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Business leader from Oakville awarded the Order of Canada
After parting ways with head coach Charlie Adam on Sunday, Fleetwood Town will host Chesterfield at Highbury Stadium on Boxing Day, hoping the decision sparks a much-needed turnaround in their League Two campaign. Adam was sacked by the club following a 2-0 defeat to Barrow last Saturday, with early strikes from Emile Acquah and Theo Vassell condemning the Fishermen to their third consecutive league defeat on the road. © Imago Fleetwood's fortunes have been on a downward trajectory over the past year, culminating in relegation from League One at the end of the 2023-24 season. The Lancashire club appointed Adam on New Year's Eve 2023 to replace Lee Johnson after a poor start to that campaign, but the change failed to arrest their decline, ultimately bringing an end to their decade-long stay in the third tier. Now in League Two, their struggles have persisted, with the Cod Army sitting 18th in the standings after managing 23 points from 19 games, eight points above the drop zone, though they have one game on 24th-placed Carlisle. This is in contrast to their promising start to the season, when Adam steered them to four wins and four draws in nine games, picking up 16 points from a possible 27, with just one loss in that streak. However, that lone defeat in their early run has given way to just one win in the following 10 matches, including four draws and five defeats, with last weekend's loss being the latest setback, leading to the 39-year-old manager's dismissal. Pending the appointment of a new head coach, Fleetwood will look to lift themselves from the rubble and host Chesterfield at Highbury on Thursday, buoyed by their recent record against the visitors, having won the last three meetings between the sides. © Imago In contrast, Chesterfield have enjoyed a dream start to their return to the Football League after six seasons in non-League. The Spireites, fresh off winning the National League title in 2023-24, have settled into life in League Two seamlessly, currently sitting fifth with 34 points, just two behind third-placed Doncaster, who occupy the final automatic promotion spot. Paul Cook 's men come into this weekend's encounter on a high, having won their last three league matches without conceding, the most recent of which was a 1-0 victory over Wimbledon, with Armando Dobra 's early strike securing all three points. With 16 points from 10 games on the road, Town boast the fifth-best away record in the division and will look to extend that form against the struggling hosts Chesterfield's attacking prowess on the road, having scored 21 goals away from home - five more than any other team - adds further weight to their chances in this encounter. © Imago Carl Johnston , who has missed Fleetwood's last three games through injury, remains a doubt for Thursday's clash, while Zech Medley , still recovering from the ruptured achilles tendon he sustained in late August, is also unavailable. Ronan Coughlan , Fleetwood's leading league scorer with six goals in 17 appearances, will be the Fishermen's key player as they look to him to make the difference. The vistors have no injury concerns and could stick with the same lineup that defeated Wimbledon at the weekend. Will Grigg , Chesterfield's top scorer in the league, is set to lead the line once again as he aims to get back among the goals after a quiet outing last time. Fleetwood Town possible starting lineup: Harrington; Broom, Potter, Bolton, Bennett, Hunt; Helm, Virtue, Mayor; Coughlan, Graydon Chesterfield possible starting lineup: Thompsont; Sheckleford, Grimes, Naylor, Araujo; Oldaker; Markanday, Mandeville, Dobra, Berry; Grigg Despite Chesterfield's recent struggles at Highbury, with defeats in their last two visits, their impressive run of three consecutive victories cannot be overlooked. This momentum suggests they might prove too strong for the embattled hosts For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here .
