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GameAbove Sports Acquires Fourth Founding BIG3 Expansion Team

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9 months ago

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Plans to base the team in Detroit for the 2025 season.

DETROIT, July 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, GameAbove Sports, a sports-focused business development and strategic investment entity announces the purchase of the fourth BIG3 franchise with plans to base the team in Detroit representing the State of Michigan for the 2025 season. The GameAbove Sports ownership group led by Founder and Chairman Keith J. Stone consists of individuals with deep connections to the region and robust acumen in operations, business, basketball, and sports; including Detroit pro sports notables NBA Hall of Famer and BIG3 Coach George Gervin and two-time NFL Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl Champion T.J. Lang, as well as Joe Januszewski, Karen LeVert, Dan McClory, Skyler Stone, Corey Welch and co-founder of Born in Detroit apparel Anthony Tomey. Former NBA point guard Earl Boykins will also be involved with the organization.

“The entire team at GameAbove and I are thrilled to bring a BIG3 franchise to the Motor City,” said Gervin. “My experience as part of the BIG3 these past few seasons has shown me that the league is at the forefront of 3-on-3 basketball’s increasing growth and global traction. Detroit’s rich sports history makes it a fantastic market for the BIG3; get ready for next summer!”

This announcement follows the purchase of rights to the LA, Miami, and Houston BIG3 franchises earlier this year. The league is currently in the fifth week of the BIG3’s seventh season, which continues to tour nationwide and reach millions of fans across linear, streaming, and digital platforms.

“I am excited to finally announce the sale of our Detroit team to this amazing group of investors, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists,” said BIG3 CEO and co-founder, Ice Cube. “GameAbove Sports and its leadership represent the values of the BIG3 every day and have an exemplary community outreach infrastructure that will take the Young3 initiative to a new level. It’s been a privilege to work with George Gervin over the past few BIG3 seasons and I know what he means to the Detroit and Southeast Michigan community. I look forward to working together with GameAbove Sports to bring the vision of BIG3 Detroit to life next season.”

GameAbove Sports is a unique player in the sports business. It is backed by CapStone Holdings Inc., which provides robust support to invest capital into various franchises and leagues worldwide. The company is committed to expanding its investment portfolio by strategically investing in franchises and leagues globally, including well-known entities such as the NHL, NBL, MLS, USL, MLS Next, professional golf, product investments, and other emerging leagues. GameAbove Sports’ innovative and flexible investment approach focuses on acquiring minority and majority ownership positions in established franchises or leagues. The company aims to promote, invest in, and advance technology within the sports industry.

“We are very excited about the BIG3 and the momentum Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz have established in the league,” said Stone. “Our philosophy at GameAbove Sports is to seek new and innovative ways to diversify our portfolio. The BIG3 presents a great opportunity for us to invest early in this emerging version of basketball. The ownership group and operational support are enthusiastic and ready. Detroit and the State of Michigan will be a leader in many ways for the league.”

GameAbove Sports’s decision to bring a BIG3 franchise to Detroit aligns perfectly with the brand’s existing presence in the region. In November 2019, Stone launched GameAbove as a philanthropic brand under CapStone Holdings Inc. He focused his giving efforts on his alma mater, Eastern Michigan University. Stone formed a philanthropic advisory board of 24 diverse, spirited, and accomplished EMU alums who shared his vision for the university’s success. Since its start, GameAbove has contributed millions to special causes and initiatives in Southeast Michigan, including social impact such as student emergency funds, combating food insecurities, mental health, youth STEM and literacy education, youth sports, and scholarships.

To learn more about the Ownership Group, visit www.big3detroitbasketball.com.

Visit GameAbove Sports at www.gameabovesports.com for all the latest news, updates, and exciting developments.

To learn more about the BIG3 go to big3.com and follow @thebig3 on X and Instagram. Tickets for the 2024 season are on sale now at big3.com/tickets/.

About BIG3
On January 11, 2017, the BIG3 was born. The first-ever professional FIREBALL3 league is the brainchild of producer, actor, and music legend Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, who shared a vision of a player-centric league focused on entertainment and innovation. The BIG3 is a league with no garbage minutes, where trash talk is allowed, defense is emphasized, fast-paced action, and where every point –whether it’s a 4-point or 3-point shot – counts. Any given BIG3 team has hall of famers, icons and trailblazers, and the next best 3-on-3 player.

