Kyrie on Team USA, Caitlin Clark $20m, Garcia's Erratic Behaviour, Arsenal Slipping, Golf & High Fashion.
Business and culture news from the world of Sport.
Kyrie Team USA Basketball
Dallas Mavericks Kyrie Irving is absent from the 12-man roster selected for Team USA's men's basketball squad for the upcoming Olympics in Paris.
Reflecting on the news after the Mavericks' practice session on Thursday, Irving, who secured gold with Team USA at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, expressed his sentiments about not making the cut.
"I wish my brothers well. I just didn't mesh well with this team," Irving stated. "The decision-making process was challenging. Nonetheless, I hold nothing but respect for those individuals at USA Basketball."
"At this juncture of my career, I believe my focus should be on winning a championship."
Something I thought was interesting about Kyrie’s interview was the selection process.
"I come from a time when we actually had to earn our spot on the USA Basketball team through tryouts. We gathered as a group, as equals,"
"There was a shared respect that we cultivated while vying for positions, and then identifying which five players complemented each other best. Although the dynamics have shifted, I miss those times of assembling everyone, sharing meals, competing fiercely—and then deliberating at the end of those intense sessions. Even though the final roster was often anticipated."
"I miss the camaraderie of those gatherings. Nevertheless, I extend my best wishes to my colleagues."
I get where he is coming from, there’s one thing knowing all the players and what they’re capable of but sometimes it’s good to see how they work together. Even if you’ve seen them play together before, players change over time and play with new teammates enabling them to adapt their game which may or may not fit with other players in the squad.
You’d think this would be a valuable step in elite sports competition even if you are considered odds-on favourites already.
Preparations for the Olympics will kick off with a training camp scheduled to commence on July 5 in Las Vegas.
Caitlin Clark’s Reported $20M Nike Deal
The WNBA landscape is witnessing a seismic shift with the revelation of Caitlin Clark's monumental shoe deal with Nike. The Indiana Fever standout's impending contract, reported to be north of $20 million or more, is poised to redefine the financial landscape for women's basketball players.
Shams Charania, the renowned NBA insider, dropped the bombshell during an episode of Up & Adams, disclosing that Clark's deal transcends the $10 million mark and is likely to soar past $20 million. While the exact figures are yet to be finalized, the implications of such a lucrative deal are already sending shockwaves through the basketball world.
Clark's journey to securing this groundbreaking agreement saw her courted by industry giants Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas. Reports suggest that Under Armour attempted to enlist her for the Curry Brand, with none other than Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry making a virtual appearance to pitch their case. Adidas also vied for her endorsement, but it was Nike's offer, reportedly in the eight-figure range, that ultimately won her over.
Instinctively, my reaction was that Steph should really show up in person, much like what was said in the above video but it is a busy period in the season so I guess it just wasn’t possible. As someone in the business of recruiting sports talent, I know first-hand the difference it makes when you go out of your way to show a talent you want them.
However, the significance of Clark's deal extends far beyond her individual success. Her deal is setting a new standard for the earning potential of WNBA athletes. The "rising tide raises all ships" adage rings true in this scenario, as Clark's unprecedented deal paves the way for increased visibility and financial opportunities for her fellow WNBA players, both present and future.
The infusion of such substantial sponsorship dollars into women's basketball signals a shifting paradigm, where the talent and marketability of female athletes are recognized and rewarded on par with their male counterparts in commercial deals off the court. Increased attention on Clark and her peers will not only boost viewership and attendance but also elevate the overall profile of the WNBA which benefits all involved.
With Clark leading the next charge, the path to more lucrative endorsement deals for WNBA players becomes clearer, empowering them to secure the recognition and compensation they deserve for their exceptional athleticism and skill. While it may take time for another deal of this magnitude to materialize and player salaries to improve, Clark's landmark Nike agreement catalyzes the continued growth and prosperity of women's basketball, proving that when one player succeeds at the highest level, it benefits the entire league.
Garcia vs Haney: Concerns for Ryan Garcia’s Erratic Behaviour
Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia are poised to settle their longstanding rivalry tonight in a 12-round boxing showdown, with Haney's WBC junior welterweight title up for grabs. The highly anticipated main event will conclude the pay-per-view main card of the Haney vs. Garcia fight at 9 p.m. ET, set to take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Both Haney and Garcia have already made significant strides in their professional boxing careers. Haney boasts the title of a two-division world champion, while Garcia has previously held an interim lightweight title.
However, this exciting matchup is being overshadowed by Garcia’s erratic behaviour both in person and on social media, with some questioning whether the fight should even take place. Others, like boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, suggest it could all be an act to sell the fight (said like a true promoter), which isn’t uncommon but boxers usually try to do it in a way that doesn’t make them look weird.
Ryan has been ranting about the Illuminati and aliens, he’s joked about being “coked out” and this week at the press conference he went from praising Jesus to threatening to sexually assault people’s mothers. He also agreed to a bet that would force him to pay $500,000 for every pound he misses weight by, with no counter bet for Haney. At the weigh-in, he jumped on the scales and downed a bottle of beer, came in overweight and now has to hand his opponent a $1.5 million bet loss.
You know how athlete’s going broke in retirement is an epidemic? Don’t be surprised to see this happen to Garcia in the future if this is the type of business decision he makes. I hope for his sake he smartens up!
Anyway, the fight should be a good matchup and provide some entertainment. My money is on Haney.
Is it Choke Season for Arsenal?
Two weeks ago I wrote about how the English Premier League’s Arsenal has had a reputation for choking in recent years but I suggested that this year they have a little more swagger and I thought they could see it through, it looks like the good ole Arsenal might have appeared last weekend.
Both Arsenal and Liverpool lost their matches handing Manchester City a 2-point lead with 6 games to go. My title may be a bit harsh on Arsenal as it was always going to be a tough game for them against Aston Villa who have been outstanding this season but it does kind of feel like “here we go again”.
Albeit not easy, Manchester City does have the most favoured fixtures remaining to close out the season so I would be surprised if they didn’t finish with the trophy. Having been knocked out of the Champions League this week by Real Madrid, City now have one thing to focus on.
However, it’s far from over, Arsenal were also knocked out of the Champions League so have a single focus and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp is on his version of the last dance with it all to play for. It remains a classic Premier League showdown between 3 giants of the English game so get the popcorn ready.
The Golfication of High Fashion
In a groundbreaking fusion of luxury and sport, Jimmy Choo, renowned for its unmatched high-heeled glamour, has ventured into the world of golf with LA-based Malbon Golf.
At the heart of this collaboration lies a collection saturated with monogram logos, guided by Malbon's iconic "Buckets" mascot, proudly embroidered on various pieces. The shoes and accessories echo this refined aesthetic, enveloped in clean tones that exude sophistication.
For more info, click the Baller Golf article below.
That’s all for this week, thanks for reading, David Skilling.
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