By COREY WILLIAMS

DETROIT (AP) — As a fan, Shaun Horne is all about Detroit’s professional sports teams. But when it comes to playing, the high school junior has his eyes on one game.

“I only play golf,” Horne said after taking his turn on a simulator inside a gym on Detroit’s westside.

Embracing golf makes the 16-year-old a rarity among his Detroit peers — particularly Black high schoolers.

Coaches and community groups in the city are taking ambitious steps to spread the game’s popularity among students — noting that only about 50 of more than 14,000 high school students in Detroit’s school district play golf on school teams.

In Detroit, the biggest challenge is exposing Black youth to the game, said Jesse Hawkins, who is Black and coaches Horne’s team at Renaissance High School. Backing from local corporations and nonprofits, providing access to equipment and even college scholarships is helping.

“When you go into high schools and you go into elementary schools often times we’ll hear narratives around basketball players, football games, those things,” Hawkins said. “And golf is really not as propagated as much for our community.”

Who’s playing?

In Detroit, advocates of increasing play among Black young people have partnered with some of the city’s largest businesses and community organizations. At least two nonprofits offer programs that teach kids how to play golf.

The Rocket Classic has steered nearly $10 million from the annual PGA event held in Detroit to local charitable organizations. Of that, $800,000 has been given to programs that teach kids how to play the game. One program provides access to college scholarships to high school seniors, while upward of 700 children and teens take part each year in programs put on by First Tee of Greater Detroit.

“Golf is the why we get them there, but while we have them there we’re teaching them life skills,” said Carl Bentley, chief executive of First Tee of Greater Detroit, which has donated a golf simulator to the school district. “Learning how to say ‘yes sir, yes ma’am’ — shake a hand properly, how to start a conversation. We’re teaching them life skills and then we get to putting and swinging and things like that.”

Among the 28.1 million Americans who played golf on a course in 2024, about 25% were Black, Asian or Hispanic, according to the National Golf Foundation. Interest is wider when considering those who played or followed professional golf coverage on TV, in writing or via podcasts.

But Hawkins said his experience as a coach suggests Black high schoolers aren’t among that audience.

“You don’t hear kids talking about the latest golf shoes or the cool golf apparel,” Hawkins said. “You’re not necessarily going to get a badge of honor walking into your high school and you’ve got the newest golf shirt.”

Lack of money is a barrier

Golf and equipment can be pricey, sometimes too pricey for families struggling just to make ends meet.

Detroit, which is just under 80% Black, had a median income of about $39,500 in 2023 compared to $69,100 statewide, according to the census. The city’s poverty level was about 32%. Statewide, that figure was about 13.5%.

A set of good golf clubs can cost a few hundred dollars or more. It’s $28 for juniors to play 18 holes and use a cart weekdays at the two public golf courses in Detroit.

The PGA brought its first event to Detroit in 2019, and city native Dan Gilbert’s Rocket Companies has been its sponsor. The company works with partners to bring the game to Detroit’s youth and cover some of the costs, said Trina Scott, vice president of Civic and Community Affairs at Detroit-based Rock, which is Gilbert’s family office.

“How do we attract Black and brown youth into seeing (golf) as a possibility?” said Scott. “One way of doing that is by making it accessible (and) also eliminating the barriers — being able to have the right clothing to go on a golf course, being able to have the clubs that you need, being able to have the skillset to be confident on the course.”

From the gridiron to the golf course

Mike Schuchard has about a dozen players on his Detroit Cass Tech golf team. That’s about double the number from last season, but only two are considered “varsity level.”

That’s not enough to compete against some suburban schools with strong golf programs.

The first-year golf coach says he’s trying to recruit students who are already interested in others sports.

“These schools are loaded with great athletes, but they just haven’t been introduced to this game, yet,” Schuchard said.

Ahmari Flowers, the senior captain on Cass Tech’s golf team, agrees. He started playing the sport after his freshman year.

“I’m an athletic guy and golf like came easy to me,” said Flowers, 17. “For an athletic person, it’s still a sport, a lot of body movement and all you got to do is control that athleticism and use it to your advantage.”

