Golf "has a transcendent champion on its hands" after World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler "zapped Sunday’s final round of any suspense but still provided plenty of theatrics, muzzling any would-be challengers and putting on a stunning show" in his second Masters victory in three years. Scheffler is "enjoying a run that the sport rarely sees." In addition to the two Masters, he won the past two Players Championships. He also hasn’t played a round above par since August (WASHINGTON POST, 4/14).

Scheffler is "the undisputed best player in golf," and his No. 1 ranking in the world is "by a margin not seen since Tiger Woods in his prime." Scheffler pulled ahead with "magnificent shots around the turn," and he "poured it on along the back nine" (AP, 4/14). Nobody in men’s golf is "playing on his level right now -- and it’s not even close." Scheffler now inhabits the "rarefied air of a generational great" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 4/14). The kind of "dominance" Scheffler displayed in winning his second Masters in three years "dripped with Tiger-esque undertones." For golfers around the world, "they’re all chasing one man again" -- and golf "so badly needs that kind of clarity now more than ever" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 4/14).

The final round of the Masters today marked Verne Lundquist’s last appearance on CBS’ broadcast of the event after calling 40 tournaments. CBS’ Jim Nantz early in today's coverage said, “We will be celebrating you as long as there is a Masters tournament. … You will always be a part of it. You have permanent residence here with that impressive resume of calls and moments. We all love you and we’re going to miss you.” Lundquist replied, “I thank you Jim, and thanks to all of you.” Fighting back tears, he said, “I’m going to get through this day without any emotion. Maybe.” Nantz: “The question is can we get through it.”

Later, as the final group of Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa walked to the 16th green, Nantz said, “Verne, that crowd could just as well be standing for you.” Lundquist: “Thrilled to be here, Jim. Absolutely thrilled.” After the group walked over to the 17th tee, Lundquist plainly said, “Let’s go to 17.” CBS' Ian Baker-Finch replied, “Thank you, Verne. For everything.” A couple minutes later, Nantz before going to commercial said to Lundquist, “Your voice has been a beautiful instrument. Thank you for a wonderful soundtrack for all of our lives.” Before becoming overcome with emotion, Lundquist said, “Thank you so much, Jim. It’s my honor” (“The Masters,” CBS, 4/14).

The LPGA announced details surrounding the league's exclusive ESPN+ feature group streaming coverage of the tour’s first major of the year, The Chevron Championship beginning on Thursday. The dedicated stream will follow two pairings -- one in the morning and another in the afternoon -- on each day of competition and allow fans the ability to watch 40 hours of live coverage. The Chevron Championship marks the second tournament of a two-year streaming deal on ESPN+ that will see the platform present live feature group coverage of eight LPGA tournaments through the 2025 season.

LPGA Chief Marketing, Communications & Brand Officer Matt Chmura said the goal of these broadcasts is to differentiate the LPGA and its athletes outside of a traditional telecast. “There’s nothing wrong with [a traditional broadcast],” he said. “But there’s a whole new segment of fan that we can start to reach and involve different personalities from the golf media world and that’s critically important for us to grow our fan base.”

The LPGA announced that broadcaster Will Haskett will call the streamed coverage alongside former LPGA player Gerina Mendoza serving as an analyst. Golf reporters Hally Leadbetter, Chantel McCabe and Hope Barnett will serve as on-course reporters and provide player interviews. And in a unique addition, the LPGA has partnered with the “No Laying Up” podcast to provide a different perspective.

The Minnesota Lynx have elevated longtime sponsor Federated Insurance to be its jersey patch partner, a conscious effort to collaborate with a Minnesota brand that prioritizes youth charity and women’s sports. Based about an hour south of Minneapolis in Owatonna, Federated Insurance has raised over $52M to perpetuate local Big Brothers Big Sisters programs and now plans to organize basketball camps and clinics for girls alongside Lynx players and coaches as part of the multiyear deal.

The Lynx -- who have had Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic as its corresponding belly patch partner since 2014 -- first approached Federated Insurance a year ago after its jersey patch deal with Sharecare expired. Negotiated in-house by Partnership Marketing Senior Manager Shannon Buckner, SVP/Corporate Partnerships David King, COO Ryan Tanke and CEO Ethan Casson, the preference was to pursue an in-state company, particularly since the T'Wolves’ patch partner is the national brand Aura.

