Royalty Battles, Jersey Deals and Big-Screen Buzz

07.24.26 07.24.26

Rapper performing on stage with microphone against a backdrop of his name in bold letters.

Welcome back to the Spotlight! And just like that, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to a close, leaving lasting impacts on those at home and abroad. For supporters from foreign lands, the World Cup was an opportunity to see the better angels of the United States, with many coming away a new appreciation for its people and culture—not the least of which being a newfound obsession with Hidden Valley Ranch. For the victorious team from Spain, they also returned home with a trophy and the national glory of winning the World Cup. So much so that some players were even gifted their weight in tomatoes from their hometown that is well-known for their tomato output. Although those tomatoes would pair nicely with the ranch dressing, I would presume the players wish they had instead come from a mining town.

Meanwhile, many Americans came away from the tournament with a newfound obsession for Norway Striker Erling Haaland along with a deeper appreciation for soccer. But just because the World Cup is over does not mean that Americans need to wait four years until the next tournament. For one thing, the FIFA Women’s World Cup takes place next year in Brazil, and the US Women’s National Team is considerably more competitive and decorated than their male counterparts having won four World Cups in their history (which is, according to my calculations, four more than the men). Until then, the National Women’s Soccer League is rightly garnering attention – just last week, approximately 42,000 fans gathered at New York’s Citi Field to watch Gotham F.C. take on the Washington Spirit—a record attendance for a women’s sporting event in New York City. Gotham F.C. also won the match 1-0, which is on most nights, more than the current occupants of Citi Field can say for themselves. So why not grab a bottle of ranch, pick a favorite team or player and ride the women’s soccer wave?

Cher is unable to recover $1 million in attorneys fees in her royalty row with Sonny Bono’s widow, Mary Bono. Too bad her attorneys weren’t working pro bono.
The Baltimore Ravens announced that a jersey patch sponsorship with Perdue Chicken, creating confusion about whether or not they want their critics to eat crow.
Glen Powell has been tapped to play New York Yankees legend Lou Gehrig in any upcoming Richard Linklater film.
When awarded the role Powell, undoubtedly stated he “considers himself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.”
Snoop Dogg’s Biopic is due to be released next year – much to the delight of movie theater concessionaires.

Endorsement Deals, Sponsorships & Investments

Mark Cuban, Rashaun Williams Firm Buys Stake in Vegas A’s
July 23, 2026 via Front Office Sports

The Next Big Asset Class May Be Wearing a Jersey
July 23, 2026 via Economic Times

Jeff Bezos Reportedly Might Join Bid for Liverpool Stake
July 22, 2026 via Front Office Sports

Adidas Introduces Originals Sports Womenswear Collection
July 22, 2026 via Women’s Wear Daily

Who is Leading Portland’s Moda Center Negotiations with the Blazers?
July 22, 2026 via OPB

Messi-Driven Inter Miami Sponsor Boom Expands After World Cup
July 22, 2026 via Sportico

Progressive Lands Both Jersey Patch Spots for Cleveland’s New WNBA Team
July 21, 2026 via ABC News

Perdue Named Official Chicken of Baltimore Ravens
July 20, 2026 via WMDT

Publicity Stunts Are Hurting the Tom Brady Brand
July 20, 2026 via Yahoo! News

Did this World Cup Have too Much of Sir David Beckham?
July 18, 2026 via City AM

Texas Tech Signs Naming Rights Deal with Digital Assets Company Galaxy
July 17, 2026 via LancasterOnline