Business owners and football fans are everywhere, but where are the football owners? There are only a handful of them in the United States, and they’re pretty wealthy. If you want to buy the franchise from them, you’ll have to fork up some serious dough. How much does a football team cost? Here’s a guide on how much money you’ll need to buy your favorite National Football League (NFL) teams. 

How Much Does a Football Team Cost in 2024?

Buying a professional sports team requires more than your pocket change. You can’t take a few extra shifts at work and expect to bid for the Atlanta Falcons. You’ll need to win Powerball’s jackpot to be in contention. 

So, how much does a football team cost? Forbes provides valuations for all 32 NFL teams based on revenue and operating income. Their experts say the average NFL team was worth over $5.1 billion entering the 2023-2024 season. Valuations have increased because of media rights deals, team sales and other revenue opportunities. 

How Much Does a Football Team Cost Compared to Other Sports?

It’s hardly a secret how popular the NFL is in the 2020s. In 2023, the professional gridiron sport occupied 93 of the top 100 American broadcasts. Unsurprisingly, the most popular game in the United States helps the NFL dominate the list of franchise valuations worldwide.

When you look at the 50 most valuable teams, you’ll see 30 NFL teams occupying the rankings despite international entries. The New York Yankees, Los Angeles Lakers and Real Madrid are high on the list, but NFL squads are littered everywhere. You may like other sports more, but it’s hard to deny the NFL is king of professional leagues. 

What Are the Most Expensive NFL Teams?

If your team is among the most valuable in the NFL, your ownership group is doing something right. How much does a football team cost if yours is in the top five? Here are the most-prized franchises.

5. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are an NFL institution because of their long history. While the Bears only have three playoff appearances since their Super Bowl XLI loss, you can’t deny the team is worth a lot of money. The fifth-ranking team had a value of about $6.3 billion entering the 2023 season, a 9% increase over the previous year. 

The Bears have struggled the last few years, but are brighter days on the horizon? Last year’s draft saw Chicago gain Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze in the first nine picks. Their trajectory is slightly more positive than the next team. 

4. New York Giants

If only one New York team made the top five, you had to figure it would be the Giants. The G-Men battle in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions and have storied rivalries. In fact, all four NFC East teams are in the top 10. The Giants’ 2023 valuation was $6.8 billion, gaining 13% from the previous season. 

The Giants are in a tough spot for the 2024 season as the four-time Super Bowl champs look to return to their glory days. Selecting Malik Nabers could be what the offense needs to generate points, considering last season’s struggles. 

3. Los Angeles Rams

The Rams have only been in Los Angeles since 2016, but they’ve risen through the ranks to take the third spot. Stan Kroenke’s Rams have a $6.9 billion value to barely eclipse their New York NFC rival in fourth place. People say Los Angeles is a basketball or baseball town, but football brought in $686 million in revenue for the Rams. 

After winning Super Bowl LVI, the Rams have been in a precarious situation. Their undersized defensive tackle Aaron Donald has retired, opening a hole for their frontline. Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp aren’t getting any younger, but Puka Nacua could be the star they need. 

2. New England Patriots

The glitz and glamor of New York and Los Angeles are the antithesis of the New England Patriots. However, the Foxborough franchise takes the runner-up spot for franchise valuations at $7 billion. Why are the Patriots so valuable? Their success stems from Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. Without him, the Patriots haven’t been as stellar. 

The Patriots are moving to a new era without Brady or former head coach Bill Belichick. Despite their high value, New England’s NFL team only saw a 9% increase in value. Only the Commanders, Packers and Chargers saw lower increases. 

1. Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are far and away the most valuable team in the NFL. Jerry Jones’ blue-and-white squad has a $9 billion value, which doubles the value of the bottom 10 teams. ESPN, Fox Sports and other sports media outlets focus heavily on the Cowboys because of their substantial size. 

The Cowboys aren’t just the most expensive team in the NFL— Forbes says they’re the world’s most valuable pro sports franchise. The team has a long history of winning and entertainment, but its recent records don’t show championships. In fact, the Cowboys have only won four playoff games this century. 

How Much Will Football Teams Cost in the Future?

The future of NFL money is bright, so don’t expect the cost of a team to go down. You’ll have a chance at NFL ownership if you strike gold, create a breakthrough invention or get lucky in the stock market. In the meantime, the NFL will continue to make more money. 

The latest indication of football wealth is the salary cap increase. The NFL announced that the maximum salary for any team is $255.4 million, up $30 million from past seasons. Franchises will have more flexibility when paying their star players and finding ones from other teams. 

Another reason for the rise in value is the NFL’s media rights deal. The league will garner about $110 billion through 2033, making it the most coveted ad space in marketing. There’s a reason why Super Bowl commercials are so expensive for companies to buy. 

Watching Money Move on the Field

The NFL occupies your sports schedule at least three times a week in the fall and winter. Its games are must-see TV regardless of who takes the field. The league’s prestige has made it the most valuable sports association worldwide. How much does a football team cost? If you have a billionaire friend, you may have a chance at owning a team. 

The post How Much Does a Football Team Cost in 2024? appeared first on Modded.

If you’re good at video games, you could prove your talents and win a gold medal. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recently announced the first eSports Olympics for the most hardcore professional gamers. What does this mean for the gaming community, and what titles can you expect? Here’s what you need to know about this new event. 

The eSports Olympics Announcement 

On July 23, the IOC made history by establishing an event for those who like keyboards and controllers than with surfboards or basketballs. The 142nd IOC meeting in Paris approved the Olympic eSports Games, which will start in 2025. 

Its first events will occur in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — the site of this year’s eSports World Cup. The IOC’s partnership with the country will continue for the next 12 years thanks to the National Olympic Committee (NOC). 

This positive shift isn’t a surprise for the eSports community, considering the professional opportunities for gamers. If you have keyboard skills, you can join competitors in multiplayer games like Fortnite or Apex Legends. Beware, though — some of these players are extremely good.

Are eSports Coming to the Summer and Winter Olympics?

The growth of eSports is no accident. Competitive gaming has surged — especially since the COVID-19 pandemic — as players find ways to connect and compete. There have been rumors for years about adding eSports to the Olympics because of its international appeal. 

The recent announcement said the eSports Olympics will be its own event and separate from the regular games. Can you imagine winning a gold medal and showing it off next to Simone Biles and LeBron James? 

While the gamers won’t be at the same locations, the good news is they get an entire event to themselves. The precise location in 2025 is unknown, but the gamers anticipate a sizable venue and plenty of press as they take on the most exciting games. 

What Games Will Be at the eSports Olympics?

The Olympics for gaming will be an exciting time for the eSports community. What titles should you expect to see for next year’s event? Here’s the rundown with everything you need to know. 

