Manning Backs Barbecue Competition; U.S. Soccer Sees Record Crowds

Peyton Manning's Omaha Productions has joined forces with Brent Montgomery's Wheelhouse to invest in the BBQ World Cup & Expo, a move that could elevate competitive barbecuing into a mainstream sporting event. Event founders Scott Erdmann and President are optimistic about the sport's potential to attract a broad audience through its combination of culinary skill and entertainment value.

This investment in a niche sport by influential figures in sports and entertainment reflects a growing trend of diversification in athletic ventures. Concurrently, U.S. Soccer is experiencing unprecedented success, with recent senior national team matches drawing over 165,000 spectators. This surge in attendance and viewership follows the highly successful 2026 FIFA World Cup, underscoring a robust and expanding interest in established soccer.