{"id":20475,"date":"2025-07-24T12:16:14","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T12:16:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/20475\/"},"modified":"2025-07-24T12:16:14","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T12:16:14","slug":"mls-forgoes-schedule-vote-but-move-to-euro-soccer-calendar-still-likely","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/20475\/","title":{"rendered":"MLS forgoes schedule vote, but move to Euro soccer calendar still likely"},"content":{"rendered":"

Start your morning with Buzzcast<\/a> with Austin Karp: The annual look at the Packers\u2019 financials gives a glimpse into the NFL\u2019s media fortunes; plenty of MLS news out of All-Star in Austin; the SCORE Act makes it through a committee in Congress; NBCU could look to launch a new cable sports network; and NWSL viewership is lower<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\"\"MLS Commissioner Don Garber touted the potential move tothe European soccer calendar as a core component of the league\u2019s future. GETTY IMAGES <\/p>\n

AUSTIN — Another MLS Board of Governors meeting passed Wednesday without a vote being taken on a proposed transition to the European soccer calendar<\/a>, but Commissioner Don Garber touted the potential move as a core component of the league\u2019s future. Speaking during his annual midseason press conference at the MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Garber outlined his vision for \u201cMLS 3.0,\u201d the first pillar of which is adopting the fall-to-spring model employed by FIFA and the world\u2019s top leagues. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not making any announcements today, but we continue to do an enormous amount of work with our fans, with our partners, with all of our chief soccer officers and with our clubs, to get ourselves closer to the point where we\u2019re able to make that decision,\u201d Garber said. \u201cBut we believe that alignment is something that makes sense.\u201d <\/p>\n

Garber said after April\u2019s board meeting<\/a> that he was \u201cnot sure whether or not we have all the support we need\u201d to make the schedule change. His presentation of the move on Wednesday as a core tenet of the owners\u2019 vision for the future of the league suggests growing consensus among the board. Multiple owners and high-level club executives told SBJ this week that the question isn\u2019t if the transition will occur, but when. <\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s more when than if, yes, but that\u2019s my personal opinion and that\u2019s what I\u2019m hopeful for,\u201d FC Dallas President Dan Hunt said prior to Wednesday\u2019s meeting. \u201cI would love to have this done sooner than later.\u201d <\/p>\n

Read More >>><\/a><\/p>\n

\"MLSThe MLS All-Stars pulled off a 3-1 victory over top players from Liga MX on Wednesday night in the MLS All-Star Game at Q2 Stadium. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images <\/p>\n

MLS \u201croared back to the win column\u201d in its summer classic as its All-Stars pulled off a 3-1 victory over top players from Liga MX on Wednesday night in the MLS All-Star Game at Q2 Stadium. It was \u201can emphatic response by MLS,\u201d which endured back-to-back blowout losses in 2023 and 2024 to Arsenal and Liga MX, respectively. Despite \u201cconcerns about attendance\u201d due to Inter\u202fMiami F Lionel Messi\u2018s decision to skip the game<\/a>, MLS \u201cstill managed a sellout in one of its most passionate markets.\u201d The league announced it sold 20,738 tickets for Wednesday\u2019s event (GOAL.com, 7\/23<\/a>).<\/p>\n

MLS Commissioner Don Garber \u201crefused to be drawn on whether the league planned to sanction\u201d Messi after he was a late withdrawal from the game. The 11th-hour snub has left Messi and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba \u201cfacing a one-game suspension from MLS.\u201d Under league rules, players selected for the All-Star game \u201cmust participate unless they have a valid reason — such as an injury — not to do so.\u201d Garber did note that Messi \u201chas recently completed a punishing schedule of games\u201d — nine in 35 days. Still, Garber said the league \u201cshould have been made aware earlier\u201d that Messi planned to skip the game. Garber: \u201cWe should have known earlier\u201d (SOCCER AMERICA, 7\/23<\/a>). Messi \u201chas yet to appear in an MLS All-Star Game.\u201d He missed the game last year with an injury (AP, 7\/23<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The win \u201ccouldn\u2019t have gone much better for the Austin contingent.\u201d Austin FC GK Brad Stuver started the match — receiving \u201cthe biggest cheer of the night\u201d during pregame introductions — and posted a shutout \u201cwith an impressive diving save\u201d during his 34 minutes on the field. Austin FC coach\u202fNico Este\u0301vez \u201cwill forever have an all-star game victory on his coaching resume.\u201d Austin FC D Guilherme Biro — who \u201cwas a last-minute addition\u201d — was the game\u2019s \u201cfinal sub, just stepping on the field and playing for 12 minutes\u201d (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 7\/23<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"RenderingAny modifications made to financial terms are \u201cnot likely to change\u201d D.C.\u2019s $1.1B \u201ccommitment to meet its share\u201d of the $3.8B Commanders stadium complex. Commanders <\/p>\n

