If last year was the summer of AI startup fundraises, this one will go down in history books as the one when machine learning researchers were treated more like pro athletes than Ph.D.s.

The AI talent wars have reached new, almost comical heights. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly dangled offers in the hundreds of millions — and at least one reportedly greater than $1 billion — to lure top talent away from rival firm OpenAI and startups spun out of it, like Mira Murati’s Thinking Machine Labs.

That kind of money sounds more fitting for an NBA draft pick than a machine learning engineer. This absurdity — and the flurry of traditional media attention on it — has fueled the rise of the tech-friendly “Technology Business Programming Network,” or “TBPN” for short.

On the daily talk show, a series of 15-minute interviews with tech’s biggest names and their backers, cohosts John Coogan and Jordi Hays track talent moves with ESPN parlance. Since late June, their “TBPN” X account has posted dozens of baseball-card-style graphics of AI researchers being “traded” between top labs, as if they were athletes swapping jerseys.

“We realized early on that people would call TBPN the Sports Center for tech,” Hays said on Bloomberg’s Odd Lots podcast on Monday, revealing an ironic truth about their branding: “It sounded cool. We didn’t really know what that meant. John and I don’t watch sports at all.”

The duo’s calculated charisma has sparked a social storm because of its redux of the podcast, a played-out format in tech and venture capital. Many main character-coded investors and tech luminaries have podcasts of their own — from Harry Stebbings’ “The Twenty Minute VC” to the “All-In Podcast,” where Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, and David Friedberg hold court online.

In an industry often cautious of media coverage, Coogan and Hays’s inside baseball tone has struck an approving chord. “Tech becoming entertainment is the best thing that could’ve happened for my archetype,” one wrote on X.

Ex-founders flipping the script

The hosts’ intimate familiarity with the startup world — and the access being an ex-founder brings — may afford them a unique vantage point into the tech’s inner workings. Coogan has “never really had a real full time job,” he told Business Insider in April, when we first profiled “TBPN,” but he has built a roster of companies. In 2013, Coogan cofounded Soylent, which quickly amassed a cult following. After Soylent, he cofounded Lucy, which makes nicotine gum and pouches. He’s also an entrepreneur in residence at Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund.

“TBPN” isn’t Coogan’s first time running a tech media playbook. He skims The Wall Street Journal in print while lounging in his gym’s sauna every morning and channeled that ritual into content during the pandemic with a news-driven YouTube channel that has nearly half a million subscribers.

In college, Hays built a YouTube ad network to help podcasts monetize. He then started a fintech company, Party Round, later renamed Capital, which helped startup founders raise money. Capital was acquired by the business banking platform Rho in 2023. Hays also angel invests in early-stage startups and advises others, like Coogan’s Lucy.

The pair decided to take their idea for a founder-friendly talk show more seriously late last year. “We were joking that technology needs a podcast,” Coogan said. “Because, obviously, there’s a ton.”

Two months after their first episode in October 2024, Coogan and Hays were uploading three episodes a week.

In January, they began featuring guests and moved to broadcasting every weekday. Episodes are shot live, and interviews with founders are unedited. Though typically filmed from a soundstage in Los Angeles, Coogan and Hays have increasingly shot live from high-profile tech events, including the Hill & Valley Summit in DC earlier this year and from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange for Figma’s IPO in late July.

Building an AI roster

In July, “TBPN” launched its Metis List, which ranks the top 100 AI researchers, in large part by number of citations on AI research papers, a quantitative estimate of their contributions to the field, Hays said on Odd Lots. At the top of the list, according to Coogan, OpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever, who was early to spot the importance of using transformer technology at Scale, Coogan added, and is the CEO of Safe Superintelligence Inc., known as SSI.

Sustkever’s story also shows fierce competition in the AI sphere. His SSI cofounder, Daniel Gross, left the company in July after his venture investing partner Nat Friedman was tapped to co-lead Meta’s Superintelligence Labs. The Financial Times reported in April that SSI last raised at a $32 billion valuation.

Hays told Odd Lots that he and Coogan obsess over tech “the way that our college friends follow sports.” So far, the duo has interviewed 200 or so guests who work or invest in AI, according to the “TBPN” guest directory. That roster includes OpenAI engineers like Yash Kumar and Isa Fulford; Scott Wu, founder and CEO of Cognition AI, who appeared after the startup acquired AI coding assistant Windsurf; interim Windsurf CEO Jeff Wang also joined that same day; and John Chu, a partner at Khosla Ventures who invests in AI.

Coogan and Hays have breathed new life into the meaning of the tech bro: “The name ‘tech bros’ had been a slur, right?” Hays told Business Insider in April. “We wanted to reclaim that word in a fun way by saying, ‘No, we’re not tech bros — we’re technology brothers.'”

The duo has watched the AI draft from the sidelines, but Coogan and Hays don’t pretend to be journalists. They think of themselves as “digitally-native news anchors,” Hays said.

