SPORTS

Atlanta showed up, and the Dream showed out. The Atlanta Dream played Game 3 of the WNBA Finals in front of a sold-out State Farm Arena on Wednesday night, then beat the Golden State Valkyries 97-71 to take a 2-1 series lead.

From 3,500 Seats to 17,000

The Dream usually play at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, which holds about 3,500 fans and is the smallest arena in the league, according to Front Office Sports. For the team’s first Finals home games, the WNBA and the Dream moved Games 3 and 4 downtown to the Hawks’ 17,000-seat arena after working out scheduling conflicts, the AJC reports. Game 3 moved up a day, from Thursday to Wednesday, to clear a concert already booked at the arena.

It worked. The AJC and Front Office Sports both report the arena sold out for Game 3. State Farm Arena CEO Steve Koonin told Front Office Sports the building wants “to be partners” with the Dream and the WNBA. That partnership is getting bigger: the Dream have already said State Farm Arena will be their home next season.

Angel Reese and Company Handle Business

With the crowd behind them, the Dream took control. Angel Reese led the way with 21 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three steals, including both of her three-point tries, per CBS Sports. Rhyne Howard added 16, Naz Hillmon had 15, Isobel Borlase scored 12 and Jordin Canada chipped in 10.

CBS Sports notes Reese is now the only player besides A’ja Wilson to post back-to-back 20-point, 10-rebound games in the Finals. Atlanta is also undefeated this season when she makes a three. Golden State, meanwhile, hasn’t shot better than 35% in any game of the series.

This run is already historic. Monday’s 79-65 win in San Francisco was the first WNBA Finals win in franchise history, Yahoo Sports reports. Now the Dream are two wins away from the franchise’s first title.

What’s Next

Game 4 is Saturday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m. at State Farm Arena. It opens a downtown doubleheader, with the Hawks’ home opener against Houston at 8:30 p.m. CBS Sports called Saturday “essentially a must-win” for Golden State.

Why it matters: A sold-out NBA arena for a women’s championship series is a statement about Atlanta, and about how far the women’s game has come. If the Dream win two more, this city gets a title, and it’ll have happened in front of its biggest crowd.

Rocking red and blue this weekend? Tag us in your game-day looks, and join N’Style Insider or become one of The 800 founding members for more Atlanta culture.

Sources: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Front Office Sports, CBS Sports, Yahoo Sports, ESPN

Hov might finally be taking the stage he’s spent years building for everybody else. A new report says Jay-Z has picked himself to headline the Super Bowl LXI halftime show in Los Angeles. But nobody has made it official yet, so hold the confetti.

What the Report Says

On Oct. 20, Puck’s Dave Brooks reported that, according to multiple sources, Jay-Z chose himself for the February 2027 show at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Per the report, Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber were also in the conversation before he landed on the headliner he apparently found most compelling: himself.

Here’s the key detail. Neither the NFL nor Roc Nation answered requests for comment, and theGrio called it an industry claim, not an official announcement. Until the league says so, this stays in the “reportedly” column.

Why Jay-Z Gets to Make the Call

If you’re wondering how an artist can book himself, the answer is the deal Roc Nation signed with the NFL in 2019. That partnership made Jay-Z’s company the league’s go-to for live music entertainment, and it was renewed in 2024. Roc Nation has since produced some of the most talked-about halftime shows in recent memory, including Kendrick Lamar in 2025 and Bad Bunny in 2026. The New York Daily News notes Bad Bunny’s set went on to win seven Emmys.

The timing makes sense too. 2026 marks 30 years since Reasonable Doubt and 25 since The Blueprint, and Jay-Z has been on a victory lap. Puck pointed to strong ticket sales for his anniversary shows and recent stadium dates in New York, Philadelphia and Paris. Rolling Out reports he has two SoFi Stadium shows coming this weekend, and some think an announcement could land around then. If you caught our coverage of Beyoncé’s surprise at his Yankee Stadium finale, you already know these shows have been major.

If it’s confirmed, this would be Jay-Z’s first time headlining the Super Bowl. That would be a big moment for a catalog that has soundtracked three decades of Black culture.

