Bloomberg Business of Sports

Monumental Sports founder Ted Leonsis discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including what can be gleaned from the National Basketball Association's recent 3-year, $25 million deal with MGM International, which became the league's official gaming partner. Leonsis, whose company includes Washington's Wizards of the NBA and Stanley Cup champion Capitals of the NHL, also discusses technology's effect on not only sports but sports fans. He also talks about esports and games like Fortnite, which he says could pass the NHL in annual revenue. Leonsis also talks about a $1 bet with Michael Jordan, which demonstrates where sports is headed. Ted Leonsis is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns and operates a number of professional sports teams, including the Wizards and Stanley Cup champion Capitals. The company also owns Monumental Sports Network, a regional sports network for digital, mobile and direct-to-consumer platforms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the National Basketball Association's new deal with MGM International, which becomes the league's first sports gambling partner. The three-year deal is worth $25 million. Also discussed is the Oakland A's new season ticket plan, which gives customers the option to move around the ballpark and not lock into one single seat. The trio also discusses the trend of parents hiring Fortnite tutors for their kids.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the sale of Genius Sports, a sports data firm, to private equity funds advised by Apax Partners. It's the latest in a series of investments tied to legalized sports betting in the U.S. Also discussed are Seattle Mariners executives and workplace misconduct, as well as more Major League Baseball players having to explain old tweets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NFL Players Inc. President Ahmad Nassar discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including how the role of sports unions -- and unions in general -- have changed over the years. He also discusses the business of NFL players, including the NFLPA's Ace Media, which helps members gain access to content opportunities with traditional and non-traditional broadcasters. He also talks about the business implications of players kneeling during the National Anthem, and the growth in the union's One Team Collective, which is akin to a venture fund that uses the players' popularity as capital for investment opportunities. NFL Inc. is the licensing and marketing arm of the NFL Players Association. Nassar became its president in 2015. He joined NFLPI in 2009, and previously served as its vice president of business affairs and general counsel. Prior to joining the NFLPA Nassar was an attorney with Patton Boggs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the change over pouring rights at MSG-owned venues. Pepsi takes over for Coke, which had held the rights for more than 100 years. Also discussed is the U.S. government's lawsuit against sports apparel company Fanatics, Inc., whose investors include the National Football League and Major League Baseball. The suit brought by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission centers mainly around claims from a former employee who says he was repeatedly subjected to discrimination during his time at the company's Jacksonville, Florida, headquarters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the Tour de France. They also discuss Comcast and Charter selling their shares of baseball's New York Mets. Both companies have ownership through their investment in SNY, the team's regional sports network, which is the actual owner of the shares. In all, more than 10 percent of the Mets are being offered by limited partners. Also discussed are the NFL's National Anthem policy, which is still problematic for Commissioner Roger Goodell, and the ability of Cristiano Ronaldo to sell some $60 million worth of Juventus jerseys in one day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Basketball Tournament founder Jon Mugar discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his idea for a big-money, winner-take-all basketball tournament. TBT, as the tournament has become known, has grown into a 72-team affair where the winning team (and its top fans) share in the $2 million prize. Mugar talks about the mistakes he made, lessons learned, and how the rise of over-the-top networks like ESPN+ have helped niche sports and events gain traction. He also talks about the tournament's new sponsorship with Puma, the possibility of international expansion and why he isn't doing any private equity roadshows. Mugar is a former comedic writer and producer for TV. He launched The Basketball Tournament in 2014. Since then, the prize money has reached $2 million, up from $500,000. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including Mississippi State's decision to reduce the prices on a number of its concession items. For instance, a 44 ounce soda is priced at $4, down from $7. A hot dog is $2, down from $5. The trio also discusses Major League Baseball's All-Star game and DraftKings' plan to obtain a New York gambling license through a small casino in Central New York. Also discussed is the new Fanduel Sports book at the Meadowlands, home of Metlife Stadium in New Jersey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bruin Sports Capital founder George Pyne discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his quarterback son's committing to the University of Notre Dame. Pyne also discusses the past and future of Nascar, a media landscape in which Comcast and Disney are bidding for Fox's assets -- including a gaggle of regional sports networks -- and how the rise of direct-to-consumer networks has changed the sports media landscape. Pyne also touches on what the investment climate looks like for assets in the sports media landscape. Pyne is a former executive at Nascar and IMG, where he served as president of the sports and entertainment division. He served as Nascar's chief operating officer, becoming only the second non-member of the France family to serve on its board. He founded Bruin to acquire, build and invest in media, sports, marketing and branded lifestyle companies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including EQT's sale of its 35 percent stake in sports data company Sportradar. The deal values the Swiss company at $2.4 billion, demonstrating the value of official data two months after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed for the state-by-state legalization of sports betting. Also discussed is the proposed $10 million head-to-head match between Tiger Woods-Phil Mickelson, and the upcoming scheduling conflict between the men's final at Wimbledon and the World Cup final, which may include England. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DC United Senior Vice President Sam Porter discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the recent signing of former Manchester United and Everton player Wayne Rooney. The former England international is the latest big-name import to Major League Soccer. Porter also discusses how Rooney affects the team’s business, including sponsors like Audi, which has its name on the club’s new stadium. He also talks about the justification of MLS valuations, and what role media and technology will play in helping pro sports teams drive revenue.A former sports agent, Porter also works with English Premier League club Swansea. The clubs share some of the same owners.To listen to this podcast click here (running time xx:xx)To 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 the move of LeBron James from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Los Angeles Lakers. The basketball icon has agreed to sign with the Lakers, one of the premier franchises in the National Basketball Association. His move to L.A. has widespread implications on a number of businesses, including AEG, Nike, Fanatics, ABC/ESPN, Turner and Wish, an e-commerce company with its logo on the Lakers' uniform tops. The former NBA Most Valuable Player will be paid $154 million over four seasons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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On this edition of the Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues, including the Ricketts family -- owners of Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs -- showing interest in buying Italian soccer team AC Milan. They also discuss World Cup ratings, and the possibility that one of soccer's iconic stars, Lionel Messi of Argentina, might not qualify for the knockout round of the competition. Also discussed is the Milwaukee Bucks new local television contract, which is about double the average annual haul of the existing deal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Goldman, co-founder of Athletic Intelligence Measures, discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his company's attempt to evaluate an athlete's intelligence as it pertains to predicting his or her performance on the field. Goldman also talks about what pro and college teams are looking for when it comes to evaluating potential players, and how intelligence evaluation has changed over the years. Goldman also talks about what, if anything, athletes can do to improve their intelligence score. Goldman works with teams in all four of the major U.S. sports leagues. He has served as a clinical and performance psychologist in the athletic departments of major college sports programs, including Michigan and Arizona. He is the creator of the Athletic Intelligence Quotient (AIQ), a test that assesses the innate abilities that are most utilized in sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of the Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discusses a host of issues, including the possibility that the New York Yankees will buy back the YES Network if Fox sells a slew of assets that include regional sports networks. Also discussed is Boris Becker's diplomatic status, Phil Mickelson's U.S. Open gaffe and the attendance dip at Major League Baseball games this season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Telemundo Deportes President Ray Warren discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his network's plan to monetize the Spanish language broadcast rights to soccer's World Cup. Warren also discusses why, in his opinion, watching the event is better in Spanish. Warren also talks about companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook and Twitter bidding for live sports rights, and what the AT&T purchase of Time Warner means for the industry. In his role Warren oversees NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises' growing sports business and leads its strategy across all platforms and networks. He joined Telemundo from NBC Sports, where he was executive vice president and chief revenue officer of NBC Sports regional properties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of the Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues, including what might be a season-ending injury for the Angels’ Shohei Ohtani and why Uniqlo are preparing a big-money offer to entice Roger Federer from Nike. Also discussed are whether Justify got a little extra help in the Belmont Stakes and whether in a world of legalized sports betting athletes like LeBron James will be allowed to keep an injury private. They also weigh in on the San Francisco 49ers partnership with Mark Mastrov, whereby the team will have a branded gym called 49ers Fit.Correction: Removed incorrect reference to Novak Djokovic being sponsored by Uniqulo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandalay Entertainment Chairman Peter Guber, who is part owner of the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Football Club, discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including what it takes -- and what it means -- to forge an emotional connection with the fans. He also discusses where the growth opportunities are in sports (hint: think population centers and media scale), as well as what he's learned from the movie business. Guber is co-executive chairman of Axiomatic Gaming, which owns Team Liquid. He also touches on virtual reality and how it can reshape the sports industry. Guber has a long history in the entertainment industry. Prior to Mandalay, he was chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, chairman of Polygram Entertainment, co-founder of Casablanca Records & Filmworks and president of Columbia Pictures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of the Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discusses a host of issues, including Discovery's Inc.'s $2 billion contract to show the PGA Tour internationally. The 12-year deal begins next year and includes TV and online rights to the U.S.