| Good morning! It’s Tuesday, and this is your monthly Cynopsis Sports Newsletter. Happy official start to the summer. |
 BIG3’S BIG MOVES |
| BIG3 is teaming up with iHeartMedia in a major new audio partnership aimed at growing its reach ahead of the league’s eighth season, which tipped off June 14 in Chicago. Under the deal, iHeartRadio becomes the official audio home of BIG3 games, with live play-by-play available via the platform and broad promotion across iHeartMedia’s network, including broadcast radio, podcasts, digital and social. This marks a significant distribution move for the 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded by Ice Cube, who said iHeart’s national footprint and multiplatform flexibility make it the ideal partner to bring the BIG3 to fans. The collaboration also gives iHeartMedia premium branding, including jersey patches on all eight of BIG3’s new city-based franchises and prominent court signage, along with exclusive giveaways, in-arena access and content appearances by players and personalities. For iHeart, the partnership is a play for sports content with cultural currency. “BIG3 represents the kind of innovation, energy and cultural relevance that we believe will resonate with iHeart audiences coast to coast,” said iHeart’s Mike Biondo.
Elsewhere, the BIG3 announced a landmark partnership with the East Asia Super League (EASL), laying the groundwork for a slate of international events across Asia in 2026. “BIG3 was built to change how people experience basketball,” Ice Cube said. “Through this landmark partnership with EASL, we’re taking that mission to Asia and inviting millions more to be part of it. The EASL has done an incredible job elevating the gameplay across Asia and specifically, growing its popularity with young sports fans. This partnership will set the stage for the future of the BIG3 and we can’t wait to bring our game there next year.”
It doesn’t stop there. BIG3 rolled out a new weekly podcast “3s and Ones,” featuring Chris Haynes and Michael Beasley talking about anything from culture to hoops, wild stories and everything in between. The first episode features Ice Cube, Lance Stephenson and Vernon Davis and can be accessed across podcast platforms as well as YouTube. |
| SPORTS MEDIA AWARDS |
| Cynopsis held its 14th annual Sports Media Awards earlier this month at City Winery in New York City, shining a light on those paving the future in sports, media, marketing, technology and beyond. The event was headlined by several luminaries that exemplified what it means to go above and beyond to resonate with their respective audiences. Aflac was named Brand of the Year, while the New York Mets’ collaboration with McDonald’s and Grimace received Brand Collaboration of the Year. Togethxr, a platform dedicated to women’s sports, earned Media Platform of the Year. League of the Year went to Professional Bull Riders, and Monumental Sports & Entertainment was recognized as Media Company of the Year. Fox Sports CEO/EP Eric Shanks was recognized with the Navigator Award, while the Trailblazer Award went to Mike McCarley of TMRW Sports.
“It’s an honor to win an award in a room of sports dignitaries where I’m the only guy wearing a cowboy hat,” PBR CEO/Commissioner Sean Gleason quipped at the event. “When the first 20 bull riders broke away from rodeo and invested $1,000 a piece to start the PBR, they did not have this award in their imagination. On behalf of them, and the thousands of bull riders who have truly shed their blood, sweat and tears to make us what we are today, our great animal athletes, the greatest crew in the business, I want to say thank you.”
Fox Sports CEO/EP Eric Shanks was recognized with the Navigator Award, while the Trailblazer Award went to Mike McCarley of TMRW Sports.
