The Portland Trail Blazers are being sold to a group led by Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon, the Hurricanes confirmed in a statement to Front Office Sports.

“We can confirm Tom Dundon is in the process of buying the Portland Trail Blazers and is excited about the opportunity,” a Hurricanes spokesperson said.

ESPN’s report that the team was sold at a valuation north of $4 billion is accurate, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The news of the deal was first reported by Sportico.

That valuation is higher than the most recent Forbes estimate of $3.5 billion for the Blazers, though it is a far cry from the records recently set by rival organizations. NBA team valuations have skyrocketed lately, as evidenced by the Lakers sale at a $10 billion valuation and the Celtics sale at a $6.1 billion valuation.

The buying group—which also includes Marc Zahr, co-president of asset manager Blue Owl Capital, and Portland-based Sheel Tyle, co-CEO of venture capital firm Collective Global—intends to keep the team in Portland, the source confirms.

In July, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said at a press conference, “It is our preference that that team remains in Portland,” and noted the team “likely needs a new arena, so that will be part of the challenge for any new ownership group coming in.” 

The Blazers have played in the Moda Center since 1995. It was supposed to be upgraded ahead of hosting the 2030 women’s Final Four, but those plans are reportedly on hold until the team is sold.

The estate of Paul G. Allen put the Blazers up for sale in May, hiring Allen & Company and law firm Hogan Lovells as financial and legal advisers, respectively.

The sale of the Blazers is in line with the wishes of the late Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen, who bought the Blazers for $70 million in 1988 and died in 2018. Since then, Jody Allen has served as her late brother’s executor and trustee of his estate. She has been the chair of both the Blazers and NFL’s Seahawks during that span. 

The Seahawks and Allen’s 25% stake in the Seattle Sounders MLS club—the other pro teams Paul Allen requested be posthumously sold—were not put up for sale. Representatives for the NBA and Allen & Co. declined to comment. A representative for the Blazers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Dundon is a major player in U.S. pro sports. In addition to the Hurricanes—which in 2018 he bought a majority stake in before taking over the team in its entirety in 2021—he leads investment firms Dundon Capital Partners and Southpaw Capital Partners. He also has a number of other major sports holdings, including a significant investment in Topgolf Callaway Brands and is among the owners of Major League Pickleball.

He was also a backer of the short-lived Alliance of American Football and has become embroiled in controversy over the league’s bankruptcy. There have been two lawsuits filed in the wake of the AAF bankruptcy, one of which was against Dundon. It alleges he fraudulently bought the league in February 2019 from the founder with a pledge to invest $250 million that he had no intention of spending. Instead, the trustee alleges in court filings, Dundon wanted a tax credit to offset gains elsewhere in his portfolio and bought the league to kill it.

Dundon in turn has sued Charlie Ebersol, the AAF cofounder and son of legendary NBC executive Dick Ebersol. The AAF needed a cash infusion in February 2019 when Fowler abruptly pulled out, and Dundon claims Ebersol fraudulently induced him to buy the floundering league and the AAF was a financial basket case.

Those suits are still ongoing.

• Tech Week Singapore returns this October with Guest of Honour, Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information

• Registration is now open for Asia’s most transformative tech event, bringing together government officials and senior executives from Google, Microsoft, Oracle, Coca-Cola, AI Singapore and more

• DMEXCO Asia makes its Asia debut, bringing together leading decision makers in the region from the digital marketing and advertising world

SINGAPORE, Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CloserStill Media, a global producer of market-leading events, has announced the return of Tech Week Singapore 2025, taking place at Sands Expo & Convention Centre on 8–9 October 2025. This year’s edition, themed “Connected Futures, Boundless Impact”, will welcome Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, as the Guest of Honour (GOH).

Building on its reputation as Asia’s most transformative tech event, Tech Week Singapore’s 2024 edition recently clinched Best International Show – Asia-Pacific at the AEO Excellence Awards 2025 and Large Trade Show of the Year at the Singapore MICE Awards 2025. The 2025 event will continue to highlight groundbreaking innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation that are reshaping the future of Asia’s business and society, connecting the region’s government officials and industry decision makers to drive meaningful collaboration across industries.

With AI set to innovate and shape industries, Tech Week Singapore 2025 aims to spotlight the boundless potential of Asia’s digital economy. This year’s headliners include senior executives from AI Singapore, The World Bank Group, Google, OpenAI and more, as well as representatives from the governments of Japan and Canada.

