Sports
Beach Volleyball’s OVC Championship Run Ends In The Semifinals
Story Links CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Lindenwood beach volleyball (15-14, 4-6 OVC) fought til the very end the Ohio Valley Conference Championship semifinal match against UT Martin (24-9, 7-3 OVC) but fell by a final score 3-2. The match came down to the final set in the three pairs as the Lions’ third […]
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Lindenwood beach volleyball (15-14, 4-6 OVC) fought til the very end the Ohio Valley Conference Championship semifinal match against UT Martin (24-9, 7-3 OVC) but fell by a final score 3-2. The match came down to the final set in the three pairs as the Lions’ third Division I season comes to a close.
The Skyhawks picked up the first point in the match ending the historic run by the Lindenwood fours duo of Gabby Belcher and Aubrey Sheppard. After losing the first set 14-21, the Lions responded in the second winning 21-17. Coming down to the third set, Belcher and Sheppard lost their first match of the tournament by a score of 12-15.
Myah Hough and Sienna King were able to tie the match at 1-1 after defeating Kylie Surratt and Kristin Phillips in the fives. The duo went the distance in three sets winning by scores of 19-21, 21-15 and 15-9. Both teams split in the fours and fives resulting in a best two out of three scenario.
Lindenwood’s twos pair of Nyah Wilson and Katie Bockhorst gave the Lions’ a chance picking up the second point of the match in a convincing two set victory over Olivia O’Keefe and Kayla Bryant. The twos pair took care of business by scores of 21-18 and 21-14 putting the Lions on top 2-1.
The final two matches went the distance in three sets as the Skyhawks evened up the series winning in the ones. Abby Jacobs and Annalie McWhorter fell in the top pair by scores of 16-21, 21-16 and 8-15.
For the second straight day, the Lions ended the match in the threes with Abby VanBuskirk and Taylor Gentemann. After dropping the first set against UT Martin by a score of 15-21, they responded in the second winning 21-17. Coming down the stretch, Lindenwood trailed in a match point situation twice but responded to take the lead at 15-14. A missed serve by the Lions opened the door for the Skyhawks who ended the match on a 3-0 run to take the set and the match. UT Martin will now battle Chattanooga for the Championship match.
Lindenwood ended the season with 15 wins marking the second consecutive season that they have reached that win total. This also marked the second straight season the Lions have made it to the OVC semifinals. For more information on Lindenwood beach volleyball go to lindenwoodlions.com.
Sports
Volleyball to Host Stanford in 2025 “Showdown at the Net”
Story Links COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri volleyball will host Stanford in the 2025 “Showdown at the Net” Southeastern Conference/Atlantic Coast Conference Challenge, ESPN Events announced Thursday. The Tigers will take on Stanford on Tuesday, Sept. 9 in a linear matchup on ESPN at Hearnes Center. Start time to […]
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri volleyball will host Stanford in the 2025 “Showdown at the Net” Southeastern Conference/Atlantic Coast Conference Challenge, ESPN Events announced Thursday.
The Tigers will take on Stanford on Tuesday, Sept. 9 in a linear matchup on ESPN at Hearnes Center. Start time to be announced at a later date.
MU is 0-2 in its all-time series with Stanford as the two teams last met in the 2006 NCAA Tournament on Dec. 3, with the host Cardinal taking a 3-2 decision in Palo Alto, California.
Prior to that meeting, Stanford swept the Tigers on Sept. 5, 1997.
Besides the Mizzou-Stanford match on Tuesday, Sept. 9, “Showdown at the Net” action SEC-ACC matchups also include Texas A&M at SMU (ESPN2), Georgia Tech at Tennessee (SECN), Florida at North Carolina (ACCN), Georgia at Clemson (ACCNX), Virginia at Auburn (SECN+), LSU at Notre Dame (ACCNX) and Boston College at Arkansas (SECN+).
“We are thrilled to showcase these two conferences in the ‘Showdown at the Net’,” said Stephanie Grant, Director of ESPN Events. “The sport of volleyball is continuing to skyrocket, and we are excited for the opportunity to stage this event not only in Fort Worth, but in SEC/ACC matchups across the country.”