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How to watch LSU vs. Vanderbilt: TV channel, streaming infoWorld reaches $300 bn climate finance deal at COP29
Industrial Boilers Market Size, Share, Trends, Competitive Landscape, Regional Analysis Forecasts with a CAGR of 3.3% By 2030 12-20-2024 07:48 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire The global market size of industrial boilers is projected to grow from USD 15.3 billion in 2022 to USD 19.8 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.3% during the forecast period. The industrial boilers market is poised for steady growth, driven by rising demand for energy-efficient solutions across industries. Advancements in technology, coupled with stringent environmental regulations, are expected to shape market trends, fostering innovations and expanding global market opportunities. The report "Industrial Boilers Market [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/industrial-boiler-market-130210505.html?utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=industrialboiler ] by Fuel (Natural Gas, Coal, Oil), Boiler (Fire-Tube, Water Tube), Function (Hot Water, Steam), Boiler Horsepower (10-150 BHP, 151-300 BHP, 301-600 BHP), End-Use Industry, And Region - Global Forecast to 2030 ", MarketsandMarkets: The global market size of industrial boilers is projected to grow from USD 15.3 billion in 2022 to USD 19.8 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.3% during the forecast period. Stringent government regulations to minimize carbon emissions and maximize renewable energy usage, increase power and food industry demand, and use clean technology in the chemical end-use industry drive the industrial boilers market. Browse 249 market data Tables and 55 Figures spread through 239 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Industrial Boilers Market by Fuel (Natural Gas, Coal, Oil), Boiler (Fire-Tube, Water Tube), Function (Hot Water, Steam), Boiler Horsepower (10-150 BHP, 151-300 BHP, 301-600 BHP), End-Use Industry, And Region - Global Forecast to 2030" Get PDF Brochure for Research Insights at https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=130210505 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=130210505&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=industrialboiler ] The food and beverage industry requires a large amount of steam and hot water for various processes such as steam generation, heating & drying, and sanitation. Boilers are used in this industry to generate steam for various applications, such as cooking, cleaning, and sterilization. Moreover, the increasing population, rising disposable income, and changing dietary habits fuel the demand for processed food and beverages, leading to the expansion of food and beverage facilities in different regions. This expansion of the facilities increases the demand for heat and power in the food and beverage industry, resulting in high demand for industrial boilers. In terms of value, fire-tube boilers are estimated to be the largest market in the global industrial boilers market, by boiler type, during the forecast period. Fire-tube boilers are also referred to as shell & tube boilers or smoke tube boilers. Fire-tube boilers are usually preferred for industrial purpose as these boilers are fuel-efficient & and easy to operate. However, other boilers such as Fluidized bed combustion boilers are gaining traction in the market. It has emerged as a viable alternative and has significant advantages over conventional firing systems and offers multiple benefits, including compact boiler design, fuel flexibility, higher combustion efficiency and reduced emission of toxic pollutants such as SOx and NOx. Natural gas to be the largest market in the global industrial boilers market, by fuel type, during 2022 to 2030. Natural gas is the best fuel choice for industrial boiler production and accounted for more than quarter of the total market in 2022. Natural gas can be piped directly into the natural gas-fired boilers. These boilers require a relatively small boiler space with a compact and simple design. Natural gas-fired boilers are widely used in western countries due to their easy availability and regulatory guidelines concerning CO2 emissions. Request for Bundle Report at https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/RequestBundleReport.asp?id=130210505 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/RequestBundleReport.asp?id=130210505&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=industrialboiler ] Steam boilers to be the largest market in the global industrial boilers market, by function type, during 2022 to 2030 The steam boilers segment accounted for more than half of the total market, in terms of value, and is projected to register a CAGR of 3.1%during the forecast period. Steam boilers can be used in power turbines that generate electricity. However, due to the vertical design of the steam boiler, less steam is emitted. Steam boilers are used in various industries, including power, food, and cement. 150-300 BHP boilers are estimated to be the second-largest boiler market, by horsepower type, by value in 2022. The 151-300 BHP boilers segment is expected to be the second fastest-growing segment, at a CAGR of 3.4%, between 2022 and 2030, in terms of value. These boilers are fueled by organic materials such as wood chips, sawdust, and agricultural waste to generate heat and power. 