RPC Sports Ticker (13 August 2020) – Salary caps, NBA return and esports

Welcome to the latest edition of the RPC Sports Ticker - providing fortnightly bite-size updates from around the sports industry.

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In this edition, we take a look at concerns around the EFL's proposed salary caps, Lewis Hamilton’s win at Silverstone and the NBA’s return at Disney World Orlando. We also consider the popularity of gaming during the COVID-19 pandemic and the legal proceedings brought against Gianni Infantino in relation to corruption allegations. 

As always, if there are any areas you’d like more information on (or if you have any questions or feedback), please let us know or get in touch with your usual RPC contact.

1. Salary caps off - says the Professional Footballers Association (PFA)

The PFA has voiced concerns that the EFL’s proposed salary caps for League 1 and League 2 clubs (voted through by the clubs as shareholders of the EFL) are being “rushed through without proper consideration or consultation”.  

2. NBA's magical return at Disney

What links LeBron James, Mickey Mouse waffles and boating on the Seven Seas Lagoon by the Magic Kingdom? It’s the return of the 2019/20 NBA season, of course.

3. Gamers plug into eSports during lockdown

Professional eSports organisation Fnatic has this fortnight published a report reviewing the impact of COVID-19 on the eSports industry.

4. Fifa president tackled by legal proceedings on alleged corruption

Swiss prosecutors have launched criminal proceedings against FIFA chief Gianni Infantino in relation to alleged clandestine meetings held with attorney general Michael Lauber. 

5. Despite puncture (and Verstappen), Lewis Hamilton’s British Grand Prix not entirely deflated

In the first weekend of the 2020 British Grand Prix races at Silverstone, Lewis Hamilton won for Mercedes-AMG in one of the most dramatic finishes of his career. On the final circuit, Hamilton's front left tyre suffered a puncture.

Extra time...

… and finally, Arsenal’s exceptional record in the Emirates FA Cup continued following a 2-1 victory over Chelsea. The final was played behind closed doors, but was the most-watched football match of the season. The BBC’s coverage was watched by a peak of 8.2m people across all platforms (amounting to a 46.1% audience share). Mikel Arteta (who won the trophy twice as a player) told BBC 5 Live that winning the title as a manager was “even better” than as a player.

…and finally, finally, in Edition 17 we commented on the CAS’ decision to overturn Man City’s two-year ban from European competitions. The full legal ruling has now been published and is available here. In the end, the time-bar / limitation issue was not as pivotal as the press release might have suggested - with the CAS able to determine the main charge (in City’s favour).