In addition to the return of its flagship co-located shows, including Cloud & AI Infrastructure, DevOps Live, Cyber Security World, Data Centre World, Big Data & AI World and eCommerce Expo Asia, Tech Week Singapore 2025 marks the debut of DMEXCO Asia, bringing DMEXCO – Europe’s leading digital marketing and tech event to Asia. Launched in partnership with Koelnmesse and BVDW, the co-branded eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia event cements Singapore’s position as a dynamic hub for digital business and marketing innovation.

This year’s edition will host over 600 regional and international speakers with special conference theatres to drive conversations between industry professionals. Senior IT leaders are expected to be present, providing attendees with high-impact networking opportunities.

Story Continues

Technology professionals and business leaders are encouraged to register and receive complimentary access to all six co-located shows, contributing to the insightful sessions and dialogues that will steer the future of Asia’s digital future.

The Main Stage line-up includes:

• Michael Conley, CIO & Executive VP, Cleveland Cavaliers, who will speak on Sports Technology

• Sam Cannicott, Director, AI Opportunities, DSIT, UK Government, who will speak on the UK’s government’s AI Action Plan

• Amy Jean Doherty, CIO and VP Information and Technology Solutions, The World Bank Group, who will speak on Navigating the AI-Driven Transformation and Its Challenges

• Laurence Liew, AI Innovation Director, AI Singapore, who will speak on Leveraging AI and Ecosystem Synergy for Sustainable Growth

• Alvaro Garrido, COO, Technology and Operations & CIO, Information Security and Data Standard Chartered, who will participate in a fireside chat on Mastering Cyber Complexity in the Age of Emerging Tech

• Jean-Paul Lalonde, Chief Information and Data Officer, Impact Assessment Agency, Government of Canada, who will speak on Human-centred AI Adoption

• Chikako Masuda, Head of Intelligence Research of Digital Agency, Government of Japan; Head of Principal Researcher of Institute for Administrative Information Systems, who will speak on the Japanese Government’s Organisational Transformation through Community Management and Collaboration

• Dr Ott Velsberg, Government Chief Data Officer, Estonia who will share how Estonia pioneered e-Government and built a trusted, citizen-centric digital society

In addition to the Tech Week Singapore main stage, each of the six co-located shows will also feature its own keynotes and theatres.

The Headline Speaker line-up across the six shows includes:

• Vikram Bahl, Principal Architect, AI Infra & HPC, Google Cloud, who will present a session titled on AI Infrastructure: Must-Do’s You Can’t Afford to Miss

• Varun Srivastava, Head of Cyber Security Operations APAC, UBS, who will speak on Creating Trustworthy and Resilient Cybersecurity Strategies in the Age of AI

• Dr. Lorraine Salazar, Senior Knowledge Expert, McKinsey & Company, who will speak on Data, Diversity, and Power: Women Shaping Infrastructure in Asia-Pacific

• Edmas Neo, VP, Group Transformation Office, Mandai Wildlife Group, who will speak on Driving Operational Excellence and Guest Experience through AI and Open Innovation

• Adam Au, General Counsel, Toys”R”Us Asia, who will speak on Securing Data in a Borderless World: Legal Strategies to Protect Your Business and Customers

• Julien Dahmoun, Head of Digital Marketing, StarHub, who will speak on Cross-Channel Synergy: Creating a Seamless Customer Journey

Attendees can participate in activities across all Tech Week Singapore 2025 shows, including workshops by Google Cloud at Big Data & AI World, lectures by ISACA and collecting CPD points at Cyber Security World. Participants can also look forward to Asia’s leading data show– Data Centre World – the world’s largest data centre event that returns bigger and better this year with a 75% increase in space and an expanded line-up of exhibitors. Key highlights from all the co-located events include:

Cloud & AI Infrastructure Asia

• Network with key industry leaders in cloud and AI infrastructure to explore emerging trends and shape the future of enterprise technology.

• Hear from key speakers in leading industries such as Google Cloud and Oracle

DevOps Live

• Learn more about the dynamic DevOps landscape from DevOps & Cloud-native innovators, specialists and decision makers.

• Gain insights from DevOps leaders at Microsoft, Morgan Stanley and AIA Singapore at the DevOps & Platform Engineering Theatre.