Utilizing the T'Wolves -- who have sold out every game this season -- as a model, Lynx execs are attempting to double their fanbase over a five-year period and said the deals with Mayo Clinic and Federated are part of a concerted strategy to enhance local visibility.

The leaders of the Grand Slams and the men’s and women’s tennis tours will convene in London this week to "try to forge some sort of compromise" that will "solve a series of challenges facing the game." Discussions will center around "who will bring more money into tennis and grow interest amid increasing competition, without overtaxing players" who are "demanding a streamlined schedule and compensation comparable to their far wealthier counterparts in other sports." The ultimate solution "could even spell significant changes or perhaps even the end of the Paris Masters" -- known as "Bercy" -- "in favor of a new event in Saudi Arabia" (THE ATHLETIC, 4/13).

The 2024 NBA play-in tournament features star power, "making those games more high profile and making the league happy." The league "wanted to create more interest" in its regular season and "make it possible for more teams to reach the playoffs, while trying to curtail tanking." On the final day or the regular season yesterday, multiple teams "wanted to win and avoid the play-in tournament" while several other teams were "trying to avoid ninth and 10th place and make their road to the first round easier." Marquee names in this year's play-in tournament include LeBron James and Anthony Davis of the Lakers; Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green of the Warriors; Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey of the 76ers; Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox of the Kings; Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram of the Pelicans and more (USA TODAY, 4/14).

Nearly 30,000 athletes are expected to race in today's 128th Boston Marathon "from the starting line painted near the Hopkinton town green to the course’s finish on Boylston Street near Copley Square," with more than a half-million spectators "cheering them on along the route." The day "promises good weather for spectators, though it may be a little warm for athletes." The day is "expected to start sunny," with early temperatures in the upper 40s before reaching the upper 60s by early afternoon. Ahead of this year’s event, the Boston office of the FBI has said there are "no current, credible threats to the race." But authorities have asked people to "stay alert," while local and state law enforcement will have "a significant presence," including security checkpoints and bag checks. The Federal Aviation Administration will also "have flight restrictions in place" (BOSTON GLOBE, 4/14).

Unrivaled Sports, the newly launched youth sports holding company from Josh Harris, David Blitzer and The Chernin Group, has acquired baseball and softball facility Diamond Nation. Located in Flemington, N.J., Diamond Nation was founded in 2009 by Jack Cust, Sr., the father of former MLB slugger Jack Cust. In addition to hosting tournaments, which attract more than 3,000 teams and 45,000 participants annually, Diamond Nation also operates its own club teams. Wade Martin, the CEO of Unrivaled’s baseball division, said there's a “real opportunity to learn from” the in-house academy model and “export that into other locations” in Unrivaled’s network.

Diamond Nation becomes the 14th asset in the Unrivaled portfolio and expands the holding company’s extensive investment in youth baseball and softball, which also includes ownership of Ripken Baseball and Cooperstown All Star Village, among others. Martin added that the Cust family will retain a minority stake in and continue to help lead the business. “The Custs are so well-respected and have such a great team,” Martin said. “We’re going into a first-class operating team that we think we can learn from as well. ... We feel really good about carrying the torch, and I think that’s what we hope we can do for owners that might be looking for a partner but not looking to get out completely.” Financial details of the transaction were not available. 

Dwight Gooden was honored by the Mets with the retirement of his No. 16 yesterday at Citi Field. His number was unveiled "high above the left-field side," joining 14 (Gil Hodges, 1973), 17 (Keith Hernandez, 2022), 24 (Willie Mays, 2022), 31 (Mike Piazza, 2016), 36 (Jerry Koosman, 2021), 37 (Casey Stengel, 1965) and 41 (Tom Seaver, 1988). Gooden was also presented with a framed jersey and a bronzed pitching rubber listing his Mets accomplishments (AP, 4/14).

