Bloomberg Business of Sports

Former WNBA Champion and Four-time All-Star Alana Beard says her new job is a lot like being a rookie again. After 16 years in the league, she's moved to Silicon Valley and the world of venture capital and it's competitive in a very different way. She talks with Jason Kelly and Mike Lynch about her early business ventures (including a pizza joint) and reckoning as a Black woman with what may be a monumental moment in racial justice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Levien, who once led the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, is all in on soccer these days. After buying a stake in MLS club DC United, he was able to deliver a brand new soccer-specific facility in the nation's capital, resisting the easier move to the suburbs. He sits down with Jason Kelly and Mike Lynch to talk about how he got the stadium got built, the effect Covid-19 has had across his business and how a summer tournament in Orlando may be the moment soccer in America has been waiting for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You'll be able to hear a tennis ball drop in Flushing Meadows this Labor Day, as the U.S. Open will go ahead, but no fans on site. USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center chief operating officer Danny Zausner joins Jason Kelly and Mike Lynch to discuss how a major event on the tennis (and New York) calendar will look and feel. Zausner also talks about the economic implications of a spectator-less tournament, broadcast innovations and sponsors, and what the players can expect when they arrive in Queens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomberg Opinion's Jonathan Bernstein ponders the idea of President Trump taking action to solve the off-the-field drama between MLB and its players union to bring back America's pastime. We'll discuss his latest column, the current state of negotiations and which team he's rooting for once we get back to the diamond. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billy Andrade went two months without touching a club, but he's back on the course in his Atlanta neighborhood, getting ready for the Champions Tour to resume later this summer. Andrade joins Jason Kelly and Mike Lynch to discuss the state of sports amid the Covid-19 crisis, learning from the PGA's restart, his charitable work bringing golf to under-served communities and how TV taught him how to have more fun playing the game. Plus, Jason and Mike take him back to the early 90s, when he burst onto the scene as one of the most thoughtful and fun players on the Tour, and discuss the differences between golf fans in his native Northeast and his adopted South.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sports world continues to react and adapt as calls for social justice echo across the world. NASCAR announced earlier this week that it will ban the Confederate flag throughout its organization. One driver has already announced his plans to retire from the sport over the news. Bloomberg TV's Erik Schatzker stops by to discuss his interview with Apollo's Josh Harris, after it was disclosed he was weighing a bid for the NY Mets. We also talk with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan about the tours return to play in Texas this weekend, the steps they’ve taken to ensure participants' safety and diversity outreach within the golf community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly and Mike Lynch discuss the ongoing -- and incredibly public -- negotiations between Major League Baseball and its players association regarding terms for the abbreviated 2020 season, and the difficulty America’s pastime might face going head to head with the NBA’s return. Also discussed is the PGA Tour, which is set to restart in Texas this week, and UFC star Conor McGregor’s retirement (again) from mixed martial arts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hall of Famer and Super Bowl MVP Terrell Davis has some things to say about this turbulent world, through the lens of a businessman, philanthropist and father. In a timely and frank conversation with Jason Kelly and Mike Lynch, Davis -- co-founder of the CBD product company Defy -- recalls early encounters with the police in his native San Diego, the NFL's decision to reverse its stance on player protests, the future of Colin Kaepernick, helping himself and former players alleviate pain, and how he hopes his legacy transcends anything he accomplished on the football field.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer for Monumental Sports and Entertainment, joins Jason Kelly and Mike Lynch to discuss the gradual return of live sporting events, and the opportunities ahead for broadcast enhancement. Monumental, one of the leading names in sports and entertainment, owns and operates the Washington Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics. Van Stone discusses his support for players’ social activism, getting involved in Esports, and the importance of maintaining fan engagement during the lockdown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly and Mike Lynch discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including a proposal by N.B.A. owners for a July 31st season restart. They also discuss the controversial comments made by star quarterback Drew Brees, regarding players kneeling during the national anthem. Brees’s comments prompted backlash from teammates and athletes across other pro sports, as protests over the death of George Floyd grip the nation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before he started Bruin Sports Capital, George Pyne learned about sports, and sports fans, by building the modern NASCAR as chief operating officer, as well as at the right hand of Ted Forstmann, as president of IMG Sports and Entertainment. In this conversation with Jason Kelly (recorded in late May), Pyne reflects on how the experience of sports may change, the economic impact of seasons without spectators and investing in the future of fandom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch talk about how athletes and teams have responded to violent protests across the country, and the historical role sports has played in times of civil unrest. The trio also discusses the