Weekly Newsletter 1/25
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INNOVATION IN ACTION
BETTING BIG ON THE METAVERSE
The video gaming industry saw shockwaves last week when Microsoft announced that the company was acquiring Activision Blizzard, the gaming giant responsible for such hits as Overwatch, Diablo, Call of Duty, and World of Warcraft. The deal is worth almost $69 billion US and is the latest megadeal to rock the gaming and esports world. It will not only bolster Microsoft's video game offerings in its continued battle with Sony for gaming supremacy, but the deal is also said to set Microsoft up to make a big splash in the metaverse. As many continue to experiment with the metaverse and everything it has to offer, it is important to not overlook what this deal could mean for the esports community. The Overwatch League has been one of the main drivers of the esports industry as the Call of Duty League has struggled to gain traction. With the backing of a big tech giant like Microsoft, will some of the other esports leagues begin to generate more buzz and revenue within the market? Only time will tell.
Sports Innovation Lab Events
HONORING A LEGEND AND SETTING THE STANDARD FOR THE FUTURE OF HOCKEY
Last week the Boston Bruins honored Willie O'Ree, the first Black player in NHL history, by retiring his number 22. O'Ree's 22 is the 12th number retired by the Bruins but will hang high above the ice as a constant reminder of his legacy and impact on the sport of hockey. After his playing days, O'Ree wanted to ensure the sport could continue to grow and is currently the National Hockey League's Director of Youth Development and ambassador for NHL Diversity, a post he has held since January 1998. The Bruins also played host to the Carnegie Initiative Summit which featured panels and speakers from across the sports industry focusing on how the future of the sport can be more inclusive. Our own Angela Ruggiero took the stage as part of "The Future of Hockey Lab" panel. You can watch the ceremony and tribute video to O'Ree here or by clicking the button below.
The Fan Project Spotlight
RECORD-SETTING PERFORMANCES ON THE HARD COURT
Two superstars of college basketball set the sport on fire last week. University of Iowa sophomore, Caitlin Clark, became the first player in Division I basketball history, men's or women's, to record back-to-back triple-doubles while scoring 30 or more points in both games. Clark also became the first player in Big Ten women's hoops history to have back-to-back triple-doubles. Later in the week, Kansas State University junior, Ayoka Lee, had the game of a lifetime scoring a Divison I women's basketball record of 61 points. The junior center is third in the nation in scoring and has also recorded games of 43 and 38 points (twice) so far this season. Both women are highlighting an exciting season of college hoops, and are sure to continue to make headlines. If you want to be a part of our continued push to empower and build investment into the women's sports market while making your company better, then visit our website or thefanproject.co to find out how you can work with us.