The Rays inducted late radio voice Dave Wills into the team's HOF this weekend, as the team "wanted to honor him while memories were still fresh." Wills died, unexpectedly at age 58, in March 2023. At the start of yesterday's induction ceremony, longtime radio partner Andy Freed, principal owner Stuart Sternberg, Wills’ wife, Liz, and daughter, Michelle, "shared stories and anecdotes from his career and life." Most notably, the first 12,000 fans who arrived at Tropicana Field were given yellow shirts "in the tropical style Wills favored, featuring a chest pocket patch with his name and a microphone" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 4/14).

Two podcasts from digital sports media company Jomboy Media, “Jimmy’s Three Things” and “Wake N’ Jake,” have joined The Dan Patrick Podcast Network. The shows will be coproduced by Patrick, iHeartPodcasts, Workhouse Media and Jomboy Media. Patrick and iHeart launched the Dan Patrick Podcast Network in 2020, and Patrick is represented by Workhouse Principal & CEO Paul Anderson. “Jimmy’s Three Things,” a spin-off of Jomboy’s top podcast, “Talkin’ Baseball,” is a weekly show hosted by Jomboy co-founder Jimmy O’Brien; “Wake N’ Jake” is hosted twice-weekly by fellow co-founder Jake Storiale. 

Riot Games Esports President John Needham announced this morning that David Mulhall has been promoted to the position of Global Head of Esports Partnerships and Business Development. The elevated role, which will see Mulhall leading the onboarding of brands into Riot Games’ esports partnership portfolio, consolidates regional and global roles into a single position. Mulhall previously served as Global Head of Business Development and Partnerships, Valorant & Teamfight Tactics. 

Prior to his time at Riot, Mulhall spent three years as the Director of Corporate Partnerships for the Sacramento Kings and its NBA2K esports team -- the Kings Guard. He will now be working in this new role in conjunction with titles such as League of Legends Esports, Valorant Champions Tour and Teamfight Tactics Esports. 

DAZN is extending its broadcasting rights to the Women’s National Football Conference as flag football gears up for its entrance to the 2028 Olympics. The deal includes WNFC rights for both tackle football and inaugural seasons of flag football, and will run for five seasons from 2024-2028. Pricing terms were not disclosed.

The previous streaming deal included non-exclusive international and domestic rights with one game a week of tackle football in the 2023 season. Starting in 2024, DAZN will extend that deal to air two WNFC tackle games per week and all women’s flag games for free. It will also have two WNFC tackle playoffs, two WNFC flag tournaments and the conference’s Championship Weekend. 

The league includes 16 teams across the U.S., with Esmerelda Negron, co-CEO of Women’s Sport for DAZN, describing the WNFC as a “perfect addition” for the streamer, especially given women’s flag football joining the Olympics and rapidly growing popularity. 

In this week's SBJ, Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon is focused on a Stanley Cup this spring, but has his eyes on a potential MLB expansion team for North Carolina. Also, technology company Plantiga is hoping sensors in the shoes of female basketball players and track athletes can help bridge the data gap on injuries between men and women. The magazine also dives into the inner workings of CPKC Stadium -- the first stadium built for a women’s pro sports team -- and whether the men’s and women’s Final Fours could coexist in one place at the same time.

MLS is beginning its three-day 2024 Retail and Licensee Summit in K.C. today, with more than 230 attendees across clubs, licensees and key retail accounts including Dick's Sporting Goods, Rally House, Pelé Soccer and Niky’s Sports. MLS club execs will discuss product launches and initiatives related to retail growth and fan engagement (MLS).

The UConn men's basketball team saw a crowd, "estimated at 60,000 by Hartford police," turn out to "cheer and celebrate on the streets and in front of the XL Center" on Saturday following the team's national title victory (HARTFORD COURANT, 4/13).

The South Carolina women's basketball team had its victory parade through Columbia yesterday, as fans lined the parade route as early as 10am ET for the 2pm start. Speakers included AD Ray Tanner, U.S. Rep. James Clyburn and university president Michael Amiridis (GREENVILLE NEWS, 4/14).

Former NBAer Avery Bradley is joining the Jazz front office as VP/Player Development, according to sources (DESERET NEWS, 4/14).

The Canadians "turned the tables" on the U.S. with yesterday's 6-5 OT victory at the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship in front of a "pro-U. S. sellout crowd" of 4,142 at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, N.Y. (CP, 4/14).