1. Non-fighting Games

First, it’s essential to note what games likely won’t be in the eSports Olympics. The IOC and NOC hold high honor and prestige, so gamers shouldn’t anticipate fighting games being among the events. The combat seen in these titles is likely too much for worldwide audiences to stomach.

One eSports industry expert says games like Overwatch, League of Legends and Valorant may be too violent for the IOC, and the committee must find other options. However, past events in 2021 and 2023 suggest gamers weren’t happy with the selections and want change moving forward. 

So, what types of games should you anticipate? Winning a gold medal at these new Olympic games means you’re good at sports, racing and board games. These competitive events are friendlier to the average family watching and enjoying the games. 

2. Gran Turismo

The IOC has yet to officially announce which games will be in the 2025 eSports games. However, the organization’s Esports Week in 2023 can serve as a guide for the inaugural event. One of the first games you should expect to see is Gran Turismo.

Fresh off its popular 2023 movie, Gran Turismo is one of the games to expect in the eSports Olympics. This title is among the most popular racing games worldwide because of its realistic driving and racing styles. Don’t forget about the incredible cars you can choose in the game.

Another reason Gran Turismo should be in the eSports Olympics is its international appeal. Each title features tracks from the U.S., Belgium, the U.K., Japan and other incredible locations. You can also drive a Lamborghini and other prestigious luxury cars. 

3. FIFA/EA Sports FC

It’s hard to discuss international sports without mentioning football. FIFA was one of the most popular video games ever, with each year’s edition selling millions. In fact, the 2018 edition sold 26.4 million copies ahead of that year’s World Cup in Sochi, Russia. 

Now, players recognize the franchise through its new name, EA Sports FC. This game would be an easy selection for the IOC because you can find football and enthusiastic players on every continent. If the committee wants team games, you can easily have groups of 11 players each.

The famous football title also appeals to the international spirit of the Olympics. Countries convene every four years for the World Cup and Olympics and create long-lasting memories if they win. You’d achieve a similar feeling if you won a gold in the eSports Olympics in this game. 

4. Rocket League

If we’re talking about football, we may as well mention Rocket League. The 2015 title was one of the most popular indie games before its Epic Games acquisition. Since the shift, Rocket League has changed how people view the sports gaming industry.

Have you ever considered playing international football with racecars? Of course not! However, Pysonix developed this intriguing game that could be making its way to the eSports Olympics. The competitive nature and popularity fit what the IOC looks for. 

While based in America, Rocket League is popular in countries worldwide. Experts say the game’s core audience — besides the United States — is in European countries like the U.K., Poland and Russia. Additionally, the game is popular in Australia, Canada and Saudi Arabia.

5. NBA 2k

Basketball is another notable Olympic event you’ll likely see in the 2025 eSports games. The sport has terrific international appeal, with countries on every continent competing for Olympic gold. While the U.S. is dominant, Australia and France have been terrific in recent years. 

If the IOC inserts basketball for 2025, NBA 2k is the most logical choice. This franchise consistently produces terrific video games and has fans in other countries. NBA 2k would let competitive gamers play with existing teams or field squads with human teammates. 

Using NBA 2k or Rocket League would require licensing rights from Take-Two Interactive or Epic Games. However, it’s easy to imagine obtaining them because of basketball’s global expansion. The 1992 Dream Team’s effect still lives on today. 

The Future of eSports and the Olympics

Gamers got exciting news in late July when they heard about the eSports Olympics. While the event is separate from the summer and winter games, there is plenty to look forward to in 2025. You’ll have the opportunity to win gold in numerous competitive sports, so watch for the IOC’s decision on the eligible games. 

The post Official First-Ever eSports Olympics Announced for 2025 appeared first on Modded.

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris are upon us! There are several ways this year’s Summer Games are changing the game — literally and metaphorically — for the foreseeable future. From opening ceremonies to breakdancing, Paris will be home to innovation and anticipation. What can fans worldwide expect from this year’s legendary installment of this ancient tradition?

Opening Ceremonies at the 2024 Summer Olympics

For decades, Opening Ceremonies have been in stadiums, locked behind the price of a ticketed seat. Paris decided to take the iconic Parade of Nations to the streets — or rather, the water. The River Seine, Paris’ scenic waterway, will play host to a parade of boats, harboring the athletes from every nation. 

This is the first time the event has been free to view, though there are a few exclusive areas with a price tag. However, it is definitely one of the most accessible. People all over the city will be able to see at least some of the glory. With countless cameras and screens, residents and visitors alike will be able to watch their athletes with the greatest clarity in history. 

Fans will be able to see close-ups of more athletes than ever, and, most excitingly, the captivating garb from every country. The Seine will send 10,500 athletes down the water over six kilometers in, what is sure to be, one of the most showstopping Opening Ceremonies in history.

But, what about changes to The Games themselves?

New to Paris

For years, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been deciding to add several sports. The Games are no stranger to moving sports and events in and out of rotation. 

Who’s curious about what it takes to become an Olympic sport? How did breaking break its way into Paris? It happens in two phases. First, an activity needs to be labeled as a sport with these qualifications: 

• Recognition as a sport by the IOC
• Has an international, nongovernmental administrative body
• Approval from the International Sports Federation 
• Implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code and active athlete testing

Then it becomes an Olympic event after it follows these rules:

• Filing a successful petition, defining how the sport meets eligibility as a sport, discipline (branch of a sport) or event (competition within a discipline)
• Has notable men’s participation in the sport in at least 75 countries and four continents
• Has notable women’s participation in 40 countries and three continents
• Is visually appealing to watch and has inherent value to Olympic traditions
• Does not rely exclusively on the mind or propulsion, like racing

There are numerous other rules, but these are the most important. This is how breaking came to be in Paris 2024. However, the most contentious additions are typically games involving judges as opposed to blunt scores. Though sports like gymnastics are some of the most popular, the judging method has always caused debate among Olympic athletes and fans alike. This brings us to Paris’ newest addition.

Breaking

Time to get a new type of adrenaline rush as the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics is the first to host Olympics breakdancing as a sport. The category is called “breaking,” and will feature 32 B-Boys and B-Girls. The venue Paris created is meant to simulate traditional urban landscapes to give competitors the most authentic experience. The best part is the athletes will not know what song beforehand — it will all be improvised. 

The IOC describes how athletes will compete for medals in Olympic breakdancing as they “use a combination of power moves—including windmills, the 6-step, and freezes—as they adapt their style and improvise to the beat of the DJ’s tracks…”

Athletes from Team USA, Belarus, France, Lithuania, Japan, Canada, China, Ukraine, Italy and Kazakhstan will battle for the world’s first medals.

