In the spirit of March Madness and for all you UCONN men’s basketball, NCAA men’s basketball trivia “experts” and those who just need an inspirational “kick in the pants” check out my men’s NCAA men’s basketball documentary film, Jim Calhoun: Born To Lead streaming on Amazon Prime
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Next time you see me, I promise, I will share all the stories and back stories that didn’t make the final cut. Go UCONN !!!
Love #Caitlinclark and what she is doing for the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association), as I know my friend Amy Siskind does*
However, #AngelReese is not wrong here regarding the increased interest in the WBNA IMO: https://lnkd.in/eB4TSwZY (start at 7:45 mark)
Rivalries, characters, and controversy creates = #cash. It's not about being fake, but it is about interesting stories, marketing, and narratives.
Some people used to say that the lower money and viewership from the #wnba (vs. #NBA) was possibly due to some bias or something. I can't speak for the audience world-wide, but generally speaking, I doubt it. It's 2024 and called the free market. Now after Clark has become a record-breaker and superstar, you don't hear those arguments that much. Weird huh, lol?
Clark is most analogous to #tigerwoods, being so amazingly good and bringing in millions of new fans to a previously smaller-audience pro sport.
Now, even non-fans know who #Caitlinclark and #Angelreese are, and I would guess more people can name Clark then the starting 5 for say then even the legendary National Basketball Association (NBA) franchises of the Los Angeles Lakers or Boston Celtics. THAT'S why you get a $20M+ deal from Nike!
Major League Baseball (MLB) wasn't doing so hot until the Oakland Athletics#bashbrothers and their cross-town rivalry with the San Francisco Giants and #barrybonds. Some say they "saved" baseball. The PGA needed #tigerwoods IMO. Roger Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Serena Williams made ATP Tour way more interesting. The point is, it's not about sports, per se, it's about the people and athletic greatness.
This reminds me of a conversation I had with #Chaelsonnen and some other Ultimate Fighting Championship pros (later followed up with a video) regarding these principles, before Chael became "The Bad Guy" or the Connor McGregor competed in MMA ;). Not aledging anything, but interesting timing to be sure (check the tape/timing) IMO ;) and I had already successfully launched several "characters" (which takes a balance of unique branding and authenticity (i.e. different "versions" of you)), etc. on YouTube ("The Super Genius," "The Game God," "The Political Expert," "4-Time National Champion," etc.)
I've talked about this on my radio show before and may expound on it further at a later date.
The reality is, it is super competitive in the media/entertainment/social media space and you need to be extraordinary to stand out, Clark is that, but AR def helped add to that storyline and overall fan interest IMO being a rival/foil for Clark.
The fact that AR knows this and leans into it shows her marketing savvy in 2024 IMO, even though Clark is a much better player, but together 1=1=3 or 5 (synergy). Good stuff AR!
This could get interesting, #getyourpopcorn!
*(what's good Amy? You're crushing it as usual, and yes peeps who think differently on politics can be cool, that used to be a thing, crazy I know, lol).
Can you believe that the NFL's $110 billion worth of media rights deals are - somehow - undervalued?
My story on how the NFL is helping push up Paramount's value.
Also in The Varsity:
* Cable operators take to D.C. to bash Spulu.
* What does Diamond need to do to emerge from bankruptcy?
* How will the A's local media deal change when the team moves to Sacramento?
* Iger on ESPN.
* What's behind Fox Sports' move to get into postseason college basketball?
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In the world of basketball, there are players who leave an indelible mark on the game, not just through their exceptional skills on the court but also through their impact on the culture and community. A’ja Wilson is one such player, and her jersey has become a symbol of excellence and inspiration in the world of sports. In this article, we will delve into the significance of the A’ja Wilson jersey, explore her incredible journey, and answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this basketball legend.
LSU-Iowa rematch averaged 12.3M viewers and peaked at 16.1M viewers - becoming the most watched college basketball game EVER on ESPN. What a night for our partners!
That’s more than:
• Every women's college basketball game ever
• Every ESPN college basketball game ever
• Every MLB game last season
• Every NHL game last season
• Every MLS game last season
• Every NBA game last season except one
• Every CFB regular season game last season except one
Back with another episode of Cutting It Up With Cade, this time Cade Cunningham gives us the backstory on the start of his basketball career. Check it out!
Dana Schmitt, President at United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL), shares a personal story about leaving her law career in Chicago to pursue a passion for working in sports. This short clip focuses on the importance of choosing a career path that brings joy and fulfillment over financial gain, emphasizing the long-term benefits of following one's passion.
To hear more about Dana story, click the link in the comments.
A truly exceptional documentary produced with love and respect for the game and the man.