Of course, there were many other honorees who accepted awards in front of a jam-packed crowd. ESPN’s Lindsay Rovegno earned the Production Executive of the Year. DoorDash and MLS’ All-Star 2024 collab was bestowed with the Activation at a Live Event award, while TGL’s SmartPin Cam sunk a hole-in-one for Best Digital Innovation/Technology. Other winners include Nickelodeon’s NFL Wild Card Game Live from Bikini Bottom (Broadcast/Consumer Tech Innovation), “Tom Rinaldi Presents: Sacred Acre” (Documentary Series) and TNT Sports “Unrivaled” (Pregame Show). A full list of winners can be found here. |
| ALL ABOUT WOMEN’S SPORTS |
| FAST platform Pluto TV and All Women’s Sports Network inked a global content partnership to make women’s sports more accessible to viewers for free. AWSN rolled out via Pluto TV in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and the Nordics and features a 24/7 linear stream, which carries more than 2,500 hours of live women’s sports annually in addition to a lineup of on-demand programming. That means fans can tune into competitions and leagues such as the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, FIBA 3×3, WNBL Basketball, H1 Field Hockey, DGPT Pro Disc Golf Tour and more.
“For far too long, incredible women athletes have been competing at the highest levels without the recognition they deserve. AWSN is here to change that,” AWSN co-founder Whoopi Goldberg said. “It’s not just a network—it’s a platform that turns visibility into opportunity, where ambition and performance take center stage, and where young girls and women can see themselves reflected in the power and potential of elite competition.” |
| MEDIA RIGHTS MAYHEM |
| It’s a new dawn for the Pac-12 Conference, which has extended its media rights partnership with CBS Sports through the 2030–31 season. The agreement begins with the 2025 football campaign and positions CBS Sports as the league’s primary media partner as the Pac-12 prepares to welcome six new member schools ahead of the 2026–27 season. The conference also plans to add at least one more all-sports, football-playing member before that time, with additional media partners to be announced. Highlights of the new deal include annual coverage of the Pac-12 Football Championship Game and Men’s Basketball Tournament final on CBS and Paramount+, along with a minimum of three regular-season football and men’s basketball games per season on CBS and Paramount+. Additional CBS Sports Network games will be announced at a later date.
TNT Sports is taking a bigger bite of college football. Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports reports that ESPN is finalizing a deal that’ll expand the sublicense package that it previously agreed to with TNT Sports. The new-look contract will include a CFP semifinal game in each of 2026, 2027 and 2028. The existing deal had TNT hold the rights to two first-round games in addition to a pair of quarterfinal contests starting in 2026.
E.W. Scripps has signed a new multi-year agreement with the WNBA to continue airing regular-season Friday night games on ION, which has served as the league’s national Friday night broadcast home since 2023. This season, ION is airing 50 games this season as part of the WNBA Friday Night Spotlight series. Coverage also includes the “WNBA on ION” studio show, the league’s first weekly studio show dedicated to national game broadcasts. The extension follows a 2024 season where average viewership for WNBA Friday Night Spotlight grew 133% year over year, reaching more than 23 million unique viewers across game and studio coverage. |
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| CYNOPSIS SCREENSHIFT
Confirmed speakers just dropped
Former FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, Samantha Rose (Horizon Media), Greg Stuart (MMA Global), and Helen Katz (Publicis Media) are taking the ScreenShift stage. Join media’s sharpest minds as they tackle the future of streaming, personalization, and AI.
One day. One stage. One powerful speaker lineup.
VIEW THE AGENDA |
| GETTING TECHNICAL |
| Monumental Sports & Entertainment signed a new multi-year partnership with Cisco with the goal of turning the forthcoming Capital One Arena into a more advanced venue. The deal spans across the entire Monumental ecosystem—including the Wizards, Capitals, Mystics and Monumental Sports Network—and is centered around a full suite of Cisco’s networking and media technologies. At the heart of the partnership is the new Cisco Command Center, an operations hub that will power everything from fan engagement and live production to network performance and arena logistics. The next-gen arena, currently under construction in downtown D.C., will be one of the first to adopt Cisco WiFi 7, enabling high-speed, low-latency connectivity throughout the venue. Cisco’s IP Fabric for Media will also support 4K video delivery both in-arena and to viewers tuning in via Monumental Sports Network. Other innovations include Cisco Spaces for real-time venue analytics, Wipro VisionEDGE for dynamic signage across 1,200+ screens, and Cisco ThousandEyes to monitor network performance across all connected systems—both owned and third-party. Additionally, the Wizards will use Cisco’s Wharf Customer Experience Center as draft HQ during the 2025 NBA Draft.
