NBA Star Chris Paul and Words + Pictures Launch Joint Venture Ohh Dip!!! Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE)New Foto - NBA Star Chris Paul and Words + Pictures Launch Joint Venture Ohh Dip!!! Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE)

Chris Paul has some new teammates: the NBA all-star and his brother and business partner CJ Paul are partnering with the documentary studio Words + Pictures to launch Ohh Dip!!! Entertainment, a new full-service media production company specializing in non-scripted and scripted content. The joint venture, which aims to produce content across basketball, sports and broader entertainment culture, is backed by a substantial investment from Words + Pictures, which is led by founder and CEO Connor Schell and part of the North Road Company. The partnership structure gives the Paul brothers majority ownership, with Words + Pictures holding a minority stake. More from Variety Chris Paul and RZA-Produced Notic Streetball Crew Doc 'Handle With Care' Gets New Trailer, Worldwide Distribution Deal (EXCLUSIVE) ReachTV Orders 'Cultural Eats' Starring Chef Eric Adjepong, From Chris Paul's Production Company HBO Sets March Premiere For COVID-19 Sports Shutdown Doc From Antoine Fuqua "This joint venture will really allow us to take our vision for Ohh Dip!!! to the next level," said Chris Paul and CJ Paul in a statement. "We are so thrilled to work with a creative leader in the space and know Connor and the Words + Pictures and North Road teams are the right partners for the stories we want to tell." Added Schell: "As long as I've known him, it's been clear that Chris Paul's basketball accomplishments are just the start of his story. Fittingly, Chris's vision for what this venture can be is extraordinary. He and CJ have an ambitious, exciting plan for the content they want to produce and the impact they want to make, and we're thrilled to partner with them in building Ohh Dip!!! Entertainment." CJ Paul will serve as president, with Jacqueline Taylor (both pictured above with Chris Paul) serving as VP of development and operations. The company will focused on creating non-scripted and scripted television, digital media, documentaries, live events and specials, commercials, podcasts and film, with specific project details to be announced in the coming months. The partnership also includes a first-look agreement that allows Words + Pictures to produce content developed by Ohh Dip!!! Entertainment. Words + Pictures' recent projects include "Celtics City," the Max documentary about the Boston Celtics; "Court of Gold," which captured the 2024 Olympic men's basketball contest for Netflix; and the PGA, BAFTA and Critics Choice Association award-winning documentary "Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story" for Max. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

byKevin Jones
in
May 22, 2025

NBA Star Chris Paul and Words + Pictures Launch Joint Venture Ohh Dip!!! Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE)

NBA Star Chris Paul and Words + Pictures Launch Joint Venture Ohh Dip!!! Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE) Chris Paul has some new teammates: the NB...
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Craig Kessler selected next LPGA commissioner and sees explosive potentialNew Foto - Craig Kessler selected next LPGA commissioner and sees explosive potential

The LPGA has selected Craig Kessler as its next commissioner, turning to the PGA of America's chief operating officer to help the 75-year-old league better capitalize on the growth in women's sports. Kessler, 39, is the 10th commissioner in LPGA history, replacing Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who stepped away after three-and-a-half years in January. He formally takes over on July 15. "I don't think this is one of those opportunities where we start with 100 days of listening. It's time to explode out of the gates," Kessler said. He said the main goal could be to create a culture where anyone looking at the LPGA would say, "I have to be part of that." Kessler, a Georgetown graduate with an MBA from Harvard Business School, had been with the PGA of America for just over two years and was a candidate to become the CEO until the organization wanted a golf professional in the role and hired Derek Sprague. "We set out to find a transformational leader with a deep appreciation for the LPGA's legacy and a clear vision of what's possible for our future," said John Veihmeyer, the chairman of KPMG who chairs the LPGA's board of directors. "Craig is an inspiring and engaging leader, who brings a unique mix of executive leadership experience, deep relationships in the golf industry, and a genuine commitment to elevating women and girls through golf." Prior to his two years at the PGA of America, Kessler was CEO of Buff City Soap when it expanded from 100 to 260 stores, and he was COO of Topgolf. He also spent six years as an operating partner in private equity, first with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and later with Providence Equity. "This isn't just about leading a sports organization. It's about redefining what's possible," Kessler said. "This role is deeply personal to me, not just as a professional opportunity but as a chance to make a difference in the world and create new opportunities for others." Liz Moore, the chief legal and technology officer, will stay in her role as interim commissioner until July 15. The LPGA celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, and has operated independently from the PGA Tour. The total prize fund this year is approaching $130 million as women are getting more corporate support. Women's sports across the landscape has seen a spike in money and interest, though the LPGA has lagged behind in getting attention despite story lines like Nelly Korda winning five straight tournaments last year and Lydia Ko winning the Olympic gold medal to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame, followed by her victory in the Women's British Open. ___ AP golf:https://apnews.com/hub/golf

