AVID SYSTEM ENGINEER (Temporary)
A+E NETWORKS
NYC
Provide technical support for Production & Post-Production facility including installation, configuration and troubleshooting. Expert-level support experience for AVID Media Composer/Symphony workstations and expert-level support, installation, and configuration experience for the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. Full info HERE (6/8)
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