Bloomberg Business of Sports

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including what the future holds for New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady after his defending Super Bowl champions were eliminated from the NFL playoffs in the wild-card round. Brady, 42, is a free agent, and his future with the only club he’s ever known is in doubt. Patriots owner Bob Kraft’s “hope and prayer” is that Brady re-signs with the Patriots or retires. Also discussed is the Professional Bull Riders newest sponsorship with a gun-rights group and college football programs pushing back at having to buy all those tickets for their bowl games.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Rich TruemanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Syracuse University 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 a look back at the biggest stories of 2019: The rise of sports betting and its affect on the industry, as well as China’s relationship with leagues and teams in the wake of Daryl Morey’s tweet. Also discussed was the future of the NCAA as more states push for student athletes to be able to benefit from their names, images and likenesses. The chat also includes a look ahead to 2020 and what stories may arise as the biggest of the year.See 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 legacy of former National Basketball Association Commissioner David Stern, who died at the age of 77. Stern served as the league’s commissioner for 30 years, stepping aside in 2014 after helping to make the NBA a global sports and entertainment powerhouse. Also discussed is the college football national championship game between Louisiana State University and Clemson University. The football programs generate about the same amount of revenue but differ widely on profit. And also discussed is the sale of On Location Experiences from investors that include Bruin Sports Capital and RedBird Capital to Endeavor -- the talent agency and media business led by Ari Emanuel -- for $660 million. The NFL will remain an investor in the business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the final weekend of the National Football League’s regular season. The New England Patriots loss to the Miami Dolphins means their Super Bowl title defense will begin on wild-card weekend. And San Francisco’s win over Seattle gives the 49ers home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Also discussed is the college football championship game between Clemson and Louisiana State. Surprisingly, Clemson makes far less money than the other teams that qualified for the playoff -- LSU, Ohio State and Oklahoma. There are a number of reasons for the shortfall, including ticket sales, media money and higher expenses. The title game in New Orleans features two star quarterbacks: Joe Burrow at LSU and Trevor Lawrence of Clemson. Also discussed is whether Lawrence should play next season and risk injury or sit out and prepare for the 2021 NFL draft.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wake Forest University Athletic Director John Currie joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to talk about the business of college football’s bowl season. A longtime college administrator who has held the top athletic job at three different schools, Currie breaks down the ways in which colleges spend money, and make money, at a postseason bowl game. Wake Forrest plays Michigan State in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 27th, and the team spent the entire week in New York. Currie discusses the myth schools make a lot of money on bowl games, breaking down the cost of travel, food and lodging for the school’s contingent of players, coaches, admins and family members (Flights up to New York, for example, cost $280,000). Currie also discusses possible changes to the NCAA’s amateurism model, and the expectation that at some point soon, athletes will be able to market themselves and make money while playing college sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including reports that Nike's Jordan brand is close to signing Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic to a sneaker deal. The 20-year-old Slovenian is dominating the NBA in his second season, with eight triple-doubles. His success and popularity abroad are likely driving up the value for his sneaker endorsements. Also talked about is them growing cost of the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. The host committee recently raised its official budget to $12.6 billion, with a different estimate saying to total cost will be more than $26 billion. Also discussed is the complex three-way deal that sports gambling company DraftKings will use to go public sometime in 2020.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patricof Co. founder Mark Patricof joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the stereotype of athletes going broke in big numbers. The son of Greycroft founder Alan Patricof, he founded a specialized merchant bank designed to meet the needs of a select group of athletes and sports professionals backed by J.P. Morgan Private Equity Group. His clients are who’s who of all-stars, including Henrik Lundqvist, Venus Williams, J.J. Watt and Todd Gurley. Patricof also talks about what kinds of investments he pursues, and how athletes have become more sophisticated over the years. The former investment banker also touches on the future of sports media, including whether technology companies will bid on major sports properties.Hosts: Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Colin TiptonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Ira Boudway discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the NFL Players Association pointing out to its members that more than 25% of the grievances filed by players over the past two years were against one team: the Jacksonville Jaguars. One player alone was fined 25 times for more than $700,000 for missed rehabilitation appointments that an arbitrator later ruled violated the labor contract. Also talked about is the mushrooming popularity of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, whose popularity has made finding his merchandise difficult in the holiday shopping season. And also talked about is the PGA Tour’s new broadcast contracts, which according to SportsBusiness Journal will provide a 60% rights fee increase from CBS, NBC and Golf Channel.