Top 5 — Messi Mania Sweeps Jamaica
Plus Caribbean cricket's new funding model, a new F1-style running league, and more
Whatsup Squad,
Let’s get into the top stories of the week:
⭐️ FEATURE STORY
Messi Mania Sweeps Jamaica
Jamaicans could witness Lionel Messi play on the island for the first time as Inter Miami CF faces Jamaica’s Cavalier SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Cavalier SC, which typically plays in a 3,000-seat stadium, has moved the match to Kingston’s 35,000-seat National Stadium—a common move for high-profile games.
What’s not common? These tickets sold out in less than an hour!
The first leg is set for March 6, with the return leg in Jamaica on March 13.
As long as the first leg of the match is somewhat close, Messi is expected to play in Kingston.
Bottom Line - Messi's possible visit is shaping up to be the most-hyped soccer match in Jamaica in the last decade. It’s also a prime opportunity for Jamaica to prove it can host world-class events.
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🏝️ Caribbean
Sports Betting to Inject $100 Million into CWI
West Indies cricket is set to receive a $100 million financial boost over the next 10 years thanks to a partnership between Cricket West Indies (CWI) and gaming operator Caribbean CAGE.
The deal, which begins on April 1, 2025, is also projected to generate $158 million for Caribbean governments.
The CARICOM Prime Ministerial Subcommittee on Cricket played a key role in securing government support, ensuring that 7% of adjusted gross revenue from regulated gaming goes directly to CWI.
For decades, the Caribbean has suffered from unregulated, untaxed gaming that provided zero financial benefit to local sports. This initiative ensures a steady, legal revenue stream to fund player development, new facilities, and grassroots programs.
Bottom Line - Despite a reduced ICC revenue share, this deal gives West Indies cricket a long-term funding model—one that could be a turning point for the sport’s future in the region.
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🇯🇲 Jamaica
Jamaica Targets NBA Talent for FIBA World Cup
Jamaica’s national basketball team is gearing up for the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, starting with the Americas Pre-Qualifiers in August 2025.
The coaching staff is targeting NBA talent with Jamaican roots to elevate the squad’s competitive level and position Jamaica as a serious contender for future Olympic qualification.
Who’s on the radar?
Norman Powell (LA Clippers)
Amen & Ausar Thompson (Houston Rockets & Detroit Pistons)
Nick Richards (Phoenix Suns)
Julian & Justin Champagnie (San Antonio Spurs & Washington Wizards)
Josh Minott (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Isaiah Stewart (Detroit Pistons)
Bottom Line - If Jamaica advances, the next qualification stage will feature home-and-home series, bringing high-level basketball to the island. A strong squad could be a game-changer for Jamaica’s basketball ambitions. And if they qualify, expect a major boost in regional interest and investment.
Read more
🌎 World
LVMH is Coming for Sports
LVMH—the world’s largest luxury conglomerate—is going all-in on sports.
Formula One kicks off its Grand Prix season in Melbourne this month, and LVMH will be front and center.
As part of a 10-year, multibrand, $100M+ deal between Formula One and LVMH, Louis Vuitton will debut as the race title sponsor.
But this is just its latest power play.
In the last six months, the company also invested $150M in the Paris Olympics and purchased a majority stake in Paris FC, a second-division football club.
Bottom Line - LVMH isn’t just sponsoring sports, it’s deeply embedding itself in the industry. With $89B in revenue last year, LVMH has the resources to keep expanding.
Read more
🌎 World
Mo Farah’s RunGP Aims to Disrupt Distance Running
Four-time British Olympic gold medallist Sir Mo Farah hopes to make running “exciting” with the launch of a new team-based league, RunGP.
Races will be held on Formula One circuits, with the first event set for May 9-10 in Doha at the Lusail International Circuit—home to the Qatar Grand Prix.
Here are the details:
Team-based racing featuring pro athletes, influencers, and celebrities
Mass participation races alongside elite competition
Live streaming on DAZN
With track & field seeking new commercial formats, RunGP is aiming to capture the growing hype around distance running.
Bottom Line - By focusing on longer distances, RunGP hopes to stand out from competitors like Athlos and Grand Slam Track. On top of that, this series isn’t just for elite athletes; it’s for the masses.
Read more here
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Until next time ✌🏾