NBC Sports Stalker

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Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Future Party. There’s a lot going on right now that’s making people question the soul and ideals of America — but at moments like this, Dr. King’s legacy reminds us that real change has always started with individuals brave enough to imagine something better. Today, we reflect on the fact that one person with a heart dedicated to the freedom of others can make this country a better place. Here’s to changing the future.

Three of the biggest, most closely-followed companies in the US — SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic — are preparing to go public this year in what could become three of the biggest IPOs ever.

Why It Hits: Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and retail traders alike are salivating over the prospect of these companies hitting the public markets, potentially ending years of IPO malaise and making a lot of people very rich. But the real upside — in our opinion, at least — is the transparency that comes with going public, providing a clearer view into how these companies actually function and how they make (or don’t make) their money.

Behind The Offerings: 2026’s IPOs could show that AI has officially hit the mainstream, per The NYT.

Last Trade: While the plan is for these companies to go public, any number of unpredictable events — which we don’t seem to be in short supply these days — could derail that path. Even so, just one of these mega-companies IPOing could have a trickle-down effect, encouraging smaller firms to tap the public markets and ride the financing wave. That may be especially true when they see their friends strike it rich: public listings of SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic would mint an estimated 16,000 new millionaires, according to research firm Sacra.

The Future: If these companies go public — particularly OpenAI and Anthropic — it could finally settle the debate over whether there’s an AI bubble. That revelation could send money pouring into an ecosystem of startups or push capital to consolidate around tech giants like Google and Meta.

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NBC Sports is set to roll out an innovative feature on its app that will allow users to literally focus on just their favorite athlete during a game.

The Big Picture: NBCUniversal is doubling down on sports coverage not only as Peacock’s biggest engagement driver, but as its biggest growth engine across all of its content silos. With Silicon Valley also jockeying for broadcast rights, NBCUniversal has decided it needs to step up the technology behind its coverage to stay competitive.

Behind The Curtain: NBC Sports is betting on AI to transform game coverage.

Final Round: NBC Sports will roll out the tech across its live event coverage this year, including the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and Premier League soccer. But the most important test case will be the Olympics — with the Winter Games in Italy this year — which have become the crown-jewel asset of NBCUniversal.

The company is already introducing cutting-edge features and blockbuster tie-ins to build hype for the Games, using the global stage to communicate to both pro leagues and advertisers that it deserves a gold-medal ranking above bigger competitors like Apple, Amazon, and YouTube. Expect the viztrick AiDi tech to be part of that pitch.

Next Games: For sports fans, following their favorite player on their phone while watching the same game on TV could become the ultimate second-screen experience.

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43.2% of you voted Yes, in the past in Friday’s poll: Have you ever worked as an independent contractor?

“I was a freelance artist for over 20 years. I currently teach, and when I retire, I hope to continue doing some freelance work.”

“I was a contract executive producer of live events for 17 years before finally stepping into a full-time leadership role. I definitely still miss the flexibility of a freelance schedule!”

“I work as a full-time content creator and started my website, Cuisine & Travel, in 2014. It allowed me to leave my job. I currently cover restaurant reviews, create travel guides, and develop recipes.”

Let’s keep the conversation going. Join our Poll Of The Day newsletter, so your opinions can shine. Discover how your views line up with your peers’, check out cool insights, and have some fun. It’s data with personality.

🍿 Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said he would commit to a 45-day theatrical window for Warner Bros. movies.

🎥 Former Paramount co-CEO Brian Robbins is launching a production company focused on family films at Sony Pictures.

💻 The BBC is in talks to make content exclusively for YouTube.

💰 Taiwan is investing $250 billion in America’s semiconductor industry.

👀 OpenAI is introducing targeted ads in the free and paid-”Go” ChatGPT plans to boost revenue.

🔋 President Trump and a bipartisan group of governors are pushing for tech giants to pay higher electricity rates to offset costs for consumers.

🎲 Goldman Sachs is considering launching a prediction market in collaboration with a big company like Polymarket or Kalshi.

👕 Saks has been given a $400 million lifeline in bankruptcy court.

🎞️ Gap has hired Pam Kaufman — former Paramount president and CEO of international markets, global consumer products & experiences — as its first chief entertainment officer as the brand pushes into “fashiontainment.”