Media Man Group Blog: Media Man Group Blog: Gaming, Casinos and Sports

Media Man Group Blog

USA Gaming and Gambling News

G2E: Financing available for forthcoming casino projects, though at a premium

Wall Street investors continue to be interested in investing in quality casino-resort projects despite tight capital markets, but operators will pay a premium in markets like New York City, where there will be a lot of competition for customers. New York has authorized three casino licenses for the downstate region centered on New York City, for which 11 applicants are vying, including Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts International, and Las Vegas Sands. “A U.S. Treasury is a risk-free investment at 5% and if I’m thinking about investing in a brand-new New York greenfield project that costs $5 billion, that’s going to require a pretty big premium above 5% for me to get excited,” said Howard Wang, managing director at Ares Management during a panel session at the Global Gaming Expo.

Workers picket Harrah’s Philadelphia for first time since casino opened

Amidst the banging of drums and shaking of bells in front of the Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack parking garage, approximately 150 members of three unions shouted, “No contract, no peace.” “It’s the first time we’ve ever taken public action at this property since it opened,” Ben Albert, secretary/treasurer of Unite Here Local 54, said. “The wages lag way behind the rest of the industry and are not where they should be based on how the company is doing”… Members of Unite Here 54, Laborers Local 413 and Teamsters Local 107 picketed in front of the facility Friday.

The Sphere wasn’t built for sports. The biggest players want in anyway

After just one U2 concert at Las Vegas’ new $2.3 billion Sphere, UFC president Dana White described himself as “obsessed” with the venue and the prospect of getting the mixed-martial arts property there as soon as possible. “The Sphere is a whole other level,” White said. “I don’t run the Sphere, and it’s not my company, but it’s so good that for at least the first year, they should do nothing but incredible experiences. … I will put on the greatest live combat sports event anybody has ever seen at the Sphere. I’m so in on this, it’s not even funny. The first live transmission from there should be us.”

Caesars’ Virginia revenue dips slightly in September, but ahead of Hard Rock in Bristol; Rivers Portsmouth leads state

Gaming revenue for the Danville Casino dipped slightly again last month, but remained well above its counterpart in Bristol. The temporary facility brought in about $19.14 million in September, down from the $19.63 million posted in August. The Virginia Lottery released the figures Friday. The casino in Bristol — another temporary site with more slots and tables — brought in $12.71 million.

Arizona: DraftKings Sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale to open this week

It’s only a matter of days until the DraftKings Sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale has its grand opening. The sportsbook will open its doors on Oct. 20, according to a Monday press release. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will commence at 1 p.m. with PGA Tour and DraftKings executives. Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald will place the ceremonial first bet. The DraftKings Sportsbook, which sits across the street from the TPC Scottsdale Champions Course clubhouse, was developed under a first-of-its-kind agreement with the PGA Tour.

High roller offers $500K reward, says he was drugged while gambling at MGM Grand

A California real estate executive and sports agent who has high-roller status with MGM Resorts International has sued the company after he says he was drugged with a substance used by veterinarians to sedate animals while playing blackjack in the MGM Grand’s private gambling salon. Dwight Manley, 57, who filed the amended complaint in July, on Thursday offered a $500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for drugging him.

NCAA’s attitude toward sports betting takes dramatic shift, more focused on athlete protections than punishments

A few years ago, the NCAA’s stance on sports wagering was clear: Don’t bet. The organization didn’t want players and coaches wagering, and the NCAA also wasn’t thrilled about having any relationship with regulated sports betting. That attitude seems to be shifting, as NCAA officials are aware of the increased fan engagement legalized betting brings. A changing attitude toward sports betting doesn’t just include a growing appreciation for the external benefits of sports wagering, such as increasing fan interest.

Disney goes all in on sports betting with ESPN Bet

In early 2019, an analyst asked Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger if sports betting could coexist with the House of Mouse’s brand. He said he didn’t see the company facilitating gambling in any way. Just four years later, the world’s most beloved name in family entertainment is going all-in on sports betting. In August, the company struck a 10-year deal with sports-betting company Penn Entertainment to bring gambling to Disney’s ESPN sports network. Sports fans will be able to wager on games on their phones through a new app called ESPN Bet that accepts bets through Penn’s sportsbook.

‘Creepy’ feeling around Atlantic City casinos in wake of cyberattacks

The eerie calm that has washed over Atlantic City casinos the last few weeks has nothing to do with Halloween or the changing of the seasons. It is not even because most of the gambling industry is gathered in Las Vegas this week for the Global Gaming Expo (G2E). The recent cyberattacks on two of the largest US casino operators have noticeably impacted Atlantic City casinos. Or at least that is the general feeling in town lately. New Jersey gambling regulators will publish September’s revenue results for the AC casino industry on Oct. 16.

After cyberattacks crippled casino companies, how vulnerable is Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has always prided itself on its economy of leisure. In the span of a weekend, visitors can dine at the finest restaurants, witness world-class entertainment and sporting events and shop at top luxury brands without leaving the Strip—sometimes, without leaving their hotel. All that came to a standstill last month as two casino giants fell prey to revenue-crippling cyberattacks that have left us wondering: How vulnerable is Vegas, really? Casino-goers attempting to use mobile check-in, digital keys, credit cards, ATMs, slot machines and other services at some MGM Resorts properties were shocked to find widespread outages on September 11.

Mets owner seeking to construct casino outside Citi Field

New York (New York City) - Chantz Martin, Fox News - Steve Cohen spent a record amount on the New York Mets payroll heading into the 2023 regular season. Now, the billionaire who purchased the franchise ahead of the 2021 season hopes to build attractions around the team's home ballpark in Queens. Cohen suggested that a casino would give fans options before and after games. "The fans want something to do before the game, after the game," Cohen said.

Champagne, private shopping, $1.5M in jewel, luxury retailers prepare for F1

Nevada (Las Vegas) - McKenna Ross, Review-Journal - The Regis Galerie has long marketed itself as the spot on the Strip for top Italian art, Spanish porcelain and worldly fine jewelry – even legendary pop star Michael Jackson shopped at the boutique in The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes. But Ike Dweck, vice president of the art gallery, is kicking it into overdrive to cash in on the immense activity expected in November… Dweck’s place — and hundreds of other luxury retailers on the Strip — are preparing for an influx of high net-worth shoppers in Las Vegas during the Formula One Grand Prix on Nov. 16 to 18, which is projected to bring 120,000 visitors to the region.

iGaming Ontario releases Q2 market- performance report

Canada (Ontario/igaming) - Mark Keast, CDC Gaming Reports - The regulated Ontario igaming market continues to experience growth, according to a quarter-two fiscal-year 2023-24 (July 1 through September 30). Ontario reached $14.2 billion in total wagers in Q2, not including promotional wagers (bonuses). That’s up from $14 billion in Q1 (April 1 to June 30, 2023). Ontario saw $540 million in total gaming revenue in Q2, down from $545 million in Q1.

Best Bookies ceases Price Pty Ltd service following ACMA warning

Oceania (Australia) - Jessie Sale, SBC News - Best Bookies’ Price Pty Ltd has been issued a formal warning from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (AMCA) for operating an unlicensed online wagering service. The group is described as an ‘internet site allowing punters to securely bet with a range of independent licensed Australian bookmakers using a single betting account’. However, it has been found that the service allowed customers to compare betting odds across licensed wagering operators and placed bets with those operators on their behalf…Best Bookies’ Price Pty Ltd has now ceased providing this service.

Amy Howe, Jason Robins examine growth of sports betting

Nevada (Las Vegas/G2E) - Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports - A conversation that touched on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, pickleball, Formula 1 racing, and a flurry of field goals in the National Football League seems like it could have taken place in one of the coffee shops, bars, or hallways at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. Instead, those topics were broached, some in depth, others lightly, during the Wednesday keynote session “The Playmakers” moderated by CNBC’s Contessa Brewer and featuring the CEOs Amy Howe of FanDuel and Jason Robins of DraftKings.

Indigenous women defy odds in Tribal leadership

Nevada (Las Vegas/G2E) - Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports - Monday was Indigenous People’s Day and Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Steven wanted to make sure it was celebrated correctly. At the Global Gaming Expo education session “Shattering Ceilings: Women Leaders in Tribal Gaming,” Stevens introduced three tribal women who could “tell people who we are, tell people our true history,” he said. Holly Cook Macarro, an expert on political matters focused on tribal legislative and policy and principal at The Angle; Porch Band of Creek Indians Tribal Chair Stephanie Bryan; and Melanie Benjamin, the Chief Executive/Chairwoman of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, told stories of how they came to become tribal leaders, despite odds often stacked against them.

Female slot players a growing demographic

Nevada (Las Vegas/G2E) - Buck Wargo, CDC Gaming Reports - The number of female slot players continues to grow in the U.S., but game designers shouldn’t try to appeal to them by use of the color pink or flowers. Instead, they should make games that are fun for everyone to play. That was the message from a Global Gaming Expo educational session, “How Female Designers Are Influencing Game Design,” moderated by Carolyn Tomcyzyk, senior director of art design at Konami Gaming. Francine Maric, better known as “Lady Luck HQ” on social media, said that her followers online look for games that are simple and have vitality. “They want to see action. They want to see jackpots,” Maric said.

Las Vegas Grand Prix to begin at 10 p.m.

Nevada (Las Vegas) - Mick Akers, Review-Journal - The Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled to be contested on the third-longest circuit on Formula One’s 2023 schedule, will begin as expected at 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, race organizers confirmed. The late start is to allow the race to feature the renowned lights of the Las Vegas Strip. The circuit will be brightly lit via lighting trusses that are already being installed on the Strip and other areas of the track.

Gambler ups the ante with federal lawsuit against Resorts World

Nevada (Las Vegas) - John L. Smith, CDC Gaming Reports - A gambler’s protracted battle with Resorts World Las Vegas reached a new level Monday with a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court that accuses the Strip casino-resort company and its former president of negligence and the infliction of emotional distress for failing to prevent known fraudsters and persons convicted of gambling-related crimes from playing in the casino. The lawsuit filed by attorneys Marshall Cole and David Merrill on behalf of California resident Robert J. Cipriani, who goes by the moniker “Robin Hood 702” on social media, comes following the ouster of Resorts World Las Vegas President Scott Sibella for a violation of company policy amid press reports of an ongoing investigation by IRS Criminal Investigations and U.S. Homeland Security agents of Las Vegas hotels, including Resorts World.

Odesza at Zouk, Disco Kiss Mondays at Cathédrale and more

Nevada (Las Vegas) - The Weekly Staff - Las Vegas nightlife scion and rising star Dustin Drai has been promoted to president of Drai’s Management Group. He will now oversee the marketing and entertainment efforts and initiatives of Drai’s Beachclub, Nightclub and After Hours at the Cromwell, as well as the company’s expansion to Texas with Drai’s Dallas, set to open in late 2024. Electronic music duo Odesza’s first-ever nightclub performance will be part of New Year’s Eve weekend at Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World.