ongoing -- and still contentious -- negotiations between Major League Baseball's players and team owners, and the increasingly real possibility of no season. They also celebrate the novel approach the Orlando Magic is taking to youth camps in the age of virus lockdown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In less than a decade, Rich Paul has emerged as one of the most influential voices in the world of sports. Starting with no less than LeBron James, Paul has expanded his representation not just in the NBA (adding the likes of Anthony Davis), but more recently into Major League Baseball and the NFL (repping the No. 2 and No. 3 picks in the most recent draft). In a candid conversation with Jason Kelly, Paul talks about the immediate future of sports, what he's telling his athletes in this upside-down world and what it felt like to leave a dream job and go out on his own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch discuss the latest in the business of sports, including the Pensacola Blue Wahoos plan to post their stadium on Airbnb. We find out exactly how the crew would spend a night in their personal field of dreams. We also discuss Major Leagues Soccer's return to play tournament in Orlando and the financial challenges NCAA athletic departments face this fall. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch discuss the latest in the business of sports, including how a shorts-clad foursome of actual pros and quarterbacks put on the most-watched golf game in history. The Match II was a delight to starved sports fans around the world. We also discuss the NHL’s 24 team, two-city restart plan along with the protracted, controversial negotiations between Major League Baseball and its players union.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two decades of building a business at the nexus of technology and fitness have taught Rick Stollmeyer a lot, but nothing prepared him, or his customers for what the pandemic has wrought. He sees a world where a quarter of boutique studios go out of business, and also a population that values health and wellness more than ever. In a wide-ranging conversation with Jason Kelly, he talks about everything from Jane Fonda to Peloton to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and what all of that tells us about the way forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sheltering in place means not going out to work. It also means not going to work out. So how does fitness come back? Limited hours, expanded sanitation, personal protective equipment… getting fit is going to look a lot different, at the club, and in your home. We talk with two of the largest names in industry, Planet Fitness CEO Chris Rondeau and Equinox Executive Chairman Harvey Spevak. Plus our panel discusses the tale of 3 sports… NASCAR is back. Plus the NBA is on the verge of a restart while America's pastime deals with an economic showdown between players and owners. Our shake and bake team, Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch dissect it all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly sits down with Bloomberg Opinion Columnist Joe Nocera to talk NCAA athletics and the reopening of educational intuitions. He's the host of megahit soon to be a movie podcast The Shrink Next Door, Author, Indentured: The Battle to End the Exploitation of College Athletes, Also "All The Devils are Here: The Hidden History of the Financial Crisis" and many other books. Joe tells us why he believes, many universities might be open for business this fall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Major League Baseball inching toward something resembling a season, we check in with agent Rachel Luba to see how top players are taking stock of their options. Luba’s been a notable disruptor in the world of representation -- her deft handling of Trevor Bauer’s $17.5 million contract with the Reds brought her notice, as did her certification as the only female MLBPA agent. She talked with Jason Kelly about the latest in talks between players and owners about the proposed season, public pressure to play and the lasting effects of this upside-down year. Luba, a former competitive gymast, also spoke about building her reputation in the largely male world of baseball, using the shift to algos to her advantage and creating a new business model in the talent world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He negotiated a contract with Sammy Sosa and helped grow AOL into a juggernaut. Now Donn Davis -- a co-founder of private equity firm Revolution Growth with his old boss Steve Case -- is the chairman of the Professional Fighters League, as well as a backer of an e-sports team and a media investor. He tells Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch how the PFL is working through its hiatus and its plans for returning in 2021 (hint: it involves cameras on the cage on the ref's hat). Plus, our panel discusses the latest XLF legal Smackdown between CEO Oliver Luck and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, Florida opening itself to sports and ESPN’s upcoming Tiger Woods documentary.Hosts: Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike LynchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch discuss the latest in the business of sports, including the negotiations behind getting baseball back on the diamond. MLB owners and the players union are at odds over, you guessed it, money. Is it a question of economics, fairness, or patriotism? Also: the trials and tribulations of the sports agent in the age of coronavirus as Endeavor falters, and why George Soros is betting on DraftKings.Hosts: Jason Kelly, Michael Barr and Mike LynchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eben Novy-Williams, Jason Kelly and Mike Lynch discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including new developments in Zion Williamson's legal battle with his one-time marketing agent. New filings have added to the suspicion around the former Duke star's adherence to NCAA rules, and is also reigniting a broader conversation around college athletes and their compensation while in school. Also discussed is the return of UFC and what it might say about other sports, and the surprising results of an antibody study across Major League Baseball.Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams, Jason Kelly and Mike LynchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Reigle, CEO of Formula E, joins Eben Novy-Williams, Michael Barr and Jason Kelly to discuss how the electric car racing circuit is handling the cancellation of events due to the coronavirus pandemic. Formula E held a handful of races earlier this year before its season was put on hold. In the meantime, the circuit has been organizing virtual races with drivers and celebrities. A long-time sports executive who's worked for Manchester United and the Los Angeles Rams, Reigle discusses similarities across sports, and some of the unique aspect of the car-racing world. He also talks about Formula E's mission to advance the conversation around climate change and help speed up the adoption of everyday electric vehicles.Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams, Michael Barr, Jason KellySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr are joined by Bloomberg’s New York City bureau chief Jason Kelly to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including an NFL memo to all 32 teams laying out its refund policy should the 2020 season be disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The league will allow fans a full refund, or future credit, for any game that is cancelled or held without spectators because of public health concerns. Alongside the cancellation of this season's international games, and pay cuts at the league office, the refund policy shows increased contingency planning by the country's richest sports league. Also discussed is the Premier Lacrosse League's plan to hold a 15-day, fully-quarantined event at the end of July, and the Walt Disney Co.'s much-anticipated earnings report, which provided the first glimpse of how ESPN is handling this period without live sports.Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr are joined by Bloomberg’s New York City bureau chief Jason Kelly to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including details about how the NFL’s Miami Dolphins may change Hard Rock Stadium to have it ready for fans this fall. The plan includes specific entrance times on tickets, and a new sequence for emptying the stadium, row by row, to avoid a crunch of crowds before and after games. The stadium, which seats 65,000 might be down to just 15,000 with all of the guidelines, according to the team, raising all sorts of difficult questions about how to price a much smaller assortment of tickets, and how to keep fans interested in a very different in-game experience. Also talked about is the growing number of colleges that say they expect to have students on campus this fall -- a prerequisite for college football -- and a shocking legal ruling in the U.S. national women’s soccer team’s equal pay lawsuit.Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angela Ruggiero, co-founder and CEO of Sports Innovation Lab, joins Eben Novy-Williams, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch to discuss how leagues and teams should re-think their engagement with their fans. Ruggiero works a number of the biggest brands in sports, and discusses not only how teams should be using technology to reach fans during lockdowns, but also how they can use the quiet period to ready their stadiums or arenas for the new reality once sports resume. That includes a thorny discussion that's likely to arise over privacy, as teams and leagues think about what's needed to secure the health and safety of fans in their buildings. A four-time Olympian and former IOC member, Ruggiero also discusses the postponement of the 2020 Summer Games, how athletes helped drive that discussion and the viability of the games taking place next summer in Tokyo.Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams, Michael Barr, Mike LynchProducer: Charlie VollmerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr are joined by longtime Boston radio personality Mike Lynch to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including a new report that many English Premier League players are wary of the efforts to restart games. Here in the U.S. President Donald Trump's White House has been speaking often with executives from the major leagues and tours, but we've heard less from the athletes themselves. Any conversation about resuming play, when and how, will have to involve them more broadly. Also talked about is the NFL's extension of its streaming deal with Amazon, which includes an exclusive game in each of the next three seasons, and the NCAA taking another major step toward letting college athletes market themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr are joined by longtime Boston radio personality Mike Lynch to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including lessons from Taiwan's top professional baseball league, which just finished the first week of its regular season. The teams in Taiwan are playing in empty stadiums, with mannequins, rock music and robot drummers helping enhance the atmosphere. All told there are 150-200 people in the stadium at one time, and players are allowed to live with their families -- though the league has said it will halt play if one person associated with the game tests positive. Also talked about is UFC's new plan to host three events in Florida in early May, and Roger Federer adding his voice to the chorus of people who think the men's and women's tennis tours should combine their business interests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NBA agent Happy Walters joins Eben Novy-Williams, Michael Barr and Mike Lynch to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the growing trend of elite high school players eschewing the NCAA for more lucrative pro offers. RJ Hampton, one of Walters's clients, chose to play in New Zealand last year and made over $1 million in salary and sponsorships. Co-founder and CEO of Catalyst Sports & Media, Walters also talks about the financial impacts of this suspended NBA season. That includes a reduced salary cap, and discussions about possibly spreading out that damage over multiple seasons.Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr are joined by longtime Boston radio personality Mike Lynch to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including Rob Gronkowski's surprise return to the NFL. The five-time Pro Bowl tight end will be reuniting with quarterback Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The news made the NFL once again the center of the sports world during a slow time, and cements Tampa Bay's status as one of the most intriguing teams in the league this year. Also talked about is a potential deal between MLB and minor league baseball that could see 42 teams lose their affiliation, and the upcoming NFL Draft, which will be held remotely using 180 different live feeds from around the country.Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr are joined by longtime Boston radio personality Mike Lynch to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including this weekend's debut of ESPN's new documentary about Michael Jordan, "The Last Dance." ESPN sped up production of the 10-part series so that it could fill some of the programming void left by the absence of live sports, and the show's success ratings-wise will shed light on just how much ESPN can do to keep sports fan engaged during the Covid-19 pandemic. Also talked about is the NBA's development league becoming a more viable alternative for elite high school basketball players, and the various ways that different colleges are starting to address expected revenue loss due to the virus.Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Charles VollmerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle McKenna, the NFL's Chief Information Officer, joins Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including next week's NFL Draft, which will be conducted and broadcast digitally. Featuring over a 100 different feeds from NFL coaches, GMs, fans and prospects, the draft telecast will be a totally unique experience for those participating and those watching at home. McKenna discusses the thousands of dollars of equipment shipped to each of the 58 draft prospects who will be on camera, plus the other intricacies of putting the event together at a time of remote working and social distancing. She also talks about what aspects of the telecast may become a feature of future drafts even when they are back to being held in person.Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Charlie VollmerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including plans by some sports teams in Asia and Europe to put mannequins in their stands as replacements for fans. Germany soccer club Borussia Monchengladbach is letting fans buy cardboard cutouts with their own photos, to show their support from afar. The efforts serve two purposes -- to keep fans engaged, and to liven the atmosphere if games resume without spectators. Also discussed is President Donald Trump's new 'Opening the Country' council, which is full of sports commissioners and owners, and an ugly incident over the weekend involving Nascar driver Kyle Larson, who used a racial slur on an open mic while competing in an iRacing event.Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Charles VollmerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the XFL shuttering operations after less than one full season. The professional football league launched this year by Vince McMahon got about halfway through its inaugural season before it stopped playing games due to the coronavirus outbreak. It was hit doubly by the virus -- with games being unplayable and McMahon's main asset, WWE, also falling under financial stress. Also talked about is Walt Disney Co.'s role in the UFC abandoning its plans to hold upcoming events on tribal land in California, and reports about NBA executives and medial personnel discussing a potential 25-day program for getting players ready to play once games can be held again.Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Charlie VollmerRunning time 15:07See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danny Zausner, COO of the facility that hosts the U.S. Open tennis tournament, joins Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including how different parts of the National Tennis Center are being used in New York City's fight against the coronavirus outbreak. One of the venue's main stadiums is being used to package meals, and an indoor training area is being repurposed into a temporary hospital with hundreds of beds. The facilities were offered free of charge, in what Zausner called an "easy' decision. He also discusses the United States Tennis Association's plans for the U.S. Open, which remains on schedule for the end of the summer, and how revenue from that event helps fund tennis programs and youth initiatives year-round.Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr are joined by longtime Boston radio personality Mike Lynch to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the UFC's decision to host an event in two weeks on tribal land in California. Like many in the sports world, UFC is likely feeling financial pressure to host events in some capacity so that viewers can watch them from their couches. UFC is owned by talent agency and media giant Endeavor, and a pair of private equity firms. Also talked about is a lawsuit filed by minority owners of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who say they're being illegally forced to sell their small stakes in the team, and a bizarre sequence from Tuesday night when FanDuel briefly posted, then removed, betting odds on the 2020 presidential election for its gambling clients in West Virginia.Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr are joined by longtime Boston radio personality Mike Lynch to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including this weekend's conference call between President Donald Trump and the commissioners of the country's largest sports leagues. According to the White House and reporting from ESPN, Trump told them he wanted to have fans back in stadiums and arenas around August, and suggested that the NFL season should start on time in September. He also raised the idea of the leagues working together to lobby for entertainment tax incentives that were lost in 2017-18 tax reform. Also talked about is the UFC's plan to host its April 18 event at a secret location yet to be announced, and the NBA 2K Players Tournament, airing on ESPN, in which NBA stars compete against each other in video games.Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Complexity Gaming co-founder and CEO Jason Lake joins Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including how esports is able to continue holding matches while the rest of the global sports calendar has ground to a halt. Part-owned by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Complexity Gaming is based out of the Cowboys' massive real estate development in Frisco, Texas. Lake talks about how the professional gaming industry might draw new fans as a result of the pandemic. He also discusses providing support for athletes who are competing from their homes, how sports broadcasters can best fill the void in their schedules, and how economics is changing the way people in esports think about the length of a pro career.Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the NFL's announcement of broadcast partners for its two additional playoff games this season. One of the games, a Sunday afternoon game awarded to CBS, will also be broadcast live on ViacomCBS-owned Nickelodeon in a youth-centric telecast. Also talked about is sports-streaming startup DAZN's decision to stop paying sports league for games that have been postponed due to coronavirus, believed to be a first in the broadcast world. And also discussed is the PGA Tour giving cash advances to golfers, which will be deducted from their payouts at the end of the year.Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the possibility that Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson might play a mic’d up round of golf amid a total shutdown of sports programming. A fan on Twitter asked Mickelson about the possibility of playing a mic’d up round with Tiger Woods to give sports fans something to watch amid the Coronavirus shutdown. Mickelson responded with, “working on it.” The two did something similar in 2018, playing a round on pay-per-view with a $9 million purse on the line. Also talked about is New York Knicks and Rangers owner Jim Dolan’s decision to pay arena workers during the shutdown, joining the likes of Florida Panthers owner Vinnie Viola. Dolan has tested positive for the virus, MSG said, noting that he has developed few symptoms and is in self-isolation. And also discussed is how the NFL, NBA and Big 3 are going about returning to play.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroTo contact the reporters on this story:Scott Soshnick in New York at [email protected];Eben Novy-Williams in New York at [email protected];Michael Barr in New York at [email protected] contact the editor responsible for this story:Scott Soshnick at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the dearth of programming available to sports networks like ESPN amid the virus-related shutdown of professional leagues like the National Basketball Association, National Hockey League and Major League Baseball, which would normally be celebrating opening day. The hosts also offer ESPN some unsolicited advice on what kinds of programming would be attractive to much its audience stuck at home. Also discussed is how some pro sports teams owners, many of them billionaires, are handling the shutdown in terms of their workforces. Most recently, Delaware North, which is controlled by Boston Bruins billionaire owner Jeremy Jacobs, said it was putting 68 full-time salaried associates on temporary leave with one week of paid leave and eight weeks of benefits. Other employees would be required to take an indefinite salary reduction.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroTo contact the reporters on this story:Scott Soshnick in New York at [email protected];Eben Novy-Williams in New York at [email protected];Michael Barr in New York at [email protected] contact the editor responsible for this story:Scott Soshnick at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the different ways sports teams and arenas are treating their salaried employees and hourly workers. Some teams are fully compensating them for games not held, while others are having layoffs and cutting pay. Josh Harris, the billionaire co-owner of the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers recently reversed course on a plan to cut the pay of salaried team employees, saying it was the "wrong decision." Also talked about is Steve Ballmer's $400 million agreement to buy the Forum in Los Angeles, a deal that clears a major legal hurdle for a new arena for his Clippers, and the much anticipated decision to postpone the Olympics to some point in 2021.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the National Football League’s decision to push forward with negotiations aimed at completing new media rights deals amid the coronavirus outbreak. The NFL will soon embark on talks with the incumbents, who pay handsomely for the most popular programming on television. The NFL’s existing contract with ESPN ends after the 2021 season. The Walt Disney Co. unit pays about $1.9 billion annually for “Monday Night Football.” The league’s broadcast deals with the other networks -- CBS, NBC and fox -- wind down after the 2022 campaign. Disney, Comcast and ViacomCBS have lost about $46 billion in market cap since the NBA suspended games because of the pandemic. Also talked about is the increasing likelihood that the Tokyo Olympics will be postponed, and Nascar’s broadcast of its eNascar iRacing Pro Invitational Series race on FS1 over the weekend. The race was held on iRacing’s simulation platform, giving sports fans something to watch during the virus shutdown of games.