The Ultimate Fan

More than a ticket...an experience.

[theultimatefan]

Kate Pellegrino Named Caldwell University Head Women's Soccer Coach

Kate Pellegrino, who has served as a collegiate assistant coach at Quinnipiac University and Bard College and as a head and assistant at various other levels, has been named Caldwell University Head Women's Soccer Coach, it was announced today by Mark A. Corino, Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics.

A Berkeley Heights, N.J. native, Pellegrino comes to Caldwell after most recently working as a volunteer assistant for the Division I Quinnipiac program. She was involved in training sessions and individual player skills as well as analyzing game film and assisting with strategic adjustments for the Bobcats program.

Simultaneously as head coach and Zone I lead at FC Westchester, Pellegrino has led training and player development for the youth club. She has been responsible for managing the team of coaches as well as assessing athlete progression and team performance standards.

"I am excited to take on the challenge of continuing and building upon the success Caldwell University soccer has enjoyed across its history," said Pellegrino. "I look forward to implementing my vision emphasizing player well-being, continuous education and mentorship to inspire our student-athletes to be their best and achieve personal and team success."

"We were impressed with Coach Pellegrino's knowledge of the sport and our program, and welcome her to the Caldwell family," said Corino. "Her experience and the coaching philosophy she has demonstrated aligns well with our University and Athletics Department missions and we look forward to her leading one of our most successful programs to even greater heights."

Coach Pellegrino is an IMG Academies graduate who was recruited to play Division II soccer at Regis University in Denver, where she scored two goals and accumulated more than 1200 minutes at forward and outside midfield for the Rangers in 2012 and 2013. A career-ending injury caused her to switch gears and instead attend Hofstra University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science in 2016 before getting her Master's at Sacred Heart University in Exercise Science and Nutrition in 2019.

She also served as head coach and assistant girls director at Ole FC in Connecticut from 2018 through 2024. Pellegrino has earned a USSF B License as well as UEFA C Licence-Scotland, USSF Coach Educator-Grassroots License and a 2025 SHECHAMPIONS Spring Mentorship.

Pellegrino becomes the eighth head coach as Caldwell women's soccer enters its 28th season, and third in the last 19 years. She replaces Sammy Adjei, who is now the head coach at nearby Saint Peter's University. The Cougars were 13-3-4 last year, including an 8-1-2 mark in CACC play and second straight CACC Tournament Finals appearance.

[theultimatefan]

Spalk Announces Three Partnerships to Expand Global Sports Commentary, Highlights, Fan Engagement

Spalk, the leading cloud-based commentary and technology platform scaling multilingual commentary for teams, leagues and broadcast partners, today announced three new strategic alignments designed to accelerate the company’s global growth and enhance the multilingual viewing experience for sports fans worldwide. The partnerships with Ligue 1 (for English + Portuguese Highlights), Euroleague (for French, Serbian & Greek) and LNB (for French) continue to expand Spalk’s reach across live sports production, international distribution, and next-generation audience engagement and will now include real-time highlights packages as well as commentary.

“These partnerships represent another major step forward in our mission to make live sports more accessible, immersive, and scalable in any language for rights holders and broadcasters around the world,” said Ben Reynolds Co-founder and CEO at Spalk. “By literally listening to the challenges to expand audience share, we continue to create new opportunities for very passionate fan bases who want one thing…to experience the glory of their clubs in the language they speak. That’s our sweet spot, and we continue to refine and grow the model not just for the biggest of partners like the NFL and The Premier League, but for growing properties as well who have a need and share our vision for their audiences.”

The new trio of partnerships continue to expand Spalk’s scope of work, as they work with all three to deliver fast, localized post-match highlight packages at scale across the entire league in the languages where there was a need.

Through the agreements, Spalk will provide its proprietary cloud-based streaming and AI-powered production technology to support enhanced live match coverage, multilingual commentary capabilities, and deeper fan interaction across digital platforms as well as remote real-time commentary in languages that the properties were not able to offer before.

Additional partnerships in North America are expected in the coming weeks.

[theultimatefan]

‘Lord of the Rings,’ ‘Doctor Who’ Q&As, Local Sessions Highlight FAN EXPO Philadelphia Programming

FAN EXPO events are all about unique experiences and lasting memories. In that spirit, FAN EXPO Philadelphia has unveiled an array of panel programming sessions ranging from celebrity Q&As with headliners Orlando Bloom (The Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Carribbean), the Lord of the Rings “Four Hobbits” Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd, and Doctor Who headliners David Tennant and Arthur Darvill, Star Trek franchise stars Jonathan Frakes and Brent Spiner, and Smallville leads Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum and Erica Durance, and dozens more. Add to that a plethora of industry, cosplay, gaming, anime, and entertaining, informative panels from all areas of pop culture, Friday through Sunday, May 29-31, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City.

From show opening at 4 p.m. on Friday all the way through closing on Sunday at 5 p.m., all day and into the night, more than 150 panels, screenings, and meetups make up the exclusive schedule of interactive sessions.

Fans can look forward to after hours events each night, including An Evening With The Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years with Wood, Astin, Monaghan and Boyd (Friday, 8:30 p.m.); Smallville Nights with Welling and Rosenbaum (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.); Comics Xplosion (Saturday, 8 p.m.) and more.

FAN EXPO Philadelphia programming operates multiple rooms throughout all three days during show hours and into the evenings featuring superstar creators as well as cosplay, gaming, trivia, film, horror, podcasts, screenings, and other pop culture-themed sessions, many conducted by Philadelphia-based organizations. Programs that will run throughout the weekend include Wrestler Meet and Greets in Room 119AB, Anime Music Videos in Room 120C, Tabletop Gaming tournaments in Room 121C and more.

Fans can review the entire event schedule at https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpophiladelphia/our-schedule/ and on the FAN EXPO Philadelphia app. The weekend includes an array of celebrity panels for free with admission throughout the weekend. The app allows fans to stay up to date on all real-time programming updates. The popular Makerspace (Room 122B) features demonstrations, live model drawings, hands-on how-to tutorials, 3D modeling and more.

Some new events on this year’s schedule include a screening of Riverbend by the Greater Philadelphia Film Office on Friday at 7:30 p.m. (Room 121AB); and Greater Philadelphia Gamer Symphony Orchestra performance on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. (Room 121AB).