D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson has reached an agreement with the Commanders to \u201cadjust the financial terms of the stadium deal<\/a>, opening the door for the Council to vote on the deal in a matter of days,\u201d according to sources. The details of the changes are not yet clear, but Mendelson has \u201cvoiced concerns about the stadium deal for months.\u201d The D.C. Council\u2019s vote is expected to come \u201cafter public hearings on approving the stadium buildout\u201d (NBCWASHINGTON.com, 7\/23<\/a>). Any modifications made to financial terms are \u201cnot likely to change\u201d D.C.\u2019s $1.1B \u201ccommitment to meet its share\u201d of the $3.8B stadium complex. The D.C. Council on Monday is \u201cslated to take a final vote to the city\u2019s fiscal 2026 budget, which includes funding for the stadium.\u201d That funding was \u201cseparated from the actual stadium deal legislation<\/a> by Mendelson.\u201d A source said that there has been an \u201cincreased sense of urgency from the Commanders in recent days,\u201d with D.C. lawmakers expected to \u201chold a first vote on the deal before Aug. 1, which is when the council adjourns for summer recess.\u201d D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Wednesday said that she was \u201cOK with changes to the deal and supported the council voting before the end of the month.\u201d Mendelson said that D.C. is \u201c\u2018still talking\u2019 with the team over the deal\u2019s financial terms.\u201d He added that he \u201chad discussions with Commanders President Mark Clouse on Tuesday\u201d (WASHINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL, 7\/23<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"JacyThe Sun sent an email letter to its season ticket holders Wednesday \u201cguaranteeing that it will continue playing at Mohegan Sun Arena in 2026.\u201d NBAE via Getty Images <\/p>\n

The Sun sent an email letter to its season ticket holders Wednesday \u201cguaranteeing that it will continue playing at Mohegan Sun Arena in 2026\u201d and \u201copening up its annual auto-renewal process.\u201d The Mohegan Tribe ownership group has been going through \u201ca strategic review of its investment\u202fin the team,\u201d which included exploring a potential sale<\/a>. Connecticut is the only team in the WNBA \u201cwithout access to a professional-caliber practice facility outside their arena or plans to build one\u201d (HARTFORD COURANT, 7\/23<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\"Q2, which includes the running of the Kentucky Derby, is usually the company\u2019s strongest of the year and FY25 was no exception. Getty Images <\/p>\n

Churchill Downs Incorporated set a new quarterly net revenue record of $934.4M (up 5% year-over-year), according to a Wednesday SEC filing announcing the company\u2019s FY25 second quarter results. The company\u2019s Q2 net income also rose to $216.9M (3.6% higher y-o-y). Through six months of FY25, CDI\u2019s main business lines \u2014 live and historical racing, wagering services and solutions, and gaming — are all pacing ahead of FY24 net revenue figures.<\/p>\n

Q2, which includes the running of the Kentucky Derby, is usually the company\u2019s strongest of the year and FY25 was no exception. The 151st Derby pulled in a record all-sources handle for that single day ($349M), drew its highest average viewership (17.7M viewers) and a peak viewership of 21.8M. Derby Week ticketing revenue was lower compared to the previous year\u2019s historic 150th race — this year\u2019s race still drew roughly 147,000 fans despite rainy conditions — but the Spring Meet and Derby Week\u2019s growth in wagering and sponsorship revenue ensured that Churchill Downs Racetrack revenue was still up $4.9M year-over-year. CDI is sitting on $182.4M in cash and cash equivalents. Its long-term debt is close to $1.9B, while notes payable is $3.1B. The company ended Q2 with net bank leverage of 4.2x. <\/p>\n