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Ira BoudwayProducer: 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 the emergence of a video that shows the New England Patriots recording the sideline of an upcoming opponent. The Patriots have said the matter was a mistake. The NFL is investigating. The video, an excerpt of which was shown by Fox Sports, also includes dialogue between the Patriots representative and a member of the security team for the Cincinnati Bengals. Also discussed is Mark Cuban’s selling of Synergy Sports to a group led by the owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and China’s CCTV pulling an English Premier League game after Arsenal player Mesut Ozil criticized the country’s treatment of ethnic-minority Muslims.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zion Armstrong, president of Adidas North America, joins Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including how the company seeks to win new customers in the sneaker and apparel space. Armstrong also discusses the differences and effectiveness of athletes like New York Yankees star Aaron Judge versus celebrities like Kanye West, who works with the brand. Also discussed is the company’s decision to fiddle with its proprietary technologies in space, and how technology is helping Adidas to harness more data from customers as the shopping experience is overhauled. Armstrong also talks about innovation and corporate culture, and also settles the longstanding debate over how to properly pronounce the company’s name: Uh-Dee-Dis or Ah-Dee-Das.See 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 latest controversy involving the New England Patriots. A film crew for the team was accused of illegally filming the Cincinnati Bengals sideline last weekend. Though the team has acknowledged its mistakes and denied anything nefarious, it's not the first controversy involving the Patriots and filming opponents. Also discussed is Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai's latest sports investment, a $10 million stake in European esports franchise G2 Esports, which values the team at around $100 million. Also talked about is the New York Yankees landing pitching free agent Gerrit Cole on a nine-year $324 million contract. It's the largest contract ever given an MLB pitcher, both in total dollars and per-year.See 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 New York Yankees preparing a record $250 million-plus contract offer to free-agent pitcher Gerrit Cole. The Yankees have reportedly made signing Cole, who spent last season with the Houston Astros, their top offseason priority. Also discussed is the college football playoff, which features the top four teams in the nation. The matchups are: LSU-Oklahoma and Clemson-Ohio State. The brand name matchups ensure a good television audience for the championship game. Also talked about is Russia’s four-year ban from the Olympics and other international competitions over a persistent doping scandal. The World Anti-Doping Agency banned Russia’s national team after officials in Moscow were accused of fabricating evidence to cover up the use of banned substances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Premier Lacrosse League co-founder (and player) Paul Rabil joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including a breakdown of the inaugural season of his league. PLL launched in 2019 as a player-centric league, with an eye toward using new technology and a tour-based model to redefine professional lacrosse. Rabil discusses the five ways the PLL makes money, and its strategies around social media and merchandise. Rabil also mentions what the future holds for PLL and its path toward profitability.See 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 Tiger Woods's decision to turn down a massive appearance fee to play a tournament in Saudi Arabia. Woods also turned down an invitation to last year's event, which offers an appearance fee of about $3 million. Phil Michelson and Dustin Johnson have said they would attend the Saudi Invitational, drawing criticism. Also discussed is the apparent cultural shift going on in the National Hockey League, where several prominent coaches and broadcasters have been dismissed for things they've said and done. Also talked about is the the demolition of The Palace of Auburn Hills, the suburban Detroit arena that changed the landscape of sports facilities. It opened in 1988 and included 180 luxury suites, the premium seating that has became commonplace in new arenas.See 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 return of football coach Greg Schiano to Rutgers University, whose athletic program is one of the most subsidized in the nation. The Big Ten Conference school's most successful football coach is returning to New Jersey in an attempt to resurrect the program he took to six bowl games in his final seven seasons. Rutgers was 2-10 this season. Schiano went 56-33 as the school's head football coach. Also discussed is Major League Baseball's decision to grant local digital rights to its teams, a move foreshadowed by Amazon's investment in the YES Network. And also discussed is the National Football League's suspension of Arizona Cardinals player Josh Shaw for betting on games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American Athletic Association Commissioner Mike Aresco joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his take on how college football teams in his conference are treated by those who determine national rankings and, by extension, postseason invitations and matchups. Aresco, a former executive at CBS and ESPN, says his teams -- which include the University