Many of the PGA Tour players who were in attendance at yesterday's meeting with Commissioner Jay Monahan "didn't take kindly to Monahan and the shocking news" of the PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger, which "left a lot of them feeling betrayed and all of them caught off guard." Players attended a 75-minute players' meeting yesterday at Oakdale Golf and Country Club, with "approximately 100 Tour members" in attendance. Johnson Wagner, a former Tour player who now contributes to Golf Channel, had access to an audio stream of the meeting and "described the meeting as 'contentious' and said he felt like the negative/positive split of the room was '90/10.'" About 30 players "spoke up" during the meeting, which "required two men to stand guard outside the room." Tour player Maverick McNealy "was talked about as being one of the more reasoned voices in the meeting" (GOLFCHANNEL.com, 6/6).

A number of players "offered a standing ovation" when one of their peers "called for new leadership" during the meeting. At one point Monahan was "asked if he had been transparent" with the players, and he "admitted that he had not." Tour player Geoff Ogilvy said after the meeting, "I'm glad I wasn't Jay today." Ogilvy: "It was an interesting meeting and sometimes meetings can get a little spicy." Some players "called Monahan a hypocrite," which Ogilvy confirmed and added, "He took it really well" (GOLF DIGEST, 6/6). 

Rory McIlroy "kept quiet" at the meeting until Grayson Murray, the No. 227 golfer in the world, shouted for Monahan to resign. Murray said, "We don't trust you, Jay, you lied to our face." McIlroy yelled back, "Just play better, Grayson." But McIlroy's defense of Monahan "apparently did not achieve unanimous approval." Murray responded by "telling McIlroy to f--- off" (London TELEGRAPH, 6/7).

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan met with the media and took questions following the agreement between the Tour and the Saudi PIF to merge commercial operations, telling those in attendance, "I recognize that people are going to call me a hypocrite. … I accept those criticisms. But circumstances do change." Monahan: "We just realized that we were better off together than we were fighting or apart." Monahan also shared more details on the timeline, "noting that secret conversations had been conducted over the last seven weeks." There were "four in-person meetings and a number of video calls and phone conversations." Monahan: "When you get into these conversations, and given the complexity of what we were dealing with, it's not uncommon that the circle of information is very tight." Monahan also added that "two prominent Policy Board members sat side-by-side" with him in negotiations -- Ed Herlihy and Jimmy Dunne (GOLFWEEK, 6/6). 

It's the second year that LIV Golf "will be at the centre of discussion at Canada's lone PGA Tour event," as last year LIV hosted its first event during the same weekend and this year the news of the PGA Tour-LIV merger will overshadow all conversation. Tour player Adam Hadwin, a Canadian, expressed "disappointment that, like last year, his national championship is being overshadowed" by news about LIV. Hadwin: "I can't help but feel sad for the Canadian Open, once again, that this news drops Tuesday of what is our national open, a very important event for golf in Canada and hopefully viewed from the PGA Tour's standpoint as an important event to them" (TORONTO STAR, 6/6).

Senate Democrats yesterday "lit into the PGA Tour" for striking a deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, arguing that the agreement "reeks of hypocrisy and that U.S. regulators must examine it." Democrats added the merger "will need a green light" from regulators "given the millions of dollars that is set to boost the league via the PIF." Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) added that he "expects the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will look into the deal" (THE HILL, 6/6). 

The deal is "sure to spark fresh antitrust concerns" at the U.S. Department of Justice. Senate Finance Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) called the deal a "brazen, shameless cash grab" and "vowed to dive into every piece" of the agreement. Even before the deal was announced, 9/11 Families United "demanded that DOJ investigate what the group alleged were 'numerous disturbing violations of FARA'" following the retroactive registration last month of consulting firm Gitcho Goodwin for months of PR work on LIV's behalf (POLITICO, 6/6). 

The Tour's "sudden willingness to take money they had derided" drew "bipartisan skepticism from Washington lawmakers. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), who had "championed the Tour's fight against LIV," said, "I wonder if the PGA Tour -- having wrapped itself in the flag -- invited 9/11 families to the big announcement? I guess not, because money was worth more than principle, apparently" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 6/6).

The unexpected announcement of the partnership between LIV and the PGA Tour has been making headlines across media, including all three network news programs last night who aired headlines related to the story in the opening of their broadcasts. ABC’s “World News Tonight” teased their story with the headline “PGA and LIV Agree To Deal,” while CBS’s “Evening News” aired “Shocking Golf Merger” and NBC’s “Nightly News” went with “PGA Merger Controversy” in their opening. Golfweek’s David Dusek appeared on “Evening News” while NBC Sports’s Mike Tirico and Golf Channel’s Jimmy Roberts were on “Nightly News” to discuss the story. ABC’s David Muir: “The stunning turn this evening for the PGA after two years of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf taking business from the PGA Tour. Tonight, the merger: the PGA and LIV Golf joining forces, triggering backlash.” CBS’s Norah O’Donnell: “The PGA Tour shocks the sports world by joining forces with Saudi-backed LIV Golf. Tonight, some of the games top golfers and 9/11 families are outraged.” NBC’s Lester Holt said the announcement is “blindsiding top players and fans alike.”

