Sources said the American Athletic Conference expects membership applications from six schools this week as it considers expansion: Florida Atlantic, Charlotte, North Texas, UTSA, Rice and UAB. The acceptance of the schools, which is generally seen as a formality in these situations, would grow the conference to 14 teams in football and basketball, and fill the void left by the impending departures of Cincinnati, UCF and Houston for the Big 12. (Yahoo Sports)
Fox Corp. is nearing a deal to acquire the English-language media rights to the UEFA European Championship in 2024 and 2028, according to several sources, rights that the Walt Disney Co.'s ESPN has held since 2008. UEFA was reportedly believed to be seeking $300 million for the rights to the next two editions of the quadrennial event, and the Fox deal would also include UEFA Nations League and European qualifiers. (Sports Business Journal)
Washington State University dismissed second-year football coach Nick Rolovich, along with four of his assistants, for failing to comply with a state requirement that all educational employees be either fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have received an exemption approval. WSU athletic director Pat Chun said Rolovich, who was the only head coach in major college football to publicly say he wouldn't get vaccinated, was fired "for cause" and therefore won't receive the $4.4 million buyout included in his contract. (USA Today)
COLLEGE SPORTS
SEC fines Tennessee Volunteers $250K for fan behavior at end of loss to Ole Miss Rebels Chris Low, ESPN
The Southeastern Conference announced Monday that it was assessing Tennessee a $250,000 fine in the aftermath of fans throwing bottles and other debris onto the field last Saturday at Neyland Stadium near the end of Volunteers' 31-26 loss to Ole Miss.
NIL Firm Student Athlete Empowerment Eyes Links to Brands, Donors Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico
A group of college sports entrepreneurs is launching a new company aimed at helping brands and boosters connect with college athletes on marketing deals. Called Student Athlete Empowerment (SAE), the company is positioning itself as a school-friendly option for local companies and big donors who want to spend money with their athletes.
Wasserman to rep UCLA's Jaime Jaquez Jr. for NIL rights Liz Mullen, Sports Business Journal
Wasserman has signed UCLA G Jaime Jaquez Jr., who also played for the Mexican national basketball team, for NIL representation. Jaquez will be repped by NBA agent Greg Lawrence and the Wasserman talent marketing team.