It has between $250M and $290M-worth of capital projects in the pipeline, including a roughly $20M project at Churchill Downs expected to be completed before the 2026 running of the Kentucky Derby. The total capex figure excludes the roughly $900M project that CDI proposed in February — what would have been its largest single renovation project<\/a> at the venerable horseracing facility — that it then paused two months later<\/a> due to tariff-caused economic uncertainty. The project is listed as \u201cTBD\u201d in CDI\u2019s SEC filing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

CDI\u2019s board approved a $500M share repurchase program this week. And the company expects to benefit from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that was passed by Congress and signed by President Trump on July 4; many of the tax provisions in that bill are retroactive and should reduce CDI\u2019s cash paid taxes and increase cash flow from the company\u2019s operations moving forward. <\/p>\n

\"DenverDenver Summit FC, has secured Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health as the team\u2019s official healthcare partner. Denver Summit FC <\/p>\n

The latest addition to Denver\u2019s sports scene, Denver Summit FC<\/a>, has its first partner. The recently launched NWSL club<\/a>, which begins play in 2026, secured Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health as the team\u2019s official healthcare partner. CommonSpirit will be the team\u2019s primary medical provider and provide day-to-day resources such as physicians to the team. The deal was negotiated by Legends, which serves as Denver Summit FC\u2019s partnership sales agency. Denver Summit FC and CommonSpirit declined to share financial terms and length of the deal.<\/p>\n

CommonSpirit Mountain Region President Andrew Gaasch told SBJ the partnership came together quickly because of CommonSpirit\u2019s long support of Denver\u2019s NWSL bid. \u201cCommonSpirit was really working with Rob Cohen and the ownership group to support the bid process with the National Women\u2019s Soccer League over the last couple of years. We were committed to the partnership long before there was even a team to partner,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

As part of the partnership, the two have placed 11 \u201cNeighborhood Summit\u201d sculptures around the Metro Denver area to celebrate the launch of the club. They will be available to view until Aug. 7. CommonSpirit is also partners with the Denver Broncos<\/a> and Air Force Athletics.<\/p>\n

Summit FC President Jen Millet said she wanted a healthcare partner quickly so it could address health issues within the club as soon as possible. \u201cFor us as a club, player health and wellness is my north star,\u201d she said. \u201cI think we\u2019ve recognized that for too long, female athletes have been treated like tiny men. We want to be player first as we enter into the market and really show that we are supporting these athletes on and off the pitch with the best physical and wellness care.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"GreenOn the Dick\u2019s website yesterday, a Jordan Love jersey \u201cappeared that was navy blue, with the lettering and sleeve stripes in gold.\u201d Dick’s Sporting Goods website <\/p>\n

Dick\u2019s Sporting Goods \u201cmay have revealed\u201d a new Packers alternate uniform yesterday ahead of the team\u2019s announcement. On the Dick\u2019s website yesterday, a Jordan Love jersey \u201cappeared that was navy blue, with the lettering and sleeve stripes in gold.\u201d The website \u201csaid the jersey is unavailable to buy because it\u2019s out of stock.\u201d The Packers \u201chave yet to formally announce\u201d a new alternate jersey for the 2025 NFL season, but \u201cscheduled an unveiling of the new themed apparel — along with new history-inspired uniform items\u201d — at 9:30am ET today (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 7\/23<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, every NFL team saw its share of national revenue grow 7.5% to $432.6M last season, and the Packers\u2019 operating profits grew 39% thanks to an additional regular-season home game at Lambeau Field. NFL league revenue, mostly media and sponsorship fees, totaled roughly $13.84B in the fiscal year ending March 31. See today\u2019s SBJ Daily for more details about the NFL\u2019s revenue sharing over the past year (Ben Fischer, SBJ<\/a>). <\/p>\n

\"\"Pat McAfee \u201chas apologized\u201d to Univ. of Mississippi student Mary Kate Cornett on the July 23 edition of \u201cThe Pat McAfee Show,\u201d nearly five months after he \u201cdiscussed an unsupported rumor about her” on air. Kirby Lee\/USA TODAY NETWORK <\/p>\n