Why it matters: For years, Jay-Z has been the architect behind the halftime show, putting Black and Latino artists on the world’s biggest stage. Seeing him finally step into the spotlight himself would be a full-circle moment. It would also restart the debate about who gets the halftime stage and who decides.

Who should Hov bring out if it happens? Tell us, and get the culture conversation first by joining N’Style Insider or becoming one of The 800 founding members.

Sources: theGrio, Rolling Out, New York Daily News via The Spokesman-Review (citing Puck).

The faces of sports television are changing once again.

In a move that has sent shockwaves across the NFL media landscape, ESPN is reportedly parting ways with former NFL MVP Cam Newton as part of a broader round of talent layoffs that also includes longtime analyst Ryan Clark. The cuts mark one of the network’s most significant on-air shakeups in recent years and signal another major shift in ESPN’s evolving strategy as it reshapes its football coverage.

For football fans, the news isn’t just about two personalities losing television jobs. It’s about the changing business of sports media—and where some of the game’s biggest voices may head next.

Cam Newton’s ESPN Run Comes to an Unexpected End

When Cam Newton joined ESPN, he brought exactly what television executives crave: charisma, confidence, and conversation.

The former Carolina Panthers quarterback quickly became a regular presence on First Take, frequently debating Stephen A. Smith while delivering opinions that generated headlines across social media.

During the 2025 football season, ESPN expanded Newton’s role, making him Stephen A. Smith’s primary Monday co-host during football season after Shannon Sharpe’s departure. Mondays traditionally draw the show’s largest NFL audience, making Newton one of the network’s most visible football personalities.

That made this week’s news especially surprising.

According to multiple reports, Newton is among the high-profile personalities leaving ESPN during its latest restructuring.

Ryan Clark Also Exits After More Than a Decade

Newton wasn’t the only recognizable name caught in the shake-up.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark, who spent more than a decade at ESPN and became one of the network’s signature NFL analysts, is also departing.

Clark built a reputation as one of ESPN’s most outspoken football voices, appearing across NFL Live, Get Up, and numerous special-event broadcasts.

Reports indicate Clark learned of his departure while participating in a live broadcast, making his exit one of the most talked-about moments of the layoffs.

His departure leaves another noticeable hole in ESPN’s football lineup ahead of the upcoming NFL season.

The Layoffs Go Beyond Two Familiar Faces

Newton and Clark are part of a much larger restructuring effort.

According to Reuters, ESPN’s latest round of layoffs also affects several other prominent personalities, including veteran baseball broadcaster Karl Ravech, NFL insider Tom Pelissero, fantasy football analyst Stephania Bell, radio personality Bart Scott, NFL analyst Charles Davis, and additional editorial and production staff.

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro reportedly told employees many of the staffing decisions are tied to ESPN’s integration of NFL Network operations following Disney’s acquisition of NFL Network assets, while acknowledging that other departments are also being affected.

In other words, this isn’t simply about personalities.

It’s about restructuring one of sports media’s biggest brands.

Cam Newton Isn’t Slowing Down

Although his ESPN chapter appears to be ending, Newton isn’t disappearing from the spotlight.

The former league MVP has spent the last several years building his own media platform through podcasts like 4th & 1 and Funky Fridays, where he interviews athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs while speaking more freely than traditional television formats often allow.

Following reports of his departure, Newton addressed the news publicly, saying creators should prioritize building platforms they control rather than relying solely on corporate media opportunities. He also described his ESPN experience positively despite the unexpected ending.

For many fans, that’s hardly surprising.

Newton has always been bigger than football.

Whether discussing NFL culture, fashion, business, or fatherhood, he’s built a digital audience that extends far beyond Sunday’s highlights.

What This Means for ESPN

The departures also raise immediate questions about ESPN’s football programming.

Who replaces Newton opposite Stephen A. Smith on Mondays?

Who fills Clark’s role during one of the biggest NFL seasons in network history?

Those questions become even more significant as ESPN prepares for expanded NFL coverage and future marquee broadcasts.

Industry observers expect ESPN to continue reshaping its talent roster as traditional television increasingly competes with YouTube creators, podcasts, athlete-owned media companies, and independent digital personalities.

The modern sports conversation no longer lives exclusively on cable television.

It’s happening everywhere.

Fans React Across Social Media

As expected, the news sparked immediate debate online.

