Sporticast

Scott and Eben break down the biggest NBA story of the past week—allegations that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer may have tried to circumvent the league’s cap via a fraudulent tree-planting start-up. They also talk about Unrivaled’s $340M funding round, and a big NWSL loss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Marc Ganis, prominent sports consultant and NFL advisor, about the league’s business heading into the 2025 season—they touch on media, valuations, private equity, college sports, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Gareth Balch, the co-founder and CEO of Two Circles, about the company’s data work, trends about sports consumption, and how AI is already disrupting it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the celebrity engagement of the week. They also talk about NFL advertising, the U.S. Open, and Tommy “Cutlets” DeVito. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Scott Soshnick and Jacob Feldman are joined by Kurt Badenhausen to discuss the latest sports business news, including a record-breaking sports card auction, the return of the U.S. Open, and an action-packed opening weekend of college football amid seismic change for the sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Scott Soshnick and Jacob Feldman are joined by Kurt Badenhausen to discuss Sportico’s rankings of the highest-paid tennis players, led by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Then they discuss the debut of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer offering, and why the company doesn’t get enough credit for its digital transformation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss a handful of big sports business stories, including Michigan’s punishment for its sign-stealing operation, the collapse of Grand Slam track, a new revenue stream for LA28, and Aaron Rodgers’ helmet fiasco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben are joined by valuations expert Kurt Badenhausen to discuss Sportico’s latest NFL valuations, which start with the Dallas Cowboys ($12.8 billion) and end with the Cincinnati Bengals ($5.5 billion). They also talk about recent sales involving the Minnesota Twins and Portland Trail Blazers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak about UFC’s new $7.7 billion deal with Paramount, which came a week after the Skydance merger was announced. They also talk about ESPN’s streaming tie-up with FOX, and a Sportico investigation into a former NFL player now being sued for fraud. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the NFL’s latest billion-dollar media deal, a deeper relationship with ESPN that involves NFL Network, RedZone, fantasy, real estate, carriage, and more. They also talk about the Big Dumper, and Shedeur Sanders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Change is afoot. Hosts Scott Soshnick and Jacob Feldman break down a major bit of volleyball news as two leagues announce they are coming together—and expanding. Then they talk about the state of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun sale, and whether the team will stay in New England or be shipped away from Boston. They also hit on ESPN’s acquisition of media assets from the NFL and the current state of the flag vs tackle divide in youth football, as well as their takeaway’s from MLB’s Bristol experiment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the latest in the NBA’s efforts to launch a new pro basketball league in Europe. They also talk about the sale of the Connecticut Sun, a film-inspired putter, and more about Deion Sanders’ business interests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Deion Sanders’ big Colorado announcement. They also talk about medical marketing in sports, the licensing future of Hulk Hogan, and the latest in MLB’s looming labor battle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss an interesting trademark disagreement between the NFL and the U.S. Government. They also talk about a Little League lawsuit, the NFLPA scandal, and Real Madrid’s real revenue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the latest in the WNBA labor talks. They also discuss President Donald Trump’s latest foray into sports, and the meltdown at the NFLPA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss a curious clause in the new contract of Maryland athletic director Jim Smith. They also talk about the MLB All-Star Game’s Swing Off, the WNBA labor latest, and Juan Solo delivering baseball’s quote of the year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about the Home Run Derby, which took place this year without any of the sport’s biggest stars. They compare it to struggles felt by other leagues and their All-Star Weekends. They also talk about latest NFLPA controversy, the Wimbledon finals, the FIFA Club World Cup, and—of course—the Tour de France. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about the details of Gail Miller’s recent $580 million acquisition of the Utah Royals and Real Salt Lake. They also talk about Penn State hockey, the Tour de France, and FIFA’s increasingly cozy relationship with Donald Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about the Colorado Rockies, who are historically bad on the field but continue to draw decent crowds to Coors Field. They also talk about Chandler Bats, the batmaker of the pros; the latest in the WNBA labor talks; and a new gambling tax taking effect in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss NBA salary economics, and a curious legal request from Michael Jordan. They also talk about the two-time NHL defending champion Florida Panthers, who managed to secure hometown discount for some of their most important players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Soshnick and Jacob Feldman discuss the WNBA’s announcement of new franchises coming to Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia following a historically competitive bidding process. They also break down a new slice of the Cleveland Cavaliers going on sale, NHL labor peace, and MLS teams’ Club World Cup haul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Soshnick and Kurt Badenhausen discuss Sportico’s recently released 2025 WNBA Valuations. The newly created Golden State Valkyries debuted at No. 1, with a $500 million valuation, ten times the price the franchise paid in expansion fees in October 2023. They also discuss how an ongoing expansion process plays into the numbers, and what impact rising team values could have on the WNBA’s next CBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Soshnick and Kurt Badenhausen dive deep on Mark Walter’s $10 billion takeover of the Los Angeles Lakers. They start by discussing whether the iconic franchise is worth the record-shattering sale price and what it means for the Los Angeles Dodgers owner to become the only person with control of two of the 10 most valuable sports teams in the world. They also discuss the potential sale of the Tampa Bay Rays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Joon Lee’s New York Times Op-ed struck a chord, arguing that “fandom isn’t being nurtured anymore. It’s being mined.” He joined Jacob Feldman to discuss why he thinks recent growth—from new investors to new media deals to new international efforts—could threaten the bonds that made sports a central component of American culture in the first