Professional Bull Riders is celebrating its 25th season with a huge event at Madison Square Garden January 5th. Sean Gleason, CEO of Professional Bull Riders, and two-time World Champion bull rider J.B. Mauney, aka "the John Wayne of PBR", join Cheddar to discuss the fast-growing sport.
According to the organization, PBR attendance increased 11% from 2015 to 2017, setting 13 local event attendance records in 2016 and eight more in 2017. Annual global attendance has reached 3 million fans. Gleason also talks about the company's new streaming platform called "RidePass" and how it fits within the distribution strategy.
Mauney talks about how he prepares for a bull riding competition and how he stays connected with his fans. He says he's one of the oldest professional bull riders, which is why he's old school in his training. He predicts he'll ride for a few more years before hanging up his hat.
When the NFL season kicks off Thursday, the league will have a new official pizza partner. Pizza Hut executives Marianna Radley and Artie Starrs announced new deals for fans and what it hopes to get from the partnership.
Nike shares were lower after the company announced it would feature Colin Kaepernick as part of its new ad campaign. #NikeBoycott trended on Twitter as users showed themselves destroying Nike apparel.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know.
Maryann Turcke, the COO of the NFL, is the highest ranking woman in professional sports leadership. She talks to Cheddar about gender inequality in the industry and what she's doing to reach a younger audience that's cutting the cord.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know.
After criticism from the French tennis federation that her much-loved "catsuit" was disrespectful to the sport, Serena Williams took the court at the U.S. Open in a tutu -- and blew open a conversation long-asked in offices everywhere: just what is "work appropriate attire"? Vanessa Friedman, fashion critic for the New York Times, said it's about time.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know.
Three-time Stanley Cup champion Martin Brodeur is returning to the sport to head business development for his former team, the New Jersey Devils.
Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland is headed to Washington to continue trade negotiations with the U.S. On Monday, Mexico and the United States agreed to terms for a new trade deal.
Electronic Arts is canceling three qualifier events for its 'Madden NFL 19' tournament in the wake of Sunday's deadly shooting in Jacksonville, Florida. The company says it will conduct a review of safety measures to ensure the security of competitors and spectators.
And Kathy Ireland, Chairman Emeritus and Chief Brand Strategist at Level Brands, joins Cheddar after ringing the Opening Bell Tuesday morning. She talks about what has driven the recent success of Level Brands, a brand management and licensing company.
Nick Fullerton, CEO of SportsETFs, has created an ETF that includes companies partnering with pro leagues and teams as an indirect play on the popularity of team sports.