There is also a Sailor Moon extravaganza on Sunday, celebrating the iconic world of the manga series, including a Glam Station, Q&As with Erika Harlacher, Katie Griffin, Linda Ballantyne and Stephanie Sheh, teamups, cosplay meetups and more.

Dates, times, and content subject to change. Consult the website/app schedule for the final schedule.

Adult, Youth, and Child Single-Day Tickets, Three-Day Passes and Family Passes for FAN EXPO Philadelphia are available now at fanexpophiladelphia.com. Philadelphia is the ninth event on the 2026 FAN EXPO HQ calendar; the full schedule is available at fanexpohq.com/home/events.

[theultimatefan]

AAPB Off To Rousing Start: Ten Things to Know in the American Association This Week

The Milwaukee Milkmen (5-1) and Sioux Falls Canaries (5-1) are among the teams off to hot starts as the American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball) put the first week of the 2026 regular season in the books. All games are as always available free for live viewing on AABaseball.tv.

Here are 10 (or so) Things to Know about the AAPB this week:

Big crowds were the norm, with Chicago, Lincoln, Kane County and Winnipeg all attracting announced crowds of 5,000 or more for their openers, topped by Kane County’s 8,093 on Friday vs. Kansas City and Chicago netting a sellout of 7,128, also on Friday.

With a home runs in back-to-back games against Cleburne on Tuesday and Wednesday and after four homers in four wins over Cleburne in which Fargo-Moorhead scored 42 runs, the RedHawks' José Sermo (Austin, Texas) now has 147 career AAPB homers, passing Reggie Abercrombie for second-most in league history. Sermo's 12 RBI move him up to fourth in league career history with 512.

Ryan Hernandez’s first-inning grand salami and three-run shot in the sixth vs. Sioux Falls on Tuesday brings his total to a franchise-leading 50 home runs with the Lake Country DockHounds.

A look at the Opening Day rosters yielded some interesting tidbits:

6’9 Milwaukee Milkmen right-handed pitcher Brady Puckett (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) is the tallest player in the AAPB. He formerly played college baseball at Lipscomb University in Nashville, getting drafted in the 15th round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Miami Marlins. The two shortest, at 5’7, are both international players: catcher Juan Fernandez (Valencia, Venezuela) of Fargo-Moorhead and left-handed pitcher Ryo Kohigashi (Kyoto, Japan) of Winnipeg.

Mitchell Lambson (Montclair, Calif.), a seven-year veteran of the Winnipeg Goldeyes, is the oldest player in the league at 35, while Sioux Falls Canaries catcher, TJ Racherbaumer (Hermann, Mo.) checks in as the youngest at 22.

Sioux City righty LJ Waco (Cary, Ill.) has been transferred to the Washington Nationals organization. He becomes the 34th player moved since Explorers Manager Steve Montgomery took over the reins of the ball club in 2014. Waco made his pro debut for the X’s on Friday.

The Nationals were busy scooping up AAPB players, as Winnipeg RHP Noah Millikan (Berkeley, Calif.) and Chicago RHP Adam Bogosian (Brooklyn, N.Y.) were also transferred to the organization.

The Lake Country Dockhounds will adopt the name “Wisconsin Dive Bars” for contests July 7-9, with new jerseys on the way for those dates.

Kane County’s “Ozzie” mascot raced alongside the Northern Illinois Food Bank’s new mascot “Clementine” in the 13th Annual Fight Hunger Run. It is said they became “fast” friends.

The Sioux Falls Canaries played an exhibition game on May 10 in Humboldt, S.D., a fundraiser for the families of Reed Harter and Chandler Bakley, two former Dakota Wesleyan baseball players who were killed in a car accident back in January

Media interest in AAPB remains strong. Some of the recent articles on teams include:

KSDK.com had this look at former Milwaukee Milkmen star Bryan Torres, who is one step away from the majors at AAA Memphis.

The Daily Herald previewed Kane County’s season with a piece on how many key players are returning, and they consider themselves “a big family.” The outlet gave equal time to the Chicago Dogs, noting the reuniting of twins Stan (manager) and Stu Cliburn (pitching coach) on the Dogs’ coaching staff.

CHVN.com touted the re-signing of Puerto Rico native Roby Enriquez for this season.

The Asbury Park Press selected Monarchs’ lefty Jay Groome (Barnegat, N.J.) on its all-time best Jersey Shore players list.

KSCJ highlighted Travis Lee’s first season as Sioux City’s General Manager.

Sioux Falls’ Dylan Kirkeby (Pierre, S.D.) will be inducted into the South Dakota High School Baseball Association (SDHSBA) Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Royals Review let fans know they can watch Monarchs games live all year on AABaseball.tv.

WorldBaseball discussed the evolving relationship between the AAPB and MLB with Commissioner Joshua Schaub.

Dakota News Now noted that the Canaries will have a revamped roster in 2026.

Fox32 in Chicago says Dogs games are among their “40 Things to Do.”

A few team promotions of note are:

Nebraska Game and Parks Night celebrates Nebraska’s natural resources, outdoor recreation and conservation efforts, Lincoln Saldogs, Thursday

Hawai’ian Jersey Giveaway, Fargo-Moorhead, Saturday

North Dakota Autism Center Night, Fargo-Moorhead, Sunday

Winnipeg Transit Appreciation Day, Sunday

Home Run For Education, STEM Curriculum activities, Chicago Dogs, Wednesday

[theultimatefan]

Next League Partners With Marvik To Expand A Engineering Capacity For Sports Clients

Next League, the AI Operating Partner for Sports, today announced a strategic partnership with Marvik, an AI engineering firm whose client roster includes multiple Fortune 500 companies including Procter & Gamble, Stanford University and UNICEF. This new strategic relationship will bolster Next League’s existing AI development team, bringing Marvik’s enterprise-grade AI capabilities to its growing client portfolio.

The pairing of Next League’s proven sports operator playbook, applied across the leading leagues, federations and teams that define the industry, with Marvik’s enterprise AI engineering experience having over 300 production AI projects shipped and its strategic partnerships with the world’s leading AI platforms including NVIDIA, Anthropic Oracle, Google, Microsoft and AWS, is a combination the global sports industry has not previously had access to.

The two firms have already collaborated on several client engagements leveraging Next League’s sports operator playbook and utilizing integrated delivery teams.The relationship is now expanding into new engagements across Next League’s global sports portfolio.