The network morning shows took their turn tackling the story with two of the three shows airing headlines in the opening of their broadcasts. ABC’s “GMA” aired “Stunning Alliance” while “CBS Mornings” went with the straightforward headline “Pro Golf Merger.” NBC’s “Today” did not air an opening headline. Dusek also appeared on “CBS Mornings” while PGA Tour player Dylan Wu and Barstool Sports’s Dan Rapaport spoke with “GMA” this morning. ABC’s Robin Roberts: “The PGA Tour and LIV Golf uniting, ending the two-year bitter golf rivalry. How the PGA is defending the deal amid claims of hypocrisy.” CBS’ Nate Burleson said the PGA Tour has joined LIV “even though it trashed the tour over human rights.” CBS’s Tony Dokoupil: “Shock and anger. Those seem to be the two dominant emotions.”

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo "called for the state’s Legislature to convene for a special session" this morning to "consider the proposed Las Vegas ballpark project" for the A's. A stadium bill that proposed directing up to $380M in public funds toward a $1.5B stadium project in Vegas "was not voted on" by Nevada lawmakers before the Legislature’s regular session ended at midnight Monday. Lombardo "called on the Legislature to convene at" 10am PT today to consider a ballpark financing and infrastructure project "consistent with the provisions of the stalled bill," SB509 (S.F. CHRONICLE, 6/7).

The Jaguars will "publicly unveil their proposal for a massive renovation project" to TIAA Bank Field this morning at 10am ET. The cost of the project "could exceed" $1B, with a "portion of that likely coming from public funds." Rather than ask for a brand new stadium, the team plans to renovate the stadium "at a scale that is the equivalent of a gut rehab of a house." The plans "include long-sought protection from the elements," and Jaguars President Mark Lamping compared the planned end result to SoFi Stadium in L.A. Construction "could force the Jaguars to play games away from TIAA Bank Field for two seasons," although Jacksonville Mayor-elect Donna Deegan said "temporary relocation outside Jacksonville is a non-starter" (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 6/6).

76 Place is a proposed arena complex and mixed-use developmentDevcorp

A lobbying firm working to promote the 76ers’ plan to build a new arena in Center City has "admitted to filing incomplete disclosure reports regarding its efforts to influence city officials about the project" last year and "agreed to pay $4,000 in fines" with the Philadelphia Board of Ethics. CBL Real Estate, the lobbying arm of the team’s development company 76 Devcorp, "agreed to a settlement with the board" that has it admitting to "making omissions in two city lobbying reports" from 2022. The firm has "since filed amended reports" with a new subject matter -- "Sports Arena" -- that show it last year "lobbied members of Mayor Jim Kenney’s administration," Council President Darrell L. Clarke and Councilmember Mark Squilla, over the project. The ethics board fines are the "latest in a string of City Hall controversies caused by the team’s ambitions" to build 76 Place, a proposed arena complex and mixed-use development. It is "not obvious" from CBL Real Estate’s lobbying registration that they "have ties to the team" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 6/6). 

The Hawks have a new multiyear sponsorship deal with QuikTrip, marking the Oklahoma-based convenience and gas retailer’s first NBA team deal. Precise terms of the deal were not disclosed. A community-focused partnership will be a key element of the pact. QT will be naming-rights sponsor of the Hawks’ seven-week Community Court Tour, set to begin June 13, which aims to surprise Atlanta-area youth with pop-up basketball and fitness activities featuring team alumni and players at already-existing day camps throughout Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties. The team is also creating the “QT Tipoff” activation for the 2023-24 NBA season, whereby each time the Hawks win the opening tip at home, fans in attendance can get a reward from select QT locations throughout Atlanta. QT gets branding during Hawks’ home games inside and outside of State Farm Arena as well. This is not QT’s first sports play in the market, as it was title sponsor of the NASCAR Cup Series spring race at Atlanta Motor Speedway from 2015-2022. QT’s other pro team deals include the MLB Rangers, per data from SBJ Atlas. QuikTrip corporate dealt directly with the Hawks and used no agency.

