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APP ANNOUNCES HISTORIC BROADCAST DEALS WITH CBS SPORTS AND ESPN

APP

The APP's 2023 agreements with CBS Sports and ESPN will supercharge the sport of pickleball, bringing the world's fastest growing sport to millions of fans, and driving massive exposure for pickleball’s top players; The two deals guarantee a combined 20 hours of televised coverage across CBS Sports Network and ESPN2 of all 16 2023 APP Tour events, plus more than 200 hours of livestream coverage on ESPN+ and APP TV The Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) has announced historic deals with CBS Sports and ESPN to deliver hundreds of hours of APP Tour pickleball programming throughout 2023, including 12 hours of live matches and highlight-driven programs on CBS Sports Network, eight hours of event recap telecasts on ESPN2 and more than 200 hours of live streaming coverage on ESPN+ and APP TV. “We are delighted to welcome CBS Sports and ESPN to the APP and are excited to be working with two of the most significant names in sports media to bring the sport of pickleball to fans across the country,” commented Tom Webb, APP Chief Marketing Officer. “Over 36.5 million Americans played pickleball in 2022 and this media package enables those fans to tune in to our world-class tournaments, and introduces the sport and its best players to millions more. The APP exists to expand the sport of pickleball domestically and internationally and this media exposure is an important step in that mission.” The APP’s fourth season, the 2023 APP Tour, kicked off in Punta Gorda, Florida, with a sold-out event and over 720 professional and amateur pickleball players from across the USA and around the world. The 2023 APP Tour continues with the APP Daytona Beach Open, taking place at Pictona at Holly Hill in Florida from February 8 - 12. Full details of the 2023 schedule are available at APPTour.org. 2023 APP Television Schedule About the APP Founded in 2019, the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) elevates the sport of pickleball by providing elite platforms for the best players in the world, right through to the millions of people picking up a paddle for the first time. Serving professional pickleball players, senior professionals, amateurs and recreational players in the fastest growing sport in the USA, the APP is the first and only tour officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball. The 2023 APP Tour slate has 16 tournament stops planned, in addition to International and Collegiate Series events. The APP also prides itself on developing the next generation of champions through its Next Gen Series and other youth initiatives. Follow the APP via APPTour.org, on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. About ESPN ESPN, Inc., is the world’s leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment brand, featuring an unmatched portfolio of sports assets. It is comprised of eight U.S. 24-hour television networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes, Longhorn Network, SEC Network and the ACC Network; five with HD simulcast services – ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS and ESPN Deportes). Other businesses include direct-to-consumer video service ESPN+, ESPN Audio (broadcast, satellite, digital, podcasts), an array of digital services (ESPN.com and many other sites, ESPN App, fantasy games and more), multi-screen ESPN3, endeavors on every continent around the world across media including more than 40 networks, espnW, consumer products and ESPN Events. Based in Bristol, Conn., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Hearst holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN. About ESPN+ ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). About CBS Sports Network CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour home of CBS Sports, is widely available through all major cable, satellite and telco distributors as well as via OTT streaming service providers YouTube TV, fuboTV, DirecTV and Hulu. Additionally, a live CBS Sports Network stream is available through CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App by authenticating with select providers. For more information, including a full programming schedule, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com Contact Details APP Tom Webb +1 512-952-9369 tom.webb@gmail.com Company Website https://apptour.org/

January 23, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Real Luck Group "really smashed it" in Q4 2022

Real Luck Group Ltd

Real Luck Group Ltd (TSX-V:LUCK, OTCQB:LUKEF) CEO Thomas Rosander speaks to Proactive's Thomas Warner about how the group performed during the final quarter of 2022. He says he is "really psyched" after the group "really smashed it", and draws particular attention to growth in player acquisitions. He also reveals more about his objectives for the coming year, saying that the group is about to launch something "completely new" that "nothing less... than the future of sports betting." Contact Details Proactive Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

January 20, 2023 06:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Legendary Musician, Husband, Father, and Friend David Crosby passes away

From the Wife of David Crosby

It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django. Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music. Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched. We will miss him dearly. At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers. Contact Details J.Bickerton mediacontact-JBPR@gmail.com

January 19, 2023 03:15 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Arrived Homes: Have You Always Wanted To Invest In Real Estate, But Lack The Capital? This Just May Be Your Answer

