Sports Business Journal’s Post

The Portland Sea Dogs, Double-A affiliate of the Red Sox, have announced a multiyear naming rights deal with Delta Dental, renaming the team’s stadium to Delta Dental Park at Hadlock Field ⚾ The new name will be showcased on the 6,868-seat stadium’s facade and throughout the ballpark, which has been a fixture in coastal Maine since 1994. As part of the deal, Delta Dental will sponsor fan events, including the Sea Dogs’ annual Fan Festival, and will donate 20 tickets to local nonprofits for each of the 69 regular season home games. (via Bret McCormick) #SportsBusiness #StadiumNaming #DeltaDental #PortlandSeaDogs #FanEngagement

On a sunny game day outside Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Joe Castiglione stepped out in style, wearing his iconic Maus & Hoffman Panama hat and Cool Grey Air Jordan 11s 🏈 For 26 years, Castiglione has led the athletic department with dedication, playing a key role in Oklahoma's historic move from the Big 12 to the SEC. His journey includes being named Sports Business Journal’s 2009 Athletic Director of the Year, yet he remains humble and focused on the team's success. During Oklahoma’s first home SEC game against Tennessee, he showcased his charm and leadership, reminding us that connecting with fans is all about shared moments of joy. Read more from Ben Portnoy ⬇️ https://ow.ly/jkcI50TBiIm

"College sports are in a time of transformation. From NIL to the transfer portal, athletic departments must rethink how they commercialize their IP." Christy Hedgpeth, president at Playfly Sports, discusses the changing landscape of the college sports business space and why this is such a transformative time. #SportsBusiness #CollegeAthletics #NIL #Leadership #Transformation

Shoe brand CREATIVE CONTROL has named WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) Aces guard Sydney Colson as its first signature athlete 🏀 Colson's shoe features a unique design incorporating peace signs, smiley faces, and hearts, reflecting her fun personality. Upcoming colorways include an Las Vegas Aces version and designs inspired by her hometown of Houston and her favorite show, "The Boondocks." #WNBA #SydneyColson #CreativeControl #Basketball

The Salt Lake City Council has unanimously approved and funded Smith Entertainment Group's (SEG) plan to remodel Delta Center—home of the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club—and develop the surrounding blocks into a vibrant sports and entertainment district. The city will invest $900M into the project, including $525M for arena renovations and $325M for the district. SEG has pledged a minimum of $3B. The remodel will transform Delta Center to accommodate the arrival of an NHL franchise, with upgrades expanding its hockey seating capacity. Renovations will occur in phases, set to complete by the 2027-28 NBA and NHL seasons. The surrounding district will include a large public plaza, hotel, residential high-rises, retail and restaurants, and a revitalized Salt Palace Convention Center, all slated for completion before the 2034 Winter Olympics return to Salt Lake City. #SportsBusiness #ArenaDevelopment #SaltLakeCity #UtahJazz #NHL #EntertainmentDistrict (via Alex Silverman)

USA Today’s Christine Brennan defended her question to Connecticut Sun's DiJonai Carrington about her foul on Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark, following criticism from the WNBPA calling her "unprofessional." On CNN, Brennan discussed her interaction with Carrington and emphasized her role as a journalist to give athletes the opportunity to share their perspective. Brennan mentioned she has not heard from the players union following the incident. #Journalism #WNBA #SportsMedia #ChristineBrennan #DiJonaiCarrington #CaitlinClark

New York City FC unveiled renderings of the City Square portion of its $780M stadium ⚽ The flexible ground-level concourse, located on the south side of the stadium, will be open to the public on non-match days, featuring garage doors that open to the sidewalk. Fans entering through The Cube will spill into City Square, home to the Five Boroughs Food Hall, which will showcase local vendors from across NYC. This multi-functional space will host farmer's markets, food festivals, community events, and live music. Construction begins this fall, with the stadium slated for completion in 2027. (via Bret McCormick) #NYCFC #CitySquare #SportsBusiness