MGM sends special offers in wake of September cyberattack

National (cyberattack) - McKenna Ross, Review-Journal - MGM Resorts International has begun sending out loyalty rewards to customers affected by the September cyberattack on the company. A promotion shared by a popular social media blogger shows an offer for a complimentary stay for that MGM Rewards loyalty member.

Rise of mobile betting increases revenue, more problem gambling

New York (igaming) - Connor Smith, Spectrum News - Taxes on mobile sports betting in New York generated $727.4 million in the 2022-23 fiscal year and have continued to grow in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, according to a new report from state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The rise of mobile sports betting, though, also led to a 26% rise in problem gambling-related calls to the Office of the Addiction Services and Supports from 2021-2022, according to the New York State Gaming Commission. This, DiNapoli said, should lead to more attention on the impacts of mobile sports betting — particularly on younger people.

Atlantic City Dave & Buster's expected to open in December

New Jersey (Atlantic City) - Selena Vazquez, The Press - The opening of the Dave & Buster's entertainment center at the former site of rapper Jay-Z's 40/40 Club has been pushed back to December, city officials said. "According to our Director of Licensing and Inspection Dale Finch, we are looking at an anticipated opening date of early December," said Alexxus Young, a spokesperson for the city, adding the license that Dave & Buster's is requesting requires City Council approval. The North American chain of combination arcade, sports bar, restaurant and entertainment complexes has 155 locations in the United States, according to the company.

122-year-old Atlantic City property turning into apartments

New Jersey (Atlantic City) - Selena Vazquez, The Press - For the past decade, the former Morris Guards Armory at 10 S. New York Ave. has been vacant, but that is set to change over the next couple of months. John Longacre and his real estate development company, LPMG Companies, expect to put about 32 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment units, along with other retail spaces, on the real estate market by the end of the year. The building was constructed in 1901 and was used as an armory for the city's independent volunteer military club, the Morris Guards, until 1983. "We're trying to get people to see Atlantic City in a different way," Longacre said.

Huge Powerball jackpot goes to lucky lottery player in California

National (lottery) - Jim Salter, Associated Press - A player in California won a $1.765 billion Powerball jackpot Wednesday night, ending a long stretch without a winner of the top prize… Before someone won the giant prize, there had been 35 consecutive drawings without a big winner, stretching back to July 19 when a player in California matched all six numbers and won $1.08 billion.

New Catawba chief rejects deal to break up with casino developer

North Carolina (Indian gaming) - Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer - The Catawba Nation’s new chief rejects the cost of a financial deal that would break most ties with a company that’s been instrumental in launching its Two Kings Casino outside Charlotte. The deal, approved by the tribe’s previous administration, would require the Catawba to pay SkyBoat, LLC a $125 million payout, Chief Brian Harris said…But it’s too much money, said Harris, who was elected chief this summer and must sign the agreement for it to be finalized.

New coalition forms to weigh in on gaming compact negotiations

New York (Indian gaming) - Ryan Whalen, Spectrum News - Existing non-native casinos and racinos in the Finger Lakes and Western New York and unions representing their employees are formally launching a coalition to have a voice in the ongoing negotiations for a new gaming compact between the state and the Seneca Nation of Indians. The Fair Compact for All Coalition includes representatives from del Lago Resort and Casino, Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack, Hamburg Gaming and Batavia Downs. They want to ensure any new Seneca gaming compact t protects the future of their operations and the communities they say have come to depend on their success.

The Shoshone-Bannock Casino announces hunting packages

Idaho (Indian gaming) - Idaho State Journal - The Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel, in conjunction with the Tribes’ Fish & Game, invites hunting enthusiasts to join in on some of the best waterfowl and pheasant hunting in Idaho on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation now through December. Hunters can choose from one-day and two-day packages, allowing them to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and wildlife of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation while also enjoying comfortable accommodations in the hotel and delectable dining options.

State Confronts Indian Boarding School Past with New Committee

Washington (Indian Country) - Jenna Kunze, Native News - Washington State’s Attorney General’s office has formed a Truth & Reconciliation Tribal Advisory Committee to collect oral testimonies and recommend how the state can address present-day harms caused by Indian boarding school policies. Washington, a state home to 29 federally recognized tribes, hosted 17 of the nation’s more than 500 Indian Boarding Schools, according to an up-to-date list from the Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. The institutions operated from the 1800s through 1970 with the aim to forcibly assimilate Native children into white society.

Osage Casinos Celebrate Grand Opening of New Casino Hotel in Pawhuska

Oklahoma (Indian gaming) - Indian Gaming Magazine - Osage Casinos recently celebrated the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art casino and hotel in Pawhuska. This long-awaited property has been under construction since 2021 and is now open to the public following a ribbon-cutting celebration…On the day the new casino officially opened, the existing location closed. With a transformation from a 8,335 sq. ft. venue to this expansive new facility, the Pawhuska community is excited for the update. A

Casino News Media

Why Knowledge is Power: Navigating the World of Regulated Online Gambling

Every top casino search will feature an online casino's bonus offerings, payment methods and at least a blurb as to what differentiates their product from the rest of what's out there. We know Slotland, Mansion and Mr. Green are reputable per their longevity in the realm of online gambling. But what about those sites that do not appear on such listings?

Online Casino Complaints

The fact is, the longer a casino has been around, the more likely you'll be able to find a handful of complaints about said casino. Even a site like Mansion there are bound to be dissatisfied customers. There is no avoiding this fact.

But when one stumbles upon multiple complaints about a particular online casino, that becomes a problem.

There are many websites that feature forums where players share their bad experiences. These include long established Casino Meister (older than Gambling911) and, on the poker side, TwoPlusTwo.

Additionally, conduct searches via Google and other search engines. And remember to be careful. Some companies, usually those that are a little on the rogue side, employ services that ensure only positive supposed "real customer" experiences appear at the top of review pages. Scroll down or filter and you'll almost always find the real truth, one single star review listed after the other.

A Word About Regulated Online Casinos

Yes there are a few benefits to playing with a regulated casino or online sportsbook, the top being the ability to reach out to a commission or other licensing body. This doesn't always mean they are safe. Gambling911.com warned that 5Dimes was going to shut down. That site claimed otherwise. We notified their regulatory body. They did nothing. 5Dimes closed weeks later. The regulatory body simply removed their company from its list of licensees and players were screwed out of any futures bets.

Online Casino Pluses

Once you land on a review page, the benefits are clear and easy to compare. Promos will be pushed the most. Here are just some of the great promotional offers we stumbled upon.

Matching deposit bonuses

100 to 200+ free spins

Bitcoin only deposits (see below)

Free bets

Be careful. You don't just deposit money, get free money, then request it all back. Each casino and sportsbook implements its own rollover/play requirement. 10X is one of the best rollovers. This means your initial $20 will need to be played through ten times before you can request the free bonus money. If 10X is a turnoff, casino gambling might not be your thing. Some play through requirements do not permit withdrawal during this period and this may be a legitimate turnoff to some. Why can't you request a withdrawal on winnings while still working on your play requirement. It is important to read the Q&A section of the web casino site. Avoid any online casino that does not feature a Q&A page or Terms and Agreement section.

You'll Need to Fund Your Online Gambling Account

Some online casino payment methods are better than others. By better, we mean faster.

Yes, Bitcoin is among the best but it’s akin to learning how to ride a bicycle. There is a learning curve at first but funding with Bitcoin and similar cryptocurrencies will become second nature by the 4th or 5th time. Just ALWAYS check that your Bitcoin stamp matches at the start and end of the string and you should not have any problem. Gambling sites often have no problem sending five figure amounts through Bitcoin wallets. This payout, often received in a matter of hours seven days a week, can then be converted to your favorite currency via the Bitcoin exchange.

Remember too that there are fees involved with all payout methods employed. Wires and ePayments may be quick but costly. Each site lists varying fees for the same payment method and not all are competitive. Many online gambling sites offer “Bitcoin Only” bonuses with more lucrative incentives. One loosely guarded secret that the online casinos won’t advertise: They hate credit card transactions. Gamblers are notorious for charging back. Hence the rationale for pushing Bitcoin deposits.

Google Trends - October 2023

SEJ's Roger with an interesting, insightful and educational feature on Google Trends. The best ways to plug into this realm for optimum results can depend upon the nature of the business you are engaging in. For us, news, pop culture/entertainment news, events, promotions, live sport and a range of media, advertising and technical services. So, we frequently apply a methodology that trends for Australian and global sports and entertainment events. In addition, some events, news and other are evergreen. For example, WWE 'SummerSlam' out of the USA is seasonal in name, but is also broadcast globally. WrestleMania by the same sports entertainment promotional is broadcast globally and does not focus on the weather patten or season, but happens in 'WrestleMania Season' (around early April). UFC MMA events happen all year round. Pro surfing is more seasonal, hence wetsuit or not! Snow ski-sking. Festival Of The Winds - you get the idea. Certain celebs attached to brands trends, product/service endorsements and more. Sometimes other topics such as trust or other in politics, big tech and other industries can also factor in. See what's hot and what's on the rise and ramp up online publishing. It works in the Internet Matrix Of Things.