Benzinga

By Johnny Rice, Benzinga Real Estates has long been regarded as one of the best investments possible. Unfortunately, the investment required in both time and money is prohibitive to many. Arrived Homes is looking to solve this by providing a platform through which investors can buy into rental properties for as little as $100. As Arrived Homes CEO Ryan Frazier puts it, “Our goal is to make the wealth building potential of owning rental homes & vacation rentals more accessible. We believe we can do that by simplifying the process, and lowering the cost to get started.” Learn more here: This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

January 19, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Jet Token: Your Golden Opportunity To Fly Private

Benzinga

Private air travel is one of the most incredible experiences someone can have. Everything about private aviation is better than commercial, but few people ever get the chance to experience it. Until now. Jet Token is “empowering travelers to conveniently look, book and fly any aircraft right from the palm of their hands”. The company uses blockchain technology to allow users to buy travel time, but also, critically, resell unused time. Jet Token has set out to revolutionize private aviation. You can too. Check out the company’s Regulation A+ offering here: https://www.startengine.com/offering/jettoken Learn more here: This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

January 19, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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SIMWIN SPORTS TEAMS UP WITH SPORTS ILLUSTRATED TO ENHANCE THE SIMWIN METAVERSE EXPERIENCE

SimWin

SimWin Sports, the world’s first virtual sports league that provides daily fantasy players and esports fans with the ability to watch, predict, collect, play, and earn, today announced a multi-year, strategic partnership with Sports Illustrated ahead of its debut season later this year. Through the partnership, Sports Illustrated will also become SimWin’s presenting partner with multiple brand touchpoints and integrations across the platform. “We are delighted to partner with Sports Illustrated, the most trusted name in sports, as they continue their foray into the metaverse sports space,” commented SimWin Sports CEO, David J. Ortiz. “This partnership will bridge our web3 audience to the traditional sports universe – two realms that are converging rapidly – and optimize engagement with the rabid fans SI has cultivated for generations. SimWin's 24/7 fantasy action for football and basketball is driven by virtual athletes playing on teams owned by sports and entertainment legends, including Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Magic), Jerry Rice, Marshall Faulk (San Diego Battleships), Mike Singletary (Dallas Rottweilers), Tracy McGrady (Orlando T-Rex), Penny Hardaway (Memphis Knights), LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Rare), Dr. Jen Welter (Hollywood Valkyries), Suzanne de Passe, David Levy (Arizona Roadrunners) and more. Sports Illustrated will also become owners of football, basketball and soccer teams in SimWin Sports’ virtual leagues, operating under the name The Midnight Train. “Sports Illustrated lives at the intersection of sports and culture, and our continued expansion into the metaverse is an organic next step for the most trusted brand in sports,” said Dan Dienst, Executive Vice Chairman, Tactical Opportunities at Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), owner of the Sports Illustrated brand. “As Authentic continues to build out its sports, media, and web3 verticals, we are thrilled to partner with SimWin as well as become proud owners of three teams in SimWin’s virtual sports leagues.” Additional information about SimWin’s debut will be announced at a later date. Contact Details Red Knot Communications Ashley Dabb +1 862-268-5977 ashley@redknotcomms.com

January 19, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Copy Trading, Margin Trading, 100+ Assets: All Benefits Of PrimeXBT Trading Platform Explained