Wednesday, Sept. 10 continues the cross-conference challenge with Florida State at Oklahoma (SECN), South Carolina at NC State (ACCN), Ole Miss at Miami (ACCNX), Vanderbilt at Cal (ACCNX), Wake Forest at Alabama (SECN+) and Duke at Mississippi State (SECN+).
“We are excited to have the Southeastern Conference participate in the first edition of ‘Showdown at the Net’,” said Misty Brown, SEC Assistant Commissioner. “We look forward to seeing some high-caliber volleyball as the storied programs from the SEC prepare to build upon their recent successes during the 2025 season.”
Wednesday, Sept. 10 also includes the inaugural Shriners Children’s ‘Showdown at the Net’. The four-team showcase will feature Kentucky vs. Pitt and Texas vs. Louisville at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Both matches will air on ESPN, with start times to be announced at a later date.
“Showdown at the Net” Schedule
Tuesday, September 9
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Boston College at Arkansas
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SECN+
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Virginia at Auburn
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SECN+
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Florida at North Carolina
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ACCN
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Georgia at Clemson
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ACCNX
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LSU at Notre Dame
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ACCNX
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Stanford at Missouri
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ESPN
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Georgia Tech at Tennessee
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SECN
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Texas A&M at SMU
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ESPN2
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Wednesday, September 10
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Wake Forest at Alabama
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SECN+
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Kentucky vs. Pitt (at Dickies Arena)
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ESPN
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Ole Miss at Miami
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ACCNX
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Duke at Mississippi State
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SECN+
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Florida State at Oklahoma
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SECN
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South Carolina at NC State
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ACCN
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Louisville vs. Texas (at Dickies Arena)
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ESPN
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Vanderbilt at Cal
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ACCNX
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FOLLOW THE TIGERS
- For all the latest information on Mizzou volleyball, please visit MUTigers.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Tigers on X, Instagram, and Facebook
Sports
Celebrate Summer with the Huskies at the SEF Huskie Royale
Story Links Get Tickets and Bid on Silent Auction Items DeKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University Athletics and the Huskie Athletic Fund have once again paired up with the Sycamore Education Foundation to present the SEF Huskie Royale, an evening of fun, food and […]
DeKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University Athletics and the Huskie Athletic Fund have once again paired up with the Sycamore Education Foundation to present the SEF Huskie Royale, an evening of fun, food and games with this year’s “Summer Solstice” theme celebrating the long, hot days of summer. This 2025 event is set for Friday, June 6 from 6-11 p.m. at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center on the NIU campus.
Fans, friends and community members are invited to come together to enjoy an evening of entertainment featuring casino-style games, a Brazilian steakhouse-themed buffet and a private concert by Chicago country music artist Mackenzie O’Brien.
Proceeds from the 2025 SEF Huskie Royale support NIU Athletics and educational opportunities in the community through the Sycamore Education Foundation.
Tickets to the event are $150 each with a “Couples Package” available for $475 that includes two tickets and 20 High Roller raffle tickets, which will be on sale for purchase to anyone in attendance at a cost of $100 for 10 tickets if purchased in advance or seven for $100 at the Huskie Royale. Attendees will enjoy an open bar cocktail hour featuring select beer and wines from 6-7:30 p.m., the buffet with food available throughout the evening, music, and $100 in entertainment casino chips with unlimited refills.
Play blackjack, roulette, craps and more while mingling with Huskie coaches and staff, including football head coach Thomas Hammock, new women’s basketball head coach Jaycee Brooks and Sean T. Frazier, vice president and director of athletics and recreation. With the Huskie Summer Circuit on hiatus this year, the SEF Huskie Royale is the perfect place to check in with your favorite coach and program in a relaxed and fun-filled setting while supporting Huskie Athletics and the local community.
Note that casino games are set up for your enjoyment and entertainment only and do not have a monetary value.
Several unique experiences will be up for bid for those in attendance at the event, while the Huskie Royale silent auction is now open to anyone at NIUHuskies.com/HuskieRoyale25 and offers travel experiences with NIU teams, including NIU football trips to Mississippi State and Maryland, exclusive packages during home games and more. Click the link to see details.