“We have spent the past eighteen months scaling Next League for this moment with senior AI leadership hires, an actively expanding onshore engineering bench and successful AI Strategy and Training engagements," said Next League Chief AI & Innovation Officer Shripal Shah. Pairing our AI engineers and proven sports operating experience with Marvik gives our clients access to a combination of top-tier talent, AI platform certifications, and delivery economics that the legacy consulting landscape in sports cannot match. We are excited to have their support in complementing the AI-assisted development we already apply across the digital platforms we operate."

"Next League brings the tech advisory, engineering and sports operating relationships, as well as a deep understanding of the industry ecosystem, and we add enterprise-grade execution depth in production AI systems in complex enterprise environments,” said Marvik CEO Paula Martinez. “Together, this partnership allows us to bring real AI capability to the global sports industry that requires both operator credibility and world-class engineering.”

Through its existing AI Strategy and Training practice, Next League has led enterprise AI enablement engagements with some of the industry’s fastest adopters to AI in the workplace including Gotham FC and the Breeders' Cup, working alongside their executive teams to embed AI within their front office operations. Next League currently applies AI-assisted development across most of its engagements, accelerating delivery and reducing operational overhead for the global sports organizations it supports.

Today’s announcement comes during a period of rapid expansion for Next League's AI and emerging technologies capabilities. Over the last 18 months, Next League has added Shripal Shah as Chief AI & Innovation Officer and Scott Gutterman as Chief Digital Officer. Vishal Vasan, formerly of Fox Sports, joins next week as its AI Product Manager with additional onshore job positions, including a VP of Engineering as well as roles in Data Science, being actively recruited.

[theultimatefan]

Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Miami, New York, Washington, D.C. Advance in Tracy McGrady’s ‘OBL: Battle of the Cities’ 1v1 Hoops

Teams of 1v1 hoopsters representing Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Miami, New York, and Washington, D.C. advanced at “OBL: Battle of the Cities,” the first of three Championship events for Tracy McGrady’s Ones Basketball League (OBL), held Friday at Oak Ridge High School. The teams of four 1v1 standouts battled it out in front of an enthusiastic crowd and nationwide audience on Fubu Sports Network and YouTube.

D.C. scored the highest total with 28 points, followed by Miami with 27, Chicago (24), Baltimore (23), and Atlanta (21). New York and Orlando tied with 16, with the Big Apple gaining the sixth and final spot by point differential. Raleigh, N.C. trailed with 14.

In two of the featured matchups, Kevin “Uncle Skoob” Kuteyi (Washington, D.C.) topped DJ Waters (Atlanta) and Yoshi Craig (Chicago) upended Isaiah “Leaky Roof” Brown (New York) to close out the exciting night of action.

In one of the best games, Atlanta’s Paul Parks took a 6-2 lead over Miami’s Byrd Daniel III, before Daniel swished two straight behind the arc to tie it at 6. Parks then flipped in a put-back layup to win, 7-6.

“Tonight’s competition exemplifies what OBL can be,” said McGrady. “The competitive spirit these guys showed in every 1v1 battle made for an entertaining night for the fans on hand and viewers on stream, as well as some great highlights for social media.”

The six teams advance to the next phase of the Championship, “Standing 6,” set for June 12. From there, four will move on to “For the Throne,” the July 1 finals. Both events will also be held at Oak Ridge High School in Orlando. Full details available at www.oblhoops.com. 

OBL: Battle of the Cities

May 15, 2026

Standings:

Washington, D.C., 28 points*

Miami, 27*

Chicago, 24*

Baltimore, 23*

Atlanta, 21*

New York, 16*

Orlando, 16

Raleigh, 14

*advanced to next round (New York won tiebreaker)

Game Results:

Game 1 - Hegel Augustin (N.Y.) d. Malik Dunbar (Atlanta), 7-3

Game 2 - Terry Hosley (Baltimore) d. Zay Melendez (Orlando), 7-5

Game 3 - Mario Smith (Chicago) d. Marque Maultsby (Raleigh), 7-6

Game 4 - AB Camara (D.C.) d. Bryce Moragne (Orlando), 7-3

Game 5 - Dajour Joseph (Miami) d. Jawaun Daniels (N.Y.), 7-3

Game 6 - Brannon Hopkins (Atlanta) d. Mitchell Anderson (Chicago), 7-3

Game 7 - Zae Moore (D.C.) d. Robert Fomby (Baltimore), 8-4

Game 8 - Owen Browne (Miami) d. Darius Johnson-Odom (Raleigh), 8-0

Game 9 - Brandon Daughtry (Chicago) d. Phel Pierre (Orlando), 7-1

Game 10 - Tevin Curtis (Baltimore) d. DJ Thomas (Raleigh), 7-4

Game 11 - Paul Parks (Atlanta) d. Byrd Daniel III (Miami), 7-6

Game 12 - Bruce Massey (D.C.) d. Jerry Mordi (N.Y.), 7-4

Game 13 - Janjoe Thelemaque (Orlando) d. DJ Little (Raleigh), 7-4

Game 14 - Joey Martinez (Miami) d. Dylon Cormier (Baltimore), 7-5

Game 15 - Kevin "Uncle Skoob" Kuteyi (D.C.) d. DJ Waters (Atlanta), 7-4

Game 16 - Yoshi Craig (Chicago) d. Isaiah "Leaky Roof" Brown (N.Y.), 7-2

Founded by Basketball Hall of Famer McGrady, the OBL is a 1v1 basketball competition drawing players from cities nationwide. During the Summer 2026 multi-week season, eight initial cities will field teams featuring hoopers who embody the heart and essence of their respective towns, bringing a unique and dynamic aspect to their representation. Cities battle for pride and prize, each sending out one player at a time in one-on-one matchups for thrilling, quick games that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The production will feature intense gameplay, as well as a deeper look into player backgrounds and real individual stories highlighting their talent and authenticity.

“OBL: Battle of The Cities” takes an expanded version of the original OBL, with elite athletes bringing their own vision, culture and prestige from the cities where they grew up, played, or call home. Each city-based team has a four-man roster, comprised of players who best reflect the tradition, values and basketball culture of that city, hand-selected by the teams’ celebrity Owners and GMs.

