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<keyword id="19895142" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shah-Rukh-Khan" source="keywords">Shah Rukh Khan</keyword>, widely known as the "King of <keyword id="19897820" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bollywood" source="keywords">Bollywood</keyword>," has officially joined the ranks of India’s wealthiest, debuting on the 2024 <keyword id="21075617" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hurun-India-Rich-List" source="keywords">Hurun India Rich List</keyword> with an impressive wealth of Rs 7,300 crores. But how did a Delhi boy with dreams of making it big in Mumbai become one of India’s richest individuals? Let’s dive into the ventures that propelled King Khan into the billionaires' club. <h3 style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:14pt;margin-bottom:4pt;"><keyword id="20033371" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Red-Chillies-Entertainment" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Red Chillies Entertainment" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Red Chillies Entertainment">Red Chillies Entertainment</keyword></h3>Shah Rukh Khan’s production company, Red Chillies Entertainment, has been a significant contributor to his wealth. Founded in 2002, Red Chillies has become a key player in Bollywood, producing blockbuster films and investing in high-quality visual effects. From chart-topping films like Chennai Express and Raees to the massive success of Pathaan in 2023, Red Chillies has consistently delivered box office hits. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112412196" title="&amp;#39;Deadpool &amp;amp; Wolverine&amp;#39; screenwriters reveal secrets and spoilers, including the movie&amp;#39;s original villain and who wrote that Hugh Jackman divorce joke" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>With an estimated revenue consistently in the hundreds of crores and a profit of Rs 85 crores last year, the company has not only cemented SRK’s position as a top actor but also as a successful producer. Furthermore, the company’s VFX division, Red Chillies VFX, has set new benchmarks in the <keyword id="20161413" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-film-industry" source="keywords">Indian film industry</keyword>, working on major projects that have earned critical and commercial acclaim, such as Ra.One, Fan, and Laal Singh Chaddha. These ventures have significantly bolstered SRK’s wealth, making Red Chillies Entertainment a cornerstone of his business empire. <h3 style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:14pt;margin-bottom:4pt;"><keyword id="19899758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kolkata-Knight-Riders" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Kolkata Knight Riders" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Kolkata Knight Riders">Kolkata Knight Riders</keyword></h3>Shah Rukh Khan’s entry into the sports business with the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has been a masterstroke. Co-owned by SRK, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta, KKR has become one of the most successful and profitable franchises not just in the Indian Premier League, but also in the sporting world. The team’s consistent performance on the field has been matched by its financial success off it, with KKR’s brand value rising steadily over the years. As per Forbes, the cricket team was valued at over $1 billion in 2022. This surge in valuation played a crucial role in boosting SRK’s wealth, contributing significantly to his fortune. The success of KKR, coupled with its passionate fan base and strong marketing, has made it a jewel in SRK’s business portfolio, further solidifying his status as a businessman. <h3 style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:14pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">Brand SRK: The most followed Indian on social media</h3>More than just a business mogul, Shah Rukh Khan is also a brand unto himself. With 44.1 million followers on Twitter, SRK is the most followed individual from the 2024 Hurun India Rich List on Indian social media. His massive <keyword id="20462299" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="social-media-presence" source="keywords">social media presence</keyword> has translated into lucrative endorsement deals and collaborations with global brands. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112249289" title="One of Singapore&amp;#39;s flashiest CEOs was planning to throw a Tomorrowland-style party for the books. Then the mirage started to fall apart." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Consistently being one of the most visible endorsers, SRK earns substantially from <keyword id="20004407" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="brand-endorsements" source="keywords">brand endorsements</keyword>, with an estimated fee of Rs 4-5 crores per endorsement. His portfolio includes major brands like Hyundai, Dubai Tourism, and BYJU'S, further adding to his immense wealth. His ability to leverage his celebrity status into profitable business ventures has undoubtedly been a key factor in his <keyword id="21015152" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wealth-accumulation" source="keywords">wealth accumulation</keyword>. <h3 style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:14pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">Real estate</h3>Real estate has always been a key component of wealth building, and Shah Rukh Khan is no exception. Shah Rukh Khan’s <keyword id="22962036" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="real-estate-ventures" source="keywords">real estate ventures</keyword> extend far beyond his iconic Mumbai residence, Mannat. One of his lesser-known yet highly lucrative ventures is in Dubai, where he and his wife Gauri Khan launched a luxurious beachfront residential project, the "SRK Boulevard," located in the posh Dana Islands. This mega project, worth over Rs 18,000 crore, features 10 residential buildings with high-end facilities, including marine sports and leisure amenities. Designed by Los Angeles architect Tony Ashai, with interiors by Gauri Khan, this project highlights SRK’s foray into international real estate <h3>And of course, films</h3>Shah Rukh Khan’s earnings from films and endorsements are a significant part of his wealth. Known as one of the highest-paid actors in India, SRK reportedly charges over Rs 100 crores per film. This is certainly no small amount, but it is unlikely that filmmakers will find fault with it, considering how his films regularly break box office records. As per IMdB, both 2023 films Jawan and Pathaan grossed over Rs 1000 crores worldwide. All in all, King Khan’s entry into the Hurun India Rich List is significant not just for him, but for the entire entertainment industry. SRK’s success reflects the growing financial clout of Indian film stars and the increasing importance of entertainment in wealth creation. In 2024 alone, Hurun India Rich Listers from the entertainment industry added Rs 40,500 crores to their wealth, with SRK leading the charge. This trend highlights the expanding influence of Bollywood and the entertainment sector in India’s broader economic landscape.

