FuboTV Inc. and BIG3, the premier global 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, today announced an agreement to stream the league’s 2026 season live on Fubo Sports Network, Fubo’s FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) channel.

Beginning June 20, Fubo Sports Network will stream 16 live games for the duration of Season 9, with two games each week. Through the agreement, Fubo Sports Network will also be home to BIG3’s library of over 100 archived game telecasts from Seasons 6 through 8.

“BIG3 has made waves across the basketball world since its debut and we can’t wait to bring the hype to Fubo Sports Network audiences for Season 9,” said Pamela Duckworth, head of Fubo Studios, Fubo. “Ice Cube is an iconic figure across entertainment and beyond, making him the perfect partner for our growing live sports programming lineup from basketball to combat sports and more.”

“The way fans consume sports continues to evolve, and this partnership allows us to meet them where they are,” said Nikki Ambrifi, head of sales & sponsorships, BIG3. “Together with Fubo, we’re delivering greater reach, deeper engagement and an enhanced viewing experience for both existing and future BIG3 fans.”

BIG3 will stream on Fubo Sports Network, as part of Fubo’s subscription packages that aggregate more than 400 live sports, news, and entertainment networks and for free on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu + Live TV, LG Channels, Samsung TV Plus, Sling Freestream, The Roku Channel, VIZIO WatchFree+, Tubi, Plex, Xumo Play, TCL Channels, TCL Live TV and Tablo TV. Fubo Sports Network is also available on over-the-air (OTA) stations in nearly 100 U.S. markets.

The announcement comes as BIG3 prepares for its highly anticipated ninth season, which tips off on June 20 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles (Inglewood) before traveling to cities across the country throughout the summer.

BIG3 has carved out a unique lane at the intersection of basketball, entertainment, and culture – featuring Hall of Famers, former NBA and college basketball stars, and the most competitive 3-on-3 basketball in the world.

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As the Senate Judiciary Committee today unanimously advances historic federal voice & likeness protections for all Americans, the Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) applauds this major step forward and renews its strong support of the NO FAKES Act (“Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe Act of 2026”).

RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier said, “RIAA applauds the steadfast leadership of Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and US Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-1), Becca Balint (D-VT) and Laurel Lee (R-FL-15), alongside a growing number of bipartisan colleagues in both Houses of Congress driving the NO FAKES Act. We are encouraged by today’s passage in the Senate Judiciary Committee and look forward to the bill’s passage into law later this year. An extraordinary cross-sector coalition including the creative community, child safety groups, free market groups, labor unions, free speech advocates, and AI developers have come together to support these protections for Americans’ voice and likeness from exploitive digital deepfakes, and consumers agree: 92% worry about the impact of AI deepfakes on authenticity, society and culture. The NO FAKES Act answers the call.”

The latest effort pushes the NO FAKES Act closer to passage this Congress as Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Katie Britt (R-AL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Peter Welch (D-VT) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) add their support. As more policymakers join, a broadening coalition of creators, advocacy groups and technology stakeholders is driving nationwide protection for every American to maintain control over their own voice and likeness from exploitive unauthorized AI-generated voice and image clones while also encouraging innovation and protecting free speech, creating clear momentum for Congressional passage this year.

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BET announced the first wave of performers and special guests set to take the stage at the “BET Awards” 2026, airing live Sunday, June 28 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The first wave of performers includes multi-diamond-selling global superstar Cardi B; award-winning artist and actor Common; rap visionary Doechii; genre-defying hitmaker Don Toliver; French Montana and Max B reunite for a long-awaited performance; multi-award winning icon Jill Scott; global R&B superstar Kehlani; the legendary Queen Latifah; hip hop mogul Rick Ross; global sensation Tems; hip hop icon T.I.; award-winning, husband-wife duo The War And Treaty; and rising R&B star kwn on the BET Amplified stage. Hip hop pioneer MC Lyte will once again return as announcer, lending her signature voice to Culture’s Biggest Night.