151-300 BHP boilers are preferred for precise pressure and temperature output of steam or water required for processing activities in end-use industries like food and pharmaceuticals. Food is estimated to be the second-largest end-use industry, by value in 2022. Food processing is one of the fastest-growing global industries. According to data published in the economic times, the food & grocery market in India ranks sixth globally, and food processing contributes about 32% to the food industry. Boilers are crucial in the food industry due to the heat generation (direct or from hot water) required in various food processes. The food industry uses coal, natural gas, liquid fuel, and biomass as fuels in boilers. Steam provides precise temperature control through relatively simple, inexpensive pressure control to deliver consistent heat across the largest vessels and offers the precision to ensure that the highest quality food is produced for the manufacturers' end-user consumers. Europe accounted for second largest region, by value, during the forecast period 2022-2030 Europe accounts for a significant share in terms of consumption in the industrial boilers market. Numerous manufacturers, particularly in the chemical and food end-use industries, influence the demand for industrial boilers. Major sales of chemicals in Europe are in terms of petrochemicals and polymers. Germany is the largest producer of chemicals in Europe. The region has witnessed a rise in government initiatives for implementing clean energy in the industrial sector. Industrial boilers are an efficient and clean energy alternative to help address the energy challenges faced by the region. Inquire Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=130210505 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=130210505&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=industrialboiler ] Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises INC (US), Siemens AG (Germany), John Wood Group PLC (UK), Dongfang Electric Corporation Limited (DEC LTD) (China), Mitsubishi Power (Japan), Thermax Limited (India), Sofinter Group (Italy), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) (India), Harbin Electric Company Limited (China), IHI Corporation (Japan), Alfa Laval AB (Sweden), Andritz AG (Austria), Robert Bosch GMBH (Germany), Cleaver Brooks Inc. (US), and Byworth Boilers Limited (UK) are the key players in the industrial boilers market. About MarketsandMarkets Trademark MarketsandMarkets Trademark has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets Trademark is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore Trademark (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. Media Contact Company Name: MarketsandMarkets Trademark Research Private Ltd. Contact Person: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=industrial-boilers-market-size-share-trends-competitive-landscape-regional-analysis-forecasts-with-a-cagr-of-33-by-2030 ] Phone: 18886006441 Address:1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 City: Florida State: Florida Country: United States Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/industrial-boiler-market-130210505.html This release was published on openPR.Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on Monday sent its long-awaited report to President Joe Biden, a longtime opponent of the deal. Some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. That's according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump opposed the merger and vowed to block it. Nippon Steel says it is confident the deal will go ahead. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election A survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in November to 98, following October’s pre-election record high of 110. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said small business owners became more certain about future business conditions following the presidential election, breaking a nearly three-year streak of record high uncertainty. The survey also showed that more owners are also hoping 2025 will be a good time to grow. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. Stock market today: Wall Street rallies ahead of Christmas Stocks closed higher on Wall Street ahead of the Christmas holiday, led by gains in Big Tech stocks. The S&P 500 added 1.1% Tuesday. Trading closed early ahead of the holiday. Tech companies including Apple, Amazon and chip company Broadcom helped pull the market higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%. American Airlines shook off an early loss and ended mostly higher after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields held steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury was little changed at 4.59% An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market.
Semona scores 15 as Stonehill takes down Lafayette 70-65
Trinity Jubilee Center breaks ground on $5.1 million building in Lewiston to serve the needy
‘Sharks’ vet pitches from entrepreneurs at FAU. See who scored a dealBy Tobias Alando Trade has been a cornerstone of human civilization, beginning with the ancient barter system and evolving into today’s complex international agreements. In the earliest days, barter trade, a system where people directly exchanged goods without a standard currency, was essential for survival, yet it had limitations. Disparities in value, seasonal shortages, and the challenge of matching each other’s needs fairly, often led to conflicts and stalled exchanges. Such misalignments in wants and resources made transactions cumbersome and hindered economic growth. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Over time, these inefficiencies drove societies to adopt currency, which streamlined trade and gave value a more universal measure. However, as trade grew beyond local communities and regions, new challenges arose, demanding structure and predictability in cross-border exchanges. This paved the way for trade agreements, which have become the foundation of international commerce today. Designed to reduce barriers like tariffs and quotas, these agreements enable smoother, fairer exchanges between nations, fostering both bilateral and multilateral relationships. Where barter was once limited to immediate needs and resources, modern trade agreements now support an interconnected global economy, encouraging growth, innovation, and mutual prosperity. One such agreement that has been pivotal in shaping trade dynamics is the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that is designed to create a free trade area