-based circuit and the development of a Netflix-like video service. The trio also discuss a brewing battle between the New York Yankees and ESPN, which moved one of the Major League Baseball team's games to night from the afternoon, even though the club has a rainout-forced doubleheader the following day in another city. Also discussed is Serena Williams pulling out of the French Open prior to her much anticipated match against Maria Sharapova. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vegas Golden Knights part owner Joe Maloof discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his National Hockey League expansion team’s unlikely run to the NHL Finals against the Washington Capitals. He also talks about what’s driving franchise valuations in professional sports, and he touches on his team’s approach to in-arena entertainment. Maloof also discusses what effect it’ll have on business when the NFL’s Raiders relocate to Vegas. He also touches on legalized sports betting, and the probability of another expansion team in Seattle, and how hangovers factor into what's next for the Maloof family. Maloof is an investor in the Golden Knights, who are controlled by Bill Foley. The Maloof family previously owned the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, who were sold to a group headed by Vivek Ranadive. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Memorial Day special edition of the Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr are joined by guest co-host Chris Russo, a managing director at investment bank Houlihan Lokey who previously served as senior vice president, new media and publishing, at the National Football League. The group discusses some of the biggest trends in sports business, including an in-depth look at what the Carolina Panthers sale to hedge fund titan David Tepper for a league-record $2.3 billion means for not only the NFL but franchise values in all of sports. The group also discusses the wide-ranging effects of legalized sports betting, and talks about a media landscape where increasing numbers of viewers are moving to mobile. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professional lacrosse player and entrepreneur Paul Rabil discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his approach to creating, distributing and, ultimately, capitalizing on content creation and social media. Rabil, the first lacrosse player to amass a million-dollar sponsorship portfolio, also talks about how technical innovation has given niche sports like lacrosse the ability to augment its fan base. Rabil also touches on which athletes (hint: LeBron James is among them) are best utilizing social media. He also talks about this weekend's college lacrosse Final Four, which features Maryland, Yale, Duke and Albany. Rabil, whose podcast is called ``Suiting Up,'' played for Johns Hopkins. Rabil plays professionally for the New York Lizards of Major League Lacrosse. He also plays for Team USA. The 32-year-old is also co-founder of Rabil Ventures, which provides capital, advisory and operating expertise to to entrepreneurs and companies at any stage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss Stephen Curry's attempt to land a PGA Tour event sponsorship, deepening his relationship with the sport of golf. The trio also discuss Justify's attempt at a Triple Crown, including whether the Belmont Stakes will include the horse's toughest competitor (Hint: Both have the same owners). Also discussed is Uber's decision to sponsor the Washington, D.C. metro, which needs private donations to stay open late when there are sporting events like a Stanley Cup playoff game. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Asher, chief executive officer of William Hill U.S., discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the Supreme Court’s ruling that makes betting on sports legal. The ruling is likely to enrich every part of the sports economy, including team valuations, media rights fees, ticket sales and advertising revenue. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban says it’ll result in franchise values doubling. The American sports-betting market is projected to be one of the biggest in the world. Research firm Eilers & Krejcik Gaming estimates that as many as 44 million people could place $245 billion in bets each year if all 50 states were to allow widespread betting. The more likely scenario, according to Eilers, is that 32 states would allow betting by 2023, with $120 billion in total bets creating some $6 billion in annual revenue for the sports book operators like William Hill.Asher has held his current position since 2012, when William Hill acquired Brandywine Bookmaking, a company he created. He has a long background in the gaming industry, dating to when he was a teenager. Asher has held management positions at several racetracks. Previously, he was an attorney with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to free states to legalize gambling on individual sporting events. The move will unleash what will be a race to attract billions of dollars in wagers and heralds a new era for the major sports leagues. Sports gambling could begin in a matter of weeks in casinos and racetracks in New Jersey, which instigated the legal fight by repealing its gambling ban. The move could also assist media companies and drive fan engagement, resulting in even more