The “Battle of The Cities” team Owners and GMs include:

    • Team Atlanta: Jaylen Brown, star of the Boston Celtics

    • Team Baltimore: Muggsy Bogues, 14-year NBA veteran

    • Team Chicago: Larenz Tate, actor, film producer, basketball aficionado 

    • Team Miami: Tim Hardaway Sr., five-time NBA All-Star

    • Team New York: Jadakiss, recording star and basketball insider 

    • Team Orlando: Vince Carter, 22-year NBA veteran

    • Team Raleigh: John Wall, five-time NBA All-Star   

    • Team Washington, D.C.: Quinn Cook, two-time NBA champion

[theultimatefan]

Ed, Edd n Eddy, Resident Evil, Anime Voice Actors Augment FAN EXPO Philadelphia Lineup

With just over two weeks until the pop culture world descends on the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City for FAN EXPO Philadelphia, the latest wave of animation, video game and anime voice actors brings fans of titles like Ed, Edd n Eddy, Resident Evil, The Boondocks, One Piece, Naruto and Inuyasha into the fray for the event, set for May 29-31.

The latest additions to the voice actors area include:

Gary Anthony Williams (“Uncle Ruckus,” The Boondocks)

Matt Hill, Sam Vincent and Tony Sampson (Ed, Edd n Eddy), respectively

Resident Evil; Requiemstandouts Delanie Nicole Gill (“The Girl”) and Emma Rose Creaner (“Emily,” “Chloe”)

Daniel Baugh (One Piece, Attack on Titan)

David Kaye (Inuyasha)

Nicolas Roye (Jujutsu Kaisen, Naruto)

Nazeeh Tarsha (Kaiju No. 8, Hell's Paradise)

Damien Haas (Delicious in Dungeon)

They join an already packed voice acting section of the celebrity autograph area that features:

Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh, Star Wars)

Greg Baldwin (Avatar: The Last Airbender, Samurai Jack)

Jennifer Hale (X-Men '97)

Michaela Jill Murphy (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Linda Ballantyne (Thomas and the Magic Railroad, Sailor Moon)

Katie Griffin (Totally Spies!, Sailor Moon)

Colleen Clinkenbeard (One Piece, My Hero Academia)

Stephanie Sheh (Sailor Moon, Naruto)

Erika Harlacher (Demon Slayer, Genshin Impact)

Brina Palencia (One Piece, Borderlands)

Stephanie Young (One Piece, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Mallorie Rodak (Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Fairy Tail)

Nick Apostolides (Resident Evil)

Angela Sant'Albano (Resident Evil: Requiem)

François Chau (Ghost of Tsushima)

The voice acting section is just one part of a star-studded celebrity roster that features dozens of standouts, headlined by the Lord of the Rings “Four Hobbits” Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan plus “Legolas” Orlando Bloom and “Gimli” John Rhys-Davies, Doctor Who, Jessica Jonesstar David Tennant, Star Trek universe standouts Jonathan Frakes and Brent Spiner, Smallville headliners Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum and Erica Durance, Mr. T (Rocky III, The A-Team), Dafne Keen (Deadpool & Wolverine, Logan) and many more.

Adult, Youth, and Child Single-Day Tickets, Three-Day Passes and Family Passes for FAN EXPO Philadelphia are available now at fanexpophiladelphia.com.

Philadelphia is the ninth event on the 2026 FAN EXPO HQ calendar; the full schedule is available at fanexpohq.com/home/events.

[theultimatefan]

Tracy McGrady’s Ones Basketball League Joins Fubo Sports Network Programming Lineup

Tracy McGrady’s Ones Basketball League and FuboTV Inc. (NYSE: FUBO) today announced an agreement to stream this summer’s “OBL: Battle of The Cities” on Fubo Sports Network, Fubo’s FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) channel. With Bobby Ciafardini and Josh Smith calling the action, the season will be held across three event days on May 15, June 12 and July 1, and will also include feature programming outside of the event windows. This season marks the first time the league is available to streaming TV audiences.

Founded by Basketball Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady, the OBL is a 1v1 basketball competition drawing players from cities nationwide. During the Summer 2026 multi-week season, eight initial cities will field teams featuring hoopers who embody the heart and essence of their respective towns, bringing a unique and dynamic aspect to their representation. Cities battle for pride and prize, each sending out one player at a time in one-on-one matchups for thrilling, quick games that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The production will feature intense gameplay, as well as a deeper look into player backgrounds and real individual stories highlighting their talent and authenticity.

Watch the “OBL: Battle of The Cities” season trailer here.

“OBL: Battle of The Cities” will take an expanded version of the original OBL, with elite athletes bringing their own vision, culture and prestige from the cities where they grew up, played, or call home. Each city-based team will have a four-man roster, comprised of players who best reflect the tradition, values and basketball culture of that city, hand-selected by the teams’ celebrity Owners and GMs.

The “Battle of The Cities” team Owners and GMs include:

Team Atlanta: Jaylen Brown, star of the Boston Celtics

Team Baltimore: Muggsy Bogues, 14-year NBA veteran

Team Chicago: Larenz Tate, actor, film producer, basketball aficionado

Team Miami: Tim Hardaway Sr., five-time NBA All-Star

Team New York: Jadakiss, recording star and basketball insider

Team Orlando: Vince Carter, 22-year NBA veteran

Team Raleigh: John Wall, five-time NBA All-Star

Team Washington, D.C.: Quinn Cook, two-time NBA champion

The full player roster can be found here.

“We are proud to have Fubo Sports Network as our first media partner for OBL, and look forward to working with them to tell the stories of these amazing athletes repping their cities and battling for the title,” said Tracy McGrady, founder, Ones Basketball League.

“Tracy’s Ones Basketball League represents the exact type of content we love – authentic stories where grit meets determination,” said Pamela Duckworth, head of Fubo Studios, Fubo. “Tracy is a basketball legend and together we’re giving these talented athletes a place to shine by bringing OBL to streaming audiences for the first time.”

About Ones Basketball League

OBL is the premier one-on-one basketball league in the world, celebrating the most skilled one-on-one players on the planet.

[theultimatefan]

American Association of Professional Baseball Continues Record Broadcast Expansion Growth

The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) continued its record expansion of live broadcast content this week, announcing that it will have a regular Game of The Week broadcast across a host of regional networks for the first time, through a new partnership with Unbeaten Sports Channel.