Many fans expressed disappointment over seeing recognizable personalities lose their jobs regardless of personal opinions, while others viewed the layoffs as another sign that traditional sports television is entering a new era. Discussions on Reddit reflected both sympathy for affected employees and broader criticism of corporate cost-cutting across media companies.

Whether viewers loved or disliked Newton’s debate style or Clark’s commentary, both consistently generated conversation—a valuable currency in today’s attention economy.

The Bigger Picture

Sports television is evolving faster than ever.

Networks are balancing billion-dollar media rights deals, streaming expansion, corporate restructuring, and changing viewer habits. At the same time, former athletes are discovering they don’t necessarily need legacy television networks to reach millions of fans.

Cam Newton’s own media business is proof of that.

Ryan Clark also maintains a significant digital following and could quickly emerge elsewhere in sports media.

Final Thoughts

ESPN’s latest talent overhaul represents more than another round of layoffs—it reflects the rapid transformation of modern sports media.

While Cam Newton and Ryan Clark are exiting one of television’s biggest sports networks, both have already established recognizable brands that extend well beyond ESPN’s studios.

For viewers, the biggest question isn’t whether they’ll see these personalities again.

It’s where they’ll show up next.

It’s official: former NBA star Dwight Howard and his wife Amy Luciani are calling it quits after just six months of marriage — and Amy’s setting the record straight for everyone watching.

According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Amy — known to fans as rapper Amy Luciani — filed for divorce on July 1 in Georgia, stating their marriage is “irretrievably broken” with “no prospects for reconciliation.” The next day, a mutual restraining order between the pair, originally filed back in January, was also re-entered into court records.

But it’s Amy’s candid Instagram statement that has everyone talking. Shutting down any “gold digger” rumors before they start, she wrote: “The value I add cannot be bought. I’d rather build the empire with you. You ever met a gold digger who went her entire relationship without asking for a penny & asked for a prenuptial agreement & doesn’t want any part of his assets when it ends?”

Amy revealed she asked Dwight to sign a prenup to protect his assets — but says he refused. Despite that, she says she doesn’t want any of his money or anything he earned before they wed. “I married for love,” she wrote, adding “Right now is just a bad moment but God oversees it all and this too shall pass.”

She ended her post with honesty and grace: “I won’t bother asking for privacy. This is the internet, so I’ll accept the good with the bad.”

As the internet weighs in, Amy’s making one thing clear — she’s walking away with her self-worth intact and her head held high.

#AmyLuciani #DwightHoward #CelebrityDivorce #PublicStatement #RapNews #NBA #MarriageAndMoney #InstaNews

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Fashion meets function in the boldest release yet from Kyrie Irving and ANTA. The KAI 2 Triple Black has officially landed—and it’s not just a sneaker, it’s a statement. Sleek, stealthy, and subtly iridescent, this all-black colorway is designed to move effortlessly between the hardwood and the streets, proving once again that black will never go out of style—it just gets smarter.

This isn’t your average court shoe. Engineered for elite-level performance with high-strength materials and next-gen cushioning, the KAI 2 Triple Black also shines in the style department thanks to a hint of green shimmer that catches the light just right. It’s “Black Reimagined” for the athlete who demands power and polish in every step.

The KAI 2 Triple Black is also taking over BETX Weekend as the official shoe of the BETX Celebrity Basketball Game. All teams will be rocking these kicks alongside retro 90s styles and exclusive Surgeon x ANTA jerseys—blending sport, style, and storytelling on one of the culture’s biggest stages.

Want to see it up close? ANTA is hosting an immersive experience at the BET Experience in L.A., complete with fan trials, exclusive merch, and surprise guests. Early access drops May 31st at ANTA.com and select retailers like Nice Kicks, Shoe Palace, and Sneaker Politics.

This isn’t just a shoe—it’s a movement. The KAI 2 Triple Black reminds us that greatness isn’t just seen—it’s felt.