Baadshah of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan debuts on India's richest list with Rs 7,300 cr — here's how the King made his wealth

<ul><li><keyword id="17942" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sony-Entertainment-Television">Sony Entertainment Television</keyword> was launched on October 8, 1995.</li><li>From one channel, they have became a 24-channel network with a digital OTT service SonyLIV, a film production arm, <keyword id="10077323" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="spn-productions">SPN Productions</keyword>, and a content creation studio, Studio NEXT.</li><li><keyword id="305969" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="NP-Singh">NP Singh</keyword>, MD &amp; CEO, SPN writes a letter celebrating SPN's important milestone in the last 25 years.</li></ul>SPN@25: <keyword id="10077324" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="creating-impact-with-purpose">Creating Impact with Purpose</keyword> NP Singh, MD &amp; CEO, SPN In the early 1990’s the Indian broadcast industry was in its infancy. When the government opened the country’s airwaves in 1991, a few visionaries seized the opportunity. One of these was Sony, known mainly for its massive consumer electronics business and Hollywood studios. They entered the Indian market on October 8, 1995, with the launch of a Hindi entertainment channel, Sony Entertainment Television. From one channel, bit by bit, we became a 24-channel network with a digital OTT service SonyLIV, a film production arm, SPN Productions, and a content creation studio, Studio NEXT. The company has steadily grown over the years to an employee count of around 1200, with its services available across 167 countries and reaching over 700 million viewers. Today, Sony Pictures Networks (SPN), with aggressive growth demonstrated in the last few years, is among the top entertainment and sports networks in the country, recognized as an employer of choice within and outside the media fraternity. Thinking back, the strategy from the start has not only revolved around running a successful business but also creating impact for all stakeholders coupled with the intent of building a brand known for innovative content. It is my firm belief, doing things only for the sake of doing, inevitably leads to stagnancy than success. Impact is a true measure of organizational vision. When one talks about creating impact there is no better example than the bold bet on the IPL. This was uncharted territory in 2007 when cricket leagues were unheard of. We invested in it when there were hardly any believers and molded it into one of the most valuable <keyword id="5666248" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sports-Entertainment">sports entertainment</keyword> properties in the country. Rest, as they say, is history. Creating category firsts over the years stands out when I look back. After the launch of SET in 1995 came the launch of Sony MAX in 1999. It was a one of its kind channel that offered to our viewers blockbuster Hindi movies, cricket and special events. This created a unique and unparalleled three-pronged channel identity which has not been replicated since. Challenging the status quo has always been in SPN’s DNA. Some of the India’s most iconic entertainment properties that have stood the test of time have been from the SPN stable. We have pioneered many a trend in the market and are immensely proud of it. I am also gratified that SPN has always observed fiscal discipline. This has been a key reason for our success in a highly competitive space. We have invested where we expected a strong strategic and economic value and exited from properties which appeared unviable over the longer term. In the last 25 years, we have only invested where we knew there was a clear ROI. Acquiring SAB took our entertainment business to another level, giving us a strong market share of <keyword id="9473540" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="hindi-general-entertainment">Hindi general entertainment</keyword>. We acquired TEN Sports to further strengthen our place in sports entertainment and that too worked well for us. Another acquisition that has worked really well is Sony Aath. We took our time to launch a kid’s channel, Sony YAY! The new channel had to come up with a unique proposition in a cluttered category, and it did so through homegrown content; again, a category first. Our foray into the regional language space with the recent launch of Sony Marathi shows great promise. We have had a fair share of challenges but have always taken them head-on. Through rigorous focus, our flagship channel SET has been turned around and now, is a torchbearer for relevant, progressive content. Presently, our footprint pervades the categories and genres of English, regional and factual entertainment besides Hindi entertainment, sports and movies. Societal reflections have been delicately portrayed in our movies; be it the story of a legendary mathematician (Shakuntala) or an inspirational hockey star (Soorma) or the fun side of arranged marriages (Mubarakan) and father-daughter relationships (Piku).Truly, film productions under our banner have left lasting impressions. We realised early on that digital needed to be the cornerstone of our strategy. In 2013, SPN became the first broadcaster in the country to launch an OTT platform. For all practical purposes, SonyLIV was like a start-up in an established organization and this came with its own set of challenges. But today, SonyLIV in its refreshed avatar, with its emphasis on premium original web series, live sports, global content, movies in multiple languages and popular entertainment content from our linear business, is among the most watched OTT platforms in India. I am very confident of its bright future. What also served SPN well has been valuing its partnerships with content creators, top talent, distribution platforms, advertisers and advertising agencies, media, vendors, employees and other stakeholders. Whether distribution or advertising, our partnership approach has been fortified by our “Solutions at any cost” philosophy. We have forged a strong partnership with BBC Worldwide to launch a very successful premium factual entertainment channel, Sony BBC Earth. Our long-standing partnerships with some of the biggest names in the world of sport including WWE, NBA, Cricket Australia, ECB and Sri Lanka Cricket, bring live content to our viewers in India. One can go on and on about SPN’s achievements. But it is more important to understand that at the end of the day, an organisation is only as good as its people. It is a matter of pride that we have cultivated an empowering workplace culture, standing tall on the tenets of consumer centricity, innovation, collaboration and diversity; recognised by the industry as one of India’s Great Places to Work. Our workplace ethos encourages larger participation of women at all levels of the organisation and we are considered one of the best places to work for women. Through our D&amp;l vision – Bring Your Own Self (BYOS), we seek for everyone to lead with humility and bring their individuality, their uniqueness, to work every single day. Focused on inclusive workplace practices, we envision a company where in the next five years, 50% of our workforce will be women, people with disabilities or from the LGBT+ community. Our social programmes under the aegis of ‘Ek India Happywala’ have given a purpose to many in society. Rooted in the pillars of education, environment and empowerment, we are working across sectors to create societal impact. From educating the girl child, supporting rural communities, teaching music at prisons, encouraging and arranging sports for the blind and the homeless to providing relief to the daily wage earners of our industry during the ongoing pandemic, SPN continuously endeavours to enable a happier India. It’s been an eventful journey of 25 years and we have come a long way. We will continue to go all out and live up to our corporate ethos of ‘Go-Beyond’, not just in name but in action and spirit. Only time will tell the shape and form the forward journey might take, be it through entering new categories, exploring new markets, innovating through new content formats, etc. One thing I am certain of, now and in years to come, when people close their eyes and think of India’s media and entertainment industry, Sony Pictures Networks will always be among the first names to come to mind. In closing, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for being a guiding ally in our journey. You have had an important role to play in the success of SPN and I fold my hands in gratitude. Thank You! #BondsThatGoBeyond NP Singh