‘It is obvious that the interest in the stories of our athletes combined with the quality of play and the delivery of best-in-class live video has grown exponentially, especially into markets and on platforms that fully understand the ease and depth with which we approach partnerships,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association of Professional Baseball. “By this expansion to new platforms through Unbeaten, we are able to touch not just our core baseball fans, but consumers looking for good stories on whatever device they choose in markets we have not been seen in, and that benefits everyone, from our brand partners to our players and fans to the sport itself.”

Unbeaten’s co-founder, Matt Whytcross said, “Over the three seasons we’ve been in partnership, we’ve seen remarkable growth in demand for the AAPB league. This directly reflects the quality of the competition and the investment AAPB and their teams have made, season-on-season, in raising the bar in production and presentation of their games as a premium television product. Viewership of AAPB continues to grow on our channel, we’re excited to drive that growth once again in 2026.”

The syndication will include: NBC Regional Sports Networks, Marquee Sports Network, NESN, Sportsnet Pittsburgh, Silver State Sports Network and the Unbeaten Sports App. It also expands the league footprint from what was going to already be a record season through new and renewed broadcast agreements alongside Unbeaten’s linear channels carried on Samsung TV+, Prime Video, DAZN and over 30 other streaming and broadcast platforms, in the US and internationally through Europe, Asia and Australia.

The expanded distribution is projected to drive US viewership growth from 10 million in 2025 to over 20 million in 2026. The 2026 distribution slate also represents the largest footprint for distribution in league history.

The agreements strengthen the AAPB’s position as the premier MLB Partner League and underscore its role in growing the sport through strategic media distribution and international collaboration.

About the American Association of Professional Baseball The American Association of Professional Baseball (www.aabaseball.com) and (www.aabaseball.tv) is a Major League Baseball Partner League that operates in nine states and one Canadian province. Formed in 2006, the league consists of twelve member clubs with many beginning play in 1993. Through the 2025 season, 483 player contracts have been transferred to MLB organizations. In addition, 60 AAPB alumni have reached the Majors, including 17 participating in 2025.

About Unbeaten Unbeaten Sports Channel is the unrivaled destination for free, live sports. With two channels dedicated to US audiences and another four worldwide, Unbeaten delivers the biggest names in mainstream sport while showcasing homegrown leagues and emerging talent. For the best line-up of premium live sports, stay Unbeaten. www.unbeaten.com.

[theultimatefan]

Super Patch Named Official Performance and Recovery Partner of Ones Basketball League (OBL)

Ones Basketball League (OBL), the innovative one-on-one basketball competition founded by NBA legend Tracy McGrady, today announced that The Super Patch Company, the cutting-edge wellness technology company known for its drug-free performance and recovery patches, will be the league’s Official Performance and Recovery Partner, starting with the tip off of “OBL: Battle of the Cities” this Friday night in Orlando, Florida.

The partnership will roll out throughout the 2026 OBL season, with Super Patch featured in broadcast integrations, digital content, and live event experiences. “OBL is about elevating elite individual performance and giving athletes a platform to shine,” said Tracy McGrady, founder of Ones Basketball League. “"As a player, performance and recovery was the difference between getting another year out of my body and not getting it. I wish I'd had something like Super Patch in my prime. The fact that it’s drug-free, non-invasive, and built for the kind of pounding the body takes at this level, game changer. Bringing this to OBL means our athletes have access to tools not many have at any level.”

“Partnering with OBL allows us to bring our technology to one of the most exciting, athlete-driven leagues in basketball,” said Jay Dhaliwal, CEO of Super Patch. “We’re thrilled to support these competitors with tools that can enhance performance and well-being in a completely natural way.”

Through this collaboration, Super Patch will be integrating its patented neuro-haptic technology into the training and recovery regimens of OBL athletes. Super Patch’s non-invasive technology uses specific tactile patterns that stimulate the skin to improve balance, focus, energy, and recovery—all without drugs or supplements. By aligning with OBL, Super Patch continues to expand its presence in elite sports, supporting athletes who push the boundaries of personal achievement.

“OBL: Battle of the Cities” will take an expanded version of the original OBL, with elite one-on-one athletes bringing their own vision, culture and prestige tied to the city from where they grew up, played and/or call home. Each city-based team will have a four man roster, comprised of players who best reflect the tradition, values and basketball culture of the city the 1 v 1 team represents, hand selected by the Owners/GMs.

The “Battle of the Cities” owner/GM’s who selected the teams are: Team Orlando- Vince Carter, Team Washington, DC – Quinn Cook, two-time NBA Champion, Team Miami – Tim Hardaway Sr., five-time NBA All-Star, Team New York – Jadakiss, recording star and basketball insider, Team Chicago – Larenz Tate, actor, film producer, basketball aficionado, Team Raleigh – John Wall, five-time NBA All-Star, Team Atlanta – Jaylen Brown, star of the Boston Celtics, and Team Baltimore – Muggsy Bogues, 14 year NBA veteran.

The full player rosters can be seen at https://oblhoops.com/elementor-page-458/.

OBL is hosting a multi-week season where eight initial cities will field teams featuring hoopers who fit the criteria of embodying the heart and essence of their respective cities, bringing a unique and dynamic aspect to their representation. Cities battle for pride and prize, each sending out one player at a time in 1-on-1 matchups. Thrilling, quick games that keep audiences on the edge of their seat. The production will feature intense game-play, as well as a deeper look into player backgrounds and real individual stories centering on highlighting players’ talent and authenticity.

[theultimatefan]

For Soccer and Gemini XIII Partner to Launch 'Orange Slices' a Fresh New Voice in Global Soccer Media Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

For Soccer, the preeminent soccer media and experiences company, and Gemini XIII, the premium podcast and vodcast entertainment network, today announced the launch of “Orange Slices,” a bold new soccer media vodcast and event vertical rooted in the shared story of the American game. Designed as a 360-degree content and fan engagement hub, Orange Slices will span premium long-form and short-form content, social storytelling, custom features, and a marquee fan event—all leading into and surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The twice-weekly flagship podcast will be hosted by former U.S. Men’s National Team Player, Major League Soccer All-Star and Apple TV analyst Heath Pearce, with appearances from current and former players across generations of the game, including active USMNT and Toulouse FC center back Mark McKenzie. Bridging past, present, and future voices of the sport, the show blends seasoned perspective with real-time insight from inside the game—offering fans a rare window into the evolving identity of soccer in the United States and beyond.