Pro Wrestling

WWE @WWE NOW

Video

Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso set for title rematch with The Judgment Day: WWE Now, Oct. 16, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgPHkqy92Fw&ab_channel=Keepin%27It100OFFICIAL

"Logan Paul loves being in the spotlight and grabbed it back for himself this past Saturday. After defeating MMA fighter Dillon Danis in a boxing match in London, Logan Paul shocked the WWE Universe by calling out WWE Hall of Famer, Rey Mysterio. The Lo Gang has their sights set on the United States championship, and Logan Paul let Rey Mysterio know he plans on taking it from him. Is a WWE Title in Logan Paul's future? So that's the latest from around the WWE Universe, but so much more to come tonight on the season premier of Monday Night RAW. Don't miss a second of the action"... - Megan Morant

*Image credit: WWE

#WWENow #WWERaw #WWE #LoganPaul #ReyMysterio #wrestling #prowrestling #entertainment #popcuture #trend #buzz #media

American Box Office

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour - $96m

The Exorcist: Believer - $11m

Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie - $7m

Saw X - $5.7m

The Creator - $4.3m

A Haunting in Venice - $2.052m

The Blind - $2.023m

The Nun II - $1.6m

The Equalizer 3 - $960,000

Dumb Money - $920,000

#boxoffice #movies #movienews #showbiz #TaylorSwift #taylorswifterastourmovie #PAWPatrol #SawX #TheCreator #ahauntinginvenice #TheBlind #TheNun2 #TheEqualizer3 #DumbMoney #entertainment #entertainmentnews #popculure #moviebiz #trend #trending #buzz #media

Pro Wrestling

WWE @WWE RAW

Shinsuke Nakamura @ShinsukeN vs Ricochet @KingRicochet - Falls Count Anywhere Match

"Ricochet not even waiting for the bell" Kevin Patrick @kev_egan

"Ricochet is letting his heart rule his head" Wade Barrett @StuBennett

"He's all heart, Ricochet" - KP

"Even more effective in a match like this".. "embarrassed and humaliated for weeks" WB

"No disqualifications in this kind of match-up. It's all just a playground for Ricochet" WB

"People trying to do their jobs" KP

"Bating and setting the trap" WB

"The fight has gone into the crowd here" KP

"Insanity... and its all legal. Ricochet willing to risk it all"

"Flatended about 10 security guards in the process" WB

"You could watch that all night on a loop and not get bored" WD

"Listen to the road in Oklahoma City" KO

"Nakamura prone and in the drop zone" WB

"So close to bedtime for Ricochet" WB

"Insade acrobatic ability..figures something out and stays alive" WB

"Ricochet's splits the table" WB

"Nakamura wins in falls count anywhere"

"That cut-throad style. Dangerous, dangerous man. The entire lockerroom needs to be on guard".. WB

"That unfortunate landing through the table" WB

*Image credit: WWE

#WWERaw #WWE #wrestling #prowrestling #fallcountanywhere #combatsports #entertainment #sportsbiz #popculture #USANetwork #trends #broadcast #TV #media

Pro Wrestling

WWE @WWE Raw. October 16, 2023

Bálor & Priest def Rhodes & Jey Uso - Tag Team Title

Shinsuke Nakamura def Ricochet-Falls Count Anywhere

Piper Niven def Natalya

Ludwig Kaiser def Johnny Gargano

Confrontation: Seth “Freakin” Rollins and Drew McIntyre

Rhea Ripley vs Shayna Bazle. No contest.

Gunther def Big Bronson Reed - Intercontinental Title

Video

Raw’s most explosive moments: Raw highlights, Oct. 16, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jilz1czKkNI&ab_channel=WWE

Video

Gunther vs. “Big” Bronson Reed - Intercontinental Title Match: Raw highlights, Oct. 16, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFhCrKRAr60&t=2s&ab_channel=WWE

Video

A brawl ruins Rhea Ripley’s match with Shayna Baszler: Raw highlights, Oct. 16, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHHIsDzOjIw&ab_channel=WWE

Video

Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso set for title rematch with The Judgment Day: WWE Now, Oct. 16, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgPHkqy92Fw&t=2s&ab_channel=WWE

Image credit: WWE

#WWERaw #WWE #WWECrownJewel #wrestling #prowrestling #combatsports #sportsbiz #entertainment #popculture #USANetwork #broadcast #trend #trending #buzz #TV #media

Wrestling News

Rey Mysterio @reymysterio accepts Logan Paul's @LoganPaul challenge and call out following LP victory in boxing match

Following the X @X (former Twitter_) reply to LP, Mr 619 spoke with TMZ Sports @TMZ_Sports

"I'm looking to shut him up in a way".

"He said he has his eyesight on something and someone, it's me and the U.S. title. So let's go! I've only been doing this for 34 years. I don't think he was even born before that happened."

"I'm hoping to see [Logan] there this Friday [on SmackDown]," Mysterio told us, adding, "I don't know if it'll go down right then and there [on SmackDown], but we will plan a date."

"I have seen his growth inside the ring and he picks up very fast" .. "He's good. I'm not gonna lie. But I don't think he's better than Rey Mysterio."

Video

Best Logan Paul moments: WWE Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA7iYojBzBI&ab_channel=WWE

Video

Logan Paul’s best moments: WWE Top 10, Feb. 2, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcNeCKr9X3M&ab_channel=WWE

Video

Logan Paul and Ricochet's unbelievable mid-air collision: WWE Royal Rumble 2023 highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G02RnW-7aQI&ab_channel=WWE

Video

Logan Paul CHALLENGES Rey Mysterio for US TITLE MATCH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK6UkrPhuhA&ab_channel=NinaDrama

Image credit: WWE

#LoganPaul #ReyMysterio #DillonDanis #WWE #WWEUS #USTitle #SmackDown #wrestling #prowrestling #dreammatch #combatsports #sportsbiz #popculture #TMZ #entertainment #legends #ratings #trend #trending #buzz #hype #PLE #win #winwinwin #media

"The body achieves what the mind believes.” – Napoleon Hill #NapoleonHill #quote #body #mind #mindset #attitude #motivation #mbs #media

"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease" = Voltaire #voltaire #quote #medicine #cure #disease #mbs #world #media

"Medicine is not only a science; it is also an art. It does not consist of compounding pills and plasters; it deals with the very processes of life, which must be understood before they may be guided" - Paracelsus #Paracelsus #quote #medicine #science #art #life #mbs #world #media

"Reject your sense of injury and the injury itself disappears" - Marcus Aurelius #MarcusAurelius #quote #injury #health #wellbeing #mbs #world #media

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky #WayneGretzky #quote #shorts #sport #mindset #attitude #mbs #media

"The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell" Confucius #Confucius #quote #man #right #sell #mindset #business #world #media

“Ignoring online marketing is like opening a business but not telling anyone.” #onlinemarketing #business #onlinebiz #onlinebusiness #marketing #ads #advertising #agency #publicity #promotions #biz #media #mediaman

Wrestling News

Rey Mysterio @reymysterio accepts Logan Paul's @LoganPaul challenge and call out following LP victory in boxing match

Following the X @X (former Twitter_) reply to LP, Mr 619 spoke with TMZ Sports @TMZ_Sports

"I'm looking to shut him up in a way".

"He said he has his eyesight on something and someone, it's me and the U.S. title. So let's go! I've only been doing this for 34 years. I don't think he was even born before that happened."

"I'm hoping to see [Logan] there this Friday [on SmackDown]," Mysterio told us, adding, "I don't know if it'll go down right then and there [on SmackDown], but we will plan a date."

"I have seen his growth inside the ring and he picks up very fast" .. "He's good. I'm not gonna lie. But I don't think he's better than Rey Mysterio."

Video

Best Logan Paul moments: WWE Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA7iYojBzBI&ab_channel=WWE

Video

Logan Paul’s best moments: WWE Top 10, Feb. 2, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcNeCKr9X3M&ab_channel=WWE

Video

Logan Paul and Ricochet's unbelievable mid-air collision: WWE Royal Rumble 2023 highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G02RnW-7aQI&ab_channel=WWE

Video

Logan Paul CHALLENGES Rey Mysterio for US TITLE MATCH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK6UkrPhuhA&ab_channel=NinaDrama

Image credit: WWE

Pro Wrestling

WWE NXT @WWENXT October 17, 2023

Carmelo Hayes vs Baron Corbin vs Dijak. Triple Threat Match to decide No. 1 Contender to NXT Title

Bada Bing Bada Boom Battle Royal to determine No. 1 Contenders to NXT Tag Team Championship

Lyra Valkyria vs Tegan Nox

Image credit: WWE NXT

#WWENXT #wrestling #prowrestling #sportsbiz #entertainment #popculture #USANetwork #broadcast #buzz #TV #media

“Your mind will take the shape of what you frequently hold in thought, for the human spirit is colored by such impressions.” – Marcus Aurelius #MarcusAurelius #quote #mind #frequency #thought #humanspirit #world #universe #mbs #media

“If you can’t explain it to a six year old, you don’t understand it well enough yourself” - Albert Einstein #AlbertEinstein #Einstein #quote #physics #understand #mbs #world #media

"Evergreen Content: A simple definition: Evergreen content is a publication, quote or story which does not expire in the short term. It is a collection of content, information, quotes and stories that is as relevant today, as they were when they were first published. Evergreen content can be modified over time should the publisher see the need. In many cases evergreen content can be utlized to compliment fresh/new content. Keen in mind the type of endeavours and business one is involved in when publishing content, evergreen or otherwise" - Greg Tingle, founder, Media Man Group #GregTingle #quote #evergreencontent #evergreen #content #articles #stories #information #freshcontent #freshnews #contentmarketing #contentcreation #contentnews #contenttips #biz #business #newsbiz #newsmedia #onlinenews #SEO #SEM #Algorithm #niche #nichecontent #nichenews #media #mediamangroup #mediaman #mediamanint

The beauty of SEO is that, instead of pushing a marketing message onto folks who don’t want to hear what you have to say, you can reverse-engineer the process to discover exactly what people are looking for, create the right content for it, and appear before them at exactly the moment they are looking for it. It’s pull vs. push. If you have a business on the internet that wants to make more people aware of its existence you need to be looking at Search Engine Optimization as part of the online marketing efforts. In addition, a mix of both fresh and evergreen content to help stay relevant and in the mix all year round.

#SEO #SearchEngineOptimization #marketing #onlinemarketing #evergreen #evergreencontent #fresh #freshnews #content #creativity #internet #onlinenews #PR #popculture #audience #customers #readership #buzz #socialmedia #media #mediaman

“Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of advertising.” - Mark Twain #MarkTwain #quote #advertising #ads #author #creative #creativity #biz #media #mediaman

Lexis King to debut at NXT @WWENXT Halloween Havoc

"Brian Pillman was one of those guys who had a drive about him that told you from day one that he was going to be a star" - Dusty Rhodes

"Superstars from the past from the past would approach me and share stories about all the good times they had with my father"..

"Yeah, I loved him too. Well the reality is when your just four years old you don't know what love is. "Hell, I never knew that man. He spent more nights in a dam hotel room that he did at my home. You expect me to love him. I am in no one's shadow".

"Halloween Havoc is the start of my career. Not the continuation of someone elses".

"I'm gonna take the first steps down my path. I'm gonna make my name bigger than his ever was, and that name is Lexis King" - Lexis King

#HalloweenHavoc #LexisKing

Starboard pushes News Corp to sell REA Group stake

Activist investor Starboard Value, which has built a position in News Corp, wants the Murdoch-family controlled media giant to separate its Australian real estate business.

News Corp is “significantly undervalued” and unloading its 61 per cent stake in REA Group could help unlock more than $US7 billion ($11 billion) for shareholders, Starboard said in an investor presentation on Tuesday.

News Corp is in a transitional phase after founder Rupert Murdoch announced plans to step down as chairman of the company and Fox Corp.

This year, the Murdochs gave up on an effort to combine their two companies after News Corp investors complained a merger might undervalue their businesses.

On Tuesday, REA rose 1.8 per cent to $159.23 on the ASX.

