Latest news with #All-StarGames
Reuters
5 days ago
- Sport
- Reuters
All-Star Games may be flawed but still a boon for professional sports leagues
July 25 (Reuters) - Once a much-anticipated celebration of a sport's best talents, All-Star games have fallen into a constant state of reinvention amid a high-stakes effort by North American leagues to make their star-studded showcases a ratings hit. Several factors, including a lack of competitive furor and athletes' ability to use social media to engage with fans from around the globe, have left many to wonder whether the standard All-Star Game model is broken. "All-Star Games used to be an opportunity for players to build their brand," Bob Dorfman, a sports marketing analyst in San Francisco, told Reuters. "Now there are so many other ways to do that, that it became less important for players to have to show up in these games and play well." Just this week Argentine great Lionel Messi, who is Major League Soccer's reigning Most Valuable Player, decided not to participate in the MLS All-Star Game held in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday despite not being injured. North America's Big Four sports leagues have for years been tinkering with the formats for their All-Star showcases in hopes of creating more competitiveness and additional interest in an exhibition game. The NHL ditched its All-Star Game this year in favour of an international tournament called 4 Nations Face-Off that proved to be a success in many metrics including attendance, television ratings and, perhaps most importantly, player buy-in. Even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver referenced the NHL's model when discussing future changes to his league's showcase after admitting the new format for February's NBA All-Star Game, which featured a mini-tournament of four teams, was "a miss." The NFL's all-star showcase was often missing many top players who were either injured, uninterested or Super Bowl bound and so in 2022 they replaced it with Pro Bowl Games, which features skills events and a flag football game. Last week's Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which for the first time was decided by a home-run swing-off, averaged 7.19 million viewers on Fox, down 3.5% from last year and the second-lowest for the Midsummer Classic. Still, MLB's showcase drew far better than its counterparts, with the NBA All-Star Game and the NFL's Pro Bowl Games each averaging 4.7 million viewers in February. "There was a time when every All-Star Game was a can't-miss event and people were excited and thrilled," said famed U.S. sports agent Leigh Steinberg, best known as the inspiration for Tom Cruise's character in the film "Jerry Maguire". But despite the idea that All-Star Games and related events are experiencing a decline in popularity, they still provide leagues with an opportunity for massive brand activation, which experts say is where the real value lies. The lead-up to an All-Star Game offers leagues a chance to connect with the city they are in that week through initiatives like community events, upgrading sport facilities, equipment donations, school visits and fan festivals. "When you look at it just as one game on one day, that's not really what the value is," said Joe Favorito, a long-time sports marketing professional and professor at Columbia University. "The value is everything that leads up to it and everything else that is tied into what the culmination of the game is. The reality is the actual game is probably the least important part of what an All-Star activation is these days."
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
MLS All-Stars, without Lionel Messi, beats Liga MX All-Stars 3-1
Major League Soccer joint leading scorer Sam Surridge of Nashville SC scored in the first half to help the MLS All-Stars to a 3-1 victory over their Liga MX foes despite the absence of Lionel Messi in the All-Star Game on Wednesday night in Austin, Texas. Philadelphia Union's Tai Baribo added the eventual winner early in the second half, and the Vancouver Whitecaps' Brian White provided late insurance for MLS, which won for the third time in four All-Star Games played in this format since 2021. Tijuana's 16-year-old Gilberto Mora pulled a goal back later in the second half for Liga MX and became the youngest goal-scorer in the event's history. Earlier this month, he became the youngest player ever to win a senior continental international title as part of Mexico's CONCACAF Gold Cup championship squad. Surridge and Inter Miami's Messi each have 18 league goals. It was uncertain all week whether Messi would play on Wednesday, but the 38-year-old, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner did not appear. His Miami teammate, Jordi Alba, also missed the exhibition. Per MLS rules, Messi and Alba would face a one-game suspension for skipping the All-Star Game, which would see them miss a home match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday. ALSO READ: UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Spain reaches final after 1-0 extra-time win over Germany However, MLS commissioner Don Garber said Wednesday that no decision on suspensions had been made. Surridge opened the scoring in the 28th minute on a chance created by Los Angeles FC's Denis Bouanga, who beat the Liga MX defence with his pace but saw his initial effort denied by Club America goalkeeper Luis Malagon. Bouanga reached the rebound, then bent in a diagonal cross toward the six-yard box, where Surridge met it with a downward header that beat Malagon. Baribo, who has 14 regular-season goals this year, four behind Messi and Surridge in the MLS Golden Boot race, doubled the advantage in the 51st minute. He reached a cross from the left by Columbus' Diego Rossi and beat Cruz Azul goalie Kevin Mier from about 15 yards out. Mora pulled a goal back in the 64th minute, but White made sure of the MLS win in the 80th minute. The New England Revolution's Carles Gil was exceptional in setting up the attack for the final goal, manoeuvring out of traffic at midfield before playing in the San Jose Earthquakes' Cristian Espinoza down the left. The Chicago Fire's Philip Zinckernagel provided the final pass for White's tap-in from close range.
