Courtside's The 4th Quarter

LEAGUES & TEAMS Photo: Saudi’s sovereign wealth fund PIF withdraws funding from LIV Golf for future seasons. LIV Golf faces potential collapse as Saudi’s PIF withdraws funding, forcing search for new investors (Apr. 30th) Public Investment Fund to end financial backing after 2026, signaling end of LIV’s current model after billions spent on player contracts and global expansion League exploring outside capital to survive, while players face uncertain futures with limited, costly, and case-by-case paths back to PGA Tour [ WSJ ] NFL partners with Skydance Sports to launch film, TV, and streaming content studio (Apr.

27) Venture will produce scripted films and series (including Madden biopic and Browns-based Hulu show) to expand beyond core football audience Builds on NFL Films’ archive and production capabilities, aiming to turn league IP into premium entertainment across theatrical and streaming platforms [ LA Times ] KKR invests in MLS NEXT Pro, a developmental league for emerging players and MLS affiliates, forming new platform to scale clubs, stadiums, and fan experience (Apr. 30th) Investment creates Hometown Soccer Holdings to drive expansion, including new club brands, soccer-specific venues, and local market development Capital will accelerate player pipeline (250+ MLS call-ups to date) while expanding league footprint beyond MLS affiliates into independent teams and new cities [ MLS ] NBA in talks with regulators and prediction market operators on potential partnership framework (Apr. 27th) League discussing memorandum of understanding with CTFC, signaling formal path toward integrating prediction markets Parallel talks ongoing with Kalshi and Polymarket around data and licensing deals, with stricter integrity controls expected vs.

traditional sports betting [ SBJ ] MLS exploring relocation of Vancouver Whitecaps as stadium and ownership challenges intensify (Apr. 27th) League evaluating sale and potential move, with Las Vegas and Phoenix groups showing interest amid ongoing search for buyers Economic issues at BC Place (limited revenue, scheduling constraints) cited as core barrier despite strong on-field performance [ ESPN ] Adidas to invest ~$117M into Bundesliga as part of expanded partnership and long-term growth push (Apr. 28th) Funds central marketing initiatives across the league’s 36 clubs, aimed at boosting global competitiveness and long-term development Deal also extends Adidas’ match ball partnership through 2034, deepening its financial and commercial ties to German football [ SBJ ] LAFC offers to sell Grasshopper Club Zurich just two years after acquisition amid fan protests (Apr.

28th) Open to partial or full sale after acquiring ~90% stake in 2024, citing ongoing financial losses and reliance on external funding Move follows intense supporter backlash and poor on-field performance, with club near relegation in Swiss top league [ The Athletic ] University of Nebraska approves $600M Memorial Stadium renovation to modernize football program (Apr. 24th) “Big Red Rebuild” will overhaul stadium infrastructure, funded by ~$250M in donations and ~$350M in private bonds Project reduces capacity to ~65K during construction before settling around 80K, with major upgrades to premium seating and fan experience [ Nebraska Public Media ] ↓ STARTUPS & VENTURE CAPITAL Photo: MLS announces their third Innovation Lab cohort. MLS unveils third Innovation Lab cohort featuring AI-driven sports tech startups (Apr.