Bloomberg Business of Sports

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.

Nascar President Brent Dewar discusses a host of topics related to the business of car racing, including this weekend's Daytona 500, which is often referred to as the circuit's Super Bowl. He also discusses whether Monster Energy will re-sign as a sponsor and how the league is trying to drive engagement with its core fan base while attracting new customers. Dewar also talks about establishing a footprint in the New York area and says the sport may be close to adding a new manufacturer. Dewar was promoted to president of Nascar earlier this year after having served as the racing league's chief operating officer and vice chairman. He serves on Nascar's board of directors. Prior to joining Nascar Dewar was an executive with General Motors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss Derek Jeter's latest hire, what to expect from Nascar's Daytona 500 and who might cash in on the Olympics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erika Nardini, chief executive officer of Barstool Sports, discusses a host of topics related to the company that’s controlled by the Chernin Group. She talks about what the investment from Peter Chernin means for the company and how Barstool intends to grow. Barstool content is aimed at a core fan base of 18- to 24-year-old male fans who go by the moniker “stoolies.” She also talks about the company’s reach into a more diverse audi ence and other revenue streams like pay-per-view boxing, clothing and a subscription service.Nardini, Barstool’s first CEO, is a former chief marketing officer at AOL. She also previously worked as president and chief revenue officer at influences-platform Bkstg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss the best and worst-received Super Bowl ads, television ratings for the big game, and how much of a boon the Winter Olympics could be for NBC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Collins, chief executive officer of On Location Experiences, discusses the business surrounding the high-end hospitality business that surrounds the Super Bowl. On Location, which is part owned by the NFL’s 32 owners through their investment vehicle, 32 Equity, offers luxury travel, accommodations and experiences like on-field, post-game access. It’s offerings include a number of NFL events beyond the title game, including the Pro Bowl, draft and international games in London and Mexico City.Collins joined OLE in 2015 from the National Hockey League, where he served as COO for nine seasons. He spearheaded a number of initiatives at the NHL, including the popular Winter Classic outdoor game. Prior to that Collins was a senior executive at the NFL for 15 years before taking over as president of the Cleveland Browns for the 2004-06 seasons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Tiger Woods’ latest performance give golf viewership a boost? Is heading to the WWE the right move for Ronda Rousey? And how much money can Las Vegas make from Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s quest to make history? Bloomberg’s Michael Barr, Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams have answers to those questions in this week’s Monday edition of the Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomberg business of sports reporter Eben Novy-Williams joins Michael Barr and Scott Soshnick for a discussion of the week's biggest sports business stories, including news from the Super Bowl-bound New England Patriots. The AFC Champions on Jan. 29 will launch the ``Not Done Network,'' which is a 24-hour video stream from Minneapolis, site of the Super Bowl. The network will be available on several platforms, including the team's website, app and YouTube page. We also discuss Vince McMahon's second attempt at a professional football league after the XFL, which lasted just one season before folding. The venture is being funded through McMahon's personal investment vehicle, Alpha Entertainment. Also discussed are the financial implications of the USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal, David Beckham's soccer team in Miami and what the NBA's framework for legalized sports betting looks like. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Basketball Association Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum discusses a host of business-related issues, including how technology is helping to create fans -- and generate revenue -- in China, India and Africa. Tatum also talks about how the league is reaching millennials, and why the NBA, unlike the NFL, isn't dealing with any fallout associated with player protests. Tatum also delves into new owners like Brooklyn's Joe Tsai and why buying into the NBA -- even at more than $2 billion -- is a good investment. Tatum became the league's No. 2 executive in 2014. A 17-year veteran of the league office, he is responsible for the NBA's business operations, including its international efforts. He oversees global partnerships, marketing, communications and team marketing and business operations. Prior to joining the NBA Tatum worked for Major League Baseball in its corporate sponsorship and marketing department.