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Bob BraggSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Syracuse University sports management professor Rick Burton joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including what sports management means during a prolonged absence of sporting events. Burton, a former commissioner of the Australian Basketball League and an ex-chief commercial officer of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, discusses a wide-range of topics, including whether the Olympics will be canceled and how much influence the athletes, and NBC, which shows the games in the U.S., have over the decison-making process. Burton also talks about the media business with no games being played, including how ESPN is reacting to live games disappearing from its air, and what sorts of creative things teams themselves can do to keep a link to their fans during the shutdown. Burton also talks about esports and sports betting, and how each industry is affected. He also discusses what it’s like to teach a college course on sports management when there’s no one on campus and no games games being played.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Colin TiptonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady reportedly nearing a deal to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady is a rare athlete whose free agency can alter the business landscape of a whole league, and his move to Tampa should swing merchandise sales, ticket sales, betting lines and TV ratings. Also discussed is the NBA increasing its credit line to $1.2 billion amid uncertainty over how long the coronavirus pandemic might disrupt business. Also talked about is the growing drumbeat to cancel or postpone the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which organizers say will go on as planned.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the NFL's new long-term labor accord. Despite vocal opposition from some big-name stars, NFL players voted narrowly to accept the new CBA, insuring a decade of labor peace that will let the league turn its attention to negotiating billions in new TV deals. Also talked about is the myriad ways the coronavirus pandemic is upending U.S. sports, beyond just the cancellation of games. They include stadium construction, media networks, ticket companies, gambling houses, hourly arena workers, college administrators, and plenty more.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including ramifications of the NBA’s decision to suspend its regular season because of the coronavirus. The league took the unprecedented step of halting its regular season after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the virus, which has been labeled a pandemic. Also talked about is sponsor reaction to U.S. Soccer’s take on the women’s national team, and Roger Federer getting the rights to his signature RF logo, which had stayed with Nike after the tennis great moved on to represent Uniqlo. In the second half of the show former Madison Square Garden Chief Executive Officer Hank Ratner discusses media and technology in sports. He also talks about the necessity of catering to the customer.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroTo contact the reporters on this story:Scott Soshnick in New York at [email protected];Eben Novy-Williams in New York at [email protected];Michael Barr in New York at [email protected] contact the editor responsible for this story:Scott Soshnick at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including Rob Gronkowski reportedly being close to a deal with the WWE. According to Fox Sports, which has a broadcast contract with the wrestling behemoth, the former New England Patriots tight end is nearing a deal that could have him competing as soon as March 20 at a Friday Night Smackdown event. Gronk, as he’s known, retired from the NFL a year ago. He appeared at WrestleMania 33 in 2017. Also talked about is CBS’s decision to keep betting information out of its telecasts of the NCAA basketball tournaments. The event, known as March Madness, is widely bet upon. Also discussed is the rapidly changing situation involving the coronavirus, which may prompt major sports leagues to play games without fans, relocate games or even cancel them.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroTo contact the reporters on this story:Scott Soshnick in New York at [email protected];Eben Novy-Williams in New York at [email protected];Michael Barr in New York at [email protected] contact the editor responsible for this story:Scott Soshnick at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the PGA Tour’s new media rights deals with NBC, CBS and ESPN, which will show events on its streaming service, ESPN+. Network coverage remains with CBS and NBC. The nine-year deal begins in 2022, and will pay the Tour about $7 billion, a hefty rights increase from its current agreement. Also talked about is the continuing effect of the coronavirus on sports. Most recently, the tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, one of the sport’s biggest events outside of the four majors, was canceled because of the outbreak. Qualifying matches were scheduled to begin today. And also discussed is Atlanta Hawks Chief Executive Officer Steve Koonin’s suggestion that the league begin its season in December, two months later than it currently does. That way, Koonin said, the NBA wouldn’t compete for attention with the NFL.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroTo contact the reporters on this story:Scott Soshnick in New York at [email protected];Eben Novy-Williams in New York at [email protected];Michael Barr in New York at [email protected] contact the editor responsible for this story:Scott Soshnick at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Richard Peddie joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the wide-ranging effect the coronavirus might have on major professional sports teams and leagues. Peddie was running the parent company of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors and NHL’s Maple Leafs when the SARS outbreak hit. Peddie talks about the myriad financial implications of playing games without fans, a precaution already being taken in Italy, and what teams can do to mitigate financial loss. Peddie also talks about the media landscape surrounding sports, and whether leagues will continue to reap windfalls from media companies like Disney and its ESPN unit.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroTo contact the reporters on this story:Scott Soshnick in New York at [email protected];Eben Novy-Williams in New York at [email protected];Michael Barr in New York at [email protected] contact the editor responsible for this story:Scott Soshnick at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.