(Sources: AFR, Wires, FT)

#Starboard #NewsCorp #REA #REAGroup #Murdoch #realestate #property #propertynews #biz #mediabiz #mediabusiness #news #newsmedia #media

South Africa to probe Meta, Google competition with news publishers

South Africa's Competition Commission will investigate whether digital platforms like Meta and Google were unfairly competing with news publishers by using their content to generate ad revenue, it said on Tuesday.

The Commission will be investigating among other things market features that may distort competition for advertising revenue between news media organisations and digital platforms, and whether these are affected by imbalances in bargaining power.

The inquiry will include general search engines such as Alphabet's Google and Bing, social media platforms such as Meta and X, news aggregation platforms, video sharing platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, and ad networks such as Google Ads.

It will also examine generative artificial intelligence such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and how it uses original news content in its output, the Commission added.

#Meta #Google #platforms #digitalplatforms #news #newspublishers #ads #digitalads #adnetworks #publishers #content #contentpublishing #politics #bigtech #aggregation #disrupt #distruption #disruptor #newsmedia #AI #SouthAfrica #media

Movie News

Ocean's 11 franchise/prequel on the cards for Margot Robbie and Jay Roach

Austin Powers director Jay Roach will be behind the camera and that it will be set in 1960s Europe. Speaking on the red carpet of Saltburn at the BFI London Film Festival, gaming and pop culture news site GamesRadar+ secured some details on the project from producer Josey McNamara.

"I can’t really say much," he said, "but I think we’re just trying to do right by the franchise. I’m excited for people to experience it when it’s ready."

When GamesRadar+ quizzed him about reuniting Gosling and Robbie after their hit Barbie, McNamara says he hopes this is the start of many more collaborations between the pair. "They’re wonderful together. The more projects even outside of that we can have them do would be amazing."

The Hollywood Reporter reports that insiders say it's in active development and production is planned to begin in spring 2023. Carrie Solomon is writing the script.

The virgin of the 21st Century Ocean's Eleven movies was released in 2001 – directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring George Clooney, it was a loose remake of the 1960 movie of the same name. Two sequels followed in 2004 and 2007, while an all-female spin-off, titled Ocean's 8, followed with a mixed reaction in 2018, starring Sandra Bullock as the sister of Clooney's character.

Video

Ocean’s Eleven | Best of Rusty Ryan | Max

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BvE9PPK-8A&ab_channel=Max

Video

Ocean's 13

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qylm_PPa-bc&ab_channel=YouTubeMovies

#movieenews #oceans11 #oceans12 #oceans12 #entertainment #entertainmentnews #popculture #MargotRobbie #JayRoach #JoseyMcNamara #casino #casinomovie #casinonews #showbiz #buzz #news #trends #media

Pop Culture

'Top Gun: The Next Generation' docuseries gives unprecedented access to one of the U.S. Navy's most demanding training and selection programs. The show follows world-class U.S. Navy student pilots as they work to join the Navy's most elite strike fighter pilots.

"For the first time ever, they will be embarking on some of the most challenging flight tests possible including landing on an aircraft carrier at sea. The elite nature of the course means that only a minority -- the very best -- will make it to the top to fly the world's most advanced jet -- the F-35C Lightning II," an official synopsis reads.

The series is inspired by the 1986 film Top Gun and its sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, starring Tom Cruise.

"With so many millions of fans of the film around the world, I was immediately drawn to this series -- these elite jet pilots are not only extremely accomplished and impressive, but all have very different stories to tell," National Geographic EVP of global factual and unscripted content Tom McDonald said. "With Nat Geo's exclusive unprecedented inside access, the series promises to be an exhilarating, visually jaw-dropping and fascinating journey into the intensely competitive world of elite flying."

"The intimate access we have gained to the characters and the emotional character-led story arcs that run through the series will paint a vivid, compelling narrative around the young men and women embarking on this highly stressful process. That narrative will elevate the series beyond the noise and spectacle of fighter jets to tell the tense, nuanced and poignant human stories behind the public-facing bravado. This is a unique project and we are thrilled to be bringing it to viewers," Zinc Television managing director Tanya Shaw added.

Top Gun: The Next Generation is produced for National Geographic by Rex. Karen Edwards created the series and serves as showrunner, with Shaw as executive producer.

Video

'Top Gun: The Next Generation' Docuseries Heading To Nat Geo | THR News (The Hollywood Reporter YouTube)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIGp66x0VXc&ab_channel=TheHollywoodReporter

#TopGun #docuseries #netgeo #entertainment #entertainmentnews #popculture #streaming #streamingentertainment #streamingvideo #streamingbiz #streamingseries #TV #buzz #trend #media

MMA/UFC News

Islam Makhachev vs Alex Volkanovski - UFC @UFC 294

Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Makhachev weight cut draws additional attention

Media directive given to IM on news media day

Highly anticipated rematch with Aussie UFC legend Alex Volkanovski.

The weight limit is 155-pounds!

“Two questions. That’s it.” says Makhachev advisor.

Makhachev was awarded the victor after a somewhat controversial decision - such is the nature of the beast of pro MMA, vs Volkanovski in Perth, WA at UFC 294 back in February. A fight that had the combat sports world clued to, with YouTube come grappler and boxer Logan Paul fly over for.

MMA had a much cleaner record than pro boxing (and pro wrestling) when it comes to being a clear cut winner without any "funny business". Don't get us started on Logan Paul vs Dillon Danis in the UK re "Misfits Boxing", but also recall the UFC Noche: Grasso vs Shevchenko rematch situation. We're not going down the Conor McGregor rabbit hole today either folks, but UFC CEO Dana White has spoken on that officially, as has leading UFC commentor and world leading podcaster Joe Rogan.

"Mak" advised complications around recovering from his severe weight cut affected his performance on fight night.

“In Australia, we had many things happen in the fight,” Makhachev said. “(The weight cut) wasn’t harder, but the recovery was.

“It was what a fighter needs to recover after the official weigh-in. In Australia, they went in the early morning and you wake up, you don’t know if you can eat breakfast or not.

“They take you to the arena. There were many things.

“They make it for US time for the pay per view, that’s why they start so early.”

On home ground this time around, Makhachev states he’ll stop Volkanovski inside the distance.

“Everybody knows Volkanovski has good striking with how he closes the distance, but I think I can fight, I can strike, wrestle and grapple,” he said.

“I beat him in the striking. I landed very good punches, hard punches. I took him down and I used my grappling on him in Australia.

“But now we have the schedule, and everything has changed I will finish him.

“I feel more comfortable here. Everything I need, I have. I just have to step to the cage and show my level.”

Like his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has always faced a tough task to make weight, and questions were raised about how he rehydrated ahead of UFC 284.

In a tweet that went viral, NZ lightweight Dan Hooker called Makhachev a “cheating dog” and accused him of hiring a nurse “to give him an IV”.

Rehydrating with an intravenous drip has been illegal in the UFC since 2015.

Despite the controversy, Volkanovski – who appeared fitter and more relaxed than Makhachev this week (see the official UFC YouTube and other leaks) – wasn’t buying into any chatter around his opponent’s weight cut.

Volkanovski quotes on Makhachev:

“He always struggles, so I don’t want to look at it as weakness”.

“He’ll get through it and he’ll rock up.

“He won’t come to the fight underdone because of it. I can’t think like that.

“He’s not a real happy guy during fight week, because he does have such a big weight cut, but he’ll have time to rehydrate and he’ll be there on fight day.”

Video

UFC 294 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLN_ea9uJBs&t=185s&ab_channel=UFC

Video

UFC 294 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrOUq7eQ9bg&t=85s&ab_channel=UFC

#UFC294 #UFC #Makhachev #Volkanovski #Volk #volkmakhachev #combatsports #MMA #mixedmartialarts #sportsnews #sportsbiz #sportsmedia #PPV #PayPerView #popculture #news #buzz #trends #AbuDhabi #UAE #media

MMA/Combats Sports/UFC News

It feels like Fight Week again. There's almost a WrestleMania Week buzz in the air says our combat sports and pop culture circle.

World's leading mixed martial arts promotion UFC @UFC to hold first-ever show in Saudi Arabia

UFC is scheduled to hold its first-ever show in Saudi Arabia.

Per news release that the UFC will make its Saudi Arabia debut with a Fight Night event on March 2, 2024. The mega show, which is in partnership with the acclaimed Saudi General Sports Authority, will be part of Saudi Arabia's famous and highly regarded Riyadh Season Festival.

"As part of its thrilling activities, Riyadh Season will host a UFC Fight Night in collaboration with UFC, the world's premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization on Saturday, March 2, 2024," per press release announcing the show reads.

"The event will feature a variety of UFC's most successful and internationally known fighters. UFC CEO Dana White will announce participating athletes in the coming months."

In 2018, Endeavor, the UFC's parent company, ceased its business deals with the Saudi government. The decision was due to the Saudi government's largely suspected role in the demise of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Endeavor finalized its acquisition of WWE last month. With the deal, WWE (world's leading professional wrestling based company/brand) and the UFC have been merged into one publicly traded company entitled TKO Group Holdings. Old guard WWE tycoon Vince McMahon playfully cheered on the NYSE audience at the event and was a highlight of the news and social media broadcasts.

WWE has regularly promoted major pro wrestling based events in Saudi Arabia since 2018, only missing the 2020 year, understood to have some political reasons attached it. The mega shows are part of a long-term deal between WWE and the Saudi government.

WWE Crown Jewel 2023 (number 5 if you are counting) is being held in Saudi Arabia November 4 during Riyadh Season and at time of publlication Seth Rollins will defend his WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre, while social mega megastar Logan Paul akd LP or Prime Heel, will be looking to best Rey Mysterio for the U.S Chamionship, which he targeted post match Misfits Boxing interview in Machester, UK. Mysterio accepted the challenge via X (formally Twitter), as well as in person with a TMZ Sports reporter. Paul and Mysterio are due to meet this coming Friday on WWE SmackDown.

Saudi's Ramp Up Other Sports Events:

A professional boxing match between Tyson Fury and cross-over star Francis Ngannou (currently with PFL) Professional Fighters League) is also set for the festival. 'The Gypsie King' Fury vs Ngannou is booked for October 28.

LIV Golf are continuing to surge forward with promotions and events in the region and is now riding somewhat of a wave or momentium, having patched up their relationship and once legal woes with the old guard PGA.

Fans, don't forget, as has been the case for pro sports for over a century, card subject to change, but at this stage all these events and main events look fully locked in, and more exciting big event enhancements will be added.

More often than not, sport helps bring the world together even when some political types (looking squarely at the USA - White House for a start), may perhaps have it otherwise.