of Central Florida, Temple, Cincinnati and Memphis -- aren't treated fairly by a system that seems to value membership in what are called the Power 5 Conferences like the SEC and Big Ten. Aresco also talks about the importance of his conference's new $1 billion television agreement with ESPN, and how he intends to secure a spot for the AAC in a major bowl game moving forward. Aresco also discusses the sports media landscape, and the blue turf at Boise State.See 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 what Duke basketball’s home-court loss to Stephen F. Austin says about the business of college basketball. Duke generates about $36 million in revenue from hoops, while Stephen F. Austin brings in less than $2 million. The loss snapped the Blue Devils’ 150-game non-conference home winning streak. Also discussed is Silver Lake’s $500 million investment in English soccer team Manchester City, which was valued at $4.8 billion in the deal. The private equity firm bought 10% of the club controlled by Abu Dhabi’s royal family. And also talked about is Fox Sports selling out of its Super Bowl commercial inventory. Prices for the 30-second spots went for as much as $5.6 million.See 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 this past weekend's protest that temporarily shut down the Harvard-Yale football game. Spectators rushed the field to stage a climate change protest at halftime, delaying the start of the second half by almost an hour and causing the game to finish in near darkness because the Yale Bowl doesn't have stadium lights. Also talked about are possible changes to the NBA schedule and in-season format. Talks with the players' union are taking place over changes that would include the reseeding of teams in the semifinal based on regular-season record, and an in-season tournament modeled after European soccer. Also discussed is EBay's sale of its ticket marketplace StubHub to European rival Viagogo for about $4 billion, allowing the company to focus on its main retail site and address pressure from shareholder activists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ticketmaster President Jared Smith joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports. Ticketmaster handles about $30 billion in transaction value each year for over 425,000 events, with sports and concerts each accounting for about 40 percent of that business. Smith discusses pricing strategy for events, the role of the resale market, and the biggest pain point for ticket-buyers: the added fees. The group discusses Ticketmaster's new SafeTix program, being used in NFL stadiums across the country, and a recent request by two senators for an antitrust probe into the ticket industry. Back in 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice gave Ticketmaster a 10-year consent decree as part of its merger of Live Nation -- an agreement that expires next July, and its future is unclear.See 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 an economist's examination into what certain student-athletes should have been paid while still in school. It was estimated that New Orleans Pelicans standout and former Duke basketball player Zion Williamson, for instance, would've made more than $5 million while with the Blue Devils. The study was done by David Berri, a sports economist and professor of economics at Southern Utah University. Also discussed are sagging National Basketball Association ratings this season, particularly those on national telecasts, and a plan being considered by the New York Times to offer its sports section as a standalone digital subscription. In addition, Barr has a discussion with auto racing legend Roger Penske, who recently reached agreement with Hulman & Co. to purchase the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the IndyCar Series.See 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 a conversation with Ahmad Nassar, the chief executive officer of a newly created company aimed at helping athletes maximize the value of their name, image and likeness rights. Backed by private equity firm RedBird Capital, the NFL Players Association and the Major League Baseball Players Association have created OneTeam Partners, which will seek associations with athletes in all sports around the world. Prior to that conversation, the hosts discuss the weekend workout of exiled quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who had a private showcase with representatives from eight NFL teams in attendance. Kaepernick and the NFL clashed over the rules that would've governed the workout, prompting the player to change its venue shortly before it was scheduled to start. Also talked about is the carriage dispute that's keeping the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche from being seen locally, and ESPN's scheduling of the Sierra Canyon School boys' basketball team, which includes the sons of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heidi O'Neill, President of Nike Direct, joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including how Nike views the future of selling sneakers and sports apparel. Nike did almost $40 billion in sales last year and O'Neill runs the company's retail strategy. She discusses the company's recent decision to stop selling goods directly on Amazon, a move that might reverberate across the industry, and the many ways in which Nike uses data to grow revenue. O'Neill also discusses recent allegations made by pro runner Mary Cain, who accused a Nike-sponsored running team of body-shaming and other practices that damaged her health, and more broadly about women in executive positions across the business world.See 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 a recent New Jersey lawsuit in which a high school baseball coach was sued after one of his players was injured sliding into third base. The lawsuit, which took over seven years to resolve, has led to a wider discussion about youth sports and culpability of coaches when kids get hurt. Also discussed are new allegations that the Houston Astros were using outfield cameras to steal opposing teams's signs during their World Series title run in 2017. Though stealing signs isn't against MLB rules, it is considered cheating to use technology to do it. Also touched on is the surprise resignation of new Brooklyn Nets CEO David Levy. Levy's departure comes less than two months after he took the job at the Joe Tsai-owned club. He was also part of Tsai's family office.See 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 Stephen A. Smith's new contract with ESPN that reportedly pays the sportscaster $8 million a year. It would make Smith, who is known for his bombastic deliveries on all sports topics, the highest-paid personality at the Walt Disney Co.