🏈 Josh Allen Lands $330 Million Dollar Contract Extension With The Bills

Word From The Editor
I’ve missed dropping little messages to my subscribers, so I’m going to make more of a point. Today, bullet points are on my mind. Stick with me on this one. I know my prose can sometimes run long, and I’ve been accused of being a little too wordy (guilty). I’ve been embracing bullet points lately to help cut down on text while emphasizing my points. I hope my aim with bullet points hits its mark.

In today’s newsletter we discuss Josh Allen landing a $330 Million dollar contract extension with the Bills, ad spending on women’s sports doubled in 2024, weekly mortgage demand is up 11%, geothermal could power all datacenters by 2023, only 4% of the world’s population owns Bitcoin, and sleepmaxxing is a new trend you should know more about

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WHAT WE’RE READING

💸 Ad Spending On Women's Sports Doubled In 2024

Ad spending on women's sports surged dramatically, reflecting its growing popularity and commercial appeal. In 2023 ad spend was approximately $95.16 million dollars, while in 2024 we witnessed ad spend more than doubling.

TV and media investment in women's sports advertising reached $244 million in 2024, a staggering 139% increase from the previous year. This surge is fueled by increased viewership and engagement, with live events boosting brand engagement by 40% compared to average prime-time commercials.

The WNBA and women's soccer are undeniably the driving forces behind this explosive growth. The WNBA's 2024 season, particularly with the arrival of high-profile rookies like Caitlin Clark, has ignited a media frenzy. TV viewership has soared, with games regularly exceeding expectations. This surge directly translates to increased ad revenue. Brands are capitalizing on the WNBA's diverse and engaged audience, resulting in substantial ad placements. For example, State Farm and Nike have heavily invested in WNBA advertising, leveraging player endorsements and in-game promotions. Notably the WNBA saw a 200% increase in viewership in the opening week of the 2024 season.

Women's soccer has also experienced a massive upswing. The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup significantly boosted the sport's profile, leading to sustained interest and investment. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is benefiting from this momentum, with record-breaking attendance and viewership. Brands are recognizing the value of aligning with the NWSL's passionate fanbase. Companies like Ally Financial and Budweiser have made significant commitments to NWSL sponsorships, driving substantial advertising revenue. Specifically, the NWSL saw a 125% increase in viewership during the 2024 season's opening weekend.

Key points:

• Total video impressions rose to 26 billion, up 131%.

• Commercial airings increased to 30,322, a 37% rise.

• Major brand categories include automotive, pharmaceutical, and financial services.

• Brands like State Farm, AT&T, and Nike contributed substantial portions of the spending.

The growing value of women's sports as a marketing platform is undeniable, with significant returns for brands that invest strategically ahead of their competitors.

🏡 Business

The housing market is showing signs of renewed activity, with a significant surge in weekly mortgage demand up 11%. This uptick is largely attributed to a consistent decline in interest rates, which have now fallen for six consecutive weeks.

Here's a breakdown:

• Increased Demand:

  • Mortgage applications have seen a notable increase, signaling a heightened interest in home purchasing and refinancing.

  • According to reports from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) total mortgage applications have risen significantly.

• Declining Interest Rates:

  • The driving force behind this surge is the steady drop in mortgage interest rates. This makes borrowing more affordable, enticing potential homebuyers and those looking to refinance.

  • The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have dropped to levels that are the lowest seen in recent months.

• Market Dynamics:

  • Refinance applications have shown a particularly strong response to the lower rates, as homeowners seek to capitalize on the opportunity to reduce their monthly payments.

  • Purchase applications have also increased, indicating that potential buyers are becoming more active in the market.

  • Factors like the spring home buying season starting also contribute to the increase in demand.

The combination of falling interest rates and the onset of the spring homebuying season has created a more favorable environment for mortgage activity. However, it is important to remember that factors like home affordability, and inventory levels continue to play a large roll in the overall housing market.

💊 Health

"Sleepmaxxing" is a new trend focused on optimizing sleep for peak performance, moving beyond simply getting enough hours. It's about maximizing the restorative power of sleep to enhance physical and mental well-being. Some of the keys to sleepmaxxing is a strong emphasis on sleep hygiene, understanding and optimizing sleep stages, pre-sleep rituals, supplemental and nutritional considerations, and addressing underlying issues.

Key information about sleepmaxxing:

• Sleep Hygiene

• Sleep Stage Optimization

• Pre-Sleep Rituals

• Supplemental and Nutritional Considerations

• Addressing Underlying Issues

Sleepmaxxing reflects a growing awareness of sleep's profound impact on overall health and performance. It signifies a shift from passively accepting sleep to actively cultivating it as a vital tool for self-improvement. While some aspects may involve personal experimentation, the core principles emphasize scientifically supported practices. As the trend evolves, it's likely to incorporate further advancements in sleep science and technology, solidifying its place within the broader wellness landscape.

🏭 Tech

Recent analysis indicates the significant potential of geothermal energy to meet the growing electricity demands of data centers. The findings suggest that next-generation geothermal energy could economically power a substantial portion of the data center growth expected in the United States over the next decade.

Key Points:

• Geothermal power has the potential to meet a large percentage of electricity demand from data centers economically by the early 2030s.

• Geothermal energy offers several advantages, including consistent output, wide geographic availability, and a massive abundance of subsurface heat. Unlike some other renewable energy sources, geothermal can provide power nearly around the clock, which is crucial for data centers.