“BET Awards has always been a celebration of the artists, visionaries, and cultural moments that shape our community and move culture forward,” said Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, BET. “This year’s show brings together an extraordinary mix of legends, superstars, and emerging talent whose influence continues to resonate across generations. From powerful performances to historic tributes, we’re creating the kind of unforgettable moments that define the BET Awards. And we’re only getting started.”

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Unlike many of their ’90s peers who leaned heavily on beat machines and samplers, 8Ball & MJG incorporate live instrumentation into their music. That translates here, as the band kicks off the set with a few instrumental bars from “Pimps” before 8Ball goes straight into the title track off the 1993 debut album Comin’ Out Hard. Then they fire off three songs from 2004’s Living Legends and close with “Space Age Pimpin’.”

It’s uncommon for our favorite groups to maintain their unity; when they do, the bonds often fade, leading to a strictly business-oriented relationship. And, yet, 8Ball & MJG exemplify familial camaraderie, which radiates throughout their Tiny Desk concert.

SET LIST
“Comin’ Out Hard”
“Memphis City Blues”
“You Don’t Want Drama”
“Forever”
“Space Age Pimpin’ “

MUSICIANS
8Ball: vocals
MJG: vocals
Marcus Malone: keys
Tony Gentry: guitar
Doc Samba: bass
Carlos Sargent: drums
DJ Tab: DJ
Keia Johnson: background vocals
Marcus Scott: background vocals

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Uptown Records has officially relaunched under Republic Collective, marking a new chapter for the label during its 40th anniversary year. Danielle Price Sanders will lead the relaunched company as President, Uptown Records/EVP, Republic Collective, with Natina Nimene joining the executive leadership team as EVP, Urban Audience and Artist Relations, Republic Collective.

Andre Harrell founded Uptown in 1986 and developed a roster that included Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Soul for Real, Lost Boyz, The Notorious B.I.G., Heavy D, Al B Sure!, Guy and so many more.

The announcement arrives with new music and recent activity from a roster that includes Yung Miami, G Herbo, Trap Dickey, Sunkis, 9B Meechie and producer ATL Jacob. Price Sanders said Andre Harrell built “one of the most influential record companies in music history.” In a press release, Price Sanders explained that the relaunched label will support “the next generation of artists.” She also noted that Uptown will operate as part of Republic Collective alongside other Collective labels and in connection with Def Jam, led by Tunji Balogun and Kevin Lipson.

Yung Miami is among the artists at the center of the relaunch. Her April 2026 single “Spend Dat” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 66 and rose to No. 34, giving her first Top 40 entry as a solo artist. The song also reached No. 25 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart and moved from No. 50 to No. 34 on the Hot Hip-Hop/R&B Songs chart. Yung Miami said Uptown “already feels like home” as she continues her solo career with the label.

G Herbo’s Uptown-released album Lil Herb debuted at No. 1 on Apple Music’s Hip-Hop Albums chart and featured the platinum-certified single “Went Legit.” Trap Dickey’s project The Ville included “Down South” featuring Key Glock, which passed 25 million streams and became the No. 2 most-added song at Urban Radio. The relaunched label plans more news and announcements in 2026.

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Today, MIKE unveils the full lineup for the fifth annual edition of his free New York festival Young World, in collaboration with SummerStage. Taking place once again at Herbert Von King Park in Brooklyn on July 11th, Young World V will boast performances from Max B, Thirteendegrees°, ERISTHEPLANET, SALIMATA, Niontay, Black Noi$e and a special set from MIKE and the Band of the Century. Alongside the musical performances, Young World V will also host an assortment of local Black-owned businesses as vendors on-site, all hand-picked by MIKE, with more details on this year’s vendors to be unveiled soon.

Every summer in New York City, MIKE hosts Young World, a fully accessible festival created to elevate Black creatives across music, fashion, food, and visual art. Always free to attend, Young World attracts one of the most economically, racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse audiences of any event in New York.