byKevin Jones
in
May 22, 2025

Craig Kessler selected next LPGA commissioner and sees explosive potential

Craig Kessler selected next LPGA commissioner and sees explosive potential The LPGA has selected Craig Kessler as its next commissioner, tur...
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Craig Kessler named new LPGA commissionerNew Foto - Craig Kessler named new LPGA commissioner

The LPGA's Board of Directors elected Craig Kessler as the organization's 10th commissioner on Thursday. Kessler, 39, most recently served as the chief operating offer for the PGA of America. His tenure begins on July 15 as he replaces Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who stepped down in January. "This isn't just about leading a sports organization -- it's about redefining what's possible," Kessler said. "This role is deeply personal to me -- not just as a professional opportunity, but as a chance to make a difference in the world and create new opportunities for others. Golf changes lives. I believe in the LPGA's mission, its members and its momentum. I can't wait to get started." Kessler's appointment comes during the LPGA's landmark 75th anniversary season. "We set out to find a transformational leader with a deep appreciation for the LPGA's legacy and a clear vision of what's possible for our future," board chairman John B. Veihmeyer said. "Craig is an inspiring and engaging leader, who brings a unique mix of executive leadership experience, deep relationships in the golf industry, and a genuine commitment to elevating women and girls through golf. The LPGA has never been more dynamic -- and Craig is exactly the right leader to drive its next era of growth and impact." Before working for PGA of America, Kessler was the CEO of the Dallas-based retail company Buff City Soap. He serves on the boards of the National Golf Foundation and the UT Southwestern hospital system. Liz Moore will continue as interim commissioner until Kessler's term begins. --Field Level Media

byKevin Jones
in
May 22, 2025

Craig Kessler named new LPGA commissioner

Craig Kessler named new LPGA commissioner The LPGA's Board of Directors elected Craig Kessler as the organization's 10th commissione...
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49ers had no choice but to pay up for Brock Purdy despite debates about his abilityNew Foto - 49ers had no choice but to pay up for Brock Purdy despite debates about his ability

No matter what your feelings are onBrock Purdy, it's fair to say the49erswere backed into a corner by his performance over the past few years. After trying to find a franchise quarterback by trading three first-round picks for the right to draftTrey Lancein 2021, San Francisco lucked into a long-term starting quarterback by selecting Purdy with the last pick in the 2022 draft. With multiple NFC championship game appearances, a Super Bowl appearance and some of the best numbers in the league,he had earned himself a long-term contract in the NFL no matter what. The 49ers' five-year, $265 million commitment to Purdy is a sign that they feel comfortable building around him and also a sign of the reality of how teams view quarterbacks. Purdy talked about it during media availability at 49ers organized team activities. "Being here Day 1 was a huge emphasis for me, regardless of having a contract done or not," Purdy said, in his first media appearance since signing the deal. "But I had a lot of faith in my agent and the Niners that we were going to get something done. I didn't know when exactly, but being here for Phase 1 was huge for me." It's not a secret that Purdy has been put into a great position to succeed. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is one of the best play-callers of this generation, the Niners have had several Pro Bowl talents at the skill positions and their defense has largely been good for this run. It's a great situation for a quarterback, but not every QB who's been in this ecosystem has actually succeeded. That's where Purdy has established himself as the most productive quarterback Shanahan has coached since he left Matt Ryan and theAtlanta Falconsfollowing the 2016 season. Purdy's deal, which has an average of $53 million per year and comes with a no-trade clause, is what most teams would have done, regardless of questions about his ability to carry the full load. To be fair to Purdy, the 49ers were missing several of their usual weapons last season and they still had a fairly strong passing attack for the majority of the season. According to Pro Football Reference, Purdy ranked ninth in success rate (49.4%) and third in yards per attempt (8.5) despite havingBrandon Aiyuk,Christian McCaffreyandTrent Williamsall missing extended time. Despite finishing 6-11, Purdy's season actually should have given the 49ers a bit more security in their decision to sign him to this contract. "When we took him with the last pick in the draft, we knew he had potential to succeed in this league, but we had no idea how special of a player he would become," 49ers general manager John Lynchsaid in a statement. "He has played at an exceptionally high level since taking over the starting job, and we look forward to seeing him continue to lead this team for years to come." It seems like Purdy is ready to take the next step in terms of leadership and continuing to carry a bigger load for the offense. Purdy knows that now the next step is up to Lynch and the front office to maximize their assets as the increased cap hits for Purdy begin to roll in. "However they use the cap space and all that kind of stuff, that's not my job," Purdy said. "My job is to now go and win games and lead this team, but I'm extremely happy and grateful for where we ended." There will be scrutiny for this deal because Purdy is not one of the truly elite quarterbacks in the NFL, but he's good enough and his performance is on par with other quarterbacks likeTua Tagovailoa, who received a similar deal. This is one of the more fascinating contracts to monitor in the NFL, but it's a move just about every single general manager would have made in the same circumstance.

