Eric Jackson

New York

Sports Business Reporter at Sportico

sports biz reporter @sportico | talking business beyond the game | send tips [email protected]

Articles

Suns Will Owe Three NBA Head Coaches Money After Budenholzer Firing

1 week ago | sportico.com | Eric Jackson

The Phoenix Suns are on the hunt yet again for a head coach, their fourth in as many seasons, after firing Mike Budenholzer, who led the team through a disappointing season that was exacerbated by missing the playoffs despite having the NBA’s highest team payroll. The team issued a statement saying its “fans deserved better” and that a change was needed. Budenholzer, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, exits with $40 million remaining on a five-year, $50 million deal signed last year.
Paige Bueckers Can Transform WNBA's Dallas Wings, CEO Says

1 week ago | sportico.com | Eric Jackson

NEW YORK — Paige Bueckers said she’s ready to munch on the Tex-Mex. Dallas can’t wait to provide her with the setting to do so. The Wings selected the former UConn star with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft on Monday night. The three-time All-American, who won a national title less than two weeks ago, enters the WNBA with loads of fanfare and an expectation that she can anchor a franchise turnaround.
Western Michigan Hopes Hockey Run Boosts Enrollment, Donors

1 week ago | sportico.com | Eric Jackson

When Western Michigan’s men’s hockey team plays for the program’s first national championship on Saturday night, it will come with a six-figure price tag. The Broncos are looking to capitalize on this historic moment, even if that means losing money. Which is why WMU is spending about $300,000 on its first Frozen Four run, which includes charter seats and other team travel expenses.
WNBA Commish: We Didn’t Pressure Paige Bueckers to Enter Draft

1 week ago | sportico.com | Eric Jackson

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said she had no influence on UConn superstar Paige Bueckers’ decision to declare for Monday’s WNBA Draft. Unlike some other likely first-round picks, Bueckers—projected to be taken first overall by the Dallas Wings—opted to leave college despite having eligibility left. “Every player has a different view on how long their body is going to hold up and when they want to come in,” Engelbert said in a video interview.
Penn State Frozen Four Run Paved by $100M Pegula Donation

2 weeks ago | sportico.com | Eric Jackson

The crowd erupted inside the PPL Center last month when Penn State forward Matt DiMarsico punched his team’s ticket to its first Frozen Four with a game-winning overtime goal to defeat UConn in the regional final of the NCAA men’s hockey tournament. It was pure pandemonium. “I almost jumped out of my pants in utter excitement,” Penn State athletic director Patrick Kraft said in a phone interview.
NFL Stars Enjoy SpaceX Investments, Shrug Off Elon Musk's Politics

2 weeks ago | sportico.com | Eric Jackson

Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates has investments in real estate and private equity ventures, among others. But none are as explosive as his investment in SpaceX, an aerospace company founded by tech billionaire Elon Musk. Bates won’t call himself a supporter of Musk—he acknowledges the political weight of such a designation—but he respects the business prowess that helped the South African become one of the world’s richest people.
Alex Ovechkin Breaks Wayne Gretzky’s NHL All-Time Goal Scoring Record

2 weeks ago | sportico.com | Eric Jackson

Alex Ovechkin has carved his name atop the history books. The Washington Capitals left winger is now the all-time leading scorer in NHL history after scoring career goal No. 895 on a power play goal at 7:26 of the second period Sunday against the New York Islanders. The record-breaking goal pushed Ovechkin past Wayne Gretzky on the league’s career scoring list.
Hooper Sends Boxing Promoter on NIL Mission After Rutgers Breakup

2 weeks ago | sportico.com | Eric Jackson

Kiyomi McMiller, who calls herself “The Product,” is in the women’s college basketball transfer portal after a frustrating season at Rutgers. The former McDonald’s All-American and five-star high school recruit is leaning on an advisor well-versed with marketing big personalities to determine her next destination. Leonard Ellerbe helped boxing icon Floyd Mayweather Jr. make millions of dollars.
Gretzky, Bettman to Attend Ovechkin’s Record Chase Starting Friday

2 weeks ago | sportico.com | Eric Jackson

Two hockey dignitaries will be in attendance on Friday night to witness the Great 8 pursue NHL history. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky are expected to be in the building together for tonight’s Washington Capitals game against the Chicago Blackhawks as left winger Alex Ovechkin inches closer to eclipsing Gretzky’s all-time regular season career goals record of 894.
Paige Bueckers Seeks Grand UConn Finale After Tough WNBA Decision

2 weeks ago | sportico.com | Eric Jackson

UConn women’s basketball superstar Paige Bueckers will try to finish her illustrious college career this weekend with an elusive prize—a national championship—after determining the financial upside of remaining in school is not worth forgoing the 2025 WNBA Draft.