Former Giants QB Eli Manning Eyes Potential Ownership Role

Two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning has expressed interest in acquiring a minority ownership stake in the New York Giants, the team where he spent his entire 16-year NFL career. In a recent CNBC Sport interview, Manning confirmed that the Giants would be “the only team” he would consider pursuing as an owner.

Manning’s interest comes at a pivotal time as the NFL adapts to modern sports economics by allowing private equity investment of up to 10% in franchises, opening new opportunities for minority ownership across the league. The move reflects the NFL’s broader strategy to keep pace with rising team valuations while ensuring long-term financial stability. It enables teams to access additional capital while maintaining traditional ownership structures, as demonstrated by recent transactions across the league. The Giants, owned by the Mara family since their 1925 founding, have not commented on Manning’s interest. However, similar transactions have recently occurred across the NFL, including Tom Brady’s acquisition of a stake in the Las Vegas Raiders.

While exploring potential ownership opportunities, Manning continues to diversify his business portfolio. Beyond his current role as a minority stake holder in NJ/NY Gotham FC soccer team and partner at Brand Velocity Group, he will serve as a Verizon FanFest ambassador for upcoming stadium events featuring celebrity meet-and-greets with former NFL stars.

“I think my quest post-football is trying to find that passion and find something similar that I can work towards,” Manning reflected on his post-NFL journey. He remains connected to his former team, recently supporting the Giants’ decision to retain head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. “You’ve got to create some sort of continuity and keep things the same, build that culture, and that just takes time,” he noted, demonstrating his continued investment in the team’s success even as he explores new business ventures in his post-playing career.

Los Angeles Gears Up for 2028 Olympics: A Business Perspective

Following Paris’ successful 2024 Olympics, Los Angeles is preparing to host the 2028 Games, aiming to set new standards in Olympic organization and urban development. The 2028 Olympics present a significant opportunity for Los Angeles to boost its global profile, stimulate economic growth, and address long-standing urban challenges, potentially leaving a lasting positive impact on the city’s infrastructure and economy.

Infrastructure and Logistics

Mayor Karen Bass emphasizes the city’s focus on enhancing public transportation, reducing traffic congestion, and addressing homelessness. These are major issues for the City of Los Angeles, and if adequately addressed, will greatly improve life in the city even after the Games have finished.

The city plans to encourage public transit use to venues, potentially borrowing buses from other cities. Discussions with local businesses about remote work and night-time deliveries during high-traffic periods are underway, mirroring strategies from the 1984 LA Olympics. Three new bus lines are also planned to open before 2027.

The city is also planning rail extensions that will extend existing lines as well as utilize the new light rail line connecting the Crenshaw district to LAX that is now operational. This is part of a larger strategy to improve airport connectivity which includes plans for the LAX Automated People Mover connecting LAX terminals to the rail system and an Airport Metro Connector Station which will connect the airport to the light rail line.

Economic Impact and City Showcase

Casey Wasserman, Chairman of LA 2028, sees the Games as an opportunity to build upon Paris’ success and showcase Los Angeles’ unique character. The games provide the opportunity to highlight LA’s diverse culture, and position the city itself as a “main character” during the event according to Board Member Jessica Alba. While no new permanent venues will be built—a first in Olympic history—the city aims to creatively utilize existing landmarks. This strategy offers significant benefits, but it comes with unique challenges as well. The plan aligns with sustainability goals and could save up to $150 million by leveraging existing venues like SoFi Stadium and Crypto.com Arena. This strategy also reduces the risk of creating underutilized facilities post-Games and showcases LA’s iconic locations. However, some upgrades and temporary structures will still be necessary, and adapting existing venues may require creative solutions. There are also logistical challenges in coordinating across multiple locations and ensuring adequate transportation between venues. Despite these challenges, the use of existing landmarks is expected to create a unique setting for the Olympics and leave a lasting positive impact on the city’s infrastructure and economy.

It will be exciting to see some of these plans implemented over the next four years and see their impact on Los Angeles as a city as well as set the scene for the 2028 Olympics.

Fanatics to Drastically Change the World of Sports Trading Cards

On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, thousands gathered for the Chicago Sports Spectacular, a major event in the world of sports trading cards. Held in a convention center near O’Hare Airport and reminiscent of a pre-eBay era rummage sale but with much higher stakes, the show featured over 400 dealers. Collectors, having paid a $15 entry fee, navigated through the maze of tables, searching for treasures like signed Mickey Mantle baseballs and Michael Jordan rookie cards.

The vibrant atmosphere was abuzz with dealers discussing business trends and marveling at the rapid shift in young collectors’ interests. This analog tradition has been the backbone of the multibillion-dollar sports collectibles industry for decades. However, it faces potential upheaval from Fanatics, a dominant force in sports merchandise, aiming to revolutionize the collectibles market.

Fanatics, known for its league deals and replica jerseys, has branched into the trading card arena. It acquired Topps, the iconic trading card maker, for approximately $500 million, positioning itself as a major player in an industry valued at around $44 billion. Fanatics’ aggressive strategy includes signing exclusivity deals with sports stars like Tom Brady and LeBron James, and partnerships with Major League Baseball and the baseball players’ union.

This shift has caused unease among traditionalists in the trading card world. Fanatics’ approach mirrors its tactics in sports apparel: acquiring key industry components, leveraging relationships with athletes and leagues, and pushing aside competitors. The company has also ventured into direct sales to hobby shops and online marketplaces, aiming to streamline the supply chain and elevate the quality and reliability of products. Many are concerned about potential price increases, as well as the monopoly of the trading card market.

Despite the concerns, Fanatics’ entry is seen by some, like card appraiser Michael Osacky, as a positive step towards innovation and rejuvenation in the hobby. The company’s ambitious plans suggest a transformative future for sports collectibles, one that balances traditional practices with modern business strategies, potentially reshaping the industry for generations to come.