Alijah Arenas, 18-year-old son of NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas and a top USC basketball recruit, is in a medically induced coma following a severe car accident early Thursday morning in Los Angeles.​San Francisco Chronicle+2People.com+2talkSPORT+2

Around 4:55 a.m., Alijah’s Tesla Cybertruck veered off the road in Reseda, crashing into a tree and fire hydrant before catching fire. Emergency responders found the vehicle engulfed in flames and transported Alijah to the hospital in serious condition. Initial reports indicate he did not suffer broken bones, but the coma was induced due to smoke inhalation complications. ​talkSPORTWikipedia+4SI+4talkSPORT+4

Alijah, a McDonald’s All-American and the No. 13-ranked recruit in the class of 2025, had recently committed to USC after reclassifying from the 2026 class. His father, Gilbert Arenas, canceled his podcast “Gil’s Arena” in light of the incident, while Alijah’s mother, Laura Govan, took to Instagram asking for prayers. ​People.com+6Wikipedia+6talkSPORT+6Los Angeles Times+2People.com+2talkSPORT+2

Our thoughts are with Alijah and the Arenas family during this difficult time. 🙏

#AlijahArenas #USCBasketball #GilbertArenas #PrayersUp #BreakingNews #BasketballCommunity

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Hold onto your mics, because Shannon Sharpe just took real talk to a whole new level. The sports legend and viral clip king has broken his silence—and baby, he’s not holding anything back.

In a bombshell video released earlier today, Sharpe set the record straight: “I’m speaking directly to my family, friends, supporters, and colleagues,” he began, addressing what he calls an “orchestrated situation” designed to smear his name and reputation.

The man at the center of the fire? None other than powerhouse attorney Tony Buzbee, whom Sharpe claims is trying to push out a highly edited sex tape clip that distorts the truth. “They want to make me look guilty and play into tired stereotypes,” he said firmly, his signature intensity on full display. “But I’m not here to be anybody’s victim.”

Sharpe revealed that the full video—yes, there’s a full video—shows a consensual, daytime encounter that happened at the woman’s invitation. And the alleged mastermind behind it all? A woman named Gabby, who goes by Karli on OnlyFans. According to Sharpe, this was a setup from the jump.

And it gets juicier—he claims they’re demanding a staggering $50 million. Let that sink in. Fifty. Million. Dollars.

But Sharpe’s not backing down. “I’m going to sue them for defamation,” he said plainly. “I’ve always been known for real talk and honesty, and I’m going to continue being transparent about this situation.”

This is not the Shannon Sharpe scandal—this might just be the Shannon Sharpe showdown.

Twitter’s in flames. The memes are rolling. And one thing’s for sure: Undisputed might have to make room for a whole new kind of heat. Stay tuned, because Uncle Shay Shay just flipped the script—and he’s bringing receipts.

#ShannonSharpe #UncleShayShay #TonyBuzbee #OnlyFansDrama #CelebrityNews #BornToPop

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UPDATE: Tracy Morgan Breaks Silence After Courtside Incident

After his courtside vomit caused a 10-minute delay during the Knicks’ 116-95 win over the Miami Heat, Tracy Morgan took to social media to assure fans he’s doing just fine—and he’s keeping his signature sense of humor intact!

“Thank you for all your concern! I’m doing ok now and doctors say it was food poisoning. Appreciate my MSG family for taking such good care of me and I need to shout out the crew that had to clean that up. Appreciate you!”

Never missing a beat, he joked: “More importantly, the Knicks are now 1-0 when I throw up on the court, so maybe I’ll have to break it out again in the playoffs 😅 #GoKnicks.”

Glad to see Tracy is feeling better—and bringing good luck to his beloved Knicks!

#TracyMorgan #Knicks #MSG #NBA #CelebrityNews

Monday night’s New York Knicks game took a bizarre turn when Tracy Morgan suddenly vomited on the court, causing a 10-minute delay during their 116-95 win over the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden.

The 56-year-old comedian—a lifelong Knicks fan known for Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock—was sitting courtside when he unexpectedly became ill. Morgan was later taken out of the arena in a wheelchair, though details on his condition remain unclear.

Despite the unusual interruption, the game resumed without issue. It’s unknown whether the incident is connected to Morgan’s past health challenges, including a kidney transplant in 2010 and a serious car accident in 2014.

Wishing Tracy a speedy recovery!