Canada News.Net
6 days ago
- Sport
- Canada News.Net
MLS All-Stars, minus Lionel Messi, defeat Liga MX All-Stars
(Photo credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images) Major League Soccer joint leading scorer Sam Surridge of Nashville SC scored in the first half to help the MLS All-Stars to a 3-1 victory over their Liga MX foes despite the absence of Lionel Messi in the All-Star Game on Wednesday night in Austin, Texas. The Philadelphia Union's Tai Baribo added the eventual winner early in the second half, and the Vancouver Whitecaps' Brian White provided late insurance for MLS, which won for the third time in four All-Star Games played in this format since 2021. Tijuana's 16-year-old Gilberto Mora pulled a goal back later in the second half for Liga MX and became the youngest goal-scorer in the event's history. Earlier this month, he became the youngest player ever to win a senior continental international title as part of Mexico's CONCACAF Gold Cup championship squad. Surridge and Inter Miami's Messi each have 18 league goals. It was uncertain all week whether Messi would play on Wednesday, but the 38-year-old, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner did not appear. His Miami teammate, Jordi Alba, also missed the exhibition. Per MLS rules, Messi and Alba would face a one-game suspension for skipping the All-Star Game, which would see them miss a home match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday. However, MLS commissioner Don Garber said Wednesday that no decision on suspensions had been made. Surridge opened the scoring in the 28th minute on a chance created by Los Angeles FC's Denis Bouanga, who beat the Liga MX defense with his pace but saw his initial effort denied by Club America goalkeeper Luis Malagon. Bouanga reached the rebound, then bent in a diagonal cross toward the 6-yard box, where Surridge met it with a downward header that beat Malagon. Baribo, who has 14 regular-season goals this year, four behind Messi and Surridge in the MLS Golden Boot race, doubled the advantage in the 51st minute. He reached a cross from the left by Columbus' Diego Rossi and beat Cruz Azul goalie Kevin Mier from about 15 yards out. Mora pulled a goal back in the 64th minute, but White made sure of the MLS win in the 80th minute. The New England Revolution's Carles Gil was exceptional in setting up the attack for the final goal, maneuvering out of traffic at midfield before playing in the San Jose Earthquakes' Cristian Espinoza down the left. The Chicago Fire's Philip Zinckernagel provided the final pass for White's tap-in from close range.
News18
22-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
NBA: One Last Ride For Chris Paul! LA Clippers Sign Legendary Vet On One-Year Deal
Last Updated: Chris Paul returns to the Clippers for his 21st NBA season. The 39-year-old joins Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, aiming to provide leadership and depth. Veteran point guard Chris Paul is officially returning to the Los Angeles Clippers, signing with the team on Monday in what is expected to be his 21st and final NBA season. Paul previously played six seasons with the Clippers, leading them to the playoffs each year during the franchise's 'Lob City" era. Now 39, the 12-time All-Star is rejoining a revamped and veteran-heavy roster with hopes of contributing in a reserve role. Paul became a free agent after an impressive 2024–25 season with the San Antonio Spurs, during which he played all 82 games. He made history by becoming the first NBA player to do so in his 20th season or later. In San Antonio, he averaged 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and shot 43% from the field—solid numbers for a veteran primarily playing a mentoring and facilitating role. Paul had made it clear in recent months that he wanted to play closer to his family, who remain based in Los Angeles. Joining a Stacked Roster The Clippers' current roster includes an experienced core: Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Bogdan Bogdanovic, along with new additions Bradley Beal, John Collins, and Brook Lopez. Paul is expected to bring depth, leadership, and steady playmaking to an already loaded backcourt. Paul's presence is also intended to help reduce the workload of Harden, who played nearly 2,800 minutes last season at age 35. Though his role will be more limited than in the past, Paul's experience and leadership remain highly valued. Lob City Legacy Paul's first stint in Los Angeles from 2011 to 2017 was one of the most memorable eras in franchise history. Alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, he transformed the Clippers into perennial contenders and helped usher in the 'Lob City" identity. During those six seasons, Paul was selected to five All-Star Games and tallied a franchise-record 4,023 assists. In 409 games with the Clippers, he averaged 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals. (with agency inputs) view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Detroit's fallen stadiums: What happened to Tiger Stadium?
