The Big Deal Weekly: Gather Round gathers more momentum, Ablett sues, cricket shake up looms, Kerr the crowd pleaser, Premier League gambling ban & more

Newsletter no. 29, 18 April

Welcome!

This week’s sports business wrap takes a different shape, as we take it to the podcast!

As usual we cover a lot of territory, with Tredders and Monty talking through the big money moves that are happening in the AFL, cricket, NBL, NBA, NHL, Premier League and much more. 

Get straight into it and tune in below, or scroll on for the headlines and key points.

Listen to the wrap and subscribe for free now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

GATHER ROUND GATHERS MORE MOMENTUM

The AFL’s Gather Round was a huge success, and Tredders says it’s just the beginning.

South Australia will host the footy extravaganza until 2026. It reportedly cost about $14 million for the rights this year and delivered about $86 million in economic value.

Clubs have each been handed an extra $750,000 and will share the wealth with players.

A dollar for dollar co-investment model between the AFL and SA government will see regional sports clubs get big upgrades to their facilities.

Tredders says you can take it to the bank that there will be more country matches next year, including the Barossa Valley, and the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale are also on the list.

ABLETT SUES AFL

AFL legend Gary Ablett Sr is officially suing the AFL, Geelong and Hawthorn over over concussions that he says have caused brain damage.

He says he can’t work or afford necessary medical costs.

There are another two class actions pending, as the concussion problem grows for the AFL.

While insurers will foot the bill, subject to the outcomes of legal action, there are other potential ramifications for the league.

AFL CEO STILL PENDING

The AFL’s long process to replace CEO Gil McLachlan was supposed to end after Gather Round … but guess what, he’s still in the chair!

Eyebrows were raised by candidate Kylie Watson-Wheeler’s absence in Adelaide.

SAUDI ARABIA PLANNING CRICKET SHAKE UP

The future of cricket could be at the crossroads with Saudi Arabia in talks with the International Cricket Council to launch the most lucrative IPL tournament ever.

And there are concerns about what it means for cricketers representing their countries, and the long-form version of the game.

TRAVERS JOINS NBL’S MELBOURNE UNITED

NBA draftee and former Wildcat Luke Travers has signed a three year deal with Melbourne United.

The story was broken by NBA star turned ‘journalist’ Josh Giddey.

NBA’S KINGS BLOW UP GAME 1 TICKET PRICES

The Sacramento Kings got their first playoffs win since 2006, beating the Golden State Warriors over the weekend.

Success starved fans paid a pretty penny - the average price of $AU1200 a seat was an NBA game one record!

Listen to the wrap and subscribe for free now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

NHL HEADS DOWN UNDER

The NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and Arizona Coyotes will play at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on September 23 and 24, as part of the pre-season '2023 NHL Global Series'.

It’s the first time the league has ventured to Australia and tickets have just gone on sale.

PREMIER LEAGUE CUTS BACK ON GAMBLING TIES

Soccer fans won’t seem gambling logos on Premier League jerseys from the 2025/2026 season.

The new deal, which had full agreement across the league, will see clubs needing to fill a sponsorship hole of up to $18.5 million a year.

But … it’s just the front of shirt (for now). AND experts believe other advertising assets will increase in value.

KERR SET TO STAR IN FRONT OF RECORD CROWD

Aussie superstar Sam Kerr booked Chelsea’s spot in the women’s FA Cup final, where they’ll take on Manchester United in a game likely to set an attendance record.

More than 50,000 tickets to the Wembley Stadium blockbuster on May 14 had already been sold by the end of March, and that’s only the neutral tickets.

Both clubs still have 8,000 each to sell to fans, and if those go, which is most likely, it will be a record for any domestic women’s soccer match in history.

MAN UNITED MIGHT NOT SELL AFTER ALL?

After not getting their target price of $US 7.4 billion, Manchester United owners Joel and Avram Glazer are reportedly confident they’ll secure outside funding that will allow them to maintain control and double the value of their club over the next decade.

NFL’S COMMANDERS SET TO SELL

A deal appears to have been done for the NFL’s Washington Commanders though, with Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris leading a group that will acquire the team for $US 6 billion.

JUSTICE FOR DINGER THE MASCOT!

It was the moment that shocked a nation.

Well, not quite. But when ‘Dinger’ the Colorado Rockies mascot got taken out by a fan in front of 24,000 fans last week (all who apparently didn’t see a thing …), local police called for justice posting a $2000 reward.

A 45 year old male has turned himself in.

Reports suggest that Dinger, who sustained undisclosed injuries, is considering his legal options.

Thanks for reading our weekly sports business wrap!

Stay tuned for an interview on the podcast (Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts) later this week.

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