👀 College GM Offering Bank, NBA Expansion

Plus New Fan Platform To Engage With Athletes, Skating League, New Jobs and Internships

August 08, 2025

Welcome to Office Chair Sports! Your home for everything Sports & Biz! Today, we’re covering top news about:

  • NBA Expansion

  • ESPN Strategic Acquisition

  • Women’s Sports Gaining Momentum

  • NIL - Top GM Isn’t Holding Back

  • New Skating League

Together with RallyFuel

🏀 1. NBA's Ambitious European Expansion

The NBA is exploring a significant expansion into Europe by establishing a new league featuring 14 to 16 teams across cities like London, Paris, and Rome. This move aims to capitalize on basketball's growing global popularity and unlock new revenue streams. Franchise fees could range from $500 million to $1 billion, with potential sovereign-wealth fund ownership structures. However, the EuroLeague poses competition, and the NBA's approach may disrupt traditional fan loyalties.

📺 2. ESPN's Strategic Media Acquisitions

ESPN has secured a five-year deal with WWE to stream major events like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble on its new streaming platform launching August 21. Additionally, ESPN has acquired NFL Network and RedZone, granting the NFL a 10% equity stake in ESPN. These acquisitions underscore ESPN's strategy to bolster its live sports content and compete in the evolving media landscape.

⚽ 3. Women's Sports Gaining Momentum

Cities like Indianapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, Columbus, and Seattle are vying to become hubs for women's sports, driven by increasing viewership and fan engagement. The WNBA's Golden State Valkyries have become the first $500 million women's team, reflecting the growing commercial viability of women's leagues. Investments in women's sports are expected to grow significantly, with anticipated increases in team values and revenue.

NIL

A new platform has launched and it’s changing the way fans can interact with athletes! Join the ultimate college sports experience. Support rising athletes through NIL, predict game outcomes, compete for exclusive prizes, and connect with passionate fans in community discussion boards. Rule the Fuel.

4. 👀 Texas Tech GM Shares Bold Warning To Underpaid College Athletes

“We’re going to poach some guys,” Blanchard said via Rivals' Steve Wiltfong. “I’m going to do senior evals on the 2026 class across the country and if somebody is underpaying an elite guy that has senior tape – he might be a four or five-star guy and people are only paying him 100, 200-thousand –I’m going to give him three to 400-thousand and go steal somebody.”

🛹 Street League Skateboarding (SLS) Partners with Stake for Global Tour Innovation

Street League Skateboarding (SLS) has announced a global partnership with online gaming platform Stake, aiming to revolutionize the street skateboarding experience. The collaboration includes Stake's prominent branding at major events like SLS Miami and the upcoming Cleveland Takeover, along with the introduction of the "Game of S.T.A.K.E."—a creative twist on the traditional Game of Skate featuring head-to-head battles between professional skaters. Additionally, Stake will sponsor the annual Trick of the Year contest, inviting skaters worldwide to submit their best tricks for a chance to win the coveted title.

Internships 🙋

1. Charlotte Independence - Equipment Manager Intern

2. DC United - Marketing Intern

3. Florida Panthers - Ticket Sales Intern

4. Idaho Steelheads - Creative Team Intern

5. Florida Everblades - Videographer Intern

Job Board 💰

1. Omaha Athletics - GM of Ticket Sales

2. Charlotte Knights - Special Events Seasonal Associate

3. Bet365 - Customer Service Advisor

4. USTA - Coordinator (entry level)

5. Minnesota Wild - Partnerships Coordinator (entry level)

Thanks for reading - see you soon!