Latest News
BRENDAN DONOHUE TO STEP DOWN AS NBA 2K LEAGUE PRESIDENT
Brendan Donohue will step down as NBA 2K League President, it was announced today by NBA President, Global Partnerships Salvatore LaRocca. Donohue, who has overseen the NBA 2K League since its inception, will stay on to assist with the transition to new NBA 2K League leadership until Oct. 31.
A sports business veteran with more than two decades of experience in team and league operations, Donohue was named NBA 2K League President in 2017 and has led the substantial growth of the esports league over its first six seasons. The league – which was co-founded by the NBA and Take-Two Interactive and is the first official esports league operated by a U.S. professional sports league – has expanded from 17 teams in its inaugural season to 25 teams, including 22 NBA-affiliated teams and international franchises in Australia, China and Mexico. This past season, the NBA 2K League delivered significant fan engagement growth across YouTube and Twitch, including a more than 50% increase in average minutes watched on the platforms compared to the prior year.
“We thank Brendan for all of his efforts in overseeing the launch and expansion of an entirely new league,” said LaRocca. “Under his leadership, the NBA 2K League has built a strong global following and presence in the esports community, and we see more opportunities for growth in the coming years given the enormous popularity and interest in the NBA 2K franchise.”
“It has been an incredible privilege to lead the NBA 2K League and witness its evolution over these past six years,” said Donohue. “Working and engaging with talented colleagues, the very best NBA 2K players in the world and a growing community of passionate fans has been such a rewarding experience. I am proud of what we accomplished together and look forward to taking on my next challenge in the sports industry.”
Prior to being named NBA 2K League President, Donohue served as Senior Vice President of the NBA’s Team Marketing & Business Operations (TMBO) department, where he led the strategic planning and management for all teams across the NBA, WNBA and NBA G League, helping them innovate in sales, marketing, digital and analytical areas of their business. He joined the NBA league office in 2009 and previously held sales leadership positions with the Atlanta Hawks, the then-New Orleans Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons.
Latest News
Caesars Entertainment Closes Sale of the LINQ Promenade
Caesars Entertainment announced the closing of the previously announced sale of the LINQ Promenade to a joint venture formed between TPG Real Estate (TPG) and the Investment Management Platform of Acadia Realty Trust (Acadia) for $275 million. Concurrent with the closing of the transaction, Caesars made a $275 million voluntary prepayment of the Term Loan B due 2030 with the proceeds from the transaction.
Latham & Watkins LLP and Brownstein Hyatt Farber and Schreck LLP represented Caesars on the transaction. Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided transaction counsel to TPG & Acadia.
Latest News
The Stampede Continues with Aristocrat Interactive’s Buffalo Gold Max Power
Aristocrat Interactive, Aristocrat’s online Real Money Gaming (RMG) division, announced that the stampede continues with the launch of Buffalo Gold Max Power in the US. This marks the fifth online game in the award-winning and iconic Buffalo portfolio, following the success of Buffalo, Buffalo Gold Collection, Buffalo Chief, and Buffalo Gold Revolution.
Buffalo Gold Max Power builds on the legacy and popularity of Buffalo Gold, a fan-favorite in land-based casinos. This online adaptation is born to entertain with new features powered by Aristocrat’s proprietary Max Power mechanic, offering players up to 46,656 ways to win free spins and collect Gold Buffalos. With dynamic reels that vary from 2 to 6 symbols on every spin and a redefined feature, Buffalo Gold Max Power is ready to create a stampede of excitement.
“For more than a decade, our iconic Buffalo games have captivated players as some of the most iconic slot games in land-based casinos. With Buffalo Gold Max Power, we’re bringing this timeless favorite online with enhanced gameplay and features that players will love. The launch in New Jersey is an exciting milestone as we continue to deliver innovative and memorable gaming experiences globally,” said Josh Morris, SVP Content at Aristocrat Interactive Content & Aggregation.
Earlier this year, Buffalo was awarded the winner of the Top Performing Omni-Channel Slot at the EKG Awards. The launch of Buffalo Gold Max Power is the latest step in Aristocrat Interactive’s strategy to expand Aristocrat’s industry-leading content portfolio into the online space. The game is currently available with online operators in New Jersey, Ontario, Canada and the UK, with more markets to follow overtime.
Compliance Updates
JCM Global Receives Approval to Operate in West Virginia
JCM Global announced that it has successfully passed regulatory review and received a manufacturer’s license from the West Virginia Lottery Commission. The license enables JCM to directly sell to and service customers in the state.
“At JCM, we are committed to our customers. While attaining licensing was not required, we pursued it because it allows us to directly provide JCM’s leading technology and advanced systems, backed by our world-class service, and support, resulting in faster service times and simplifying the entire relationship between JCM and our customers,” said JCM SVP – Sales, Marketing & Operations Dave Kubajak in a statement.
JCM recently announced it has attained licenses in Colorado and New Mexico, bringing the company’s total number of active gaming licenses to 177.
In West Virginia, JCM will provide technology, including the iVIZION bill validator; ICB Intelligent Cash Box System, which boosts security and efficiencies across the gaming floor; and the GEN5 thermal printer, which delivers TITO, personalized promotions, and rewards directly to the player.
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