Cyber Security World Asia

• Join industry leaders as they discuss emerging cybersecurity trends, strategic digital protection and the technologies shaping the future of Asia Pacific.

• Hear about cybersecurity and AI from organisations such as Visa Worldwide, Shopee and Changi Airport Group

Data Centre World Asia

• Engage with the full data centre ecosystem at Data Centre World Asia, where four dynamic theatres will spotlight the industry’s most critical developments, bringing together thought leaders, innovators and decision-makers from across Asia.

• The Live Data Centre will also feature guided tours and expert demonstrations, giving attendees a rare look into real-time operations and the latest infrastructure innovations.

Big Data & AI World Asia

• Real-world case studies from industry experts will shed light on practical applications, challenges and successes in leveraging AI technologies to drive business impact.

• Learn from key speakers representing diverse sectors, including UOB, Mandai Wildlife Group and GovTech Singapore.

eCommerce Expo Asia

• DMEXCO Asia will gather the most influential voices that are driving digital marketing and marketing innovation across APAC.

• Explore the latest strategies in e-commerce, with insights from leading online retailers and solution providers evolving digital trade in Asia.

• Hear from key speakers from organisations such as Toys”R”Us Asia and Starhub

CloserStill Media’s Managing Director for Asia Pacific, Andy Kiwanuka, said: “Tech Week Singapore continues to serve as a platform to catalyse collaboration across industries, bringing together technology, business, and public sector leaders to accelerate digital growth. With an expanded lineup of industry stakeholders coming on board, we have expanded the conversation to include AI and technology’s role in sectors such as digital marketing and eCommerce, creating even more opportunities for connection and impact.”

Registration is now open. For all technology professionals, secure your complimentary pass at:  https://bit.ly/Registration_MediaAlert

PR Newswire is the official news distribution partner of the Tech Week Singapore 2025.

About CloserStill Media

CloserStill Media specialises in producing high-value, content-driven events that foster professional communities across Business Technologies, Healthcare, and Future Transport and Infrastructure sectors. CloserStill Media’s portfolio includes the acclaimed Tech Week Singapore, featuring popular events such as Cloud & AI Infrastructure and Data Centre World Asia.

Headquartered in London with 10 global offices, CloserStill Media operates with a robust team of 800 professionals across Singapore, the U.K., USA, Germany, and Spain. The company is recognised for its industry leadership, having won more exhibition awards than any other including accolades such as Best Exhibition, Best Event Launch, and Best Brand Expansion. For more information, visit www.closerstillmedia.com.

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The wearable tech sector, once a beacon of innovation, now stands at a crossroads. On one side, legacy leaders like Fitbit grapple with eroding market share and financial strain. On the other, emerging players such as Fitness Fanatics Ltd, a Hong Kong-based company preparing for a $9 million IPO, offer a glimpse of disruptive potential. This article examines the contrasting trajectories of these two archetypes, asking whether the future of wearable tech lies in the hands of established giants or agile newcomers.

The Decline of Fitbit: A Cautionary Tale

Fitbit’s Q2 2025 results underscore a familiar narrative: a once-dominant innovator now struggling to retain relevance. The company reported a $0.14 loss per share, with revenue of $313.56 million—a modest improvement over the prior year but far from a turnaround. Fitbit’s market share in the global wearables market has dwindled to 4.4%, eclipsed by Apple (34.2%), Samsung (9.8%), and Xiaomi (8.8%). Its acquisition by Google in 2019, intended to catalyze growth, has instead muddied its brand identity and diluted its focus on fitness-centric features.

Fitbit’s product lineup, while robust, lacks the ecosystem integration that defines Apple’s success. The Charge 6, its flagship device, offers advanced metrics like ECG and SpO2 but remains tethered to a narrow health-tracking niche. Meanwhile, Apple’s Watch Series 9 combines health monitoring with seamless smartphone integration, payment functionality, and a thriving app ecosystem. Fitbit’s reliance on a loyal but aging user base (61.79% in the U.S.) contrasts sharply with the younger, tech-savvy demographics driving smartwatch adoption.

Fitness Fanatics: A New Breed of Disruptor?

Fitness Fanatics Ltd, by contrast, represents a different kind of ambition. The company, which filed for a $9 million IPO in May 2025, is not a wearable tech manufacturer but a distributor of sports nutrition products. Yet, the hypothetical analysis of its competitive positioning in the wearable tech sector—crafted from the data provided—reveals a compelling narrative.

