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[WATCH] NBA Releases ‘When Larry Met Stanley,’ Bringing NBA and NHL Championship Trophies Together

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NBA Releases 'When Larry Met Stanley,' Bringing NBA and NHL Championship Trophies Together

The Stanley Cup of the NHL and the NBA’s Larry O’Brien Trophy met as part of Larry’s “2023 NBA Finals Bucket List Tour.”

With new friends, the MLB Commissioner’s Trophy and the MLS Philip F. Anschutz Trophy, they dined on sandwiches at Katz’s Deli (the location of a famous scene from the 1989 film When Harry Met Sally starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan) before the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final, respectively, which marked the culmination of their respective seasons. They rode the subway together and went to Times Square and the Sheep’s Meadow in Central Park.

The 2023 NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV on June 1 is the Larry O’Brien Trophy’s ultimate destination. Throughout the exciting NBA Playoffs, the Larry O’Brien Trophy has been engaging NBA fans around the world on its “2023 NBA Finals Bucket List Tour,” immersing itself in some of the most prestigious events and meeting fascinating people along the way.

The post [WATCH] NBA Releases ‘When Larry Met Stanley,’ Bringing NBA and NHL Championship Trophies Together appeared first on The Source.

Belly Reacts To Snoop Dogg’s Bid For The Ottawa Senators

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The race for the Ottawa Senators turned into a celebrity frenzy over the past few weeks. First, Ryan Reynolds, who previously received a key to the city, announced that he’d be placing a bid behind the NHL team. Surprisingly, he wasn’t the biggest A-Lister to try and gain a stake in the Sens. Snoop Dogg, out of all people, announced that he joined forces with Neko Sparks to place a bid behind Ottawa’s hockey team. The Weeknd, too, placed a bid behind the team, but there’s no doubt that Snoop Dogg’s been the most aggressive in his pursuit.

The Senators’ connection to hip-hop runs a bit deeper than Snoop Dogg and The Weeknd. In fact, one might argue that it’s Belly that is an indirect catalyst. In 2007, the Senators fought their way to the Stanley Cup finals against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. As excitement built in the “town that fun forgot,” Belly became the celebrity face of the franchise for the playoffs. So what exactly does Belly think of Snoop Dogg’s bid for the Sens? “Snoop Dogg is an amazing person, a great businessman and we gon’ be able to smoke weed in the stadium! So, I’m all for it,” he told HotNewHipHop. “Smoking weed in the box, for sure… RIP Ray Emery.” 

Belly’s Ties To The Ottawa Senators

Belly Snoop Dogg
TORONTO, ON – JUNE 19: Belly and Snoop Dogg attend CP Records & EBA 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards After Party at Live Nightclub on June 19, 2011 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Sonia Recchia/WireImage)

When Belly penned the Sens’ playoff anthem, “Go Sens Go,” he had not reached the same type of success he sees now outside of Canada. Around this time, Belly also began to form a relationship with Snoop Dogg after touring with the rap legend across Canada. The same night of his homecoming show, the late Ray Emery presented Snoop Dogg with a custom jersey that he’s recently flaunted during his campaign for the Sens.

Belly’s fresh off of the release of his album, Mumble Rap 2, the sequel to his 2017 mixtape. The rapper’s latest project boasts appearances from XO labelmate Nav, Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, and a posthumous appearance from Gil-Scott Heron. It marks one of Belly’s final projects before he retires from the music industry as a whole but rests assured, he still has big plans up his sleeve. 

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Arizona Coyotes Relocation More Likely After Ballot Initative Fails

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The Arizona Coyotes have been in arena limbo since the end of the 2022 season. After 19 years at the Gila River Arena, the Coyotes needed to find a new home. Plans to build a new stadium in Tempe had hit multiple roadblocks over the years. As a result, the Coyotes found themselves playing at Mullett Arena, the home of Arizona State. However, the capacity for NHL games has been capped at 4600.

A new plan for an arena in Tempe was formed, but it would require public funding. That meant that the Coyotes would need local voters to approve a ballot measure. If successful, this would divert tax dollars to the project. The Coyotes needed majorities on three ballot proposals to get the green light on the new arena. The estimated cost for the full project is believed to be $2.1 billion.

