Bloomberg Business of Sports

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The media landscape is changing, and so is the way people consume live sports. Buzzer, a highly personalized notification-driven mobile sports platform, is here to compliment and simplify the sports ecosystem. Founder and CEO Bo Han joins Jason, Barr, and Lynch to discuss how Buzzer is partnering up with leagues and media services to bring fans exactly what they want to see- their favorite teams, players, and highlights all on one platform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Tokyo Olympics coverage nearing its halfway point, average nightly viewership through Tuesday, July 27 was down 42% from the 2016 Summer Games across all of NBC's outlets. Jason, Barr, and Lynch discuss the impetus behind declining viewership. Plus, a pay-per-view model for major sporting events like the Superbowl... Barr is HOT about this one. He's is not having it, but Lynch and Jason can see some upside. All that and more on this Monday edition of Bloomberg Business of Sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NFL is warning teams that Covid outbreaks among unvaccinated players could lead to forfeited games and fines. Jason, Barr, and Lynch break down the new policy with Professor Bob Bolland of Penn State University. Plus, they get the player perspective with three-time NFL Pro-Bowl running back Warrick Dunn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xponential Fitness is the franchise owner of boutique fitness brands like Club Pilates, Pure Barre, and CycleBar. Founder and CEO Anthony Geisler joins Jason, Barr, and Lynch to discuss the company's IPO, the impact the pandemic has had on operations, the fitness streaming space, and the opportunities ahead in health and wellness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prelim ratings for the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony were down 36% compared to 2016. Meantime, The 2021 NBA Finals averaged 9.9 million viewers per game, the lowest since 2007. Jason, Barr, and Lynch break down the numbers, and discuss whether TV ratings are still the best way of measuring fan engagement. Plus, the NFL announced it will fine unvaccinated players for violating COVID protocols, and, SEC takeover - the Longhorns and Sooners have announced their intent to leave the Big 12. All that and more on this Monday edition of Bloomberg Business of Sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch discuss the biggest stories this week in the Business of Sports. This week we speak with NIL expert Darren Heitner about the flurry of deals that have already been reached between reached between NCAA athletes and brands. We learn how these players are cashing in, what’s surprised him so far and the possibility of earning 7 figured without being a starter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch discuss the biggest stories this week in the Business of Sports. Team USA marathon runner Jake Riley joins us to talk about his path to Tokyo, how Olympians can best leverage their performance during the games and why he prefers to compete 700 miles away from Tokyo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch discuss the biggest stories this week in the Business of Sports. On today’s podcast the trio discusses their reviews of Space Jam: A New Legacy, we find out if Lebron’s on court success transfers to the box office. Michael Barr gets awfully excited thinking about the sleeping conditions for Tokyo 2020 athletes. He thinks cardboard beds might not be the strongest material for certain athletes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tokyo Olympics begin next week, under some unusual circumstances. The games have turned into a mostly TV event, as Japan grapples with rising Covid infections. Jason, Barr, and Lynch discuss the staggering numbers behind the Olympics, typically touted as a boon for countries that host them, with Smith College Economics Professor Andrew Zimbalist. He's the author of "Circus Maximus: The Economic Gamble Behind Hosting the Olympics and the World Cup."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are few events in sports history that stack up to the lasting influence of the 1948 World Series. Luke Epplin, author of, Our Team: The Epic Story of Four Men and the World Series That Changed Baseball, joins Jason, Barr, and Lynch to discuss the decade that changed society, race-relations, and the sports landscape forever. Luke details the interwoven paths of Larry Doby, Bill Veeck, Bob Feller, and Satchel Paige, and their improbable union on the Cleveland Indians.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch discuss the biggest stories this week in the Business of Sports. On today’s podcast the trio discuss Jason’s big weekend in Vegas hanging with Dana White and the UFC crew. We learn what it was like being inside T-Mobile arena during the big fight and the electric atmosphere around Ice Cubes Big 3 tipoff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There aren’t many areas where this man hasn’t been successful. Musician, actor, producer, philanthropist… just to name a few. Ice Cube joins us this week to discuss the Big 3’s season opener in Las Vegas. We learn about Cubes passions behind the camera, how Kobe’s retirement inspired him to create the Big 3 and why the Big 3 players might be more recognizable than those in the NBA finals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch discuss the biggest stories this week in the Business of Sports. On today’s show, the trio dives into this weekend’s Formula E race in New York City. CEO Jamie Reigle tells us how they managed to keep racing throughout a pandemic and breaks down the unique challenges in bringing the sport back to the big apple. We also get perspective from motorsports legend and team owner Michael Andretti. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The trading card business has turned into a very hot commodity. Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck joined the show to discuss the industry and how it has changed since its early days. He also touched on digital trading cards and how the grading of cards assesses their value. Don’t you wish you kept that Lebron James rookie card in better condition?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Milwaukee Bucks are one game away from securing a spot in the NBA Finals. Peter Feigin, Milwaukee Bucks President joins Jason, Barr, and Lynch to discuss their spellbinding playoff run, what the team’s success means for the city, the staffing challenges brought on by the pandemic, and the evolution and energy of the Deer District.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch discuss the biggest stories this week in the Business of Sports. On today’s podcast, the trio speaks with KPMG U.S. Chair and CEO Paul Knopp about their new KPMG Performance Insights analytics platform. KPMG is partnering with the LPGA tour to bring the most advanced analytics and scoring database to the tour. We find out what the LPGA stands to gain with all that data. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Barr is giddy after his trip to Pocono Raceway for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series. Jason and Lynch get the inside scoop from Barr's time at the track. Plus, the City of Angels is home to two of the eight most valuable sports franchises in North America. Now, the Dodgers and Lakers are in the midst of an ownership shakeup. Meantime, the Stanley Cup Finals are here, this year with two Eastern Conference teams. Join us for this Monday edition of Bloomberg Business of Sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NCAA is expected to abandon the enforcement of amateurism rules that prevent college athletes from profiting off their name, image, and likeness. That's after the unanimous Supreme Court ruling over education-related benefits. Gabe Feldman, director of the Tulane Sports Law Program, joins Jason, Barr, and Lynch to break down the ruling, and the future for college athlete compensation. Plus, Jason catches up with soccer superstar and president and co-owner of Inter Miami, David Beckham, to discuss his active leadership role, and the European Super League.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The business of health and wellness is booming, and recovery has become an important facet of that market. Benjamin Nazarian, CEO of Therabody, the business behind percussion therapy tools like the Theragun, joins Jason, Barr, and Lynch, to discuss their deep bench of endorsements, including superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. They discuss the efficacy of using pro-athletes as a part of their promotion strategy, making their products relatable, and the budding importance of recovery in the fitness and wellness space.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Conference finals in the NBA are set and the team breaks down what it means to have the unlikely slate of Clippers, Hawks, Suns and Bucs (spoiler alert: bad ratings). Plus they break down a thrilling US Open finish, an Olympics with (a few, local) fans and talk about how Father's Day and sports are inextricably tied together for them and many others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Olympics to golf to auto racing and lacrosse, few have the influence over what we watch and how we watch it than Pete Bevacqua. The NBC Sports Group Chairman joins Jason, Barr and Lynch with the U.S. Open underway in the background to discuss the resurgence of golf, preparation for the delayed Tokyo games and how he balances the sports world's most ambitious broadcast portfolio. Plus, the guys talk about Lebron James's comments about player injuries, college sports betting, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bestselling author Jon Wertheim joins the podcast to detail how the summer of 1984 changed the sports landscape for the next half century. From Michael Jordan's heroic Summer Olympics performance, to the emergence of ESPN, Jon takes Jason, Barr, and Lynch through his new book, GLORY DAYS: The Summer of 1984 and the 90 Days That Changed Sports and Culture Forever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyrie Irving has joined James Harden on the sidelines. It's an unfortunate twist for the Brooklyn Nets as they head to game 5 against the Milwaukee Bucks. Meantime, Chris Paul led the Phoenix Suns to a second-round sweep of the Denver Nuggets. Jason, Barr, and Lynch discuss the impact these NBA leaders have on the business of pro-ball. Plus, Novak Djokovic won the French Open in a thrilling comeback performance, and Kyle Larson secured victory in the NASCAR All-Star Race. All that and more on this Monday edition of the Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott O’Neil is a man of many hats. As the CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment he oversees the day to day operations of the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, Prudential Center and rest of their business portfolio. None of these roles however, compare to his number one job as devoted husband and father of 3. Scott joins Jason Kelly and Mike Lynch to discuss his new book, Be Where Your Feet Are: The Seven Principles to Keep You Present, Grounded, and Thriving.Jason also talks to incoming Duke athletic director Nina King about her new role and how she plans to replace a sports legend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly, and Mike Lynch discuss the biggest stories this week in the Business of Sports. On today’s podcast, the duo discusses the retirement of Duke men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, possible changes to global tennis and the future of professional boxing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BSE Global CEO John Abbamondi joins Jason, Lynch, and Barr to discuss having fans back at the Barclays Center, the NBA Playoffs, and business during the pandemic. BSE Global owns the Brooklyn Nets, Barclays Center, the New York Liberty, and the Long Island Nets of the NBA G-League.