Momentum is reportedly growing around a non-exclusive extension of the NFL's deal allowing DirecTV to carry its "Sunday Ticket" out-of-market package in the wake of AT&T Inc.'s spinoff of the pay-TV provider. The NFL is reportedly now negotiating directly with DirecTV executives, who are inclined to stay in business with the league, suggesting the league could maintain a relationship with DirecTV while adding a streaming service to its "Sunday Ticket" distribution strategy. (Sports Business Journal)
Reps. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-N.Y.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell seeking documents related to the league's investigation of workplace harassment and misconduct within the Washington Football Team organization, stating that the league's "lack of transparency" sets a "troubling precedent for other workplaces." The league did not immediately commit to turning over the documents, saying it shares Maloney's concern and looks forward to "speaking to her office soon." (The New York Times)
The American Athletic Conference officially announced the addition of Charlotte, FAU, North Texas, Rice, UAB and UTSA — all former members of Conference USA — in a move that grows the league to 14 schools in both football and basketball. The AAC's expansion comes in response to the Big 12's poaching of Cincinnati, Houston and Central Florida. (The Athletic)
Cincinnati Athletics to implement new ticket prices and system preceding Big 12 move Landon Bartlett, The News Record
Under the initiative, given the slogan "Day One Ready," season ticket holders are likely to see a 7% to 20% increase in cost - the first price increase at Nippert Stadium since 2015. These prices are aimed to match pricing levels throughout the Big 12 and could increase more in the future.
WME Sports signs top incoming CBB freshman for NIL representation Liz Mullen, Sports Business Journal
WME Sports has signed Gonzaga C Chet Holmgren for exclusive NIL representation. Carlos Fleming will serve as his lead agent. Holmgren selected WME Sports to handle his NIL work after he and his family went through a formal NIL agent selection process.
State-by-state rating system gives college recruits road map to evaluate NIL laws Liz Clarke, The Washington Post
The National College Players Association's "Official NIL Ratings" debuted Thursday. It gives each state a grade on a scale of 0 to 100 percent, with the top marks accorded to states with laws granting college athletes the greatest freedom to negotiate and sign NIL deals.
