NEW YORK, NY – Manhattan University, an NCAA Division I member institution with 21 men’s and women’s sports teams, has announced a pioneering, long-term alliance with the U.S.-based sportswear brand, Capelli Sport. This groundbreaking partnership ushers in a new era for Manhattan University’s athletic programs and signifies Capelli Sport’s first step and expansion into collegiate athletics.

The joint announcement was made by Irma Garcia, Director of Athletics, and George Altirs, President and CEO of Capelli Sport, which was founded in 2011 and has strong roots in international soccer.

The initial phase of the new partnership will provide all of Manhattan’s student-athletes, coaches, and staff with customized, team and sport-specific, high-performance Capelli Sport uniforms and training gear. 

In addition, both Manhattan and Capelli Sport have agreed to explore and collaborate on select co-branding initiatives, retail opportunities, and sponsorship ideas to expand the partnership across Manhattan Athletics and provide campus-wide options for all students and the Jasper alumni base.

“This partnership is about more than uniforms. It’s about progress,” said Irma Garcia, Director of Athletics. “Capelli Sport understands the power of storytelling through sport, and together, we’re redefining what it means to be a Jasper. From the Bronx to the national stage, our teams will be competing with pride, purpose, and a brand that represents our vision for the future.”

“I am thrilled with this new, cutting-edge alliance between Manhattan and Capelli Sport, and know that this is just the first step of many between our two organizations that share a similar vision and passion for sports,” said Frederick Bonato, President of Manhattan University.

Capelli Sport is a U.S.-based sportswear and footwear company founded in 2011 by entrepreneur George Altirs. Headquartered in New York City, it operates as a subsidiary of GMA Accessories Inc. Capelli Sport’s Manhattan University alliance marks the company’s first comprehensive, NCAA Division 1 partnership. Capelli was recently announced as the official apparel partner of USA Lacrosse and USA Field Hockey.

“This partnership with Manhattan University marks a pivotal moment in Capelli Sport’s journey to becoming a leader in multi-sport outfitting. Supporting all 21 Division I programs at one institution reflects our commitment to excellence across every sport. Manhattan University sets the standard for what a comprehensive partnership should look like, and together, we’re laying the groundwork for the next chapter of growth in collegiate athletics,” said Capelli Sport Founder & CEO, George Altirs.

This partnership promises to elevate Manhattan University’s athletic programs and provide student-athletes with top-tier performance gear. Fans can look forward to an early preview of the new look and branding this summer,with official rollouts across social media and GoJaspers.com leading into the fall season.

About Manhattan University

Located in Riverdale, Bronx, New York, Manhattan University is a private, Catholic liberal arts institution offering more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. As a proud NCAA Division I member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), Manhattan Athletics has a long-standing tradition of academic and athletic excellence. Learn more at gojaspers.com.

About Capelli Sport

Capelli Sport is a global sports brand based in New York City. The company is a leader in sports, lifestyle apparel and equipment. Capelli Sport enables athletes and teams to maximize their potential through a unique global sports ecosystem.  Learn more at capellisport.com and find Capelli Sport on Instagram (@CapelliSport).

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa. — The Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League (MCVL) announced its 2024-25 All-Academic team on Monday, recognizing all MCVL student-athletes that earned a varsity letter and had a 3.3 GPA or above. 
 
The Adrian College men’s volleyball team landed nine players on the MCVL All-Academic Team for the second year in a row.

Landing on the team this season were Seniors, Beck Fieldhouse, Micah Low, and Zach Molnar. Sophomores, Andrew Graczyk, Carles Baza, Sam Landers, and William Morris were also named to the squad, along with Freshmen, Nathan Webster and Jahryck Muliagatele.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry.
Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

Former Zimbabwean swimmer Kirsty Coventry took over the leadership of the International Olympic Committee from Thomas Bach, with the 2028 Los Angeles Games already threatening to fill her in-tray to overflowing.

Coventry, who starts her eight-year spell officially on Tuesday (US Time) as the most powerful sports administrator in the world, became the first woman and first African to be elected head of the Olympic ruling body in March.

Much of the discussion during campaigning focused on the IOC’s need for change in its marketing strategies, with several top Olympic sponsors having left in the past 12 months.

However, with Los Angeles hit by protests against immigration raids, and relations tense between state and city officials, and the US government, the 2028 Games have become the major talking point in the movement that would ordinarily be focusing on next year’s Milano-Cortina Winter Games.

Coventry has long-standing ties with the United States, dating back to her time as a leading swimmer at Auburn University in Alabama. That will prove useful ahead of LA 2028, and she has said she would seek to meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss the Games.

Coventry will also need to find time to help secure the long-term finances of the movement.