#TracyMorgan #Knicks #MadisonSquareGarden #NBA #CelebrityNews

https://youtube.com/shorts/ibZHTNcXlHQ?si=gZVXuQNKaCOwj3S0https://youtube.com/shorts/E8IuFg5ITD0?si=4UQZkuPmgW1g8dmw

Atlanta, GA  –– Following record-setting SOLD OUT shows in Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, West Palm Beach, New Jersey and overseas in Tokyo, Japan with new shows Arizona, FuelFest is set to open gates for their 1st year in the Atlanta region at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, October 19th , located at 1500 Tara Place in Hampton, GA (approximately 30 miles south of Atlanta on U.S. Highway 19 & 41). Gates for the event open to the public from 1-8pm. Admission tickets start at $35 per person and kids 12 and under are FREE. Visit  www.FuelFest.com for ticket information.

Now in its sixth year of hosting events globally from Los Angeles, Dallas, West Palm Beach, New Jersey, Atlanta, Arizona, Tokyo, London and Abu Dhabi — FuelFest blends the enthusiast’s passion for the automotive world with appearances by Fast & Furious franchise stars, Tyrese GIbson &  Cody Walker, live action drifting and drag racing,  live music by multiple artists on the Festival Stage, a huge car show, automotive culture and more. This year, the show will feature more than 700 top custom, exotic, rare and exclusive cars and trucks, plus drift ride alongs, various interactive fan racing activities and attractions. The FuelFest drift pits are open access, allowing fans to get up close to their favorite race cars and see what these amazing machines are all about. FuelFest New Jersey also features the all new popular showcase area: Taste of Tokyo, giving fans a Japanese underground car meet vibe with a variety of cars you’re likely to see lurking in the streets of Tokyo as well as crazy kart drifting where fans can get behind the wheel and drift through the custom course inside the showgrounds      

For those looking to elevate the thrilling experience, FuelFest offers VIP access with premium benefits, early admission access for FuelClub members, limited edition merchandise and more.

A portion of the event’s proceeds benefit Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), the non-profit charity founded by Paul Walker and continued by his brother, Cody Walker. Founded in 2010, the organization was created by the late actor and producer after a massive earthquake devastated Haiti with the inspiration to organize a relief team that responded to the disaster. ROWW’s mission is to fill the gap between the availability of skilled resources in post-disaster situations. As of 2024, ROWW has raised over $520,000 through the partnership with FuelFest to benefit those in need and has deployed resources to several disaster areas including Beaumont, Texas, Lahaina, Hawaii, Türkiye, and more. Additionally, Cody and Felicia Walker collaborated with The Weather Channel in 2022 on a new seriesFast: Home Rescue, to help rebuild homes across the United States that were impacted by natural disasters.

FuelFest brings the passion of the automotive community to major cities across the globe, showcasing an eclectic collection of cars and music while creating an everlasting experience that leaves fans looking forward to the next event. The 2024 FuelFest World Tour will make its way to many major U.S. cities such as West Palm Beach,Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Southern New Jersey, Atlanta and Scottsdale! Keep on the lookout for more surprise locations internationally! Event information, car registration and tickets can be found now at www.FuelFest.com, as well as on social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!

Additional FuelFest sponsors include Meguiar’s Premium Showcase Section, C4 Energy as the Official Energy Drink of FuelFest, The Liqui-Moly ‘Taste of Tokyo’ showcase section, O’Reilly Auto Parts, X Comp Tires and more.

About FuelFest

Co-founded by Cody Walker and Chris Lee, FuelFest is their vision of creating a world-class automotive celebration to incorporate the passion of entertainment and art launched in 2018. With each having many successful endeavors, the collaboration of their visions brought to life through FuelFest and beyond impacted enthusiasts of all ages, communities and the industry. FuelFest is committed to helping fulfill Paul’s Legacy by contributing a portion of the proceeds from every show to Reach Out WorldWide – garnering the passion and generosity of the car community to help spread goodwill and make a true difference in lives that need it most. For further press information and opportunities visit www.FuelFest.com.

About Reach Out WorldWide

Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW) was founded in 2010 by the late actor/producer, Paul Walker. After a massive earthquake devastated Haiti, Paul spontaneously organized a relief team that responded to the disaster. On the trip, Paul saw a gap between the availability of skilled resources and the requirement for such personnel in post-disaster situations. Upon returning from Haiti, Paul established ROWW with the purpose of fulfilling this unmet need. Since Paul’s passing, ROWW continues to be a platform for like-minded individuals to make a difference in other people’s lives. It started as an idea and has transformed into a culture equally benefiting the volunteers as much as the people they are assisting. It’s turning the “I generation” into a “goodwill generation.” It’s giving good people not just a voice but a chance to act. 