Kayak Cross

Another slightly new addition is kayak cross, which is part of the larger umbrella of events under the canoe slalom designation. What’s the difference? Traditional slaloms are an individual race against the clock, whereas kayak cross is a race against other teams. The IOC clarifies this event as “a combination of all of canoeing’s whitewater disciplines, contested by four competitors simultaneously.”

Kiteboarding

Also known as kitesurfing, this is another new series of events in the sailing sport umbrella. Athletes will face winds up to 40 knots in a fascinating sport that’s like a combination of paragliding and windsurfing. 

Fresh, Returning Events

In Tokyo 2021, surfing, sport climbing — which includes bouldering and lead combined — and skateboarding made their debut. To the joy of many, they will be returning. 

Surfing is a fascinating introduction to Summer Games because landlocked host nations will have to ship their Olympians elsewhere. One option is making a human-made wave pool to simulate the ocean. Or, you could do what France is doing, which is shipping athletes 9,000 miles away to the legendary waves of Teahupo’o, Tahiti in French Polynesia.

Other newer sports and disciplines include 3-on-3 basketball, BMX freestyle and men’s artistic swimming.

Changes to Olympic Weightlifting and More

Some categories and events have been removed for one reason or another. They may not be popular or cost-effective. But, this doesn’t mean they are out of The Games forever. Some leave and come back, such as karate, baseball and softball, which was featured in Tokyo but will not make an appearance in Paris.

The most notable change is in the Olympic weightlifting event, which went from 14 to 10 categories. This occurred because maximum competitor counts were reduced from 14 to 12, and shifts in weight classes consolidated the show slightly. However, there is a new women’s weight class in boxing called bantamweight.

Additionally the pentathlon has been shortened from an entire day to a mere 90 minutes, with condensed rests and a different discipline order. Other small changes occurred in volleyball pools, skeet, and canoe slalom.

Get Read for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics

Are you getting excited to represent your favorite nations in this year’s Summer Olympics? These new events and changes will surely make the event exciting and groundbreaking, influencing subsequent Olympic summers for the rest of time.

The post What Changes Are Coming to the 2024 Summer Olympics? appeared first on Modded.

Mitsubishi is among the world leaders in producing cars, motorcycles, musical instruments and other hobby objects. The Delica is one of their most popular vehicles because it’s great for road trips and outdoor adventures. However, it’s unavailable in the United States. Could the Momentum 2030 initiative finally bring the big machine to America? Here’s your guide to the future of Mitsubishi North America.  

What Is the Mitsubishi Delica? 

Mitsubishi began Delica production in the late 1960s, following the rise in minibus popularity. These vehicles became prominent because of their versatility for road trips, protests and other cultural movements. While nearly 60 years old, the Delica has received numerous facelifts and upgrades through the years. The machine remains popular with outdoor enthusiasts because it’s durable and great for camping — just not in the United States. 

The Japanese manufacturer once produced the Delica in the United States under the Wagon name. Mitsubishi sent Wagons off production lines between 1987 and 1990 before ceasing sales. Why did the automaker build this minibus in America? Mitsubishi tried to take advantage of Chrysler’s minivan success by sending the Delica under a new name. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long due to poor handling and a lack of crash protection. 

What Is Mitsubishi Momentum 2030?

If you long for the Delica’s return, you may be in luck. Auto industry experts say an American rendezvous could be in store for this classic machine. Why are they enthusiastic? Look no further than Mitsubishi Momentum 2030. This renaissance aims to elevate the company as a top automotive manufacturer by introducing more vehicles by the decade’s end. Mitsubishi only has four machines in its lineup, but the Delica could rejoin it. 

What else does Mitsubishi Momentum 2030 entail? Mitsubishi wants to establish itself as a leader in sustainable machinery, so expect to see all-electric and hybrid options on dealership lots. These vehicles release zero harmful emissions into the atmosphere, so it makes sense for the automaker to focus on efficient cars. Electric vehicles (EVs) are terrific for the outdoors because they care for the environment more than gas-powered cars. 

Will Momentum 2030 Bring the Delica to the States?

Momentum 2030 should feature new cars and revive older models, so a Delica reboot could be in the cards. An Automotive News report says Mitsubishi wants to bring a passenger van to its American lineup. What will the vehicle look like? While it won’t resemble the 1960s versions, this potentially revamped Mitsubishi Delica appears futuristic. The auto industry got its first look at this van when the company unveiled the D:X concept last fall. 

In October 2023, Mitsubishi Motors showed the world its electric crossover with all-wheel control. The automaker didn’t directly name the Delica, but the next model certainly takes inspiration from the older minibus. This multipurpose vehicle (MPV) makes up for the qualities the previous Mitsubishi Delica models lacked. For instance, Mitsubishi prioritizes safety with the D:X by enhancing the body and making it more conducive to off-roading. You also get excellent fenders for improved strength.

What Mitsubishi Cars Can You Drive in the Meantime? 

Mitsubishi Momentum 2030 includes plans for the next six years, so it could be a while before all the automobiles come to fruition. What machines can you drive in the meantime? Here are all three vehicles in the current lineup. 

Eclipse

When you think of the Eclipse, you probably start thinking about family. This car belongs to Brian O’Conner in the Fast and the Furious movies and is integral to the movie’s lore. O’Conner used it in his first street race, setting up the rest of the franchise for epic competition. Celebrate Paul Walker by driving an Eclipse if you want to commemorate his character. While it was out of the lineup for a while, the Eclipse has returned. 

The 2024 Eclipse is now a crossover, as Mitsubishi focuses on the family-friendly side of the vehicle market. Despite having SUV characteristics, the Eclipse packs a punch with its turbocharged engine in the standard package. If you like rally cars, the Eclipse with the RALLIART trim could be up your alley. This edition has an excellent paint scheme with a white diamond finish around the vehicle. The car lets you indulge in luxurious accessories. 

Mirage G4

Unfortunately, 2024 is the last year we’ll see the Mirage. Mitsubishi announced last summer it would discontinue the model due to poor sales. The car’s sales dropped 57% compared to 2022, so the automaker will move on to other priorities. In the meantime, we’ll appreciate the car because it’s a terrific machine. Sedans still have a place in the 2020 automotive market, and the Mirage fills the niche better than other cars on dealership lots. 

Why does the Mirage stand out? Mitsubishi’s last sedan excels in fuel mileage, boasting 39 miles per gallon (mpg) for superb efficiency. Super fuel economy typically requires hybrid technology, but the Mirage nearly reaches 40 mpg without battery technology. Like other sedans, the Mirage has a low profile to aid its fuel economy. If you want enhanced efficiency, you don’t have to look further than the last Mitsubishi Mirage. 

