Latest news with #RivalryWeek
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLS: Cincy lead early; kick-offs in Atlanta, Charlotte, and New England
MLS: Cincy lead early; kick-offs in Atlanta, Charlotte, and New England Welcome back to another MLS live blog on what is expected to be a Saturday night filled with plenty of action. MLS Rivalry Week has reached its endpoint this weekend as storylines continue to be written across the 2025 season. Advertisement Here are some key fixtures across the evening to keep your eye on as you stick with us for a full Saturday evening, start to finish. 📸 Editorial Photo Credit: © Vincent Carchietta | 2025 May 17-Imagn Images Key Fixtures and Results 2025-05-17T23:34:39Z AND WE'RE OFF IN COLUMBUS Cincinnati strikes first on the night and its star pair Evander and Kévin Denkey team up to open the scoring, with the DP duo putting Cinncy ahead in just the 7th minute. That's eight MLS goals for the Togolese striker, who is now two off the top of the Golden Boot race. 2025-05-17T23:31:33Z One of the key men tonight in the Hell is Real derby is undoubtedly Cincinnati star Evander, who looks to keep his good form against the Crew 2025-05-17T20:52:22Z Advertisement IN CASE YOU MISSED IT EARLIER Two earlier rivalry clashes kick-started the day, with CF Montréal hosting Toronto FC, while a cross-river battle in the Bronx featured NYCFC vs NY Red Bulls. The Canadian Classique turned into a rout at Stade Saputo as Toronto FC demolished rivals CF Montréal by a 6-1 scoreline, featuring a brace from former Juventus and Italy star Federico Bernardeschi. Scorers: Vrioni 64'; Spicer 14', Bernardeschi 30', 55', Brynhildsen 33', Corbeanu 66', 90+1' Sent Off: Waterman 21' A Hudson River Derby clash between NYCFC and New York Red Bulls at Yankee Stadium saw the Boys in Blue bank a 2-0 win over their local rivals, with a stunning strike from Alonso Martínez highlighting the result in the Bronx. Advertisement Scorers: Martínez 13', Moralez 50'
San Francisco Chronicle
17-05-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Giants welcome spurned A's fans as rivalry trades Bay Bridge for ‘Highway 80'
Hanging in the merchandise shops scattered around Oracle Park is a new T-shirt designed for the San Francisco Giants' weekend series against the Athletics. Merging orange and black with green and gold, a familiar blend for local baseball fans, the shirt depicts a span of the Bay Bridge with 'Highway 80' scrawled across the front in bold letters. With the Athletics' move to Sacramento, it's the Giants' acknowledgement of a local rivalry now separated by an extra 80 miles west down Interstate 80 (where did Highway 80 come from?). Major League Baseball deemed it 'Rivalry Week' across baseball, but this quasi-local affair shines a light on the awkward transition the once storied Bay Bridge rivalry has made. Despite the 'Highway 80' shirts and the patch on the A's jerseys, the A's won't officially claim Sacramento their home as they pursue an uncertain future in Las Vegas. It's created a behemoth of an opportunity for the Giants in Northern California as they're in position to claim wayward East Bay fans who've lost their local team. It's fair to wonder if the Giants had those lost A's fans in mind when the organization hung a sprawling banner across the right-field bleachers. The sign had San Francisco's 415 area code and the East Bay's 510 area code with a massive heart connecting the two. The sign was a message that 'all baseball fans are welcome to the park, but especially this weekend those from the 510. (The) East Bay,' the Giants said in a statement. The Giants haven't raised a banner for any other team's arrival. The crowd for Friday's series opener was a rich blend of green and orange, but not just for the rivalry. Some A's fans in attendance, including Alameda's Joseph Hoyt, came to the game because it was one of few opportunities to watch his favorite team play close to home. To him, the 'Highway 80' series served as a reminder of the role the Giants played in the A's departure from Oakland. He's acutely aware that it was a unanimous vote among MLB owners to let John Fisher's A's move out of the Town. 'It's really interesting, because it feels like the Giants really pushed the A's out of town,' Hoyt said. 'Their ownership voted for them to leave. And it's just unfortunate that the A's ownership group decided to take this path, because there are lots of different options. If John Fisher didn't want to build in Oakland, he could have sold to Joe Lacob or anyone else and they would have done the same thing. So I'm disappointed overall. But at the same time, I'm happy to be here and root for my team. But it's totally bittersweet.' Since the A's moved out of the Coliseum, where Hoyt grew up playing catch in the parking lots outside before catching a game, he's become more of an Arizona Diamondbacks fan. Because his grandparents are huge Giants fans, Hoyt came to a fair amount of games in San Francisco – he saw Barry Bonds hit home runs No. 72 and 73 in 2001. But he doesn't anticipate more frequent visits to watch the Giants. 'You would think I would naturally come over to the Giants, but I don't have that kind of emotional attachment to the Giants even though I'm from here,' he said. 