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How does Shohei Ohtani's $700 million deal actually work? It's complicated

Dec 15, 2023
MLB player Shohei Ohtani recently signed a record-breaking $700 million dollar deal with the Dodgers, but there is a catch.
Shohei Ohtani, who is leaving the Angels for the Dodgers, has been called a once-in-a-generation talent for his skill as a pitcher and hitter.
Kyle Rivas/Getty Images

NBA's in-season tournament aims to attract more — and earlier — viewers

Nov 15, 2023
Major league sports are getting more creative at a time when just 16% of Americans follow a team "very" or "extremely" closely.
Ohio State Buckeyes mascot Brutus Buckeye pretends to sleep as the Michigan Wolverines starting lineup is announced. Turns out, most Americans are sleeping on sports too.
Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Cord-cutters threaten the existence of regional sports networks

May 26, 2023
Lost cable fees mean reduced rights payments to teams. It's uncertain how it will all play out, says Ben Strauss of The Washington Post.
In March, Diamond Sports Group, the largest owner of regional sports networks, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts via Getty Images

Major League Baseball rules aim for shorter games — and a bigger audience

Mar 30, 2023
One change: Pitchers will have 20 seconds or less to throw the ball. But is that enough time to capture the mood?
Shorter games could sustain the sport in the long run, according to Khalid Ballouli at the University of South Carolina.
Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Cleveland's baseball team takes the field as "Guardians"

Apr 7, 2022
Economic pressures have played a role in the campaigns to change mascot names that many people consider racist.
The team changed its name after being pressured to drop branding that many people considered racist.
Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
After a delayed start due to pay disputes, baseball is back.
Quinn Harris/Getty Images

Pro athletes have a platform, and they're using it

Aug 27, 2020
By refusing to take to the court or field, players are trying to effect change. But how effective are they likely to be?
The court is empty after players strike game five between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Orlando Magic during the playoffs on Aug. 26.
Ashley Landis/Pool/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

NBA approves plan to return; no deal in sight for MLB

Pro basketball is set to return on July 31. Pro baseball is still at an impasse.
Rob Carr/Getty Images

How much will sports leagues make from legal betting?

Oct 18, 2018
The Supreme Court cleared the way for bookmakers to take in more than $70 billion.
Guests attend a viewing party for the NCAA men's college basketball tournament inside the Race & Sports SuperBook at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort Casino in March.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

How much will sports leagues make from legal betting?

Oct 18, 2018
The Supreme Court cleared the way for bookmakers to take in more than $70 billion.
Guests attend a viewing party for the NCAA men's college basketball tournament inside the Race & Sports SuperBook at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort Casino in March.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images