Outlander

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Mitsubishi’s most popular vehicle. The Outlander is the automaker’s flagship machine, selling over 22,000 cars in the third quarter of 2023. You may wonder why Mitsubishi has two SUVs in its lineup, considering it only has three vehicles. A few differences between the Outlander and the Eclipse Cross are worth mentioning. One may be better for families than the other. 

The most significant distinction between the vehicles is the engine displacement. The Outlander has a bigger engine than the Eclipse Cross, thus giving you more horsepower on the open road. Size is another difference, considering the Outlander gives you a little more legroom in the front and back seats. The Eclipse Cross has the upper hand for safety, with a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) compared to four for the Outlander. 

Anticipating Momentum 2030 and Next Mitsubishi Delica

The most prominent automakers in the U.S. include Toyota, Ford and General Motors (GM). Mitsubishi wants to use Momentum 2030 to join the elite group of auto manufacturers. How will they do it? The Japanese manufacturer has teased its fans with the D:X prototype built for road trips and off-roading. If everything goes to plan, Mitsubishi will debut new vehicles and overhaul old models for the American market.

The post Mitsubishi Momentum 2030 Rumors: Is the Delica Finally Coming to the States? appeared first on Modded.

Fortnite was once atop the video game world, drawing in millions of gamers worldwide. While it remains popular, the game has seen its playing rate dip in recent seasons and chapters. 

What’s happening to one of the most popular titles in video game history? Here’s what you need to know about Fortnite’s status in 2024. 

How Many Players Has Fortnite Lost?

Fortnite quickly ascended after its 2017 release, reaching 125 million players in only one year. The battle royale game was among the first of its kind, letting players compete with other gamers worldwide to see who could be the last player standing. Fortnite has been one of the top video games in the modern era, but its player participation has dipped. 

Active Player tracks the number of people playing online games, noting the peak count and the monthly averages. The site also tracks the decrease in players, a metric you can see with Fortnite. Active Player says the game has lost players in the last five months, with January losing 752,000 players once 2024 began. 

While the holidays naturally have more players, Fortnite has seen a consistent drop in players this year. For instance, the game lost 422,000 players in April — a stark contrast from April 2023’s gain of 1 million players. Fortnite is in the midst of chapter five, releasing seasons every few months. Time will tell if the game can rekindle player interest. 

Why Is Fortnite Losing So Many Users?

Fortnite is experiencing a consistent decline in 2024, so what has happened to the popular game? Here are five reasons the famous title has struggled this year.

1. Changing Directions

Fortnite has changed significantly since its 2017 release. While it’s still a battle royale at heart, the game has taken different directions with new game modes. For example, Epic Games has taken advantage of the metaverse and strayed from its original format. The developer has added more features to Fortnite, including concerts and esports. 

The metaverse isn’t directly responsible for a player exodus. However, it symbolizes Epic Games’ strategy to recuperate lost players by adding new features. Additionally, Fortnite has added new game modes and changed battle royale, the foundational piece of the game. Some day-one players aren’t satisfied with the maps and how the game has swayed. 

2. Microtransactions

Playing for free was one of the attractive features of Fortnite. While it’s still free, microtransactions have harmed the reputation of games. In 2023, the government ordered Epic Games to pay a $245 million fine for its misconceptions with in-app purchases. Fortnite doesn’t require microtransactions to play the base game, but they contribute to the experience.

While Fortnite has faced criticism for it, microtransactions are prominent across the video game industry. NBA 2k features MyCAREER and MyTEAM in each edition, and players can use virtual currency (VC) to upgrade their players. While you can play to earn VC, many users pay for the in-game funds with real money. Therefore, they can make their players better in less time. 

3. Lack of Updates

Older video games contained all the content inside the disc. Nowadays, developers can add content and fix bugs by sending software updates. Players look forward to new content, whether new maps, skins or weapons. One of the world’s most successful games should be up to the task. However, Fortnite users have complained about the lack of updates. 

The game modes with the most players will naturally see the most updates. Therefore, developers are likely to focus on keeping battle royale. However, the game has seen a decline in updates outside its new chapters. You don’t receive as much new content as you used to. Players also struggle to play specific games — such as Rocket Racing — causing stagnation. 

4. Epic Games Layoffs

Why do players see fewer updates? Part of the reason could be the reduced staff working on the game. Last year, Epic Games announced it would lay off 16% of its staff because of overspending and insufficient revenue. While Fortnite is a primary focus for the developer, the layoffs impact the famous battle royale and other titles at Epic Games. 

Losing staff trickles down and affects the video game you run. For example, laying off 16% of the workforce means cutting character artists, senior engineers or other integral employees. You can already see the ramifications in Fortnite with unpopular skins and less engaging stories. Tiny details like user movement and malfunctioning mods have angered seasoned gamers. 

5. Other Battle Royale Games Emerging

Fortnite was one of the first battle royale games on the market. While Minecraft and Arma 2 had battle royale features, Fortnite and PUBG kickstarted a new generation of games. The Epic Games title has had the luxury of being one of the first titles of its kind. Gamers have stuck with it since the beginning, but the market has become more saturated with battle royales.

Fortnite inspired other developers to create battle royale games and compete with Epic Games. For instance, Call of Duty: Warzone debuted in spring 2020 to give its loyal fanbase a battle royale. Electronic Arts (EA) brought Apex Legends to the Nintendo Switch to increase participation in its free game. The rising popularity has stolen some thunder from Fortnite. 

Monitoring the Future of Fortnite

While it has declined, Fortnite isn’t likely to leave anytime soon. However, the monthly player count is worth watching for the near future. What can Epic Games do to stop the hemorrhaging? The developer could benefit from appealing to longtime players who have stopped playing. Creating engaging chapters and seasons is also crucial to keeping player participation high.

The post Fortnite is Hemorrhaging Players at an Alarming Rate: What’s Going On? appeared first on Modded.

The WNBA is finally getting the credit it deserves after nearly 30 years of professional basketball. What has launched this professional league into the mainstream? You can thank a 22-year-old girl from Des Moines, Iowa. The Caitlin Clark effect has overtaken the W and changed the league. Here’s what you need to know about modern women’s basketball in 2024 and beyond. 

What Is the Caitlin Clark Effect?

If you’re a sports fan, you probably know who Caitlin Clark is by now. She spent four years at the University of Iowa and became a nationwide sensation due to her incredible play. Her four years as a Hawkeye drew comparisons to Pete Maravich due to her elite ability to pass and score. While her junior and senior seasons took the country by storm, Clark was a five-star recruit coming out of high school. Still, you couldn’t have predicted her effect on the game. 