ShotTracker has partnered with ASB GlassFloor to integrate its real-time analytics and graphics capabilities into ASB’s high-tech LED basketball courts. The collaboration includes the installation of ShotTracker’s Helix system at ASB’s Athlete’s Lab in Orlando, a training and innovation space regularly used by NBA teams and other pro sports organizations. This marks the first time ShotTracker’s data visualization tools will appear directly within ASB’s glass-panel floors, creating new opportunities for player development, coaching, fan engagement and in-game marketing. The system will deliver live analytics tailored to individual sports and allow for interactive displays that can be updated dynamically during gameplay or drills. |
| RATINGS REPORT |
| ESPN had quite the ratings from its coverage of the 2025 Women’s College World Series. This year’s tournament was the most-watched WCWS on record with 1.3 million viewers. The final, which saw Texas hold off Texas Tech, posted 2.2 million viewers across the three games. However, the winner-take-all Game 3 came in at 2.4 million. Overall WCWS viewership was up 24% YOY and eight games topped 1 million viewers. The tournament at-large had 591,000 viewers, a 3% improvement YOY. |
| PARTNER UP |
| PUMA is giving the world’s game a new brushstroke with the launch of its PUMA x KidSuper collection. The collaboration, anchored by artist-designer Colm Dillane (aka KidSuper), reimagines kits and boots for seven of PUMA’s global partner clubs. Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, Palmeiras, Mamelodi Sundowns, Al-Hilal, FC Salzburg and Monterrey each got a unique makeover, with kits featuring hand-drawn graphics, watercolor palettes and culturally resonant storytelling. Each club also got a custom goalkeeper kit, alongside full lifestyle lines that include tees, jackets and retro shirts. The collection extends to footwear, with special edition FUTURE, ULTRA and KING boots wrapped in vivid designs that reflect KidSuper’s signature aesthetic: creativity for FUTURE, speed for ULTRA and control for KING.
MLB is working with Jomboy Media entered a partnership to collab on digital content, event activations and IP development. Jomboy Media’s fan-focused storytelling will be integrated across MLB’s digital platforms, in addition to launching new content around league events such as the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby.
International Money Express, or “Intermex” for short, is linking up with the New York Red Bulls in a new partnership that’ll help it connect with Latino communities across the Northeast. The collaboration will include in-stadium activations, cultural events and community outreach, highlighting the central role soccer plays in Latino households. With Latinos making up nearly 70% of MLS viewership, the Red Bulls partnership gives Intermex a direct channel to engage with its core customer base through one of the most culturally resonant sports in the U.S.
The ECHL has tapped newly formed Sports Business Advisors (SBA) in a strategic effort to elevate league revenue, bolster brand visibility and unlock fresh corporate partnership opportunities. Under the partnership, SBA will serve as the official sales agency and consulting advisor for the league, offering strategic counsel across business operations and spearheading sponsorship growth, including support for key tentpole events like the ECHL All-Star Game and Kelly Cup Playoffs. SBA was founded in 2024 by veteran sports industry executives Mark Piazza, Mike Santos and Steve Violetta.