Benzinga

Over the years, the award-winning PrimeXBT margin trading platform has evolved into a very different venue while retaining the essential roots that helped make the platform successful in the first place. With the addition of copy trading, more than 100 different trading instruments, and several other breakthrough cryptocurrency-based products and services, it is time to review all the many benefits the PrimeXBT trading platform provides. What Is PrimeXBT? PrimeXBT is a cryptocurrency-based margin trading platform first launched in 2018 amidst the deep freeze of the crypto winter at that time. The platform immediately saw a surge in new users seeking to go short on cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others. As the cryptocurrency market bottomed out and became stagnant, trading mostly sideways, PrimeXBT introduced traditional assets such as gold, silver, oil, the S&P 500, and a vast lineup of forex currencies. When crypto got hot again, many new and trending altcoins were also listed. Today, the platform is a dominant force in the cryptocurrency industry, able to withstand the recent market turmoil. While other platforms are falling apart and going bankrupt, PrimeXBT is winning awards like the Most Trusted Crypto-Asset Trading Platform. Why 100+ Trading Instruments Matters The natural evolution of PrimeXBT’s product lineup is an ideal example of how valuable such assets can be for crypto traders. When crypto prices are falling, long and short positions on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins ensure capital is protected and profits are possible no matter the direction of the market. When crypto lacks momentum or its characteristic volatility, traders can access other markets that trend at different times and intensities. The fact so many uncorrelated assets exist under one roof means that traders can build a risk-averse trading portfolio. Because all trading is done using cryptocurrency-based collateral, there’s no need to sell your coins – use them for trading with leverage instead. PrimeXBT also packs built-in technical analysis software and other risk management tools to keep losses to a minimum, limit drawdowns, and take profit at critical levels. How Copy Trading Is Changing The Game The cryptocurrency market is in a depressed state, with investors too fearful of buying the dip. The confusion over the future of the cryptocurrency industry has sentiment at extremes, making trading challenging at this point in time. However, PrimeXBT copy traders have been able to earn as much as 4,000% ROI over the last year of a downtrend in financial markets. Currently, copy trading at PrimeXBT is the only place in finance to continue to rake in gains reminiscent of a cryptocurrency bull run. And best of all, followers can automatically copy the trades of the strategy managers ranked in the PrimeXBT Covesting leaderboards. Strategy managers earn a cut from each follower’s success fees, keeping these skilled traders incentivized to perform. All performance metrics are tracked transparently in the leaderboards so followers can make informed decisions about who to follow and how much capital to invest. Many Additional Ways To Make Money While margin trading, copy trading, and the more than 100 different trading instruments under one roof are primary competitive advantages for PrimeXBT, the list of features is barely getting started. For example, PrimeXBT yield accounts provide a variable return on investment through crypto staking right from within the account dashboard. APY rates can be doubled by activating COV token memberships, which improve conditions for copy traders as well. By activating an Advanced, Premium, or Elite membership, strategy managers see discounted trading fees, while the profit-share model is drastically improved for followers. Outside of the Covesting ecosystem, PrimeXBT offers an all-inclusive educational website called PrimeXBT Trading Academy, where there is a massive library of tips and trading guides. Traders can also earn themselves free starting capital with risk-free weekly trading competitions through PrimeXBT Contests. Always Stay Connected To Global Markets With PrimeXBT The entire full suite of PrimeXBT cryptocurrency-based products and services is available via the reliable desktop experience or the smartphone application for Android or iPhone. The mobile app lets users do everything from buying crypto to exchanging one crypto for another, plus manage a portfolio or copy trading positions all from the palm of their hand. PrimeXBT security is second-to-none. The platform has never been hacked, relies on a revolutionary cold storage process, and is known for its high-safety standards. In addition to the Crypto Expo Dubai award for Most Trusted Crypto-Asset Trading Platform, PrimeXBT has been honored with several other industry awards – a hallmark of a trusted platform. With profits taking a pause across crypto and other markets, PrimeXBT copy trading, margin trading, and a list of more than 100 different trading instruments make it possible to continue to make money using innovative investment and trading tools. Check out all the benefits yourself at the official PrimeXBT website today. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

January 19, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Playmaker Taps Taz Patel, Kristine Bill for C-Suite Positions to Accelerate Growth in 2023