The league has led the sports industry in diversity and opportunity, becoming the first professional sports league to implement a mental health policy, favor CBD as a pain management alternative to opioids, enlist female coaches of men, and appoint a black Commissioner in Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler, who is also professional sports first former player serving as Commissioner. The inaugural CEO was the legendary, incomparable Raider executive Amy Trask. This January 2024, BIG3 co-founder Ice Cube was honored at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, where he received the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award, acknowledging individuals making substantial contributions to their community, the first non-player to be recognized. Founders Ice Cube and Jeffrey Kwatinetz are missioned to better society as BIG3 pursues business success while also helping to break down stereotypes, promote diversity in sports, create opportunities for black, brown, and female athletes beyond the court, and support the black, youth and basketball communities overall.

About GameAbove
GameAbove is a successful multifaceted brand consisting of charitable giving, capital investment, sports entertainment, and media ventures. It provides its portfolio companies the power to propel their business to the next level, fan and athlete experiences that aim to grow sports, and awe-inspiring cinematic experiences. Brands include GameAbove Capital, GameAbove Entertainment, GameAbove Sports, and GameAbove Giving. To learn more, visit www.gameabove.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2455192/BIG3_2018__1.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2437532/GameAbove___trademarked_Stacked___4C_Flat___Black_Text_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gameabove-sports-acquires-fourth-founding-big3-expansion-team-302190935.html

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Messer Cutting Systems Announces Global Leadership Transition: Dr. Norbert Klapper Appointed Global CEO

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2 hours ago

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April 12, 2025

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Messer Cutting Systems is pleased to announce that Dr. Norbert Klapper has been appointed as the new Global CEO of Messer Cutting Systems.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis., April 12, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Messer Cutting Systems is pleased to announce that Dr. Norbert Klapper has been appointed as the new Global CEO of Messer Cutting Systems, succeeding Bill Heller, who will step down following years of dedicated leadership.

Bill Heller has been a key leader within Messer Cutting Systems, serving in multiple executive roles, including CEO Americas and Global CEO. Under his leadership, the company expanded its market presence, strengthened its customer relationships, and modernized its product and digital solutions portfolio. Bill’s focus on innovation, customer value, and integration of cutting technologies with automation and software solutions has helped Messer build a strong foundation for future growth.

Succeeding Heller is Dr. Norbert Klapper, a highly respected executive with extensive global leadership experience in industrial manufacturing. Most recently, Dr. Klapper served as CEO of Rieter, a world-leading supplier of systems for short-staple fiber spinning. At Rieter, he led major global transformation efforts focused on innovation, operational excellence, and value creation for customers.

Dr. Klapper brings a strategic vision and a deep understanding of industrial technologies and international markets. His appointment signals Messer’s continued commitment to strengthening its global position as a leader in cutting systems and digitalized manufacturing solutions.

Bill will remain in a senior advisory role supporting both Annette Doyle, the new CEO of Messer Cutting Americas, and Dr. Norbert Klapper, Global CEO Messer Cutting Systems during this transition period.

This transition marks an exciting new chapter for Messer Cutting Systems as it accelerates global collaboration, product innovation, and customer-focused transformation.

For more information about Messer Cutting Systems and its leadership, visit https://us.messer-cutting.com/about-us/management/.

Media Contact

Steve Vogt, Messer Cutting Systems, 1 262-212-2208, steve.vogt@messer-cutting.com, https://us.messer-cutting.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/messer-cutting-systems-announces-global-leadership-transition-dr-norbert-klapper-appointed-global-ceo-302425874.html

SOURCE Messer Cutting Systems

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Hithium Shines at ESIE 2025, Ushering in a New Era of High-capacity Energy Storage

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2 hours ago

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April 12, 2025

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BEIJING, April 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From April 10 to 12, the 13th Energy Storage International Conference and Expo (ESIE 2025) took place in Beijing. Hithium presented its full-spectrum innovation in energy storage, presenting a customized product matrix covering diverse scenarios—from long-duration energy storage to extreme environments, and from commercial and industrial (C&I) to residential applications.

At this year’s ESIE, Hithium presented its full-scenario customized product matrix, featuring the ∞Cell 587Ah energy storage battery, the ∞Power 6.25MWh 2h BESS, the ∞Pack+ high-capacity platform, and the ∞Cell N162Ah sodium-ion battery. Also on display were the 50Ah cylindrical cell, the 314Ah and ∞Cell 1175Ah high-capacity battery cells, and the ∞Block 261kWh all-in-one C&I cabinet—collectively showcasing Hithium’s strong innovation capabilities and scenario-driven deployment strategy across the energy storage landscape.