Origin facility at the Baylor Scott & White Health Sports Therapy & Research building in Frisco. [Photo: Mauricio Rojas/Plug and Play

Origin—a new public-private partnership envisioned by the Frisco Economic Development Corp. and implemented by global innovation platform Plug and Play—has opened at the Baylor Scott & White Health Sports Therapy & Research building in Frisco.

Origin is designed to bring industry-specific accelerator programming, sports-tech innovation in human potential, and international startup support to the region, the city of Frisco said.

Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney and other city leaders joined Plug and Play at Origin’s ribbon cutting. [Photo: Frisco EDC]

“This new facility is proof of what’s possible when a city drives with vision, determination and collaborative partnerships,” Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney said in a statement. “This hub is a starting point for new technologies, businesses and careers in Frisco. I’m excited to see the groundbreaking innovation that will take shape here.”

The city said that Origin has been under development since 2020 and stemmed from the city leadership’s vision to create an open collaboration space for residents to scale their businesses, as well as a networking space for venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, fintech, sportstech, AI, cybersecurity, and other startups.

Plug and Play was selected in 2023 as the facility’s operator due to its “proven ability” to connect startups with large corporations, investors, and industry leaders, the city said.

Inside the Origin innovation hub in Frisco. [Photo: Mauricio Rojas/Plug and Play]

Origin story on Origin

Origin is located on the 10th floor of the Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research building in Frisco.

Origin and Plug and Play’s innovation hub will anchor a joint 6,000-square-foot space designed to bring together startups, investors, and corporate partners at the center of Frisco’s innovation movement, the city said. The space features a flexible design that includes private offices, meeting rooms, and co-working areas designed to accommodate the thriving startup ecosystem.

“Frisco is home to more than 500 tech companies and many top tier leading brands,” Jason Ford, president of the Frisco EDC, said in a statement. “Origin was a strategic investment in Frisco’s future and marks a major step forward in Frisco’s continued rise as a national innovation leader. With the help of Baylor Scott & White and Plug and Play, we’ve created a one-of-a-kind space where new ideas, industries and startups can flourish here in Frisco, all working side by side.”

Inside the Origin innovation hub in Frisco. [Photo: Mauricio Rojas/Plug and Play]

Plug and Play’s largest space outside California

Plug and Play, a Silicon Valley-based innovation acceleration company with an international presence, said the new facility will be the largest space under its operation outside of the company’s California headquarters.

Plug and Play will operate the hub under a membership-based model, and will host networking events, hackathons, workshops, and special presentations open to the greater community.

Inside the Origin innovation hub in Frisco. [Photo: Mauricio Rojas/Plug and Play]

“This innovation hub is more than just a physical space, it’s a signal to the world that Frisco is serious about shaping the future,” Plug and Play Founder and CEO Saeed Amidi said in a statement. “Frisco is already a national model for how sports, business, and innovation can coexist. We’re honored to bring our global network and proven accelerator model to this remarkable community with values perfectly aligned to our own.”

In addition to hosting carefully designed startup cohorts, the city said the space also will be open to Frisco-based entrepreneurs, service providers, and partner institutions, including the University of North Texas-Frisco, which will sponsor a dedicated sports innovation space within the facility.

More looks at Origin

Inside the Origin innovation hub in Frisco. [Photo: Mauricio Rojas/Plug and Play]

Inside the Origin innovation hub in Frisco. [Photo: Mauricio Rojas/Plug and Play]

Inside the Origin innovation hub in Frisco. [Photo: Mauricio Rojas/Plug and Play]

Inside the Origin innovation hub in Frisco. [Photo: Mauricio Rojas/Plug and Play]

Don’t miss what’s next. Subscribe to Dallas Innovates.

Track Dallas-Fort Worth’s business and innovation landscape with our curated news in your inbox Tuesday-Thursday.

* New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson scores 40 points in Game 6 of the NBA Playoffs Round 1 vs Detroit Pistons.