In the lead-up to the World Cup, Orange Slices will deliver match previews and recaps, tactical breakdowns, player profiles, and cultural storytelling from host cities across North America. At its core, the show is a cross-generational celebration of soccer—from the muddy fields across America to the global stage—featuring voices from across eras of the game. Episodes will spotlight guests spanning past, present, and emerging stars, sharing stories, insights, and perspectives that shape the broader American soccer narrative. The name “Orange Slices” nods to the universal halftime ritual of youth soccer, grounding the global spectacle of the sport in its community roots and shared joy.

“Orange Slices is about connecting generations of U.S. Soccer—from the players who built it, to the ones living it now, to those who will carry it forward,” said Heath Pearce, host of Orange Slices and President of For Soccer. “This show is a celebration of our shared soccer story, told from the inside—through the voices, experiences, and moments that have shaped the American game, from youth fields to the World Cup stage.”

The launch also marks a major branded activation within Gemini XIII’s expanding Constellation portfolio, a recently released product that brings together premium talent, IP, and brand partners to create scalable, multi-format franchises.

“With the World Cup coming to North America, there’s an unprecedented opportunity to capture the energy of the moment. This is exactly what Constellation was built to do—bring together world-class talent, cultural moments, and brand partners to create something bigger than a show,” said Charles Steinhauer, Gemini XIII Media.

Orange Slices will be available on all major podcast streaming platforms including YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

[theultimatefan]

Mr. T, Dafne Keen, Ron Perlman, Nick Apostolides, Angela Sant’Albano Added to FAN EXPO Philadelphia

Mr. T (Rocky III, The A-Team), Dafne Keen (Deadpool & Wolverine, Logan), Ron Perlman (Hellboy, Sons of Anarchy) and the Resident Evil: Requiem gaming voice duo of Nick Apostolides and Angela Sant’Albano are the latest strong additions to the standout celebrity lineup at FAN EXPO Philadelphia, set for May 29-31 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City.

Mr. T, born Laurence Tureaud, rose to superstardom for his portrayal of boxer “Clubber Lang” in Rocky III opposite Sylvester Stallone in 1982. He parlayed that a year later into the co-starring role of “B. A. Baracus” throughout the four-year run of the action series The A-Team, and has been a cultural icon ever since in both acting and professional wrestling, competing in Wrestlemania.

Perlman, perhaps best known for the title role in the Hellboy films, is one of Hollywood’s most prolific actors, appearing in more than 250 films and TV series. FAN EXPO fans also recognize him readily from Sons of Anarchy, Hand of God, Beauty and the Beast, Blade II and many others, including the current BBC series The Capture.

Keen caught the attention of fans internationally in the 2024 feature Deadpool & Wolverine, co-starring opposite Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as “Laura,” a reprisal of her role in 2017’s Logan with Reynolds and Patrick Stewart. She had the starring role in last year’s Whistle after a three-year run fronting the HBO series His Dark Materials.

Apostolides and Sant’Albano voice the characters of “Leon S. Kennedy” and “Grace Ashcroft,” respectively, in the horror video game Resident Evil: Requiem, released this year. Apostolides has done extensive video game work in numerous previous iterations of the RE series as well as titles as diverse as Madden NFL 21, The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit and Monster Hunter: World. Sant’Albano has had live acting roles in series like Industry, I Hate Suzie and the feature film Lilly opposite Patricia Clarkson.

The five standouts join a world-class FAN EXPO Philadelphia celebrity field that also includes: • Lord of the Rings “Four Hobbits” Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan plus “Legolas” Orlando Bloom and “Gimli” John Rhys-Davies • Doctor Who, Jessica Jones star David Tennant • Star Trek universe standouts Jonathan Frakes and Brent Spiner • Smallville headliners Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum, Kristin Kreuk and Erica Durance • The Sailor Moon threesome of Stephanie Sheh, Linda Ballantyne and Katie Griffin • The Goonies stars Corey Feldman, Kerri Green and Martha Plimpton • Bonnie Wright (Harry Potter) • Dean Norris (Breaking Bad, Total Recall) • Manny Jacinto ( The Acolyte, The Good Place) • Colin O’Donoghue (Once Upon a Time, The Rite) • David Morrissey (The Walking Dead) • Brendan Wayne (The Mandalorian, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) • James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Runaways) • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stars Judith Hoag, François Chau, Kenn Scott, Brian Tochi, Ernie Reyes Jr. and Robbie Rist • Jamison Newlander (The Lost Boys, Mr. Manhattan) • Jim Cummings (Winnie The Pooh, Star Wars) • Jennifer Hale (X-Men ‘97, Avengers Assemble)

Adult, Youth, and Child Single-Day Tickets, Three-Day Passes, Family Passes, and Ultimate Fan and VIP Packages for FAN EXPO Philadelphia are available now at fanexpophiladelphia.com. Advanced Pricing is available until May 14. More guest news will be released in the following weeks, including line-up reveals for additional headline celebrities, comic creator guests, voice actors, and cosplayers.

Philadelphia is the ninth event on the 2026 FAN EXPO HQ calendar; the full schedule is available at fanexpohq.com/home/events.

[theultimatefan]

T.J. Kroncke Named Caldwell University Head Sprint Football Coach

Thomas “T.J.” Kroncke, who has served as Caldwell University Sprint Football assistant coach for the past two seasons, was today named the program’s fourth head coach, it was announced by Mark A. Corino, Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics. Kroncke, the defensive line coach under former head coach Louie Matsakis in 2024 and 2025, has 14 years’ coaching experience at the high school and collegiate level.

“We are fortunate that someone with Coach Kroncke’s credentials and dedication has already been among our ranks and has accepted the position,” said Corino. “This gives the program a degree of continuity with a trusted leader at the helm to continue and augment the success the program has enjoyed on and off the field.”

Kroncke, a 2006 graduate of Montclair State who earned Master’s degrees at the University of Texas in 2010 and American College of Education in 2021, began his coaching career at Paramus Catholic H.S. in 2010, mentoring running backs and the junior varsity team for four years. He moved on to Wood-Ridge H.S., where he was assistant head coach and defensive coordinator from 2014-2018. He took over as head coach at Palisades Park/Leonia H.S. in 2018, leading the Tigers for four seasons.

At present, Kroncke will continue as the coach of Caldwell University’s new flag football program, which begins play in the 2026-27 academic year.