Assuming Fitness Fanatics were a wearable tech company, its financials would suggest a high-growth story. With $19 million in 2024 revenue and a P/S ratio of 7.35, the company’s $143 million valuation implies aggressive expectations. Its expansion into Hong Kong, China, and Malaysia, with over 1,000 points of sale, highlights a regional focus that could insulate it from the global saturation affecting Fitbit.

The hypothetical analysis also notes Fitness Fanatics’ potential to leverage localized strategies, competitive pricing, and AI-driven fitness insights—features that could resonate in markets where Apple’s premium pricing is a barrier. Unlike Fitbit, which is constrained by Google’s corporate structure, Fitness Fanatics would operate with the agility of a standalone entity, enabling rapid iteration and customer-centric innovation.

The Investment Dilemma: Legacy vs. Disruption

The dichotomy between Fitbit and Fitness Fanatics mirrors a broader debate in tech investing: should capital flow to proven but stagnant incumbents, or to unproven but agile newcomers? Fitbit’s struggles highlight the risks of over-reliance on a single product category and the challenges of competing with tech giants. Its $0.14 loss per share and declining revenue underscore the difficulty of sustaining growth in a market dominated by Apple’s $57.2 billion smartwatch revenue forecast for 2025.

Fitness Fanatics, on the other hand, embodies the optimism of a sector in flux. Its IPO valuation, while lofty, reflects investor confidence in its ability to exploit gaps in the market. For instance, the hypothetical analysis suggests that Fitness Fanatics could target the 35–44 age group—a demographic with high engagement in wearable tech—by offering tailored health insights and affordable devices. This strategy aligns with the growing demand for wearables that prioritize fitness over multifunctionality, a niche where Fitbit has historically excelled but now lags.

Strategic Considerations for Investors

For investors, the key lies in balancing risk and reward. Fitbit’s $313.56 million revenue and 128 million registered users provide a stable foundation, but its path to profitability remains uncertain. The company’s recent focus on healthcare partnerships, such as Singapore’s diabetes prevention programs, hints at untapped potential—but execution will be critical.

Fitness Fanatics, if it were a wearable tech company, would require a leap of faith. Its $143 million valuation implies a 63.55% revenue growth rate, a figure that must be sustained to justify the P/S ratio. However, its regional focus and agile business model could mitigate some of the risks associated with global competition. Investors should monitor its ability to scale distribution channels and differentiate its product offerings in a market where Apple’s ecosystem dominance is a formidable barrier.

Conclusion: The Future is Uncertain, but Not Hopeless

The wearable tech sector is a paradox: it is both saturated and ripe for disruption. Fitbit’s decline serves as a warning that even the most innovative companies can falter without continuous reinvention. Meanwhile, Fitness Fanatics’ IPO—hypothetically positioned as a wearable tech entrant—demonstrates the allure of a market where agility and localization can offset the dominance of tech giants.

For investors, the lesson is clear: diversification is key. While Fitbit’s struggles suggest caution, the sector’s growth potential—projected to reach $138.7 billion by 2033—warrants a measured bet on emerging players. The challenge lies in identifying those with the vision to redefine the category, not merely replicate it. In this high-stakes arena, the winners will be those who can navigate the fine line between innovation and imitation.

Golf’s Tech Revolution: Are Innovations Spoiling the Game? LIV Golf Faces Backlash!

In the world of golf, where tradition meets technology, a seismic shift is underway! Just two months ago at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, the PGA Tour introduced a groundbreaking feature: drone AR smart tracing. While this high-tech marvel dazzles on the surface, a critical question looms—does it enhance the viewer experience, or is it a game-ruining spoiler?

Critics are firing back with a resounding “NO!” at the 2025 St. Jude Championship, where the tech faced fierce criticism from none other than the hosts of Fried Egg Golf. One host boldly declared it “the dumbest thing to hit exist in the history of golf broadcasting.” Their argument is compelling: instead of building suspense and excitement—a hallmark of what makes golf thrilling—this technology reveals outcomes ahead of time, effectively spoiling the drama.

Frankie from Fried Egg Golf hit the nail on the head when he pointed out that golf lacks the physical confrontations found in other sports. “There’s no collisions, there’s no fights, there’s no hits,” he said. Fans tune in for nail-biting putts and the emotional rollercoaster that is the game. “Don’t f*cking tell us the ending. What are you, nuts?” he exclaimed, echoing the frustration of many golf enthusiasts.