Co-defining 587Ah Format: ∞Cell 587Ah Format Gains Industry Recognition

At the exhibition, Hithium’s newly launched ∞Cell 587Ah energy storage battery—measuring 73.5×286×216mm (W×L×H)—became a centerpiece of attention, with five leading companies across the supply chain showcasing the battery at this year’s ESIE. This marked the first time the 587Ah format has been co-defined by multiple key players, signaling that Hithium’s proprietary standard may soon evolve into a widely adopted industry benchmark.

The ∞Cell 587Ah energy storage battery is the result of precise engineering and system-level optimization. Hithium identified 6.25MWh as the optimal energy capacity for today’s large-scale systems, 587Ah as the ideal battery capacity for balancing system efficiency and cost, and 73.5×286×216mm (W×L×H) as the optimal physical size for a 587Ah battery cell.

Equipped with the ∞Cell 587Ah energy storage battery, Hithium’s ∞Power 6.25MWh 2h energy storage system offers five key advantages: standardization, easy maintenance, superior safety, efficient layout, and high compatibility. These strengths help reduce R&D investment for system integrators while delivering competitive benefits in the form of ultra-high capacity, ultra-high safety, and ultra-low cost.

Proactively Shaping Industry Standards, as Long-duration Energy Storage Becomes the Prevailing Trend

Hithium technical experts Yuxuan Liu and Wei Zhu also delivered keynote presentations titled “Unlocking the Optimal Format of 587Ah Energy Storage Battery: Advancing Toward 6.25MWh Energy Freedom” and “Product Validation of kAh-class Batteries and Long-duration Storage Systems.” The keynotes offered in-depth insights into Hithium’s technological strengths and application solutions in the fields of large-capacity battery cells and long-duration energy storage.

By introducing new technologies, new solutions and new standards to energy storage sector, Hithium has further contributed to fostering the market and cultivating new drivers of productivity—accelerating technological advancement and industry upgrades, and paving the way for high-quality development across the industry.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hithium-shines-at-esie-2025-ushering-in-a-new-era-of-high-capacity-energy-storage-302427013.html

SOURCE HiTHIUM Energy Storage

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CGTN: Golden Threads: China and Asian Countries Cooperating to Build a Better Future

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3 hours ago

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April 12, 2025

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BEIJING, April 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A CGTN documentary focusing on China’s role in empowering countries across Asia, “Golden Threads” is made up of three individual stories that vividly showcase how China is building a community with a shared future together with its neighboring countries.

 

These are three stories about inspired individuals and nations in Asia that are working together to protect the natural environment and cultural heritage that makes this continent so vibrant and diverse. In Malaysia, a green energy revolution made possible by technology is silently bringing about sweeping change. Thanks to advanced Chinese technology and expertise, people from all walks of life in Malaysia are harvesting the rays of the sun in increasing numbers. At the same time, these efforts are helping to lower expenses while also protecting the nation’s stunning natural environment. In Vietnam, cross-border conservation efforts between China and Vietnam are ensuring that future generations will be able to live in a world that includes the Eastern Black Crested Gibbons. Decades ago, this primate was believed extinct, but not too long ago a small population was found to have survived in the lush jungles on the border between China and Vietnam. Today their numbers are growing thanks to technology and a passion for wildlife protection. Many of those involved in these efforts have found their lives greatly enriched by helping to protect this natural treasure. In Cambodia, the glorious culture and architecture of the ancient Khmer civilization is being preserved thanks to collaboration between Cambodian and China. Today the ancient carvings at Angkor Wat are no longer in danger, and they stand as a constant visual reminder of Cambodia’s identity and its cultural confidence. All across Asia, people are finding newfound strength in preservation efforts that link them to their roots while also strengthening ties between nations and cultures.

The title of this documentary, Golden Threads, reflects the belief that connections act as valuable threads bringing people and nations closer together in a community that promotes shared progress and prosperity. When people and nations work together with a common goal for the future, nothing is impossible.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgtn-golden-threads-china-and-asian-countries-cooperating-to-build-a-better-future-302427008.html

SOURCE CGTN

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