“I am honored that Mr. Corino and the Caldwell University athletics program has the confidence in me to step into this role,” said Kroncke. “I’m looking forward to putting my stamp on the program and taking it to new heights.”

Caldwell finished 2025 at 4-4, including its first win over the University of Pennsylvania. Four Cougars were named to the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL) All-Conference Team and 14 earned CSFL All-Academic honors.

At present, Caldwell’s NCAA Division II sports competing in the CACC include men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s track & field, women’s volleyball, women’s bowling, softball and baseball. Sprint Football competes in the Collegiate Sprint Football League and Acrobatics & Tumbling competes in the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association. Full information about Caldwell Athletics is available at www.caldwellathletics.com.

[theultimatefan]

FANZO, The Tech Solution To Sports’ Fragmentation Problem, Officially Launches In North America

FANZO, the tech platform that links brands, rights holders and broadcasters with fans who aren’t watching games in arenas and stadia, today announced that it will officially launch with partners in North America.

Rolling out in time to support the millions of fans following the FIFA World Cup in North America, it follows successful proof of concept executions in the UK, Europe and Australasia, backed by $30 million investment in their tech product.

Solving the headache of sports rights fragmentation and audience measurement in out-of-home premises, their platform enables digital activation with fans at a national scale, wherever they are watching sports socially.

Trusted by 47,000 partner venues worldwide and used by six million sports fans last year outside North America, FANZO counts properties ranging from TNT Sports to World Rugby and Diageo as partners.

“Until now, reliably engaging the massive out-of-home audience has been impossible and has proved a hindrance to the commercial growth of sports as rights continue to fragment across different channels and platforms. FANZO has worked with global partners to solve this critical issue - simplifying broadcast for venues and helping fans watch games socially - opening up new possibilities for commercial growth in North America”, said FANZO co-founder Leo MacLehose.

“Our mission is simple. We believe that sports experienced alone is meaningless. So we’ve built a digital platform that brings fans together to create unforgettable sporting memories in the world's best physical locations.

“Once there, our tech enables brands, rightsholders and broadcasters to elevate the experience of watching sports in the most authentic local community spaces - restaurants and bars”.

“Maximising the profitability our commercial subscribers see from sport is central to what we do. But we recognise the challenges that operators face when managing every aspect of their venues - not least pouring pints and delivering great hospitality experiences to guests”, said Alasdair Collis, Vice President, TNT Sports Business.

“Since partnering with FANZO to create a new suite of automated digital marketing tools, we’re proud to offer TNT Sports Social venues compelling ways to grow their visibility online, drive loyalty and incremental footfall for live sports without adding to their daily to-do list.”

How FANZO Problem Solves For Every Side Of The Sports Market

Fans use FANZO to find great out-of-home venues nearby that are definitely showing their game on TV. In a sports market so convoluted that senators are calling in antitrust reviews, FANZO’s market-leading tech solves a major pain point for fans who just want to watch their team.

Commercial venues use FANZO’s B2B SaaS toolkit to market live sports online, generate new business from fans looking to watch sports socially nearby, whilst saving hours per week on digital promotion.

From quickly reviewing and updating schedules across multiple broadcasters to automating promotion with bespoke sports assets across social media.

Broadcasters include FANZO as part of their commercial package to venues to win new business, promising increased footfall and best-in-class marketing automation.

These tools reduce subscription churn by ensuring venues make the most of their sports content, increasing revenue per customer by upselling additional features and premium listings, whilst leveraging unique fixture data and insights to ensure long-term success over local rivals.

Brands use FANZO to impact behaviour throughout the out-of-home sports fan journey. Multiple digital touchpoints build awareness and consideration by ensuring fans choose to watch games in venues where certain products are sold.

From there, digital gamification rewards fans with real-world offers and prizes they can claim in-venue via FANZO’s mobile vouchering, helping brands sample new products, understand rate of sale and measure the impact of longer-term community-building efforts.

Finally, Rights Holders use this infrastructure to drive greater value for existing partners or sell new sponsorship opportunities through increased inventory.

[theultimatefan]

Additions of Tennant, Morrissey, Cummings, Hale Highlight Fandoms at FAN EXPO Philadelphia

Covering a range of franchises from Doctor Who, Jessica Jones, Winnie the Pooh, The Walking Dead, X-Men and Star Wars, the latest additions to the FAN EXPO Philadelphia celebrity lineup has characters loved by fans of all ages. David Tennant, David Morrissey, Jim Cummings and Jennifer Hale bring those and dozens of others to the pop culture extravaganza at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City, May 29-31.

Tennant’s run as the “Tenth Doctor” lasted five seasons on Doctor Who, a highlight in a career with nearly 200 film and TV credits over five decades, including this year’s Disney+ original series Rivals. He has been entertaining audiences with his unique brand of wit, warmth, and humanity with memorable roles in Jessica Jones, Broadchurch and many others and has brought animated characters to vivid life with voice acting turns on dozens of series such as DuckTales, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Tree Fu Tom.

Morrissey, best known to fans as “The Governor” on The Walking Dead and “Doug” opposite Hilary Swank in The Reaping, has performed in an eclectic range of productions for film, television and stage. Born in Liverpool, England, most of his credits have come in UK productions, but his role as "The Governor" has endeared him to a huge fan base Stateside. He has more recently been seen in the TV series Sherwood and Daddy Issues.

Cummings has appeared in more than 600 roles; some of his best known voice work includes the characters Darkwing Duck, Dr. Robotnik from SatAM, Pete and Bonkers, as well as being the voice of “Winnie the Pooh,” “Tigger” and the “Tasmanian Devil.” He has appeared in numerous animated Disney and DreamWorks movies including Aladdin, The Lion King,Antz, The Road to El Dorado, Shrek, and Princess and the Frog. Cummings has also provided voice-over work for video games, such as Icewind Dale, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Mass Effect 2, Star Wars: The Old Republic, World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria and Splatterhouse. He recently has voiced Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ and Mickey Mouse Funhouse series on Disney Jr.

Hale has more than 500 credits, prominently featured in titles such as X-Men ‘97, Avengers Assemble, Totally Spies!, Codename: Kids Next Door, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, The Powerpuff Girls, Justice League, Stuart Little, Ms. Marvel and many others. She has won numerous Behind the Voice Actors Awards. Hale has voiced more Marvel roles than any other female voice actor and is the Guinness World Record holder for the most prolific female video game voice actor. Hale’s versatility shines through in her work and The New Yorker magazine dubbed her "A kind of Meryl Streep of the form."