byKevin Jones
in
May 22, 2025

49ers had no choice but to pay up for Brock Purdy despite debates about his ability

49ers had no choice but to pay up for Brock Purdy despite debates about his ability No matter what your feelings are onBrock Purdy, it's...
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Charles Barkley caught dropping f-bomb on hot mic during 'NBA on TNT' broadcastNew Foto - Charles Barkley caught dropping f-bomb on hot mic during 'NBA on TNT' broadcast

Charles Barkley is known for speaking his mind. It's a big part of why he's considered one of the most entertaining analysts around. He's blunt, he's brash and he's not afraid to be critical. And while that style can sometimesget him in trouble, Barkley generally keeps it PG-13 when he gets fired up. That was not the case Wednesday, when Barkley was caught dropping an f-bomb just before an "NBA on TNT" commercial break. You can hear Barkley use that term in the NSFW video below. Charles Barkley with the hot mic!pic.twitter.com/010vqKnPd5 — Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing)May 22, 2025 In the clip, Barkley and Ernie Johnson are talking about something that occurred earlier on the show. During the broadcast's discussion of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander'sMVP win, Barkley lamented the fact that Gilgeous-Alexander's teammate — Thunder forward Luguentz Dort — never made an NBA All-Defensive team. That was the source of Barkley's f-bomb during Wednesday's broadcast. After Johnson threw to a commercial, Barkley and Johnson engaged in a conversation about Dort. "Can you believe that [Dort] never made an All-Defensive team," Barkley said. "I can't believe you were trying to wedge that in when I was trying to tell them what the vote was for MVP," Johnson responded. "That tells you these guys who vote don't know what the f*** they doing," Barkley added before the show went to commercial. Given the situation, it's possible Barkley and Johnson assumed their mics were turned off as the broadcast prepared to go to a commercial break. That could be confirmed by the lack of response from Johnson after Barkley drops the f-bomb. Though the clip cuts out shortly after Barkley says the word, it doesn't appear anyone on the broadcast reprimands him for saying it. When Barkley has slipped up in the past, Johnson is always the one who very quicklygets out in frontof the situation. That didn't happen this time around, suggesting the entire broadcast thought their mics were turned off when Barkley swore. It's unclear what — if any — punishment Barkley or TNT will face for the mistake. Even if they manage to avoid a fine for using a banned word on television, it will be interesting to see if Barkley apologizes for the language during TNT's next broadcast. Barkley's apologies are often more entertaining than the inciting incident, and hopefully that's the case after Wednesday's slip up.

byKevin Jones
in
May 22, 2025

Charles Barkley caught dropping f-bomb on hot mic during 'NBA on TNT' broadcast

Charles Barkley caught dropping f-bomb on hot mic during 'NBA on TNT' broadcast Charles Barkley is known for speaking his mind. It...
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