Summary:
Fortnite's streak of partnering with big names in pop culture continues as TikTok star Khaby Lame hints at becoming the next Icon Series skin in the game.
What's New:
Known for bridging the realms of gaming and pop culture with their Icon Series skins, Fortnite seems set to honor Khaby Lame, the TikTok phenomenon, in its upcoming season. In a recent TikTok video, Khaby intriguingly opens a box adorned with Fortnite's Red Crescent Moon emblem, an indication towards the game's new season, paired with the suggestive caption, "I'm in." This appears to align with Epic Games' promotional query: “Are you in?”
Why It Matters:
This potential collaboration signifies Fortnite's relentless commitment to merging mainstream pop culture with the gaming universe. As Fortnite has previously collaborated with icons across various fields, Khaby Lame’s probable inclusion not only acknowledges his massive popularity on the TikTok platform but also showcases the game's ability to stay contemporary and resonate with its vast player base.
Why You Should Care:
This potential crossover is a synthesis of two massive cultural phenomena. While details remain scarce on whether Khaby's skin will be a part of the upcoming Battle Pass or available in the Item Shop, the buzz is undeniable. With the official Fortnite account teasing an outline of a character replicating Khaby’s trademark pose, fans can eagerly anticipate the debut of this TikTok star in the Fortnite universe.
Credit: https://www.dexerto.com/fortnite/tiktok-star-khaby-lame-fortnite-skin-teased-for-new-crossover-2262049/ (Sabarwal)
Panini Deals a Legal Hand Against NFLPA Over Contract Termination
Trading-card titan Panini has initiated legal action against the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) after the union prematurely terminated their arrangement. With a contract that was supposed to extend until 2026, Panini's move is to challenge the NFLPA's recent decision to grant exclusive rights to Fanatics.
What's New:
According to Darren Rovell of ActionNetwork.com, Panini has taken the legal route by filing a demand for arbitration with the American Arbitration Association against the NFLPA. David Boies, attorney for Panini, expressed their stance by stating, "We think the [NFL] union’s termination is improper and ineffective." This shift seems to stem from the contractual agreement between Panini and the NFLPA, which generally includes terms favoring arbitration over traditional lawsuits. In a significant development this week, the NFLPA severed its ties with Panini and granted the exclusive rights to Fanatics.
Why It Matters:
The terminated contract between Panini and the NFLPA was initially slated to continue until 2026. With the NFLPA opting for Fanatics over Panini, there will be implications not just for Panini but for the entire trading-card industry and its consumers. As contracts get realigned, there could be changes in the way cards are produced, marketed, and perceived by fans.
Why You Should Care:
This legal tussle has the potential to reshape the trading-card landscape. While Panini has launched its 2023 Luminance product featuring Jalen Hurts and priced at $249.95, the future dynamics between Panini and NFLPA will be worth watching. As the NFL license is still with Panini and the NFLPA license moves to Fanatics, there's a chance we might see a return to the era when cards, like the ones produced by Topps, had helmet logos erased. This split could affect the authenticity, value, and desirability of future trading cards, making it a significant matter for collectors, traders, and NFL enthusiasts.
Credit: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/panini-commences-legal-action-against-nflpa-over-termination-of-trading-card-deal (Florio)
Tennessee Titans' Will Levis Inks Lifetime Endorsement Deal with Hellmann's
Will Levis, the quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, has clinched a lifetime endorsement deal with Hellmann's following a viral moment involving mayonnaise in his coffee. Hellmann's celebrates this unique partnership by dropping a video announcement.
What's New:On Tuesday, Hellmann's unveiled a video announcing their lifetime contract with the Titans' quarterback, Will Levis. This unexpected partnership was brewed when Levis, during his SEC Media Day rounds representing Kentucky, used mayo instead of creamer in his coffee. That unconventional choice took the internet by storm, establishing a connection between Levis and mayo.
In the recent video, a gleaming Levis shared, "I'm proud to officially announce that I have signed a lifetime supply of Hellmann's contract."
Why It Matters:Endorsement deals are a significant part of an athlete's brand and income. This particular contract stands out not just because it's a lifetime agreement, but due to its organic and viral inception. Such partnerships resonate well with fans, making them more authentic and memorable. Moreover, with Levis being selected by the Titans as the No. 33 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, his rising profile coupled with this endorsement will significantly boost his off-field marketability.
Why You Should Care:
While Levis is in the spotlight battling Malik Willis for the backup role to Ryan Tannehill, this endorsement deal adds an interesting layer to his off-field persona. His performance in the preseason has been closely watched by Titans fans, especially following his completion of nine out of 14 attempts during the game against the Chicago Bears. However, an injury sidelined him during the Titans' victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the subsequent week.
Credit: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/titans-will-levis-who-famously-puts-mayonnaise-in-his-coffee-lands-lifetime-contract-with-hellmanns/ (Nivison)
BLACKPINK Launches Year-Round Interactive Experience on Roblox: "Blackpink the Palace"
BLACKPINK fans can now immerse themselves in an interactive virtual realm on Roblox titled "Blackpink the Palace". This dynamic experience will showcase iconic elements from the group's music videos, with updates promised throughout the year.
What's New:
BLACKPINK's entrance into Roblox is marked by "Blackpink the Palace", a pastel-colored palace filled with interactive scenes inspired by the group's celebrated music videos. Notable features include the "DDU-DU DDU-DU" room with Jennie's colossal chess board and Lisa's bank vault. Delving deeper, players can discover caverns below the palace where they can mine in-game currency using BLACKPINK's light stick replica as a hammer. This currency can be utilized to host themed parties for friends.
Fans are also offered the opportunity to snap selfies with avatars resembling Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, and even buy the band's signature "Pink Venom" outfits and emotes for their characters.
Why It Matters:
Virtual fan hubs on Roblox have become increasingly popular, providing fans with immersive experiences. BLACKPINK is now the third K-pop group to establish a presence on this platform. This follows the success of NCT 127's NCT 127 World and Twice's Twice Square, the latter accumulating 60 million visits so far. This move signifies the potential of online fan communities and the broader metaverse in enhancing fan experiences and engagement.
Why You Should Care:
This announcement signals an exciting convergence of music and virtual gaming. The experience becomes available on Roblox from Aug. 25, with early birds being rewarded with a unique badge for their Roblox profiles if they visit within the first 24 hours.
Given that the hub was masterminded by Karta (known for creating Twice Square) in tandem with YG PLUS, a branch of BLACKPINK's main label YG Entertainment, fans can anticipate a polished and authentic BLACKPINK experience.
Credit: https://mashable.com/article/blackpink-palace-roblox (Luna)