The name Young World serves as a mission statement for the festival. It speaks to the young generation shaping culture today, while paying homage to Slick Rick’s classic track “Hey Young World” a key influence on MIKE and a nod to the legacy of hip-hop. Since its inception, Young World has grown into one of Brooklyn’s most anticipated music events. The festival has featured an impressive lineup of artists including: Noname, Earl Sweatshirt, Pete Rock, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Slick Rick, Skaiwater, Navy Blue, Junglepussy, Jay Critch, MAVI and many more. In 2024, the festival reached its highest attendance yet over 8,000 people. NYC SummerStage remains Young World’s production partner, and this year, Supreme and Marshall are both supporting the event.

Young World V serves as a celebratory capstone moment for the first half of the year for MIKE, following the release of his critically acclaimed collaborative project POMPEII // UTILITY with Earl Sweatshirt and SURF GANG.

See below for the full Young World V lineup.

Young World IV
July 11, 2026
5-9 PM
Herbert Von King Park | Brooklyn, NY

Lineup:

Max B
Thirteendegrees°
ERISTHEPLANET
SALIMATA
Niontay
Black Noi$e
MIKE and the Band of the Century

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Mystikal, who received multiple Grammy nominations in the early 2000s, will serve 20 years in prison for raping a woman at his Louisiana home in 2022.

Mystikal, whose given name is Michael Lawrence Tyler, pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in March with a sentencing cap of 20 years, five years less than the maximum punishment for the crime. His plea deal reduced the charge from first-degree rape, which carries an automatic life sentence.

Days before his Tuesday sentencing hearing, he asked a judge to withdraw his guilty plea, saying he “did not have sufficient opportunity to fully consider the consequences,” according to ABC affiliate WBRZ.

The victim spoke in court before sentencing and asked the judge to give Mystikal the maximum sentence, WBRZ reported. She reportedly said the rapper had punched her, choked her, pulled out her braids and forcibly raped her at his home in Prairieville, about 18 miles from Baton Rouge.

“If I did that to you, I deserve the max sentence,” he said in response, according to the local TV station.

A lawyer for the rapper did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mystikal has been held without bond at the Ascension Parish Jail since his arrest in 2022.

The Louisiana rapper rose to national recognition in the 1990s and is known for his 2000 hit “Shake Ya A–,” which was nominated for a Grammy in the best rap solo performance category.

In 2003, he pleaded guilty to sexual battery and was sentenced to six years in prison. That same year, he was a Grammy nominee in two categories: best rap album for “Tarantula” and best male rap solo performance for his single “Bouncin’ Back (Bumpin’ Me Against the Wall). S: NBC

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Producer: John Dutch

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Following the announcement of his forthcoming new album Glory of the King’s Hand, Brooklyn rapper and producer Chuck Strangers shares the new single “G Pack,” which finds Chuck flowing with pensive stream of consciousness reflections on the consistency of his grind over time as a resolute sign off for the album before the Human Error Club-produced instrumental outro. The new single arrives closely following previously released tracks “Everyday,” featuring Obii Say and “Torn In Two” with The Alchemist.

Building on a decade in the game, Glory of the King’s Hand, out July 10th via Lex Records, represents Chuck’s evolved sound and direction with an emphasis on intentional songcraft and composition. Having lived comfortably as a proficient beatmaker rhyming over his own lush beats in the past, Chuck moves into a refined approach to collaboration on the album, bringing together vocalists, producers, and musicians to curate a holistic vision for this new full-length. “I made choruses, there’s melodies, there’s instrumentation … I really tried to just make better songs that people might want to hear again — that are more than just a good verse,” he says, speaking on the process.

Chuck handpicked a collaborative roundtable of the current and underground rap scene’s most prolific producers to contribute to this album, including The Alchemist, Animoss, Theravada, Kenny Segal, Preservation, Child Actor, Morriarchi, Human Error Club, Cam Beats and more along with features from billy woods, Zeroh and Obii Say.