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Octagon Senior Vice President of Media Rights Consulting Dan Cohen talks about the business of valuing global sports rights. He talks about the headwinds facing the NFL, why the television is still king and which emerging bidders are most likely to claim major sports rights. He also discusses Nascar, Mexican soccer and what goes into placing a value on sports rights. Cohen also talks about ESPN and how sports leagues are divvying up their content. Octagon in August began its media rights practice, which provides consultation to U.S. and international rights holders, broadcasters, emerging distribution platforms and the sports investment community. Prior to joining Octagon, Cohen was senior vice president of the Americas for MP & Silva.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomberg sports business reporter Eben Novy-Williams, Michael Barr and Scott Soshnick look ahead to some of the biggest sports business stories of 2018, including what to expect from the National Football League. The trio also utilize the special extended conversation to discuss the New York Yankees with Giancarlo Stanton, who came from the Miami Marlins, where new investor Derek Jeter is already feeling the heat. Also talked about are legalized sports betting and the future of the Olympic Games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Hancock is the first executive director of the College Football Playoff, a four-team format that was created in 2012 as a way to crown a champion that's determined on the field and not by polls. Hancock discusses the business behind this year's championship match-up, an all-Southeastern Conference affair between the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama, the third and fourth seeds, respectively. The game is scheduled for Jan. 8 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Hancock also discusses the media contracts and sponsorship that drive the revenue of college athletics, and whether there's a widening gap between the marquee programs in the so-called Power 5 conferences and the others. Hancock was the first full-time director of the NCAA Final Four, the first executive director of the Bowl Championship Series and, currently, the first executive director of the College Football Playoff. He led the conference commissioners and university presidents in creating the playoff. He spent 16 years with the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship, 13 as its director. He's also served on the U.S. Olympic Committee staff at 12 OlympicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach Leonsis, senior Vice President of strategic initiatives for Monumental Sports & Entertainment, discusses a host of sports business-related topics, including the value and future of esports, digital distribution of sports content and what legalized sports betting would mean for established U.S. sports leagues and teams. Leonsis, son of former AOL executive Ted Leonsis, helps to oversee a company whose assets include the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals and their arena, Capital One Arena. He also talks about why the NBA could surpass the NFL for global dominance. Leonsis is also general manager of Monumental Sports Network, a first-of-its-kind regional sports network for digital, mobile and over-the-top platforms. In 2016, Leonsis led the transformation of Monumental Sports Network – co-owned by Monumental Sports & Entertainment and NBC Sports Group – from an ad-based blogging platform into a direct-to-fan service content provider.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Cohen, Global Head of Media Banking at Barclays PLC, discusses the rapidly changing landscape of sports media -- including Walt Disney Co.’s purchase of a portion of 21st Century Fox’s sports assets, declining TV ratings for the National Football League and the value of regional sports networks. The media banker also discusses the resignation of ESPN President John Skipper, and the emergence of tech companies like Amazon and Twitter as bidders for future media rights. That’s helping fuel the skyrocketing valuations of sports franchises like the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, who will be sold during the off season by embattled owner Jerry Richardson.Cohen has run Barclays’s media banking division since 2015. Prior to joining Barclays, Cohen ran the Media and Entertainment division at Blackstone Group, where he advised on the $2.15 billion sale of baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012, then a record for a franchise transaction. Cohen also represented the Tribune Co. on its 2009 sale of the Chicago Cubs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Feigin discusses a bevy of topics related to his National Basketball Association team, which is owned by private equity investors Marc Lasry, Wes Edens and Jamie Dinan. The former Madison Square Garden executive talks about the financial effect of the team’s new, yet-to-be-named arena, as well as the impact his star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo -- aka the Greek Freak -- has on negotiations with prospective sponsors seeking a global audience. He also talks about the team’s entry in the NBA 2K, a joint esports venture between the NBA and Take-Two Interactive.Feigin was named president of the Bucks in 2014, and was charged with spearheading the growth of the franchise’s business operations. He has worked to build the team’s season ticket base, sponsorship and presided over the effort to build a new $500 million-plus arena. The building is scheduled to open in the fall of 2018. Feigin previously was president and COO of Marquis Jet and helped lead its acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway-controlled NetJets in 1998.