I had a blast in Dublin, Ireland, where I was able to truly explore the business of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and its global expansion, along with experiencing a part of the world that I had never traveled. Thanks to agent Audie Attar for helping with logistics of the trip. A little bit more than a month in with the creation of HEITNER LEGAL, and I could not have asked for a better start. Thanks for all the support to date. This week on FORBES: (1) University Of Arkansas Trademarks The Hog Call; (2) Conor McGregor’s Agent On Accomplishments And Challenges For UFC And His Firm; (3) The UFC Has A Great Problem In Dublin; (4) Sports Authority Strikes Deal To Sell Its First Football Helmet Accessory; and (5) Carmelo Anthony’s Venture Capital Firm Invests In Smart Kitchen Company. And as always, the weekly wrap-up:
Baseball
- No. 1 overall pick failed to sign with team [Brady Aiken’s adviser rips Astros as team can’t reach deal with picks].
- This would be such a shame [Brady Aiken’s College Eligibility Might Be In Jeopardy].
Football
- Chicago or Los Angeles on the horizon? [Sports Agents Discuss Relocation Of 2015 NFL Draft]
- That time of the year when hundreds converge on Washington D.C. [NFLPA exam week thoughts].
Basketball
- Creative, but kosher? [Josh Huestis’ agent proposed delaying rookie contract]
Sports Business
- This could be huge [Lil Wayne Reportedly Starting Sports Agency with Cristiano Ronaldo as 1st Client].
- 15-year IMG vet David Abrutyn is on to the next one [Another Exec Leaves Ari Emanuel’s IMG: Growing Pains or ‘A Slow Motion Car Crash’?].
Sports Law
- In-depth article on lawyer taking on the NCAA [Game changer].