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NFL wide receiver Raymond McCloud III sat down for a juicy chat with JuicyPop Host Miss J. in the “A” to discuss his football career, joining the Atlanta Falcons, fashion, and his budding career as a music artist and executive. Check out part 1 of his interview below!

Growing up , McCloud attended Sickles High School in Tampa, Florida and played on the Gryphons football team as a running back.As a senior, he rushed for 1,933 yards and 17 touchdowns. For his high school career, he had 5,765 rushing yards and 58 touchdowns. He committed to play football for the Clemson Tigers in July 2014, choosing them over the likes of Alabama, Auburn, and Florida.

https://youtu.be/wvGVT7_G6X4https://youtu.be/wvGVT7_G6X4

As a freshman in 2015, McCloud played in 12 games, catching 29 passes for 251 yards and one touchdown. In 2016, as a sophomore, McCloud played in 14 of Clemson’s 15 games.In those 14 games, he tallied 49 receptions for 472 yards and two touchdowns, helping Clemson win the National Championship. As a junior in 2017, McCloud played in all 14 of Clemson’s games, tallying 49 receptions for 503 yards and one touchdown. He also returned 25 punts for 303 yards and one touchdown. After the season, he declared for the 2018 NFL Draft.

McCloud is close with his family. He is the older brother of Jordan McCloud who was the starting quarterback for Texas State Bobcats. He has two children of his own.

Skyebutterfli sat down with Kelvin Tiller, American mixed martial artist competing in the UFC | MMA Sports light heavyweight division.

In this exclusive chat Tiller talks about being bullied as a child, training, and becoming a professional competitor in 2011. Check out the full interview below.

Learn more about Kelvin Tiller at https://mamasboypromotions.com

The Wife and children of former Atlanta Hawks player Vince Carter left terrified hiding in a bedroom closet during a home invasion on Father’s day. Carter’s wife Sondi Carter told 911 she was hiding in the bedroom closet with her children while they contacted a a nearby off-duty officer while the suspects rummaged through the home making off with over $100,000 in cash that was in a brown bag in the primary bedroom closet and a black Glock 26 with an extended magazine Semi-Automatic handgun according to the police report obtained by the USA Today.

The thieves attempted to escape the off duty officer dropping a $16,100 in 100 dollar bills the Glock when jumping into a black SUV. The suspects left behind fingerprints and were caught on the home surveillance videos.

Olympic gold medalist and Simone Biles and boyfriend, NFL Safety Jonathan Owens confirmed on Instagram Tuesday February 15th they are engaged.

Owen’s popped the question with an oval-cut diamond ring set in a diamond-encrusted band inside a gazebo in Houston, Texas. Check out Bile’s caption and series of Instagram photos below.

 

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YOUTUBE ORIGINALS ANNOUNCES NEW DOCUMENTARY “I PROMISE”

FROM LEBRON JAMES’ THE SPRINGHILL COMPANY CHRONICLING YEAR ONE AT HIS GROUNDBREAKING, PUBLIC I PROMISE SCHOOL

BOTH A FILM AND AN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE, “I PROMISE” PROVIDES AN INSIDE LOOK AT A NEW MODEL FOR URBAN, PUBLIC EDUCATION

FILM DEBUTS SEPTEMBER 28 ONLY ON YOUTUBE

LOS ANGELES, CA, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 — YouTube Originals today announced “I Promise” a feature documentary film from award-winning director, Marc Levin, that tells the story of LeBron James’ efforts to close the achievement gap in his hometown of Akron, Ohio through the eyes of the inspiring students who are resetting expectations of their futures. The film premieres Thursday September 28 at 12pm ET / 9am PT on the YouTube Originals channel.