-owned network. Also discussed is CBS Corp.'s acquisition of the U.S. broadcast rights to the UEFA Champions League, European soccer's biggest annual event. CBS will have the event for three seasons start in 2021, taking over when the existing deal with AT&T's Turner Broadcast ends. Univision is keeping the Spanish-language rights, which it has held since last year. The two networks are together paying a reported $150 million annually for the package -- that's about $50 million more than their current deals. And also touched on is Madison Square Garden Co.'s approval of a plan to spin off all of its sports teams, including the New York Knicks and Rangers. The plan would keep MSG's entertainment operations as a publicly held company with no equity interest in the sports business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment President Hugh Weber joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including how the company approaches ownership of so many sports-related assets, including the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Weber also discusses the company’s philosophy on corporate culture, which includes the idea that greater talent doesn’t necessarily mean greater tolerance for misbehavior. Weber also talks about how the in-arena entertainment differs for each franchise, and how the club benefits from legalized sports betting. Weber also talks about how professional sports teams and their players generate content, and the opportunities that are available for investment in sports-related entities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr are joined by National Lacrosse League Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including this weekend's college football showdown between No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama. It's being billed as the biggest game of the season, but CBS chose earlier in the year not to air it in primetime, a decision that could hurt viewership numbers. The group also discusses the NLL heading into its 34th season and the growth of lacrosse at all levels, plus a new $600 million funding round for Bruins Sports Capital. Also talked about is a new list of the most valuable esports franchises in the world, which tops out at $400 million.See 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 Silver Lake Partners' interest in acquiring a stake in the New York Knicks and Rangers before the professional sports teams are spun off into a publicly traded company. Silver Lake, which has investments in Tesla and Alibaba, owns almost 10% of Madison Square Garden, parent of the teams. Jim Dolan would retain control of the franchises. Also discussed is Under Armour, which plunged after the company disclosed that federal officials have been probing its accounting practices for more than two years. The company reported earnings today with mixed results. And also talked about is billionaire Roger Penske's purchase of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the IndyCar Series -- a move that relinquishes control of the iconic speedway from the Hulman family after 74 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York Road Runners President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Capiraso joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the economics behind this weekend's New York City Marathon. Capiraso, who previously worked at the National Football League and Major League Baseball, discusses everything from his role in menial preparation tasks to making decisions while actually running the 26.2-mile course on marathon day. Also discussed are the organization's revenue streams, and how digital innovation could boost the NYRR's bottom line. Capiraso also addresses the controversy surrounding Nike's Vaporfly Next% shoe, which is designed to improve running economy by at least 4%. He also touches on the organization's sponsors, which include New Balance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the NCAA, under growing pressure from California and other states, taking a step toward letting student-athletes benefit from use of their name, image and likeness. The board of the governing body for college sports voted unanimously to have its three divisions consider bylaw and policy changes that let students market themselves. The board set a deadline of January 2021 for changing the rules. The announcement came about a month after California's governor signed a bill that makes it easier for athletes at schools in the state to profit from their image. Also talked about is Tiger Woods's most recent PGA tour victory -- career No. 82 -- and the host of entities that benefit when he's winning. And also discussed is the apology issued by Houston Astros owner Jim Crane to a Sports Illustrated reporter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including Derek Jeter’s digital publishing platform, The Players’ Tribune, seeking a buyer. The digital media company is working with a financial adviser and could be sold in the coming weeks. It isn’t clear how much the platform is worth. Growth-starved digital media companies have been merging in the hopes of sparking a turnaround. Jeter is now part owner and CEO of the Miami Marlins. Also discussed is World Series ratings, which while down from previous years still wins the night for Fox. The Astros lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 with games returning to Houston. Also talked about is DAZN, the sports streaming service owned by billionaire Len Blavatnik and led by former ESPN President John Skipper, seeking to raise at least $500 million. DAZN has spent lavishly to acquire sports broadcast rights, including a $1 billion partnership with Matchroom Boxing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Galatioto Sports Partners founder Sal Galatioto joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his new $500 million baseball fund (only Galatioto’s lawyers told him he couldn’t talk about the fund). He did, however, discuss limited partnerships in sports and why professional sports leagues are changing their ownership rules to add liquidity to the market. Also discussed is an idea by Brooklyn Nets player Spencer Dinwiddie, who has created a financial instrument that would allow him and other professional athletes to take advantage of their earnings by securitizing their multi-million-dollar contracts. Galatioto also talks about the process of educating prospective team buyers, and why his approach is team and market specific -- not league specific -- when he seeks buying opportunities. He also talks about working with some of the early investors in sports, including the late Pistons and Lightning owner Bill Davidson and the late New York Giants owner Wellington Mara. Before founding GSP in 2005 Galatioto ran the sports and advisory group at Lehman Brothers.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Bob BraggSee 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 effect New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson's knee injury has on the NBA's television schedule. Williamson, the most heralded rookie since LeBron James, recently had knee surgery and is scheduled to miss up to eight weeks. The Pelicans are slated to make 30 national TV appearances this season, including last night's opener against the defending champion Toronto Raptors. Also talked about are the changing roles of Nike CEO Mark Parker and his Under Armour counterpart, Kevin Plank, both of whom are giving up their positions for different titles. And San Francisco 49ers President Al Guido joins the show to discuss the NFL team's policy of including most food and non-alcoholic beverages in the price of season tickets.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Bob BraggSee 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 a discussion of whether the Nike Zoom Vaporfly 4% provides runners with an unfair advantage. Several long-distance runners asked the sport’s governing body, the IAAF, to investigate the shoes, which played a central role in a pair of record-setting performances recently. Among them: Eliud Kipchoge became the first person to run a 26.2-mile race in under two hours at an unofficial event in Vienna. Also discussed is Major League Baseball’s desire to implement changes to the minor-league game, including the contraction of some 40 clubs. One of the plans would convert some teams from the lower-level minors -- rookie ball and lower Class A -- into a so-called Dream League of undrafted players looking to make it in the game. The current operating agreement between the big-league clubs and their 160 minor-league affiliates expires in 2020. Also talked about is the Cubs’ new regional sports network, Marquee Sports Network, getting a deal with AT&T, which includes DirecTV.See 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 a review of how the National Basketball Association handled its China controversy. Burton, a former commissioner of the Australian Basketball League (NBL), also talks about the tension between the league and China; Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and his executive Daryl Morey, whose tweet in support of Hong Kong ignited the firestorm, and whether sponsors will return to embrace the NBA. A former chief marketing officer of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, Burton also discusses how LeBron James handled the controversy, and he talks about recent marketing changes that allow Olympic athletes and their marketing partners greater flexibility in the run-up to -- and during -- the Games.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Bob BraggSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including a horde of unhappy Boston Bruins and Celtics fans at TD Garden, where a renovation has led to an uncomfortable seating problem. Delaware North, the owner and operator of the arena, spent $100 million to upgrade and expand the building. Fans, however, lots of them, have complained that the new seats don't have enough leg room. Delaware North is mulling how to proceed. Also talked about is Major League Baseball's decision to change its ownership rules, allowing investment funds to buy limited stakes across multiple teams. It spurred Galatioto Sports Partners to create a $500 million fund -- the GSP Baseball Fund -- to invest in teams. The fund will have a maximum of 100 investors and has a minimum contribution of $1 million. Also discussed is Eliud Kipchoge's sub two-hour marathon and how it might affect Nike, which produced special sneakers for the event. And also touched on is LeBron James's comments about Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey, who touched off the NBA-China firestorm with a tweet critical of the situation in Hong Kong.Hosts: Scott Soshnick and Michael BarrProducer: Bob BraggSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including two big pieces of financial news about the XFL -- the cost of season tickets and the average player salary. The country's latest professional football league, which launches in February, is setting its ticket prices on the low end, hoping $20 tickets will lure in new fans. The average player will be paid $55,000 for the season, well below the NFL's $495,000 minimum salary. Also discussed is Nike's decision to shutter the Nike Oregon Project, the exclusive running team operated out of its Oregon headquarters, after coach Alberto Salazar