We praise and commend the UFC and WWE (TKO Group), all sports promoters, as well as The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia, Saudi General Sports Authority and all the powers that be who are helping make these sporting dreams a reality for althletes and millions of fans around the globe.

There's numerous sporting entities involved in all the exicitment, most very friendly and some more balanced, but it's fair to say that we are all part of one big sporting family - we all love sports and sports entertainment.

It's a Win-Win-Win, and of course, sports business is big business..did someone says "sports tourism", and don't we know it.

Videos (just to help further get you in the mood)

UFC Official YouTube

UFC 294 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrOUq7eQ9bg&t=87s&ab_channel=UFC

WWE YouTube

Logan Paul goes toe-to-toe with Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel: Raw, Dec. 26, 2022

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRTOdZZxgaM&t=5s&ab_channel=WWE

The MAC Life YouTube

Islam Makhachev: "Alex Volkanovski is only here for the money, everybody knows this"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cm2C3_lWdE&ab_channel=TheMacLife

MMA Fighting on SBN

UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2 Media Day LIVE Stream | MMA Fighting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtFP61dLDAY&ab_channel=MMAFightingonSBN

LIV Golf Official YouTube

Highlights: Final Round in Two Minutes | LIV Golf Jeddah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouFUJEtpIYE&ab_channel=LIVGolf

IMPAULSIVE Podcast

Logan Paul on Beating Dillon Danis, KSI Losing vs Tommy Fury, Apologizing to Nina Agdal - EP. 395

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTwWAVC0vTg&t=45s&ab_channel=IMPAULSIVE

#UFC #UFC294 #UFCFightNight #UFCSaudi #WWE #WWECrownJewel #LIVGolf #NickKhan #DanaWhite #TripleH #LoganPaul #ReyMysterio #SethRollins #DrewMcIntypre #TysonFury #FrancisNgannou #PFL #PGA #SmackDown #RiyadhSeason #Riyadh

#SaudiArabia #SaudiGeneralSportsAuthority #combatsports #wrestling #prowrestling #MMA #mixedmartialarts #boxing #sportstourism #sportsentertainment #sportsnews #sportsmedia #sportsbusiness #sportsbiz #popculture #PLE #PPV #PayPerView #livesports #liveentertainment #prosports #festival #worldsport #worldnews #trends #trending #buzz #media

MMA/UFC bad boy Conor McGregor no case to answer re NBA Finals game alleged incident in Miami

Nuggets vs. Heat - June 9. McGregor with a win for self thanks in part to switched on attorney of law

News broken via the good guy media at TMZ Sports

Barbara Llanes, an attorney for McGregor, made the following statement.

“After a thorough investigation, including a review of videos and interviews with eyewitnesses, the authorities have concluded that there is no case to pursue against my client, Conor McGregor,” Llanes said. “On behalf of my client, his family and his fans we are pleased this is now over.”

#mmanews #mma #UFC #ConorMcGregor #NBA #sportsnews #sportsmedia #sportbiz #TMZ #TMZSports #news #newsmedia #media

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing about.” - Benjamin Franklin #BenjaminFranklin #quote #write #writing #read #reading #news #newsmedia #media

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit.” – Aristotele #Aristotele #quote #excellence #habit #self #mindset #work #philosophy

#polymath #knowledge #wisdom #worlds #mbs #media

“Great marketers have immense empathy for their audience. They can put themselves in their shoes, live their lives, feel what they feel, go where they go, and respond how they’d respond. That empathy comes out in content that resonates with your audience.” - Rand Fishkin #RandFishkin #quote #marketers #audience #content #searchengines #seo #digital #internet #media

“With artificial intelligence, we are summoning the demon. In all those stories where there’s the guy with the pentagram and the holy water, it’s like, yeah, he’s sure he can control the demon. Didn’t work out.” - Elon Musk #ElonMusk #quote #ArtificialInteligence #AI #demon #holywater #tech #X #Twitter #platforms #socialmedia #society #media

“We want to build technology that everybody loves using, and that affects everyone. We want to create beautiful, intuitive services and technologies that are so incredibly useful that people use them twice a day. Like they use a toothbrush. There aren’t that many things people use twice a day.” - Larry Page #LarryPage #quote #Google #technology #searchengine #seeaerch #intuitive #intuitiveservices #useful #media

"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." - Jack Dempsey #JackDempsey #quote #boxing #champion #sports #media

“I’ve failed over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan #MichaelJorgan #quote #failed #succeed #basketball #sports #mindset #motivation #world #media

UFC® NAMES NEXT-GEN IGAMING COMPANY SPRIBE AN OFFICIAL MARKETING PARTNER

SPRIBE to Activate this Week at Highly Anticipated UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi

LAS VEGAS, October 19, 2023 -- UFC®, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, and SPRIBE, an acclaimed iGaming company and creator of the innovative social game Aviator, today announced a multi-year marketing partnership that provides SPRIBE with significant exposure during some of UFC’s biggest live events.

Under the terms of the agreement, SPRIBE will receive prominent branding at select UFC Pay-Per-Views and Fight Nights, including high-visibility placement inside the world-famous Octagon® and branded integrations within the live telecasts. In addition, the agreement provides for an annual Brand Ambassador fund that will bring the partnership to life through appearances, content, and creative campaigns with UFC athletes.

“We’re thrilled to welcome SPRIBE as an official UFC partner,” said Grant Norris-Jones, UFC Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships. “SPRIBE creates the kind of next-gen games that have strong appeal for UFC fans because they offer a unique experience, with exciting features, stunning graphics, and engaging gameplay. We’re excited to help them achieve a broader reach for their brand and their games.”

Established in 2018, SPRIBE revolutionized the iGaming industry with innovative vertical - crash games. With exponential growth, SPRIBE's games are now featured across 2,000+ operators worldwide. The company flagship Aviator game gained popularity among Gen Y and Z, boasting a whopping 10+ million monthly active players. Thanks to its intuitive interface and engaging social interaction features, the revolutionary Aviator remains a №1 crash game worldwide.

"This is a significant partnership for SPRIBE and Aviator, making more players aware of the game than ever before,” said Giorgi Tsutskiridze, CCO at SPRIBE. “Aviator is already the most-played crash game in the world with more than 10 million monthly players, but this deal with UFC will really catapult it into the stratosphere. UFC is an entertainment business at heart and knows exactly how to get people on the edge of their seats by providing fast-paced action inside the Octagon. Aviator does that also, but with players able to enjoy the thrill ride of the games from their smartphone. This is a strong and valuable marketing partnership for us that shows that Aviator really has hit the big time, transcending traditional gaming audiences to have mainstream appeal."

SPRIBE’s next activation with UFC will be this week during the highly anticipated UFC 294: MAKHACHEV VS VOLKANOVSKI 2, live from Abu Dhabi, on Saturday, October 21. The main event will feature a rematch between lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and the current featherweight champion and No. 2 pound-for-pound ranked fighter in the world, Alexander Volkanovski, while the co-main will feature the No. 4 welterweight in the world, Khamzat Chimaev, moving up to middleweight to face the No. 1 welterweight in the world, Kamaru Usman.

ENDS

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 243 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevades are now featured across 2,000+ operators worldwide. The company flagship “Aviator” game gained popularity among Gen Y and Z, boasting a whopping 10+ million monthly active players. Thanks to its intuitive interface and engaging social interaction features, the revolutionary "Aviator" remains a №1 crash game worldwide.

About SPRIBE

SPRIBE, an acclaimed game provider established in 2018, revolutionized the iGaming industry with innovative game vertical - crash games. With exponential growth, SPRIBE's gam

“Some say Google is God. Others say Google is Satan. But if they think Google is too powerful, remember that with search engines unlike other companies, all it takes is a single click to go to another search engine.” - Sergey Brin #SergeyBrin #quote #google #searchengines #searchengine #click #SEO #SEM #SearchEngineMarketing #searchenginenews #searchenginetrends #searchnews #tech #news #newsmedia #media #mediaman

WWE NXT @WWENXT . "For the first time ever Halloween Havoc will be a two-night spectacular"..

#WWENXT #HalloweenHavoc

“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.” – Tommy Lasorda #TommyLasorda #quote #impossible #possible #determination #attitude #mindset #work #baseball #sport #sportsbiz #legend #mbs #media

“Artificial intelligence would be the ultimate version of Google. The ultimate search engine that would understand everything on the Web. It would understand exactly what you wanted, and it would give you the right thing. We’re nowhere near doing that now. However, we can get incrementally closer to that, and that is basically what we work on.” - Larry Page #LarryPage #quote #Google #AI #ArtificialInteligence #searchengine #web #search #tech #bigtech #innovation #searchnews #searchmedia #searchworld #questions #answers #news #newsmedia #media #mediaman #mediamanint

Understanding Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing a website to enhance its visibility on search engine results pages. This includes various techniques such as keyword research, on-page, and technical optimization, with the ultimate goal of driving organic traffic and conversions.

#SEO #SearchEngineOptimization #SEM #SearchEngineMarketing #searchengine #searchengines #website #visability #results #resultpages #organic #organicresults #organicsearch #organicseo #keyword #keywords #optimization #seotips #marketingtips #seonews #technews #buzz #media #mediaman

News Bytes Media - Legacy, Mainstream, Lamesteam, Apps, Disruptors and More!

Experts, both legit and self appointed - fear the rise of misinformation on the web may provoke further real world harm. Much of the world's population has trust issues with the news media industry, big tech and politics. Many media and tech insiders welcomed industry disruptors such as Rumble, news services and apps such as Sky News Australia and even Rebel News and Valuetainment, who often challenge official government narratives, as well as management shake-ups of platforms such as X @X (formally Twitter), which formally harboured - for lack of a better term, some tech workers who were known activists, operating under the guise of tech workers, online moderators and such. Media knows of many cases of journalists and former journalists who lost some social media accounts at an array of firms due to being pro-freedom of speech and free thinking, and who published balanced articles and stories covering the likes of the peaceful Canadian and Canberra trucker protests. Much of the population in the western world has major trust issues of government politics and mainstream (aka lamestream) news media. Governments and legacy media does not enjoy the "power" and dominance they once did thanks to the rise of the world wide web. The scribe itself may contain an element of bias, as all humans may in fact have an element of bias - such is the nature of being a human-being. In the media and poltiical space sometimes labels are given to others who share a different world view. Labels (words being weaponized) may include "far right", "far left", "alt right", "tree huggers", "loonies", "conspiracy theorists", "zombies", "bad actors", "government mules/moles", "Yes Men", and we've only just started. Many world citizens would like to see things return to the good old days when people can be peoople without so much name calling, labels being given to others, and not to mention the weaponization of the "news media" industry. Today websites of a wide array of subjects are found on the web, many in the "niche media" space. They contain detail and viewpoints that would seldom or never get a run in traditional/legacy media. We suggest that when researching particular subects, be it world affairs, pharma, mining and many other subject matters, go to between 3 to 10 different sources to research and then draw your own conclusions as to what's true, what's not, and what may be speculative or shades of gray. Remember, even some of the world's great minds such as Albert Einstein and Nikola Tesla did much opinion based work. An individual can decide for themselves what is true, half true, false or otherwise. Good hunting citizen journalists and others.