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber discusses a host of topics related to the business of the U.S.’s top soccer league, including the mushrooming valuations of franchises and the decision to expand by another two clubs. Garber also answers, as Deadspin asked in an August article, whether MLS is a Ponzi Scheme. The commissioner also talks about implications of the U.S. men’s team missing the World Cup and whether team owners in his league will ever have to worry about the financial risk that accompanies relegation. He also touches on new media and whether soccer’s millennial-heavy audience puts MLS in an enviable position when its broadcast contracts expire in 2022.Garber was named commissioner of Major League Soccer in 1999. During his tenure, the league has expanded to 23 teams (for now), added 20 new owners and inked broadcast deals with ESPN, Fox and Univision. His teams have also developed more than 15 soccer-specific stadiums in North America. Prior to joining MLS, Garber spent 16 years in a variety of roles at the National Football League.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott discusses a host of topics related to the business of college athletics, including the effect the Department of Justice's bribery investigation is having throughout the NCAA and its member institutions. Scott also talks about his push to rebrand a conference whose membership includes UCLA, USC and Stanford. He also touches on the changing media landscape -- like the conference's deal with Alibaba -- and the opportunities presented by digital and mobile platforms.Scott has spent the past eight years as the Pac-12 commissioner, stressing the advantages of a West Coast location. He also led the conference through an expansion for the first time since 1978 by adding Colorado and Utah. He’s also focused on increasing exposure for women’s and Olympics sports, and has created digital and mobile platforms to distribute content throughout the world. A former captain of the Harvard tennis team, Scott is a former professional tennis player and CEO of the Women’s Tennis Association.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American Gaming Association President and Chief Executive Officer Geoff Freeman discusses the status, outlook and implications for federally regulated, legalized sports betting in the U.S. Freeman discusses the upcoming case before the Supreme Court, the timeline for sports betting and why the U.S. sports leagues and television networks seem to have embraced the idea. He also talks about how much money is at stake and who stands to gain. In his role with the AGA, Freeman is the leading advocate for the commercial and Tribal gaming industry. He's responsible for positioning the association to address regulatory, political and educational challenges and opportunities. Prior to joining the AGA Freeman was the COO of the U.S. Travel Association. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golden State Warriors President and Chief Operating Officer Rick Welts discusses an array of topics related to the defending National Basketball Association champions, including the team's plan for a new arena in San Francisco (the Chase Center), and what the franchise is worth today. Welts, who oversees all business-related activity for the team, also discusses how the business and basketball sides of the franchise work in concert. Prior to joining the Warriors in 2011, Welts spent nine years with the Phoenix Suns, the last two as president and CEO. Before that, he spent 17 years at the NBA office, rising to become third in command as chief marketing officer and president of NBA properties. In 2011, in a front page story in the New York Times, Welts became the highest-ranking executive in men's professional team sports to publicly acknowledge he is gay. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If anyone is privy to the inner workings of the National Football League it's sports industry consultant Marc Ganis, who regularly advises Commissioner Roger Goodell and the 32 owners on an array of business matters. Ganis talks about a number of issues related to the business of the NFL, including whether Roger Goodell is in jeopardy of losing his job because of a squabble with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Ganis also talks about the business problems created by players kneeling during the National Anthem and what the league's next broadcast contracts might look like. Ganis is the founder of Chicago-based consulting firm Sportscorp Ltd. Because of his close ties to the NFL, he has been dubbed the NFL's 33rd owner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former National Football League player and union President Domonique Foxworth discusses a host of topics related to the business of the game, including President Trump's criticism of the league and its commissioner, Roger Goodell, who thus far hasn't mandated that players stand for the National Anthem. A graduate of Harvard Business School, Foxworth also recounts lessons learned at the bargaining table. He also touches on displeased NFL sponsors, the relationship between owners and players, and whether the NFL is still the best investment in U.S. pro sports. Foxworth, 34, played for the Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens from 2005-2011. While an active player, he served as president of the NFLPA during labor talks with the owners. The University of Maryland graduate previously worked as chief operating officer of the National Basketball Players Association.