Grammy-winning rap mogul, Lil Wayne, delves deeper into the sports realm by acquiring a stake in the Texas Ranchers Pickleball team, joining an impressive consortium of owners and intensifying the sport's momentum. This move epitomizes the dual-faced growth of pickleball, emphasizing both its inbound and outbound licensing potential.
What's New:
Lil Wayne, renowned for his indelible impact on the music scene, has now broadened his portfolio by joining the Texas Ranchers, one of the foundational teams of the Major League Pickleball (MLP) in the U.S. Notably, the team's ownership matrix boasts of notable personalities including the likes of The Kid LAROI, former NFL player and commentator Emmanuel Acho, and Dennis Wong, the LA Clippers owner and Verbena Road Holdings' CEO.
Lil Wayne's role transcends mere ownership; as a strategic advisor, he is poised to guide the brand, amplifying both national and local affinity to the sport. This move endeavors to cement the Texas Ranchers' reputation as "America’s Pickleball Team." Moreover, the rapper will play a pivotal role in conceiving future apparel collaborations and fostering community relations by championing the construction of pickleball courts in marginalized areas.
Why It Matters:
The surge in pickleball's popularity presents a two-pronged licensing opportunity. Inbound licensing involves integrating renowned brands onto pickleball products, enhancing its appeal. Concurrently, outbound licensing capitalizes on pickleball's burgeoning brands like the Ranchers, imprinting their essence onto a range of products.
This blend of licensing not only bolsters the sport's marketability but also galvanizes its integration into mainstream culture. Lil Wayne's involvement epitomizes this trajectory, signifying the sport's growing cachet among A-listers.
Why You Should Care:
Lil Wayne's foray into pickleball is indicative of the sport's escalating prominence. With heavyweights from the entertainment and sports industry rallying behind pickleball, it underscores a shifting dynamic in the world of sports investments. For fans and stakeholders alike, the amalgamation of pickleball's grassroots charm with high-profile endorsements signals a vibrant future for the sport. This collaboration sets a precedent, revealing the limitless potential of marrying sports with the worlds of music and entertainment.
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Credit: https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/rapper-lil-wayne-joins-ownership-group-for-austins-major-league-pickleball-team (Becerra)
Netflix's Bid to Dominate: A Grand Theft Auto Game in the Cards?
In a high-stakes move to revitalize its gaming division, streaming behemoth Netflix is reportedly eyeing an inclusion of a Grand Theft Auto (GTA) game on its Netflix Games service, not to be mistaken for the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6.
What's New:
As per recent coverage by the Wall Street Journal, Netflix's intent to leverage its acquired game development studios and library of original IPs seems unabated. The report underscores the company's "discussed plans" to roll out a GTA edition via a licensing collaboration with the esteemed publisher, Take-Two Interactive. The nature and developer of such a game, however, remains shrouded in speculation.
Present circumstances indicate that any GTA rendition on Netflix would predominantly be mobile-centric, given that Netflix Games are exclusively accessible via its mobile app. Nevertheless, aspirations to diversify its gaming arsenal to encompass TV and PC-streamable games seem to be on the company's radar.
Why It Matters:
To date, Netflix has reportedly channeled a whopping $1 billion towards its gaming vision. Coupled with its strategy to onboard top-tier game executives for a seamless AAA title transition, Netflix's gaming ambitions are clear. Yet, tangible ROI metrics remain elusive. While the games are incorporated into Netflix's subscription model (with updated figures expected in the impending earnings report), assessing their exact contribution to subscription uptakes is challenging.
Present data may seem underwhelming to some; as of September 20, games on Netflix witnessed 70.5 million downloads in aggregate. In comparison, stand-alone mobile games like Honkai: Star Rail clocked over 20 million downloads on its debut day. Furthermore, daily gaming engagement among Netflix subscribers is less than 1%, perhaps attributable to the accessibility of its notable titles, such as Oxenfree and Spiritfarer, on other platforms.
Why You Should Care:
Though our coverage earlier this year highlighted Netflix's fervent push into gaming, the dynamics appear largely unchanged. A groundbreaking GTA release could potentially recalibrate Netflix's gaming trajectory. Yet, the looming release of Grand Theft Auto 6 could either synergize with or overshadow Netflix's efforts. Either way, it underscores Netflix's relentless pursuit in the gaming sphere, regardless of initial hurdles, signaling its commitment to diversifying its entertainment prowess.
