Mike Mazzeo

3 days ago | sportsbusinessjournal.com | Mike Mazzeo

Kevin Durant was on stage at Fanatics Fest last Sunday in New York when his blockbuster trade from the Suns to the Rockets leaked, leading many to wonder whether the viral moment was, well, staged. Lance Fensterman, CEO of Fanatics Events, however, felt it was more serendipity than choreography. “I’m not smart enough to know if it was staged,” Fensterman said two days later. “I think probably it was a bit of serendipity.

3 days ago | sportsbusinessjournal.com | Mike Mazzeo

Moira Weinberg has been promoted by Major League Baseball to Executive Vice President, Investigations & Security. Weinberg has overseen MLB’s Department of Investigations since 2019, yet her promotion will also include expanded oversight of the Security & Ballpark Operations Department, and the age and verification process for international players. Weinberg will report to Deputy Commissioner, Baseball Administration & Chief Legal Officer Dan Halem.

3 days ago | sportsbusinessjournal.com | Mike Mazzeo

The most valuable U.S. team sponsorship during live broadcasts in 2024 belonged to the Dodgers, according to a Nielsen year-end report. The Dodgers’ jersey patch, which features team owner Guggenheim Partners, was worth $46.7M in 2024 Quality Index Media Value, according to Nielsen. QI Media Value is the media value of the live broadcast exposure received by the sponsor. Guggenheim Partners wasn’t just rewarded with brand recognition this year.

4 days ago | sportsbusinessjournal.com | Mike Mazzeo

San Diego Padres RF Fernando Tatis Jr. filed a legal complaint Monday in the Superior Court of California (San Diego County) against Big League Advance Fund and Big League Advantage, alleging that company is an unlicensed lender issuing illegal loans under California law. Tatis is seeking a public injunctive relief action, said former California State Senator Robert Hertzberg, a member of the team supporting Tatis in his lawsuit. The suit has yet to be made public electronically.

4 days ago | sportsbusinessjournal.com | Mike Mazzeo

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, A’s owner John Fisher, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo and other top city, county and state officials participated in a groundbreaking ceremony Monday morning at the site of the A’s eventual new ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip. The 30,000-seat, domed ballpark is slated to cost $1.75B and open for the 2028 season. “I’m sure between now and 2028, I’m going to be back here in Las Vegas,” Manfred said.