The late MELVIN SIMON decided to "unload his half" of the Pacers to his brother, HERB, before his death in '09, and now Herb Simon, his son STEPHEN and Pacers adviser DONNIE WALSH "have been fighting for months over what they view as overly broad subpoenas issued by the Department of Justice's Tax Division, which is representing the IRS" in a case around the transfer of ownership shares. The filing says the Pacers have "made headway negotiating with the IRS to narrow requests," but talks have "stalled over the team's request for a protective order" (INDIANAPOLIS BUSINESS JOURNAL, 7/11 issue).
BEACH BALL: Magic F AARON GORDON was in Venice Beach, Calif., on Sunday for the first Venice Basketball League Dunk Fest. VBL CEO NICK ANSOM said that Gordon's presence brought out a "record number of 5,000 spectators." Gordon also "ran a clinic for kids," which was "followed by a celebrity basketball game" that featured NBA free agent METTA WORLD PEACE (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 7/12).
TEEING IT UP: Illinois AD JOSH WHITMAN, men’s basketball coach JOHN GROCE, former basketball coach LOU HENSON and Dir of Player Development & Alumni Relations DEE BROWN yesterday “came out in support” of former NBAer KENDALL GILL’s charity golf outing at UI’s Orange Course (Champaign NEWS-GAZETTE, 7/12)....The PGA Tour Honda Classic is awarding a record $3.2M to local children’s charities during Honda Classic Cares Week July 11-15, surpassing the previous mark of $2.55M that was distributed in ’15 (Honda Classic).
NAMES: Disney “revealed 9 new companies admitted” to its corporate accelerator program, and the list includes Massachusetts-based Ader, a “marketplace connecting brands with eSports and gaming influences.” The company’s network of influencers “reaches over 50 million monthly viewers” and has “raised $125,000 in seed funding” (TECHCRUNCH.com, 7/12)....U.S. women’s volleyball player CHRISTA DIETZEN is profiled in the WALL STREET JOURNAL’s “What’s Your Workout” feature. Following a slew of injuries, she “has had to rethink her workout to prepare for a chance to play” in the Rio Games (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 7/12)....STEPHEN CURRY and CAM NEWTON “are among several top athletes who have signed on to take part” in the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards. Also taking part are Warriors G KLAY THOMPSON, Cavaliers G IMAN SHUMPERT, Steelers WR ANTONIO BROWN, Broncos LB VON MILLER, Rangers 1B PRINCE FIELDER, NHL Kings C TYLER TOFFOLI, jockey VICTOR ESPINOZA, snowboarder JAMIE ANDERSON and skateboarders LETICIA BUFONI and TONY HAWK (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 7/11)....STEVE SPURRIER yesterday announced his 320-page book, “HEAD BALL COACH: MY LIFE IN FOOTBALL," will be released Aug. 30 via Penguin Random House. It was co-written by BUDDY MARTIN (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 7/11).
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Sign up for our special offer to the 16th annual AXS Sports Facilities & Franchises and Ticketing Symposium, September 20-22 at The Commons Hotel in Minneapolis. Tour one of the most anticipated venues in sports, U.S. Bank Stadium; take in a ballgame at Target Field; and tour the newly renovated Xcel Energy Center. Hear the latest in venue design, technology and fan enhancements while learning about the latest ticketing trends.
Don’t miss this three-day event that is packed full of networking and top-level discussions. Register today. Special offer expires Friday.
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The fourth annual Game Changers Conference will be held September 15 at the New York Marriott Marquis, Times Square. This year's program will examine the role that women executives play in sports business as well as examine women as consumers, women’s sports and a whole range of related topics.
This year's program will also feature a Career Breakfast Session and topics will include the importance of networking, mentor/mentee roles and how to seek out the best opportunities within your company for growth. To register or view the full agenda. click here.