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Embarking on its third season this weekend at Gillette Stadium, the Premier Lacrosse League has a slate of new investors, including the landlord. Patriots owner Robert Kraft is among those joining an already well-known cast of backers (Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai included). Paul and Mike Rabil, the brothers who created the league break down the deal, the merger with the MLL, the media landscape and more with Jason Kelly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NBA veteran Arron Afflalo joins Jason Kelly, Mike Lynch, and Michael Barr to discuss the details behind his bid to acquire the Minnesota Timberwolves, what he learned from the experience, building big-money relationships with investors, and the growth of competitive gaming.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He's one of the most decorated sports agents of all time, representing athletes like Steve Young, Troy Aikman, Lennox Lewis, and more recently Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Leigh Steinberg joins Jason, Lynch, and Barr to discuss Mahomes' record breaking contract extension, Leigh's struggle with alcoholism, and his incredible comeback story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch discuss the biggest stories this week in the Business of Sports. On today’s podcast, the trio speaks with equinox media President Simon Belsham. With retail locations closed during the pandemic, Equinox doubled down on creating high quality, customized content, to keep their members active at home. Simon tells us what they learned over the past year, how the media business compliments their brick and mortar locations and the value in having a full suite of “premium” offerings for it members. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil Mickelson notched another spectacular performance at the PGA Championship, becoming the oldest major champion ever at age 50. That win brought his career prize money to a whopping $94.6 million. Jason, Lynch, and Barr chat about the victory and Phil's jaw-dropping endorsement deals. Plus, fans are back at Madison Square Garden, after a year of empty seats and fake crowd noises. 15,000 roaring Knicks fans were silenced by a slick Trae Young game winner. Finally, Organizers of the Tokyo Olympics are set to decide next month if local spectators will be allowed to attend events, despite push back from the public.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regulatory scrutiny and investor skepticism around special purpose acquisition companies is clearing the way for better deals. That's according to SPAC investor and A-Rod Corp Chairman & CEO, Alex Rodriguez. Jason caught up with the former Major League All-Star to discuss A-Rod's SPAC, Slam Corp., becoming a team owner, and the business of sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2021 PGA Championship tees off at Kiawah Island's windy Ocean Course. Jason, Barr, and Lynch caught up with Seth Waugh, PGA of America CEO, to chat about what to expect from the oceanfront major, the impact of a Tiger-less tournament, and why golf is the answer to the pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch discuss the biggest stories this week in the Business of Sports. On today’s podcast, the trio discusses the new NBA Playoff format, the WNBA’s 25th Anniversary and the booming business of sports collectibles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly, Mike Lynch and Michael Barr start off this week with Atlanta Dream Co-Owner and president Suzanne Abair. She is part of a group that acquired the Dream back in February. With only a few weeks to prepare for the 2021 season she tells us how everything came together. Then we check in with the Golden State Warrior’s Brandon Schneider. He began his career in the Warriors ticket office but has recently been named COO. We find out how the pandemic has effected one of the biggest brands in sports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medina Spirit's Kentucky Derby victory is in jeopardy after failing a post-race drug test, and trainer Bob Baffert is in hot water. Jason, Barr, and Lynch discuss the implications for the sport, and if the allegations have long-lasting impact. Forbes is out with it's 2021 most valuable sports teams list, and the Golden State Warriors ranking might surprise you. Plus, five states are set to allow college athletes to profit from their fame starting on July 1 and the NCAA might (finally!) take action of its own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch discuss the biggest stories this week in the Business of Sports. On today’s podcast, the trio speaks with Seattle Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke. We find out what the team has in store for its inaugural season, how they are preparing for the expansion draft and the possibility of NHL hockey in Alaska.