Playmaker

Playmaker, a leading social media sports and entertainment content platform, today announced two C-Suite appointments, bringing nearly three decades of experience across sports media, strategic marketing and business development to its team. Taz Patel joins the company to assume the role of Chief Business Officer, and Kristine Bill has been promoted to Chief Operations Officer. The position of Chief Business Officer is a role new to Playmaker, while Bill is succeeding former COO Rob Elder. “The appointments of both Taz and Kristine clearly articulate the strategic vision and aggressive growth goals we have set for ourselves in 2023,” said Brandon Harris, CEO of Playmaker. “In the coming months, Playmaker is keenly focused on expanding our roster of creative talent, bringing to life more public-facing events and developing and redefining strategic brand partnerships, all while continuing to publish the first-rate sports and entertainment content Playmaker has become so well known for. Taz and Kristine will be instrumental in leaning into the momentum Playmaker created in 2022, and springboarding our brand to new levels of creativity, influence and notoriety.” Patel’s responsibilities as Chief Business Officer include scaling the brand’s revenue, expanding platform integrations and securing strategic partnerships to further enhance the company's progression. Patel is a renowned early-stage startup operator with multiple exits over the past decade and previously founded Captiv8, a leading venture backed AI Influencer Marketing platform. His most notable exits included BlueLithium and Interclick, both acquired by Yahoo!, where Patel contributed to meaningful revenue growth via agency and brand partnerships. “The early-stage companies that successfully scale talent, resources and profit have many of the characteristics Playmaker currently exhibits, most notably a lean operation, correctly leveraging technology and partnerships to maximize its output,” said Patel. “The sports industry is currently in a renaissance period, moving from its traditional state to the true intersection of entertainment, media and technology. I’m looking forward to utilizing my experience to broaden Playmaker’s sphere of influence and industry market share.” Bill has been with Playmaker since July 2022, where she most recently served as Senior Vice President of Marketing & Events. In this new position, she will be tasked with leading all initiatives related to marketing, public relations, social media, creator content and e-commerce. Prior to joining Playmaker, she held roles with STN Digital, Blast Motion Inc. and GMR Marketing. “The needs of today’s sports fans are rapidly changing and, as a company, Playmaker is constantly seeking to identify the next great experience, digitally or in-person,” said Bill. “This year we’ll be expanding Playmaker’s influencer program and developing engaging newsletters focused on specific areas within sports, entertainment and culture, as well as expanding our brand footprint with sponsorships and creative content activations at key tentpole sporting events. I’m excited to work with our world-class team of creatives and partners to provide our engaged audience with the exceptional experiences they demand.” Playmaker experienced exponential growth throughout 2022 despite a series of market challenges brought on throughout the year. The rising platform saw a 300% jump in year-over-year revenue anchored by significant growth across its 30 social media channels, reaching more than 20 million followers and gaining new strategic partnerships with companies such as Pepsi, PointsBet and No House Advantage. Playmaker supported its financial growth by investing in people — specifically operational, marketing and financial employees — as well as new popular and emerging content creators such as Adam Garfield, Cam Smith and Nyrie Iskandarian. This expansion of talent brought Playmaker’s headcount from 12 to 60 in 2022, a 400% increase. In December 2022, Playmaker was named one of the Best Employers in Sports by notable sports business outlet Front Office Sports. Keep up with all things Playmaker by visiting PlaymakerHQ.com, and follow along on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat. About Playmaker Founded in 2018, Playmaker is a new-age media, talent & merchandise company. The company currently influences more than 20 million followers across its social media, 50+ athletes under management and more than 35 original shows on Snap Discover. In addition to its flagship sports content, Playmaker operates independent branded verticals including betting, entertainment, basketball and esports. For more information, please visit Playmaker’s official website, https://playmakerhq.com/. Contact Details Alex Shapiro +1 732-770-9395 ashapiro@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://homeofplaymakers.com/

January 18, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

JOSH HARRIS AND DAVID BLITZER COMPLETE STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN RIPKEN BASEBALL® AND COOPERSTOWN ALL STAR VILLAGE