USA Fencing is joining forces with Spike Lab, a startup incubator designed for high school students. The collaboration offers fencing families a pathway to build real-world ventures like nonprofits, startups or research initiatives, while balancing the demanding schedules of student-athletes. Participants are paired with experienced mentors who meet with them weekly online, helping them develop an idea, navigate execution and ultimately launch a tangible initiative. |
| HAVE A BALL |
 PUMA is stepping into the Premier League spotlight with the debut of its first official match ball for the 2025/26 season, the Orbita Ultimate PL. It’s the start of a new multi-year partnership with the world’s most-watched football league. The ball will debut this July during the Premier League Summer Series in the U.S. and take center stage when the league kicks off Aug. 16. Beyond the match ball, PUMA and the Premier League will work together on a range of grassroots and community initiatives, including Premier League Kicks, women’s football development and anti-racism efforts. |
| ‘IT’S AWESOME, BABY!’ |
| ESPN Events and the Charlotte Sports Foundation unveiled the Dick Vitale Invitational, a new annual men’s college basketball event honoring Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale. The inaugural matchup features Texas vs. Duke on Nov. 4, 2025, at Spectrum Center in Charlotte and will air on ESPN. Coinciding with the announcement, ESPN has signed Vitale to a new multi-year contract through the 2027–28 season, extending his tenure to nearly 50 years. Vitale joined ESPN in 1979 and has called more than 1,000 games. |
| Cynopsis Media Impact Awards
Tech that makes a difference
From AI-fueled accessibility tools to campaigns driving civic engagement through smart data, the Media Impact Awards spotlight innovation that resonates.
Categories include:
– Best AI/Machine Learning Application in Ad Tech
– Best CTV Platform
– Outstanding Brand Safety Strategy
ENTER TODAY |
| MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS |
| Amazon Ads, the Ad Council, and Huntsman Mental Health Foundation have teamed up on a new initiative aimed at spotlighting the connection between mental wellness and personal achievement. Dubbed “The Mind Set,” the campaign blends storytelling, interactivity and Amazon’s digital ecosystem to promote mental health through the lens of elite athletes. Front and center are Skylar Diggins, Laurie Hernandez and Chaunté Lowe, three Olympians and champions who share their mental health journeys in new PSAs available via YourMindIsTheMVP.com. The site offers visitors the chance to engage with curated mental health tools, while exploring symbolic personal items chosen by each athlete to reflect their emotional growth, like Diggins’ childhood basketball or Lowe’s cancer-survivor bell. |
| IMPACT AWARD |
| Jalen Rose will receive the 2025 Ice Cube Impact Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and Ice Cube, in recognition of his longstanding commitment to education and community service. The award, created in 2024, honors individuals making meaningful contributions through basketball. Rose, a former NBA player and current TV analyst, founded the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JRLA) in Detroit and actively supports college scholarships, youth programs and civic initiatives. JRLA offers AP courses, college tours, summer programs and dual-enrollment opportunities. Rose is also a volunteer Board Member for the NBA Players Association Foundation and partners with New Era Detroit, which focuses on community engagement, resource distribution and safety initiatives. |
| GIVING BACK |
 FanDuel donated $25,000 to Cardinals Care to help with St. Louis tornado relief from the storms that took place May 16. Kay Adams, who hosts “Up & Adams” on FanDuel TV and FanDuel Sports Network, was on hand with the FanDuel Sports Midwest crew for a special pregame broadcast on June 6. The donation will help recovery initiatives that directly support families and communities.
FanDuel also donated $25,000 to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to support tornado relief efforts. The donation was made in collaboration with the popular podcast “Bussin’ With The Boys,” which features Missouri native and former NFL player Will Compton alongside fellow former NFLer Taylor Lewan. |
| MOVING TRUCKS |
| “Get Up” and “First Take” have begun broadcasting from ESPN’s new New York headquarters at 7 Hudson Square in Lower Manhattan. ESPN Radio’s “UnSportsmanLike” is also transitioning to the new space. The shows left ESPN’s Seaport Studios, their home since 2018. The move brings upgraded production capabilities and closer collaboration across Disney’s New York-based teams. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| LIV Golf hired Chris Heck for the newly created role of President, Business Operations. Heck will oversee LIV Golf’s business operations execution on a global scale, reporting to CEO Scott O’Neil. Heck has experience with the NBA, MLS and Premier League, having made stops with Aston Villa FC, the 76ers and New York Red Bulls.