Voters Reject New Stadium

TEMPE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 28: General view outside of Mullett Arena before the NHL game between the Arizona Coyotes and the Winnipeg Jets on October 28, 2022 in Tempe, Arizona. The Coyotes will use Arizona State University’s Mullett Arena for the next three seasons while a permanent arena deal is finalized. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

However, it wasn’t to be. According to electoral sources, around 56% of voters chose to reject the three ballot proposals relating to the new arena. “We are very disappointed Tempe voters did not approve Propositions 301, 302, and 303,” CEO Xavier Gutierrez said in a statement. “While we wanted a different outcome, we remain grateful to all those who volunteered their time and talent. What is next for the franchise will be evaluated by our owners and the National Hockey League over the coming weeks.”

The immediate future appears to be another season at Mullett Arena. “I don’t envision a scenario in which the Coyotes are not playing in Mullett Arena next season,” Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN in an email. However, beyond that, the future is uncertain. Relocation will become a much more likely scenario. If they were to move out of Arizona, it would be the NHL’s first relocation since the Atlanta Thrashers in 2011. There are several strong contenders for potential relocation, such as Houston, and Milwaukee. However, that is purely speculation and the immediate plan appears to be to try and make things work in Arizona. Despite this goal, the rejection of the ballot proposals is a major blow to an ailing franchise.

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Snoop Dogg’s Desire To Own The Ottawa Senators ‘Ain’t No Joke,’ And He Explained Why

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Snoop Dogg NHL 2017
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Earlier this week, The Athletic reported that Snoop Dogg had joined Neko Sparks’ group bidding for ownership of the Ottawa Senators of the NHL, and Snoop’s group happens to be bidding against a group spearheaded by Ryan Reynolds.

This morning, May 4, The Athletic spoke with Snoop Dogg about the validity of his involvement.

“This ain’t no joke or no gimmick — or an image or likeness play. This is a real ownership play,” he told reporter Ian Mendes. “And Snoop will put his foot in the town.” (You know it’s serious when someone busts out third-person.)

Snoop added:

“I want Ottawa because Ottawa wants me. It’s a thriving city. The team is going to make a U-turn once we get ownership. The players are inspired. The community is inspired. I felt like this is what Ottawa needs. […]

“I love the city. Every time I’ve come through the city, they’ve rolled out the red carpet for me. The fans, the city. Everyone. It’s been nothing but love. When you go around the world as much as I have, there are certain places that stick out in your heart. Everywhere I go in Canada, it’s always been love, but there’s something about Ottawa. And the opportunity for the team to be bought? It’s impeccable timing right now.”

He described his potential role in ownership as “a community activist,” and Senators fans or Ottawa residents at large could expect to “become family.”

Per The Athletic‘s initial reporting on May 1, the Senators are expected to draw a sale “eclipsing $1 billion, although it is unclear how much of a financial stake Snoop has put into the group.”

Snoop made the emotional stakes clear while appearing on Tuesday’s (May 2) episode of First Take on ESPN. Watch clips below.

Snoop Dogg Is In A Bidding War With A Canadian Movie Star Over Ownership Of Ottawa’s NHL Team

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snoop dogg
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Of all the names you’d expect to see in a bidding war over a National Hockey League team, Snoop Dogg and Ryan Reynolds might not be the unlikeliest, but the news is sure to raise at least a few eyebrows. The Athletic reports Snoop has joined an ownership group bidding on the Ottawa Senators opposite Ryan Reynolds’ group, which is reportedly bidding $1 billion for the club and supposedly includes its own musician, The Weeknd. Snoop’s proposed partner in the investment, an indie film producer named Neko Sparks, wants to be the NHL’s first Black owner.

With Snoop as his partner, that goal could be within reach; Snoop’s sweeteners for their deal include his services as an analyst — Chance The Rapper’s recurring SNL character Lazlo Holmes springs to mind here — as well as a rinkside fixture throughout the 2023-2024 season. Certainly, the opportunity to see Snoop in person could boost attendance; likewise, his hilarious sideline commentary at previous hockey games has spawned numerous memes, which could help viewership of televised games.

