Why it matters: Shifts in technology and media are changing the way we play, watch and understand sports. Business models are adapting and social change is forcing those in charge of teams and leagues to reconsider decades-old practices.
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The 2020 Superbike World Championship season gets underway this weekend on Phillip Island, Australia.
How it works: The Superbike World Championship features modified versions of motorcycles available to the public, which differentiates it from MotoGP's purpose-built machines.
Photo: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Soccer leagues across Europe are reacting differently as the coronavirus spreads, from canceling games to playing in closed-door arenas.
The state of play: The Premier League said it is following advice from the government and has not canceled any of the upcoming games yet. Journalists are being asked about their recent whereabouts prior to a pre-match news conference with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, AP writes. Newcastle manager Steve Bruce said players are not greeting each other via handshake anymore, as a precaution.
In late September, California passed a bill that allows college athletes in the state to receive compensation for their name, image and likeness (NIL) starting in 2023.
The state of play: Lawmakers across the country have introduced similar bills in the five months since then.
Photo: M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Premier Lacrosse League has signed a title sponsorship deal with Ticketmaster, meaning the league will be known as the Premier Lacrosse League, powered by Ticketmaster as it embarks on its second season.
Why it matters: While the PLL's inaugural campaign was a success by almost any metric, ticketing proved to be a challenge given the league's tour-based model, which saw all six teams (now seven) play in a different city each weekend.
Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
As Major League Soccer begins its 25th season, the league is financially stable and surging in popularity, and its 26 teams have gorgeous facilities and rapidly increasing valuations.
Illustration: Lazaro Gamio/Axios
This weekend's Honda Classic kicks off the PGA Tour's "Florida Swing," a run of four tournaments throughout the Sunshine State that take up most of March.
Why it matters: Two years ago, the PGA Championship switched from its traditional August time slot to mid-May, meaning all four majors now take place in a 15-week span between early April (The Masters) and July (The Open Championship).