Bloomberg Business of Sports

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.

Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch discuss the biggest stories this week in the Business of Sports. On today’s podcast they talk John Levy, Founder and CEO of the Score. The team discusses the current state of online gambling, as more municipalities open the doors to new revenue streams. We also preview masters ahead of Thursday’s first round. 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, they talk about a successful Opening Day weekend and Major League Baseball’s decision to relocate this summer’s All Star Game away from the state of George. We also preview Jason’s Quicktake series “How Atlanta Sports Changed U.S. Politics”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boston Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy joins us on the show. We cover all things Red Sox and Covid-19. He walks us though the new safety measures implement at Fenway Park, how the 2021 Sox look on the field and how they are recovering financially after 2020. Sam also demands that Lynchie start paying for a ticket if he wants to enter Fenway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hall of Famer Derek Jeter has a lot coming across his desk as CEO of the Miami Marlins. Fresh off a playoff appearance last season, the Yankee great-turned-CEO is continuing to turn around what's happening on the field, and on the income statement. Jason Kelly speaks with Jeter and LoanDepot founder and CEO Anthony Hsieh about the deal to name Marlins Park for the lender. They also discuss marketing to the South Florida fan, changes in the game of baseball and what Jeter's learned moving from player to boss.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, they talk about the possible unintended consequences of an NFL 17-week season. Michael Barr’s “Sunday” Dayton 500 may be a causality. We also discuss the NCAA tournament’s success as they close in on the finish line, along with the prospects of those athletes earning a paycheck. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indiana and basketball go hand-in-hand, and a native son is now guiding his home-state's most versatile sports facility through the NCAA Tournament in Indianapolis. Lucas Oil Stadium Director Eric Neuburger explains how to safely hold March Madness during the pandemic, the local economy's reliance on major sporting events, and lessons learned from working inside the IU athletic department. Plus, Washington Football Team owner Daniel Snyder looks to consolidate his power, and an officiating controversy hits the NHL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Devin Gordon joins the show to talk about his new book, So Many Ways to Lose: The Amazin' True Story of the New York Mets—The Best Worst Team in Sports. He talks about the inspiration for the book, the agony and ecstasy of rooting for an oft-losing, but sometimes winning, franchise and takes stock of the Wilpon era, the Madoff connection, and the prospects under new ownership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NCAA's biggest annual moneymaker looks and sounds different in its Indy incarnation, but the drama is still there. Thanks to Sister Jean and Loyola Chicago and Oral Roberts, lots of brackets are busted. And social media busted the NCAA for its dramatically unequal treatment of the women's tournament in San Antonio, when it comes to facilities. Plus, we pay tribute to the late Dick Hoyt, who brought heart, charity and attention to marathons in Boston and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's nothing quite like seeing a suplex along with thousands of roaring fans by your side. Well, the pandemic may have quashed that for awhile, but WWE WrestleMania 37 promises to bring some of that excitement back. Jason, Barr, and Lynch caught up with Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer, to discuss the business of sports entertainment during a health crisis, the new streaming deal with Peacock, and what's next for the wrestling organization under Vince McMahon's leadership. Plus, the NFL signs a $105 Billion television deal with various networks and Amazon takes Thursday night football. The team was joined by co-host of Bloomberg Markets and Bloomberg Surveillance Paul Sweeney to discuss this massive deal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nostalgia meets technology with a new way to trade sports cards -- a far cry from playground swaps or Lynchie's prized collection getting tossed by his dad. We check in with Alt founder and CEO Leore Avidar, who's won big-name backing (including Kevin Durant, Alexis Ohanian) for a platform meant to bring transparency and predictability to a booming market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Madison Square Garden better learn to remember this man. Patrick Ewing made a triumphant return to his NYC home, taking his Georgetown Hoyas back to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2015. Drew Brees, the NFL's all-time leader in career passing yards, has retired, leaving a massive void for the New Orleans Saints to fill. Plus, Cam Newton returns to the Patriots. Mike Lynch suspends his disbelief, and breaks down the logistics of the quarterback's one-year contract.