As Sony Pictures Networks India completes 25 years, NP Singh writes a letter celebrating its journey so far

Indian cricketers are talking business like never before. While the earlier sport stars were happy endorsing a brand or start up a restaurant, the new breed of young cricketers are investing and opening their own startup companies. Early this month, we have reported on <keyword id="351" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Yuvraj-Singh">Yuvraj Singh</keyword>’s decision to become an investor to encourage young entrepreneurs and now we have seasoned cricketer <keyword id="6354486" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Virat-Kohli">Virat Kohli</keyword> starting his own chain of gyms and fitness centres. 
 
Virat Kohli has also started his apparel brand Wrogn , which is being sold exclusively on Myntra.com. 
 As per a news report by The Economic Times, one of Kohli's partners in the venture, Satya Sinha, said the total investment to launch 75 centers in three years is around Rs 190 crores. The gyms will be launched under the brand name Chisel. The brand is jointly owned by Kohli, Chisel Fitness and CSE, the sister concern of <keyword id="979436" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Cornerstone-Sport-Entertainment">Cornerstone Sport &amp; Entertainment</keyword>, which is the agency that manages Kohli. "We will launch gyms of various sizes and with different facilities according to their locations. We are also in talks with international sports-based fitness experts to bring in their expertise," Sinha, director of Chisel Fitness, a Bangalore-based startup that specializes in corporate fitness told the ET. 
 
"The gyms are just a start. There are plans on the anvil to launch fitness inspired clothing lines and tech wearables in the future," Gaurav Marya, chairman of Franchise India, which is a commercial and marketing partner in this venture told the financial daily. 
 