was banned four years for drug violations. Also talked about is the possibility that NFL owners will drastically increase the amount of debt new owners are allowed to take on, expanding the pool of people who can afford teams and possibly creating more bidding wars for franchises in the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don Cornwell, a partner at boutique investment bank PJT Partners, joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the brouhaha between the National Basketball Association and the government of China, where the first of two scheduled exhibition games between the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets was played today. As part of that discussion Cornwell gets into the league's long-term global prospects and just how much the firestorm over a tweet sent by Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey will affect that franchise and the NBA in the long run. He also discusses franchises values and how they're affected by the Chinese market, and the recent gambling space transaction in which Flutter Entertainment bought The Stars Group. Cornwell has worked on some of the sports world's biggest transactions, including the sale of the Buffalo Bills.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Bob BraggSee 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 Rage Room inside of Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center. It's a first for a major professional sports arena. The room allows fans to release some stress by smashing items inside of what's called the Disassembly Room. Some of the items even include objects adorned with that night's visiting team's logo. It costs $35 for one person or $60 for two. Also discussed is the continuing battle between China and the National Basketball Association, which is supposed to stage a pair of exhibition games between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers. The dispute stems from a pro-Hong Kong tweet from Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey and Commissioner Adam Silver's support of his right to speak out. Also talked about is the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee's changes to Rule 40, which governs how athletes can promote their marketing partners before and during the Games. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Bob BraggSee 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 growing controversy over a tweet sent by Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey expressing support for the people of Hong Kong and their protests against the Chinese government. The NBA does massive business in China -- there are 500 million Chinese people who watched an NBA game last year -- and anger over the Tweet has already led to financial ramifications. The Rockets lost a few sponsors, and broadcasters within the country have said they will stop airing Rockets games. Also discussed is the end of a 10-day carriage dispute between Dish Network and Fox Corp., which was resolved over the weekend in advance of Sunday's NFL games. Also talked about is the publishing future of Sports Illustrated, which went through a large round of layoffs last week and is under new direction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Levy, CEO of Toronto-based media company TheScore, joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including sports betting. TheScore is the first sports media company to become a licensed sports betting operator in the U.S. and recently raised $40 million, in large part to help fund the company's gambling ambitions. Levy discusses the company's progression from TV network to mobile app to sports betting operator, and the opportunity that he sees in its newest product. He also discusses why he think TheScore's betting app will be different from anything else currently on the market in the U.S.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 a Houston furniture store owner's $3.5 million bet on the Astros to win the World Series. Jim McIngvale, aka ``Mattress Mack,'' placed the bet as a hedge against a promotion he previously ran in the store that calls for customers to get refunds on purchases of $3,000 or more if the Astros win baseball's championship. The bet would net McIngvale $7.7 million. Also discussed is Nike Chief Executive Officer Mark Parker firing back against a ruling that a company-backed running coach doped athletes as part of a Nike program. In a memo to staff Parker said the experiments with performance-enhancing drugs were meant to prevent doping. Also talked about is Flutter Entertainment's purchase of The Stars Group, creating a betting behemoth. The deal values Stars at about $6 billion. Flutter was formerly known as Paddy Power. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, 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 prospect of the National Football League adding one regular season game for each team, bringing the total to 17. That's the aim for NFL owners as they continue talks with the NFL players association on their next collective bargaining agreement. An added game would likely increase the money that TV networks pay to broadcast the games, but also carries concerns over player safety and the status of preseason games. Also discussed is Major League Baseball's attendance, which ended the season at a 16-year low, and down for the sixth time in seven seasons. Also talked about is the financial status of Rutgers athletics in the wake of its football coach being fired, and California Governor Gavin Newsom signing a bill that could upend the NCAA's amateur model.