The 2024 NFL Draft wrapped up in Detroit on Saturday and set a new NFL Draft attendance record with 775,000 people over three days. The NFL previously announced that 550,000 people had been in attendance for the first two days. Breaking the all-time attendance record was “great news for the city of Detroit,” which had been “praised all throughout the week.” The announcement was made by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who also “came out to announce the first Day 3 selection” for the Lions (DETROIT NEWS, 4/27). Whitmer said, “It had been a historic week here in the great city of Detroit. We have shown the world what the Motor City is all about and it is my honor to announce that the 2024 NFL Draft has now broken the all-time record. 700,000 and counting!” The previous record of 600,000 was set in 2019 when Nashville hosted the NFL Draft (N.Y. POST, 4/27).

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said that his “jaw dropped” when he first looked out at the sea of people (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 4/27). In Detroit, Mitch Albom writes the NFL Draft was “one of the best things to hit this city in decades” (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 4/28). Also in Detroit, Ryan Ford writes “Motown’s week went almost flawlessly" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 4/28). Duggan said the city “set out to change our image nationally.” Duggan: “I’m looking at the Wall Street Journal and USA Today today, and all it is is praise for Detroit and how the city’s turned around, as well as how well we’re in the Draft” (DETROIT NEWS, 4/27).

Next year, Green Bay “gets its turn” at hosting the draft and the fact that a division rival “drew so many people will surely be regarded as a challenge” by Green Bay and all of Wisconsin to “match or exceed it” (NBCSPORTS.com, 4/27). 

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was asked about whether he and the league could help fix college football during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" Friday and Goodell said, "Who's in control? Is it the NCAA or conferences?” Goodell: “I don’t know enough about it, but if anybody asks us for help, we’re going to do our best." He added players are “staying in college football because they’re getting paid.” Goodell: “I don't think that's a bad thing. I love college football. I watch it all day. They make stars of our players. They give them a platform and get them ready physically and mentally. I think it works.” Goodell noted that he has a meeting with college football leaders in the next week and said they “want to try to help.” However, when asked if the NFL could absorb college football and bundle the entities together Goodell said, “I don't see that. At least today. I don't see that in the future” (“The Pat McAfee Show,” ESPN, 4/26).

The NBA and Amazon's Prime Video have the “framework of a deal that will make the streaming service one of the main homes for the league’s games," according to sources. It is expected that Prime Video’s package will include “significant regular-season and postseason games, perhaps even some conference finals." The anticipation is that the final contract will be “for at least a decade and begin the 2025-2026 season.” The NBA “prefers to have three companies involved in its new deals but has not ruled out adding a fourth.” The advancement in the Amazon and ESPN talks leaves incumbent Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns network TNT Sports, to "face off with NBC, owned by Comcast, for the likely last spot" (THE ATHLETIC, 4/26).

SBJ’s Bret McCormick caught up with architect David Manica late last week to talk about his firm’s design for the Bears’ proposed $4.7B stadium and public park plan unveiled last Wednesday. The NFL team would contribute more than $2b. Here are some key points he shared about the project:

The Bears’ sole focus is on the lakefront:

Manica worked with the Bears on its Arlington Heights project, but they had essentially paused work, he said, when Kevin Warren’s hiring by the Bears as President & CEO in April 2023 shifted the focus back to keeping the team on the Lake Michigan waterfront. The design unveiled last week for a $3.2B stadium is a new one produced after the door was essentially closed on Arlington Heights, where the Bears had bought a $197M tract of land from Churchill Downs Incorporated that they still own.

Plenty of challenges remain:

With any project of this magnitude -- it would be one of the largest construction projects in Illinois’ history -- there are significant challenges before shovels enter the ground. One is obtaining the public funding; in addition to a sought-after $300M G5 loan from the NFL, the Bears are proposing an extension of a 2% hotel tax used to back Illinois Sports Facilities Authority bonds, which would then be extended 40 years alongside a restructuring of existing ISFA debt.

The new building would be much more comfortable:

While no specifics were unveiled regarding how much larger the footprint of the new building would be, it will be substantially roomier, based on the renderings. In Manica’s design, the Soldier Field Doric columns remain where they are, forming an imposing frame for the park sitting between them, whereas a plan released by the city when it appeared the Bears-Arlington Heights marriage was close to complete further built atop the existing field.

The open park land:

Most NFL stadium plans involve mixed-use development around them these days, but this Chicago plan is rare for the expansive public park land it includes. Creating that will come at a hefty cost -- $1.5B in infrastructure work, at least -- but will create a broad and lengthy swath of open space and community athletic fields between the new stadium and the Field Museum. Hart Howerton conceived the initial site design master plan, which Manica and company built upon.

The Royals and Chiefs are in the early stages of “determining a Plan B for their stadium futures, and while it’s far too early for any conclusions, there is certain to be one adjustment" to the proposal; they “will no longer be tied at the hip.” Chiefs Chair & CEO Clark Hunt said “it makes sense” for the Chiefs and Royals “to work independently” moving forward. Hunt: "The Royals are going to to be looking at options that may not include the (Truman) Sports Complex, and we’ll be doing the same thing. So I really think at this point it makes sense for us to go our separate ways.” Hunt added the Chiefs were “obviously very focused on Arrowhead” as it is a “special place for our fan base” and “could be a special place for our fan base for another 25 years with the right renovation.” But Hunt also said they are going to “have to be open-minded in how we approach this.” Hunt said that “may involve a new stadium.” Hunt: “It could be an open-air stadium, or it could be a dome stadium” (K.C. STAR, 4/27).

Hunt said the Chiefs will approach the stadium “from a broader perspective going forward” because “time is short for us at this point.” Hunt: “We need to see what other options are out there for us. When we started on this process three years ago, it felt like we had a very long time, a long runway with about 9½ [years] left on our lease. We're now down to 6½ and so I do feel very much of a sense of urgency” (ESPN.com, 4/27).

A crowd of 65,612 filed into Gillette Stadium on Saturday to see Lionel Messi and Inter Miami take on the Revolution, setting the single-game attendance record for the Revolution. Messi “dominated proceedings after halftime, running the show" and leading Inter Miami to a 4-1 victory. The record crowd “got its money’s worth, and came together for a chant of 'Messi! Messi!' late in the game" as he "waved to the crowd." With two goals and two assists, Messi became the "first MLS player in history to record multiple goal contributions in five consecutive games" (BOSTON GLOBE, 4/27).

Judging by the “sea of pink Inter Miami jerseys” at Gillette Stadium, “much of the sellout crowd of 65,612 came for Lionel Messi.” The attendance number “produced a festive atmosphere” with “nearly every Messi move cheered on.” Saturday’s attendance record broke the previous record for a Revolution match set in 2002, when 61,316 fans filed into Gillette Stadium for the MLS Cup championship against the Galaxy (BOSTON GLOBE, 4/27).

The Revolution averaged “about 20,000 through their first four home games” of the 2024 MLS season, but despite being last in the Eastern Conference and second to last in MLS overall, "nosebleed tickets were selling for about $250 on game day." The game was a “celebration of soccer’s biggest star,” and maybe a “sign of the potential for the sport to reach new heights in the New England market” (BOSTON HERALD, 4/27).

The Astros and Rockies met for the opener of their two-game series in Mexico City on Saturday and drew a crowd of 19,934 amid a “festive atmosphere at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú.” Fans began to fill the 20,000-seat stadium three hours before first pitch. The Astros had “significant fan support,” with Astros jerseys a “frequent sight” in the stands Saturday. But “so were those of Team Mexico and Liga Mexicana de Beisbol teams such as Leones and Diablos Rojos,” whose stadium is hosting this series (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 4/27). Fans packed the stadium in Mexico City on Saturday “hoping to see fireworks” (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 4/27). There will be regular-season games in Mexico and London for a second straight year in 2024. Mexico “is a focus” for MLB (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 4/26).

LIV Golf’s Adelaide event this year drew more that 94,000 over the three competition days, exceeding the total crowd of “just under 77,000” fans for last year's three competition days. This year's number “will be bigger again in 2025 for the event roundly agreed by the LIV players as the 'most anticipated' in their season." For comparison, the four-day Australian Open in Sydney last December attracted more than 110,000 spectators, a 12% rise on the previous year as crowds “show their fervour to watch the world’s best players” (ADELAIDE ADVERTISER, 4/27). The “untameable crowd noise, which hardly dropped even as the final shots were played,” was the “soundtrack" for the event (ADELAIDE ADVERTISER, 4/28). LIV Golf has “enjoyed success in Australia like nowhere else in the world" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 4/28).

LIV Adelaide’s signature “party hole” saw a water bottle “launched from the stands” and hit caddie Nick Pugh “moments after the final putt rolled into the cup” Saturday. Just as the PGA Tour “learnt with its out-of-control part hole at the Phoenix Open,” there is a “fine line to straddle between a good time and good riddance.” LIV execs were “privately frustrated with the objects being thrown." LIV golfer Ian Poulter said what LIV Adelaide “did from a global perspective” was “show other venues what’s possible” (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 4/28). 

Nine IndyCar team representatives “lined up outside” owner Roger Penske’s motorhome on Saturday in what was characterized as a “roughly 15-minute meeting that covered more than just Team Penske’s cheating scandal, its dubious excuses” and IndyCar President Jay Frye’s move to discard Josef Newgarden’s Grand Prix of St. Petersburg win and Scott McLaughlin’s podium. Those present said the Penske was “contrite”, “candid”, “bothered” and “very honest.” Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing owner Bobby Rahal said, “Roger’s not in there making excuses. You’ve got to believe he may never have been more embarrassed in his life. His team let him down, and he’s not standing by for it.” Rahal added Penske is “taking his medicine.” Penske “requested the meeting which included seven other IndyCar team owners." Penske “opted not to discuss the details of Saturday’s meeting.” Penske: “I’m sorry to create this mess. It’s my organization, and I’m responsible. There’s nothing that I can say, other than, ‘It’s my responsibility’” (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 4/28). The investigation in Team Penske’s manipulation of push-to-pass has been “completed and closed” with “no further penalties expected” (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 4/26). 

UFC fighter Conor McGregor's "empire is expanding" as he is "now a part-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships." Triller will "remain the majority shareholder” of the promotion while McGregor Sports and Entertainment enters as a part owner. A partnership with McGregor will “expand the reach of the BKFC with McGregor's ability to promote" and will "likely become a destination for fighters to try their hand in bare knuckle competition" (ESPN.com, 4/28).

Mavericks G Luka Doncic and Jordan Brand wrapped his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro in a "theme inspired by the Midnight Racer colorway of his new shoe,” the Luka 3, which he debuted on court Friday for Game 3 of the Mavericks’ first-round NBA Playoffs series against the Clippers. The Luka 3 is “inspired by Doncic’s love of cars, specifically the Camaro." Doncic arrived at American Airlines Center in the wrapped Camaro on Friday with his “Luka 3s in hand and security guards wearing special Jordan security jackets," paying tribute to an “iconic photo of Michael Jordan with his security guards” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 4/26). 

The city of Pittsburgh has been "awarded an as-yet-unnamed franchise" in the USL W League, which will begin play at USL Championship club Pittsburgh Riverhounds' Highmark Stadium in May 2025. Riverhounds’ management has been "in negotiations with USL Championship to bring a new team to Pittsburgh since the women’s league first began play in 2022." Pittsburgh’s new team “will likely slot into the Great Lakes Division with teams from Ohio, Indiana and Michigan" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 4/27).

Paramount Global’s board is “preparing to fire” CEO Bob Bakish “as soon as Monday morning,” according to sources. Paramount Global reports its quarterly earnings Monday and Bakish “won’t be on the call.” The board is “expected to lean on company division heads in lieu of a CEO while it negotiates a possible merger with Skydance Media." Sources said that Bakish has "lost the trust of Paramount Global controlling shareholder Shari Redstone." Sources said that Redstone “wanted to make a move to oust Bakish before Paramount Global’s carriage negotiation with Charter Communications," which is “pivotal for setting a value for the company in its merger talks with Skydance” (CNBC.com, 4/27).

The F1 Miami Grand Prix sent a cease-and-desist letter Friday night to prominent Donald Trump fundraiser Steven Witkoff informing him that he “cannot use a suite at an upcoming Formula One race as a high-dollar fundraiser for the Trump campaign.” Sources said that the former President has “been planning to attend the race” scheduled for May 5, with the secret service having “reached out to race officials to coordinate Trump’s attendance.” The terms of the suite state it cannot be used for “advertising, promotional or commercial purposes (including without limitation, prizes, competitions, contests, or sweepstakes) without the prior written consent of Promoter and the F1 entities” (WASHINGTON POST, 4/26).

The tributes “continued to roll in” for late longtime “Hockey Night In Canada” announcer Bob Cole during Game 4 of the Maple Leafs-Bruins series Saturday. Maple Leafs RW Max Domi “set the tone by arriving to the rink wearing a retro powder blue 'Hockey Night In Canada' sports coat." On the ice at Scotiabank Arena, the Maple Leafs and Bruins "took a moment to honour Cole, and it was most definitely not a moment of silence.” Fans “roared when his face went up on the screen” over center ice and “cheered along to a video catalogue of Cole’s calls of great Leaf moments.” Sportsnet, which has been eulogizing Cole since his death was announced on Wednesday, “continued with tributes from Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby” (TORONTO STAR, 4/27).

Fever G Caitlin Clark was in attendance at Friday's Bucks-Pacers Round 1 NBA Playoff series Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse with some of her new Fever teammates, including C Aliyah Boston and G Erica Wheeler. Clark "literally revved up the crowd while sitting in an indy car before the game started," and she also "threw T-shirts out to fans in the stands" (N.Y. POST, 4/26).

A Golden Knights fan was "hospitalized early Thursday in Dallas after he says he was assaulted by a Dallas Stars fan outside American Airlines Center" following Game 2 of the teams' first-round Stanley Cup Playoffs series. A fan "dressed in Stars apparel punched him in the face at the entrance to PNC Plaza" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 4/26).

A crowd of 11,703 was in attendance Saturday as UCLA held its "first spring showcase at the Rose Bowl since 2015." The crowd "dwarfed previous turnouts for the spring showcase at Drake Stadium" (L.A. TIMES, 4/27).

Maya Moore-Irons on Saturday was inducted into the Women's Basketball HOF as a member of the 2024 class at the Tennessee Theatre. Moore-Irons was escorted by UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma and her husband, Jonathan Irons. She was inducted alongside her former Lynx teammates Seimone Augustus and Taj McWilliams-Franklin (KNOXVILLE NEWS SENTINEL, 4/27).

Arena football made its return to Nashville on Saturday as the Nashville Kats began their third run in the city, opening the season at Municipal Auditorium in front of an announced attendance of 5,704. Though the arena was "about half-full for the game, the crowd was loud and lively." Kats play-by-play announcer Eli Gold, the longtime voice of Univ. of Alabama football, is one big name to "help usher in the new era of Kats football" (Murfreesboro DAILY NEWS JOURNAL, 4/28).

"I read some of the b------- that was said. I mean just the typical f------, excuse my language, our typical league. Unnamed sources, you know, bad interview, that's such b-------. I mean it f------ is. It's b-------. Put your name on it. We tear these young men down. These are 21, 22-year-old men and if people out there can tell me they're perfect in their lives, it's crap. It's crap. This is a good kid. For those reports to come out, I said it last year, it's b-------. I'm sorry. I apologize for the language. I don't, but I do" -- Colts GM Chris Ballard, on reports of character concerns regarding WR Adonai Mitchell, who the team selected Friday in the second round of the NFL Draft (NFL.com, 4/27).

“It’s disappointing to see the non-action. What are people complaining about? I’m not worried about the OWGR [Official World Golf Ranking] any more. It’s about how do we get these great golfers into the majors so their product is enhanced and not devalued. I think we’re an enhancement and not a devaluation" -- LIV golfer Bryson DeChambeau, on tournaments being “devalued” due to the world rankings stalemate (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 4/27).

“Quite honestly, it is frustrating to look up and have a record like that. No one was hoping for something like that. But you look at the health of the organization underneath, and our farm system, it’s certainly climbing in the ranks" -- White Sox GM Chris Getz, on the club entering Saturday at 4-22, tied with the 2022 Reds for the third-worst mark in MLB through 26 games since 1937 (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/27).

“I don’t think his heart’s in it. I don’t think his personality is such. I don’t think he’s going to be great at it. I really don’t. I think there’s a unique quality that you have to bring that allows you as an analyst to see the game, see the game quickly, plus bring personality into it" -- Sports talk show host Mike Francesa, on Tom Brady joining the top Fox Sports announcer team this season (N.Y. POST, 4/27).

The TAMPA BAY TIMES goes with, "A cherished hockey voice is lost, but love affair with a game lasts." Longtime NHL broadcaster Bob Cole passed away on Wednesday at 90. His was the voice that "serenaded a nation every Saturday night for nearly half a century as a broadcaster for the immensely popular 'Hockey Night in Canada' program." One can "picture him as Howard Cosell on 'Monday Night Football,' except Cole’s reign lasted three times as long." Lightning coach Jon Cooper on Thursday following the team's loss to the Panthers in Game 3 of their first round Stanley Cup playoffs series said, "I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the passing of Bob Cole. I know it has nothing to do with this game, but it kind of does." Cooper: “The way he called games, the way he would say a player’s name, it was magical. I can’t really express what it meant to me. When it’s the only voice you’re hearing, you attach it to players and teams, and it becomes the voice of hockey for you.”

Also:

• NIL in college football is making a big impact on the NFL draft.
• The Grand Slams, ATP and WTA all want to control tennis. Do they have the power?
• True public cost of Bears stadium would be billions more over time.

This very much looks like Terry Fontenot trying to explain himself #Falcons #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/1vl7CgIrfV

— Cody Chaffins (@CodyChaffins) April 26, 2024

Going to school next to the Ritz Boston means I see tons of famous athletes leaving for games. I have seen crowds gather for stars like LeBron and Sidney Crosby… but no crowd is as big as Messi. #InterMiami pic.twitter.com/VYLdEEwRB2

— Danielle DuBois (@DanielleDuBois) April 27, 2024

The Pac-12 finishes the 2024 NFL Draft with the 2nd most picks trailing the only SEC, capping off a great swan song for the Conference of Champions:
• 59: SEC
• 43: Pac-12
• 42: Big Ten
• 41: ACC
• 31: Big 12
• 8: FBS Indep.
• 6: SBC
• 5: AAC
• 4: MVFC
• 3: CUSA
• 2:…

— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) April 28, 2024

Umpire update: the white of the MLB logo was deemed “too distracting” on Hunter Greene’s sleeve, so they colored it in with a marker. You truly cannot make it up.

— Evan Hatter  (@ehatt493) April 27, 2024