#news #newsmedia #politics #mainstreamnews #mainstreammedia #niche #nichenews #authority #expert #journalism #gonzojournalism #satire

#AlbertEinstein #NikolaTelsa #Tesla #ElonMusk #Trump #JoeRogan #RussellBrand #Rebel #SkyNews #rabbithole #therabbithole #ontherecord #www #offtherecord #wikipedia #wikileaks #wiki #bigtech #platforms #platformnews #disruptor #disruptors #society #opinion #mediabusiness #mediabiz #publishers #onlinenews #onlinemedia #search #research #sources #newsbiz #media #mediaman

Media Man with Search News Media: SEO Unveils the Power of Content Marketing in Boosting SEO

The Role of Content Marketing in SEO for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, Australia Businesses

Sydney, Australia / Media Man SEO

Media Man SEO is one of the leading search engine optimization companies in Sydney, Australia, providing top-line services to businesses seeking to improve their online presence. It's essential for Sydney businesses to have a robust online presence in today's tech-driven world, and Media Man SEO understands this better than most.

They discovered this more than two decades ago while making the transition from blue collar into subscriber television, then into journalism, online journalism and online news, media and sports agent endeavors, and learning, teaching, promoting SEO along the way in a staged approach.

While optimizing technical aspects is important, content marketing is critical for attracting organic traffic and boosting visibility. Media Man SEO is excited to highlight the crucial role of content marketing in enhancing SEO for businesses.

Marketing Company in Sydney, Australia

The Importance of Content Marketing for Businesses

Content marketing focuses on creating valuable and relevant content that engages the target audience, builds trust, and establishes authority. In the realm of SEO, content marketing helps search engines understand the value of a website, ultimately leading to improved rankings and increased visibility.

Understanding Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

How Content Marketing Supports SEO Efforts

Keyword Optimization

Creating high-quality, keyword-rich content enables businesses to target specific keywords that their audience is actively searching for.

Link Building

Informative and valuable content increases the likelihood of other websites referencing it, leading to increased visibility and authority in the eyes of search engines.

User Engagement

Engaging and informative content keeps users on a website for longer durations, reducing bounce rates and signaling to search engines that the website offers valuable information.

Content Creation in Sydney, Australia

Best Practices for Content Creation and Optimization

To maximize the benefits of content marketing in SEO, businesses should follow these best practices:

Conduct thorough keyword research to identify relevant keywords with high search volumes and low competition. Incorporate these keywords naturally into the content.

Focus on creating informative, engaging, and well-researched content that provides value to the target audience. Ensure the content is unique, original, and error-free.

Pay attention to meta tags, including the title tag and meta description, to provide a concise summary of the content and include relevant keywords.

Utilize heading tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to structure the content and make it more readable for both users and search engines. Include relevant keywords in the headings.

Incorporate internal links within the content to guide users to related pages on the website. Additionally, include relevant external links to reputable sources that support the content.

Local SEO Strategies for Sydney Businesses

For businesses targeting local customers, Media Man with Search News Media SEO offers specialized local SEO strategies. These strategies focus on optimizing websites to appear in local search results when users search for businesses or services in a specific location. Key components of local SEO include Google My Business, local citations, and localized content.

Marketing Company in Sydney, Australia

Choosing the Right Keywords for SEO

Selecting the right keywords is crucial for an effective SEO strategy. Businesses in Sydney can follow these steps:

Identify the target audience's needs, preferences, and search behavior.

Utilize keyword research tools, such as Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush, to identify relevant keywords with high search volumes and low competition.

Analyze competitors' websites and identify the keywords they are targeting.

Finding Reputable Search Engine Optimization Companies in Sydney, Australia

When outsourcing SEO efforts, businesses must partner with reputable and experienced search engine optimization companies in Sydney, Australia. Media Man SEO stands out in the industry for its:

Extensive experience and expertise in search engine optimization

Transparent and ethical practices

Customized strategies tailored to each client's unique needs

For more information about Media Man SEO and its services, please visit www.mediamanint.com and www.mediaman.com.au

About Media Man SEO

Media Man SEO, one of the premier search engine optimization companies in Sydney, Australia, specializes in delivering exceptional services to businesses aiming to enhance their online presence. In today's technology-driven era, establishing a strong online presence is vital for Sydney-based enterprises, and Media Man SEO comprehends this requirement better than anyone else. While optimizing technical aspects is crucial, content marketing plays a pivotal role in attracting organic traffic and augmenting visibility. Media Man SEO is enthusiastic about highlighting the pivotal role of content marketing in advancing the search engine optimization game for businesses.

Niche Sectors include but not limited to:

Pop Culture and Streaming Entertainment

MMA/Mixed Martial Arts

Combat Sports

Pro Wrestling

Beach Lifestyle

Mind, Body and Sprit/Well-being

Gaming and Casinos

Coastal Properties and Coastal Lifestyle

Business Disruptors and Entrepreneurs

SEJ YouTube enhancements

SEJ's Matt with more YouTube enhancements on the back-end. On the front-end as of about 48 hours ago it's almost impossible to miss the new Podcast listing/feature on the interface. We've been experimenting with it. I still describe myself as semi-technical and have much more to learn. SEJ, YouTube and others helping upgrade skills I'm not going back to a classroom for..YT on top of quality control.

John WallStreet YouTube - NFL Sunday Ticket

JWS's Adam with an insightful and educational deep dive into the moving parts of Alphabet's YouTube sizable multi-billion dollar investment into the NFL Sunday Ticket. It sounds likely that YouTube is or will be also profiting from the sports betting connection to the NFL - one way or another. It's all part of the overall sports business model, be it for the NFL league, boxing, MMA, soccer/football or something else humans can be on. Could YouTube also be selling their own products at the games? Could YouTube also be listed on one team's or more jersey? How about a YouTube 'Life After Pro Sports Education Program'? (extremely speculative by me - but for the sake of illustrating potential arms..The YouTube brand and service knows little bounds globally..OTT (over the top broadcasting is also growing area and has been cutting into traditional broadcasting networks as per infographics we've sighted from Chartr and Statista. So, Google bought YouTube about two decades ago. They are the most popular streaming platform/website in the world.Most people in the world from say age 10 (conservative) up watch something on YouTube. Advertising is everywhere. We have more than one YouTube channel and account ourselves. Broadcast globally. Win.

Pro Wrestlling

All Elite Wrestling @AEW Dynamite - October 18, 2023

Videos via AEW Official YouTube

Could Aussie Open’s Kyle Fletcher hang with Kenny Omega one-on-one? | 10/18/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An7lVpzufCg&t=6s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Dynamite Dozen Battle Royal! Who will face AEW Champ MJF for his ring? | 10/18/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7YT96gSsEY&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

A MASSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT! The ICON Sting addresses his future! | 10/18/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeVv8BbZIEk&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Jay White & Penta El Zero Miedo face each other for the first time! | 10/18/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVtGVD3on2A&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

The MURDERHAWK MONSTER is back! Lance Archer returns to Dynamite! | 10/18/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0Ax2aJweyo&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

The Don Callis family & new recruit Powerhouse Hobbs address Chris Jericho! | 10/18/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiONqBXsIq0&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

AEW Women’s Champ Hikaru Shida takes on her mentor in a title eliminator! | 10/18/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iSjSTAqfKc&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Could Jim Ross get Nick Wayne & his mom on the same page? | 10/18/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tmaCw_4yDw&t=5s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Media Man: Says strong Thumbs Up

#AEWDynamite #AEW #AllEliteWrestling #wrestling #prowrestling #String #KennyOmega #KyleFletcher #JayWhite #ElZeroMiedo #LanceArcher #HikaruShida #NickWayne #JimRoss #sportsbiz #combatsports #entertainment #popculture #TBS #broadcast #broadcasting #TV #trend #trending #buzz #videos #highlights #TV #media

UFC Names Next-Gen iGaming Company Spribe An Official Marketing Partner

SPRIBE to Activate this Week at Highly Anticipated UFC @UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi

#UFC #UFC294 #Spribe #Aviator #MMA #gaming #igaming #marketing #gamingnews #sportsmarketing #sportsnews #gamesbiz #PPV #PayPerView #liveevents #livesports #AbuDhabi #media

Combat Sports

UFC @UFC 294: Pre-Fight Press Conference Highlights

"There all on my side now".. - Islam Makhachev

“Why, are you telling me him rehydrating for 30-something hours isn’t enough? He’s going to be stronger with 40 hours? Is that really what we’re relying on over here? You don’t back your skills? I don’t get it, I don’t get it, I back my skills, I really don’t get it” -Volkanovski.

“I show you everything. Be patient, be patient. I’ll show you my power and everything Saturday night” - Makhachev.

“I don’t know the world you are living in, mate. I don’t need more than 30 hours to rehydrate” - Volkanovski

“I’m a fighter, I’ll turn up and I back my skills, that’s why I’m here today. 12 days’ notice, I’m the man.”

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coDJXlH_hUY&ab_channel=UFC

#UFC294 #UFCMediaConference #UFCNews #MMA #combatsports #sportsbiz #sportsnews #entertainment #popculture #PPV #PayPerView #AbuDhabi #media

"Why ya telling me that you been hydrating for 30 something hours isn't enought. He's going to be stronger with 40 hours".. Volk #UFC294

UFC AND THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE AND TOURISM – ABU DHABI EXTEND PARTNERSHIP TO 2028

UAE Capital to Continue To Host UFC Championship Events With Additional Fight Night Events To Take Place Within The MENA Region

October 20, 2023

bu Dhabi, UAE – UFC, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), and The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) – today announced the continuation of their existing partnership which sees the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation bring one numbered event featuring a championship bout to the Emirate every year. The new partnership will also expand to include additional Fight Night events, which will take place across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

UFC has a longstanding relationship with Abu Dhabi, with 18 events having been held in the region since 2010. The two sides entered a formal partnership in 2019, and since then, some of the biggest names in combat sports have competed in the UAE capital, including former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who defended his title multiple times in Abu Dhabi, along with former two-weight world champion Conor McGregor, former middleweight champion and No.1 contender Israel Adesanya, and many others. Over the term of the original deal, nine title fights have taken place showcasing top-tier global talent, entertaining viewers all over the world and growing the sport of MMA across the MENA region.