All Sports Television Network named veteran entertainment and IP attorney Donald Wilson, Jr. to its Board of Directors. Wilson brings decades of experience across music, film, television and sports, including executive roles with Quincy Jones Productions and legal positions with various firms. He played a key role in projects like “We Are the World,” “The Color Purple” and Michael Jackson’s albums “Thriller” and “Bad.” |
| ON THIS DAY |
| 1947: Baseball icon Jackie Robinson stole home for the first of 19 times in his career. The run helped the Brooklyn Dodgers defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 4-2.
1991: The NHL adopted instant replay, in addition to making the final minute of every period measured in tenths of a second.
1992: The NBA Draft took place, with Shaquille O’Neal going first overall to the Orlando Magic. Other notable names taken in that year’s draft include Alonzo Mourning, Christian Laettner, Tom Gugliotta and Latrell Sprewell.
2010: John Isner defeated Nicolas Mahut at the 2010 Wimbledon Championships. The match took 11 hours and five minutes of play over the course of three days, finishing with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (9), 7-6 (7), 70-68. It remains the longest tennis match in history, both in terms of duration and number of games (183).
2024: The Florida Panthers won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in Game 7. The two would meet again in the finals a year later, with Florida repeating as the victors. |
EVP, COMMERCIAL & TECHNOLOGY TRANSACTIONS, LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS >>
A+E GLOBAL MEDIA/NY(HYBRID): Oversee the three major areas of commercial transactions (comprised of supporting the Distribution, Total Media Solutions and Global Content Sales divisions) and the adjacent areas supported by the attorney teams that principally support those divisions (including vendor management and privacy). Full info HERE
SR. DIRECTOR OF SALES, KSTU & KUPX >>
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CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER>>
ORIGIN/NY(HYBRID): Overseeing full time sales team of 2 remote sellers, an account director, a sales operations manager and sales strategist. Accelerating the adoption of award-winning suite of CTV ad formats. Ensuring we exceed our current targets and ultimately making sure we continue growing at the pace we are in an increasingly competitive market. Full Info HERE.
DIGITAL MEDIA BUYER >>
FURMAN ROTH ADVERTISING/NY(HYBRID): Plan, launch, and optimize digital marketing campaigns across various paid media channels (including Display, Google products, Paid Social, CTV, and Programmatic, etc.) while managing budgets effectively. Support the execution of media plans across platforms, overseeing targeting, budget allocation, and performance tracking to drive campaign success. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR; CTV BRAND PARTNERSHIPS – MID WEST/WEST COAST
FUTURE TODAY
REMOTE
Build, maintain and expand a pipeline of sales targets, contacts, and sales opportunities leveraging your relationships with a heavy focus on new business revenue. Build/nurture relationships with the investment, strategy, precision and digital agencies as well as clients. Also maintain an ongoing knowledge of the streaming media landscape. Full info HERE
DIRECTOR, AD MARKETING & SALES >>
THE SHADE ROOM/REMOTE: Develop and execute a revenue growth strategy to drive direct advertising, branded content, and sponsorship sales as well as lead the development of compelling advertising and branded content offerings tailored for TSR’s audience and cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key advertisers, media agencies, and brand partners. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DIRECT RESPONSE >>
OPPORTUNITY MEDIA/NY(REMOTE/HYBRID): Seeking an energetic achiever with excellent written & organizational skills for role to assist in growing revenue for dynamic Direct Response Team: required: BA Degree, Min 2 yrs DR Experience. Wide Orbit Exp a +. Full info HERE
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MARIST UNIVERSITY/ POUGHKEEPSIE, NY: Teach studio and field broadcasting and new media courses in sports media and journalism as well as be able to teach a studio course on producing a newscast and help students live stream a podcast or produce short-form feature content suitable for social media streaming. Also demonstrate through their teaching, professional activity, and service. Full info HERE
SALES LEAD – AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS
UPWAVE
NEW YORK, NY
Build and manage relationships with our agency partners – mostly targeting media buyers and planners – and help them see the value of adding Upwave measurement to The Trade Desk campaigns. You will both leverage your existing network and open new doors to achieve aggressive but achievable sales targets. Full info HERE |
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