Upcoming Live Dates

* Support from AKAI SOLO & Focus the Truth

7/9 – Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn*
7/10 – Asheville, NC @ Sly Grog*
7/14 – Durham, NC @ Pinhook*
7/15 – Philadelphia, PA @ Silk City Diner*
7/16 – Washington, DC @ Comet Pingpong*
7/18 – Brooklyn, NY @ The Woodshed (w/ Obii Say)*

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As part of the Grammys’ annual process of accepting proposals from the music creators and professionals who make up its membership body, and its ongoing commitment to reflecting today’s dynamic musical landscape, new Categories and rule changes are now in effect for the 69th Grammy Awards®, which culminate with the 2027 Grammys® live across ABC, Disney+ and Hulu on Feb. 7, 2027.

“2027 is going to be an amazing year for the Grammy Awards, and one that reflects the extraordinary growth we’re seeing across music,” said Grammys CEO Harvey Mason jr. “The changes advanced by our Recording Academy members speak to the breadth of today’s music industry and the many genres, crafts and creators shaping it. We’re excited to see these updates come to life in the year ahead as we celebrate the music people who are driving music forward.”

NEW CATEGORIES

Best Asian Pop Music Performance
This Category recognizes artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets, including but not limited to K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, with meaningful use of one or more Asian languages. Awards are presented to the performing artist(s).

Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance*
This Category recognizes excellence in contemporary R&B performances for works by established duos or groups, as well as collaborative works between solo artists, duos and groups. Awards are presented to the performing artist(s).

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance
This Category recognizes excellence in singles and tracks that consist of a type and style of song and/or performance that cannot properly be intermingled with present forms of pop music. Awards are presented to the performing artist(s).

Best Traditional Folk Album**
This Category recognizes excellence in albums of traditional folk recordings. Awards are presented to artist(s), producer(s), engineer(s)/mixer(s), and songwriter(s) of new songs, if other than artist(s), of greater than 50% playing time on the album.

Best Latin Song
This Category recognizes the achievement of songwriters for newly written Latin songs predominantly in the Spanish language (at least 51% of the lyrics). Awards are presented to the songwriter(s) of new material.

*With the addition of this new category, the Best R&B Performance Category has been revised and renamed Best R&B Solo Performance.
**With the addition of this new category, the Best Folk Album Category has been revised and renamed Best Contemporary Folk Album.

VOTING PROCESS UPDATES

Ballot Plus
Ballot Plus is an opt-in alternative to the 10/3 voting structure that allows Voting Members with expertise across multiple genres to vote in up to 15 peer-related Categories, regardless of Field, based on their verified professional credits and contributions.

Voting Members who opt in must submit credits by a specified deadline. Participation in Ballot Plus is subject to verification of credits. Voting Members who do not opt-in, miss the selection window, or do not meet the verification requirements will receive the standard 10/3 voting ballot. Voting Members will receive more information about Ballot Plus in the coming months.

DEFINITION, ELIGIBILITY & CRITERIA UPDATES

Best New Artist
Category description language and guidelines have been refined and a maximum number of times an artist may be submitted increased from three to four. These updates provide greater clarity around an artist’s impact during the eligibility period and more flexibility in the number of times an artist can submit, reflecting the evolving nature of artist development.

Album Eligibility
The threshold of new recordings required on an eligible album is lowered from 75% to 66% to reduce the exclusion of entries that are widely recognized throughout the music industry as new albums.

Best Album Notes and Best Historical Album
Internet-only releases are eligible in Best Album Notes and Best Historical Album if the additional materials and album notes are part of the commercial download, ensuring albums released solely in digital form remain eligible for consideration.

Songwriters and Composers Recognition Expansion
Songwriters and Composers of new material on the winning albums in most genre album Categories will now receive Grammy statuettes and Achievement Certificates in parity with the recognition currently afforded to Producers and Engineers in those categories.

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According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website, the music mogul is now scheduled to be released from federal custody on Feb. 23, 2028, marking the latest change to his anticipated release date.