“Bringing UFC to Abu Dhabi each year has proved hugely popular, with MMA fans coming to the emirate from all over the world to watch the biggest and best fights in the sport,” said HE Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi. “Over a 15-year relationship, UFC has extended its global reach and Abu Dhabi has established itself as a world capital for combat sports. Renewing our partnership with UFC allows us to continue to stage major events that thrill visitors and residents. We are excited to extend the relationship and innovate together to grow this sport in the UAE and wider region.”

UFC CEO, Dana White commented: “Abu Dhabi is one of my favourite places in the world; the people, the restaurants, the hotels, it’s incredible. I have been so excited to be able to put on some of the biggest fights in the history of UFC in Abu Dhabi and it’s only going to get even bigger from here with additional Fight Nights coming to the region next year. I love it here.”

Since 2010, UFC events have brought thousands of fight fans to Abu Dhabi and showcased UFC and the emirate to a global TV audience within UFC’s broadcast footprint of more than 900 million homes across more than 170 countries.

That partnership was deepened further as Abu Dhabi hosted three separate series of Fight Island events during the Covid-19 pandemic. At a time when sport around the world was shutting down, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island was transformed to create a safe and secure location for international athletes to compete. The events became a global sporting phenomena and example to other sporting organisations and host cities around the world.

The announcement comes ahead of the sold-out UFC 294: MAKHACHEV VS VOLKANOVSKI 2 set to take place on Saturday, October 21, at the state-of-the-art Etihad Arena on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. Last year, a sold-out crowd witnessed Islam Makhachev become the lightweight champion when he defeated Charles Oliveira via second round stoppage at UFC 280. In the co-main event, fan favourite and UAE resident Khamzat Chimaev will make his middleweight debut as he faces his toughest test to date in Kamaru Usman in a bout that is guaranteed to deliver fireworks inside the Octagon.

In addition to the championship event, fans have been enjoying a week-long celebration of MMA as Abu Dhabi Showdown Week returned bigger than ever this year to take over the city, including UFC Fan Experiences, concerts, comedy shows, and much more.

Abu Dhabi has a proven track record of hosting major global sports and adrenaline-driven competitions and events. The destination provides seamless connectivity, world-leading infrastructure, and a wide range of attractions and activities which cater to visitors of all tastes. The emirate’s transformation into a global centre for sport is fully supported by Abu Dhabi Government entities in cooperation with private sector partners.

--------

About UFC

UFC is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 243 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organizations that define the Emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the Emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the Emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about DCT Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit tcaabudhabi.ae and visitabudhabi.ae

For Abu Dhabi Calendar, please visit inabudhabi.ae

(Source: UFC)

MMA/UFC /Combat Sports/Entertainment News

UFC @UFC 294 Press Conference

Question

"Do you think that this fight, UFC 294, is going to make better numbers and is going to be louder and better than than that Francis Ngannou vs Tyson Fury fight"?

"HaHaHa. Um, I would certainly hope so. I would certaily hope so. Yeah, listen. Let's be honest, without smashing anybody here. These are the best fighters in the world here, in each weight class. That's what you want to see. I mean, you want to see the best fight the best. These two right here are the best. I would say yes sir. But I'm pretty biased". - Dana White @DanaWhite

The Competition:

Francis "The Predator" Ngannou vs reigning WBC boxing champion Tyson Fury on Oct. 28 in Riyadh.

Riyadh Season is a state-sponsored annual entertainment and sports festival, part of the larger Saudi Seasons initiative held since 2019 from October to March during winter in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh Season 2023

The fourth edition of Riyadh Season @RiyadhSeason will be launching on 28 October 2023 with a brand new identity, new tagline ("big time") and title sponsorship from SNB. The opener event, Battle of Baddest, featuring Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, will be held on the same day.

This year's Riyadh Season will be marked with the addition of Boulevard Hall, a 40000 capacity indoor arena with FIFA standard football pitch capable of hosting various types of events. It will be renamed to Kingdom Arena in January 2024 and serve as the new home ground of Al Hilal.

The following events will take place as part of 2023 Riyadh Season:

WWE @WWE Crown Jewel 2023 will be held in Mohammed Abdu Arena on 4 November 2023.

Riyadh Season Tennis Cup, featuring Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Ons Jabeur and Aryna Sabalenka, will be held between 26-27 December 2023.

Riyadh Season Cup featuring Riyadh XI (combined Al Hilal and Al Nassr all-star team), Manchester City, Al Shabab and AS Roma, with dates to be confirmed.

2023 Supercoppa Italiana featuring Napoli, Inter Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina, with dates to be confirmed.

2023–24 Supercopa de España featuring Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Osasuna, with dates to be confirmed.

Riyadh Season has also secured front-of-shirt sponsorship with Serie A club AS Roma, worth 8 million euros per year.

Video

UFC Official YouTube

UFC 294 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXz83shcZQk&ab_channel=UFC

Video

UFC Official YouTube

UFC 294: Pre-Fight Press Conference Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coDJXlH_hUY&ab_channel=UFC

UFC Official YouTube

Makhachev vs Volkanovski 2 - All Questions Will Be Answered | UFC 294

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StwKf9GcCf0&ab_channel=UFC

UFC Official YouTube

Alexander Volkanovski: 'Fighting in Someone's Territory Doesn't Mean Nothing' | UFC 294

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw2RJWOWiU4&t=10s&ab_channel=UFC

UFC 294: Live Weigh-In Show

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUwKoYPdzBU&ab_channel=UFC

Video

Alexander Volkanovski YouTube

FIGHT WEEK FACE OFF UFC 294 | Alexander Volkanovski vs Islam Makhachev II Episode2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY2ABZ_5TqQ&ab_channel=AlexanderVolkanovski

Video

Riyadh Season YouTube

FURY Vs NGANNOU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTISRmnKDz4&ab_channel=%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B3%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B6%7CRiyadhSeason

Top Rank Boxing Official YouTube

Tyson Fury Arrives in Riyadh Ahead of the Battle of The Baddest | Fight October 28 ESPN+ PPV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFn8VmpZkdw&ab_channel=TopRankBoxing

Top Rank Boxing YouTube

Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou | OFFICIAL PROMO | BATTLE OF THE BADDEST | OCT. 28 ESPN+ PPV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8n4PxcxwxQ&ab_channel=PremierBoxingChampions

WWE YouTube

WWE Crown Jewel goes big time when it returns to Riyadh on Nov. 4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woHik9VX1f4&ab_channel=WWE

#UFC294 #UFC #MMA #UFC #UFCPressConference #UFCMedia #DanaWhite #TopRankBoxing #RiyadhSeason #IslamMakhachev #AlexanderVolkanovski #Volk #Makhachev #Volkanoviski #Fury #Ngannou #combatsports #boxing #PPV #PayPerView #SaudiSeasons #sportsnews #entertainment #entertainmentnews #sportsmedia #culture #popculture #festival #video #videos #Riyadh #SaudiArabia #sportstourism #sportsmedia #tourism #news #newsmedia #trend #trending #media

Study Reveals $152 Million Spent Annually on Australian Gambling Ads

According to a recent study by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), gambling companies spent roughly $152m (AU$238m) on television and radio ads from May 2022 through April 2023.

If you live in Australia, chances are you heard a gambling ad on your drive home from work. And if you did, it was one of the million Australian gambling ads placed during a one-year period.

According to a recent study by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), gambling companies spent roughly $152m (AU$238m) on television and radio ads from May 2022 through April 2023. The data was gathered using the media analytics company Nielsen’s Ad Intel data.

Other than the stunning prevalence of gambling ads – more than a million during the 12-month period – much of the findings were intuitive. Australians were far more likely to hear a Metro radio gambling ad during peak commuting hours. Online gambling providers had a strong preference to advertise during the evening commute.

Meanwhile, both Metro and Regional TV featured the vast majority of their gambling ads after dinner. The study comes at a time when Australia is confronting problems with underage gambling. And while the country tightened its gambling advertising rules as recently as 2018, Australia is considering more restrictions — including an outright ban.

Gambling Ads Get More Scrutiny Worldwide

Australia is hardly the only regulated market struggling with its gambling ad rules. For instance, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is proposing to ban the use of athletes and celebrities in advertising for legal sports betting and online casino gambling. But the Ontario branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) doesn’t think that goes far enough. It is calling for a total ad ban.

CMHA Ontario CEO Camille Quenneville recently noted, “Youth and young adults are particularly vulnerable to at-risk gambling following exposure to advertisements. In Ontario, we’re seeing an alarming increase among students in Grades 7 to 12 betting money on online gambling. Gambling-related harms such as financial loss, mental health issues, substance use, and suicide ideation, can have devastating and long-lasting impact on the individual and their family.”

Meanwhile, in a rare, voluntary, move, a major British media company recently announced it would no longer feature gambling ads across its online and print products. The publications instituting the ban include The Guardian, The Observer, and The Guadian Weekly.

“We fully support the enjoyment of sports and respect individuals’ choices to participate in occasional gambling on football, horse racing, or any other sport,” said Anna Bateson, Chief Executive of Guardian Media Group. “Our concern lies with the pervasive nature of retargeted digital advertisements that trap a portion of sports fans in an addictive cycle.”

While it is unlikely that many media companies will voluntarily follow The Guardian’s lead, they may have little choice as regulators look to better protect underage and vulnerable gamblers.

Media’s $100b man says the ad market has room to grow - October 2023

Christian Juhl sits atop a $100 billion-a-year budget and is one of the world’s most powerful media executives.

As the global boss of GroupM, the biggest advertising buying group in the world, he oversees the combined spending power for thousands of brands, including Ford, Colgate-Palmolive, Google, Nestlé, Unilever, Mars and Coca-Cola.

GroupM uses that scale to buy media space and sell it back to its clients. Each year, according to the best independent estimates, GroupM spends almost $US64 billion ($101 billion) of its clients’ money on ads.

At that level, a media executive can talk in sweeping, market-wide statements. Wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, clear inflationary pressures, an unsteady future for commercial real estate, and higher interest rates will have tremendous impact on advertising and media markets. It just hasn’t been fully felt yet, Mr Juhl said.

Locally, the ad industry accounts for $53 billion, or 2.1 per cent of GDP, new research released on Friday found. GroupM predicted advertising revenue – how much the world’s advertisers spend – will grow 5.9 per cent in 2023 and 6 per cent in 2024.

“I certainly see all of those unknowns out there, that makes you careful about the future,” Mr Juhl said.

“But generally, I think it’s been a pretty resilient marketplace. We’ve still been able to provide growth for our clients during that time period. I’m still cautiously optimistic we can find ways of growth through this.”