An SEC contingent is "headed to Washington" today to "lobby Congress for federal assistance in regulating NIL." Alabama head football coach Nick Saban "stressed the trip is about educating, and he wants to see a more balanced system." Saban and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey are "among a group of SEC coaches, university presidents and athletic directors who will meet with lawmakers." The goal is to "get federal assistance in regulating how college athletes can earn money off their name, image and likeness" (AL.com, 6/6).

Andrew Marchand is joined this week by guest host Colin Cowherd, who was in for John Ourand. The two go into the media implications of the LIV deal. Cowherd reveals the valuation of his company, The Volume, after just two years. Marchand and Cowherd discuss how ESPN tried to woo Cowherd back from FS1. He discussed how far he got with jobs with National Geographic and CNN when he was leaving ESPN eight years ago. The duo discussed the impending break-up of Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe on Undisputed. They delved into Pat McAfee's move to ESPN. Plus, Cowherd gives some sound advice on how to be happy in sports media and Marchand and Cowherd reveal "Who's Up" and "Who's Down."

The SBJ Brand Innovation Summit kicks off today in Chicago, and here are some reasons why you need to be there:

• More content: We have an action-packed agenda with 27 quick-hitting sessions. And a BIS Connect Session -- A curated networking session where we examine major take aways from day one.
• 6 Chief Marketing Officers -- Ally Financial, Frito-Lay, Bojangles, Zips Car Wash, Sugarlands Distilling and Margaritaville -- will discuss how they are positioning their brands and cutting through the clutter.
• More than 20 brand-side marketers will share insights into their sports and entertainment marketing strategies and activation plans.
• Navigating college sports and NIL: We will take a deep dive with T-Mobile, Brutus Broth and Zips Car Wash and find out how they are forging NIL partnerships that make economic sense for their brands. Old Dominion Freight Line will also share insights into their 36-school, multi-faceted college sports program.
• Are you a regional or local brand looking for guidance on a sports marketing plan? You will hear from Bojangles and Garrett Brands about the power of sports and how to leverage impactful partnerships on a local / regional spend.
• Want to know more about sports on new media platforms? Hear from Harish Sarma, Global Head, Sports and Gaming, TikTok on engaging audiences and finding new fans.
• Brand marketers will discuss why “Women’s Sports Makes Good Business Sense” for them. Hear from Ally Financial, PUMA, Deloitte, Adobe and Diageo.
• Take a deep dive into immersive experiences, Web3, brand activation and fan engagement. You will hear insights from Fatom and The Famous Group.

SBJ Brand Innovation Summit
June 7-8, 2023
Ritz-Carlton Chicago
Brand-Innovation-Summit.com

REGISTER

• AC Milan announces top execs' departures.
• Apple TV+ gets four-part Lionel Messi series.
• Juventus reportedly pulls out of Euro Super League.

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Fanatics has named Gregg Winiarski Chief Legal Officer. In this role, Winiarski will oversee the full range of legal affairs across the entire global Fanatics enterprise, including within the company’s three distinct businesses -- Commerce, Collectibles, and Betting and Gaming. Winiarski’s appointment comes after having served in an advisory role since 2021, which included playing a significant role in the company’s acquisition of Topps (Fanatics).

USL Championship club San Diego Loyal will play Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund on July 27 at Snapdragon Stadium (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 6/6).

At 6:37 PM ET today, Golf Channel finally took a commercial break.

Eight+ straight hours of live TV without a break.

Absolutely insane. Kudos to GC.

— James Colgan (@jamescolgan26) June 7, 2023

LIV may never have taken off commercially, but they had billions earmarked to fight it out to the bitter end in court. And they were poised to do that. I think the PGA Tour figuring it could eat some crow if all those billable hours went away AND they got billions invested. https://t.co/f7fpoOHURP

— Kevin Van Valkenburg (@KVanValkenburg) June 7, 2023

Longtime PGA Tour member Scott Stallings blasted Jay Monahan on Sirius XM (via ESPN) pic.twitter.com/4RnYqrstAZ

— Kendall Baker (@kendallbaker) June 7, 2023

The sun has risen in Canada. pic.twitter.com/xKBJaUPrfY

— Sean Zak (@Sean_Zak) June 7, 2023

What a weird day that was.

— Tron Carter (@TronCarterNLU) June 7, 2023

Those aren’t clouds. That’s smoke. pic.twitter.com/GqnZry9Kc8

— Brendan Kuty 🧟‍♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) June 6, 2023

Jacob deGrom got emotional about the news of his upcoming Tommy John surgery ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/PTCbqKpPR7

— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 6, 2023

Last night’s “Final Jeopardy!” category was “Historic Organizations.”

“A senator called the 1949 pact that formed this a ‘fraternity of peace’ that ‘makes the obligation plain … for us and others.’”

“What is NATO?”