What we'll be watching in 2017

Can L.A. seal the deal?
For the third time in 12 years, the U.S. is bidding to host the Olympics. With the IOC slated to vote in September,

the stakes hardly could be higher for both the domestic and international Olympic movements. A Los Angeles defeat would mean the IOC has rejected the U.S.’s three largest cities, and probably delay a return to American soil by the Summer Games for a generation. For its part, the embattled IOC desperately needs a host, whomever it might be, to deliver the Games without adding to the body’s growing list of crises and scandals.

ESPN’s next move
ESPN lost more than 3 million subscribers in 2016, according to Nielsen estimates. The biggest sports media story in 2017 will be how ESPN makes up that revenue. A planned over-the-top network in partnership with BAMTech will be part of that strategy.

Jersey ads arrive in NBA
The NBA cleared the way for teams to sell jersey ads that can be featured starting with the 2017-18 season. So far, the inventory has been a tough sell, with only two teams having deals. Will advertisers warm up to the concept?

What’s next for Raiders, Chargers?

Photo by: Getty Images

The Raiders have targeted Las Vegas as an option if they can’t land a new stadium in Oakland, but there’s no guarantee NFL owners will take that bet. Meanwhile, the Chargers are moving past a failed voter referendum in San Diego to see if they can finally salvage a stadium deal of their own. They have a Jan. 15 deadline to trigger an option to move to Los Angeles and share the Rams’ new stadium under construction in Inglewood.

Monster goes racing
Monster Energy will take over as title sponsor for NASCAR’s premier series and has a short runway to get its plans in place. Will the activation strategy energize NASCAR and help the sport reach new fans?

Formula One’s next turn
U.S.-based Liberty Media will look to wrap up its $4.4 billion purchase of Formula One. What will the acquisition mean for the sport both stateside and abroad? A direct-to-consumer streaming service appears in the works as part of that plan to grow interest in the league.

Bruce Arena Photo by: Getty Images

U.S. Soccer feels the pressure
The U.S. Soccer Federation starts a new year in a legal fight with members of the U.S. women’s national team who are demanding to be paid the same as the men’s team. Meanwhile, the federation fired men’s coach Jurgen Klinsmann and brought back Bruce Arena as coach as the team tries to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. All this comes as the USSF contemplates whether to lead a U.S. bid to host the 2026 World Cup.

Next moves for MLS

MLS Commissioner Don Garber’s expansion decisions have been very strategic, and to date, very successful. In 2017, the league welcomes Atlanta United FC and Minnesota United FC, and will begin to firm up its next wave of expansion, potentially bringing the league to 28 clubs in 2020.