revenue for teams and owners. Shares of casino operators and their suppliers jumped on the news. Americans place $150 billion a year in illegal sports bets, according to the casino-backed American Gaming Association. The research firm Eilers & Krejcik Gaming puts the number at $50 billion to $60 billion, not counting bets among friends.This is a Bloomberg podcast. To download, watch or listen to this report now, click on the thumbnail/player on the sidebar. For additional Bloomberg podcasts, see BPOD. -- Bloomberg Radio +1-212-617-5560See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the organization’s recent agreement with the Walt Disney Co. that’ll put 15 events exclusively on ESPN’s new over-the-top platform, ESPN+. ESPN paid about $150 million a year for about one-third of UFC’s total content, meaning the organization can still sell more inventory to a traditional broadcaster such as Fox Sports. Fox had paid about $150 million for all of UFC’s rights under terms of its existing contract. Epstein also talks about creating stars like Conor McGregor, global distribution and the entertainment value of the in-arena experience. A Las Vegas native, he also talks about the NHL’s Golden Knights, an expansion team that’s reached the conference finals in its inaugural season.After earning his law degree at Vanderbilt, Epstein clerked for a Nevada state judge. He then moved on to a law firm, where he represented casinos and Top Rank Boxing, whose chairman, Bob Arum, is among the best-known promoters in boxing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss the National Football League’s growing cheerleader problem. For years the NFL has let individual franchises dictate their own policy towards cheer squads. Now, in the wake of a New York Times report that said Washington Redskins cheerleaders were made to pose topless for season ticket holders back in 2013, there’s increased scrutiny for the NFL’s policy. They also discuss the Kentucky Derby -- which drew 150,000 fans in the pouring rain -- and the Pac-12 Conference passing $500 million in annual revenue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RedBird Capital Partners Managing Partner Gerry Cardinale discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his moderating a panel at the Milken Institute Global Conference earlier this week in Beverly Hills, California. He also discusses his role in the creation of both the YES Network and Legends Hospitality, which is controlled by the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys. Cardinale also talks about team valuations, digital distribution and where the best investment opportunities are in professional sports.Cardinale oversees all investment activity at RedBird, which he founded after retiring following a 20-year career at Goldman Sachs. He sits on the boards of the YES Network as well as the Yankees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss the possible sale of New York Mets' limited partnerships. In 2012 the Mets sold 12, $20 million stakes in the team. The investors were guaranteed a 3 percent return compounded annually over a six-year term with an option to sell at the end of the deal. Several of the investors have told the team of their intent to unload their stakes. They also discuss corruption at the lower levels of tennis -- and the effect it may have on sports betting legislation -- and the NFL's new digital deal with Amazon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York City Football Club President Jon Patricof discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his team's new Etihad training center in suburban New York. The facility, the cost of which wasn't disclosed, is the third academy built by the club's majority owners, City Football Group. Patricof also discusses his team's search for a new stadium, his experience in various sports business initiatives and how Major League Soccer can benefit from new media and video games. He also talks about how the organization tries to maintain uniformity across its teams -- right down to the grass on the fields. Patricof was named president of NYCFC in 2016. He previously served as president and COO of Tribeca Enterprises, parent company of Tribeca Film Festival. A native New Yorker, Patricof also worked as an executive in the strategic planning department at The Walt Disney CompanySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss the NFL making a special exemption to its debt limit, lending $2.25 billion to the Los Angeles Rams for their new stadium in Inglewood. The stadium will also be the home of the Los Angeles Chargers. The trio also discusses the NBA's continued push into China, including the hiring of a media executive to lead it's efforts in the world's most populous country. They also talk about record revenues seen in England's Premier League and Spain's La Liga, both a product of more lucrative TV deals around the globe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vegas Golden Knights President Kerry Bubolz discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his expansion team's run into the second round of the National Hockey League playoffs. Bubolz also talks about the often overlooked expenses that go into starting a professional sports team -- such as pens and paper in the office. He also discusses the team's fan outreach, and how owner Bill Foley has stressed the importance of entertainment during games. Bubolz also touches on the affect nationally legalized sports betting would have on professional sports teams and leagues. The Golden Knights, in their inaugural NHL season, hired Bubolz in 2016. He had spent the previous 13 seasons with the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, rising to serve as the club's president of business operations. He also oversaw the American Hockey League's Cleveland Monsters and the NBA Development League's Canton Charge. Prior to the Cavs, Bubolz was vice president of sales for the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas StarsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss the sale of the NFL's Carolina Panthers. The