Ripken Baseball

Josh Harris and David Blitzer, via their respective family offices, announced today they have completed a strategic investment in Ripken Baseball ® and Cooperstown All Star Village, bringing together two of the industry’s leading youth sports brands. The merger increases the strength and reach of the organizations to include five baseball facilities across the United States, including four complexes that operate as The Ripken Experience ®. As part of this announcement, Harris and Blitzer confirmed a partnership with Cal Ripken, Jr. and Bill Ripken to support and accelerate Ripken Baseball’s vision of bringing Big League Experiences to young athletes. This investment also demonstrates the continued desire of Harris and Blitzer to use the power of sports to inspire, educate, and uplift youth. As founders of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, a sports and entertainment platform that includes the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and Prudential Center, Harris and Blitzer have worked to create sports and educational opportunities for youth in the communities they serve. Leveraging institutional knowledge in sports, entertainment, and innovation, the family offices for Harris and Blitzer will sustain and expand growth for Ripken Baseball and Cooperstown All Star Village by investing in systems, technology, and facilities. A key strategy and initiative for the platform will be to grow inclusion efforts across the properties by creating opportunities for children to experience baseball at an early age. This includes prioritizing partnerships with organizations like the Cleveland Guardians, who will sponsor one underserved, Cleveland-area team to travel to and attend Cooperstown All Star Village this season. “We have long believed that sports like baseball can teach young people valuable life skills on and off the field, creating a positive impact on their lives and helping them develop critical leadership skills,” Harris said. “By bringing together two incredible youth sports brands and partnering with Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. and his team, as well as the talented people at Cooperstown All Star Village, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to ensure more youth have access to these life-changing experiences.” “By accelerating the growth of our youth baseball platform, we plan to not only enhance the quality and experience of Ripken Baseball and Cooperstown All Star Village, but also to expand its reach to bring Big League Experiences to significantly more young athletes, especially those who may have otherwise not had access,” Blitzer said. “Alongside Cal, Bill and the talented staff members at both organizations, we are excited for what the future holds.” Last year, Ripken Baseball and Cooperstown All Star Village combined to host 15,000+ teams, 250,000+ participants and 750,000+ visitors across five complexes, in addition to Ripken Select Tournaments and youth clinics across the country. The Ripken Experience ® facilities operate in Aberdeen, Md., Myrtle Beach, S.C., Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and a new expansion to Kentucky, where The Ripken Experience ® Elizabethtown will begin to host events in 2023. Cooperstown All Star Village, located in the birthplace of baseball, offers families admission to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as other unique on-site experiences as part of attendance at the camp. “I am proud of the millions of lasting memories that we’ve created for ballplayers and their families through Ripken Baseball for more than 20 years,” said Cal Ripken, Jr., President of Ripken Baseball. “Bill and I want to continue to pass on the lessons we learned from our father while giving kids that Big League Experience. With this investment and long-term partnership with Josh and David, we can accelerate our growth plans and expand to other sports beyond baseball and softball. Josh and David share our vision for youth sports in America, and we’re extremely excited about what we can accomplish together in the future.” “Over almost 20 years, Cooperstown All Star Village has provided lasting memories for more than half a million young athletes, coaches, families, and friends,” said Martin Patton, who alongside his wife, Brenda, co-founded Cooperstown All Star Village. “The positive impact on our community has put thousands of people to work and helped support hundreds of local businesses. Brenda and I are very proud and excited to be partnered with Josh Harris, David Blitzer, the Ripkens and LionTree in this next chapter, and look forward to growing the Cooperstown brand while continuing to offer the very best in youth tournament travel baseball.” “Creating opportunities for young people to enjoy the positive benefits of baseball is not only important for the future of our game, but also the future of our communities,” Sara Lehrke, VP, Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer of the Cleveland Guardians, said. “Programs like the ones created by Cooperstown All Star Village and Ripken Baseball are essential as they give kids the tools needed to succeed on both the diamond and in life. We’re thrilled to sponsor a Cleveland-area team’s trip to Cooperstown All Star Village so they can enjoy this wonderful experience.” The partnership between Harris, Blitzer, and the Ripkens was finalized this month and coordinated by LionTree LLC, which through an affiliate made a significant minority investment in Ripken Baseball in 2018. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the exclusive lead financing provider for Cooperstown All Star Village and Ripken Baseball. Harris and Blitzer originally invested in Cooperstown All Star last year. “Cal’s commitment to positively impacting the lives of kids through sports is unstoppable,” said Aryeh B. Bourkoff, Founder and CEO of LionTree and previously a member of the Ripken Baseball Board of Directors. “As a Baltimore native, it has been a real honor to work alongside Cal, Billy, and the entire Ripken team for almost five years to grow the reach of Ripken Baseball on and off the field, and I am confident that the partnership with David and Josh will further expand access and elevate the important role of youth sports in the years to come.” About Ripken Baseball Ripken Baseball brings teammates, coaches, and families together through its Big League Experiences while teaching children how to play sports the right way – the Ripken Way. Ripken Baseball continues to innovate the game through tournaments, camps, clinics, and spring training at their state-of-the-art baseball and softball facilities – The Ripken Experience ® Aberdeen (Maryland), The Ripken Experience ® Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), The Ripken Experience ® Pigeon Forge (Tennessee), The Ripken Experience ® Elizabethtown (Kentucky), and Cooperstown All Star Village (New York). Ripken Baseball also brings its youth sports experience to satellite locations through Ripken Select Tournaments. Learn more at ripkenbaseball.com. About Cooperstown All Star Village Cooperstown All Star Village was founded in 1999 by Martin and Brenda Patton, a local business couple with a vision to provide baseball players ages 10 to 12 with a major league baseball tournament experience. The site has grown into a world-class facility and now hosts over 10,000 12 and under players over its 12-week summer experience, providing unforgettable experiences for the players, coaches, and families. Contact Details Eric Nemeth +1 602-502-2793 nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://ripkenbaseball.com/

January 18, 2023 07:59 AM Eastern Standard Time

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