Credit: https://www.ign.com/articles/a-new-grand-theft-auto-could-be-coming-to-netflix-games (Valentine)
Puma Races Ahead with A$AP Rocky as New Creative Director for Sport and Streetwear Fusion
In a strategic move blending sports, streetwear, and culture, Puma announces a long-term collaboration with hip-hop sensation A$AP Rocky. The rapper's fresh role as Creative Director promises to explore the confluence of sport and street fashion, with an emphasis on the Puma-Formula 1 partnership.
What's New:
A$AP Rocky will spearhead Puma's innovative collaboration with Formula 1, orchestrating unique capsule collections that will sculpt the brand's design trajectory in the seasons to come. For the rest of the year, Rocky's imprint will be evident in Puma's visuals and video content. Kicking off his inaugural campaign, the rapper delves deep into America's car culture and its profound influence on streetwear trends and the broader fashion spectrum.
Eager fans can anticipate a limited Puma-F1 collection curated by Rocky, dropping later this year. This release will set the stage for an expansive series of capsule collections slated for 2024. Rocky's creative prowess will be at the forefront in the forthcoming year, with a spotlight on several Grand Prix races, starting in Miami. Besides curating immersive race activations, Rocky will orchestrate the creative campaigns for all associated marketing endeavors.
By 2025, the artist intends to play a pivotal role in the overarching creative designs spanning Puma and F1's product spectrum – encapsulating racewear, fan merchandise, and high fashion.
Why It Matters:
Rocky expressed his enthusiasm for this novel collaboration, stating, "Working with brands as iconic as PUMA, and as innovative as F1, has been truly inspiring. I foresee a paradigm shift in how brands perceive risks and the value of collaborating with diverse creative talents."
Why You Should Care:
Maria Valdes, Puma’s Chief Product Officer, exuberantly shared her perspective, "A$AP Rocky's fusion of talent and vision resonates deeply with our brand ethos. His forthcoming F1 race capsules will not only magnetize new aficionados but will unquestionably revolutionize the track. As we journey ahead, Rocky's influence will permeate the broader Puma-F1 collection, perpetuating our commitment to advancing sport and cultural intersections."
Credit: https://hypebeast.com/2023/10/puma-asap-rocky-formula-1-creative-director-info (Sacal)
Van Leeuwen Revives Fan-Favorite Kraft Mac & Cheese Ice Cream Amidst New Flavor Extravaganza
NYC's beloved Van Leeuwen Ice Cream reintroduces its audacious Kraft Mac & Cheese flavor after a substantial break, promising fans a flavorful trip down memory lane. Alongside this revival, the brand also unveils an array of innovative winter flavors, setting the stage for a frosty flavor fest.
What's New:
Mark your calendars for October 23, as Van Leeuwen Ice Cream resurrects its once-controversial yet wildly popular Kraft Mac & Cheese flavor. This re-launch, propelled by popular demand, aims to reach ice cream aficionados nationwide. Ben Van Leeuwen, the brain and heart behind the brand, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "The wait is over – Mac (& Cheese) is back," and further highlighting its availability in Walmart freezers across the country.
For those unaware or needing a refresher, this particular flavor embodies the unique blend of buttery sweetness synonymous with the Kraft powdered cheese. The brand cheekily remarked, "If this reminds you of the ice cream you grew up with, you might be out of your mind. If this reminds you of the comforting bowl of Kraft Mac & Cheese you grew up with, you're getting warmer."
Why It Matters:
But the Kraft Mac & Cheese flavor isn't the sole focus of the brand's announcement. Van Leeuwen unveiled a palette of six innovative flavors, ranging from the intriguing Dill Pickle to the festive Peppermint Stick. The flavor parade doesn't end there: Caramel Sticky Bun encompasses a cinnamon brown sugar base with caramel and cinnamon bun swirls; Peanut Butter Fudge Pretzel marries peanut butter ice cream with fudge and praline pretzel chunks; Kettle Corn is a meld of buttery ice cream and honeycomb pieces; and Holiday Cookies & Cream captures the spirit of the season with red ice cream, dark chocolate cookies, a lush cream filling, and vibrant green frosting swirls.
Why You Should Care:
Available at Walmart outlets at a tempting price point of $4.98, these winter specials herald the festive season. However, a word of caution to ice cream enthusiasts: this is a limited-time affair, available only up to December 26 or while stocks last. The brand's audacious flavor choices, combined with its proven record of quality, makes this release a must-try for all dessert aficionados.
Credit: https://www.foodandwine.com/van-leeuwen-kraft-mac-and-cheese-ice-cream-8362520 (Leasca)