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Activision Blizzard esports CEO Pete Vlastelica joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his Overwatch league's season-ending championship at Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center. The event is sold out. Vlastelica, a former Fox Sports digital executive vice president, talks about the growth of esports, the younger demographic that follows the genre, and how traditional sports league owners like the New York Mets, Kraft Sports Group and billionaire Stan Kroenke are investing in the property. Vlastelica also talks about his league's plan to move its teams to their host cities beginning next season, creating what he says is the first truly global sports league where clubs from across the globe face each other regularly. He also talks about the company's approach to shooter games, and the plan to keep Overwatch relevant for years to come. See 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, Carolina Panthers billionaire owner David Tepper is seeking up to $212 million from the city of Charlotte to help him land an MLS franchise. Tepper, who paid $2.3 billion to buy the Panthers last year, is looking for help in building a headquarters for the prospective soccer franchise, plus renovations to Bank of America Stadium to make it more soccer-friendly. Also discussed is a new subscription service being launched by Dr. David Chao, a former NFL team physician. Well known for offering quick opinions on NFL injuries via Twitter, Chao is creating a website aimed for sports gamblers and fantasy players looking for an edge. Also talked about is a legal battle in England between Liverpool and New Balance, which makes their jerseys. Liverpool is trying to sign a new partnership with Nike, and New Balance says it has the right to match any offer.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 New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick's death stare at CBS reporter Dana Jacobson after she asked him a question about receiver Antonio Brown, whom the team had waived before their game against the New York Jets. There's always tension between the rights holders, who pay billions to show the games, and the teams and the league. Also discussed is what's next for Antonio Brown, who may file a grievance against the Patriots for his release. Brown was scheduled to be paid $1 million in salary, and another $9 million signing bonus. Also talked about is WGN's final broadcast of the Chicago Cubs. The over-the-air network has shown games since 1948. The Cubs, along with Sinclair, are starting their own regional sports network, Marquee Sports Network. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Colin TiptonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the National Football League Players Association, joins Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the looming labor battle between the NFL and its players. The union's leader since 2009, Smith oversaw negotiations on the current collective bargaining agreement, and shares his thoughts on where players stand as talks begin on the next one, set to kick in after the 2020 season. Smith also discusses the growth of NFL team valuations (the Cowboys are now worth north of $5 billion) and players starting to assert more power. He also talks about the rash of quarterback injuries in the early part of the NFL season, and whether he believes Colin Kaepernick, who hasn't played in three years, will get an offer from an NFL team.See 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 New York Giants benching longtime quarterback Eli Manning in favor of rookie Daniel Jones. Sales of Jones jerseys skyrocketed following the announcement, which could mark the end of Manning's career, in which he won two Super Bowl titles and made over $250 million. Also discussed is the former Turner Broadcasting CEO David Levy, who is taking a leadership position under new Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai. Also discussed is the rash of quarterback injuries across the NFL, and how that might affect national broadcasts in the early part of the season. See 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 Michael Jordan's decision to sell minority stakes in the National Basketball Association franchise. Jordan will keep control of the team, which Forbes says is worth $1.3 billion. He became part-owner of the then-Charlotte Bobcats in 2006. The buyers are: Gabe Plotkin, a founder of Melvin Capital, and Daniel Sundheim, a founder of DI Capital. Jordan said the capital will be used to modernize the team, including tech upgrades. Also discussed is SoFi's $30 million annual investment for the naming rights to Stan Kroenke's New Los Angeles Stadium. The $5 billion facility will house both the NFL's Rams and Chargers. Also discussed is Nascar's decision to reject some firearms ads for its souvenir programs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Steinbrenner IV, 23, joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his role in Harding Steinbrenner Racing. He's the youngest team owner in Indy car history to win a race in only his second attempt in the NTT IndyCar Series. Steinbrenner is the son of New York Yankees part-owner and co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner, and grandson of his namesake, legendary baseball team owner George Steinbrenner. He also talks about the appeal of video games to younger sports fans, and how traditional sports leagues and teams can try and convert that audience. He also discusses how he got into sports ownership, and what the Steinbrenner names means. He also discusses the Yankees, their business model, and even names his favorite all-time player.See 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 USA Basketball's shocking loss to France at the World Cup. It's the first time the U.S. failed to capture gold at a major international tournament since the 2006 world championships. The realization of global parity was also David Stern and NBA Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik's plan when NBA players were admitted to the Olympics with the so-called Dream Team in 1992. Also discussed is the owners' reaction to an NBA plan to create an investment vehicle that would buy limited partnerships in the league's teams. And also talked about are the possible repercussions against New England Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown, who has been accused of rape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.