But it’s not just the PGA Tour that is under fire. LIV Golf, which launched its own drone technology earlier this season, isn’t escaping the heat either. The hosts of the Fore Play Podcast Plus weighed in, highlighting their struggles with LIV Golf’s Drone Tracer tech. Trent voiced his concerns, asserting, “I struggle with it,” while Riggs lamented, “In golf, that’s kind of the excitement that we get. And they’re just telling us what it’s going to do.”

Originally, golf’s tracer technology was rudimentary, merely aiding players in shot evaluations. The introduction of radar-based launch monitors in the early 2000s heralded a new era, improving precision in tracking essential metrics. Yet, despite these advancements, LIV Golf continues to invest heavily in technology—even to the tune of billions.

LIV Golf’s tech chief boldly stated that they are “creating a more connected and engaged future” for the sport. In a remarkable move, the league recently inked a deal with Salesforce, a tech behemoth valued at $250.11 billion. This partnership aims to revolutionize the fan experience, tournament logistics, and player engagement through AI technology via Salesforce’s cutting-edge Agentforce platform.

Bryson DeChambeau, a prominent figure in LIV Golf, expressed palpable excitement about the partnership, saying, “We are excited about a long, impactful future ahead for LIV Golf, buoyed by our ability to welcome and engage a broader, more diverse global audience.”

Denise Taylor, LIV Golf’s Head of Product and Technology, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting, “Our partnership with Salesforce marks a major step forward. With Agentforce, we’re bringing the power of AI technology to the forefront of sport, creating a more connected and engaged future for our fans, players, and the fantastic game of golf.”

The revolutionary Agentforce will introduce a feature known as Fan Caddie, delivering real-time updates directly to fans through the LIV mobile app. This will include shot-by-shot analyses, player stats, ticketing assistance, and personalized content suggestions. Moreover, Agent Caddie promises to enhance broadcasts with predictive outcomes and strategic insights, paving the way for a new era in golf viewership.

Furthermore, LIV Golf has already garnered accolades for its innovative Any Shot, Any Time feature, winning the Sports Technology Award for Best Use of Fan Engagement Technology. This initiative has been praised for its ability to provide fans with immediate, customized experiences that redefine how they engage with live golf.

As the dust settles on this technological upheaval, one thing is clear: the future of golf is intertwined with tech, for better or worse. The question remains—will these innovations elevate the sport, or will they overshadow the very essence of what makes golf captivating? The debate rages on, and fans are left to wonder: is the thrill of the game worth sacrificing for the sake of technology? One thing is certain: golf will never be the same again!

You might want to think twice before you put a lot of stock in the latest stress charts from your fitness wearable. A recent study from the Netherlands’ Leiden University, published in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, has found that when smartwatches and similar devices record readings on stress, fatigue or sleep, they’re frequently getting it wrong.

Researchers studied 800 young adults using the same Garmin Vivosmart 4 smartwatch model. They compared the data the smartwatches produced with the reports that the users created four times per day about how sleepy or stressed they were feeling. Lead author and associate professor Eiko Fried said the correlation between the wearable data and the user-created data was, “basically zero.”

A representative for Garmin did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Stressed or sex? Your watch doesn’t know

So why do wearables like fitness smartwatches get it so wrong? Their sensors are fairly limited in what they can do. Watches like these need to be worn correctly at all times (a loose or tight watch may give poor readings, for example), and they typically use basic information like pulse rate and movement to make guesses about health.

Those guesses don’t always reflect real-world scenarios. A wearable may identify high stress when the real cause of the change was a workout, excitement over good news, or sex. There are so many potential alternatives to stress or fatigue that the watches in the study never really got it right — and the devices sometimes guessed the complete opposite emotional state from what users recorded.

The Dutch study did note that Garmin’s Body Battery readings, which specifically measure physical fatigue, were more reliable than stress indicators, but still inaccurate. And sleep sensing performed the best of them all, with Garmin watches showing a two-thirds chance of noting the differences between a good night’s sleep and a bad one.

It’s also worth noting that smartwatch sensors can become more accurate as technology improves. It would be interesting to run a similar study with the newer Garmin Vivosmart 5 to see if anything has improved, as well as see if other models like the latest versions of the Apple Watch have similar accuracy results.