:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58617397/915534994.jpg.0.jpg)
Hello, Hoddlers!
Érik Lamela has finally scored again, making the world a better place, if only slightly. Now, for the latest edition of Weird Football Partnerships.
Ramble of the Day
On this episode of Weird Football Partnerships, the United Soccer League’s newest club, Las Vegas Lights FC, is under the spotlight. The American second division, beginning operations this year, recently announced a partnership with Plaza Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, the “official hotel partner” of the club.
Now, it does not come as a big surprise that a team in Las Vegas would have a partnership with a casino. However, the partnership is more than just allowing the club to use their hotel. For starters, they used the announcement at the hotel to unveil their shorts, with the logo of the hotel on them.
And now ... Our official match shorts, brought to you by @BLKSportUK and @PlazaLasVegas!! (... and some of the fellas.)
— Las Vegas Lights FC (@lvlightsfc) February 7, 2018
Full kit reveal tomorrow at 5:30 pm!! #LightItUp pic.twitter.com/YTW79MP6Rf
Coincidentally, Las Vegas Lights FC could also feature in an episode of my other imaginary program, Noteworthy Kits, because, well, here is their noteworthy jersey.
We. Don’t. Do. Ordinary. #LightItUp pic.twitter.com/qtUxPegFyk
— Las Vegas Lights FC (@lvlightsfc) February 8, 2018
Anyway, the most fascinating — and the most questionable, legally — part of this partnership is an incentive the Plaza Hotel & Casino are providing the club and its players. The deal is this: Every time the teams scores three or more goals in a home win, the players will receive $100 in the casino’s chips. Here’s the tweet, straight from the club’s twitter account, in case you did not believe me.
The FIRST player incentive of its kind. Every time the #LightsFC score 3 or more goals and get the W at home, each player will recieve $100 in @PlazaLasVegas chips.
— Las Vegas Lights FC (@lvlightsfc) February 7, 2018
Only in Vegas. pic.twitter.com/TvaZDEJt8K
This is all very Las Vegas, of course. I will keep you posted in case this accelerates the sport’s betting problem.
Links of the Day
Son Heung-Min will be featured in the next issue of FourFourTwo Magazine, as will former Tottenham midfielder Luka Modrić, who apologizes for the way he left the club. (These links are just previews of the features in the magazine.)
England have unveiled what is being called a “classic” World Cup kit, while Nigeria has unveiled what will likely soon be called the best World Cup kits.
Troy Deeney will not be punished by the FA for his controversial goal celebration against Chelsea.
Patrice Evra is officially a West Ham player. His contract runs out at the end of the season.
Wigan are being sold to International Entertainment Corporation, a Hong Kong based company known for running a hotel and casino in the Phillipines.
Today’s longer read: A brief history on the career of Lucas Moura, Spurs’ newest signing.