The country's fitness industry comprising branded fitness chains and standalone gyms is pegged at around Rs 1,300 crore. 
 Earlier, Kohli had a minority stake valued at under Rs 1 crore a year in the FC Goa franchise where he was the co-owner. The right-hander had been mulling a foray into business ventures for a while now and the move comes after Indian ODI skipper M S Dhoni launched his line of gyms, SportsFit and <keyword id="2817820" type="POSITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Delhi-Daredevils-player">Delhi Daredevils player</keyword> Yuvraj Singh invested an undisclosed amount as seed funding in a mobile phone-based beauty and wellness startup Vyomo. Even <keyword id="6405247" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Robin-Uthappa">Robin Uthappa</keyword> has co-founded a food startup iTiffin. 
 
(Image: India Times)

Now you too can take fitness tips from Virat Kohli

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The paid <keyword id="11219250" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="live-music-streaming">live music streaming</keyword> startup <keyword id="11219251" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="dreamstage">DREAMSTAGE</keyword> has delivered over 50 concerts with a dynamic range of artists since its creation at the start of the pandemic.</li><li><keyword id="808057" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Deezer">Deezer</keyword>, a Paris-based music <keyword id="572624" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Streaming">streaming</keyword> service, recently made a significant investment in DREAMSTAGE in a symbiotic deal that will fuel both companies' growth. </li><li>Insider spoke to DREAMSTAGE co-founder and digital media veteran Thomas Hesse about the platform's potential for long-term success.</li></ul>The coronavirus pandemic nearly eliminated the <keyword id="28138" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="live-music">live music</keyword> business. DREAMSTAGE, a ticketed live music streaming platform launched in the spring of 2020, has plans to reverse this fate and to even go as far as transforming the traditional live music business model for years to come.The US-based startup has provided artists with a method of generating income during lockdowns, but it's also future-proofed for long after fans return to in-person gigs with the goal of offering simulcasting opportunities in addition to premium digital-only concerts.The brainchild of former Sony Music executive Thomas Hesse, world renowned cellist Jan Vogler, and tech aficionado and CTO Scott Chasin, DREAMSTAGE has delivered over 50 high-definition concerts featuring musicians across multiple genres and levels of experience in the one year since its creation. Artists such as Polo G, Chief Keef, Grammy nominee D Smoke, and most recently Yo-Yo Ma have taken the virtual stage, with co-founder Jan Vogler himself kicking off the platform's classical lineup in its first livestream in August. Now, the startup has caught the attention of the Paris-based music streaming service Deezer, which houses a catalog of 73 million tracks, including content from major record labels like Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. Deezer will serve as a cornerstone investor in DREAMSTAGE, leveraging its global subscriber base and millions of monthly active users to provide DREAMSTAGE with significant funds to expand its operations and establish it as a leading new format for <keyword id="4578" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="entertainment">entertainment</keyword>. The strategic partnership will see both companies working together to merge recorded and live music in a streamlined experience, while operating independently with the ultimate goal of accelerating DREAMSTAGE's growth. Their mutually strong appreciation for musicians and genuine desire to support their craft solidified the deal. "There's a lot of potential," Thomas Hesse, co-founder of DREAMSTAGE, told Insider. "It's come together in a great spirit of partnership, and we're both mindful and cognizant of the significant benefits of us working together." <div type="image" title="ThomasHesse_Headshot_KlasFoerster" height="1080" width="1080" msid="82464063" hostid="261"></div>The DREAMSTAGE and Deezer teams share the unified mission of growing within the currently exploding global recorded music and <keyword id="771113" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Livestreaming">livestreaming</keyword> markets. Both have a deep understanding of the intersection of technology and music, Hesse said, and a shared entrepreneurial and innovative mindset. "We think that DREAMSTAGE is the service that really has cracked the live streamed music experience. The live streamed events they offer go beyond simple video streaming and feel personal, dynamic and fun," Deezer CEO Hans-Holger Albrecht wrote in an email to Insider. "Their goal is to make you feel like you're really in the room with the artist, making the experience