They aren’t venture capitalists either (though they do occasionally angel invest). While some of their tech brethren have raised funds off their podcast momentum (Stebbings, for example, started 20VC’s fund in 2020 after his podcast took off), the pair has different intentions.

“We want to do what we’re doing now for decades,” Hays said. “We’re not doing this so that in a year we can raise a fund.”

Got a tip? Reach this reporter at jhornstein@insider.com or securely at juliah.22 on Signal. Follow her @julia_hornstein on X.

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Alex Ovechkin has partnered with a Russian technology company to produce a movie, series or documentary about his NHL career.

Yandex and its streaming platform, Kinopoisk, announced the agreement Tuesday.

Ovechkin this past spring broke Wayne Gretzky’s career goals record and has scored 897 going into the final season of his contract with the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin, who turns 40 next month, has — along with his representatives — granted the rights to adapt his career to Yandex’s production label, Plus Studio.

The Moscow native who began his professional career in the Russian league, now the KHL, is expected to take part in commercials and serve as a Yandex ambassador as part of the deal.

Ovechkin has played his entire career with Washington since the Capitals drafted him with the first pick in 2004 and he debuted in 2005. He has been the face of the franchise since, served as their captain since January 2010 and was playoff MVP in 2018 when he led them to their first Stanley Cup championship.

Introduction

The global Aqua Gym Equipment Market is witnessing strong growth, driven by a growing emphasis on low-impact fitness solutions and rehabilitation therapies. Projected to reach USD 1,163.4 Million by 2034, the market is set to grow from USD 668.3 Million in 2024, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.7% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

Aqua gym equipment plays a crucial role in accessible and joint-friendly workouts, particularly for seniors, rehabilitation patients, and fitness enthusiasts seeking effective yet low-impact workout solutions. The increasing popularity of water-based fitness programs and the demand for safer exercise methods are key factors fueling the market’s expansion.

Key Takeaways

• The Aqua Gym Equipment Market is expected to grow from USD 668.3 Million in 2024 to USD 1,163.4 Million by 2034, with a CAGR of 5.7%.
• Cardiovascular Equipment led the product segment in 2024, with a 60.1% market share, driven by demand for low-impact aquatic workouts.
• Specialty Stores dominated the distribution channels in 2024, holding 48.6% of the market share.
• North America held the largest regional share in 2024, valued at USD 267.3 Million, representing 40.5% of the global market.

Key Market Segments

By Product

1. Cardiovascular Equipment: Dominated the market in 2024, accounting for 60.1% of the market share. This category is driven by the rising preference for low-impact workouts, which offer heart-healthy benefits.
2. Strength Training Equipment: Following cardiovascular products, strength training equipment offers resistance-based exercises in water, gaining traction in rehabilitation centers and specialized fitness studios.
3. Others: This category includes balance trainers and flexibility-enhancing tools, which are growing in popularity, especially among athletes and seniors.

By Distribution Channel

1. Specialty Stores: In 2024, specialty stores captured 48.6% of the market share, offering expert guidance and personalized services to consumers.
2. Department Stores and Supermarkets: These retail formats cater primarily to casual buyers, providing convenience and wider accessibility.
3. Online: The online sales channel is witnessing rapid growth, thanks to its vast product selection and competitive pricing.
4. Others: Fitness clubs and water parks also contribute to the promotion and usage of aqua gym equipment.

Drivers

1. Increasing Health Consciousness: Post-pandemic, people are more focused on their health and wellness. The demand for low-impact fitness solutions that promote overall health while reducing the risk of injury is driving the adoption of aqua gym equipment.
2. Rising Popularity of Water-Based Workouts: Water offers natural resistance, which makes it easier on joints, making aquatic exercises particularly appealing for the elderly, people recovering from injuries, and those looking for joint-friendly workout options.
3. Technological Advancements: New developments in aqua gym equipment, such as ergonomic designs and durable materials, are enhancing the overall appeal of these products and encouraging wider adoption.
4. Government Support: Several governments are promoting aquatic therapy as part of public health initiatives, helping to further integrate aqua gym equipment into rehabilitation centers and fitness facilities.

Use Cases

1. Seniors and Rehabilitation Patients: Water-based exercises offer a safe and effective way for seniors to maintain fitness and mobility, while rehabilitation patients can use aqua gym equipment to recover post-surgery or injury.
2. Fitness Enthusiasts: Low-impact, full-body workouts offered by aqua gym equipment appeal to fitness enthusiasts who are looking for effective alternatives to traditional gym exercises.
3. Sports Recovery: Athletes, particularly those in high-impact sports, use aquatic workouts to accelerate recovery, prevent injuries, and build strength without over-stressing their joints.

Major Challenges

1. High Initial Investment: The cost of specialized equipment for water-based workouts is one of the major barriers to adoption. Small gyms, wellness studios, and individuals may struggle with the upfront costs of setting up such facilities.
2. Maintenance Costs: Aqua gym equipment is exposed to water and chlorine, which can cause wear and tear over time. Regular maintenance and part replacements add to the long-term operational costs, potentially deterring some consumers.
3. Market Penetration in Emerging Regions: In some emerging markets, the high costs of both the equipment and the necessary infrastructure are limiting market growth.

