This week's sports business newsletter from The Athletic digs into the Cup, ESPN's layoffs, LeBron, the world-record mile and more.

Houston's role as a host city of the 2026 World Cup let the city flex on the national and international stage, local leaders say

Fox and Telemundo see audience levels only topped by the Super Bowl

Two major economic powerhouses have not been participating in the FIFA groundswell.

FIFA’s World Cup 2030 rights auction will test which platform can turn record demand, Spanish-language growth and off-peak U.S. hours into profit.

Though Nike might have won when it came to media exposure with its blockbuster campaign, Adidas reigned on the sales front, according to early data.

The winner of the World Cup will hoist a trophy, receive championship rings for the first time and gain a lifetime of glory in what will be a defining moment in the country's sports history. It'll also lead to a significant payday.

Some business owners say they haven't struggled, but the World Cup hasn't given them any drastic change in foot traffic.

World Cup boosts East Passyunk businesses in Philadelphia, leading to creative block parties despite denied city permits and limited support.

As organizers estimate approximately 16,000 people visited the FIFA World Cup Fan Zone along Courthouse Square over four days this month, downtown businesses reaped the benefits despite

Spain’s World Cup win gives Las Vegas tapas restaurant a business boost