Attendees can purchase High Roller raffle tickets, either in person at the event (7 for $100) or online in advance (10 for $100), for a chance to win items like a signed Huskie football helmet, $150 Victor E. Threads shopping spree, suites at NIU basketball or a Kane County Cougars game, items commemorating NIU’s historic win at Notre Dame, specialty gift baskets and more. Raffle winners must be present to win. Stay tuned to the Huskie Athletic Fund social media platforms for more on the raffle items.
Purchase tickets, including raffle tickets, to the 2025 SEF Huskie Royale online at NIUHuskies.com/HuskieRoyale25 today. For more information or to register by phone, call the Huskie Athletic Fund at 815-753-1923.
— NIU —
Twitter: @NIUAthletics
Facebook: NIU Huskies
Instagram: niuhuskies
YouTube: NIU Athletics Official
Sports
Is India next for Allianz to make a naming rights splash?
Allianz recently secured naming rights to English rugby’s iconic Twickenham Stadium. (Credit: Allianz) Allianz is recognized as a leading insurance and asset management company globally. It serves over 125 million clients across more than 70 countries, illustrating its extensive reach and influence in the insurance sector. The company is deeply engaged with several sports entities […]
Allianz is recognized as a leading insurance and asset management company globally. It serves over 125 million clients across more than 70 countries, illustrating its extensive reach and influence in the insurance sector.
The company is deeply engaged with several sports entities across diverse disciplines, including multi-sport games, soccer, and motorsport. Allianz views sports sponsorship as an effective marketing tool that resonates with both existing and potential customers, fostering positive brand perceptions and strengthening brand preference.
According to GlobalData, Allianz is currently involved in 42 separate agreements worth $142.1 million per year. A core element of Allianz’s sponsorship strategy is securing naming rights to prominent sports stadiums across various continents, including Europe, North America, South and Central America, and Oceania.
These naming rights agreements signify the brand’s approach to achieving global reach with local impact, aiming to bolster brand presence in specific markets and forge stronger connections with local communities. To date, Asia has not been a priority market for the brand for sports sponsorship.
The most recent naming rights agreement the company has secured is a multi-year deal in England with the Rugby Football Union (RFU), reportedly worth £10 million annually, which is equivalent to $12.8 million annually based on GlobalData’s conversion methodology.
This agreement designates Allianz as title sponsor of the RFU’s Twickenham home, which has now been renamed Allianz Stadium Twickenham. Allianz appears to have come to the aid of the RFU, which reported unprecedented losses of £37.9 million for the 12 months ending in June 2024.
Allianz continues to seek expansion in various territories, including Asia. The company’s asset management division, AllianzGI, received approval in 2019 from the China Securities Regulatory Commission to operate as a foreign-owned public fund management company in mainland China. This move is significant for Allianz, as it allows the company to tap into one of the largest and fastest-growing markets in the world, enhancing its asset management services in Asia.
India is another target for Allianz as a growth market, despite the company selling to the Bajaj Group its 26% stake in non-life and life insurance joint ventures with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company. Allianz has stated that it still plans to explore new opportunities to strengthen its position in the insurance sector across India, both as an investor and an operator.
Looking at India’s insurance sector, the country is expected to have the third-largest economy globally by the end of the decade. This impressive economic growth will generate rising disposable incomes, with many Indian citizens seeking to increase their financial and risk awareness, which will boost insurance demand nationwide.
The Indian insurance sector, particularly the general insurance industry, is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years.
According to GlobalData, the general insurance industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9%, increasing from INR 3.35 trillion (approximately $40.36 billion) in 2024 to INR 4.89 trillion (around $57.3 billion) by 2028, based on gross written premiums (GWP).
In the next five years, India is expected to develop at the fastest rate among the Group of 20 (G20) nations.
A significant way for Allianz to enhance its brand visibility in India would be to secure a naming rights agreement with one of the nation’s most popular cricket stadiums.