While Clark is an excellent player, other greats who have played before her are worth noting. Candace Parker, Sheryl Swoopes, Maya Moore and Cynthia Cooper deserve their flowers. However, the older players didn’t have the visibility that Clark and other modern players enjoy. Social media and increased TV coverage have brought more eyeballs to college and professional women’s basketball. Now, you can see the leagues in full bloom. 

What Effect Does Caitlin Clark Have on Basketball?

Caitlin Clark has become larger than basketball because of her effect on the sport and media coverage. How much does one player impact the league? Here are a few ramifications you can see on and off the court.  

College Ratings Records

Discussing Clark’s greatness requires going back to college. She came onto the scene during the 2023 NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament. Clark set records in March Madness with back-to-back 40-point games and multiple triple-doubles. However, her stardom rose in the Final Four, as Clark scored 41 points and led her Hawkeyes over undefeated South Carolina. While Iowa lost to LSU, Clark’s stardom only rose higher. 

The 2024 tournament saw South Carolina, Iowa and LSU making deep runs again. This time, the Hawkeyes got revenge over the LSU Tigers in a thrilling 94-87 victory. The rematch earned an average of 12.3 million viewers, as the nation wanted to see Clark and Angel Reese. The championship match against South Carolina shattered the previous record by averaging nearly 19 million viewers. More people watched the women’s championship game than the men’s final.

Rapid WNBA Ratings Rise

While she was a college sensation, Clark wasn’t done before hitting the pros. She was the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2024 Draft, even though great talent sat behind her. The Indiana Fever lost 27 games in 2023 and earned the right to draft the Iowa native. Clark has struggled in some of her early games, but the TV audiences have shown up for her games. While people want to see Clark, they show love to the other WNBA teams by increasing their ratings. 

The WNBA’s viewership has skyrocketed since the season started in mid-May. Since the first tip-off, the league has seen tripled viewership compared to the 2023 season. Each game gets about 1.3 million viewers despite just a 462,000 average a year ago. While the league has become more talented, it’s hard to attribute it to anything but the Caitlin Clark effect. Her battles with Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky have become must-see TV for basketball fans. 

Increased WNBA Attendance

Higher ratings are excellent for the league and advertisers. However, players benefit from sellout crowds and engaged fans coming to their games. Nobody wants to play in front of empty stands where all you can hear is players yelling and shoes squeaking. Fans drive excitement in any sport and are more engaged with women’s basketball. The W says it has sold out more than half the games on the schedule, with over 400,000 people showing up for its exhibitions. 

What does higher attendance mean for the league? Fans are buying jerseys and other merchandise to support their teams. Despite all three entering their rookie season, Clark, Reese and Cameron Brink are among the most popular jerseys in the WNBA. Clark’s Indiana Fever kit is the most popular jersey for a rookie in Fanatics history. Consider the magnitude of this statistic, considering former No. 1 picks like Trevor Lawrence.

How Is the WNBA Responding to the Caitlin Clark Effect?

The WNBA isn’t blind to Clark’s celebrity. How has the league responded to her meteoric rise and effect on women’s basketball? Here are a few significant impacts this season. 

Charter Flights

The WNBA has received criticism for making players take commercial flights. The decision may have made sense for operating costs and because the league wasn’t popular enough to cause a stir at airports. However, the WNBA’s recent rise in popularity has forced the league to change its travel rules. Before the rule change, players like Breanna Stewart and Nneka Ogwumike called on the league to let teams use chartered flights. 

Now, the 12 teams are getting their wishes. The Caitlin Clark effect immediately led to charted flights after a preseason incident in Dallas. Clark and her Fever teammates arrived at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport only to see crowds waiting on them. The proximity to players necessitates more privacy and security for their safety. Therefore, the WNBA announced a partnership with Delta to give each team charter flights in 2024. 

Moving Facilities

WNBA teams have played in smaller arenas for nearly 30 years because of lacking attendance. Basketball facilities generally have less seating capacity than your average football stadium because of the court’s size. A 75,000-seat arena doesn’t make sense when your playing surface is barely 31 feet long. That said, the arrival of Caitlin Clark has forced the WNBA to move its games to different facilities. Will more money lead to arena renovations in the future?

Some teams have moved their games against the Indiana Fever to accommodate higher demand. For instance, the Washington Mystics typically play home games at Entertainment and Sports Arena. This complex is too small for the anticipated attendance, so the Mystics moved their game to the larger Capital One Arena. Fitting people inside a 20,000-seat arena is more manageable than one with only 4,000 chairs to sit. 

The Rookie Treatment

While Caitlin Clark has helped women’s basketball, her effect hasn’t given her special treatment on the court. The other players have shown her little mercy by shoving her or throwing elbows to rough her up. While she has faced veteran players, her incidents with fellow rookie Reese have made headlines due to hard fouls and post-game comments. Clark has taken the fouls in stride and understood they’re a part of the game. 

Rookies receive harsh treatment in every sport. You can’t expect to enter a league and dominate from the get-go. The Detroit Pistons forced Michael Jordan to play by the Jordan rules, including hard fouls and rough play if he drove the lane for a lay-up. Some players talk trash and throw elbows to see what first-year players are made of, and Clark is no exception. She’ll improve her game and earn respect over time. 

Watching the Rise of Women’s Basketball

The WNBA has had plenty of talent since its 1996 incorporation. Lisa Leslie, Rebecca Lobo and Dawn Staley were the sport’s earliest stars and deserved more recognition for their skills. Now, the W is finally getting the TV and arena audiences it deserves, and the Caitlin Clark effect receives much of the credit. The Iowa native has brought eyeballs to the sport and will only help the future as she plays more games. 

The post The Caitlin Clark Effect: What It Is and How the WNBA is Responding appeared first on Modded.

Capitalism is an inescapable force in the gaming world. Whether you’re playing a game on your phone and encounter levels locked behind microtransactions or have to pay for the latest Elden Ring downloadable content (DLC), studios are always looking for ways to make money. So why do game studio shutdowns seem so common?

Xbox recently announced that it would shut down multiple studios, including Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks. Even producing a game as successful as Hi-Fi Rush didn’t secure Arkane Austin’s future. Here’s why studio shutdowns remain a trend and may not slow down anytime soon.

Closed Studios Secure IPs

People often talk about how massive companies like Xbox and Microsoft could easily sell their studios instead of closing them down. It would save jobs and keep projects in production for the fans anxiously waiting for them. That might even be the ethical thing to do, but major brands don’t see it that way.

Riot Games announced in January that it would shut down its label, Riot Forge. The label had recently created Bandle Tale. Described as a cute deep-dive into League of Legends, the game was popular but not super financially successful. If Riot Games had responded to this loss in profit by selling Riot Forge instead, Riot Games would have lost the right to collect revenue from Bandle Tale. It would be an even more significant financial loss in the long run.