Business Opportunities

1. Expansion into Home Fitness: The growing trend of home fitness, especially post-pandemic, is creating demand for compact, affordable aqua gym solutions that can be used in home pools.
2. Smart Equipment: The integration of wearable technology with aqua gym equipment, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, offers a potential area for growth. These devices can track performance metrics like heart rate and calories burned, making the workouts more engaging and personalized.
3. Eco-friendly Products: The increasing focus on sustainability presents an opportunity for manufacturers to innovate with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs, appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers.

Regional Analysis

North America

In 2024, North America led the global market with a share of 40.5%, valued at USD 267.3 Million. The region’s dominance is driven by high health awareness, the rising adoption of water-based fitness programs, and a well-established fitness infrastructure.

Europe

Europe shows significant growth potential, supported by an aging population and a widespread adoption of water-based rehabilitation programs. Public health initiatives promoting physical well-being have also boosted demand for aqua gym equipment in the region.

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific region is rapidly growing due to increasing urbanization, a burgeoning middle class, and rising health consciousness. Countries like China, Japan, and Australia are witnessing a surge in fitness club memberships, driving demand for aqua gym equipment.

Latin America

The market in Latin America is progressing steadily, with Brazil and Mexico leading the way in fitness adoption. Growing awareness about health and wellness is fostering interest in alternative fitness solutions like aqua workouts.

Recent Developments

1. Startup Investment in Aqua Rehabilitation: In November 2024, a UK-based startup secured £500k to develop innovative aqua rehabilitation technology aimed at transforming recovery therapies.
2. Acquisition in Fitness Sector: In January 2024, PROMOUNTINGS® acquired AQUA TRAINING BAG®, expanding its presence in the combat fitness and training equipment market.
3. Partnership for Growth: In February 2025, Waterland Private Equity partnered with WellNess to expand a premium fitness club chain in France, focusing on innovation and international growth.

Conclusion

The Aqua Gym Equipment Market is poised for significant growth, fueled by rising health consciousness, technological advancements, and increasing demand for low-impact fitness solutions. With a strong focus on user-specific needs and environmental sustainability, the market presents numerous opportunities for businesses. The integration of wearable technology and the expansion of home-based fitness solutions offer further avenues for innovation and growth in the coming years. As the global market continues to expand, aqua gym equipment will play an essential role in promoting safer, more effective fitness routines across diverse demographics.

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ESPN Bet and Penn Entertainment are introducing a more personalized and integrated experience to their app.

The new “FanCenter” feature, powered by ESPN and ESPN Bet account-linking technology, will provide a personalized hub on ESPN Bet, allowing fans to wager on their favorite teams, players and ESPN fantasy football rosters.

The new features will be available prior to Week 1 of the NFL regular season, which kicks off on Sept. 4.

“It’s taken us a little more than a year to get here,” ESPN Exec Dir of Product Management Chris Jason told SBJ, “but we do think this is truly the first thing we’ve done together that really is differentiating and worth highlighting.”

Upon linking accounts, fans will be able to wager on their fantasy team rosters in multiple ways, including starter prop bets and personalized parlay options.

“It really is a first-of-its-kind feature for bettors,” said Aaron LaBerge, CTO & Head of Interactive at Penn Entertainment. “You’re not going to see anything like this anywhere else.”

ESPN Fantasy Football set a record last year with over 13 million participants. And, according to ESPN Research, fantasy players are about three times more likely to place bets than non-fantasy players.

“If you’re a fantasy player and a sports bettor, this product is really a dream for you if you check the boxes on both of those things,” LaBerge said. “We’ve been thinking about a product like this for the last 25 years.”

Account linking debuted on ESPN Bet in November, while “Mint Club” debuted in April 2025.

ESPN Bet had just 3% of the U.S. handle share as of May, according to SBJ data. Competitors DraftKings and FanDuel combine for 71.5%. ESPN Bet is legal in 19 states and D.C.

As part of a 10-year, $2B deal between ESPN and Penn, both sides have an opt-out clause after the third year in 2026. That makes this is an especially important NFL season for ESPN Bet and Penn, and a critical time to deliver a new integration.

“Both sides of this partnership made it very clear that we expected to compete for a seat at the podium [among the top sports betting companies],” Penn Entertainment President & CEO Jay Snowden said during a Q1 earnings call in February. “We’re not on pace to do that right now. Our expectations as we’re moving through 2025 are that we’re continuing to show improvement in the sports betting business.”

Penn Entertainment has a Q2 earnings call on Thursday.

Have you noticed your Fitbit is registering you’re awake more during the night, with your graph now showing more awake events than it did previously? It turns out this isn’t a bug lingering from the recent major outage; it’s an intended side effect of a recent update.

That’s according to a note Fitbit shared with its community explaining that “Your sleep tracking just got more accurate.” Noting this is just the first in a “series of upcoming improvements” to sleep tracking.