dynamic and interactive." Interactivity is key to DREAMSTAGE's product. Fans not only benefit from the personalized experience of watching live music streamed directly into their living rooms, but they also enjoy the capability of communicating with one another in real time using the platform's built-in chat function, which "is what truly separates this experience from watching a YouTube video on your own," Hesse said. Artists benefit from the interactive equation, as well. "Even when live concerts start again, live streaming will become a natural addition to live shows," Albrecht wrote. "Artists will be able to connect to the fans in the room, but also to let fans who can't make it enjoy the concert live, online. The ability to connect to more people also opens up a number of new digital revenue streams for musicians."Musicians and entertainers largely rely on live performances and touring as a means of financial survival. In the year before the pandemic, the US live music business reached nearly $8 billion in ticket sales, trailing slightly behind recorded music, which came in at $11 billion, <a href="https://www.musicwatchinc.com/blog/its-still-rock-n-roll-to-me/">as found in a report published by Music Watch</a>. The live music streaming industry is expected to generate $6.4 billion by 2027, according to MIDiA Research. Professionally livestreamed concerts allow musicians to reach a much larger audience, and through supplemental digital-only concerts that are executed and marketed compellingly, artists can collect additional revenue on Spotify and other music distribution services when live gigs aren't an option. It's a domino effect - digital-only concerts promote engagement with the artists, bouncing their songs back into the charts, and in turn stimulating the demand for live in-person events, Hesse said. Through DREAMSTAGE's integrated platform, artists can sell tickets, merchandise, and VIP experiences, as well as raise donations for charities, with the company taking a platform fee that varies according to the individual deal. DREAMSTAGE offers performers the option of utilizing their in-house production crew and social media marketing team, but also leaves artists the ability to employ their own teams.The venues are selected according to the artists' choice, and then cast into their virtual concert halls developed by a "world class team of engineers," according to a release. Some concerts are available via on-demand for a select period of time, although the offering of a permanent on-demand archive is contingent upon the clearing of rights, Hesse explained. Performances can be viewed via the Apple TV app, "with the big screen being the medium of choice, accompanied by great sound and picture," Hesse said. The company plans on delivering mobile apps for iOS and Android in the near future, but in the meantime, performances and interactive features can be accessed on DREAMSTAGE's website on any device. While the pandemic was the catalyst for DREAMSTAGE, the real appeal to DREAMSTAGE lies in its longevity. The co-creator of video hosting service Vevo and former Sony Music President of Global Digital Business, Hesse is no stranger to the recorded music industry and music video space. He spearheaded Sony Music's merger with BMG and was responsible for driving the transformation of recorded music to streaming. It also helps that Hesse is a trained concert pianist, having studied at major concert halls in Austria and Germany. "DREAMSTAGE, in a way, creates a new format that's a hybrid between a music video and a live performance," Hesse said. He calls this the "Live Music Video," which he hopes will one day compete with Netflix as its own form of appointment TV. "We're not really competing with people going to the concert a few times a year, which they will do," Hesse said. "That's a big thing; you have to get tickets which are more expensive than an online ticket, you need to get a babysitter, get the car out, drive to the venue, park the car - it's not something you do on a weekday night."If your favorite artist is performing in a different town, it's easy to just buy the ticket in one click on your mobile and watch it on your TV, he explained. This high-value streaming experience is designed to take the formal aspect out of watching artists perform by granting all viewers a front-row seat. At the same time, the quality and vibrance of the in-person viewing experience is intended to be preserved with DREAMSTAGE's premium technology, which utilizes high-definition audio/video signal and a clear and friendly user interface. "Our goal is to make <keyword id="1541152" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="live-events">live events</keyword> in music and entertainment, which can include comedy and other forms of entertainment, as attractive and as interesting as live sports," Hesse said. "People go to live events and go to watch the Mets and Yankees at the stadium, but lots of them watch them on the television. And the same should be true for music."

