Welcome to USA, Wrexham

Morning. Back again with The Sports Road. Your personal butler for all things sport and tech.

Here's what we got for ya today:

• Blockchain pumps up media rights for NBA + NFL
• Welcome to the USA, Wrexham
• F1 - Ford are BACK
• The Sound of Heartbreak

Most valuable public market sports teams

Let's get into it!

Blockchain tech and media rights in NBA + NFL

Everyone has been telling the Sports Goat that web3 is dead.  The blockchain is dead.  Forget the dream, Goat.  Stop it.  Move on.

Well, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver thinks otherwise.  Silver said that portions of games can be sold through micro-transactions direct to consumers using dynamic pricing, a change that could be made possible by blockchain's secure and decentralized features. The implications of blockchain in the sports industry could should lead to a rethink of media rights strategies and maximize the value of sports media for all parties involved.

• A more direct to consumer revenue model
• Less reliance on bulk media deals
• More personalised engagement with fans
• LIVE minting of moments
• MORE REVENUE

TODAY'S EDITION IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SPORTSICON.COM

Are you a fan of NBA Top Shot, UFC Strike, and NFL All Day? Are you looking for a platform to connect with your favorite athletes and teams, and collect and trade digital collectibles? Look no further than SportsIcon.com, the first user-generated content platform on the Flow blockchain.

Our platform allows any athlete, team, or creator to set up a profile and mint their own NFTs. Using the Dapper Wallet, it is easy for fans to take part and collect digital collectibles featuring their favorite icons and moments in sports history.

SportsIcon.com is more than just a marketplace, it's a unique way for athletes and teams to connect with their audience and build their brand. Join now and be a part of the future of sports collectibles.

Visit sportsicon.com

Wrexham AFC - Welcome to America!

Wrexham AFC, the Welsh football club co-owned by Hollywood stars Ronald "Mac" McDonald Rob McElhenney and Deadpool Ryan Reynolds, will participate in the US-based TBT Enterprises' Soccer Tournament from June 1-4.

The tournament, which will consist of 32 teams, has a winner-take-all $1 million prize.

Wrexham have made huge strides under the new Hollywood owners and plan to use $500,000 of the prize money to improve their community work.

Sports Goat is off to buy some tickets...

“Wrexham AFC is an incredible story showcasing the experience that can unfold when fans, players and owners are equally committed to the Club and the community,”

TST founder & CEO Jon Mugar

The club will field a squad of club legends, with plans to make its American debut during the pre-season. McElhenney and Reynolds aim to enhance the club and its community while preserving its authenticity. Wrexham currently lead the National League (4 divisions below the money bags Premier League) and are the lowest-tier team remaining in the FA Cup, (the oldest national club competition in the world, yessir).

Formula 1:  Ford are BACK (baby)

Ford is returning to Formula 1 racing for the 2026 season, and everyone is EXCITED.

It previously quit in 2004 after ending the Jaguar operation and its use of Cosworth engines but has been tempted back due to the increased role of electric power in the 2026 engines and the growth of F1 under the powerhouse that is Liberty Media.

OK, this is Ford in Le Mans but you get the idea

Ford has been in “secret” talks with Red Bull for a partnership for many months now, but official announcements have finally put the rumours to bed. The FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem considers the return as a success for the 2026 engine rules, which focus on sustainability and spectacle.

Ford already has a successful history in F1, winning ten constructors' championships, 13 drivers' championships and the Sports Goat can’t wait to see them back in the game.

Heartbreak for the Sounders at The FIFA World Club Cup

The FIFA World Club Cup is an annual event bringing the soccer champions of the 6 continental competitions (and champions of the host country) to play one mega super championship. It’s a big deal (unless you’re European).

Thanks to the CONCACAF Champions League title claimed by the Seattle Sounders, this was the first foray into the competition by an MLS team.  Absolutely a big deal (even if you are European).

Unfortunately, the Sounders hearts were broken, losing 1-0 to Egyptian club Al Ahly on Saturday.

Al Ahly will now go on to face European Giants Real Madrid, 14 times European Champions League winners, in the semi final on the 8th February. Semi Finals:

• Flamengo (Brazil) vs Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Tuesday 7th February 19:00 UTC
• Real Madrid (Spain) vs Al Ahly (Egypt), Wednesday 8th February 19:00 UTC

The 3rd place play off and Final will take place on the 11th February.  Fox Sports is the place to tune in.

Quick bites

• Nike x Tiffany - A match made in branding heaven
• Fans want more in venue digitisation: New study shows fans want sports venues to prioritise digitisation.
• MLB Network Dropped by YouTube TV: #SadFace

Meme of the day

Never fails to make me laugh

Quote of the day

"Like it or not, life is a game."

Phil Knight

Photo of the day

Harry Kane is now the leading goalscorer of all time for Spurs

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