The Pac-12 locked in an extension of its partnership with New York Life that will see the insurance brand continue as the official presenting sponsor of the Pac-12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments, as well as an official sponsor of Pac-12 Olympic Championship events. As presenting sponsor of the two Pac-12 flagship basketball tournaments, New York Life will continue to receive on-court and in-arena branding as well as in-game promotional tie-ins, a full slate of media inventory, and digital assets and tune-in promotions throughout the tournaments on Pac-12 Networks, ESPN and FOX Sports 1. In addition, New York Life will continue to be the presenting sponsor of Pac-12 Networks’ Men’s Basketball Pregame Shows throughout the season.
Speaking of the Pac-12, Conference Commissioner Larry Scott announced the formation of a Pac-12 Task Force designed to propose reforms to protect student-athletes and address “certain systemic issues” threatening college athletics. The announcement comes on the heels of the NCAA’s formation of a Commission on College Basketball and is designed to both support that national effort as well as to explore more broadly related issues and how they could be impacting other sports. The Pac-12 Task Force will be composed of experts from both within and outside the conference, including coaches, athletic administrators, current and former student-athletes, and members of commercial entities involved in recruitment of student-athletes, among other stakeholder groups.
Buffalo Wild Wings is tackling the college football season with a lineup of 20 colleges and universities that will be part of the launch of the B-Dubs Collegiate Collection. The 4-pack pint glass set features the college logo on the front, and Buffalo Wild Wings on the back with participating schools that include: Indiana University, Oregon State University, Rutgers University, Texas A&M University, University of Alabama, University of California Los Angeles, University of Connecticut, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Illinois, University of Kansas, University of Miami, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, University of North Carolina, University of Oklahoma, University of Washington, University of Wisconsin.
The NBC Sports Scores app has now integrated player cards powered by Rotoworld into its schedule and live game features, giving fantasy team owners information in one centralized location. The new player cards are centered around Rotoworld Player news, giving users quick access to the latest up-to-date news and injury status for their players. Player cards also include biographical data and statistics broken down by game, season, and career. In addition, when accessing the “team” page on the app, fans will now receive Rotoworld-based depth charts and player injury status.
Sportradar US, LLC announced that it has acquired MOCAP Analytics, Inc. The acquisition combines Sportradar’s leadership in sports data with MOCAP’s expertise in AI-powered data storytelling. Together they will pursue new opportunities to develop player-tracking data products to engage NBA, NFL and other sports fans.
Sports Illustrated has teamed up with Minute Media, parent company of digital publishing brands 90min, 12up and DBLTAP, for a new content collaboration to enhance SI’s global coverage of soccer on its digital platforms. Under the deal, 90min, the world’s largest and fastest-growing digital football (soccer) platform, will supply Sports Illustrated’s soccer channel, Planet Futbol, with global soccer content developed by 90min’s editorial staff and fan contributors.
Hi-Rez announced plans for a Paladins Console Series that will offer $250,000 in prizes. The Paladins Console Series will be entirely streamed on the Paladins Mixer channel every weekend, with 12 monthly tournaments taking place on both Xbox One and PS4 from through Oct. 2018. Each monthly tournament will feature three weeks of open bracket play, rewarding teams with “Crystals” before the top eight teams in each region qualify.
Millennial Esports Corporation announced that sports executive Bob Reif and his Audible Group will be working with Millennial Esports. “We are extremely excited to have a seasoned executive with the direct sports sector experience of Bob Reif joining our team,” said Igelman. “I’m confident that Bob’s experience as an innovator with leading sports and lifestyle brands will translate well to what we are doing at Millennial.”
The NBA named retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson, the first woman to lead the United States Air Force Academy, has been named Senior Vice President and Head of Referee Operations. She will begin on Oct. 16 and report to President, League Operations Byron Spruell.
Yankees/Astros open play tonight on FS1 at 8p.