How DREAMSTAGE is taking live music streaming by storm, with global streaming service Deezer by its side

The Truth About Marissa Mayer: An Unauthorized Biography

<ul class="summary-list"><li>DraftKings and the <keyword id="11897660" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="nfl" source="Orion">NFL</keyword> Players Associate have partnered to launch gamified <keyword id="11901075" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="nfts" source="Orion">NFTs</keyword>, which will be incorporated into DraftKings fantasy football platform. </li><li>The deal grants DraftKings licensing rights for the name, image, and likeness of active NFL players.</li></ul>The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and DraftKings have partnered to launch gamified non-fungible tokens for the 2022-2023 season,<a href="https://www.draftkings.com/about/news/2021/12/the-nflpa-and-draftkings-unveil-plans-for-gamified-nft-collaboration/?wpsrc=Organic%20Search&amp;wpaffn=Google&amp;wpkw=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.draftkings.com%2Fabout%2Fnews%2F2021%2F12%2Fthe-nflpa-and-draftkings-unveil-plans-for-gamified-nft-collaboration%2F&amp;wpcn=about&amp;wpscn=news%2F2021%2F12%2Fthe-nflpa-and-draftkings-unveil-plans-for-gamified-nft-collaboration%2F"> DraftKings press release</a>. As part of the deal, DraftKings will hold licensing rights for active NFL players, and the NFTs can be minted using a player's name, image, and likeness. Consumers can expect to use these collectibles on the DraftKings server, and also buy and sell them on other platforms."The future of fandom is unfolding in front of us, and few organizations beyond DraftKings are as equipped to capitalize on the increasing intersection between sports and NFTs that will be cornerstones of engagement and entertainment within Web3," said Beth Beiriger, senior vice president of product operations for DraftKings Marketplace. DraftKings is the official daily fantasy and sports-betting partner of the NFL, as well as the NBA, MLB, and a range of other professional sports leagues. Joining the partnership is OneTeam, the licensing partner of the NFLPA, which will help launch digital collections on the DraftKings Marketplace.The NFTs will feature different tiers of scarcity and editions, and fans will be able to incorporate the NFTs in DraftKings fantasy football games.Sports leagues and pro athletes are making deep inroads into the digital asset and collectibles space as a way to generate more revenue from fanbases. The deal with DraftKings follows a <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/nfl-turns-polygon-network-ticket-014215767.html">previous NFL blockchain partnership with Polygon</a> for virtual commemorative tickets. Similarly, <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/currencies/nba-top-shots-creator-dapper-labs-to-offer-summer-league-nfts-2021-8">NBA Top Shots has become one of the largest NFT marketplaces.</a>On Monday, football legend <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/currencies/tom-brady-nft-collection-autograph-digital-tokens-crypto-nfl-2021-12">Tom Brady announced his latest release of NFTs </a>highlighting his early-career milestones. "We will continuously adapt, innovate and seek progressive collaborators…to reach early adopters among fanbases and ultimately introduce these next-generation products to the masses," Beiriger said.

The NFL is launching fantasy football NFTs in a partnership with DraftKings

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The alonzo upgrade will mean the <keyword id="5294933" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="cardano" source="Orion">cardano</keyword> network will be able to support applications like smart contracts.</li><li>Cardano will gain a bigger foothold in the world of <keyword id="11899102" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="decentralized-finance" source="Orion">decentralized finance</keyword>, competing with ethereum.</li><li>Founder Charles Hoskinson says he will wear a "Ghostbusters" costume to mark the launch.</li></ul>Cardano's big "alonzo" upgrade rolls out on Sunday and will usher in the network's ability to run a range of <keyword id="11893898" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="crypto" source="Orion">crypto</keyword> applications, from smart contracts to non-fungible tokens and aims to bring what founder Charles Hoskinson calls "programmability" to the <keyword id="11902216" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="blockchain" source="Orion">blockchain</keyword>. Sunday marks the final, and most important stage of the alonzo series of upgrades that will help the network compete with the likes of ethereum - currently the biggest blockchain that can run applications other than a native cryptocurrency token. Smart contracts will enable the network to run decentralized finance applications, for example. "One of the magical superpowers of cardano is that we built it with upgradability in mind," Hoskinson told Insider in an interview. "It means that cardano now supports programmability. That's like when JavaScript came to the web browser. So, you go from static boring web pages, to Facebook and Google and YouTube," he said. Investors of all sizes have been buying into <keyword id="11895317" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="cryptocurrencies" source="Orion">cryptocurrencies</keyword> on a vast scale this year, partly out of a desire to diversify away from traditional assets like stocks or fiat currencies, but also because of the potential some of the various blockchains hold to revolutionize finance, trading and even art and entertainment. For example, NFTs, which are essentially like digital collectors' items that represent real-world assets like artwork, video and even virtual real estate, have been booming, endorsed by celebrities, sports stars and luxury brands.Accessing these digital assets often requires a cryptocurrency. The prospect of having to use a blockchain's native currency to buy an NFT, take part in an online game, or make a payment has been a big driver in some of the tokens whose networks offer, or will offer, these capabilities - cardano being one of them.Since cardano announced in a <a href="https://twitter.com/InputOutputHK/status/1426178532527558659">video</a> on August 13 that it would release the final alonzo "purple" update on September 12, the network's native <keyword id="11927960" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ada" source="Orion">ada</keyword> cryptocurrency has gained around 33% and is now the third largest digital coin by market value, with a capitalization of $82 billion, according to <a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/">coinmarketcap.com</a>.Bitcoin, the biggest crypto that boasts a market value of around $884 billion, has gained around 4% in that time. Another application that will run on the cardano network once the upgrade is complete are smart contracts - a piece of code that allows two or more parties to transact with one another without a central force like a commercial bank, or broker. Smart contracts are one of the cornerstones of decentralized finance and any network that can run them will be in demand.This is a big step forward for a network that for years since it launched in 2017, was widely pilloried as a "ghost chain" - crypto-slang to describe a blockchain worth billions that ultimately has very little in the way of actual utilization."It'll be a fun day. Everybody used to call us 'the ghost chain', and I bought the Ghostbusters uniform, so come September 12, I'll be wearing it and we'll have some fun," Hoskinson said.