The update continues a pattern of adjustments that have steadily moved Combs’ projected release date forward. Earlier this year, the Federal Bureau of Prisons listed his release date as April 15, 2028. Before that, it was listed as April 25, 2028 and, previously, June 4, 2028.

The Bureau of Prisons have not publicly explained the latest change, Combs has been participating in a drug-abuse rehabilitation program while incarcerated at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey. His attorneys previously sought placement at the facility because of its treatment programs and proximity to family.

“In order to address drug abuse issues and to maximize family visitation and rehabilitative efforts, we request that the court strongly recommend to the Bureau of Prisons that Mr. Combs be placed at FCI Fort Dix,” attorney Teny Geragos wrote in an October 2025 court filing.

The revised release date comes as Combs continues to challenge the conviction that sent him to prison.

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Built around futuristic trap production and Gotit’s signature melodic delivery, “Goin Solo” finds the Atlanta native operating with renewed focus and confidence. The record serves as one of the first major statements from Gotit’s forthcoming project, EON, and reflects a period of growth both personally and creatively.

The cinematic visual follows Gotit through Malibu as he handles unfinished business tied to unpaid money before the situation quickly spirals out of control. As the police begin closing in and tensions escalate throughout the night, the video builds toward a cliffhanger ending that leaves viewers waiting to see what comes next.

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Since relocating to London over a decade ago and starting a family, Eve hasn’t put out much music. In 2024, she published a memoir chronicling her life and experiences navigating the music industry during the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Not only did she survive one of hip-hop’s most fiercely competitive eras, but she also emerged as one of its dominant figures — selling millions of records as the First Lady of Ruff Ryders Entertainment, and building a career in television and film.

For her Tiny Desk, Eve enlisted the music director Mare — who you may recognize from Tierra Whack’s Tiny Desk — making this a Philly affair. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of her second album, Scorpion, the set features standout tracks such as “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” and “Who’s That Girl,” alongside fan favorites from Let There Be Eve… and Eve-Olution.

SET LIST
“Satisfaction”
“What Ya Want”
“Gotta Man”
“Gangsta Lovin’ ”
“Let Me Blow Ya Mind”
“Tambourine”
“Who’s That Girl”

MUSICIANS
Eve: vocals
Mare: keys, music director, background vocals
Anthony DeCarlo: guitar
Ali Bervine: bass
Mark Thomas: drums
Sheldon “Spazz” Robinson: percussion
Martin 2 Smoove: DJ
Brandon Pain: background vocals
Mimi: background vocals

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BIG3 HoldCo LLC (“BIG3”), recognized as the world’s premier professional 3-on-3 basketball league, founded by O’Shea Jackson (Ice Cube) and Jeff Kwatinetz, and Graf Global Corp., a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for a business combination. When the transaction closes, the publicly traded company will be named Big3 Basketball Holdings, Inc. and is expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE American, or Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “TONT” (3-on-3). The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.

“We are excited for BIG3 to be the first publicly traded professional sports league in the US,” said O’Shea Jackson, Sr. co-founder and chief executive officer of BIG3. “Leading a new generation of emerging sports, BIG3 connects basketball to culture, fans and our team communities. Going public is our next step. This lifts us to a bigger stage, accelerates our international potential and gives our fans a way to grow with us, support us and participate in our success.”

Co-founder and Chairman Jeff Kwatinetz added, “Cube and I are proud of what BIG3 has done over the last eight seasons and are excited to begin our ninth season on June 20 in Los Angeles. Everything is coming together this year. With some of the world’s most respected coaches and players, more than 550,000 average viewers on CBS and more than a billion social media impressions last season, teams now located in eight cities, worldwide distribution of our games, including on Migu (the go-to streaming platform for sports in China) and recognized as the premier 3-on-3 league in the world, we are at an inflection point. The public listing will provide capital and acquisition currency to take best advantage of our highly scalable platform, dominant brand, experience, leadership and opportunities in 3-on-3 basketball and the emerging sports market generally.”

