Bazooka Candy's CEO on the brand's sweet athlete investment deal

DK Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks may soon be coming to Bazookaverse comics.
Following Bazooka Candy Brands' acquisition by private equity Apax Partners in October 2023, the candy maker received an infusion of cash from major athletes.
Via Tsuji/Flickr

For many Olympians and Paralympians, the path to Paris is self-funded

May 23, 2024
It's up to many athletes to pay for the bulk of training, coaching, travel, equipment and other expenses on the road to Paris.
Ben Washburne and his Paralympic teammates practice on the Charles River in Boston. Washburne juggles training with a full-time job.
Henry Epp/Marketplace

How are the Olympic designers chosen?

Jul 29, 2021
Brands can be judged as stringently as the athletes they hope to dress.
A view of USA's delegation parade during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images

Activist athletes can foster change, but sometimes there's a price

Aug 28, 2020
And sponsors may be increasingly interested in supporting them to reach their fans.
The Black Lives Matter logo on an NBA court. Many prominent athletes have committed themselves to social activism.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

When did middle relievers in baseball get so expensive?

Oct 1, 2018
And does the strategy of investing in a strong bullpen pay off?
Jason Hammel #49 of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees on September 13, 2006 at Yankee Stadium in New York City.
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Tech is changing the Paralympics, and giving an advantage to countries with money

The Winter Paralympics have been going on since 1976. How has the technology — and the funding for it — evolved since then?
Birgit Skarstein of Norway competes in the Women's Cross Country 12km, Sitting event at Alpensia Biathlon Centre during day two of the 2018 Paralympic Games on March 11, 2018 in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

NFL players lobby Congress for criminal justice reform

Mar 30, 2017
Anquan Boldin and Malcolm Jenkins are using their muscle to help push through bipartisan bills.
NFL players Anquan Boldin and Malcolm Jenkins have twice lobbied Congress for criminal justice reform.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Marketplace Quiz: Gymnast Sam Mikulak on his road to Rio

Aug 5, 2016
Olympic gymnast Sam Mikulak talks toys, toothbrushes and competition.
Sam Mikulak of the United States prepares for the rings during a training session before the start of the Summer Olympic games at Rio Olympic Arena on August 3, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 
(Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

One giant talent agency to swallow another

Dec 18, 2013
The talent agency William Morris Endeavor has made a deal to buy rival agency IMG Worldwide for a cool $2.4 billion.
The talent agency William Morris Endeavor is reportedly near a deal to buy rival agency IMG Worldwide for a cool $2.4 billion. Above, IMG client Tim Tebow.
Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

Puig-mania hits Dodger Stadium, but are advertisers ready?

Aug 9, 2013
L.A. Dodgers phenom Yasiel Puig looks to capitalize on meteoric rise, but companies may wait to sign him.