This evolution in the fan experience is also about personalization, bringing viewers closer to the action through real-time data, interactive content, and tailored storytelling. Whether it’s tracking a favorite player, engaging with live polls, or following in-game betting lines directly within the NBA League Pass stream through our emBET solution, today’s fans expect a viewing experience that matches their interests. AI makes that possible, turning every playoff game into a personalized journey from tip-off to final buzzer.

As media consumption evolves, so do fan expectations. Next-gen viewers expect their coverage to be interactive, customizable, and tailored to their interests. Inspired by the pace and personalization of social media, they expect real-time updates, multiple perspectives, and the ability to engage with the game on their own terms. For broadcasters and rights holders, this marks a shift from passive viewing to active participation – an opportunity to reshape the future of live sports.

The hype around playoffs presents an ideal opportunity to integrate social engagement within sportsbook platforms, as we do through our Virtual Stadium solution. With features like real-time chat rooms, fan polls, and interactive betting tools, sportsbooks are evolving into dynamic social hubs. These platforms foster community engagement, enhance user experiences, and increase session durations by keeping fans connected and engaged throughout the game. By creating an integrated live experience with real-time updates and AI-powered moderation, sportsbooks are not just enhancing betting, they’re transforming the entire fan interaction landscape.

The playoffs are a high-stakes environment, and predictive AI is transforming how bettors engage with the game. By processing live data and historical trends, AI anticipates key moments, such as which player is likely to score next. For bettors, this real-time insight offers a significant strategic advantage, providing a deeper understanding of win probabilities and in-play opportunities. It’s not just about watching the game, it’s about empowering bettors with the information they need to make informed decisions and enhance their postseason experience.

Sportradar envisions a world where every fan is uniquely connected to their favorite teams and sports, and where every game becomes an engaging and interactive experience. We are redefining the standards of fan engagement and we’re just getting started. It’s a level of excitement and innovation that must feel similar to when fans first watched Michael Jordan take flight.

In the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Indiana Pacers are making headlines with their unexpected success. After a midseason slump, the Pacers have surged into the postseason, giving the Cleveland Cavaliers a run for their money. Their success in the playoffs marks a significant achievement for the franchise and underscores the unpredictable nature of playoff basketball. Their journey is a testament to resilience and strategic adjustments, qualities that resonate deeply with fans and are amplified through AI-driven storytelling. By highlighting such underdog stories, AI not only enhances the viewing experience but also deepens the emotional connection between fans and the game.

Company Extends Partnership with Major League Soccer Through 2036 as Soccer’s Growth Accelerates in North America

COSTA MESA, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TOCA Football (TOCA), the fastest-growing soccer training and entertainment company in North America, has secured $35 million in new funding, including $15 million in equity.

The company has also received $20 million in debt financing from J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking. This new capital will fuel TOCA Social’s international growth and enable the expansion of TOCA’s soccer training technology.

This funding underscores the massive addressable market in soccer and TOCA’s scalable business model. TOCA Social is reshaping sports entertainment, while TOCA’s cutting-edge training technology is setting new standards in player development.

As soccer continues its rapid rise in North America, TOCA has extended its official partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS) through 2036, further cementing its role as a driving force in the sport’s ecosystem.

“The combination of capital from one of the world’s premier financial institutions and our extended partnership with the world’s fastest-growing professional soccer league validates TOCA’s mission,” said Yoshi Maruyama, CEO of TOCA. “We’re redefining how players and fans engage with soccer—through cutting-edge training and immersive social experiences.”

“During the most exciting period in North American soccer history, MLS is proud to announce the extension of our partnership with TOCA,” said Chris Schlosser, MLS SVP of Emerging Ventures. “MLS has always been a leader in pioneering the soccer landscape through strategic partnerships. Innovation and access to the sport are at the heart of this collaboration. Together with TOCA, we remain committed to ensuring that everyone has ample opportunities to play the beautiful game.”