The combined company will be led by the BIG3 management team, including co-founder and chief executive officer O’Shea Jackson (Ice Cube), co-founder and chairman Jeff Kwatinetz, President Sean Bannon, and commissioner Clyde “the Glide” Drexler. Acknowledging Cube’s positive impact on communities through basketball, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame awarded him the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award, now given annually at the Hall of Fame ceremony.

The transaction values BIG3 at $290 million on a pre-money basis, before potential earnouts based on share price performance, with 100% of the existing equity and equity-linked interests expected to convert to the common stock of the combined company at closing.

Closing is subject to delivery of $50 million minimum net cash proceeds from GRAF’s trust account and other transaction-related funding and after payments to satisfy redemptions and payment of cash transaction and other expenses. GRAF’s trust account currently holds approximately $249 million cash deposits as of June 10, 2026.

The transaction is also subject to GRAF’s shareholders approving an extension of the time allowed to complete a business combination, with such approval to occur by June 27, 2026. GRAF’s public shareholders have the right to redeem up to all of their ordinary shares in connection with the extension vote, and again just before the final shareholder vote to approve the proposed business combination.

“We are excited to partner with Cube, Jeff and their team to bring BIG3 to the public markets,” said James Graf, chief executive officer of GRAF. “There are few, if any opportunities for public markets investors to own equity directly in professional sports leagues or teams. We believe such investments may deliver uncorrelated returns over time, especially seeing the appreciation of team values and the growth of sports advertising across media. As a cultural icon, Cube transcends boundaries. He and Jeff have been visionaries on what audiences want and we believe in their ability to deliver the ‘next big thing’ again as they have done repeatedly over the years. We have high hopes for where they can take BIG3 in the future as a well-capitalized public company.”

BIG3 Season Nine Highlights

• Season tips off June 20, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles (home of the LA Clippers), with the championship game scheduled on August 22, 2026 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte (home of the Charlotte Hornets)
• Eight city-based teams, with four teams owned by BIG3 (Boston, Chicago, Dallas, DMV) and four sold to independent owners (Detroit, Houston, LA, Miami)
• Multiple fast paced games of BIG3’s FIREBALL3 brand of half court 3-on-3 played at every event; first to 50 points wins; entertainment between games for an exciting overall experience
• 7^th season with CBS, Re-airs of games on BET, International broadcast partners like Migu (China) and TV Globo (Brazil)
• Legendary coaches include Julius (Dr. J) Erving (Chicago), Nancy Lieberman (Dallas) and Gary Payton (Boston)
• Team captains include former NBA stars Michael Beasley (Miami), Corey Brewer (Detroit), Dwight Howard (LA) and Joe Johnson (Detroit)

Key Transaction Terms

The respective boards of managers or directors, as applicable, of BIG3 and GRAF have unanimously approved the proposed business combination. Completion of the proposed business combination is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Business Combination Agreement (“BCA”) entered into by BIG3 and GRAF and other parties thereto. The BCA contains customary closing conditions, including without limitation a registration statement being declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), consent of certain noteholders of BIG3 to convert their notes, approval by the shareholders of GRAF, delivery of $50 million in minimum net cash proceeds, and certain regulatory approvals, as well as the listing of the shares of the combined company on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE American or Nasdaq Stock Market (the “National Securities Exchange”), as mutually determined by BIG3 and GRAF.

In addition to the $290 million in stock consideration to be issued to existing Big3 equityholders, at the closing, Big3 equityholders are entitled to an additional 2 million earnout shares which will vest over a five-year period if the closing price of the Pubco Class A common stock is greater than or equal to $15.00 for a period of at least 20 days (which need not be consecutive) out of 30 consecutive trading days, or in the event of a sale of the combined company if the combined company stockholders receive a sale price that is greater than or equal to $15.00.

Advisors

MC Strategic Advisors LLC is acting as financial advisor to BIG3. White & Case LLP is acting as legal advisor to GRAF. Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP is acting as legal advisor to BIG3.

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