Fake crowds are becoming ubiquitous and a bit more realistic

Sep 25, 2020
Faux fan sounds can cue viewers to pay attention when they're not completely focused on the game.
Cardboard cutouts of fans at a Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants game in July.
Harry How/Getty Images

Activist athletes can foster change, but sometimes there's a price

Aug 28, 2020
And sponsors may be increasingly interested in supporting them to reach their fans.
The Black Lives Matter logo on an NBA court. Many prominent athletes have committed themselves to social activism.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Athletes protest police shooting of Jacob Blake by refusing to play

Kenneth Shropshire called Wednesday a "universally unique day in history and in sport."
The Milwaukee Bucks, scheduled to play against the Orlando Magic in the NBA playoffs Wednesday, decided not to play to take a stand against the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

NBA "bubble" has been a success, but how are the league's finances?

Aug 14, 2020
The NBA said the cost to operate the bubble is more than $150 million. There also aren’t any fans there to buy tickets or spend money.
Had the league not finished the season and canceled the playoffs, the NBA would not have satisfied a billion-dollar TV contract.
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Deadspin journalists reunite with new site, Defector, and new business model

Jul 29, 2020
It's a whole new ballgame when it comes to how Defector staffers will operate their digital media company.
Writers and editors for Defector will own and operate their new digital media company, and staffers will get paid as the money comes in.
Courtesy Defector

Ping pong, anyone? Sports fans find new games to bet on during the pandemic

Jul 16, 2020
While U.S. pro sports leagues suspend play, table tennis, darts and other more obscure competitions find new fans.
Sports fans have had to look elsewhere for betting opportunities. Above, the final match of the Düsseldorf Masters table tennis competition.
Lars Baron/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

NBA approves plan to return; no deal in sight for MLB

Pro basketball is set to return on July 31. Pro baseball is still at an impasse.
Rob Carr/Getty Images

There are no games, sports fans. What are you gonna do?

Mar 27, 2020
With sporting events cancelled, fans are spending their money and time playing sports apps and video games, and watching re-runs.
People sit on a hill overlooking Dodger Stadium on what was supposed to be MLB's opening day — now postponed due to the coronavirus — on March 26 in Los Angeles, California.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

U.S. basketball plays to score and win in Mexico

Feb 18, 2020
The NBA just opened its first official store in Mexico. It’s also starting a major partnership in Mexico City.
Mexico City Arena hosts NBA Games.
Rodrigo Cervantes