2 99-20

LAS VEGAS — Players Era Festival organizers have done what so many other have tried — bet their fortunes in this city that a big payoff is coming. Such bet are usually bad ones, which is why so many massive casino-resorts have been built on Las Vegas Boulevard. But it doesn't mean the organizers are wrong. They're counting on the minimum of $1 million in guaranteed name, image and likeness money that will go to each of the eight teams competing in the neutral-site tournament that begins Tuesday will create a precedent for other such events. EverWonder Studios CEO Ian Orefice, who co-founded Players with former AND1 CEO Seth Berger, compared this event to last year's inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament that played its semifinals and final in Las Vegas by saying it "did really well to reinvigorate the fan base at the beginning of the year." "We're excited that we're able to really change the paradigm in college basketball on the economics," Orefice said. "But for us, it's about the long term. How do we use the momentum that is launching with the 2024 Players Era Festival and be the catalyst not to change one event, but to change college basketball for the future." Orefice and Berger didn't disclose financial details, but said the event will come close to breaking even this year and that revenue is in eight figures. Orefice said the bulk of the revenue will come from relationships with MGM, TNT Sports and Publicis Sport & Entertainment as well as sponsors that will be announced later. Both organizers said they are so bullish on the tournament's prospects that they already are planning ahead. Money made from this year's event, Orefice said, goes right back into the company. "We're really in this for the long haul," Orefice said. "So we're not looking at it on a one-year basis." Rick Giles is president of the Gazelle Group, which also operates several similar events, including the College Basketball Invitational. He was skeptical the financial numbers would work. Giles said in addition to more than $8 million going to the players, there were other expenses such as the guarantees to the teams. He said he didn't know if the tournament would make up the difference with ticket sales, broadcast rights and sponsorship money. The top bowl of the MGM Grand Garden Arena will be curtained off. "The math is highly challenging," Giles said. "Attendance and ticket revenues are not going to come anywhere close to covering that. They haven't announced any sponsors that I'm aware of. So it all sort of rests with their media deal with Turner and how much capital they want to commit to it to get these players paid." David Carter, a University of Southern California adjunct professor who also runs the Sports Business Group consultancy, said even if the Players isn't a financial success this year, the question is whether there will be enough interest to move forward. "If there is bandwidth for another tournament and if the TV or the streaming ratings are going to be there and people are going to want to attend and companies are going to want to sponsor, then, yeah, it's probably going to work," Carter said. "But it may take them time to gain that traction." Both founders said they initially were met with skepticism about putting together such an event, especially from teams they were interested in inviting. Houston was the first school to commit, first offering an oral pledge early in the year and then signing a contract in April. That created momentum for others to join, and including the No. 6 Cougars, half the field is ranked. "We have the relationships to operate a great event," Berger said. "We had to get coaches over those hurdles, and once they knew that we were real, schools got on board really quickly." The founders worked with the NCAA to make sure the tournament abided by that organization's rules, so players must appear at ancillary events in order to receive NIL money. Strict pay for play is not allowed, though there are incentives for performance. The champion, for example, will receive $1.5 million in NIL money. Now the pressure is on to pull off the event and not create the kind of headlines that can dog it for years to come. "I think everybody in the marketplace is watching what's going to happen (this) week and, more importantly, what happens afterwards," Giles said. "Do the players get paid on a timely basis? And if they do, that means that Turner or somebody has paid way more than the market dictates? And the question will be: Can that continue?" CREIGHTON: P oint guard Steven Ashworth likely won’t play in the No. 21 Bluejays’ game against San Diego State in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. Ashworth sprained his right ankle late in a loss to Nebraska on Friday and coach Greg McDermott said afterward he didn’t know how long he would be out. Get local news delivered to your inbox!What Jordan Pickford did to throw off Erling Haaland before his missed penalty