With cricket often described as a religion in India, associating the Allianz brand with one of the country’s most renowned stadiums could be a crucial way to engage with their target audience. Over 600 million people in India watch cricket, representing a substantial portion of the nation’s total sports audience.
The commercial value of cricket in India, particularly through the IPL, is not only significant but also poised for further growth.
The combination of high match valuations, with the per-game value of domestic TV rights reaching approximately $13.78 million for matches between 2023 and 2027, extensive sponsorship deals, and the potential for further growth of the women’s IPL competition contributes to a thriving cricket economy. This underscores the potential benefits for Allianz in being associated with Indian cricket.
Since 2016, GlobalData estimates that the largest annual deal involving an insurance company and an Indian sports property is the active agreement between SBI Life Insurance and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), worth an estimated $5 million per year. The Indian life insurance company based in Mumbai serves as the official partner of the BCCI for both domestic and international home cricket.
GlobalData reports that Allianz’s 42 current sponsorship deals worldwide are spread across 11 different sports. However, the brand is not currently investing in any cricket-related sports properties. Nevertheless, the company has a history of investing in sponsorship opportunities in the sport.
If Allianz aims to expand its naming rights sponsorship portfolio, India would be an intriguing location, given the nation’s financial forecasts and the size of the customer base that Allianz could target. This move would be significant for Allianz, as it would mark the company’s first major venue naming rights deal in Asia.
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Sports
West Texas A&M Ready for the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships
Story Links CANYON, Texas – The West Texas A&M Buffs and Lady Buffs conclude their 2025 schedule this weekend as they travel to Pueblo, Colorado to take part in the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Neta & Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl on the campus of Colorado State-Pueblo. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS […]
CANYON, Texas – The West Texas A&M Buffs and Lady Buffs conclude their 2025 schedule this weekend as they travel to Pueblo, Colorado to take part in the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Neta & Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl on the campus of Colorado State-Pueblo.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
CHAMPIONSHIPS HISTORY – MEN | WOMEN
HEAT SHEETS – MEN | WOMEN
LIVE RESULTS
LIVE VIDEO – Day One
LIVE VIDEO – Day Two
LIVE VIDEO – Day Three
LIVE VIDEO – THROWS (RMAC NETWORK)
WT sends 30 student-athletes to Pueblo (14 women, 16 men) as both programs have high hopes of a podium finish, West Texas A&M combined for 30 USTFCCCA All-Region accolades announced last week. The Buffs are ranked 2nd in the USTFCCCA Outdoor T&F Index entering the weekend with the Lady Buffs sitting 4th.
Matt Stewart is in his eighth season leading the storied West Texas A&M Track & Field program, winning the Lone Star Conference Outdoor Coach of the Year honors on both the men’s and women’s side. Stewart and the Lady Buffs won the Outdoor Track & Field National Championship in 2017 and 2022.
Live updates throughout the weekend will also be available on the West Texas A&M Track & Field social media accounts on X and Instagram.
Women’s Entries
100m – Deborah Acheampong
200m – Deborah Acheampong
400m – Blessing Akintoye
400m – Peace Nwaelehia
400m Hurdles – Asana Hamidu
800m – Abigail Abugire
1,500m – Sarah Koomson
5,000m – Naomi Addo
5,000m – Sarah Koomson
5,000m – Elise Leveel
5,000m – Kalkidan Vincendeau
10,000m – Naomi Addo
10,000m – Elise Leveel
3,000m Steeplechase – Eliette Chaput
Triple Jump – Leidy Cuesta
Triple Jump – Audrey Uzoukwu
Discus – Jada Sewell
4x100m Relay – Deborah Acheampong, Blessing Akintoye, Leah Belfield, Peace Nwaelehia
4x400m Relay – Abigail Abugire, Blessing Akintoye, Asana Hamidu, Peace Nwaelehia
Men’s Entries
100m – Isaac Botsio
100m – James Dadzie
110m Hurdles – Troy Whyte
200m – James Dadzie
400m Hurdles – Troy Whyte
800m – Prince Mcabelo
1,500m – Aziz Mohammed
5,000m – William Amponsah
5,000m – Adrian Legarreta
10,000m – William Amponsah
10,000m – Adrian Legarreta
3,000m Steeplechase – Matthys Bourse
Long Jump – Joseph Oreva
Triple Jump – Manuel Cuesta
Triple Jump – Anas Fadil
Hammer Throw – Khalil Bedoui
Shot Put – Luke Holcombe
4x100m Relay – Isaac Botsio, James Dadzie, Jerry Jakpa, Jace Lynch
Decathlon – Romet Vahter
Sports
Investor Julia Koch looking to buy minority stake in New York Giants, source says
Julia Koch attends Blaine & Paul Wilmot Celebrate Behind The Blue Door: A Maximalist Mantra By John Demsey Book Party in New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. Patrick McMullan | Getty Images Investor Julia Koch is looking into buying a limited partnership in the NFL’s New York Giants, a person familiar with the matter confirmed […]
Investor Julia Koch is looking into buying a limited partnership in the NFL’s New York Giants, a person familiar with the matter confirmed to CNBC.