Advertising is going through a resurgence, he said. Rolling lockdowns and forced isolation during COVID-19 drove huge adoption of digital channels. Meta burned billions of dollars on a metaverse then launched a Twitter clone called Threads, TikTok kept growing at breakneck speed, and Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ have all started adding advertising-subsidised tiers to their platforms.

“Advertising has always been a really important part of the economy. It was more surprising when you had [Netflix executives] Reed Hastings or Ted Sarandos saying, ‘We’ll never take advertising on Netflix’,” Mr Juhl said.

“How do you have such large valuable audiences and not open it up in a meaningful way to brands? [Now] there’s probably more inventory available than there’s been in a long time.”

The days of the massive, culture-defining 30- or 60-second ad spot are fading, Mr Juhl said, despite the drawcards of the Super Bowl and the Olympics. “But, largely, viewership on those has been on the decline for some time,” he said.

Likewise, the resurgence of advertising is happening while tech and media companies slash costs. That’s an inevitable correction, he said.

“There’s been so much stimulus put into the market, and there’s been so much growth post COVID, that there’s a natural time right now where I think a lot of companies are just [thinking], ‘Should we slow down?’ So I think that’s more of a natural cycle than sort of ‘Hey, let’s panic and run for the hills,’” Mr Juhl said.

“You have to look at that in the grand scheme of things. We’re still looking at a massive growth mountain over the last four years.”

The true impact of rapid interest rate rises is yet to be fully felt, he said. At some point, that will severely hit consumer spending. But Mr Juhl is upbeat about the future. Government interventions to rescue businesses like Silicon Valley Bank should give some confidence to the market.

“I wouldn’t underestimate governments changing positions quickly in face of all this uncertainty to provide security for those that have been over-extended,” he said. “What happened? They bailed them out. There’s reason to still be optimistic.”

UFC

KHAMZAT CHIMAEV: SMASH EVERYONE AND GET ALL THE BELTS

UFC Superstar Khamzat Chimaev’s Desire To Crush The Best In The World Continues As He Faces Former Welterweight Champion At UFC 294: Makhachev vs Volkanovski 2

Nothing was going to stop Khamzat Chimaev from fighting at UFC 294: Makhachev vs Volkanovski 2. After more than a year on the sidelines, “Borz” didn’t care who he faced or at what weight class – he just wants to fight, and he made that clear by accepting Kamaru Usman at middleweight after his bout with Paulo Costa fell through just over a week ago.

The 29-year-old superstar told reporters in Abu Dhabi at UFC 294 media day that the whole process of switching from fighting Costa to fighting Usman was a simple one.

“My manager called me to fight Usman and I said ‘OK, let’s go’,” Chimaev said. “For me, it doesn’t matter.”

When it became clear that Costa was going to have to pull out of their middleweight bout due to an infection in his elbow, Chimaev couldn’t help but feel desperate for a fight. He wrote a message to UFC CEO Dana White begging for a fight with anyone. Ranked, unranked, veteran, or newcomer.

“I wrote Dana White and I said, ‘Brother, give me someone, I need to fight,’” Chimaev recalled. “But then my manager called so I deleted the message.”

Once the fight was announced, many fans were thrilled to find out Chimaev was going to fight Usman in a matchup between the former welterweight champion and one of the division’s top contenders.

But Chimaev moved up to middleweight following a weight miss at UFC 279 and that’s how the fight with Costa came about. Now it’s Usman, and Chimaev is just as excited as the fans to finally showcase what he can do against “The Nigerian Nightmare”.

“Since day one when I get to the UFC, everyone spoke about Khamzat and Usman and our wrestling skills and our striking – all of these things. He’s an old version, I’m new. Like iPhones come out - he’s like iPhone 5 and I’m like iPhone Pro,” Chimaev joked. “If there is gold there, of course he’s going to cut the weight, but he couldn’t take the belt so that’s why he asked [to step in]. I’m Khamzat Chimaev. That’s why he comes up to fight to fight me. The guy comes for money, and the money fight is me.”

Chimaev knows that the public applauds Usman’s decision to step in, and while that’s well deserved, he also knows that coming in on short notice could potentially give Usman the ability to point to his lack of preparation if he were to lose.

“The guy comes just to make money,” Chimaev said. “Of course, he comes to win, everyone comes to the fight to win, but he has all the excuses.”

A win over Usman – and a dominant one like we’ve grown accustomed to seeing from Chimaev – would certainly skyrocket him to the top of the list for title fights at both welterweight and middleweight.

Chimaev believes his UFC career is just getting started. He’s planning on being at the top for the next ten years.

He’s confident that he’ll end up facing Costa at some point and he also has his sights on fighting with Israel Adesanya, battling middleweight champion Sean Strickland, and competing with welterweight champion Leon Edwards.

And that’s exactly what Chimaev wants. He wants to face the best in the world and beat the best in the world in a way that no one has ever seen before. If he can do that, he isn’t concerned with how long it takes him to get to a title shot.

He knows that getting belts and records is inevitable.

“I want to fight the best guys. It’s not fun to watch if I’m going to smash somebody that nobody knows. It’s not going to make UFC any money,” Chimaev said. “I’m not after just the title; I’m after all the heads in the UFC. Smash somebody, make money and be happy.

“If I smash everyone, finish everyone, they have to give me all belts.”

UFC

Dana White Announces UFC 294 Co-Main Event

KAMARU USMAN TO FACE KHAMZAT CHIMAEV IN UFC 294 CO-MAIN EVENT

Former Welterweight Champion Replaces Paulo Costa At UFC 294; Faces Rising Star Chimaev

The UFC 294 card continued it evolution Wednesday when UFC CEO Dana White took to social media to announce a major change to the co-main event.

“You know what we’ve been dealing with this week. We just got the big fight done yesterday, the highly anticipated rematch in Abu Dhabi: Makhachev vs Volkanovski,” he said, referencing Tuesday evening’s announcement that Charles Oliveira was injured and would be replaced by the featherweight champion Volkanovski.

“Now you’ve been waiting for the co-main event. Costa’s hurt…we got it done. The No. 4 welterweight in the world, Khamzat Chimaev, is moving up to middleweight and he will face the No. 1 welterweight in the world: Kamaru Usman.”

Usman was one of the most dominant champions in UFC welterweight history before dropping the only two losses of his career back-to-back vs current champion Leon Edwards. He’ll look to build another run to the title, beginning on just 9 days notice vs Chimaev October 21.

Chimaev has become appointment viewing since joining the UFC roster in 2020. Undefeated in his 12 professional bout, with most of his wins coming within the first two rounds, his dynamic style remains a puzzle yet to be solved.

“No. 1 vs No. 4 at middleweight, Usman vs Chimaev,” White said excitedly. “I will see you in Abu Dhabi!”

UFC

CHARLES OLIVEIRA OUT, ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI IN AGAINST ISLAM MAKHACHEV AT UFC 294

Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski Replaces Injured Charles Oliveira For Lightweight Ttile Rematch Against Islam Makhachev

UFC CEO Dana White announced a change for the main event at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will step in against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev after Charles Oliveira was forced to pull out of their scheduled rematch. The main event between Makhachev and Volkanovski is a rematch of their epic duel from February at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, where Makhachev bested “The Great” via unanimous decision.

The previous bout between Makhachev and Volkanovski was a back-and-forth affair in front of an electric Australian crowd, who were in full voice supporting their fellow countryman at UFC’s first event in Australia since October 2019. Makhachev successfully defended his title, but some believed Volkanovski did enough to earn double-champ status that night. After the fight, the two champions shared pleasantries, and Volkanovski started pining for a rematch – even saying he was keen to fight Makhachev in Abu Dhabi.

A few months later, Volkanovski returned to the featherweight division to defend his 145-pound belt against interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez at the end of International Fight Week at UFC 290. Makhachev, on the other hand, has not competed since their initial bout. Headlining UFC’s pay-per-view in Abu Dhabi for a second consecutive year, Makhachev hoped to also repeat his performance at UFC 280 when he submitted Oliveira in the second round to win the lightweight title his mentor and close friend Khabib Nurmagomedov once held.

The disappointment for Oliveira, meanwhile, is understandably high. “Do Bronx” was adamant that he was too caught up in the intensity of the first fight with Makhachev, particularly after Oliveira was forced to vacate the title when he missed weight before knocking out Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 in Arizona, and thusly underperformed.

Oliveira, never a stranger to bouncing back from adversity, showed he was still one of the best lightweights in the world when he ran through Beneil Dariush at UFC 289, snapping Dariush’s 8-fight win streak.

While one can assume the winner in Abu Dhabi will face Oliveira next, it does get a bit more complicated should Volkanovski win a second belt. That opens the door to a trilogy, a Volkanovski-Oliveira fight or even a situation involving Justin Gaethje, whom many believed earned a title shot with his epic knockout win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 for the BMF title.

All that said, the Abu Dhabi fans are in for a treat with UFC 294: Makhachev vs Volkanovski 2 on October 21.

(UFC)

UFC 294 Tale Of The Tape and Fight Card

TALE OF THE TAPE

Islam Makhachev

Age: 31

Record: 24-1

Height: 178cm

Reach: 179cm

Leg reach: 103cm

Alexander Volkanovski

Age: 35

Record: 26-2

Height: 168cm

Reach: 182cm

Leg reach: 91cm

THE BETTING ODDS?

Volkanovski is once again the underdog despite coming extremely close to pulling off an upset in his first fight against Makhachev.

Volkanovski to win — $3.10

Volkanovski win TKO/KO — $6.25

Volkanovski win via points/decision — $5.80

Volkanovski win via submission — $26

Makhachvev to win — $1.37

Makhachev win via TKO/KO — $6

Makhachev win via points/decision — $2.74

Makhachev win via submission — $4

Draw — $51

FULL UFC 294 CARD (ALL TIMES AEDT)

Main Card (from 5am AEDT)

Islam Makhachev (c) v Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC lightweight title

Kamaru Usman v Khamzat Chimaev — middleweight

Magomed Ankalaev v Johnny Walker — light heavyweight

Ikram Aliskerov v Warlley Alves — middleweight

Said Nurmagomedov v Muin Gafurov — bantamweight

Prelims (from 1am AEDT)

Tim Elliott v Muhammad Mokaev — flyweight

Mohammad Yahya v Trevor Peek — lightweight

Javid Basharat v Victor Henry — bantamweight

Abu Azaitar v Sedriques Dumas — middleweight

Mike Breeden v Anshul Jubli — lightweight

Nathaniel Wood v Muhammad Naimov — featherweight

Viktoriia Dudakova v Jinh Yu Frey — women’s strawweight

Shara Magomedov v Bruno Silva — middleweight

Media Man Group Blog

Friday, October 20, 2023

Media Man Group Blog: Gaming, Casinos and Sports

About Me

Blog Archive