North America
PGA of America extends CEO contract
The PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) of America’s board of directors has approved a five-year contract extension through to 2018 for CEO Pete Bevacqua.
NHL franchises valued at $413m on average
National Hockey League (NHL) franchises are worth $413 million on average, up 46 per cent from last year.
MLS franchises valued at $103m on average
Major League Soccer (MLS) franchises are worth $103 million on average, up 175 per cent in value over the last five years.
UFC tempts legalisation bid with $135m injection
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) CEO Lorenzo Fertitta has renewed mixed martial arts (MMA)’s bid to become legal in New York, by saying that it would generate $135 million in annual economic activity for the state.
F1’s Circuit of The Americas CEO resigns
The Circuit of The Americas (COTA) CEO Steve Sexton has resigned, with its president Jason Dial assuming the role.
MLS names new Orlando franchise
Major League Soccer (MLS) has awarded Orlando an expansion franchise to begin its inaugural season in 2015.
Q&A: New MLS franchise owner Flavio Augusto da Silva
Majority owner of new Major League Soccer (MLS) Orlando expansion franchise Orlando City Soccer Club, Brazilian entrepreneur Flavio Augusto da Silva, spoke exclusively to SportBusiness International this month about his plans for the team.
Super Bowl to pay volunteers to avoid lawsuit
Organisers of next year’s National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl have decided to pay a group of ‘volunteers’ during the event, following legal action by unpaid workers against Major League Baseball (MLB).
Taxpayers to fund $300m for MLS Braves stadium
Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise Atlanta Braves will receive a $300-million contribution from taxpayers to fund its new $672-million stadium in Cobb County.
LeBron James plans Beckham partnership in MLS
National Basketball Association (NBA) star LeBron James plans to invest in soccer legend David Beckham’s proposed Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise in Miami.
NASCAR appoints former Pepsi director
Racing series NASCAR has appointed Kenny Mitchell managing director of brand and consumer marketing.
New MLS franchise hires three VPs
Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise New York City Football Club (NYCFC) has appointed three vice-presidents ahead of its inaugural 2015 season.
Two US cities join World Equestrian Games bid race
Wellington and Kentucky have joined Bromont/Montreal with bids for the 2018 FEI (International Equestrian Federation) World Equestrian Games.
PGA’s Northern Trust Open appoints executive director
The PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association)’s Northern Trust Open has appointed O.D. Vincent as executive director.
USOC chief gets 10% salary increase
The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has renewed CEO Scott Blackmun’s contract for another four years.
MLB’s Atlanta Braves set to move to $672m stadium
Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise Atlanta Braves is leaving its Turner Field venue and moving into a new 42,000-seat, $672-million stadium complex in Cobb County in 2017.
ESPN postpones inaugural Austin X Games
ESPN has postponed its Austin X Games originally due to take place in May next year, following the scrapping of its international events last month.
PGA Championship purse increases to $10m
The PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) of America has increased the PGA Championship’s purse to $10 million, which will equal that of The Players Championship as the highest in professional golf.