Cardano's big alonzo upgrade will bring 'programmability' to the blockchain, according to founder Charles Hoskinson, who says he's going to wear a Ghostbusters costume to mark the occasion

Borja B. Hojas/Getty ImagesESPN has called Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, 23, the Michael Jordan of esports.<ul class="summary-list"><li>Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok has led T1 Entertainment &amp; Sports to three "League of Legends" World Championship victories since 2013. </li><li>Now, a new contract has made Faker a part-owner of the esports team.</li><li>Prior to his new contract with T1, Faker said he turned down a $10 million salary offer from a Chinese team, and from a North American franchise that offered what he said was a blank check. The average "League of Legends" player in North America earns about $300,000 per year.</li><li>Faker's new contract runs through 2022, but he'll continue to be an esports icon long after his playing days are over.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.</a></li></ul>In the world of esports, no star shines brighter than Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as Faker. He's commonly called "The Unkillable Demon King." ESPN frequently refers to him as the "<a href="https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/17901618/global-phenomenon-sk-telecom-t1-faker-esports-michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a>" of esports. His first Twitch stream set a platform record. And he's earned millions dominating the professional "League of Legends" circuit as a member of South Korea's T1 Entertainment &amp; Sports. A new contract has now made him a part-owner of the team.In North America, "League of Legends" players command <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/esports-gamers-pay-compared-professional-athletes-how-much-overwatch-2k-2020-1">an average salary of more than $300,000,</a> but Faker's previous deal <a href="https://www.criticalhit.net/gaming/cost-keep-worlds-best-player-lol-team/">reportedly paid him $2.5 million per year,</a> plus additional prize money won during competition. When that contract expired in November 2019, fans speculated whether Faker would leave South Korea to seek more money from a team in China or North America.In an interview earlier this year the 23-year-old esports phenom said he had declined a $10 million salary offer from a Chinese "LoL" team and that he turned down a North American franchise that offered him a contract with a blank check.<a href="https://kshowonline.com/kshow/11438-%5Bengsub%5D-radio-star-ep.650">Faker told the South Korean show Radio Star</a> that he prefered to stay in his own country and continue playing for T1's dedicated fans. T1 built its team around Faker when he was just 16 years old and he's led the team to three world championships since 2013."I am excited to continue playing for T1 and am thankful for all the fans around the world who have supported me all these years," Faker said in a statement announcing his new contract "I am honored to become a part owner of T1 and look forward to working with the leadership team beyond my playing career. I love this team and am proud to help mold the future of this organization."Travis Gafford, a "League of Legends" analyst and esports expert, said T1 offered Faker an ownership stake to retain him as the face of the franchise. South Korea Telecom and Comcast Spectacor recently partnered to restructure the team as T1 Entertainment &amp; Sports in October 2019, with the goal of expanding the team's presence in North America."Faker is without a doubt, the biggest star in the biggest esport. Due to the instability of esports, we haven't seen many 'franchise players' - but Faker's history with T1 for the better part of the last decade has made him inseparable from their brand," Gafford told Business Insider. "It's unsurprising that the organization constructed a deal that ensures he will stay linked to them even into his retirement."Gafford compared Faker's new contract to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/esports/2019/10/14/league-legends-player-bjergsen-becomes-part-owner-tsm-renews-contract/">an October 2019 deal</a> that made another "LoL" player, Soren "Bjergsen" Berg. Bjergsen is a part owner of Team SoloMid, a North American franchise competing in the League Championship Series. He joined TSM in 2013 and is now the team's longest tenured player."Until teams reach the revenue necessary to provide the most iconic players with salaries comparable to mainstream sports athletes, we may continue to see organizations provide equity packages to long standing competitors,"While other popular gamers like Felix "PewDiePie" Kjellberg and Tyler "Ninja" Blevins have made millions entertaining fans on video platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Mixer, Faker's fame is born from his skills as a player. At 23, he's already one of the oldest competitors in professional "League of Legends," and his new player contract runs through 2022.Faker will be 26 years old when the contract ends, and even if he's not capable of competing at the highest level, he still has a bright future as a broadcaster, coach, and overall gaming icon."T1 is thrilled to have Faker on its roster for the next three seasons," T1 CEO Joe Marsh said. "Since T1's inception, Faker has been the cornerstone of our team's success and his undying passion for this organization will continue to drive us forward now that he is a part owner of T1 Entertainment &amp; Sports."Marsh said, "Even after Faker's retirement - whenever that may be - he will begin the next chapter of his legacy in a leadership role with T1, helping to mold the next generation of elite esports athletes."<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/intelligence/brand-investment-esports?IR=T&amp;itm_source=businessinsider&amp;itm_medium=ctgr_bii&amp;itm_term=ctgr_leadgen&amp;itm_content=esports&amp;itm_campaign=brand-investment-esports"></a> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sega-nintendo-rise-fall-90s-genesis-dreamcast-sonic-console-2020-1">The rise and fall of Sega</a></h3>

