This article was originally published on April 12th, 2019.
Here is this week's dose of “5-Point Friday”. A weekly round-up of the sports news and stories that I find most interesting and enjoyable.
Article I'm reading -
Sponsorship spending to hit $66 billion worldwide, but most firms don’t know if it really works, by Lucy Handley (@lucyhandley), was shared with me by Scott Gwartz the Director of Corporate Partnerships at the LA Clippers. The article highlights that only 19% of sponsorship professionals say they can measure ROI, on their sports-related partnerships, despite the billions of dollars being spent.
Baseball news that concerns me -
The Trump administration has canceled an agreement that allowed Cuban baseball stars to sign with American teams. The deal meant players no longer had to defect from communist Cuba to join MLB teams. The original deal signed in December would have allowed players to reach the US without resorting to human traffickers.
Athlete I'm learning about -
Reema Juffali (@reemajuffali) is Saudi Arabia's first female racing driver, making her Formula 4 British Championship last weekend. The 27-year-old will drive for defending champions Double R Racing alongside Louis Foster and Sebastian Alvarez. She made her competitive racing debut in October 2018, just months after Saudi Arabia lifted a ban on female drivers.
Soccer news I am paying attention to -
Major discussions took place between some of Europe’s leading clubs over the future format of the Champions League which includes the introduction of a qualification co-efficient that favors historical powers, when the current broadcast deal runs out in 2024. The French Football League (LFP) has followed Premier League clubs in voicing concerns about proposed changes by UEFA. Their fear is the increase of group-stage games in the Champions League from, from six to 14, would affect the schedule of the domestic leagues.
Basketball news that interests me -
The WNBA announced a new look for its 2019 season. Releasing a new logo, a new multi-year partnership, with AT&T, and a new slogan, “Make Way.” According to a statement released by the WNBA, the moves are part of the league’s efforts to make their presence known both on and off the court. "
The WNBA is showing the world what basketball is on our terms," the statement said. "With a new look, new voice, and a whole new approach to storytelling, we’re elevating not just the game but also the social and pop culture movements around it."
"We’re making space for our game, our players and our fans to shine and show the world who we really are – badass ballers and dynamic women who challenge convention and shape culture.” There is also a new promotional video to go with the new slogan that, as the WNBA tweeted, displays the “new vibe” of the league.
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Jonathan
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