Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma Signs 5-Year Deal With Puma
-Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma signed a 5-year footwear/apparel endorsement deal with Puma. The deal will pay Kuzma nearly $20M and has additional incentives that could raise that value. Because of this, Kuzma is now one of the top paid athletes in the NBA. Puma will also feature him in brand campaigns and product-feedback sessions.
“The No. 1 thing I was trying to look for was a little bit more control, a little bit more freedom to do certain things. Not to be restricted from an idea standpoint,” Kuzma said. “Having a brand fully commit to me and see that I have visions too — that could work out well for the brand and me as well. Puma was that.”
Bill Bidwill Dies At 88
Owner of the Arizona Cardinals Bill Bidwill died on Wednesday at the age of 88. He died surrounded by his friends and his family, the team announced. Bidwill inherited the team from his father, who bought them in 1932. At this time, they were still based in Chicago. He was renowned for being ahead of the curve in diversity standards. For example, he hired the first black female executive in league history.
“We are overwhelmed by the support our family has received, not only now but throughout the latest chapter of his life,” Bidwill’s son, Cardinals president Michael Bidwill, said in a release. “We are especially grateful to the nurses, doctors and other caregivers whose endless kindness and compassion in recent years have made our dad’s life so meaningful.
‘Mattress Mack’ Bets $3.5M On Astro’s World Series
A Houston furniture salesman placed the largest bet ever taken by a bookmaker on Tuesday. Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, the owner of Gallery Furniture in Houston, bet $3.5 million on the Houston Astros to win the World Series. In addition, he placed bets around the country. In Las Vegas alone, he has undisclosed amounts in bookmakers Caesars, MGM, and Treasure Island. And, he’s still looking for more.
All of this is an attempt to mitigate millions of dollars in refunds. For much of this last season, McIngvale has promised a $3,000 refund if the Astros win the World Series. However, he declined to characterize how big of a liability he has on this year’s promotion. Gallery Furniture’s liability from the promotion surpassed $15 million this week and was still growing, McIngvale said.
Blackhawks’ Alex DeBrincat Gets 3-Year Deal
Blackhawks right winger Alex DeBrincat signed a 3-year, $20M contract extension on Thursday. Known as a small player with big game, DeBrincat came off a season in which he scored 41 goals and added 35 assists. He also became the first Blackhawks player to score 40 or more goals at age 21 or younger since Jeremy Roenick in 1990-91.
Allmendinger Gets First NASCAR Win Since 2014
AJ Allmendinger raced to his first NASCAR victory in five years on Saturday. He won the Xfinity Series playoff race on The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway. After transitioning to commentating instead of full-time racing, Allmendinger said he would still race in some of the Xfinity Series races.
