Latest Sports Business Stories
The latest Sporticast episode discusses some of the largest sports business stories of the week. The hosts, Scott Soshnick and Novy-Williams, delve into various topics, including an interesting trademark issue in the NFL.
NFL Trademark Issue
The NFL and the New York Jets attempted to trademark "Gotham City Football" last year. However, the US government has refused the trademark for use on hats, T-shirts, and other merchandise. The government cited two reasons for the refusal: the existence of the Gotham City Crew, a popular Jets fan group, and the potential for the trademark to be banned due to its geographical location. The Jets and the NFL argue that Gotham is a fictional place, the home of Batman, and that the nickname has been used for decades.
Conflict with Gotham FC
The name "Gotham City Football" is similar to Gotham FC, a National Women’s Soccer League team that plays in the New York region. This team is owned by Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, whose family co-owns the New York Giants, the Jets’ crosstown rivals.
Youth Sports Commercialization
The hosts also discuss a lawsuit involving Little League, in which a father is trying to overturn his son’s suspension after the son performed a bat flip following a home run. This story highlights the commercialization of youth sports and the various business, financial, and legal issues that affect organizations like Little League.
NFLPA Executive Director Resigns
Lloyd Howell, the former executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), resigned last week due to reports of mismanagement and conflicts of interest. It has been reported that Howell had a photo of OJ Simpson in his office, which has sparked controversy.
Real Madrid’s Record Sales
Despite a disappointing season, Real Madrid reported record sales of around $1.4 billion last year. This is a significant achievement, especially considering the team’s poor performance in LaLiga and the Champions League.
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