Xbox and Microsoft would lose money similarly by selling their studios to other companies. The intellectual property (IP) for each studio’s games would go with the minor studios, causing a financial loss for the companies that formerly owned them. The revenue loss isn’t a concern if the studios no longer exist. The games continue being available to play after their studios shut down.

Subscriptions Offset Revenue Loss

Gaming used to require going to a store to purchase the latest hard copy of whatever game you wanted. Now, everything’s accessible online. Subscription services make that twice as monetizable for big companies.

Xbox offers Game Pass, which is a monthly or annual subscription connecting players with new releases instantaneously, plus exclusive discounts and access to all games made under Xbox studios. It generated the company an additional $309 million in the final quarter of 2023 alone. If Xbox stands to save additional money by shutting a studio down without too much of a deficit due to reliable revenue streams like Game Pass, shutdowns become more likely.

You might love playing Assassin’s Creed Valhalla due to its realistic depiction of Viking culture and incredible graphics. The game’s success, which generated higher sales than any other Ubisoft game after crossing the $1 billion mark, didn’t stop the company from laying off employees in 2023 and earlier this year. In addition to the revenue from the Ubisoft+ subscription service, its parent company, Xbox, didn’t stand to lose much from the shutdown alongside other profitable streams like Game Pass.

Market Factors Also Influence Studio Lifespans

There’s some truth to the idea that game production has grown more costly over the last decade. Bigger games require extensive teams. Team members have to cover their bills, which rise with inflation. They ask for higher pay and if the game studios raise wages, each game must be even more profitable.

Findings from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) noted that video games used to cost between $50-$150 million to make, but games coming out in the next two years average around $200 million and may cost even more. When a game comes out, its development is essentially over. The tech company that owns the studio may shut it down because it can’t keep paying $200 million to keep everyone working on less demanding patch updates and DLC.

The economy also plays a role in why game studios are still shuttering. People aren’t spending as much in 2024, causing a slight economic slowdown that requires a slowdown in production. If there’s less demand, companies can’t secure as much funding for big games.

More minor games requiring smaller teams become more of a priority. Production on bigger games might also pause until there’s more demand. In the meantime, companies shut down game studios. There’s the hope that the team members can find work when the games return to production, but there’s no guarantee it will happen soon after their studio closes.

It’s also important to note that consumer interests have shifted. In 2020 and 2021, most people stayed at home in quarantine. Video games became a welcomed way to pass the time. PC game revenue grew by 7.4% or $35.6 billion during the same time. The same research also shows a 32.8% spike in people playing mobile games throughout that period.

Now, people can resume their typical lives with vaccines, masking and fewer public restrictions on gathering in enclosed spaces. Video game profits have declined each year since, reducing the need for as many game studios churning out the same amount of content.

AI Is Influencing Game Production Teams

You can’t reflect on changes in the tech industry without checking up on AI involvement. Companies like Microsoft use AI tools to speed up production and save money. Artificial intelligence can churn out storylines and dialogue for non-playable characters (NPCs).

The monsters you need to fight in video games soon won’t require production teams. You might have loved solving puzzles and fighting enemies in Sonic Frontiers, but Sega recently partnered with an AI company to let players generate their own monsters in future games. It might result in fun battles, but it decreases the need for expansive development teams and additional game studios.

Company leadership teams across industries often publish statements about AI not replacing human creativity, but businesses operate solely to generate a profit. If AI will save money during video game production by eliminating the expenses associated with employees, companies will likely continue shutting down studios.

Watch for More Closures

Unfortunately, studio shutdowns will likely continue in the video game industry. Unless there’s a higher demand for big games, increases in consumer expenditures and potentially less profit from other revenue streams, closures aren’t going to hurt tech companies as much as the people who get laid off.

The post Even When Successful, Game Studios Are Still Being Shut Down appeared first on Modded.

June is the most critical time of the year for professional basketball as fans gather to watch the NBA Finals. The playoffs are well underway, but plenty of games remain before the championship round arrives. Who will make and win the NBA Finals? Some teams have what it takes, whereas others will fall by the wayside. Here’s what you should expect for the rest of the NBA Playoffs.

The Road to the NBA Finals

The NBA Playoffs started with the veterans showing their skills, although some fell flat early. Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and LeBron James all went home early, with only the Los Angeles Lakers winning a single game. All three are among the best NBA players, but is the next generation taking over?

This year’s playoffs are another reminder the guard is changing in the NBA as younger superstars are taking over. Here are a few emerging superstars from round one: 

• Anthony Edwards: Ant-Man is young but he’s emerged as the face of the Timberwolves. He averaged 31 points against the Phoenix Suns and posted 40 points in the close-out game. 
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: At just 25 years old, SGA is the undisputed leader of the top-seeded Thunder. He averaged an excellent 27 points while sweeping the Pelicans.
• Jalen Brunson: The injury-riddled Knicks play through Jalen Brunson, who averaged 34 points against the Sixers. The New Jersey native has shown no fear despite fierce competition. 

Predicting the Second Round

The competition gets tougher in each round, so the stars must show poise and composure in each game. What will happen in the second round? Here are the expectations for the quarterfinals. 

Celtics Defeat the Cavaliers

The Celtics will likely be without Kristaps Porzingis for this round, so will the Cavaliers get a boost? No, because the Celtics are immensely talented despite losing their Latvian star. While the Cavs will make some noise, the Celtics will win in five games. 

Pacers Defeat the Knicks

The Indiana Pacers took down an injury-plagued Milwaukee Bucks and will do the same against the Knicks. Indiana will turn each game into a track meet and ultimately win the series in six games.

Nuggets Defeat the Timberwolves

This series will be one for the ages, with the defending champions facing the up-and-coming Minnesota Timberwolves. Will Edwards and Co. have enough to take down Nikola Jokić? This series will be close, but the Nuggets will win in seven games. 

Thunder Defeat the Mavericks

Oklahoma City is the youngest team in the NBA, with an average age of 24.1 years old. How much will that matter against Dallas? The Mavericks have a legitimate shot because of Luka and Kyrie’s playoff experience, but the Thunder will prevail in six games. 

Conference Finals Conjecture

The final four teams will be the Celtics, Pacers, Nuggets and Thunder. Will the East see an upset or will the young guns win the West? Here’s the semifinal preview. 

Celtics Defeat the Pacers

The Pacers may have the best offense in the NBA, but it will come to a grinding halt against the Celtics. Conversely, Tatum will put on a show and launch his team to the Finals. This series will be over in a gentleman’s sweep. 

