SANFORD, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has endorsed Democrat Bale Dalton in the race for Florida’s 7th Congressional District, adding another high-profile endorsement to Dalton’s campaign to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Cory Mills.

Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot who previously represented New Jersey in Congress, pointed to Dalton’s military service, government experience and campaign organization in announcing her support.

“As a fellow Navy helicopter pilot and former NASA chief of staff, Bale Dalton has spent his career in public service,” Sherrill said. “Having flipped a Republican stronghold from red to blue in 2018, I know what it takes to win in hard places. I’m confident that he’s built the winning coalition and grassroots support to defeat Cory Mills in November and fight for an economy that actually works for working people.”

Dalton Welcomes Sherrill Endorsement

Dalton thanked Sherrill for her support and highlighted their shared backgrounds as Navy helicopter pilots.

“Gov. Sherrill has spent her career in public service, flying Navy helicopters and serving as a tireless advocate for her constituents,” Dalton said. “She knows how to win tough races, and I’m grateful for her support as we work to unseat the most corrupt member of Congress and build an economy that works for Floridians.”

Dalton’s description of Mills as “the most corrupt member of Congress” is a campaign characterization.

Dalton Builds List of Democratic Endorsements

The Sherrill endorsement is the second high-profile endorsement announced by Dalton’s campaign this week, following an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel on Wednesday.

Dalton’s campaign also lists support from several current and former Florida elected officials, including former U.S. Reps. Val Demings and Stephanie Murphy, former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Other supporters include state Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis, state Reps. RaShon Young and Rita Harris, Maitland Mayor John Lowndes, Winter Springs Commissioner Sarah Baker and Casselberry Commissioner Tom Kirk.

Dalton is campaigning for the Democratic nomination in Florida’s 7th Congressional District, with the eventual nominee seeking to challenge Mills in the November general election.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed veteran linebacker Jahlani Tavai, the team announced Thursday. Jacksonville also waived linebacker Jared Bartlett with an injury designation.

Tavai brings seven seasons of NFL experience and a résumé that includes 107 regular-season games and 67 starts.

The 29-year-old linebacker has played for the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots since entering the NFL as a second-round selection by Detroit with the No. 43 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Over his career, Tavai has recorded 432 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits, 14 passes defensed, six forced fumbles, 5.5 sacks, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Last season with New England, Tavai appeared in 12 regular-season games, making seven starts. He finished with 34 tackles, including four tackles for loss, and one forced fumble.

Tavai also appeared in all four of New England’s postseason games, making two starts, including an appearance in Super Bowl LX.

College Career at Hawaii

A native of Inglewood, California, Tavai played college football at Hawaii from 2014-18.

During his collegiate career, he appeared in 47 games and totaled 391 tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, seven passes defensed, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions.

The addition gives Jacksonville another experienced option at linebacker as the Jaguars continue preparing for the 2026 NFL season.

NEW YORK (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic have been named the recipient of the NBA Team International Strategy Award for the second consecutive year, recognizing the organization’s innovative global marketing efforts as part of the NBA’s 2025-26 Team Partnership and Ticket Sales & Service Awards.

The award honors NBA teams that develop data-driven international marketing strategies that strengthen brand recognition, create meaningful partnerships and expand fan engagement outside the United States.

Germany Strategy Drives Award-Winning Campaign

Building on last year’s success, the Magic expanded their presence in Germany through a year-long strategy surrounding The NBA Berlin Game 2026.

Rather than focusing solely on the international exhibition, Orlando created a comprehensive campaign that included:

• A summer promotional tour across Germany
• Magic Kiez, an immersive fan experience hub
• Youth basketball clinics
• Business networking summits
• Community watch parties
• Interactive fan activations
• Corporate partnership events

The organization said the strategy helped establish a sustained presence before, during and after the Berlin game while strengthening relationships with German basketball fans and business leaders.

New International Partnerships

The campaign also expanded the Magic’s International Team Marketing Program (ITMP) through collaborations with several new international and global partners, including:

• AIDA Cruises
• Domino’s
• Kellogg’s
• Telekom
• ThreatLocker
• Visit Orlando

The partnerships supported both fan engagement initiatives and business development opportunities throughout Germany.

NBA Recognizes Innovation Across the League

The NBA’s annual Team Partnership and Ticket Sales & Service Awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate excellence in fan engagement, sponsorship activation, innovation, community impact and ticket sales.

This year’s major award winners included:

The Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans also received recognition through the NBA’s AI Studio program for innovative applications of artificial intelligence to improve fan experiences.

NBA Executive Applauds Team Innovation

Jonathan Tillman, the NBA’s Executive Vice President and Head of Team Marketing and Business Operations, praised the league’s clubs for continuing to innovate.

“The innovation, creativity and strategic thinking NBA teams demonstrate every day continue to raise the bar for the sports industry while creating deeper connections with fans in their communities and around the world,” Tillman said.

He added that NBA teams are finding new ways to grow their businesses through strategic partnerships, artificial intelligence, ticket sales innovations and community engagement.

Selection Process

All 30 NBA franchises were invited to submit entries for the Team Partnership and Ticket Sales & Service Awards.

Winners were selected by a committee of NBA league and team executives based on creativity, measurable business results and overall impact.

For the second consecutive season, the Orlando Magic’s international strategy stood out among the league’s entries, highlighting the franchise’s continued commitment to expanding its global brand while strengthening relationships with fans and partners overseas.

Award Highlights

• Orlando Magic won the NBA Team International Strategy Award for the second straight year.
• The award recognized the franchise’s comprehensive marketing strategy surrounding The NBA Berlin Game 2026.
• The campaign featured fan engagement, youth clinics, business summits and year-round activations across Germany.
• New international partners included AIDA Cruises, Domino’s, Kellogg’s, Telekom, ThreatLocker and Visit Orlando.
• All 30 NBA teams were eligible, with winners selected by NBA and team executives.