Boardroom

Ohtani fever is still real—Fanatics confirms Sho-time remains a top-seller in MLB jersey sales.

President Trump’s new tariff proposal sent a jolt through global markets, with the S&P 500 slipping about 4% on Thursday. It reflects growing anxiety among investors, especially with doubts about whether the Fed or Congress can cushion the economic blow this time. The proposed tariffs—reportedly as high as 60% on Chinese goods—have triggered alarm across tech and retail. Apple, which relies heavily on Chinese manufacturing for products like iPhones and MacBooks, saw its stock slide as concerns mounted over rising production costs and potential supply chain delays. Meta also took a hit, with analysts warning that the broader consumer slowdown and cost inflation could drag on digital ad spending and hardware sales like its Quest headsets and Ray-Ban smart glasses. With few policy tools left on the table and limited room for negotiation, investors are bracing for extended volatility. The combination of rising inflation risks, supply chain stress, and geopolitical tension has created an uncertain landscape that could stretch well beyond the next quarter. (via Bloomberg News, CNBC)

Omaha Productions, the media company founded by Peyton Manning and Jamie Horowitz in 2020, continues to gain momentum—most recently signing a first-look deal with 20th Television. The agreement gives 20th Television first rights to develop and produce Omaha's upcoming slate of scripted comedies, dramas, and adult animated projects, signaling the company’s growing ambitions beyond sports-centered content.⁠ ⁠ The deal comes on the heels of a significant valuation jump for Omaha. Earlier this year, Patrick Whitesell’s new media venture—backed by Silver Lake—acquired a 10% stake in the company, pushing its valuation to over $750 million. This followed a previous $10 million investment from Peter Chernin’s North Road Company in 2023, which had pegged Omaha’s value at over $400 million at the time.⁠ ⁠ Known for producing ESPN’s ManningCast and the Places franchise, Omaha has been profitable since its launch. The new partnership with 20th Television marks a major step in expanding its presence in mainstream entertainment, giving the company access to one of the industry's largest development pipelines.

Coco Gauff is expanding her impact beyond the court with the launch of 'Coco Gauff Enterprises'—a venture focused on business, philanthropy, and innovation. Powered by WME, the initiative aims to extend her influence in sports, media, and community-driven projects.⁠ ⁠ Currently ranked No. 3 in WTA singles and No. 25 in doubles, the 2023 U.S. Open champion is already a dominant force in tennis. Off the court, she topped Forbes’ highest-paid female athletes list for 2024, earning $34.4 million last year—bolstered by major endorsement deals with brands like New Balance, Barilla, and Bose.⁠ ⁠ Gauff has also been vocal about social issues, youth empowerment, and accessibility in sports, positioning Coco Gauff Enterprises as a platform to drive meaningful change while expanding her business footprint.⁠ ⁠ Subscribe to Headline To Go with Vinciane Ngomsi at the link in comments.

In a growing trend of active NBA players taking on college roles, Atlanta Hawks forward Terance Mann has been named assistant general manager of Florida State University men’s basketball. Mann, an FSU alum, joins new head coach Luke Loucks to help build a championship roster in Tallahassee.⁠ ⁠ He follows Trae Young, who last week became assistant GM of the Oklahoma Sooners, his alma mater, while announcing a $1 million donation to support the program. Young will help evaluate prospects, assist with player agreements, and aid fundraising efforts.⁠ ⁠ Just a few weeks ago, Stephen Curry became the first active pro athlete to take an NCAA admin role, joining Davidson as assistant GM. These moves signal a new era of NBA stars shaping the future of college basketball—both on and off the court.

Valuable advice from one of the most successful comedians and entertainers in history. (🎥: IG/The Breakfast Club)

Prada Group is aiming to diversify its brand portfolio and enhance resilience against market fluctuations by acquiring Versace and Jimmy Choo in a bid to broaden its brand offerings, attract a wider customer base, and strengthen its position in the luxury fashion market.⁠ ⁠ This potential acquisition follows Capri's strategic decision to sell Versace and Jimmy Choo to focus on revitalizing its Michael Kors brand.⁠ ⁠ With a market capitalization of approximately $16.94 billion, integrating Versace may require significant restructuring, potentially impacting Prada's short-term profits. The Italian luxury fashion house hopes to rely on their expertise in manufacturing, marketing, and leather goods to address Versace's operational shortcomings, potentially revitalizing the brand and positioning Prada more competitively against industry giants like LVMH and Kering.

Eddie Murphy turns 64 today. The Brooklyn-born legend first shot to fame on Saturday Night Live in the early ’80s before dominating Hollywood. Over his career, he’s racked up a Golden Globe, an Oscar nod (Dreamgirls), a Primetime Emmy for his 2019 SNL return, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.⁠ ⁠ At his peak, Murphy was among Hollywood’s highest-paid stars. His films have grossed over $3.5 billion domestically and nearly $7 billion worldwide, ranking him as the 17th highest-grossing lead actor in the U.S. and sixth globally.⁠ ⁠ HBD to one of the all-time greats.

YouTube generated $54.2 billion in revenue in 2022, just $5.5 billion less than Disney. This growth is driven by YouTube’s significant user engagement and advertising income. ⁠ YouTube’s expansion into services like YouTube TV contributes to its rising influence. The platform is projected to become the leading pay-TV provider in the U.S. by 2026, surpassing traditional cable companies.⁠ ⁠ Additionally, YouTube’s valuation as a standalone entity is estimated between $475 billion and $550 billion, reflecting its substantial market presence compared to Disney’s $176.95 billion market cap.⁠ ⁠ (via The Hollywood Reporter)

As the founder of Tyler Perry Studios—the largest film production facility in the U.S.—and the first Black creator to independently own a major studio, Tyler Perry is deepening his commitment to nurturing new talent.⁠ ⁠ The initiative will offer funding, mentorship, and access to industry resources, enabling selected participants to produce original short films that will be distributed across various platforms for maximum visibility. This effort continues Perry’s legacy of championing Black storytelling and empowering underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry.⁠ With ongoing diversity challenges in Hollywood, The Dream Collective is positioned as a vital pipeline for fresh talent in filmmaking. Perry, who began his career with stage plays before rising to become one of the most powerful figures in entertainment, is working to ensure the next generation has a more accessible path to success.⁠ ⁠ Perry’s films have grossed over $1.3 billion at the box office, and his entertainment empire is valued at over $1 billion, per Forbes.