ESPN personality Pat McAfee \u201chas apologized\u201d to Univ. of Mississippi student Mary Kate Cornett on the July 23 edition of \u201cThe Pat McAfee Show,\u201d nearly five months after he \u201cdiscussed an unsupported rumor about her\u201d on air. Cornett\u202fspoke with The Athletic\u202fin April and said that she intended to take legal action against McAfee and ESPN<\/a> \u201cfor helping spread the rumor.\u201d Regarding why the topic \u201chadn\u2019t been addressed on his show for months,\u201d McAfee said Wednesday \u201cthere was a lot going on behind the scenes.\u201d He added that he personally \u201cwanted to talk to Cornett and her family before he addressed it publicly\u201d (USA TODAY, 7\/23<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"APlayfly will remain NESN’s strategic media sales partner, handling the sales of linear, streaming and other digital assets for the RSN. NESN <\/p>\n

NESN and Playfly Sports are continuing their 30-year relationship with a long-term extension. Playfly will remain the RSN\u2019s strategic media sales partner, handling the sales of linear, streaming and other digital assets for the RSN home of the Red Sox and Bruins. Details on the length of the extension were not immediately available.<\/p>\n

The agreement also includes Penguins- and Pirates-owned RSN SportsNet Pittsburgh, managed by NESN. Fenway Sports Group owns NESN as well as the Red Sox and Penguins.<\/p>\n

Overall, Playfly Sports handles more than 2,000 brands and 100 professional teams, working to maximize revenue.<\/p>\n

On the pod this week, co-hosts Austin Karp and Mollie Cahillane break down the latest in sports media including Barstool Sports and Fox Sports teaming up, what sports programming is resonating on Netflix and ESPN\u2019s latest. SBJ\u2019s Rachel Axon also stops by to break down WNBA All-Star weekend and where the league goes from there. Later in the show, Snap\u2019s Anmol Malhotra discusses how the social media giant is making sports even more accessible for fans. Finally, Joe Hand Jr. of out-of-home distributor Joe Hand Promotions breaks down his company\u2019s business. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\"TheThe World Surf League has hired longtime sports executive Nicole Metzger to be its next chief revenue officer. World Surf League <\/p>\n

The World Surf League has appointed Nicole Metzger as its next CRO. Metzger will oversee the surfing league\u2019s strategy around sponsorships, licensing and business development.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love the global footprint. I love the narrative of the culture and the lifestyle as it relates to the types of brands we will approach and work with,\u201d Metzger told SBJ. \u201cAnd the opportunity to truly program year-round platforms that are fully integrated in nature.\u201d<\/p>\n

Metzger also highlighted opportunities to capitalize on surfing\u2019s relatively young audience, to lean further into telling the WSL\u2019s story around gender equity and to draft off momentum from LA28.<\/p>\n

Metzger most recently served as chief sales and partnerships officer for the LPGA, a position she departed in January<\/a>. She previously held roles with JMI Sports, the Hornets, Dolphins and NBA\u2019s Team Marketing & Business Operations (TMBO) division. Earlier in her career, Metzger worked for the Broncos and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.<\/p>\n

Read More >>><\/a><\/p>\n

Student Athlete Score<\/a>, an evaluation platform for real-time social media value of college athletes, has officially partnered with Teamworks<\/a>. The deal will see SAS\u2019s analytics integrated into Influencer<\/a>, Teamworks\u2019 AI-powered content management system that streamlines content sharing among players and supports the NIL operational process.<\/p>\n

Brent Wall, Student Athlete Score\u2019s CEO and co-founder, said SAS will show higher-level social media engagement metrics (from Instagram, TikTok and X) inside the Teamworks product like follower growth over the last 30 days, average impressions and engagements, as well as other stats that indicate reach and impact.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn the brand side, it will show how many brands this athlete has engaged with and which of these are a true verified sponsor,\u201d Wall told SBJ.<\/p>\n

This is the latest in a string of business additions for SAS, which has secured schools like Wisconsin, Boise State, Michigan, USC and Florida as clients. Teamworks announced a $235M Series F funding round<\/a> in June and has acquired 11 companies since 2022.<\/p>\n

\"formerThe NHL announced the 2025 Stanley Awards winners last night during the Club Business Meetings in Seattle. NHLI via Getty Images <\/p>\n

