FIFA’s new halftime show! ⚽
Good morning.
FIFA, the global governing body for soccer, announced last week that the 2026 World Cup final will feature a halftime show for the first time in history. The final, which will be held in New Jersey at MetLife Stadium, will be the second time in history that the World Cup final will be held in the United States.
This is exciting for the sports community for several reasons:
It could increase viewership. The World Cup has steadily increased viewership over the years. In 2018, the average viewership (in the U.S.) was 2.77 million people and, in 2022, the average increased to 3.59 million. This could be an opportunity for FIFA to shift those numbers even higher as viewers are 1) curious what a FIFA World Cup halftime show will look like and 2) watch a performer they like!
Increasing viewership can also diversify viewership. Let’s be honest, not everyone can be an expert in every sport. But by adding a separate entertainment component outside of the competition, FIFA will be able to entice less soccer-fluent fans to tune in to the World Cup final.
The sport of soccer could grow, especially youth soccer leagues. Hear me out on this one. There is a cycle that happens around many major sporting events: families and friends gather to watch (or attend) sports and are frequently inspired to follow, try, or have their children try a new-to-them sport. By introducing a halftime show and adding more of the entertainment factors that many major sporting events are becoming known for, FIFA is not only likely to grow engagement with the World Cup, but to also grow engagement with the sport itself.
The 2026 World Cup series will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026 and, undoubtedly, there will be more exciting news to come from FIFA!
Enjoy your week, folks!
— Taylor
Other news this week:
Confidence coach Christen Shefchunas will be speaking at the 2025 ASCA World Clinic! Registration is open now for the four-day event!
P.S. Nervous about missing upcoming news from CG Sports? Follow us on Instagram (@cgsportsco), Facebook (CG Sports Management), and, of course, our weekly newsletter.
Jack Dahlgren
February was a busy month for Jack Dahlgren! His latest newsletter breaks down all that he was up to, including (but not limited to):
Training and leading a swim clinic with the Mission Viejo Nadadores
Exploring Death Valley National Park
Training with the Sandpipers of Nevada and exploring Las Vegas
Training with the ASU pro group and competing in Veracruz, Mexico
And more!
Subscribe today and have Jack’s March recap sent directly to your inbox!
McKenzie Coan
TEDx Speech = Check!
McKenzie shared her story on the TEDx stage, including how she has created a mindset to overcome physical and mental setbacks. After the event, she posted a reflection on why this speaking event was extra meaningful.
Coming up for McKenzie: she will be joining Eisenhower Middle School in New Jersey for their 3 R’s Day (Respect, Reflect, and Resiliency)!
TYR Pro Swim Series
The 2025 TYR Pro Swim Series splashed into action in Westmont, Illinois this past week. Among the many talented athletes competing were CG Sports’ Lilly King and Jack Dahlgren.
Lilly delivered dynamic finishes in the women’s 50-meter (30.55) and 100-meter (1:07.13) breaststroke. While Jack swam to swift times in the 200 free (1:50.27), 100 fly (53.11), and 200 fly (1:57.35).
View full results from Westmont online, courtesy of Omega Timing.
NIL Sponsorship Deals: What You Need to Know
NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) sponsorship deals for athletes can vary widely based on the athlete's popularity, sport, and marketability. However, here are some elements that a basic athlete NIL sponsorship deal might include to be considered a good deal:
Compensation: Determine a fair compensation package, whether it's a flat fee, performance-based incentives, or a combination of both. The compensation should reflect the athlete's market value, endorsements, and overall brand appeal.
Term Duration: Clearly outline the duration of the sponsorship deal. This could be a one-time event, a season-long agreement, or a multi-year contract.
Rights and Usage: Specify how the sponsor can use the athlete's name, image, and likeness. This may include social media posts, advertisements, merchandise, and more. Define the limitations to ensure that the athlete's image is used in a manner consistent with their values and brand.
Exclusivity: Decide if the athlete is allowed to have other sponsorship deals that conflict with the sponsor's product or service. Exclusivity clauses may limit the athlete's ability to promote similar products or services during the sponsorship period.
Learn more about the elements that a basic NIL sponsorship deal might include online!
We are officially less than a year out from the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Games! This past week, Paralympian Jack Wallace joined the Kelly Clarkson Show to celebrate the upcoming Winter Games!
Sponsor Spotlight: Honey Stinger
Do you feel sluggish hours after a work out? Do you struggle to feel energized before working out? The Hive is here to help.
The Honey Stinger Hive was created for those who appreciate and love their individual sports. Honey Stinger seeks to provide optimal nutrition centered around honey-powered fuel. As a community, the Hive seeks to empower athletes from all walks of life and to share their stories, creating more connections between athletes.
Honey Stinger's honey-powered fuel is showcased in several collections from waffles to energy chews to cracker bars. Each collection is themed to help you optimize your fitness as you prepare, perform, and recover. Visit www.honeystinger.com to shop the collections.
Champions Mojo, Episode #273: “25 Year Lay Off Doesn’t Slow Down Champion Steve Gold”
In this inspiring episode, we have an engaging conversation with 48-year-old Steve Gold, a swimmer located in Jacksonville, Florida who swims for the Bolles School Sharks Masters. Steve has redefined personal excellence through the sport earning All-American Honors while being a busy working Dad of four! After nearly 25 years away from competitive swimming, Steve's remarkable journey back into the water demonstrates the power of resilience and the transformative impact of pursuing one's passions. He shares insights on his time as a swimmer at Yale, where he served as team captain, and his subsequent hiatus from the sport as he navigated career challenges and family life.
With a background in mental health, Steve passionately discusses how swimming has revitalized not only his physical condition but also his mental wellbeing. He highlights the intrinsic connection between physical fitness and mental health, illustrating how swimming can be both an individual pursuit and a communal experience that fosters teamwork and support. Through Steve’s story, listeners will learn about the importance of finding balance in life while pursuing competitive goals.
As he prepares for upcoming master swimming events, Steve provides valuable advice on how to set realistic expectations, integrate swimming into busy schedules, and the advantages of training within a community. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just beginning your journey, this episode will inspire you to make waves in your own life and encourage you to embrace the joy of competition at any age.
Catch up on EVERY episode at ChampionsMojo.com.
Craving more from the Champion's Mojo team? Grab your copy of Kelly Palace's Take Your Mark, LEAD! on Amazon!