Why esports' biggest star turned down a $10 million salary to become part-owner of his own team

<keyword id="6354486" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Virat-Kohli">Virat Kohli</keyword>, who is the most valued player in <keyword id="8675" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-cricket-team">Indian cricket team</keyword> right now, is soon to become one of the most valued celebrities in India. He has already joined the coveted Rs 100 crore club this year, while endorsing 13. 
 "Virat has, for a while, been darling of the advertisers. Now I think he is just driving the point home. Today, he is very much on par, if not higher, with <keyword id="10138" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mahendra-Singh-Dhoni">Mahendra Singh Dhoni</keyword>," Bunty Sajdeh, founder and CEO of Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment told ET. 
 
It was in 2014 that Kohli had set the endorsements world abuzz when he signed Rs 10 crore per annum deal with German sports goods giant Adidas. The next big deal in his life was a Rs 6.5 crore-per-year deal that he cracked with MRF. As of now, he also endorses Pepsi, Audi, Vicks, Boost, USL, TVS, Smaash, Nitesh Estates, Tissot, Herbalife, and Colgate. 
 
"He is physically and mentally very strong and comes across as fearless. He ticks out the top five boxes that any advertiser will look for while engaging with a celebrity," Sajdeh said. "He is giving advertisers a reason to look outside Bollywood, which is a very cluttered space. That is why he is so successful at such a young age," he added. 
 
Experts are also of the view that Kohli will surpass Dhoni this year in terms of earnings per brand. 
 
<a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/photo/48915296.cms">Image source</a>

Virat Kohli, an asset to the advertisers and a treat to the audience

Even as India couldn’t reach the finals of the recently concluded T20 World Cup, there is one man from the Indian cricket team who has been the talk of the town, made the highest runs in the series and also won the Man of the Tournament award. We are talking about <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Virat-Kohli-an-asset-to-the-advertisers-and-a-treat-to-the-audience/articleshow/51525962.cms">Virat Kohli</a>, who single handedly led India to the semi-finals by giving back to back <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/ICC-World-Twenty20-Virat-Kohlis-masterstroke-helps-India-defeat-Pakistan/articleshow/51483190.cms">match-winning</a> performances. 
 
He recently overtook <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Guesswhat-MS-Dhoni-finally-reveals-why-he-collects-stumps-after-every-victory/articleshow/51408254.cms">skipper MS Dhoni</a> as the highest-paid batsman on the endorsement circuit and now, has marched ahead of him to become the most talked-about and most trending sportsman on social media in India. In the month of March, Kohli averaged close to 12 lakh conversations as compared to Dhoni who recorded 7 lakh conversations, says a report from social media tracker Autumn Worldwide. 
 
"Conversation volume in India has always been in the range of 1.5 lakh to 4 lakh. For the first time, we are seeing a jump with the range being between 10 lakh and 12 lakh. Kohli now has a clear lead," said Anusha Shetty, chief executive officer at Autumn Worldwide. "This is the social world where every subject is discussed...the cascading effect of conversations is higher and performance during matches and personal lives sway this volume of conversations." 
 
Before the month of March, both Dhoni and Kohli had similar volumes of conversations, with Dhoni occasionally taking the lead over Kohli. 
"Virat is very appreciative of his fans and tries to make them a part of his life on social media. The content he posts reflects his personality and that helps increase his following," said Jogesh Lulla, COO, Cornerstone Sport &amp; Entertainment, the firm that represents Kohli. The 27-year old has 10.2 million followers on Twitter, as compared with 5.27 million for Dhoni. 
 
As reported earlier, Kohli, who <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Virat-Kohlis-bat-earns-him-more-than-anyone-else-in-the-team/articleshow/51494600.cms">earns about Rs 8 crore</a> for his MRF bat sponsorship, is way ahead of Dhoni’s Rs 6 crore. 
 
<a href="http://static.sportskeeda.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/kohli-dhoni-1434386056-800.jpg">Image source</a>

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