The NHL announced the 2025 Stanley Awards winners last night during the Club Business Meetings in Seattle, recognizing achievements, innovation, creativity for fan engagement and results across all 32 clubs during the 2024-25 season. The 2025 Stanley Awards were hosted by former NHLer Anson Carter at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Seattle. Presenters included Pro Football HOFer Walter Junior Jones, former NBAer Detlef Schrempf and PWHL EVP\/Hockey Operations Jayna Hefford. The award winners were: <\/p>\n

Marketing Campaign — Mammoth for Home Opener Campaign. Social Impact and Growth Initiatives — Predators for their Music Heritage Nights.Social Media Club of the Year — Jets.Sponsorship Activation — Maple Leafs for Oreo – \u201cStay Playful.\u201dTicketing Initiative — Red Wings for Designer Merch Collaboration. Game Presentation of the Year — Lightning. Venue Business Initiative — Devils for the Center Pier Club and Eastback Kitchen at Prudential Center. Strategy, Analytics, and Innovation — Blues for Bluesnatics and Blues App (NHL).Speed Reads…<\/p>\n

The Kentucky Oaks will get coverage on NBC for the first time ever in May 2026. The Friday race will get a primetime slot on the broadcast channel (as well as streaming on Peacock). It ran this year on USA Network with a 6pm ET post time. NBC and Churchill Downs have a media-rights pact that runs through 2032 (Austin Karp, SBJ).<\/p>\n

Workers who serve fans at Fenway Park \u201care giving their employer, Aramark, until noon Friday to come to an agreement on a labor contract, or they will walk off the job.\u201d More than 1,000 workers \u201cwould remain on strike at least through Sunday, including for the entirety\u201d of the Red Sox\u2019s home stand this weekend against the Dodgers (MASSLIVE, 7\/23<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Demolition of Pimlico Race Course \u201cwill begin Thursday.\u201d The razing of the racetrack marks the beginning of the first substantial, tangible process to revitalize the site after multiple stops and starts over the years (BALTIMORE BANNER, 7\/23<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The Professional Fighters League \u201chas strengthened its ties with Dubai\u201d after announcing Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum \u201chas joined the promotion\u2019s global ownership group\u201d (THE NATIONAL, 7\/23<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Quick Hits…<\/p>\n

\u201cWomen\u2019s sports is amazing. I have daughters. I have sisters. It\u2019s important to really be a part of change, and I want to be on the right side of change. Kobe\u2019s legacy is something I take a lot of pride in\u201d — Commanders LB Bobby Wagner, on joining the Storm\u2019s ownership group<\/a> (WASHINGTON POST, 7\/23<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Morning Hot Reads: Early Concerns<\/p>\n

SI went with the header, \u201cCollege Sports\u2019 Revenue-Sharing Era Faces Early Concerns Over Collectives<\/a>.\u201d Three weeks since the onset of revenue sharing in college sports, \u201cskepticism is rife about whether the changes surrounding enforcement will be any better from the NCAA-led version.\u201d <\/p>\n

Also: <\/p>\n

Social Scoop…<\/p>\n

“As a Girl Dad, I was very thankful for the opportunity to let Mr. Cornett know that I was wildly regretful for the part that our show played in his daughter, Mary Kate’s, pain.” – Pat McAfee apologizing for sharing a false rumor about an 18-year-old Ole Miss student on his show. pic.twitter.com\/pdFhAeWkAX<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 23, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Update: Patriots pet-adoption event results in 40 of 41 available dogs finding a new home.<\/p>\n

“I am so humbled the Patriots would be willing to do this,” Dr. Dana Kraft said. “For these animals to be adopted and be able to connect them is so meaningful.”https:\/\/t.co\/4tKGpqShZR<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 23, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Per the Elias Sports Bureau, the Pirates are the first team to sweep the best team in a league (Tigers) and get swept by the worst team in a league (White Sox) in back-to-back series since the 1980 Padres.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been that kind of year.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) July 23, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cOpened in 1902, it\u2019s 87 feet in width on the 22nd Street side & less than 7 feet wide at its narrowest point on 23rd Street.\u201d<\/p>\n

Off the presses…<\/p>\n

The Morning Buzz offers today\u2019s back pages and sports covers from some of North America\u2019s major metropolitan newspapers:<\/p>\n

Final Jeopardy…<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is the Flatiron Building?\u201d<\/p>\n