The NFL is partnering with Jay-Z in a deal that "will put him in charge of managing some entertainment options for the league and will tie into the sport's social justice endeavors." Jay-Z’s Roc Nation agency will become a co-producer of the Super Bowl halftime show, but the deal "does not contain a provision for him to be the halftime performer." Roc Nation "will choose entertainers who will perform in NFL content throughout the season." Jay-Z said that he "believes that Roc Nation will have the freedom" to produce the "kind of entertainment that it wants." The community activism portion of the partnership "will be tied into the NFL’s existing 'Inspire Change' program with its players" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/13).

CBS and Viacom have formally agreed to merge, a deal the media companies "hope will put them on stronger footing to compete with larger rivals." The all-stock deal would create a "major entertainment player" valued at roughly $30B, "combining Viacom properties such as MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and the Paramount film and TV studio with CBS’ broadcast network and Showtime premium network." Shari Redstone will become Chair of the new entity. Bob Bakish would become CEO, while CBS Acting CEO Joseph Ianniello "would run CBS-branded assets" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 8/13).

The Sounders today announced 11 families who "will be joining their ownership group," including Seahawks QB Russell Wilson and his wife, Ciara. As part of the changes, the newly formed Hanauer Futbol, consisting of Adrian Hanauer, Paul Barry and Lenore Hanauer, "increased its investment in the Sounders, while founding owner Joe Roth is departing the ownership group" (SEATTLE TIMES, 8/13).

Download the New Sounders Owners Chart

FanDuel is rolling out two new "comical spots" around the NFL preseason to "remind football fans of its various fantasy and sports betting offerings." The campaign marks the brand's "first work" from BBH, N.Y., which in July was named FanDuel's "lead agency for brand strategy." One of the ads promotes FanDuel Sportsbook, its online betting platform "currently only available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania." The spots are now running on TV, with more "slated to come out at the end of August" (ADWEEK.com, 8/13).

Fanatics Founder & Exec Chair Michael Rubin appeared on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” and said that the overall business of pro football is "really healthy." Rubin: "There's probably no bigger indication of the health of the sport than how the merchandise sells. We're up 20% year-to-date, we were up 20% last year. So we've seen great growth and I think that really is a great barometer.” Rubin said in terms of jersey sales, “you never thought” Bears LB Khalil Mack, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and Browns QB Baker Mayfield “were going to be the biggest players and they were probably three of the five biggest players last year.” Rubin: “The only thing that's predictable is like death, taxes and Tom Brady jersey sales” (“Good Morning Football,” NFL Network, 8/13).

The Magic will dedicate the Amway Center court to late Owner Rich DeVos and his late wife, Helen. The home court will feature a permanent "Rich and Helen DeVos Court" insignia (Magic).

Bulls G Coby White, the No. 7 overall draft pick this year, has signed a multiyear shoe deal with Adidas (TWITTER.com, 8/13).

Coco Gauff "has received a wild-card entry for the U.S. Open's main draw" (AP, 8/13).

Investors Bank and the NFL Giants are introducing a new team-branded debit card and checking account. The two entities are in the second year of a 10-year partnership (Investors Bank).

Proprietary tech solutions company Givex signed a partnership with the CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Givex will launch 166 POS stations and 27 hand-held tablets throughout Investors Group Field in time for the '19 season (THE DAILY).

"We needed some drastic changes" -- NFL Giants President & CEO John Mara, on an offseason that saw several big-name players depart (NEWSDAY, 8/13).

"We talked to our advisors and partners at Twitch. We took it very seriously. After spending a lot of time with Mike, he is the poster child of a rehabilitated individual. We felt comfortable with him and good about him as a human being. If there is anybody who has spent time reinventing himself, I don’t know of a person who has done more than Mike" -- Fan-Controlled Football League co-Founder Patrick Dees, on Mike Tyson being a team owner in the league (THEATHLETIC.com, 8/13).

Antonio Brown is in Napa, I’m told. Though my scavenger hunt of Napa Marriott came up empty (love my job).
Hard Knocks pushing their deadline production back, lol. #Raiders #WheresAB

— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 13, 2019

Despite my hatred of "Field of Dreams," I am loving this whole gimmick because it's giving us the wonderful spectacle of Major League Baseball using a guy on the permanently banned list as a marketing tool.

— Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) August 13, 2019

You honestly never know when you log on to this here Web site what Twitter fights are going to be happening but I wouldn’t have guessed today was gonna be AOC vs. Portnoy

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) August 13, 2019

serious question: is it even possible to have a movie as ubiquitous in pop culture as the godfather?

— bomani (@bomani_jones) August 13, 2019

If you see a tweet we will not want to miss, send it to us at editorial@sportsbusinessdaily.com.

Yes, I wore shoes and socks. 😉 #CryoDay pic.twitter.com/ImY37R2KqF

— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) August 13, 2019

The Red Sox host a movie night at Fenway Park, featuring "Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse." Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and younger. Gates open at 6:45pm ET.

The NHL and NHLPA collaborated on this video to help hockey players, coaches, parents and medical personnel at all levels better address the issue of concussions in the sport.

5 -- Number of commemorative edition wine bottles that Mano's Wines will create this season to celebrate the 49ers' five Super Bowl wins (49ers).