Off the Book: November 9, 2025
- Nick Berezowski
- Nov 9
- 5 min read
It has been a wild 3 weeks for the sports world... yes, we are far behind but the only reason we are behind is because our admin has been too busy with cheering on the Blue Jays, who were defeated in an awful fashion, after blowing game six and seven. This week, there are many elephants in the room, which you can all read below.
Gaming & Leadership
Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier arrested in gambling inquiries
A total of 34 people were arrested as the result of a yearslong investigation covering 11 states and involving tens of millions of dollars, FBI director Kash Patel said. Law enforcement officials said the multiple charges involve four Mafia families and organized crime networks, with Patel saying of the money involved that "the fraud is mind-boggling."(ESPN)
Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase, Luis L. Ortiz indicted for allegedly rigging pitches in MLB betting scheme
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York announced the charges on Sunday and unsealed the indictment at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn. Ortiz has already been arrested in Boston, while Clase is not in custody. The Department of Justice has charged the pair with wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy.
(CBS Sports).
Here’s what NBA officials and Congressional staffers discussed on Capitol Hill
The meeting, said by sources briefed on the discussion, was cordial in its tone and lasted for less than an hour. The House is likely to request additional documents from the NBA, but questions Wednesday largely stuck to the script from a letter sent by House committee leaders shortly after the Department of Justice filed charges against Trail Blazers coach and hall-of-fame-player Chauncey Billups, former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones, and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier for their alleged participation in illegal betting schemes last month. (The Athletic)
ESPN and DraftKings Enter Multi-Year Agreement
Beginning in December 2025, DraftKings entertainment products will be exclusively integrated across ESPN’s ecosystem with a full rollout expected in 2026. Fans will be able to enjoy betting features and access to offerings including DraftKings’ sportsbook, daily fantasy, and DraftKings Pick6 at launch. Together, DraftKings and ESPN will collaborate to advance their shared commitment to responsible gaming, by dedicating prominent assets to educate, raise customer awareness and promote responsible play through campaigns and integrations. (ESPN Press Room)
Marketing & Branding
Lululemon becomes official apparel, footwear outfitter of BNP Paribas Open
The agreement will see Lululemon roll out an exclusive, co-branded merchandise line at the highly regarded ATP/WTA 1000 tournament in March 2026, expand its presence within the Indian Wells Tennis Garden’s primary merchandise shop, and add a standalone retail/fan activation space on-site. Lululemon will also outfit more than 2,000 tournament volunteers, officials and ball crew in apparel and footwear. (Apple)
Good Good Championship to debut on PGA TOUR in 2026
Since its inception in 2020, Good Good has grown into one of the fastest-growing brands in golf and has emerged as a leader at the intersection of media, community and premium products. Following a $45 million fundraise this past spring, Good Good doubled down on their commitment to live events and live programming, which have aired on YouTube, Peacock and GOLF Channel. The Good Good Championship marks the organization’s first partnership with the PGA TOUR, a multi-year agreement, and its first-ever sponsorship of a professional golf event. (PGA Tour)
Expansion & Growth
PWHL UNVEILS EXPANSION TEAM IDENTITIES: SEATTLE TORRENT AND VANCOUVER GOLDENEYES
A major milestone in the continued growth of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) arrives today with the unveiling of its newest team identities, Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes. The long-awaited brand reveal features a name and logo for each team, developed to reflect the pride, culture, and energy of their homes, while connecting to the broader identity of the PWHL. (PWHL)
Atlanta to get NWSL expansion franchise backed by Arthur Blank for record $165 million fee, per report
A formal announcement is expected on Tuesday, which would make the Atlanta team the 17th franchise in the NWSL. The club would begin play sometime after the 2026 season and are set to stage their home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of both United and the Falcons, with a soccer capacity of 42,500. Further specifics about the team's inaugural season are not public information at this time. (CBS Sports)
NWSL on ESPN scores 61 percent increase in viewership for the 2025 regular season
The 17-match schedule across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, Disney+, and ESPN Deportes averaged 228,000 viewers (P2+), up significantly from 141,000 viewers during the 2024 season – the inaugural year of NWSL on ESPN. Presented by Ally, the second season of NWSL on ESPN underscores the surging momentum of women’s sports across ESPN platforms, joining the recent record-setting audiences for the WNBA and NCAA Women’s Basketball. (ESPN Pressroom).
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Dawg Pound Podcast
In last week's episode (November 3rd), the podcast featured Tyler Vincent, Manager of Operations with the Niagara River Lions.
Many throughout Ontario are familiar with the CEBL (Canadian Elite Basketball League) which is one of the largest growing properties in Canada. We not only go over why it is growing so quick, but how you can be part of it, as internships for CEBL roles are now open.
Additionally you can learn more about what a day to day in operations looks like, where you will wear many hats, & what makes a successful intern and full time employee in the sport and entertainment space.
On Monday, October 13th, the Dawg Pound Podcast host, Nick Berezowski, had the unique honour to sit down with Jonathan Becher, President of Sharks Sports & Entertainment.
Jonathan has become well known across the hockey & entertainment industry by committing himself to revolutionizing the fan and consumer space in sports. Throughout this episode, you will learn that sport is not about making money, but about the importance of connecting and understanding your fan base.
Learn how Jonathan has changed and reimagined the sport and industry space throughout his time with SSE, and how it all started with early roles with start-ups, his time with SAP & now his current role as the President of Sharks Sports and Entertainment
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