This Is What Whales Are Betting On Redfin

WALMART is set to undergo a major shakeup next year, as the company seeks to attract a broader customer base. Walmart CFO John David Rainey has told Fox Business that the retail giant has been “up leveling” and improving the look of the stores. "Today's Walmart is very different from the Walmart of several years ago," Rainey said, He that it has been making changes that "appeal to a much broader demographic than what we have historically." Rainey joined Walmart after holding significant roles at PayPal and United Airlines . Walmart has been attracting a wider range of shoppers including people with more money. Read more on Walmart One of the major changes it has brought in is offering higher-end items, like Apple products or Bose headphones. Rainey told Fox Business that these items are “sought after by more affluent customers” and a big part of the updated strategy. According to Fox Business, Walmart has reported an increase in higher income households. In the latest fiscal quarter, households earning more than $100,000 accounted for 75% of its share gains. Most read in Money Shares in the company have risen over 60% in year to date. Part of the changes, Rainey said, was to boost online sales. The company has more than 700 million items across its marketplace. Rainey insisted that the company "isn't alienating our more traditional customer cohorts." "If you're a supplier or a vendor, you actually want to sell your product where the people are, where the eyeballs are coming. And so that's really helping us right now," he said. Rainey also said the company had boosted investment in its store experience. This included building new modernized stores and remodelling hundreds of others. According to Fox Business, Walmart has remodelled about 700 stores each year on average over the past three years. Rainey said there are even more plans to remodel more. "When you walk into one of these remodeled stores, it's a very, very different experience from what you've thought about historically," Rainey said. Customers are likely notice big changes in Walmart stores, Rainey said. Some of the overhaul includes improved layouts, bigger product selection and new technology to help with customer support. The stores have refreshed signs, paint, shopping carts and a new checkout design. Read More on The US Sun Shoppers may also notice bigger merchandising on display and interactive displays in certain areas. In the U.S., the company operates just over 4,600 stores and employs about 1.6 million associates. So far, Walmart has closed the following stores in 2024: California El Cajon Fremont Granite Bay San Diego West Covina Colorado Aurora Georgia Dunwoody Marietta Maryland Towson Ohio Columbus Wisconsin Neighborhood Market, Milwaukee

Five-star center Chris Cenac Jr. commits to Houston

COSTA MESA, Calif. , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Automatic, a leading fintech firm specializing in facilitating seamless connections between used independent car dealerships and lenders, today announced a strategic partnership with MeridianLink, Inc. (NYSE: MLNK), a leading provider of modern software platforms for financial institutions and consumer reporting agencies. This collaboration leverages Automatic's robust dealership network technology and MeridianLink's advanced decisioning capabilities to empower financial institutions within the automotive lending sector. Automatic's platform serves as a pivotal link for lenders across its expansive independent dealer network, offering tailored solutions that optimize loan aggregation and enhance operational efficiencies. MeridianLink's innovative Advanced Decisioning capabilities, integrated within Automatic's framework, augments decision-making for lenders across a vast network of dealerships. This integration enables real-time loan analysis, improves risk management capabilities, and facilitates faster, more precise lending decisions tailored to specific borrower profiles. "Partnering with MeridianLink ® marks a significant milestone for Automatic as we continue to innovate within the automotive financing landscape," said Eric Burney , CEO of Automatic. "Our mission to foster an 'Open Marketplace' is further realized through this collaboration, empowering lenders with tools to access new clients in a safe way." Financial institutions already integrated with MeridianLink will gain seamless access to Automatic's platform, empowering them to further streamline their lending processes, in the used independent space, enhancing member satisfaction, and capitalizing on market opportunities. For more information about Automatic and its comprehensive auto financing solutions, visit https://www.automaticusa.com . About Automatic Automatic is a pioneering fintech company dedicated to facilitating efficient connections between automotive lenders and independent pre-owned vehicle dealerships. Automatic's platform serves as a cost-effective solution for the automotive financing sector, fostering an open marketplace for stakeholders. About MeridianLink MeridianLink ® (NYSE: MLNK) empowers financial institutions and consumer reporting agencies to drive efficient growth. MeridianLink's cloud-based digital lending, account opening, background screening, and data verification solutions leverage shared intelligence from a unified data platform, MeridianLink ® One, to enable customers of all sizes to identify growth opportunities, effectively scale up, and support compliance efforts, all while powering an enhanced experience for staff and consumers alike. For more than 25 years, MeridianLink has prioritized the democratization of lending for consumers, businesses, and communities. Learn more at www.meridianlink.com . For media inquiries, please contact: nikki@automaticusa.co View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/automatic-partners-with-meridianlink-to-revolutionize-lender-dealership-connectivity-302331536.html SOURCE Automatic( MENAFN - The Rio Times) OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has set its sights on humanoid robotics, according to The Information. The company recently explored developing its own humanoid robot, according to sources familiar with internal discussions. This move signals a potential shift in OpenAI's strategy, blending its AI expertise with physical robotics. OpenAI's interest in robotics isn't new. The company previously operated a robotics division but closed it in 2021. Recent advancements in AI and hardware have reignited this interest. OpenAI has already invested in robotics startups like Figure AI and 1X Technologies, demonstrating its commitment to the field. The global humanoid robot market is projected to grow from $1.68 billion in 2023 to $23.73 billion by 2032. This rapid expansion presents significant opportunities for companies like OpenAI. Their expertise in AI could lead to more advanced and capable robots, potentially revolutionizing industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and service. However, OpenAI faces stiff competition from established players like Tesla, Boston Dynamics , and SoftBank Robotics. Technical challenges in balance, dexterity, and human-robot interaction also remain significant hurdles. OpenAI's venture into humanoid robotics could accelerate the development of AI-powered physical assistants. This move may reshape how humans interact with machines in daily life, raising important questions about job displacement, privacy, and the nature of human-machine relationships. While details of OpenAI 's plans remain scarce, the company's exploration of humanoid robotics represents a significant technological leap. It combines cutting-edge AI with advanced robotics, potentially redefining the boundaries between human and machine capabilities. MENAFN25122024007421016031ID1109030124 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.ECU CB Shavon Revel Jr. declares for NFL draftNebraska woman among those pardoned by Joe Biden

Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2024 is set to redefine aviation simulation, and at the forefront of this revolution is the introduction of the highly anticipated Airbus A350. This cutting-edge aircraft is renowned for its advanced technology in the real aviation world, and its digital twin promises to bring a new level of realism and innovation to the virtual skies. Unmatched Realism The A350 is a marvel of modern engineering known for its fuel efficiency and impressive range. MSFS 2024 developers have dedicated themselves to authentically replicating its intricate flight systems and aerodynamic performance. This commitment ensures that virtual pilots will experience unprecedented realism, from the handling dynamics to the nuances of its cockpit instrumentation. Advanced Technology Integration MSFS 2024 leverages new technologies to enhance every flight experience. The integration of real-time weather data, groundbreaking AI, and ultra-high-definition graphics allows the A350 to glide through breathtaking skies under realistic weather conditions. With a newly enhanced physics engine, the simulator promises to capture the essence of flying this iconic aircraft with unprecedented fidelity. A Look into the Future The inclusion of the A350 in MSFS 2024 sets the stage for an exciting future in flight simulation. This advancement hints at the potential for even more sophisticated aircraft models and tools, paving the way for a richer, more immersive experience. As technology continues to evolve, MSFS 2024 is poised to remain at the cutting edge, serving as a beacon for enthusiasts who yearn for the closest experience to real-world aviation from the comfort of their homes. Discover the Future of Aviation Simulation with MSFS 2024 Introduction to MSFS 2024 and the Airbus A350 Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark in the evolution of aviation simulation, particularly with the inclusion of the much-awaited Airbus A350. While the original excitement centers around this model’s cutting-edge features, several new elements and insights further enhance what MSFS 2024 has to offer to virtual pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Key Features and Innovations # Enhanced Real-Time Weather Simulation One of the most anticipated features in MSFS 2024 is its enhanced real-time weather simulation. Real-world data integration not only reproduces current weather conditions accurately but also allows for dynamic weather changes mid-flight. This innovation enables pilots to experience the challenges and beauties of flying under varied conditions, from thunderstorms to serene sunsets, giving a true-to-life experience. # Breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence MSFS 2024 incorporates advanced AI systems to improve both air traffic control and aircraft behavior. The AI is designed to provide realistic interactions not only with live players but also with AI-controlled aircraft, offering a more authentic simulation of real-world aviation dynamics. This feature significantly elevates the learning and engagement aspects for users aiming to enhance their piloting skills beyond basics. # Cutting-Edge Graphics and Visuals With ultra-high-definition graphics, MSFS 2024 stands out for its visually stunning environments. Pilots can fly over impeccably rendered cities, landscapes, and natural wonders seized in breathtaking detail. This visual upgrade enhances the realism and immersion, likely making MSFS 2024 one of the most visually ambitious flight simulators to date. Predictions and Market Insights # Increased Demand for High-Performance Simulation PCs With the advanced graphics and processing requirements of MSFS 2024, there is an expected increase in demand for high-performance PCs and peripherals optimized for gaming and simulation. This trend may also stimulate market growth in the computer hardware industry, particularly for graphics cards, processors, and other gaming-centric components. # Expansion of Aviation Enthusiast Community MSFS 2024 promises to not only retain its current fanbase but also expand it, attracting new users interested in both casual flying experiences and serious flight training simulations. The realism and incredible attention to detail are expected to draw those who may have previously been uninterested in flight simulation. FAQs Q: What systems are required to run MSFS 2024 smoothly? A: While specific system requirements may vary, a high-performance PC with a powerful graphics card and substantial RAM is recommended for the best experience. Q: Can MSFS 2024 be used as an actual flight training tool? A: MSFS 2024 offers highly realistic simulation capabilities that can complement flight training, but it should not be considered a substitute for certified aviation training programs. Sustainability and Future Developments # Commitment to Sustainability In a nod towards environmental consciousness, MSFS 2024 developers have worked on optimizing energy usage within the game’s framework, reducing its overall computational footprint. This step aligns with broader trends in software development that prioritize sustainability. # Ongoing Updates and User Engagement MSFS 2024 plans to release periodic updates to incorporate new aircraft, scenarios, and technological advancements. The community is encouraged to provide feedback, ensuring the simulator evolves in line with user expectations and technological progress. Conclusion Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 continues to push the boundaries of aviation simulation with the introduction of the Airbus A350 and beyond. As this innovative software rolls out, both existing enthusiasts and newcomers can expect an unprecedented level of engagement, realism, and community interaction. Experience the skies like never before with the unparalleled immersion MSFS 2024 offers. For more information, visit the official website of Microsoft .

Community comes together over a dirt hill dubbed Mt. Chipotle