The IOC, which generates billions of dollars in revenues each year in sponsorship and broadcasting deals for the Olympics, has secured US$7.3 billion for 2025-28 and $6.2 billion for 2029-2032.

More contracts are expected for both periods.

Commercial Opportunities

Coventry is also expected to continue the IOC’s plans to expand commercial opportunities for sponsors at the Olympics, with the organisation’s finances in a robust state and the privately-funded LA Olympics a good place to start.

Coventry needed only one round of voting to clinch the race to succeed Bach, beating six other candidates, making history for the African continent, with the IOC having been ruled for 131 years by European or North American men.

Her background and being the first female president will be assets in a diverse IOC membership and the international makeup of Olympic stakeholders.

On Monday (US Time) she was handed the golden key to the IOC by Bach, who was the organisation’s president for 12 years.

“I am really honoured I get to walk this journey with you. I cannot wait for anything that lies ahead,” Coventry said in her address to IOC members and other Olympic stakeholders.

“I know I have the best team to support me and our movement over the next eight years.”

Coventry will hold a two-day workshop this week to get feedback from members on key IOC issues.

“Working together and consistently finding ways to strengthen and keep united our movement that will ensure that we wake up daily… to continue to inspire,” she said.

A seven-times Olympic medallist, Coventry won 200m backstroke gold at the 2004 Athens Games and in Beijing four years later.

“With her election, you have also sent a powerful message to the world: the IOC continues to evolve,” Bach said in his speech.

“With Kirsty Coventry, the Olympic movement will be in the best of hands.”

-Reuters

An updated edition of the May 2, 2025 article.

Over the last two decades, the entertainment landscape has undergone a transformative shift, moving away from traditional cable television toward digital, on-demand streaming. Although early experiments with streaming surfaced in the 1990s, the real acceleration began with the launch of YouTube in 2005 and Netflix’s video-on-demand service in 2007. The rapid adoption of smartphones, widespread broadband access and evolving consumer viewing habits have made streaming the dominant method for consuming media today. Industry giants like Netflix NFLX, The Walt Disney Company DIS and Spotify Technology S.A. SPOT have been at the forefront of this shift.

Streaming technology enables instant playback of video and audio content over the internet without requiring downloads, offering seamless performance with minimal buffering. Its accessibility across devices such as smartphones, tablets and smart TVs has reshaped media engagement. Audiences are increasingly drawn to the flexibility and convenience of viewing content on their own schedules, often with fewer advertisements than found on traditional platforms. To retain viewer interest, companies are investing heavily in exclusive and original programming, sparking an intense competition dubbed the “content wars.”

Ongoing innovation continues to fuel industry growth. Expanding global internet coverage, the rise of mobile consumption and AI-powered personalization have enhanced the streaming experience. Additionally, the proliferation of connected devices like smart TVs and gaming consoles has broadened the user base for streaming services.

According to research by Ampere Analysis, the global video streaming market is expected to generate $190 billion annually from 2 billion paid subscriptions by 2029. While Subscription Video-on-Demand remains dominant, Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV and hybrid models are gaining popularity. Live sports, interactive events and gamified content are further deepening audience engagement.

For investors, streaming stocks offer an attractive prospect as top players continue to drive revenue growth through price adjustments, global expansion and the rising popularity of ad-supported platforms. Initiatives like localized content production and strategic partnerships are further enhancing their international presence, solidifying the streaming sector’s reputation as a vibrant and potentially lucrative investment arena.

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Netflix, a pioneer in the streaming space, launched its on-demand streaming platform in 2007. Building on its extensive content library and steadily growing its global presence, the company transformed from a humble DVD rental service into a dominant force in the world of digital entertainment.

Netflix’s growth outlook remains strong, driven by its aggressive investment in original content and collaboration with top-tier Hollywood talent. This strategy has significantly enhanced the appeal of its movies and series, helping Netflix stand out in an increasingly competitive streaming landscape. By producing high-quality, exclusive content, the company continues to strengthen its brand identity and viewer loyalty. These efforts not only attract new subscribers but also boost engagement and retention across existing markets, reinforcing Netflix’s leadership position in digital entertainment. NFLX carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

International expansion has become a cornerstone of Netflix’s success. The company’s localized content strategy — focused on developing shows and films in native languages —has fueled subscriber growth across diverse markets. Strong viewer engagement, with average watch time nearing two hours daily per user, underscores the effectiveness of this approach. With projects underway in regions like India, Mexico, Germany, France and the Middle East and low-cost mobile plans gaining traction in price-sensitive countries, Netflix is unlocking new growth avenues beyond traditional Western markets.