They join an impressive FAN EXPO Philadelphia lineup that includes: • Lord of the Rings “Four Hobbits” Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan plus “Legolas” Orlando Bloom and “Gimli” John Rhys-Davies • Star Trek universe standouts Jonathan Frakes and Brent Spiner • Smallville headliners Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum, Kristin Kreuk and Erica Durance • The Sailor Moon threesome of Stephanie Sheh, Linda Ballantyne and Katie Griffin • The Goonies stars Corey Feldman, Kerri Green and Martha Plimpton • Bonnie Wright (Harry Potter) • Dean Norris (Breaking Bad, Total Recall) • Manny Jacinto ( The Acolyte, The Good Place) • Colin O’Donoghue (Once Upon a Time, The Rite) • Brendan Wayne (The Mandalorian, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) • James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Runaways) • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stars Judith Hoag, François Chau, Kenn Scott, Brian Tochi, Ernie Reyes Jr. and Robbie Rist • Jamison Newlander (The Lost Boys, Mr. Manhattan)

Adult, Youth, and Child Single-Day Tickets, Three-Day Passes, Family Passes, and Ultimate Fan and VIP Packages for FAN EXPO Philadelphia are available now at fanexpophiladelphia.com. Advanced Pricing is available until May 14. More guest news will be released in the following weeks, including line-up reveals for additional headline celebrities, comic creator guests, voice actors, and cosplayers.

Philadelphia is the ninth event on the 2026 FAN EXPO HQ calendar; the full schedule is available at fanexpohq.com/home/events.

[theultimatefan]

Shoe Palace, Harlem Globetrotters Launch New Centennial Collection

The world-famous, Harlem Globetrotters™ and footwear retailer, Shoe Palace announced today an exclusive collaboration tied to the Harlem Globetrotters 100th anniversary celebration. The Shoe Palace x Harlem Globetrotters collection will be available in over 200 retail locations across the country as well as online, and will include T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, shorts, and pants for consumers of every age.

“The Harlem Globetrotters’ brand sits at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and cultural impact.  Our partnership with Shoe Palace is part of a larger strategy to expand our relevancy with new, and existing, audiences,” said Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. “Our strategic partnerships in the licensing and consumer products lane strengthens our ecosystem and increases touchpoints with consumers.”

“The Shoe Palace x Harlem Globetrotters collection celebrates the fun and pioneering spirit of one of the most enduring teams,” said Ralph Mersho, CEO, Shoe Palace. “It connects well to bring their story to fashion, and lifestyle in a really unique way.”

Shoe Palace pulled from 100 years of Harlem Globetrotters style, art and iconography to craft the unique collection. Some of the standout pieces include a fully embellished fleece set, a satin tricot button up, and a fully embellished varsity jacket. Harlem Globetrotters mesh shorts and vintage graphic tees will also be available.

The Harlem Globetrotters Centennial season launched in January and is continuing throughout the world, visiting over 200 domestic markets and another 125+ internationally. Fans can expect all-new surprises like the Golden Basketball by Spalding®, epic pre-game Magic Pass experiences, 100 Year limited edition merchandise and many other new innovations for the “Ambassadors of Basketball.” International markets such as France, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Mexico, and across Asia are just a few of the many locations the Harlem Globetrotters will be touring in winter of 2026 and running through the remainder of the year.

[theultimatefan]

Muggsy Bogues, Jaylen Brown Added as Tracy McGrady's Ones Basketball League GM/Team Owners

OBL (Ones Basketball League) the re-envisioning of its premier 1 v 1 basketball league founded by basketball Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Tracy McGrady, today announced that their final two GM/owner slots announced have been filled, with NBA Legend Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues taking the team of Baltimore talent and the Boston Celtics five time All-Star Jaylen Brown taking over the Atlanta team. Brown becomes the first active NBA player to own and manage an OBL franchise.

‘Having Muggsy and Jaylen join our ownership and GM group only further raises the level of competition and anticipation for “Battle of the Cities,” McGrady said. “Like in our teams, these accomplished athletes have a particular understanding and respect for basketball in the place where they grew up, and as we have seen from our tryouts that started this week in New York, the amount of interest and talent continues to rise from each market.” ‘One on one basketball is what I was raised on, and Baltimore is a city that understands and appreciates the skill level that is needed to success,” Bogues added. “We will rep the city well, and I am looking forward to helping Tracy advance his mission of making OBL a global must see, must participate and must engage with brand of basketball.”

“Battle of the Cities” will take an expanded version of the original OBL, with elite one-on-one athletes bringing their own vision, culture and prestige tied to the city from where they grew up, played and/or call home. Each city-based team will have a four man roster, comprised of players who best reflect the tradition, values and basketball culture of the city the 1 v 1 team represents, hand selected by the Owners/GMs. “OBL: Battle of the Cities” will take place over multiple weeks in Orlando, Florida, where McGrady was raised playing 1 v 1 himself, from May 15 to June 30, with teams competing for the swagger, pride, and identity of every city represented.

The naming of Bogues and Brown completes the elite list that will manage OBL Teams in “Battle of the Cities.”

They are:

Team Orlando- Vince Carter, Team Washington

DC – Quinn Cook, two-time NBA Champion

Team Miami – Tim Hardaway Sr., five-time NBA All-Star

Team New York – Jadakiss, recording star and basketball insider

Team Chicago – Larenz Tate, actor, film producer, basketball aficionado

Team Raleigh – John Wall, five-time NBA All-Star

Team Atlanta – Jaylen Brown, star of the Boston Celtics

Team Baltimore – Muggsy Bogues, 14 year NBA veteran

OBL will host a multi-week season where eight initial cities will field teams featuring hoopers who fit the criteria of embodying the heart and essence of their respective cities, bringing a unique and dynamic aspect to their representation. Cities battle for pride and prize, each sending out one player at a time in 1-on-1 matchups. Thrilling, quick games that keep audiences on the edge of their seat. The production will feature intense game-play, as well as a deeper look into player backgrounds and real individual stories centering on highlighting players’ talent and authenticity.

Additional announcements on rosters, media and other elements will continue to be rolled out in the coming weeks.