This is Part 1 of a six-part series looking back at the arenas and stadiums that housed some of Detroit's greatest teams over the past century. Come back to every day this week for more historic Detroit sports site memories. Kids in Detroit today can play ball on the same historic grass as Ty Cobb and Charlie Gehringer. The field just looks a little different. Tiger Stadium was the home of the Detroit Tigers for 87 years, beginning in 1912. Located on the corner of Michigan and Trumbull in Corktown, the stadium was the home of the Tigers and, from 1928-39 and 1941-74, the Detroit Lions. The Tigers actually played on the site for 104 years when you include the original structure on the site: Bennett Park, which opened in 1895. But the main stadium, known as Navin Field, Briggs Stadium and finally Tiger Stadium, was constructed in 1912 by then-Tigers owner Frank Navin. Around 23,000 seats were originally constructed, and the stadium expanded to more than 52,000 by the end of the 1930s. Bennett was different from Navin in that Navin moved home plate to what was formerly left field, and fans generally entered the stadium to a view of right field rather than the traditional view of home that greeted them at many other stadiums. The stadium's defining feature was the double-decker bleachers, a wall of fans that gave it a unique feel. One quirk of the stadium was the flagpole located in center field. Not in the stands beyond center field, but in play in the middle of deep center. The pole was meant to be moved to Comerica Park when that park opened for the 2000 season – the new park also had the pole in play in its early years – but that was never completed, with the pole at The Corner Over the years, Tiger Stadium featured Lou Gehrig's last game, Babe Ruth hitting one of the longest home runs in MLB history, and the only mid-game death of an NFL player, when Lions wide receiver Chuck Hughes died of a heart attack on October 24, 1971, in a game against the Chicago Bears. The stadium also played host to multiple MLB All-Star Games, Notre Dame's first night football game and a 1939 world heavyweight title defense from Joe Louis. But it was always known for baseball. While there, the Tigers won all four of their World Series titles and appeared in nine in total. Two of the title-clinching wins came at home: in 1935 on what was then Navin Field and in 1984 in Tiger Stadium. It was their home for over a century and remains the site of the team's greatest victories today. The Tigers sold the stadium to the city of Detroit in 1977 and the city then leased it back to them. The stadium was repainted and given new plastic seats in Tigers orange, replacing the green that had long decorated the stadium. Ultimately, Tiger Stadium simply grew too old to be serviceable. When it closed in 1999, it was tied with Fenway Park as the oldest MLB stadium; they both opened on April 20,1912. The Tigers moved to the new Comerica Park in 2000 and Tiger Stadium sat vacant for years, decaying until it was razed by the city in 2008, despite the objections of traditionalists. LET'S LOOK BACK: The Corner Ballpark: Grand opening Unlike many of the other old sports sites around Detroit, Tiger Stadium managed to retain its original purpose even after its major occupant left. The lot was sold to Larson Realty Group for $33 million in 2014, but from its demolition until the purchase, a volunteer group maintained the field and pickup baseball was played there. Though apartments and retail spaces were constructed on part of the lot, the Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) moved into another part with the promise to reopen the field for various levels of youth and semi-pro baseball. The field reopened on March 24, 2018, now known as The Corner Ballpark, with a youth ballgame. One resident remarked that it was exactly as he remembered Tiger Stadium – right down to the flagpole. Contact Matthew Auchincloss at mauchincloss@ The series Come back all week for our series on Detroit's fallen stadiums: July 21: Tiger Stadium. July 22: The Palace of Auburn Hills. July 23: Cobo Arena. July 24: Joe Louis Arena. July 25: Pontiac Silverdome. July 26: Olympia Stadium. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit's fallen stadiums: What happened to Tiger Stadium?