'I'm following the A's, but it doesn't feel as important. I know the Diamondbacks are going to play the A's in a few weeks. I'm rooting for the Diamondbacks because they're in a playoff hunt and I'm not sure the A's will do anything.' For those involved on the field, the local rivalry feels very much the same – with a few notable differences. The A's, traveling back from a series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, will stay at a hotel instead of in their Bay Area homes – as was normal for the A's and Giants during the Bay Bridge Series in previous years. Giants manager Bob Melvin, who managed the A's for more than a decade and grew up attending concerts at the Coliseum, has previously expressed his sadness that baseball is no longer at the Coliseum. But he said the baseball rivalry felt just as strong despite the A's playing ball at Sutter Health Park. 'I think it's going to be the same energy here as across the Bay and up the road a little bit,' Melvin said. 'It's a much better team, they're playing good baseball, and it's always electric when the A's play the Giants. So it's not going to be any different for me.' The crowd might've had the same rivalry feel, but the dynamic is undeniably different. 'It does (feel different). I thought I would have an easier commute today than I've had, but the bridge traffic was terrible,' A's general manager David Forst said. 'It's different. A's and Giants will be a rivalry for a while, there's always generations of fans who will see A's and Giants and think of it the same way, but it's definitely different. We're not right across the bay.' The strangeness could intensify when the Giants visit for the second part of the season series at Sutter Health Park over Fourth of July weekend. Not just because of how small the Sacramento ballpark plays, but because the A's temporary home doubles as the home of the Giants' Triple-A River Cats.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cardinals and Royals Named One Of MLB's Most Heated Rivalries
While Cardinals and Cubs hold one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports, a new rival has emerged for the Cardinals and a big reason is something you probably wouldn't expect. The St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals were recently named one of the matchups to watch as the MLB approaches Rivalry Week according to ESPN. Advertisement Rivalry Week is an exciting idea implemented by the league this season, designed to highlight the competitive nature of in-state and division matchups that might not always be on the national radar. The league has made it a priority to celebrate these rivalries and bring more attention to teams that have the potential for great drama on the field, and the Cardinals-Royals rivalry is one that MLB is hoping will continue to grow. The teams first met in the 1985 World Series where the Royals won in seven games to bring the World Series to Kansas City for the first time. The 1985 World Series remains a key moment in both franchises' histories, with Kansas City's first championship creating lasting memories, but also leaving a competitive chip on the Cardinals' shoulder. It wasn't until August 29, 1997, that the teams met in the regular season. Per ESPN's post, the rivalry could likely root from Mizzou. So many instate students from Kansas City and St. Louis go to Mizzou and it sits in between the two cities. The added element of Mizzou alumni and fans fueling the rivalry on both sides of the state adds a new dynamic, making it more personal for fans who see these matchups as a reflection of the pride they have for their cities. Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (46) bats against the Kansas City Royals© Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Overall, St. Louis holds a 76-52 regular season record against Kansas City, but the Royals are pushing back, having won three of the four meetings from last season. Advertisement With both teams on hot streaks, the rivalry will be a fun one to watch in the MLB over the weekend, and the excitement surrounding these matchups is sure to continue growing. Fans from both cities are already bracing for the intensity that's bound to follow in the coming seasons. Related: Cardinals at Royals: How to Watch and What to Watch for Related: Pair of Young Cardinals Showing Early Signs of Unexpected Breakout Seasons
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lionel Messi's Behavior Toward Referee After Inter Miami Game Draws Strong Reaction
Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi was not happy after the Herons dropped more points in MLS play with a 3-3 draw against San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday night. Heading into an MLS Rivalry Week showdown with Florida rival Orlando City SC, Inter Miami has only won one of its last six matches in all competitions. During the poor run of form, Messi's team has conceded at least three goals on four separate occasions. Advertisement After the dramatic match in California, the 2024 MLS MVP took his frustration out on referee Joe Dickerson. Messi was furious that a free kick was not awarded to him in the final minutes from just outside the San Jose penalty area. Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) reacts to the referee during the second half against the Colorado Rapids at Chase Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Messi, 37, circled back to the referee multiple times after the full time whistle, earning a yellow card for his protests. Dickerson threatened him with a red card and could be heard on the Apple TV broadcast demanding the Argentinian to "walk away now." Dickerson was not the only person who reacted strongly to Messi's petulant behavior. Current San Jose and former United States Men's National Team coach Bruce Arena had to intervene in order to save the Inter Miami star from himself. "That's universal language when you're talking about referees," Arena said with a grin after the game. Advertisement "He was obviously not happy and I wanted to make sure, really, that he was not going to get a red card," the Earthquakes coach explained. "I just tried to move him out of the way, because for him to get a red card at the end of the game would've been ridiculous." While Messi did not get any special treatment from the referee, Arena's protective reaction illustrated the desire of those around MLS to keep the face of the league on the pitch, especially during Rivalry Week. "I wanted to make sure we got him out of there and he's ready to play the next game for Miami," Arena admitted. The next match against Orlando will take place on Sunday as MLS' pick for "Sunday Night Soccer" on Rivalry Week. The Florida Derby is as even as it gets, with the two teams sharing a record of 5-5-5 in 15 matches all time. Advertisement Related: Lionel Messi's Behavior Toward Inter Miami Fan Draws Strong Reaction Related: Lionel Messi's Issue With Inter Miami Teammates Revealed
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Super Over: How the IPL bowled over brands, billionaires and bored audiences
In a year when it featured a 14-year-old batsman, Vaibhav Suryavanshi — the youngest centurion ever in its history — the Indian Premier League (IPL) itself attained adulthood. It's been 18 years since the prestigious cricket tournament was launched. With a little under a month to go, the 2025 season is already the IPL 's biggest, shattering records for ad spends, viewership and subscribers. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack The groundwork before India mounts a strike at Pakistan India considers closing airspace to Pakistani carriers amid rising tensions Cold Start: India's answer to Pakistan's nuclear threats Even more surprisingly, the uptick comes following two challenging seasons, when media rights holders — Star India (TV) and Viacom18 (digital) — faced significant financial constraints. What's worked There's a deceptively simple formula fuelling this success and it has remained the same for 18 years: Top cricket talent, Bollywood glamour, deep fan loyalty, mass reach across platforms and a robust marketing engine backed by the franchises, broadcasters, brand partners and the BCCI. All these have combined to take the IPL's valuation past $50 billion, says IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, though no formal BCCI calculation has yet been conducted. 'Every year, we see new heroes come from nowhere. The IPL has provided many cricketers with a platform over the years. This has been the hallmark of this tournament,' he says, adding, 'IPL is the number one 'Make in India' brand created post-independence. When you create a good product, money comes in automatically.' Successful products tend to face one challenge when they reach the top: Consolidating their position. But the IPL's sustained growth stems from two key factors, says TAM Media CEO LV Krishnan: The democratisation of the league and the media's evolving role. Krishnan cited examples such as BCCI Fan Parks, which allow fans in cities that don't have an IPL venue to relive the stadium experience. The strategies attract core cricket fans and fringe entertainment viewers. 'These initiatives are bringing in not just large advertisers, but also regional brands that are leveraging IPL's multiple platforms for greater exposure. They will continue to drive growth in advertising and subscription revenues,' he predicts. Mid-season churn At over two months, it's the longest cricket tournament in the world. In the middle stages, viewership stabilises as audience engagement stagnates. How does the league tackle this? JioStar CEO - sports, Sanjog Gupta, says they are looking for ways to re-engage viewers during this lean period. 'We create more touchpoints for engagement, ensuring that existing viewers stay involved and new ones have a compelling reason to join,' he says. 'For instance, ' Rivalry Week ', which we introduced in 2018, has proven to be especially successful.' IPL broadcaster JioStar has been the biggest beneficiary of its success, thanks to the league's unique franchise-based format and strong marketing strategy. According to Media Partners Asia (MPA), advertising revenue for 2025 is projected to hit $600 million, a 50% increase over 2024. 'Live viewership is at an all-time high across linear TV, CTV and mobile. Linear TV engagement (minutes watched per match) has hit record levels; CTV watch time has nearly doubled compared to last season; and mobile views are up by over 30%,' says Gupta. Brands win Regardless of who wins or loses on the field, partnering brands still make a killing. Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Amul) managing director Jayen Mehta highlighted IPL's ROI power. 'Beyond brand visibility, it directly contributes to increased sales. While we're very conservative with our marketing — spending just 1% of our turnover — we see a high return on investment from the IPL,' he explains. Amul sponsors the Cricket Live show. It also has partnerships with nine out of 10 participating teams, enabling it to sell its products directly inside most stadiums. 'We amplify these associations through print and digital platforms, offering compelling deals and experiences,' Mehta adds. Lauritz Knudsen, a sub-brand of Schneider Electric , signed a ₹120-crore three-year deal with Mumbai Indians — the biggest front-of-jersey sponsorship in IPL history. 'This partnership helps us signal intent — to power India's growth story with reliable, future-ready solutions rooted in quality and innovation,' said Rajat Abbi, VP, Greater India, Schneider Electric. Mumbai Indians is also happy about its brand and fan engagement initiatives. 'We've seen exponential growth in our sponsorship portfolio — with 32 brands across 20+ categories, including six new partnerships,' a team spokesperson said. Ceat has signed a five-year sponsorship with the IPL for its strategic timeout breaks, valued at ₹240 crore. CMO Lakshmi Narayanan B calls it a high-impact investment. 'During each season, we see a double-digit surge in brand recall metrics and a notable increase in unaided awareness, particularly among younger consumers and in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities,' he says. But Brand Finance India MD Ajimon Francis says that while media equivalency is simple to calculate, it doesn't accurately reflect the true ROI for team sponsorships. 'The real measure of sponsorship ROI should focus on business impact rather than the frequency with which a logo appears on television,' he says. Big bets pay off The gains have come despite repeated criticisms levelled against the IPL. But brands that have watched the IPL grow, from an eight-team, 44-day tournament in 2008, to the behemoth that it is today, are happy to go along for the ride. Vinit Karnik, managing director of content, entertainment and sports at GroupM India, says that the sports economy in India has grown in tandem with the IPL — from its ₹2,423 crore valuation in 2008 to ₹16,633 crore in 2024. 'Our data highlights an accelerating trajectory: The first billion dollars of sponsorship value took a decade, the second billion came in seven years, and with the current momentum, the third billion is projected to come in under seven years,' he says. There are brands that have been with the league since its inception, sitting alongside newer entrants. Like Parle Products , which has been with the IPL for almost the entire period. Vice-president Mayank Shah compares it to the Super Bowl in the US. 'Pan India reach is something you get when you look at IPL. That is the biggest advantage — its unique reach across India is unparalleled,' Shah says. He adds that brands are also tailoring bespoke campaigns for the IPL, just the way they do it for the Super Bowl. 'There are a few major objectives for advertising during IPL. One is reach; another is running a big launch campaign — such as repositioning a brand or introducing a new celebrity. The third could be a corporate branding campaign with broader goals.' While Parle has enjoyed a lengthy association, Dream11 is among the new-age advertisers riding the IPL wave. CMO Vikrant Mudaliar has said the league has transformed fantasy sports in India. It's chiefly responsible for the platform gaining 250 million users. 'It has unlocked unprecedented sports fan engagement opportunities for India and us,' he said. What's next? The league has had a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem. IPL franchises are expanding operations, buying teams in other T20 leagues around the world, like in the US, UK, UAE and South Africa. But the ceiling is still some distance away, believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru COO Rajesh Menon. He said that 78% of the league's revenue is from broadcast, while other global leagues average 58% — so there's still some untapped potential in other revenue streams such as licensing and merchandising. RCB is exploring fan monetisation, physical and digital experiences, and possibly a 'super app' for deeper engagement. The stadium experience for fans also leaves much to be desired. Fans have complained of poor facilities at many stadiums. D&P advisory managing partner Santosh N says most of the franchises are owned by old business houses which aren't exactly agile. 'Despite their on-field performance, all teams receive ₹450-500 crore annually from the central revenue pool. That provides a stable income [but] often discourages innovation,' he noted.