place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Jacob discuss the early returns from the first-of-its-kind Club World Cup, including how DAZN intends to make back the $1 billion it spent on streaming rights while airing games for free. The hosts also break down Shaquille O’Neal paying FTX customers $1.8 million in a legal settlement—and whether MLB players would be better spokespeople for weight-loss or weight-gain programs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jacob Feldman is joined by STN Digital CEO David Brickley to discuss the company's latest report detailing the top U.S. teams on social media and the content they're using to get ahead, from Saquon Barkley to LeBron James to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Brickley also dished a few tips for people hoping to grow their own social following—or just looking for a more personalized feed of posts on their favorite app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legal expert Michael McCann joins hosts Jacob Feldman and Scott Soshnick to discuss what last week’s completed House settlement means for the future of college sports. And boy do we have questions. The group discusses how billions of dollars will now flow from schools to athletes, whether the new rules will be enforced, and what it means for universities unable to keep up financially. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eben speaks with Nic Sulsky, CEO of The Curling Group, about the ~$7 million takeover of the sport’s biggest event series, the business strategy behind making curling a more commercially successful global sport, the impact of the Olympics, and how curling is misunderstood among many sports fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Shawn Thornton, chief revenue officer of the Florida Panthers, about the team’s third straight Stanley Cup run and how that turns into new revenue for the NHL franchise. They also talk Florida hockey, the Tkachuk brothers, and the culture of the sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the latest on the $6.1 billion Celtics sale, with the buyers finalizing their group members and their financing. They also talk about a notable WNBA stake sale, a notable WNBA injury, and big news concerning the world’s highest-paid athlete. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Syracuse sports management professor Rick Burton about the future of sports and fandom, with commonsense changes to enhance stadiums and leagues. They also talk about MLS, the subject of Burton’s most recent book, titled “The Rise of Major League Soccer.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the newest TGL franchise selling for $70+ million. They also talk about Olympic flag football, the WNBA opening week, the Fanatics Games, and LiveBarn for sale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about UCLA’s plan to right-size its athletic department. They also talk about a stake sale for the San Francisco 49ers, and the NHL/NBA playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the sale of two pro basketball teams: the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun and the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. Both are happening in the midst of expansion talks. The hosts also talk about the NFL schedule reveal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Michael Jordan partnering with NBC to do some NBA coverage next season. They also talk about Shohei Ohtani, Michael Eisner and the new Pope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eben is joined by colleague Kurt Badenhausen to discuss his ranking of the 50 most valuable soccer teams in the world. They talk No. 1 Real Madrid, No. 2 Manchester United, and a number of other teams. Plus, they break down the economics of global soccer as compared to other major U.S. leagues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Marc Lasry and Michael Strahan joining forces to pursue an investment in the New York Giants. They also talk about Warren Buffett, the NHL playoffs, President Donald Trump, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about the latest in professional golf, with LIV Golf close to securing something it has wanted since its inception. They also talk about the Kentucky Derby, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the very physical NHL playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the biggest story of the NFL draft: Shedeur Sanders’ fall to the fifth round. They also talk about the Commanders’ new stadium deal and the NCAA’s new partnership with Genius Sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Sportico’s high-paid athletes of all time, a top 50 that covers eight sports and 16 countries. They also debate the Savannah Bananas and the upcoming NFL Draft in Green Bay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak about Gail Miller’s return to big-time sports ownership in Utah with her purchase of the Utah Royals and Real Salt Lake. They also talk about a new sports PE fund, and Trump vs. Harvard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eben chats with Sportico’s Daniel Libit about the rapid changes underway in college sports, including a series of high-profile lawsuits and looming revenue sharing. They also talk about what it all means for fans, the status of athlete activism, and why 2030-2032 may actually be the critical window of reform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about Rory McIlroy’s win at The Masters, and the many business stories that spun off it. They also talk about Nico Iamaleava, Paige Bueckers and Western Michigan hockey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss a crazy few days in the global economy, with markets crashing and dire words from Republican donors like Ken Griffin, followed by a Trump announcement that sent stock surging. They also talk about the world’s highest-paid golfers on the eve of the Masters, and two senators asking the DOJ to probe a new partnership between Fanatics and Ticketmaster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about Alex Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL scoring. They also talk about the sports implications of President Trump’s global trade war, the NCAA basketball tournaments, and The Masters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about the ‘torpedo bats’ that have taken the internet—and MLB—by storm. They also chat about a major update in the Minnesota Timberwolves sale, a potential sale in MLS/NWSL, and the latest in the Ovi goal chase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Richard Gillis, host of the Unofficial Partner podcast, about the NBA considering its own league in Europe. They break down the what, the why and the how, and discuss some potential hurdles to the project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Sportico valuations expert Kurt Badenhausen about his latest MLB numbers, the business of baseball, and what might be in store with the sport's looming labor battle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, which were light on upsets or drama. They also talk about a surprising Celtics sale, and the death of a sports business icon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with banker Sal Galatioto about his thirty years of sports dealmaking, including surging valuations, notable transactions, and why he thinks MLB teams are undervalued. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices