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Flutter Entertainment (FLUT) Back In Focus As Jefferies Sees An Inflection Point In Valuation
Flutter Entertainment (NYSE:FLUT) is back in focus after Jefferies suggested the company may be nearing an inflection point as concerns about prediction markets eroding online sports betting demand start to ease. See our latest analysis for Flutter Entertainment. Recent trading reflects that shift in sentiment, with Flutter Entertainment’s share price at US$109.06 and a 1 day share price return of 3.04%, adding to a 7 day share price return of 8.03%. Despite this short term momentum, the...
Exclusive: Two of gaming’s biggest names are making a big investment in gaming’s future
The first thing to know about the Nova Games Foundation is that it isn’t about The Game Awards. And it’s not about PlayStation. The ambitious new grant program is the brainchild of Geoff Keighley and Mark Cerny. Keighley is the host of The Game Awards, Summer Game Fest and Opening Night Live. Cerny is a game designer of some 45 years and the lead architect for the PlayStation 4 and 5. But this new thing, which they’re revealing through Game File, isn’t about their day jobs. It’s an unaffiliated, standalone philanthropic project. It’s a bet on the artistic future of video games and a way, they tell me, to give back. “I’m nearing the end of my career,” Cerny recently told me over email. “I’m not done yet, but paying it forward—in the best way possible—is very much on my mind these days,” The Nova Games Foundation is a university-affiliated fellowship program, intended to offer six-figure grants to 20 young game designers each year, potentially for decades to come. It will offer no-strings-attached funding along with mentorship from games industry leaders, a combination intended to aid the development of groundbreaking new games, Cerny and Keighley told me. Nova will begin accepting applications in December, from class of 2026 and 2027 students from 13 affiliated gaming programs at universities in eight countries. The schools working with Nova include the New York University and the University of Southern California in the U.S., along with Abertay University in Scotland, Cnam-Enjmin in France, TH Köln in Germany, and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia, Cerny and Keighley said. The plan: $100,000 per recipient, with about a quarter of Nova fellows eligible for up to $500,000 more for projects that are shaping up particularly well. Payments will be delivered based on development milestones, and recipients will own their games. Nova will help promote the work, and developers will be free to pursue the publishers and platforms of their choice. Nova can help introduce fellows to publishers, but won’t take a cut. “I’ve always wanted to give back, but given my role in the industry, I’ve never felt it appropriate to commercially invest in games,” Keighley told Game File. “I’ve never owned stock in a game company or taken a financial stake in a game. Nova is philanthropy: we aren’t taking equity or looking to recoup the grants. The return we’re hoping for is creative—helping new voices make games and find their footing. “Mark and I have each made multi-million-dollar donations to establish the foundation, and we intend to keep contributing. We hope others will join us.” Cerny and Keighley have already hired an executive director, John Maconga, and a head of grants, recent Game Developers Conference director Ashley Corrigan, to help launch the effort. They’re working to recruit game industry leaders to join the effort. Keighley says “dozens of leading game directors have already expressed interest in contributing their time.” To name one, they’ve already gotten Josef Fares, lead designer from It Takes Two and Spit Fiction studio Hazelight on board with a donation and pledge to help out. “I’m proud to support Nova because it gives the next generation of creators the freedom to explore their creativity and hopefully bring their unique visions to life,” Fares told Game File. A plan forged from a friendship Keighley and Cerny have known each other a long time. It’s been so long, Cerny isn’t even sure exactly when they met. “We travel in much the same circles and I’m sure first intersected in the 90s or early 2000s,“ Cerny said. Keighley thinks it might have been during his stint writing a column about the mid-’90s console 3DO for a gaming magazine while Cerny was working on games with Crystal Dynamics or on Way of the Warrior with Naughty Dog. They became genuine friends about a 10 years ago, Keighley said, as they bonded over a shared love of games and a hope to improve the industry. “About a decade ago, we started having dinner a few times a year in LA,” Keighley said. “Just to catch up on life and the industry. Those conversations continued over Zoom during COVID. Nova grew out of that friendship and a question we kept coming back to: ‘What could we do to help the next generation of game directors get started?’” Keighley credits Cerny with the idea to figure out a way to put their money and time back into the industry. At one of those dinners, Keighley proposed the idea of a fellowship program. He’d recalled applying for a Rhodes Scholarship when he was younger. “Spoiler: I didn’t get it,” he said. He’d admired the MacArthur Foundation’s so-called “genius grants.” He liked these kinds of programs that recognized people’s talents and gave them the financial boost and the freedom to realize their potential. With Cerny, he had pondered what a game industry version of that could be. Keighley liked the idea of centering the fellowship on students, drawing inspiration from the accomplishments of Jenova Chen, the USC game design graduate who went on to lead the creation of gently moving, ambitious games such as Flower and Journey. Keighley also thought it could be useful to help promising graduates bridge the transition from student to professional. “Joining an established studio isn’t always possible—especially in today’s market—and even then, it isn’t the right path for everyone,” Keighley said. A fellowship, he realized, could give “graduates the time, resources and guidance to pursue a game of their own and not worry about the commercial viability.” As the idea took shape, Cerny also saw an opportunity to enable more games of a certain type: “The target with the grants is games as an artistic medium,” Cerny told me. “We like to say games with ‘artistic, literary and societal value.’” He added: “I’m a pretty big gamer myself, though I tend to gravitate towards the smaller and more unique or artistic titles, games like Neva, Abzu, Gorogoa, Stray or Outer Wilds. I was just playing and Roger on a flight to Japan, and was getting misty eyed to a degree that I was concerned that a flight attendant would ask me if I was OK. “So one fun benefit here is the games that will come out of the Nova Games Foundation – I can’t wait to play them myself.” Cerny believes it will also be useful for Nova fellows to hone their craft and team leadership skills. “We are looking for the next generation of visionaries,” he said. “The trick is that they will also need to have the executive function necessary to drive a small project to completion.” Game File is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my reporting, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Going big with this Keighley and Cerny may have started Nova and may be the ones primarily backing it right now, but they’re dreaming of something that goes beyond them. “Mark and I may have helped get it started, but one of our measures of success is that Nova grows into something the entire games industry feels a sense of ownership in,” Keighley said. “Our ambition is to build a lasting endowment supported by people and companies across the industry, and an equally broad community of creators willing to give their time and experience to the next generation.” The industry has a lot of knowledge that it can pass to the next generation, Keighley said: “Nova can hopefully become a way to connect that generosity with talented young creators at the moment when it can make the biggest difference.” Cerny, who told me he believes Nova can mature “over the next 10 or 20 years,” sees an opportunity to give generations of game makers momentum. “The industry has changed immeasurably since I started in games in 1982,” he said. “These graduates have talent, training and tools that outclass what we had back in the day by an astonishing amount. But they face a tough road ahead getting traction in the industry, and many could benefit from our support. We want to be there to give it to them.” “There’s a personal side to this, too,” Keighley said. “I don’t have children, and I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what I can do for future generations. Games have been my entire career. I’ve been incredibly fortunate, and helping someone else build a life in this industry feels like a meaningful way to give back.” Cerny’s oeuvre dates back to Marble Madness and Sonic the Hedgehog 2. He has stood on stage multiple times to reveal the future of PlayStation hardware. He’s been an executive producer for a string of modern PlayStation classics such as The Last Guardian and Marvel’s Spider-Man. Nevertheless, of Nova, he said, “It’s certainly not like anything I’ve done before.” Nova Foundation applications will be due in December and the first wave of fellows will be announced in March 2027. A full list of participating universities and steps students and recent graduates can take to apply to become a Nova Fellow is forthcoming.
🚨 The first Copa Sudamericana semi-final tie is set
The Copa Sudamericana is nearing its final stage and is beginning to take shape after the conclusion of the first quarterfinal matches.Boca Juniors and their win in Brazil complete the first semifinal...
Girondins de Bordeaux set to avoid liquidation
As per a report from Sud-Ouest, Girondins de Bordeaux are set to avoid liquidation, with English investment firm Park Bench nearing a takeover of the French club. The deal between Park Bench and Géra...
Why Inter can deal for Marco Palestra next week
Serie A side Inter have been working towards the signature of Atalanta’s Marco Palestra for weeks now. After multiple hitches and push-backs, they are nearing the closure of the move.Get Italian Foo...
Valkyries reach record $100M in annual revenue as world's most valuable women's sports franchise
The Valkyries have become the first professional women's sports team to generate $100 million in annual revenue, adding another milestone to their second season that has drawn sold-out crowds and helped make the franchise, nearing a $1 billion valuation, the most valuable team in women's sports.
Rome dental practice reopens after storm forced 15-month move
A longtime dental practice in Rome — three generations nearing 100 years — has reopened its doors after storm damage last year cut through the office "like a hot knife through butter," said Dentist Pablo Elizondo.
Colts training camp battles: Evaluating competitions at safety position
With training camp nearing, we will be taking a closer look at each of the Colts positional battles. Next up is the safety position.
U.S. small business owners grew more optimistic in June but inflation worries are climbing
The NFIB's optimism index rose to 97.4 in June, nearing its 52-year average, as 21% of owners named inflation their top business problem
A NASA Spacecraft Is Nearing The Edge Of The Solar System. Its Instruments May Be Shut Off Due To Lack Of Funding
New Horizons' instruments may be shut off before it reaches the Solar System's "termination shock", despite it being fully functional likely into the 2050s.
49ers Get Blunt Take Amid Speculation on Vikings’ Jauan Jennings
Former San Francisco 49ers wideout Jauan Jennings doesn’t appear to be having an ideal time with the Minnesota Vikings. The veteran wideout has two catches for nine yards in four games. As a result, with the trade deadline nearing, there’s speculation about whether Jennings could be on the move.Moreover, one potential landing spot is reuniting […] The post 49ers Get Blunt Take Amid Speculation on Vikings’ Jauan Jennings appeared first on HEAVY.
Former Washington football star prioritizing health over starting job
Former UW star Michael Penix Jr. is nearing a return from a knee injury, and a battle for Atlanta's QB1 job.
Newcastle United duo nearing returns after rejoining team training
Nico Gonzalez and Joelinton have handed Newcastle United a boost after returning to first-team training.Gonzalez missed the win over Hull City before the international break after taking a knock, whil...
Raiders Get Strong Fernando Mendoza Take From Former NFL Coach
The Las Vegas Raiders have a decision on their hands with training camp nearing, and that’s whether the Silver and Black should go with veteran Kirk Cousins or hand the keys to the franchise over to Fernando Mendoza.Having Cousins start the season can allow Las Vegas to bring Mendoza along slowly. Nonetheless, one former NFL […] The post Raiders Get Strong Fernando Mendoza Take From Former NFL Coach appeared first on HEAVY.
AkzoNobel to sell unit to Nippon Paint for over $1 billion, FT reports
Dulux paint maker AkzoNobel is nearing a deal to sell its Southeast Asian decorative paints business to Nippon Paint for well over $1 billion, the Financial Times reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter.
NC's voter registration deadline nearing
Friday is the deadline for regular registration to vote in this year’s midterm elections.
Red Wings Reportedly Closing In on Massive Alex DeBrincat Extension
Elliotte Friedman reports the Detroit Red Wings are nearing a massive seven-year, $91 million contract extension with Alex DeBrincat.
Mission Health honors longest-serving employee nearing 60 years of service
Nearly 60 years after she first walked through the doors of Saint Joseph’s Hospital as a volunteer, Rose Seleska is being recognized by Mission Health as its lo
Weekend Departure Preps Continue as Crew Works Science, Spacesuits
Three Expedition 74 crew members are nearing the end of their stay aboard the International Space Station handing over mission responsibilities and packing up cargo for return to Earth. Science hardware, lab maintenance, and spacesuits kept the rest of the crew busy aboard the orbital outpost.
Who should be the Cardinals’ next Kyle Leahy?
After matching his shortest start of the season, Kyle Leahy is nearing the end of his first season as a starter for the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite early struggles that caused some fans to laughably demand his removal from the rotation, Leahy had the lowest ERA among starters since the All-Star Break with the lightened […]
'Staff are scared and exhausted' Concerns raised by Health Department after resident died at Hopkinton assisted living residence
After a resident died in a 99-degree room at the assisted living facility, documents obtained by 5 Investigates show temperatures nearing 90 degrees in several areas of the building.
Eyewitness Sports Scoreboard for Friday, September 11
The first week of school is nearing its end, but high school and college soccer pitches are running full speed into the weekend and beyond! We had a full night on local pitches and football fields all over the Mohawk Valley, and you can catch up with all of it on the Friday edition of the Eyewitness Sports Scoreboard!
Survey: Small business optimism picks up in Iowa, nation
Many small businesses around Iowa and the nation are seeing “encouraging developments” while also experiencing challenging times, according to a recent survey. The NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business ) Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.1 points in June to 97.4, nearing its 52-year average of 98. Expectations for better business conditions and real sales […]
Roma star Manu Kone’s value now nearing €100m
Serie A side Roma saw Manu Kone get linked with a host of Premier League teams in the summer. They managed to keep hold of him right after Chelsea made concrete advances and this decision has paid off...
Terry Bradshaw gives health update, announces he's nearing retirement from broadcasting
The two-time Super Bowl MVP gave a health update in a recent interview and talked about his previous double cancer diagnosis.
MLB Injury Report: Roman Anthony nearing return, Andy Pages to miss 4-5 weeks with fractured left hand
Hernández Nearing Dodgers Return From Triple-A
Kiké Hernández continues making progress in his rehab assignment and could rejoin the Los Angeles Dodgers next week.
Christian Reeves Nearing Return as Kansas Basketball Season Approaches
Christian Reeves Nearing Return as Kansas Basketball Season Approaches
Yankees news: Top prospect Lombard could be nearing call-up
Yankees make Day 1 draft picks; Cashman scouting Twins’ Jeffers; Expectations for Domínguez still high; Lombard Jr. with a chance to reach majors soon?
How some Hill Country businesses affected by July 4 flooding are pushing forward
Steve Edelstein is the owner of the Ingram Dam Shopping Center. All of the businesses there were washed away by last July's flooding. Now, he's nearing a return to business normalcy.
Union Grove High School renovations near completion, bringing new science spaces, media room
Union Grove High School renovations are nearing completion, adding new science classrooms, a media room, secure entrances, and other improvements.
Top Weekly Entertainment Picks
Summer may be nearing its end, but you still have plenty of time to check out these sensational celebrations. Dance the night away with Diana Ross, feel the
Brighton Reject Improved £60M Liverpool Bid for Minteh
The transfer window is nearing its close and everyone knows Liverpool are desperate.
Texas, Florida housing markets lead the Sun Belt real estate rebound
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Marvin Mims Jr. shares honest thoughts about future with Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver/return specialist Marvin Mims Jr. seems to understand his time with the team could be nearing an end.
Cleveland Cavaliers Get Shocking New Timeline on LeBron James Decision
Rich Paul has shut down reports that LeBron James is nearing a decision on his free agency, spelling bad news for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The post Cleveland Cavaliers Get Shocking New Timeline on LeBron James Decision appeared first on HEAVY.
Buccaneers’ QB Baker Mayfield Nearing Huge Step in Recovery
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hope to stay alive with Baker Mayfield injured, the quarterback is already nearing a huge milestone in his recovery.
Official NVIDIA Marketplace Seemingly Removes GeForce RTX 5090
NVIDIA's official marketplace, where gamers across the United States, Europe, Australia, and Asia could purchase GeForce RTX cards through NVIDIA's official channels, is showing more signs that the GeForce RTX 5090 might indeed be nearing its end of life. There are officially no more GeForce RTX...
Nestle nears sale of water business stake at close to €5 billion valuation, FT reports
Private equity firm Platinum Equity is nearing a deal to acquire about a 50% stake in Nestle's European water business in a transaction that would value the joint venture at almost €5 billion ($5.71 billion), the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.
Terry Bradshaw gives health update, announces he's nearing retirement from broadcasting
The two-time Super Bowl MVP gave a health update in a recent interview and talked about his previous double cancer diagnosis.
Rockies Show Incremental Improvement but Work Remains
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Hornets stun No. 10 Gorillas, get 21-10 upset win
PITTSBURG (KSNT) — The Hornets stun the Gorillas on the road. Emporia State defeated the No. 10 Pittsburg State Gorillas, 21-10, in ‘The Jungle.’ ESU opened up the scoring with a one-yard rushing touchdown from Camden Crooks to take an early 7-0 lead. Nearing the end of the first, Ben Harris would find Trenden Collins […]
Cyclosporiasis cases near 1,000 in Michigan, health officials say
Cases of a parasitic infection are nearing 1,000 in Michigan, according to local health officials.
Orioles news: Brewers sweep, nearing playoff elimination
The mathematical end could come as soon as tomorrow.
Chargers, Bills Presented With Intriguing Khalil Mack Trade Idea
The Los Angeles Chargers are 0-5, and teams are likely looking at the veteran players that they could pursue with the trade deadline nearing on Nov. 10. One of the names teams are looking at is veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack. Despite the Chargers struggling, Mack has produced on defense. Mack has had eight solo […] The post Chargers, Bills Presented With Intriguing Khalil Mack Trade Idea appeared first on HEAVY.
Boston businesses hope energy from World Cup crowds can have lasting impact on nightlife
Boston's summer of major international events is nearing its finale, but businesses and residents hope the momentum will continue long after the final whistle of the World Cup.
Talks advanced in FC Nantes sale
Waldemar Kita is nearing an agreement to sell FC Nantes to a group of French and Portuguese investors, as per a report from L’Équipe. Kita bought Nantes for €10m back in 2007 and has now set a ��...
4 Mohawk Valley County Fairs to Enjoy This Summer
It's nearing county fair time in the Mohawk Valley.
USA TODAY Sports Super 10 Alaska high school flag football rankings, Week 5
With the regular season nearing its end, see which Alaska high school flag football teams lead the latest Super 10 rankings.
My Mom’s to close July 31, highlighting pressure on Albuquerque small businesses
Every wall, every dish and every detail told a family story at My Mom’s — and that story is nearing its final chapter
Scientists Say a Critical Ocean Current System May Already Be Past the Point of No Return
Scientists have long debated whether the AMOC is nearing collapse, but the latest findings are certainly alarming.
Overhauled fields, new science labs, moved admin offices — the latest on New Trier renovations
As New Trier High School prepares to begin the new school year, a number of multi-year construction projects at both of the district’s campuses are nearing completion. The School Board and community received an update on the projects from Deputy Superintendent Dr. Chris Johnson during the board’s meeting on Monday, Aug. 17, two days before […]
Shohei Ohtani takes major step toward pitching return
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Fulham open talks over late move for Bayern defender
With the transfer window nearing its end, Sacha Boey remains a Bayern Munich player, but a late move could now be on the cards for the French right-back.According to transfer reporter Matteo Moretto, ...
Vidler’s celebrates 96 years of business
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Western New York staple celebrated 96 years in business Saturday — Vidler’s variety store is nearing the century mark of serving East Aurora and visitors …
Detroit Lions injury updates: Several players inching close to return
Sione Vaki and Derrick Moore are two Detroit Lions who appear to be nearing a return from injury.
Timberwolves Get New LeBron James Decision Update After Insider Report
LeBron James hinted his decision is nearing as ESPN insider Shams Charania shared a fresh update for the Timberwolves. The post Timberwolves Get New LeBron James Decision Update After Insider Report appeared first on HEAVY.
Ebola cases in Congo top 3,200, nearing record of the country’s worst outbreak
The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has surpassed 3,200 cases.
Yankees Handed Blunt Advice on Aaron Judge’s Injury Rehab
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Measles surge puts West Coast health departments on alert
With U.S. measles cases nearing last year’s total, California and Oregon officials said Tuesday that fragile public health systems may struggle to handle new infections.
Adam Schefter Nearing Long-Term ESPN Extension
The agreement would keep Schefter under contract into the 2030s.
Wings reportedly nearing contract extension with DeBrincat
The Red Wings might be keeping one key piece of their roster.
Michael Dell's DFO Management nears take-private deal for Baldwin Insurance Group, FT reports
Dell CEO Michael Dell's DFO Management is nearing a take-private deal for insurance brokerage firm The Baldwin Insurance Group , the Financial Times reported on Sunday.
Things to watch throughout Texas' fall camp: Health, battles, etc.
Fall camp is nearing and it's an important one for Texas. Health, positions battles and more will decide how successful this season can be for Texas.
Small Business Optimism Picks Up in June
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.1 points in June to 97.4, nearing its 52-year average of 98.0. Expectations for better business conditions and real sales expectations improved substantially and primarily drove the rise in the Index. The Uncertainty Index fell 2 points from May to 89, remaining well above its historical average of
The Injury Bug Has Struck the 49ers Yet Again and Depleted Their Defensive Depth
With their Week 1 showdown against the Rams nearing, the 49ers have lost yet another player to injury.
Lazio evaluating David Alaba transfer, Diogo Leite nearing move
The transfer window has closed but Serie A side Lazio aren’t done with late business, as they look at possible free transfers.The Roman side roped in Albert Gudmundsson earlier this week, with anoth...
$45M Levi Carter Park sports complex nearing completion in Omaha
Expect to see more activity in Omaha’s Levi Carter Park. A 115,000-square-foot activity and sports complex is near completion, and the newly hired director says the facility is a game changer.
Phillies Move Toward Deal With Braves Superstar Ronald Acuna’s Brother
The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly nearing a contract agreement with a historic talent in an Atlanta Braves family member
Washington Nationals Nearing Extension With Cade Cavalli
The Washington Nationals could have one of their aces locked down to begin the 2026 offseason with reports that Cade Cavalli could be staying with the organization
Museum of Science to open William and Charlotte Bloomberg Public Science Common - Boston News, Weather, Sports
BOSTON (WHDH) - The Museum of Science in Boston says its new 10,000-square-foot civic venue is nearing completion. The William and Charlotte Bloomberg Public ScienceRead More
Business Interruption Claims Are Approaching $1M Average
The average cost of a business interruption claim is nearing $1 million, an upward trend that appears to have several causes. A new report shows BI losses
Tensions rise with Trump and Republican senators ahead of midterms
The relationship between President Trump and Senate Republicans seems to be nearing a breaking point after Trump upended Republicans efforts for a swift confirmation of his intelligence nominee and as he thwarted quick passage of a bill to renew a surveillance law.
‘Skyrocketing’ diesel prices impacting area businesses
The average price of diesel fuel in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton market rose to $6.52 as of Thursday — up about $2.50 from last year and nearing the record high of $6.62 set in May 2022.
Boston Symphony Orchestra and musicians extend contract for 48 hours, a sign they may avert strike
The Boston Symphony Orchestra and its musicians have agreed to a 48-hour extension of their collective bargaining agreement. This move suggests they could be nearing a deal to prevent the
Looking at the Ugly Side of the Paramount-Skydance Merger...And How I’d Fix It
A Message from Our Sponsor Certified Fresh with 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, FX’s Adults is an ensemble comedy series about a group of twenty-somethings in New York leaning on each other to navigate love, work, friendship and family. Don’t sleep on “The Sitcom of the Moment” - Awards Buzz All Episodes now streaming on Hulu on Disney+. Watch The Teaser Trailer... (Welcome to the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a newsletter on the entertainment industr(Welcome to the “Most Important Story of the Week”, my bi-weekly strategy column analyzing the most important (but often not buzziest) news story of the last two weeks. I’m the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a former streaming executive who now analyzes business strategy in the entertainment industry. Please subscribe.) Before we dive in, I wanted to congratulate Broadcast Now for being the first to report that Netflix’s How to Get to Heaven from Belfast has been cancelled. (I saw this in a write-up by Kasey Moore of Whats-On-Netflix.) More importantly, I wanted to note that, as of yesterday, none of the other trades had reported the news yet. I have half a guess that eventually one of them will report this. Anyways, it’s time to take a break from my deluge of streaming ratings reports to continue my analysis of the Paramount Skydance Warner Bros. Discovery (PSWbD) saga. As I noted last week, a lot of times when folks use the (sometimes cliched) “the good, the bad and the ugly” framing for an article, “the ugly” section is just more bad. Or very, very bad. In this case, yeah, I do think it’s ugly. In more than one way. Unfortunately, we’re only going to have time to tackle one of those ways today: the ugly pile of debt to finance this deal. (In a future article, I may cover the entire process for how it went down, which was very, very ugly.) Last issue, I explained why I liked this deal in a vacuum. Unfortunately, “vacuums” don’t exist outside of space. Let’s dive in. Subscribe Most Important Story of the Week - The Ugliness of the Paramount/Warner Bros. Merger More than one person sent me a note speculating that the big problem with Paramount Skydance buying Warner Bros. Discovery is the “Warner Bros.” portion of the deal. In fact, that’s a take I read a lot about Warner Bros., ever since they caught Netflix’s, and then Paramount-Skydance’s, eye. In short, multiple companies (Time, AOL, AT&T, Discovery) have bought and then regretted buying Warner Bros. Since it’s nearing Halloween, you could almost say it’s like the folks think WB is cursed! It’s a haunted studio—like the town of Derry in movie studio form—and whoever takes possession of it will fall into misery! Yet...I just don’t like that story, because it doesn’t explain the “why” behind why those deals fell through. Especially when Warner Bros. has continued to succeed as a TV and film studio in the intervening two decades. Lord of the Rings? Harry Potter? Game of Thrones? Everything HBO? Considering it never fully owned a broadcast TV channel, this media company has done pretty well. So what went wrong? Well, in recent years, companies bought Warner Bros. instead of the other, smarter option. Explaining POCD (And Applying It to Mergers & Acquisitions) As I explained last issue, one of my favorite frameworks is the POCD tool for evaluating venture capital investments: People Opportunity Context Deal The bar to invest as a VC is high. (Or I might say “was” since cheap interest rates made life easier last decade.) You review a thousand prospectuses, get pitched by a hundred, and invest in the ten best, with the hopes that one of those ten would pay for the rest. That means every element of a deal needed to pay off: you needed the right people running the companies, who could capitalize on the right opportunity, in the context of an industry that was ripe for disruption. If you could then not overpay, you could make some money in a smart deal. The analogy isn’t perfect here, but close enough. For a merger or acquisition to work, you need the combined company (which is the opportunity) to make more than the price you need to pay (which is the deal). Note: the people and context still matter, but with M&A, it’s a little more straightforward: does the opportunity exceed the cost? And usually with Warner Bros., it hasn’t. If you want to find out the single biggest mistake made by the Warner Bros. suitors over the last few years (and my simple fix) become a paid subscriber. I’ll also touch on who I think Paramount-Skydance could (shockingly) consider buying next, TBD, and more. Sign up here.
Amazon forecasts its delivery network nearing 90% of its US packages
Amazon projects its delivery network will handle nearly 90% of its US packages by 2029, reducing reliance on USPS and UPS.
Miami Heat or Boston Celtics? Predicting Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Landing Spot
Giannis Antetokounmpo is likely nearing the end of his tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks. Milwaukee’s self-imposed trade deadline for Antetokounmpo […]
Rogers Nearing Full Ownership Of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
Rogers is buying Kilmer Sports' 25 percent stake in MLSE for $4.35 billion Cdn. That means Rogers is about to become the full owner of the company that owns the Toronto Maple Leafs and other sports franchises.
A Bright Spot at Mount Michael
With austral winter nearing its end, clouds cleared for a satellite view of volcanic activity in the remote South Atlantic.
'Carrick will have variety and options'
Manchester United's midfield reconstruction is nearing completion. After signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa in the space of 24 hours of each other last month, there has been an element of 'will-they, won't-they' about the past five weeks. Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni was heavily touted, so too Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Roma's Manu Kone.
10 Ways To Preserve Your DVDs And Blu-Rays For Years To Come
The end of disc-based media may be nearing, but your collection still holds a place in your heart and home. Keep it working well for years to come.
Utah Democrats have been out of power for 50 years. As the state changes, here’s how they think they can win.
Utah seems poised to send its first Democrat to Congress in six years. Democrats and others say the state is nearing a potential turning point — and that outcry over data centers could be a sign of how to build progressive power in this longtime GOP stronghold.
Yankees’ Aaron Judge update emerges ahead of Astros matchup
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge is nearing a return to the lineup.
Rainbow Six Siege Y11S3 Release Date + Patch Notes Explained
The Rainbow Six Siege Y11S3 Release Date is nearing closer, and it's a patch full of new changes, updates, and a new ranked division.
Miami real estate broker nears $1 billion in deals
Jordan Karp started his own real estate brokerage at 26. Now, he's nearing $1 billion in deals and works nonstop in Miami, Florida.
Fort Smith computer attack investigation nearing an end
In a statement provided late Tuesday (Sept. 15), Fort Smith City Administrator Jeff Dingman said a month-long investigation into an attack on the city’s computer system is nearing a conclusion,...
Colts, Raiders Get Strong Deebo Samuel Take Amid 49ers Speculation
The future of former San Francisco 49ers wideout Deebo Samuel is a major talking point with the 2026 NFL season nearing. Samuel is probably waiting for the right situation to play on a team looking to contend for a playoff spot. Last season with the Washington Commanders, played 713 total snaps, leading to a 69.4 overall PFF […] The post Colts, Raiders Get Strong Deebo Samuel Take Amid 49ers Speculation appeared first on HEAVY.
Miami Heat’s Sign-and-Trade Package for LeBron James Revealed
The Miami Heat may explore LeBron James’ free agency situation this offseason in any chance of bringing the veteran superstar back to the franchise.James is nearing the end of his storied career, and after exercising his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, he is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent. Various speculations are […] The post Miami Heat’s Sign-and-Trade Package for LeBron James Revealed appeared first on HEAVY.
Phantom Blade Zero's Fast-Paced Action Took 15 Years, Two RPG-Maker Games, And A Whole Lot Of Money To Bring To Life
S-Game is finally nearing the release of Phantom Blade Zero, and as part of previewing it one last time, I discovered this game has a whole lot of history
Michel Sanchez Provides Injury Update On Ajax Defender Daley Blind
Michel Sanchez has revealed that Daley Blind is nearing a return to action.
Milestone integration for Goshen Health in century long history
WSBT CBS 22 provides news, sports, entertainment and public interest programs to the South Bend, Indiana area including Mishawaka, Notre Dame, Granger, Osceola, Elkhart, Jimtown, Dunlap, New Carlisle, Goshen, Middlebury, Bristol, New Paris, Nappanee, Howe, Lagrange, Topeka, Bourbon, Milford, Syracuse, North Webster, Warsaw, Bremen, Plymouth, Walkerton, Argos, Tippecanoe, Culver, Grovertown, Delong, Rochester, Akron, Winamac, North Judson, LaPorte, North Liberty, Wakarusa, Lapaz, Millersburg, Knox, and Michigan City, Indiana – and these areas of Michigan: St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Buchanan, Niles, Three Oaks, New Buffalo, Harbert, Bridgeman, Stevensville, Watervliet, Berrien Springs, Dowagiac, Marcellus, Cassopolis, Decatur, Vandalia, Constantine, White Pigeon, Galien and Edwardsburg.
Bessent warns countries to halt business with Iran or face action
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday (August 24) announced an expansion of secondary sanctions it can impose on entities and countries that maintain business ties with Iran around the world as Washington significantly ratchets up economic pressure on Tehran with the war nearing its 6-month mark.
Scientists Digitize One of the World’s Rarest Animals Before It Disappears
Researchers have turned a fragile vaquita skeleton into freely accessible 3D models, preserving detailed anatomy as the porpoise nears extinction. Only an estimated handful of vaquitas (Phocoena sinus) remain in the shallow waters of Mexico’s northern Gulf of California, the only place this small porpoise lives. With the species nearing extinction, researchers have created a
Ramstad: With DFL nearing trifecta, business hopes Klobuchar keeps excesses in check
A moderate governor will have to rein in the big-spending DFLers in the House and Senate.
Mt. Lebanon sees mixed-use future for business district parking garage
A multi-level parking garage next to Mt. Lebanon’s historical municipal building could have a new life as a mixed-use development, according to the community’s municipal planner. Mt. Lebanon is seeking proposals for a public-private partnership to redevelop the structure, which is nearing the end of its functional life, said Ian
Panthers starting pass rusher nearing return
The Panthers may be getting back one of their pass rushers in Week 3.