About a year ago, Koch bought a 15% stake in BSE Global, the parent company of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, WNBA’s New York Liberty, and Barclays Center. That stake had a $6 billion valuation, according to a person familiar with the terms of the sale.
Koch and her family are interested in additional investments in teams, especially in the New York market, according to a person familiar with Koch’s thinking.
The people familiar asked to remain unnamed because they are not authorized to speak to the public on these matters.
Koch and her family have a net worth of $74 billion, according to Forbes.
Both the New York Giants and a representative for Julia Koch declined to comment to CNBC on the matter.
Others have been mentioned as possible investors in the Giants, including the team’s former quarterback Eli Manning, who told CNBC he’d be interested in investing in the team. It has also been reported that former Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry and former Giants great Michael Strahan were interested in buying a piece of the Giants.
In CNBC’s NFL team valuations published in September, the Giants were valued at $7.85 billion, fourth highest among the league’s 32 teams.
Two people familiar with the matter told CNBC that the situation around investment in the Giants remains very fluid, with different individuals and groups speaking with each other about forming a limited partnership to buy a stake. The stake is likely to be less than 10%, according to another person familiar with the matter.
There has been a spate of limited partner sales of NFL teams over the past several months. In December, an 8% stake in the Philadelphia Eagles went for $8.3 billion. Also in December, Ares Management and Joe Tsai, owner of BSE Global, bought minority stakes in the Miami Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Grand Prix F1 race and about half the Miami Open tennis tournament. That stake has a valuation of $8.1 billion, according to a person familiar with the sale. On Tuesday, the NFL approved the sale of 6.2% of the San Francisco 49ers at an $8.6 billion valuation, according to a person familiar with that sale.
One reason for the high valuations, according to a sports banker who also asked to remain unnamed in order to speak freely, is that NFL owners in August voted to allow private equity firms to invest in the teams, something MLB, NBA and NHL had all previously approved. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told CNBC’s Scott Wapner on Monday that the league will likely allow more private equity firms to buy into the NFL.
Sports
Boys’ Volleyball Team Wins SWC Opener – The Newtown Bee
Published: May 22, 2025 9:13 am Newtown High School’s boys’ volleyball team, the No. 4 seed, defeated visiting Kolbe Cathedral of Bridgeport, the No. 5 seed, 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-21) in the South-West Conference Tournament quarterfinals on May 21. With the win, the Nighthawks advance to the semifinals where top seed Joel Barlow of Redding […]
Published: May 22, 2025 9:13 am
Newtown High School’s boys’ volleyball team, the No. 4 seed, defeated visiting Kolbe Cathedral of Bridgeport, the No. 5 seed, 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-21) in the South-West Conference Tournament quarterfinals on May 21.
With the win, the Nighthawks advance to the semifinals where top seed Joel Barlow of Redding awaits for a Tuesday, May 27 match at 6 pm.
No. 2 Masuk of Monroe will host the winner of No 3 Pomperaug and No. 6 Brookfield in the other semi.
A.J. Zatulskis sends the ball over the net for a point in Newtown’s win over Kolbe in SWC playoff action on May 21. —Bee Photo, Hutchison
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