The documentary, which premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Festival, features an in-depth look at the first academic year inside the groundbreaking I Promise School, which opened in 2018. Viewers will get to explore the day-to-day trials, triumphs, and life-changing impact of the school staff, students and families working together in a unique, family-first educational environment that embraces the trauma and challenges many face in Akron. The film offers an intimate look at the school’s blueprint for a new model for urban, public education – a holistic, STEM-focused approach led by love and Social Emotional Learning infused with the LeBron James Family Foundation’s “We Are Family” philosophy. In opening the doors to the I PROMISE School’s early challenges and learnings, the film exists to provide insights and tools that students and educators in every community across the country can implement in their classrooms and beyond.

“I Promise” is directed by Marc Levin with executive producers LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, Philip Byron, Nicholas Lopez, Marc Levin, Dan Levin, Catherine Cyr, and Josh Gold. LeBron James and Maverick Carter will serve as executive producers on the documentary with their empowerment-led media conglomerate The SpringHill Company. “I Promise” director Marc Levin will also executive produce alongside Jamal Henderson, Philip Byron, Nicholas Lopez, Daniel B. Levin, Catherine Cyr, and Josh Gold. The film is a Blowback Pictures Production in association with RYOT Lab and LeBron James Family Foundation. Susanne Daniels is Global Head of Original Content for YouTube. Nadine Zylstra serves as Head of Family, Learning and Impact for YouTube Originals, with Zoe Di Stefano also overseeing “I Promise” for YouTube Originals.

“I Promise” joins a growing slate of learning and impact projects including the upcoming new slate of sustainability-focused programming: “Seat at the Table,” with David Attenborough and creator Jack Harries, “Stay Wild” (working title) from Brave Wilderness in partnership with Appian Way and Madica Productions, “Shut It Off ASAP” (working title) from AsapSCIENCE and B17 Entertainment; in addition to launched projects from the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund aimed to invest with intention with programming like “Bear Witness, Take Action 2,” which continued the movement on racial justice to evoke change and protect Black lives; “Resist,” a documentary series from Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors; and “Barbershop Medicine” aiming to put the “public” back in Public Health and explore the impact race and socioeconomic status have on healthcare and longevity. Additional learning YouTube Originals include Emmy Award-winning mini-series “Create Together,” a Joseph Gordon-Levitt hosted series featuring the creations of everyday people collaborating to make art; Daytime Emmy Award-winning special “Creators for Change on Girls’ Education with Michelle Obama” where YouTube creators, such as Liza Koshy, sit down with Former First Lady Michelle Obama and the Obama Foundation to discuss the state of girls’ education around the world; Emmy-nominated “Glad You Asked” that explores topics driven by our curiosity about the world around us; and “Retro Tech” the Emmy-nominated series that explores the technological promises of the past.

About YouTube Originals:

YouTube Originals are award-winning series, specials and livestream events for YouTube’s two billion active monthly users that entertain, inspire, connect, and educate audiences through authentic storytelling from YouTube creators, music artists and celebrities. By tapping into the platform’s growing global community, fan engagement product capabilities, and innovative content, YouTube Originals amplify the most popular and unique aspects of YouTube.  Fans can experience YouTube Originals content for free through the standard YouTube platform (ad-supported), or through a paid subscription to YouTube Premium, which adds ad-free, bonus/exclusive content, and early binge access to select programming. YouTube Originals are available in over 100 countries worldwide.  Keep up with the latest YouTube news by visiting the global platform’s official blog at https://blog.youtube/.

About The SpringHill Company:

The SpringHill Company is a global consumer and entertainment company created to empower greatness in every individual. The SpringHill Company unites three brands built by LeBron James and Maverick Carter: UNINTERRUPTED, the Sports Emmy winning athlete empowerment media and consumer product brand, SpringHill Entertainment, the premium scripted and unscripted film and television production brand and The Robot Company, the brand and culture consultancy. With a dynamic and diverse team committed to creating the most culturally inspired content, entertainment and products, The SpringHill Company is built to be the defining brand for a new generation.

About Marc Levin:

Marc Levin is an award-winning, independent filmmaker dedicated to telling powerful, real stories in a unique, authentic style. He has won four Emmy® awards, four duPont-Columbia awards, the Peabody Award, the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, among others. Highlights include: Slam, his breakout festival hit; Brick City, the groundbreaking docu-series about the city of Newark, New Jersey and its charismatic Mayor Cory Booker.

