NBA players can invest in betting companies under new agreement
NBA players and betting companies, official sports data and an MLB stat check.
Happy Friday! Welcome to your weekly roundup. The NBA playoffs are kicking off this weekend. We're excited to see the second season start. The play-in games wrap up tonight, which will also be entertaining. Meanwhile, baseball is still off to a wild start, especially stat-wise. Have a great weekend...
NBA players and betting companies: The NBA’s tentative agreement with the NBAPA includes a provision to allow NBA players to invest in NBA teams as well as sports betting companies. The move comes as operators have become much more accepted in mainstream sports in recent years. FanDuel and DraftKings previously became NBA partners in November 2021.
New normal for NBA?: Meanwhile, NBA viewership was essentially the same this season as last season—but hasn't been able to match pre-pandemic numbers. Meanwhile, the NBA is cutting costs due to the macro environment.
Whose data is the official sports data? Some leagues want some data to be defined as the "official" data and sold as such.
What's next for PointsBet? PointsBet is reportedly seeking to sell its US business, after it couldn’t sell its Australian unit. Fanatics is a possible buyer as it looks to break into the market, according to Earnings+More.
What we’re reading
Michigan State is revisiting its partnership with Caesars that was announced last year, after increased scrutiny on college deals with operators and a faculty petition, according to the Detroit News.
New York recorded its highest record for gross revenue ($163.6) in sports gaming in March.
The million dollar shot and Michael Jordan.
Stat Check
Time check: Batting averages are up 16% so far and game times are down half an hour.
Shift what? It's still early but the shift rule is working—more for right handed batters, not left-handed batters.
Running away: Stolen bases aren't just up, the success rate is also way up.
Sweeper: Shohei Ohtani has the best new MLB pitch.
You weren't mistaken: foul calls in the NBA are up this year.
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Legislative Front
Maryland’s state legislature passed two sports betting bills on responsible gambling and have sent them to the governor’s desk.
Missouri's sports betting deal might still pass.
Vermont is close to passing a sports betting bill
The North Carolina mobile sports betting bill is close to approval.
And...
Important pitch clock news: Some MLB teams have extended beer sales since games are ending so fast.