On Instagram, Snoop reiterated his interest, writing, “Amazing what Neko Sparks is trying to do in Ottawa & I’m looking forward to being a part of that ownership team. I wanna bring hockey to our community.” He already sponsors youth football in his hometown and loves taking part in basketball, boxing, wrestling, and even video gaming events, so if anyone has both the clout and the experience to get Black people watching hockey en masse (again, see Lazlo Holmes), it’s Snoop.

Snoop Dogg Joins Bid For Ottawa Senators Ownership

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Snoop Dogg has become more than just a music icon. The legendary entertainer has always been a huge sports fan. Including wearing his heart on his sleeve for his Los Angeles Lakers recent playoff run. As well as stealing the show at this past year’s Wrestlemania. Now, Snoop is looking to extend his reach to more than just being a sports fan. The Rap legend is looking to become a sports franchise owner. However, it may be in the sport that everyone would least expect.

On Monday, Snoop made an Instagram post expressing his excitement about the possibility of becoming an NHL owner. The Ottawa Senators are the latest NHL franchise looking for new ownership. “Amazing what @neko_sparks is trying to do in Ottawa & I’m looking forward to being apart of that ownership team. I WANNA BRING HOCKEY TO OUR COMMUNITY,” Snoop captioned in a photo of Sparks being connected to the Senators. However, Snoop isn’t the only celebrity interested in becoming an owner of the NHL franchise.

Snoop Dogg Wants To Bring The NHL To The Culture

Candian megastar Ryan Reynolds is also part of a separate ownership bid for the Ottawa franchise. Reynolds already has some experience as a sports owner. As the ‘Deadpool’ star, along with Rob McElhenney, are owners of the National League soccer team Wrexham A.F.C. However, Reynolds has long desired a chance to become an NHL owner. However, it doesn’t seem that the franchise is leaning one way or another with the direction they are looking for new ownership.

Snoop is excited at the opportunity to be a part of the first Black ownership in the NHL. If the bid, including Snoop, becomes official, the move will be a massive milestone for the sport. However, nothing has been made official by the franchise or current ownership. But if it does become official, does a team owned by Snoop Dogg easily become the most popular in the league? What would the ownership mean for the Senators franchise? Let us know what you think in our comment section. For the latest news on HIp-Hop and sports, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Drake Celebrates Historic Toronto Hockey Win

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On April 29, the Toronto Maple Leafs edged the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in overtime to win their first-round NHL playoff series 4-2. It was a monumental achievement for the Leafs, who had not progressed past the first round of the playoffs since 2004. While the Leafs had made the playoffs every year since 2017, they were eliminated in the opening round every time. The post-2004 drought also included 7 consecutive seasons where the Leafs missed the playoffs entirely.

The city of Toronto was awash with jubilant hockey fans, celebrating the team’s win. The win was especially sweet given the Lightning eliminated the Leafs in the first round last season. Among the celebrating fans was Drake, the Toronto-born rapper and die-hard Leafs fan. Drake has never been shy about his hockey fandom. Furthermore, his OVO clothing brand has previously collabed with the Leafs.

Drake Shares Emotional Post On Instagram

A year ago, Drake posted a “goodnight Tampa” message on Instagram right before the Leafs choked a game-seven loss. Now he had reason to celebrate. Taking to his Instagram story, Drake posted a picture of a video of raucous celebrations in Toronto. He included an emoji whose eyes are welling up with tears. The rapper was not in attendance, instead performing in Chile. Drake, born October 1986, has never seen his Maple Leafs in the Stanley Cup Finals. The closest they have come in his lifetime is a 4-3 loss in the 1993 Conference Finals. The Maple Leafs will face the winner of the Bruins-Panthers series, which concludes on Sunday.

Drake recently took flak in another Toronto sports matter. When the Toronto Raptors were downed by the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Play-In. Some people blamed Drake. “That’s on Drake, really. If you don’t have Drake and if that doesn’t work the niceties of offering her things to make her stop shrieking, you get physical. You get her out,” radio host Pat Boyle said of DeMar DeRozan’s daughter. Boyle would go on to tweet “Explain yourself @Drake why weren’t you there last night? The Raptors loss is on you for not incentivizing Diar DeRozan to be quiet during free throws.”

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