About the LeBron James Family Foundation:

With a commitment to redefining community and building stronger families, The LeBron James Family Foundation invests its time, resources and passion into creating generational change for kids and families through a focus on education and co-curricular educational initiatives. With its foundational I PROMISE Program, LJFF serves more than 1,500 students and their entire families by providing them with the fundamental resources, wraparound supports and family programming they need for success in school and beyond. In 2018, the Foundation built all of its family-first programming and academic interventions into the groundbreaking I PROMISE School that has created a new model for urban, public education. The Foundation has layered in additional resources including higher education and family supports at the I PROMISE Institute, transitional housing at the I PROMISE Village, longer-term affordable housing at the upcoming I PROMISE Housing, job training and financial health programming at House Three Thirty, and several hands-on supports in between. These life-changing resources, combined with the Foundation’s “We Are Family” philosophy, are re-defining what a family and community looks like. To learn more about our story, visit  https://www.lebronjamesfamilyfoundation.org.

A slew of celebrities joined Ice Cube at the Big3 game Sunday July 7th in Atlanta including Atlanta Hawk legend Dominique Wilkins, Lil, Scrappy and his wife Bambi, Kandi Burrus, Todd Tucker, and Jessica Dime. Game highlights include Glen “Big Baby” Davis launching his jersey and game shorts into the crowd after getting ejected early into Power’s surprising loss,  and Atlanta rap star Yung Joc performed classic hit “It’s Goin Down” during halftime of Trilogy vs Power.

Watch Joe Johnson’s Interview Here!

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: GAME 1

Triplets – 51 (3-0) vs Bivouac – 45 (1-2)

https://vimeo.com/346731786/6bb45acc84 

It was a homecoming for former Atlanta Hawks stars Joe Johnson and Josh Smith. “Iso” Joe came into Week 3 as the BIG3’s second leading scorer, averaging 23 points a game, but it was Smith who brought the early energy, scoring 19 in the first half to help Bivouac take a 25-14 lead at the break.

During the postgame press conference, Hall of Fame Legend Lisa Leslie said, “You learn the most about people during tough times and we were in a tough situation”. The Triplets clearly took their coach’s words to heart, steadily chipping away at a 12-point deficit, getting key contributions from Chris Johnson and Alan Anderson. Ultimately, Johsnon’s explosive game would prove to be too much for Bivouac, as the former Atlanta Hawk added to his MVP-calibur campaign with 24 of his teams 37 points in the second half to keep the Triplet’s undefeated season alive.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: GAME 2

3 Headed Monsters – 48 (2-1) vs Killer 3s – 51 (3-0)

https://vimeo.com/346738639/ec9dcc2d2e

The second game of the night featured a battle of unbeatens, as Charles the “King of New York” Oakley’s Killer 3s put their perfect season on the line against Gary “The Glove” Payton’s 3 Headed Monsters.

As expected, the contest proved to be a physical matchup from the early going. Led by NBA Champion and Captain Stephen “Stak” Jackson, Killer 3s went on an 11-2 run to take a small 25-21 lead into the half.

Refusing to go down easy, 16-year NBA veteran and 3 Headed Monsters’ Captain Rashard Lewis put his squad on his shoulders, accounting for his teams’ first 10 points coming out of the break. Mario Chalmers showed his championship mentality, pouring in bucket after bucket to bring 3 Headed Monsters within one late. Ultimately, Chalmers’ late game heroics would not be enough as the shifty Frank “Nitty” Sessions impressed with several spectacular drives to close out the victory for Killer 3s

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: GAME 3

Trilogy – 50 (1-2) vs Power – 43 (2-1)

https://vimeo.com/346745587/2f500626e1

Sunday’s final game was a true testament to the excitement and balanced competition BIG3 brings every week.

Seeking its first win, Trilogy pulled away early en route to handing defending BIG3 Champions Power its first defeat.

After allowing Power to score the game’s first basket, Trilogy went on an 11-0 run and never looked back. Nancy Lieberman’s side was hobbled after a first half ejection to Glen Davis, who gave his uniform and positive energy to the crowd, and a second half injury to MVP candidate Cuttino Mobley.

Amplified by inspired performances from David Hawkins and Patrick O’Bryant, Trilogy kept the pressure on to secure a much needed win.