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Houston Astros owner Jim Crane discusses a host of topics surrounding baseball, including his team’s trip to the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Crane, who played baseball at Central Missouri State University, also talks about mushrooming team valuations, his club’s focus on data analytics, globalization, the rise of digital media and how the Astros have helped Houston to recover in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.Crane, a native of St. Louis, grew up rooting for the Cardinals. MLB approved Crane as owner of the Astros in 2011, when the group he led bought the club from Drayton McLane for about $680 million. The Astros are now worth $1.45 billion, 13th among the 30 major-league clubs, according to Forbes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All-Star Keith Hernandez, a postseason analyst for Fox Sports, discusses a host of topics related to Major League Baseball, including the mental effect of being traded for the first time and how the New York Yankees would be better served by dropping Aaron Judge in the lineup. The former New York Mets' first baseman also discusses his beloved plasma television, baseball's attempts to win millennials and speed up the game, and how the ballpark experience has changed over the years ... and not for the better. Hernandez, who is also an analyst on Mets' telecasts on SNY in New York, spent 17 seasons in the big leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals, Mets and Cleveland Indians. He was selected to five All-Star teams and along with Willie Stargell was the National League Most Valuable Player in 1979. He hit .296 with 162 home runs and 1,071 runs batted in over his career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly minted Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta talks about a host of topics related to his record-setting $2.2 billion purchase of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, including why -- for this asset -- he disregarded EBITDA. He also talks about the synergies with his other business interests, the promise of legalized sports betting and why he’d be willing to sell a tiny piece of the team to pop superstar Beyonce. Fertitta also gives a host of reasons why the team will be worth $3 billion in a few years. Fertitta has a net worth of about $3 billion. He’s the sole owner of Landry’s Inc., one of the largest restaurant chains in the U.S., and also owns all of Golden Nugget Inc. He is also the host of CNBC’s Billion Dollar Buyer program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Duke University basketball player and ESPN analyst Jay Bilas discusses the most recent college basketball scandal, including whether hall of famer and Louisville coach Rick Pitino should lose his job. Bilas talks about how college sports has mushroomed into a multibillion-dollar industry that doesn't allow its players to share in the revenue that they help to generate. He also touches on how the universities and sneaker companies created a system whereby players are paid under the table, and suggests a course of action for the student-athletes. Bilas, who is also an attorney, joined ESPN in 1995 and is one of the best-known analysts in the game. A four-year starter at Duke under Mike Krzyzewski from 1982-86, Bilas helped the Blue Devils to the 1986 title game. While at Duke, Bilas was only of only two student athletes appointed to the NCAA's long-range planning committee, serving from 1984-86. Since 1992, he has been an attorney with Moore & Van Allen, where he specializes in commercial litigation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apollo's Josh Harris and Blackstone's David Blitzer this week established Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, a holding company that'll guide their sports investments. The man in charge at HBSE is Chief Executive Officer Scott O'Neil, who talks about a host of topics, including cable television and new media, what presiding over ``Linsanity'' taught him and whether the Philadelphia 76ers strategy of stockpiling draft picks was a good one. O'Neil also discusses esports and his penchant for being first. O'Neil oversees HBSE, which includes the 76ers, NHL's New Jersey Devils, the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, where the hockey team plays, English Premier League team Crystal Palace and an eSports team. He joined the 76ers as CEO in 2013, and was charged with rejuvenating the franchise's business operations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New England Patriots President Jonathan Kraft talks about the business of the National Football League, including whether owners are concerned about declining television ratings. The chairman of the league's digital committee, Kraft discusses how Amazon, Facebook, Yahoo, Twitter and other companies are disrupting the traditional media model and what it means for the bottom line. The son of Robert Kraft also talks about working the early shift, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and the growth potential of Major League Soccer. Jonathan Kraft is president of the Kraft Group, the holding company that includes the NFL's Patriots and MLS's Revolution. As president of the football team, he oversees the management and strategic planning of each department. He also works with his father to represent the Patriots in all league matters and serves on multiple owner committees. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.