"There’s a lot of accountability that has to be held. There might be additions to staff, but what’s for sure is change is coming. We are not right, right now" -- Pistons owner Tom Gores, on the team's future after wrapping up a 14-68 season -- its worst season in franchise history (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 4/14).

"We really liked the purple as it allowed us to move away from the usual colours" -- Paris 2024 Sports Manager Alain Blondel, on the purple athletics track being laid in Paris's Stade de France for the track and field events for this year's Olympics (REUTERS, 4/14).

The PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER dives into the world of new sports entertainment complexes under the header, "Stadium entertainment districts -- such as the one proposed in South Philly -- are changing the game for fans around the country." The Phillies and Comcast Spectacor, the company that owns the Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center, intend to "transform acres of concrete and tar into a gleaming, $2.5 billion sports-and-entertainment zone." If completed, chunks of one of the largest parking areas in North America "would be filled with eateries, hotels, apartments, stores, and a 5,500-seat performance venue." Part of the goal is to create a destination that will "boost tourism and attract new residents and ideas to the city." These types of mixed-use properties are "growing like infield grass," with 41 planned or under construction and 43 more up and operating across the five major pro leagues in the U.S. and Canada, according to Maryland-based RCLCO Real Estate Consulting, which advises teams and cities on the developments. Why the popularity? Erin Talkington, a managing director at the RCLCO office in Washington, said, "It’s the fan experience."

Also:

• Ohtani's dizzying 3 weeks end in exoneration by authorities.
• Art Modell law is ripe for legal challenges, but could help Cleveland keep the Browns.
• In hunt for 'white elephants' in Utah, Olympic commission comes up empty-handed.
• I love Sacramento but bringing the Oakland Athletics here seems wrong and beneath us.

MONDAY

• The CAA World Congress of Sports will return to the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE with a welcome reception for all attendees from 7:30-9:30pm PT.
• The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS), and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) will host the 2024 Team Sports Conference at The Alexander Hotel in Indianapolis. View the agenda here. (2 days).
• GameSquare Holdings will release its quarterly earnings report.

TUESDAY

• The CAA World Congress of Sports officially opens with a number of panels, featuring the likes of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, Amazon Global Head, Sports and Ads, Prime Video Jay Marine, Fanatics founder & CEO Michael Rubin, AAC Commissioner Mike Aresco, NBC Olympics Exec Producer & President Molly Solomon and many more. View the full agenda here.
• Phillips Academy will host its annual Pave the Way reception and luncheon at the NASCAR HOF in Charlotte from 11am-1pm ET. 
• The SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament begins.

WEDNESDAY

• The CAA World Congress of Sports continues on with panels featuring Chiefs President Mark Donovan, U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone, MLS Commissioner Don Garber, WWE President Nick Khan, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque, NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, PLL co-founder & CEO Paul Rabil and many more. View the full agenda here.

THURSDAY

• Netflix will release its quarterly earnings report.

SATURDAY

• The NBA Playoffs begin.

   

Have an event we should feature? Send an email to malongi@sportsbusinessjournal.com.

Thank you, Verne. #themasters pic.twitter.com/YJJTXgIfXd

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2024

Dwight "Doc" Gooden's No. 16 has been retired by the @Mets. 👏 pic.twitter.com/xto8QaXohD

— MLB (@MLB) April 14, 2024

This is the fourth win for Hooters as a primary sponsor.

Their first three came in the span of 23 races in 301 days, all with Alan Kulwicki.

Their fourth came 156 races later... 11,627 days (32 years, 10 months). pic.twitter.com/jbrMkmRgjR

— Justin Schuoler (@JSchuoler) April 15, 2024

This is funny as heck in a game the Rockets were about to win in LA, The fans were cheering when Boban missed his first free-throw, because if the opposition misses two in a row, the fans get free chicken.

So watch what Boban does. I love Boban! pic.twitter.com/O5eY7TFR6K

— Michael Beckman (@michaelbeck) April 15, 2024

Watch: A helicopter was used to replace 1200-pound scoreboard exhaust fans at Bank of America Stadium. pic.twitter.com/Cq2uRo99GM

— WCNC Charlotte (@wcnc) April 15, 2024

"After his death his son Michel reworked and published manuscripts like one about a meteor made of gold heading for Earth."

"Who is Jules Verne?"