Nuggets Defeat the Thunder

The Thunder are ready for the spotlight but are a year or two away from true success. Jokić and the Nuggets have too much experience and will take full advantage of Oklahoma City. Expect Denver to win in six games. 

What Will Happen in the NBA Finals?

Expect an outstanding series if the Celtics and Nuggets meet in the NBA Finals. Here are the five most important factors for a Boston vs. Denver championship round.  

Big Man Battles

Jokić is the best basketball player in the world right now, but the Celtics have a big man of their own. How will the big men battle in the paint? Porzingis and Horford may give the Joker some fits, but the MVP from Serbia will prevail. You can’t stop him from getting his numbers, so you must stop the other guys. 

Perimeter Warfare

This NBA Finals matchup will come down to the Celtics’ ability to guard the perimeter. The Celtics had five top-40 players in defensive win shares during the regular season, and Jokić was the only Nugget in the top 40.

Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have to lock down Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. or else they’ll lose. White is among the best three-and-D players in the NBA, so the Celtics need his poise to win. 

Injury Reports

One important factor in the Finals won’t be as much in the teams’ control. Porzingis and Murray have dealt with injuries during the playoffs, and their presence will significantly affect this year’s outcome. 

Denver’s point guard only played in 59 games this season due to lower-body injuries and nearly missed games against the Los Angeles Lakers. Porzingis only played in 57 games due to regular season and playoff injuries against the Miami Heat. Both players are dealing with calf injuries that will determine their playoff fates. 

Clutch Baskets

The NBA Finals is the most pressure you’ll face in your NBA career. Your performance in the final few minutes of games will affect who hoists the Larry O’Brien Trophy. How do the Celtics and Nuggets stack up in the clutch? Advanced metrics say the Nuggets have the best net rating in the clutch, while the Celtics rank fourth in the league. 

Jokić and Murray are two of the most clutch players in the league, with the latter making huge shots against the Lakers in the first round. Who takes the last shot for the Celtics? While Tatum is the team leader, don’t count out guys like White or Holiday. 

New Year, Different Rosters

Each team carries over a reputation from past seasons. The Celtics have been close to the mountaintop since 2017 but can’t get over the hump, whereas the Nuggets are the reigning champions. Will the teams stay consistent in the Finals?

These Celtics aren’t the same squads from past years. Porzingis and Holiday are the new additions and Head Coach Joe Mazzulla has unleashed the team’s offensive potential. One thing to remember about the Nuggets is they lost Jeff Green and Bruce Brown — two clutch performers in last year’s Finals — to free agency. Thus, their bench production has become a liability.

Declaring a Winner

The Boston Celtics will win the NBA championship in six games. This team is ready for the spotlight and will be on top if Porzingis is healthy. While the Nuggets are great, they’re not as stellar as last season. Additionally, Murray’s injury status is too much of a liability.

Featured image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The post NBA Finals 2024 Predictions: What Should Fans Expect? appeared first on Modded.

Tesla is the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, but it has recently faced setbacks. Now, the automaker says it will cut about 10% of its workforce. 

What sparked the recent Tesla layoff? Automotive industry reporters have commented on the job cuts and indicated the causes. 

Here’s what we know about the most recent Tesla news.  

What Has Driven the Recent Tesla Layoff? 

The first quarter of 2024 has brought unwelcome news for Tesla employees and shareholders. End-of-quarter reports indicate the EV manufacturer saw an 8.5% decline in deliveries compared to 2023, producing just over 433,000 vehicles. Wall Street investors expected Tesla to deliver over 450,000 cars, so the automaker fell behind expectations. 

This news broke the first week of April, leading to a further decline in Tesla stock. Shares of the Texas-based EV manufacturer have fallen 33% since January, indicating the company’s growth has slowed. 

Following the first-quarter report, Tesla has planned to lay off a portion of its worldwide workforce. An April 15 memo from CEO Elon Musk explains what’s happening with the company. In the letter, Musk tells employees that Tesla will reduce its workforce by 10% to reduce costs and increase productivity. 

Tesla employees work at its headquarters in Austin, Texas, and its numerous factories nationwide. Additionally, the automaker has offices and factories in Germany, Canada and China. The company employed about 140,000 people as of late 2023, so expect about 14,000 impacted jobs worldwide in this round of layoffs.  

Price Cuts

What signs led to this layoff at Tesla? First, consider what the manufacturer said in January. Musk said 2024 deliveries would be lower than 2023 when it sold a record 1.8 million vehicles. 

2023 was a booming year for Tesla, as it saw a 40% increase compared to its 2022 numbers. 

The outlook was rosy until late 2023, when the renowned EV automaker started cutting prices. A backlog of Model Y SUVs led Tesla to cut the price tag by $5,000 or more to mitigate the surplus. Tesla may have overestimated vehicle demand and is looking to shore up losses in 2024. 

What’s Next for Tesla After the Layoff News?

As Musk said in the memo, Tesla is heading in a new direction as it searches for new opportunities in the automotive world. One area to keep an eye on is Tesla’s Redwood project. Reports show this Tesla model could debut in 2025 and introduce a more affordable EV for consumers. 

What would this model look like? If it comes to fruition, the Redwood project will produce a compact crossover and be Tesla’s first mass-produced vehicle. The Teslarati report also says the EV would cost around $25,000, becoming one of the most affordable electric machines on the market. This price tag would make it cheaper than the Chevrolet Bolt, opening the door for consumers who want to get their foot in the electric door. 

Robotaxi Anticipation

Redwood is only one part of Tesla’s reported plan for the next generation of vehicles. While the Y, 3, S and X models have succeeded, the company is pivoting in a new direction following the layoffs. Another project that could come to fruition is the robotaxi. 

This proposed EV would have no steering wheel or pedals, thus buying into the concept of autonomous vehicles. Robotaxi owners would send the car to pick up their groceries and run errands without a driver. 

Musk reportedly is all in with the robotaxi, pushing all his chips to the middle by spending billions on NVIDIA technology. The Tesla CEO wants to focus on the robotaxi instead of the Redwood project for the foreseeable future. When will consumers see the low-price EV in Tesla showrooms? Don’t expect these electric cars to roll off production lines in 2024. 

What Do the Layoffs Mean for the EV Market?

The recent Tesla layoffs are one symptom of a larger recent trend — the decreasing demand for EVs. 2020 through 2023 saw a jump from 300,000 units sold to 1.6 million in the United States. Consumers were eager to purchase EVs and lower their carbon footprint. However, the automotive industry predicts a slowdown will occur in 2024.

For example, General Motors (GM) CEO Mary Barra said the slowing pace of EV growth will mean the company’s brands will build to demand and reduce current production. Similarly, Ford will build fewer F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E units because the demand isn’t what the auto manufacturers thought it would be. 

