We are four games through the NBA Finals and they certainly have not disappointed. ESPN announced today that this year’s NBA Finals is the most watched and highest-rated ever on ABC through four games. Last week Saturday, history was made as American Pharoah won the Belmont Stake. He became the first horse in 37 years to win the Triple Crown. I want to extend a big congratulations to the American Pharoah team and my friend, Ben Sturner, as his company, Leverage Agency, handles all the marketing, sponsorship, and licensing for American Pharoah. Darren broke down one of the major sponsorship deals Ben secured for American Pharoah this week on FORBES: (1) For American Pharoah It’s Wheels Up To The Finish Line; (2) Arn Tellem To Lead Possible Pistons Move To Downtown Detroit; (3) Dellavedova Drives Donations During 2015 NBA Finals. And, as always, the weekly wrap-up:
Basketball
- Another business venture in fashion for Westbrook [Westbrook Frames, NBA team up for new eyewear series]
- Whether intentional or not, this will cause some agents to drop out of the business [Agent says NBA union’s fee hike could drive some out of business]
- I’m not mad about this [Nike Wins $1 Billion Contract With NBA as Adidas Walks Away]
- Melo goes to his father’s birthplace to make an investment [Carmelo Anthony Becomes a Soccer Team Owner in Puerto Rico]
Football
- I personally love reading Joel Corry’s contract breakdowns [Agent’s Take: A contract solution for Russell Wilson and the Seahawks]