between the EU and Kenya. Its primary objectives include promoting sustainable development, ensuring economic stability, and enhancing trade between EU and Kenya. By eliminating tariffs and quotas on goods, the EPA seeks to provide Kenyan products with greater access to EU markets by enhancing export opportunities. The goals of the EPA extend beyond mere tariff reductions; they also aim to enhance economic cooperation and address various trade-related issues such as supply-side constraints including compliance with Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards and enhancing capacity to implement trade facilitation measures. For Kenya, this means not only the potential for increased exports but also the ability to attract foreign investment, which is crucial for economic growth. Local manufacturers can plug into this framework by leveraging the advantages offered through the EPA, such as accessing European markets without facing prohibitive tariffs. Trade between Kenya and the EU has not been entirely balanced. According to International Trade Centre (ITC), Kenya Exported products worth $1.1 billion to the EU while importing $1.7 billion, representing a slight trade imbalance of $0.6 billion in favor of EU in 2022. To scale up trade and bridge this imbalance, Kenyan industries must focus on manufacturing high-quality value – added products, moving beyond the agriculturally based products and raw materials. The EU market, with its diverse consumer base, presents opportunities for Kenyan products, including textiles, processed foods, and manufactured goods. By investing in capacity building and technology, local manufacturers can create high-quality products that meet EU standards. As Kenya awaits the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by United States of America, there is an opportunity to further enhance our trade relations with the EU. By aligning its manufacturing strategies with the requirements of EU, Kenya can ensure that its products meet the necessary quality and regulatory standards, thus enhancing its competitiveness on the global stage. However, the journey towards seamless trading between Kenya and the EU is not without its challenges. A myriad of issues continue to hinder trade at national level, including competitiveness, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of access to finance for local manufacturers. To foster a conducive trading environment, both governments must engage in dialogue to address these barriers. Initiatives that simplify customs procedures, enhance transport networks, and financial support to local manufacturers will be crucial in bolstering trade for both parties. Furthermore, creating awareness and providing training for local businesses on how to navigate international trade can empower them to tap into opportunities offered by the Kenya EU – EPA agreement. Kenya must also protect its market from an influx of low-quality imports that could undercut local industries. By enforcing quality standards, the government can prevent the local market from becoming a dumping ground, ensuring that domestic products remain competitive both at home and abroad. Kenya possesses the resources and ambition to make export-led growth a reality. Tackling logistical hurdles, enhancing industry skills, and promoting a robust national brand will position Kenya as a global trade leader. The Made in Kenya label, symbolizing quality, innovation, and dependability can become a hallmark of Kenya’s competitive economy. For Kenyan industries to excel internationally, they must be agile, resilient, and competitive. Stable and predictable tax policies, affordable access to credit, and targeted skill development initiatives can also provide local industries with the boost they need to perform well internationally. By investing in these areas, Kenya can create a business environment that enables its products to compete with those from other emerging and established economies. The result is not just an increase in exports, but a strengthening of Kenya’s global brand – a shift from traditional exports like tea and coffee to a more diversified export portfolio. Now is the time for Kenya to expand its export portfolio and elevate the ‘Made in Kenya’ label as a symbol of innovation and quality. By embracing this vision, Kenya can transform trade into a pathway to prosperity for all its citizens, fostering a future where exports are not merely transactions, but reflections of a thriving, globally respected economy. The writer is the Ag. Chief Executive of Kenya Association of Manufacturers and can be reached at ceo@kam.co.ke . See author's postsGENEVA (AP) — Netflix has secured the U.S. broadcasting rights to the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 as the streaming giant continues its push into live sports. The deal announced Friday is the most significant FIFA has signed with a streaming service for a major tournament. The value was not given, though international competitions in women’s soccer have struggled to draw high-value offers. “Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix isn’t just about streaming matches,” its chief content officer Bela Bajaria said in a statement. “It’s also about celebrating the players, the culture and the passion driving the global rise of women’s sport.” Netflix dipped into live sports last month with more than 60 million households watching a heavily hyped boxing match between retired heavyweight legend Mike Tyson and social media personality Jake Paul. Some viewers reported streaming problems , however. Netflix also will broadcast two NFL games on Christmas Day: the Kansas City Chiefs at the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens at the Houston Texans. That’s part of a three-year deal announced in May. World Cups are typically broadcast on free-to-air public networks to reach the biggest audiences, and the last women's edition in 2023 earned FIFA less than 10% of the men's 2022 World Cup. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had publicly criticized public broadcasters , especially in Europe, for undervaluing offers to broadcast the 2023 tournament that was played in Australia and New Zealand. That tournament was broadcast by Fox in the U.S. “This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game,” Infantino said. The World Cup rights mark another major step in Netflix’s push into live programming. It’s recipe that Netflix has cooked up to help sell more advertising, a top priority for the company since it introduced a low-priced version of its streaming service that includes commercials two years ago. The ad-supported version is now the fastest growing part of Netflix’s service, although most of its 283 million worldwide subscribers till pay for higher-priced options without commercial. But Netflix is still trying to sell more ads to boost its revenue, which is expected to be about $30 billion. Netflix executives have predicted it might take two or three years before its ad sales become a major part of its revenue. Netflix expects to spend about $17 billion on programming this year — a budget that the Los Gatos, California, company once funneled almost entirely into scripted TV series and movies. But Netflix is now allocating a significant chunk of that money to sports and live events, a shift that has made it a formidable competitor to traditional media bidding for the same rights. FIFA will likely use the Netflix deal to drive talks with European broadcasters that likely will be hardball negotiations. Soccer finance expert Kieran Maguire, a co-host of The Price of Football podcast, suggested the deal was “a bit of a gamble" for FIFA and “saber-rattling” by Infantino. “(Netflix) get experience of football broadcasting, FIFA can say, ‘we are now partnering with a blue chip organization, so watch out you nasty Europeans,’” Maguire, an academic at the University of Liverpool, said in a telephone interview. FIFA and Infantino also want to raise the price of broadcast deals to help fund increased prize money and close the gender pay gap on the men’s World Cup. At the men’s 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 32 team federations shared $440 million in prize money. For the women’s 2023 tournament , FIFA had a $152 million total fund for prize money, contributions to teams’ preparation costs and payments to players’ clubs. In FIFA’s financial accounts for 2023 , the soccer body reported total broadcasting revenue of $244 million. In the year of the men’s 2022 World Cup it was almost $2.9 billion. The next Women's World Cup will be a 32-team, 64-game tournament in 2027, played in Brazil from June 24-July 25. The U.S. originally bid jointly with Mexico. The 2031 host has not been decided, though the U.S. likely will bid for a tournament which FIFA is expected to try to expand to 48 teams. That would match the size of the 104-game format of the men's World Cup that debuts in 2026 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Spain won the 2023 Women's World Cup after the U.S. won the two previous titles — in France in 2019 and Canada in 2015. More than 25 million viewers in the U.S. watched the 2015 World Cup final, a 5-2 win over Japan, played in Vancouver, Canada, in a time zone similarly favorable to Brazil. FIFA tried to sign Apple+ to an exclusive global deal to broadcast the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup which is being played in 11 U.S. cities next June and July. Broadcast networks showed little interest in the FIFA club event that will now be broadcast for free on streaming service DAZN, which is building closer business ties to Saudi Arabia. Ahead of the next Women's World Cup, Netflix will "produce exclusive documentary series in the lead-up to both tournaments, spotlighting the world’s top players, their journeys and the global growth of women’s football,” FIFA said. AP Technology Writer Michael Liedtke in San Francisco contributed to this report. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan gave athletic director Warde Manuel a five-year contract extension Thursday on the heels of the Wolverines' upset over rival Ohio State and a strong start to the basketball season. Manuel, who has held the position since 2016, signed through June 30, 2030, the school announced. Manuel is also chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee. “During Warde’s tenure as director, Athletics has put a structure in place where our student-athletes compete for Big Ten and national championships, excel in the classroom, and proudly graduate with their University of Michigan degrees,” university President Santa J. Ono said in the announcement. Michigan had a disappointing football season, finishing 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten), but a 13-10 win over then-No. 2 Ohio State took some pressure off of the program. The Buckeyes were favored by 21 points, the widest point spread for the rivalry since 1978, according to ESPN Stats and Info. The Wolverines won the national championship last year in their final season led by coach Jim Harbaugh, whose tenure at the school involved multiple NCAA investigations for recruiting and sign-stealing allegations. Manuel supported Harbaugh through those processes. In basketball, the women's team made its season debut (No. 23) in the AP Top 25 this week. The men are 7-1 a season after firing coach Juwan Howard, who lost a school-record 24 games in 2023-24 as Michigan plummeted to a last-place finish in the Big Ten for the first time since 1967. Michigan has won 52 Big Ten championships since 2020. “Every day, I am thankful to work at this great institution and to represent Michigan Athletics," Manuel said in a statement. "I especially want to thank the student-athletes, coaches and staff who compete for each of our teams and who have helped us achieve unparalleled success athletically and academically. I am excited to continue giving back to a university that has provided me with so much over my career.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