bidding has reached $2.5 billion, prompting Fanatics Executive Chairman Michael Rubin to drop out of the process. Alan Kestenbaum, Ben Navarro and David Tepper are also interested in buying the club. The trio also discusses Major League Baseball's early season weather problems and whether the league would consider shortening its season. They also talk about the power of the NBA, which has seen mushrooming television ratings early in the playoffs, and a global audience powered by social media savvy stars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think450 President Jordan Schlachter discusses a host of topics related to the business of National Basketball Association players, including the union’s decision to take back what’s called the group license from the league. Among other things, it enables the union to directly commercialize the players’ likenesses. Previously, the union sold those rights to the league, which then negotiated deals with partners like Nike and Electronic Arts. Schlachter also talks about Think450’s decision to partner with Japan’s leading advertising agency, Dentsu Inc., to develop content and create and stage global events that feature the union and its members. Think450 is the for-profit innovation engine of the NBA players association.Schlachter originally joined the NBPA as its first chief marketing officer and was charged with preparing the organization to bring the group license in-house. A former Harvard basketball player, Schlachter also worked at The Marketing Arm, iHeartMedia and the U.S. Olympic Committee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss the fallout from Conor McGregor's arrest that followed an incident leading up to a UFC event in New York. They also discuss the marketing opportunities available to the Los Angeles Angels in the wake of a fantastic start for their Japanese pitching and hitting star Shohei Ohtani. And they discuss the possibility of a $1 billion dollar arena being constructed in Suffolk County on Long Island. Among the developers is Yankees limited partner Ray Bartoszek, who previously looked into building an arena in Seattle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman discusses a host of topics related to the business of sports, including what Villanova’s NCAA men’s basketball championship -- its second in three years -- means for not only the Wildcats but the other universities in the conference. She also talks about the conference’s national TV deal with Fox Sports and what kinds of digital and social opportunities are available. Ackerman also talks about eschewing costly football programs and the growth of women’s basketball, including her time at the helm of the WNBA. One of the most powerful women in sports, Ackerman was named the fifth commissioner of the Big East in 2013. She was the founding president of the WNBA and a past president of USA Basketball, which oversees the Olympic program. She attended the University of Virginia as one of the university’s first female student-athlete scholarship recipients. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss the NCAA men's basketball tournament championship game between Michigan and Villanova, as well as the financial implications of Loyola-Chicago's Final Four run. They also talk about swimmer Katie Ledecky's decision to turn pro, allowing the Stanford and Olympic star to sign endorsement contracts. Also discussed are the NFL's interest in selling its data to international betting markets, and NCAA's push for the NBA and its union to allow players to enter the draft directly from high school. Currently, players must be one year removed from what would be their high-school graduation before they're permitted to enter the NBA Draft, resulting in what's called one-and done -- players leaving school after their freshmen seasons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York Yankees President Randy Levine discusses a host of topics related to the business of baseball, including the financial ramifications of a lineup that added home run king Giancarlo Stanton during the off-season. Levine also talks about the business of baseball overall, including the league’s new deal to exclusively stream 25 afternoon games on Facebook. Levine also discusses the Yankees proposed London series against the Boston Red Sox, and how former Yankees captain Derek Jeter is performing with the Miami Marlins.Levine has been president of the Yankees since 2000. He was instrumental in creating the YES Network and Legends Hospitality, in which the Dallas Cowboys are partners. He also led the development and financing of the $1.5 billion Yankee Stadium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss the biggest star of this year's NCAA men's basketball tournament: Loyola-Chicago's Sister Jean. The 98-year-old nun who serves as chaplain of the basketball team has given the school permission to use her name and likeness for commercial opportunities. So far, Loyola has approved more than 25 Sister Jean T-Shirts from a variety of companies, including Fanatics. The trio also discuss the latest anthem-related comments made by Houston Texas owner Bob McNair and the inflated TV ratings for the Duke-Kansas basketball game that preceded CBS's 60 Minutes on Sunday night.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home Team Sports Executive Vice President Craig Sloan discusses a number of issues related to the business of sports, including how the sales unit of Fox Sports offers advertisers a sort of one-stop shopping experience for regional sports networks. RSNs like the Yes Network and SNY in New York have become lucrative vehicles for professional sports teams, sometimes clashing with cable operators over pricing. He also discusses the rise of digital advertising, which is being used to connect with a younger demographic. HTS reaches 90-plus million homes with its platforms. Home Team Sports offers advertisers sponsorship of every MLB, NBA and NHL home team in the U.S. It also has exclusive media rights in major college conferences and conference-owned TV networks, including the Big Ten Network, Pac-12 Networks, the ACC and Big 12. Sloan has led the HTS sales team for more than 15 years. During his tenure, he and his teams have secured partnerships with every RSN in the country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr discuss how the University of Maryland, Baltimore County is taking advantage of becoming the first 16th seed in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament to defeat a top seed. Scott and Michael also discuss what's ahead for the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans following the death of owner Tom Benson, and they address Meredith Corp.'s plan to sell Sports Illustrated. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Syracuse University Director of Athletics John Wildhack discusses a host of issues related to the business of college sports, including what being included in the NCAA basketball tournament means for a school's bottom line and promotion. Wildhack also discusses the idea of paying college athletes and what the university has in mind for a redeveloped Carrier Dome. A former ESPN executive, Wildhack also talks about the world of sports media, including a changing landscape where cable networks like ESPN are losing subscribers while non-traditional broadcasters like Amazon and Facebook pursue live sports rights. Wildhack was named athletic director in July 2016. He is responsible for leading the daily operations of a 20-sports athletics department with more than 550 student athletes. Prior to joining the Orange Wildhack spent more than 30 years at ESPN, ascending to the network's executive vice president of programming and production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss Facebook's deal to exclusively show Major League Baseball games on mostly Wednesday afternoons. It's the first time a major U.S. league has agreed to show regular-season games exclusively on the social network, which paid about $30 million for the 25-game package. Also, the trio discusses March Madness, including why Coca-Cola is miffed at Grant Hill and whether the FBI influenced the selection committee's NCAA tournament teams. Also discussed is the resurgence of Tiger Woods. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Los Angeles Clippers President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker discusses a host of topics related to the business of sports, including the team’s recent sponsorship agreement with Bumble. The agreement not only puts the company’s logo on the team’s uniform, but the Clippers and Bumble say it’s a wide-ranging deal that’s intended to promote female empowerment. Zucker also talks about the team’s plans for a direct-to-consumer network and the possibility of leaving the Staples Center for a new arena in Inglewood, California. She also talks about the NBA’s global ambition, new technology and the prospects for legalized sports betting.Zucker joined the Steve Ballmer-owned team in 2014, becoming one of the most powerful women in sports. Prior to joining the Clippers she spent nine years as the president of Auto Club Speedway, the largest race track on the West Coast. Before that she was the vice president of business and development at Daytona International Speedway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss the business behind the Big Ten basketball tournament being played in New York City, hundreds of miles from most of its schools. They also discuss, among other things, spring training baseball, Tiger Woods's influence on golf and sports winners at the Oscars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle Seahawks All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the relationship between the National Football League and its players. Sherman also talks about the league's declining television ratings, and the reasons for it, as well as what the NFL and its players can do to make the game more attractive to a younger demographic. He also touches on technology, Vince McMahon's proposed XFL reboot and an investment strategy driven by capital preservation. He also talks about the NCAA's college basketball scandal and what changes he'd like to see in college sports. Sherman, a Stanford University graduate, is one of the most opinionated and outspoken players in the NFL. He was a member of Seattle's 2013 Super Bowl championship team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss how NBC fared with its Olympics broadcast. They also discuss, among other things, CBS's new direct-to-consumer offering, the college basketball scandal involving Sean Miller at the University of Arizona, and the celebrity buyers of an Australian Basketball League team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kraft Analytics Group (KAGR) Chief Executive Officer Jessica Gelman discusses a bevy of topics related to the business of sports, including how the New England Patriots crunch customer data to help drive revenue. She also discusses how the company is helping other teams in the sports and entertainment space to help understand who their customers are and what they want. Among the teams and entities KAGR works with are the Josh Harris-owned Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, as well as Mississippi State University's athletic department. Gelman is also the co-founder of the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, which takes place this weekend in Boston. Among the featured speakers is former U.S. President Barack Obama. Gelman, a former Harvard University basketball player, joined The Kraft Group on the business side of its sports properties in 2002. She has overseen business operations, customer marketing and strategy. Previously, she was a consultant at the Mitchell Madison Group, a McKinsey spin-off. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss what the optimism surrounding the New York Yankees season means for the team and the YES Network. They also discuss, among other things, the English Premier League's new TV contracts, which for the first time saw broadcasters paying less than the existing deal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.