Netflix has set its sights on doubling revenues by 2030 and reaching a $1 trillion market capitalization. Key pillars of this strategy include broadening its content library, building a live programming slate, growing its gaming segment and accelerating its ad-supported tier. The ad-supported subscription tier has already gained remarkable traction, with more than 55% of new subscribers in markets where it’s available choosing the ad-supported option. Management projects advertising revenues to hit $9 billion annually by 2030, underscoring the potential of ads as a major driver of long-term, sustainable growth.

Disney made its foray into the streaming industry in 2019 with the launch of Disney+, rapidly attracting a large subscriber base. The company now operates three major streaming platforms — Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu — each catering to distinct audience segments. Disney+ delivers content from its vast portfolio, ESPN+ centers on sports, and Hulu provides a mix of original series and licensed content. These platforms are positioned as key long-term growth engines, signaling Disney’s transition from focusing solely on subscriber gains to prioritizing profitability.

Disney+ has become a major catalyst for Disney’s growth, thanks to its strong and diverse content lineup. The platform features an extensive library of films and TV shows from some of the world’s most popular entertainment brands, including Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, National Geographic and exclusive Disney+ originals.

In the coming years, Disney plans to release several high-profile, big-budget films, many of which will be available on Disney+ at the same time as their theatrical debuts. This strategy is expected to boost viewer engagement and attract new subscribers, reinforcing Disney’s competitive edge in the streaming market. DIS currently has a Zacks Rank #3.

To remain ahead in an increasingly crowded field, Disney is enhancing its streaming offerings. The addition of an ESPN tile on Disney+ and investing in platform improvements highlight its focus on user experience and content accessibility. Its emphasis on sports content, especially live sporting events, is anticipated to be a significant driver of long-term growth.

Spotify’s long-term growth trajectory is underpinned by its expanding presence across music, podcasts and audiobooks. Since its launch in 2008, Spotify has redefined audio streaming, consistently evolving its platform to meet user demand. With a catalog of more than 100 million tracks, nearly 7 million podcasts and hundreds of thousands of audiobooks, Spotify offers unmatched variety. Its move into podcasting and later into audiobooks has broadened its reach, positioning the company at the center of the digital audio revolution.

The platform’s global scale — available in more than 180 markets with 678 million monthly active users — continues to fuel growth. Spotify’s success in emerging markets, especially in Latin America and the “Rest of World” category, highlights its effective localization strategy. Its targeted efforts, such as low-cost mobile plans in countries like India and Indonesia and support for regional content, have allowed it to expand its subscriber base and deepen user engagement. This results in strong user retention and consistent revenue growth across both Premium and Ad-Supported models. SPOT currently has a Zacks Rank #3.

Spotify’s strategic investments in product innovation and monetization are key growth drivers. The company is scaling its ad-tech capabilities, expanding its Spotify Ad Exchange and automated ad tools to better serve marketers. Simultaneously, its growing audiobooks and podcast ecosystem opens new monetization channels. Its ability to combine content, technology and data-driven personalization supports a clear path for long-term expansion and value creation.

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

Saint Augustine’s University, a once-dominant force in D2 and HBCU athletics, has lost its membership in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The CIAA Board of Directors voted not to extend the Raleigh-based HBCU’s membership due to ongoing compliance and operational challenges.

The decision removes Saint Augustine’s from CIAA competition for the 2024–25 academic year. The university did not field teams in football, volleyball, or softball this year. While it met the NCAA Division II minimum of sponsoring 10 sports, questions remain about its ability to meet scheduling and reporting requirements.

A Rare Independent Status in HBCU Sports

Saint Augustine’s already competed as an independent in women’s cross country last season. Now, that independent status will expand to all sports. The Falcons will not be eligible for CIAA standings or championship events during the suspension.

This move leaves Saint Augustine’s without a conference home, a rare and difficult position for any HBCU. The school’s games will not count toward CIAA records, further isolating its athletes from traditional competition.

From Track Powerhouse to Uncertainty

This fall from grace is especially striking given the school’s legacy in track and field. Under legendary coach George Williams, the Falcons built an unmatched track dynasty. The program claimed more than 30 NCAA Division II national championships and produced Olympic talent. For decades, no HBCU or Division II program could rival its success.

Today, that legacy is overshadowed by instability. Saint Augustine’s financial and leadership struggles have affected its athletic future.

Hope for a Comeback

In its 2024-2025 decision to suspend the university, the CIAA expressed hope that Saint Augustine’s could stabilize and rejoin the conference. For now, the once-dominant HBCU faces the challenge of rebuilding its athletic programs and regaining its footing.

As the CIAA continues with 12 active members, the absence of Saint Augustine’s is a stark reminder of the challenges some HBCUs face. Supporters and alumni now hope to see the Falcons rise again—and reclaim their place in HBCU sports history.

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