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fans, like sports, have changed forever owing to the pandemic, and Angela Ruggiero, CEO and co-founder of Sports Innovation Lab, has the data to prove it. Plus join Jason Kelly, Mike Lynch and Michael Barr as they breakdown Dak Prescott's monster deal with the Cowboys, the NBA All-Star game's disappointing ratings and the Texas Rangers are opening their stadium to full capacity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fans, like sports, have changed forever owing to the pandemic, and Angela Ruggiero, CEO and co-founder of Sports Innovation Lab, has the data to prove it. The Olympian and hockey Hall of Famer joins to talk about what her group has dubbed the 'Fluid Fan' and how teams are adapting to meet us where we are. She delves into why English football clubs out-innovate most American sports teams and an effort to up the profile and consumption of women's sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NBA All-Star Game carried on this past weekend, despite push back from some top players. Jason, Barr, and Lynch discuss the economics of the star-studded event, amid opposition from some athletes. Meanwhile, it's International Women's Day, and Maia Chaka has made history as the first Black woman ever named to the NFL's officiating staff. Plus, there's a new platform elevating women's voices. World Cup champion Alex Morgan has teamed up with a bevy of decorated athletes to form TOGETHXR, a media and commerce company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professional sports across the board had a tough 2020. Well, it was no different for the Bronx Bombers, Major League Baseball's largest revenue generator. Jason, Barr, and Lynch caught up with the President of the New York Yankees, Randy Levine, to talk about what to expect for opening day, the financial situation coming into a fresh season, and the upcoming collective bargaining agreement. Plus, they talk about a Bloomberg Businessweek story that has the sneakerhead community buzzing over the resignation of a senior Nike executive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NBA Hall of Famer, gold medal-winning Olympian, and Georgetown Hoyas Head Coach Patrick Ewing joins the podcast to talk about the legacy of fellow hall of famer and Georgetown Hoyas coach, John Thompson. Ewing speaks with Jason and Lynch about the impact Thompson had on his career, professional sports, and society at large. They also talk about the difficulties of coaching and recruiting during the pandemic, and Ewing weighs in on the New York City Mayoral race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stef Strack built a career at Nike and Rag & Bone understanding the intersection of sport, apparel, lifestyle and culture, especially for women. With Voice in Sport, she's taking it to a new level, combining membership and mentorship. On the first day of Women's History Month, Strack joins the show to talk about the broken economics of collegiate sports, the potential to unlock new markets at the youth level and lobbying Washington for new rules.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever stood on a youth soccer sideline with a whistle, befuddled? There's an app for that. Legendary media executive Ben Sherwood has launched a new company, Mojo, aimed at the youth sports market, leveraging his experience running TV networks into an all-too-familiar pain point. He joins Jason and Mike to break down the business case, and weigh in on the ever-changing media landscape. Plus, the guys catch up with Gerry Smith to talk about the business of Tiger Woods as the star recovers from his accident and hear from Alex Rodriguez about his new adventures in the world of SPACs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 11 years in the NFL, Ndamukong Suh finally has his championship ring, and his ambitions off the field are similarly super-sized. He's methodically built a sprawling portfolio of assets, notably in real estate and hospitality, carefully cultivating relationships with some of the best-known investors of our time. He talks with Jason Kelly and Mike Lynch about advice from Warren Buffett, shadowing Stephen Ross and teaming up with private equity and venture capital firms, all while thinking about the next contract negotiation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pandemic just accelerated the way reporters and journalists gain access to athletes and coaches and changes how sports is now consumed. Jon Wertheim has seen his fair share of sports moments and stories working for Sports Illustrated. And this past year has been no different.He joined Michael Barr and Mike Lynch to discuss changes within the industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Never in his wildest dreams could he have expected this. He trained and put the work in and Michael McDowell still can't believe it. Its a dream come true as he is crowned Daytona 500 champion. McDowell joined Michael Barr and Mike Lynch to discuss what its like winning the "The Super Bowl of Racing" and the long journey he took to get here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NBA All-Star and two-time champion Pau Gasol was never your typical pro ball player. Now, with lessons learned on and off the court, he's directing his attention to investments to make us better at being humans. He joins Jason, Mike and Michael to talk about his goals, getting back on the court and to the Olympics, and the deep influence Kobe had on him as a player and a man.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the Super Bowl comes the Super Bowl of racing. It's the Daytona 500! NASCAR President Steve Phelps joined the team to discuss the new season and lessons learned from 2020, when NASCAR was one of the first sports to return to action after shutting down due to the pandemic. He touches on the technology that has transformed the sport and how the sport continues to push to be more inclusive, at the fan level as well as with team ownership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NASCAR was one of the first sports to return after COVID-19 struck last year. The sport has gone through numerous changes over the years as it relates to sponsorships and safety implementations. Driver Kevin Harvick joined Michael Barr to discuss how they were able to navigate last season and how he is preparing for Daytona 500 this Sunday. They touched on the 20-year anniversary of Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s passing. He also discussed his sports agency KHI and its foray into MMA fighting and golf.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.