Have Other Automakers Laid Off Workers?

Price cuts and a mass layoff are not exclusive to Tesla. Other automakers building EVs have announced job cuts due to market conditions. For instance, Ford laid off about 700 employees last October in its Dearborn, Michigan, plant. These workers built the Ford F-150 Lightning, so cooling EV demand is one reason why Ford laid them off. Sales for the electric truck fell nearly 50% in 2023 compared to 2022, prompting the manufacturer to make changes. 

In December, GM announced a 1,300-employee layoff at plants producing Chevrolet and GMC EVs. The Orion and Lansing Grand River facilities produce the Bolt EV, Bolt EUV Crossover, Silverado EV and Sierra EV. However, the company said it would postpone its production of electric pickups into 2025. 

Understanding the Tesla Layoff News

The automotive industry has seen massive changes in the last few years. EV demand has risen and fallen sharply, affecting the nation’s largest automakers. Tesla is the most recent domino to fall, with dipping sales and demand the leading reasons for these cuts. 

Industry insiders and those interested in investing in these vehicles should monitor market conditions to see if the trend continues or reverses. This will shine a light on what to expect in the future.

The post Why Is Tesla Laying Off 10% of Its Workforce? appeared first on Modded.

The music festival industry has suffered significant setbacks, with many events being canceled due to various circumstances. As shows lose momentum, you might wonder about the potential decline of the culture that was once well-loved by many. Discover why organizers are postponing highly anticipated events and check out all the canceled music festivals so far in 2024.

Why Are Music Festivals Being Canceled?

With the world resuming its public activities after being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, the live music industry is now at its peak. Millions of fans are lining up to purchase concert tickets to see their favorite performers. According to Live Nation Entertainment, attendance soared to 145 million in 2023, compared to 2021’s 35 million and 2019’s 98 million. Ticket sales from the top 100 tours worldwide generated $9.17 billion in revenue. 

However, despite the rising popularity of live music, organizers are canceling music festivals. Many factors are at play.

1. Slower Sales

Australia experienced a shift in cultural consumption habits, particularly among youth. In 2023, Splendour in the Grass, the country’s most famous music festival, didn’t sell out within hours because of “delayed commitment to purchase,” as voiced by organizers who rely on opening-day sales for capital. 

2. Higher Overhead Costs

The rising equipment, insurance and venue costs contribute to canceled events. Extreme weather conditions also affect the viability of these outdoor events. A music festival works with suppliers and contractors, from stage installation to power generators, which adds to the increasing expenses of setting up a show.

3. Drop in Youth Attendance

College students are a significant target audience for music festivals. It’s a way for them to meet new people while bonding over their favorite artists and enjoying the outdoors. However, some individuals who came of age during the pandemic might have missed the rush of going to live events and may now seek other cultural experiences.

4. Accidents

Mishaps associated with large crowds might frighten hopeful festivalgoers. In 2021, 10 people died at Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival due to compression asphyxia. In southern India last year, at least four students were killed and 60 individuals suffered injuries at a school music festival. The show was interrupted by rain, prompting the attendees to scamper for shelter, which led to a stampede.

5. Extreme Weather

This year, the Ultra Music Festival was canceled due to lightning and strong winds, prompting attendees to leave the venue immediately. Organizers of the Pitch Music & Arts Festival in Australia canceled the show due to fire danger at the site caused by extreme heat in the area. 

6. Sustainability Concerns

The Coachella music festival, boasting over 250,000 attendees, generates over 1,600 tons of waste. Organizers must prioritize sustainability to address this issue and retain eco-conscious festival goers. They could implement greener transportation options, such as encouraging carpooling or taking buses, trains and subways, and promote the usage of reusable utensils.

Canceled Music Festivals in the U.S.

Here are some events that announced their postponement in 2024.

Old Settler’s Music Festival (OSMF)

Organizers have paused the celebration this year after deciding to sell the OSMF Homestead. This music festival was founded in 1987 and featured bluegrass artists, including Terri Hendrix and Alison Krauss.

Beale Street Music Festival 2024 (BSMF)

The event will go on hiatus this year after suffering a substantial financial loss caused by costly expenses and decreased attendance. The BSMF has been held for 46 years.

Body Language Festival 2024

This Arizona-based festival was canceled seven days before its target date due to unforeseen circumstances. The organizers released a notice urging people to stay tuned for updates in the coming months.

Sonic Bloom 2024

Colorado-based Sonic Boom, which is traditionally held during the summer solstice, suspended operations this year. This music festival is a three-day campaign event that’s open to all ages. There was no indicated reason for closure in the announcement.

Riverbend Festival

Joining the lineup of canceled music festivals is the well-loved Riverbend Festival. This folk-centered event’s organizers extended their gratitude for the 40 beautiful years in their poster announcement, indicating that they’re reevaluating and restructuring for a successful event in the future.

Suwannee River Jam

The festival is closing its stages after 30 years due to numerous challenges, including rising talent costs and inflation. The Suwannee River Jam is a highly anticipated event that offers camping.

Firefly Music Festival 2024

Firefly hosts seven stages and more than 100 performers every year. Unfortunately, it’s not opening its gates this year. The organizers cited their return “when the timing is right.”

Possible Cancellations

These events are predicted to be canceled this year:

Made in America 2024

The show was canceled last year due to production problems. The official dates, if any, are yet to be posted.

Electric Zoo 2024

In 2023, this festival was canceled before the gates opened because the main stage wasn’t built in time. The organizers mentioned supply chain shipping concerns. The second-day show started two hours late, leading to the postponement of some acts. No dates have been announced yet.

Canceled Music Festivals in the U.K.

The U.K. is facing a downward trend in music events this year. According to the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF),  the country could lose over 100 festivals due to rising costs. Here are some of the affected shows:

Nozstock The Hidden Valley Festival

This festival closed after 26 years due to the financial strain following significant COVID losses and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. 

Dumfries’ Doonhame Festival

Rising costs are the culprit for the show’s cancellation. According to the music festival’s co-founder, balancing ticket prices with soaring expenses and limited resources makes the event unsustainable. 

NASS Festival 2024

Organizers announced the cancellation of the 2024 show last year due to “sky-high operating costs,” urging the government to review the value-added tax on ticket sales and lower the rate to 5% to support the recovery of the music festival industry.

What’s Next?

The industry’s future remains promising despite the challenges that led to closures, so you can rest easy knowing you can still enjoy going to shows. The timeless appeal of live music ensures festivals are here to stay. Government support in managing rising costs and taxes is needed to support these festivals and keep the tunes playing.

The post More Suddenly Canceled Music Festivals: Is the Scene Dying? appeared first on Modded.