Thursday September 21, 2023
The Best Employers in Sports Survey is Now Open!

Spurs Hit It Big In Wembanyama Sweepstakes

  • San Antonio wins NBA Draft lottery 26 years after selecting Tim Duncan first overall.
  • French prospect Victor Wembanyama will likely join team after June’s draft.
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Front Office Sports Today

Could Promotion-Relegation work in College Football?

The proposal aims to create an exciting media product while reducing travel for non-football sports.
Listen Now
September 21, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

Victor Wembanyama is headed to the Alamo. The San Antonio Spurs won Tuesday night’s NBA Draft lottery and the right to select the French sensation in next month’s draft.

Spurs Managing Partner Peter J. Holt, who represented the team on stage at the lottery reveal, shouted with joy when the results were announced. “I might faint, I’m so excited,” said Holt, whose team had a 14% chance of winning the lottery.

Wembanyama, who was watching with family and friends in France at 2:30 a.m. local time, made it clear he was ready to get to his new home. “I’m trying to win a ring ASAP,” the teenager told ESPN.

While the fans in San Antonio deservedly celebrate, Wembanyama won’t officially join the Spurs until the NBA Draft takes place on June 22. Wembanyama will finish out his time with the Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92, which are headed to the LNB Pro A playoffs after finishing second in the French league’s regular season.

FOS senior writer Owen Poindexter explained the massive hype surrounding Wembanyama on Tuesday’s Front Office Sports Today podcast.

Ticket Bounce

The Spurs will no doubt start utilizing the prospect of Wembanyama to energize their fan base and boost morale for next season. San Antonio ranked 25th in NBA attendance this past season with an average of just under 17,000 fans at the AT&T Center, about 92% of the arena’s capacity.

Keep an eye on Spurs’ season ticket sales numbers in the aftermath of the lottery win, and don’t be surprised to see new corporate partners come on board to join the Wemby hype train.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sponsored

How Daktronics Helps Elite Athletic Programs Secure Top Talent

How colleges are utilizing Daktronics' displays to elevate recruiting.

WBD Pursues ‘Different’ Strategy For Sports on Max

Company to place all of its live sports on new streaming tier
Deion Sanders

Colorado's Epic Victory Sets New ESPN Prime Time Viewership Record

Coach Prime Deion Sanders delivered in prime time on ESPN.
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker speaks at post game press conference after 31-7 win over Central Michigan at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Mel Tucker Firing Would Prevent $80M Buyout on Historic Contract

Tucker was suspended after a report of alleged sexual harassment.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Could Promotion-Relegation work in College Football?

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

Rupert Murdoch's Exit Leaves Lasting Fox Sports Legacy

Rupert Murdoch steps down as chairman of Fox Corp. and News Corp.
Could ESPN lose events such as the NBA Finals if it sold ABC.
September 21, 2023

Selling ABC Poses Billion-Dollar Dilemma for Disney and ESPN's Future

Losing ABC would create complications as ESPN enters NBA rights negotiations.
Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs the ball against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks during the first half at Albertsons Stadium.
exclusive
September 20, 2023

The First Official Proposal for Promotion-Relegation In College Football

Realignment is forcing Group of 5 schools to rethink their structure.
A general view of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Stadium.
September 20, 2023

Political Support Grows for RFK Stadium Bill

The Commanders exited RFK after the 1996 NFL season for FedEx Field.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations
Teams without secured venue situations could be left out of a potential XFL-USFL merger.

XFL-USFL Merger Could Drop Teams, Change League Name

Teams without secured venues could be cut from a XFL-USFL merger.
September 20, 2023

U.S. Cricket Ambitions Get Big-Time Boost

ICC to stage major tournament in New York, Dallas, and Miami
Cristiano-Ronaldo
September 19, 2023

Saudi Pro League Has Long Way To Go Despite Spending Spree

The league's revenue still trails far behind its European counterparts.
September 19, 2023

Latest NFL-NFLPA Drama Spotlights Fake Injury Accusations

The NFL has alleged that the NFLPA told running backs to fake injuries.
The Rock’s XFL and the Fox-owned USFL are expected to combine into one spring football league.
September 19, 2023

XFL, USFL Reportedly Expected to Merge Before 2024 Season

Disney and Fox reportedly will likely split the combined league's broadcasts.
Commissioner Jessica Berman expects the NWSL to reach 16 teams in 2026 with two expansion clubs.
September 18, 2023

NWSL Reportedly Taps Boston For Expansion Team Beginning in 2026

New club set to begin play in 2026
September 18, 2023

NFL Prioritizes Minority Representation Amid Ownership Changes

The league does not have a majority team owner who is Black.
Chelsea player Guro Reiten completes pass during game
September 18, 2023

How WSL Plans to Become First $1B Women's Soccer League

England's top women's competition has ambitious goals.