With soccer’s rapid growth in the U.S.—driven by the 2026 World Cup, MLS’s record-breaking expansion, and soaring youth participation—TOCA is positioned as a category-defining company at the intersection of sports, technology, and entertainment.

Following successful openings in London and Birmingham, TOCA is expanding its social entertainment footprint with a second venue in London and its first U.S.-based TOCA Social, opening in 2025 at Grandscape near Dallas, Texas, in partnership with MLS. Further expansion is planned across the U.S. and international markets in 2026 and beyond.

About TOCA Football, Inc.

TOCA Football, Inc. is the world’s leading soccer experience company, transforming the sport and building communities that inspire everybody to play the beautiful game. TOCA operates two primary businesses: TOCA Soccer, the largest operator of tech-enabled soccer training centers in North America with 37 locations, and TOCA Social, the world’s first soccer-themed entertainment and dining venues, currently operating in London and Birmingham.

Founded in 2016 by two-time U.S. World Cup and former MLS and English Premier League midfielder Eddie Lewis, TOCA is led by CEO Yoshi Maruyama, a seasoned leader in the leisure industry. TOCA’s Board of Directors includes influential figures in sports and business such as Erik Anderson, former Executive Chairman and CEO of Topgolf; Abby Wambach, U.S. Women’s National Champion; Celeste Burgoyne, President, Americas and Global Guest Innovation at lululemon; and Julie Haddon, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer of the National Women’s Soccer League. The company is also backed by MLS and Harry Kane, captain of the Men’s England National Team. For more information, visit TOCAfootball.com or follow @tocafootball on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. To learn more about TOCA Social, visit toca.social or follow @tocasocial on Instagram.

Media Contact:

Jack Buttacavoli

jack@relativity.ventures

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/toca-secures-additional-35m-to-expand-toca-social-and-scale-soccer-training-technology-302459835.html

SOURCE TOCA Football, Inc.

Motorola is set to release its latest wearable, the Moto Watch Fit, on May 22 with a price tag of $199 in the U.S. ($249 in Canada). The new smartwatch, which was initially unveiled alongside updated Razr flip phones last month, will be available through Motorola’s official website at launch, with availability expanding to Amazon and Best Buy in the coming weeks.

What to know about the Moto Watch Fit

Unlike most Android smartwatches on the market, the Moto Watch Fit runs on a proprietary operating system rather than Google’s Wear OS. While this might raise some concerns for potential buyers wary of an untested system, there are a few features that could sway you in its direction.

Design

The Moto Watch Fit features a sleek design with a 1.9-inch OLED display housed in an aluminum frame. In terms of durability, the watch has 5ATM water resistance and IP68 ratings—meaning it should hold up for swimming and other water-based activities. At just 25 grams, the Moto Watch Fit offers a lightweight design that won’t weigh you down during workouts or daily wear. (For comparison, most versions of the Apple Watch Series 10 sit around 30 grams).

Impressive battery life

Where Motorola claims the watch truly stands out is its battery life. It says users can expect up to 16 days of use on a single charge and under normal conditions. However, something like constant GPS usage would naturally drain your battery much faster. However, the company promises a quick 5-minute charge can provides a full day of usage.

The Watch Fit focuses on delivering reliable fitness tracking, making it best for someone prioritizing battery life and comfort over extensive app ecosystems.

Limited smart features

On that note, it looks like the Moto Watch Fit does not support third-party apps and lacks smart assistant functionality. While this may be a dealbreaker users who want the full smartwatch experience, it’s likely these limitations contribute to the device’s extended battery life, not to mention it’s price point—at under $200, it’s one of the more affordable smartwatches. For context, the most popular versions of Galaxy, Google Pixel, or Apple watches will typically cost at least $299.

So, if you’re looking for heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and basic smartwatch functions, and you’re tired of power-hungry options on the market that struggle to last even a week between charges, the Moto Watch Fit could be the right fit for you.

By Brody Ford and Gregory Korte, Bloomberg

Salesforce Inc. will offer its Slack application to the federal government at a discounted rate, the latest software company to cut prices as the Trump administration aims to slash technology costs.