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's no secret that the NFL is one of the most successful sports leagues in the United States, making over $15 billion during the 2019 season. Jason, Barr, and Lynch follow the money with Noel LaMontagne, former NFL offensive lineman and director at Verdence Capital Advisors. They discuss the omnipresent nature of the NFL, the league's lucrative TV deals, and how players are growing their own brands and leveraging their notoriety.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 147th iteration of the Kentucky Derby kicked off over the weekend with Medina Spirit leading trainer Bob Baffert to a record-breaking win. The SEC dominated the selections at the NFL Draft, and Manchester United's U.S. owners find themselves facing more fallout from the failed Super League plan. Jason, Lynch, and a fired-up Barr discuss all that and more on this Monday morning podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kentucky Derby kicks off this weekend and you can bet on seeing fans in the stands. Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen joins Jason, Barr, and Lynch to talk about the business of horse racing, how sports wagering helps the industry, and the importance of the Derby for local business. Bill describes the impact the pandemic has had on the racing economy, and when he sees a full return to normalcy. Plus, we hear from Endeavor Group Holdings CEO Ari Emanuel, discussing the company's initial public offering, and why he thinks Endeavor represents the reopening story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You won't flag down an Uber with your Whoop, but founder and CEO Will Ahmed says if you want health monitoring, it's the best game in town. Will joins Jason, Barr, and Lynch to talk about the booming industry of fitness tracking, the major investors and athletes involved in the business, and how "I feel pretty good today" isn't actually a winning strategy for peak performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's rumbling of an ownership shakeup across the pond, as Spotify’s billionaire founder Daniel Ek is working on a bid to take control of Arsenal F.C. The former owners of the New York Mets, are considering a sale of regional sports network SNY, according to Sportico. Plus, you can expect to see Roger Goodell's famous hugs back at the NFL Draft this year. Jason, Barr, and Lynch give you the hot takes on this Monday morning podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A plan by some of Europe’s biggest soccer clubs to form their own breakaway "Super League" inflamed fans, and sent the world's richest sport into a frenzy. Jason, Barr, and Lynch get the inside scoop with FC Helsingor Chairman & Co-Owner Jordan Gardner, and NBC Sports Premier League Analyst Robbie Mustoe. Plus, Bloomberg UK Finance Reporter Tom Metcalf joins the podcast to break down the role played by JPMorgan Chase & Co.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are few sports that can match the sheer intensity and pure competition of mixed martial arts. The Professional Fighters League is capitalizing on that excitement with some innovative technology to capture and distribute real-time fighter data and analytics. PFL CEO Peter Murray joins Jason, Barr, and Lynch to discuss using Smart Cage and biometric data to enhance the viewing experience, the new partnership with DraftKings, and the process of reaching a global audience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch discuss the biggest stories this week in the Business of Sports. On today’s podcast, the trio discusses the implications of a proposed soccer “Super League”. The controversial plan already has 12 teams committed to playing weekday fixtures this August. From our crew to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, everyone seems to have a strong opinion on what this means in the world of soccer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Reagins, MLB Chief Baseball Development Officer, joins Jason Kelly, Michael Barr, and Mike Lynch to discuss the economics behind the access to youth sports, the legacy of Jackie Robinson and his impact on professional sports and society at large, and the league's decision to move the 2021 All-Star Game out of Atlanta in response to a new Georgia voting law.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Barr and Mike Lynch discuss the biggest stories this week in the Business of Sports. On today’s podcast, they duo discusses the last 100 days to Tokyo 2020. We also learn why the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale may have even more excitement in the near future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sacramento Republic FC is on its way to becoming an expansion Major League Soccer team. Jason, Barr, and Lynch speak with the President and General Manager of Sacramento Republic FC, Todd Dunivant, about the hurdles to achieving that goal, the business opportunities behind professional sports in the city, the logistics of building a new stadium and finding investors, and what's next for Major League Soccer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As golf's most famous tournament tees off in Augusta, Georgia, we dive into the complicated history and current events surrounding arguably the most exclusive club of any kind in the world. Bloomberg Atlanta bureau chief Brett Pulley joins to talk about his piece exploring the power, money and racial politics that have always pervaded Augusta National. He notes that recent protests in Georgia around voting rights have only reminded us how seemingly vulnerable -- but ultimately immune -- the home of The Masters is to the outside world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.