• If data centers are strategically built where subsurface heat resources are most abundant, geothermal energy could meet a higher percentage of demand and lower the cost of electricity at those data centers.

• Geothermal energy can also be used for cooling data centers, leading to more efficient operations.

• For geothermal to reach its full potential, a significant increase in installed geothermal power generating capacity will be necessary.

If research has shown that geothermal could meet the electricity demands of data centers, then why is it that big tech is racing toward using nuclear power instead.

🪙 Crypto

Despite its growing prominence, Bitcoin adoption remains relatively low, with a recent report from River, a Bitcoin financial services company, projecting that only 4% of the global population will hold the cryptocurrency by 2025. This figure underscores the nascent stage of Bitcoin's journey toward mainstream acceptance.

The disparities in Bitcoin ownership are staggering:

• The United States leads with approximately 22% of its population holding Bitcoin. showcasing a strong appetite for digital assets in the nation.

• North America, as a continent, exhibits the highest adoption rates.

• In contrast, Africa lags behind, with a mere 1.6% adoption rate, pointing to the challenges of financial inclusion and technological access in the region.

Bitcoin has only realized approximately 3% of its maximum adoption potential. This suggests a vast untapped market, indicating substantial room for future growth. The report emphasizes that one of the primary obstacles to wider adoption is the lack of financial and technical education. Misconceptions and a lack of understanding about Bitcoin's underlying technology and principles continue to deter many potential users.

A core feature of Bitcoin is its fixed supply. The cryptocurrency's protocol dictates that only 21 million Bitcoins will ever be mined. This inherent scarcity is a key factor driving its value proposition as a digital store of value. As of late 2023 and early 2024, approximately 19.6 million Bitcoins have already been mined, leaving less than 1.4 million to be produced. The mining process, which involves solving complex cryptographic puzzles, becomes increasingly difficult as the remaining supply dwindles.

Bitcoin's market capitalization, which represents the total value of all circulating Bitcoins, fluctuates significantly based on market sentiment, regulatory developments, and macroeconomic factors. As of late 2023 and early 2024, Bitcoin's market cap has varied widely, reaching and exceeding 1 trillion dollars at times, but also experiencing significant corrections. These fluctuations reflect the volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market.

Several factors are expected to influence Bitcoin's future adoption:

• Clear and consistent regulations are crucial for fostering institutional investment and mainstream acceptance.

• Improvements in scalability, security, and user experience will make Bitcoin more accessible to a broader audience.

• Increased awareness and understanding of Bitcoin's benefits and risks will help dispel misconceptions and encourage adoption.

• Inflation, geopolitical instability, and the erosion of trust in traditional financial systems can drive demand for alternative assets like Bitcoin.

• The bitcoin halving event, which reduces the rate at which new bitcoins are created, historically has lead to price increases due to the reduced supply.

While the 4% adoption rate in 2025 may seem modest, it represents a significant step forward in Bitcoin's journey toward becoming a globally recognized and utilized digital asset. The combination of its fixed supply, decentralized nature, and growing acceptance positions Bitcoin as a unique and potentially transformative technology.

🏡 Sports

Josh Allen's journey from a raw, yet promising, prospect to a bona fide NFL superstar has been nothing short of spectacular. The Buffalo Bills, recognizing his pivotal role in their resurgence, have solidified their commitment to their franchise quarterback with a monumental contract extension. Adding to his off-field portfolio, Allen has also inked a comprehensive deal with Skydance Sports, marking a significant step in his brand development.

The Buffalo Bills have officially rewarded Josh Allen with a new contract, cementing his position as the face of the franchise. Following what many are calling his first NFL MVP season, the bills have decided to reward Josh with a $330 Million dollar contract. This massive financial commitment underscores the Bills' belief in Allen's ability to lead them to a Super Bowl victory. Allen's impact on the Bills has been transformative. Since joining the team in 2018, he has elevated their offense to elite status, showcasing a rare blend of arm strength, athleticism, and mental toughness. His ability to make game-changing plays, both with his arm and his legs, has captivated fans and instilled a winning culture in Buffalo. The new contract not only reflects Allen's on-field performance but also his value as a leader and a symbol of hope for the Bills' faithful. By securing his long-term future, the Bills have provided stability and a clear path forward as they strive to compete for championships.

Beyond his on-field exploits, Josh Allen is strategically building his brand off the field. He has recently entered into a comprehensive deal with Skydance Sports, a move that signals his ambition to expand his influence beyond football. Skydance Sports, known for its expertise in athlete representation and brand development, will work with Allen to maximize his potential in various areas, including endorsements, media opportunities, and philanthropic endeavors. This partnership aims to leverage Allen's growing popularity and establish him as a prominent figure in the sports and entertainment world. This move mirrors the trend of star athletes taking a more active role in managing their careers and building their personal brands. By aligning with Skydance Sports, Allen is positioning himself for long-term success, both during and after his playing career.

Josh Allen's new contract with the Buffalo Bills and his partnership with Skydance Sports represent significant milestones in his career. He has established himself as one of the NFL's premier quarterbacks, and his off-field endeavors are poised to further elevate his profile. As the Bills continue to build around their star quarterback, fans can look forward to years of thrilling football and a strong pursuit of the ultimate prize. With his talent, leadership, and growing brand presence, Josh Allen is set to leave a lasting legacy in Buffalo and beyond.

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irl Media NEWSLETTER is written, edited, and published by Chris Thompson.