Sporticast

Scott and Eben discuss how a second Donald Trump presidency might impact the sports world, from golf to MMA, estate taxes and ticket prices. They also recap a recent sports investing conference in New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eben and Jacob keep it light-hearted on Election Day as they discuss the changing nature of sports fandom, media consumption, and social media. They also talk about Club Sportico, their new sports business community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sportico valuations expert Kurt Badenhausen joins the show to break down our recently updated NHL valuations. The average NHL franchise is now worth $1.8 billion, up 92% since 2021. As Kurt explains, a lot of that growth has come from Sun Belt teams that were once viewed as struggling properties but have since found a formula for sucess—and sellouts. We also discuss the role of the NHL's current salary cap on valuations, and whether we'd rather own the Boston Bruins or Boston Celtics going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The four biggest North American teams sports leagues were in action Monday night in 2024's only "sports equinox." But Scott and Jacob Feldman wonder whether leagues would be better served moving their games so as not to compete with marquee events like the World Series and Monday Night Football. With the MLS considering moving to a fall-to-spring schedule and the WNBA season expanding, finding moments to own is more important than ever. They also discuss a must-watch Fall Classic, COSM's football coverage, and the celebrity influencers every team should be trying to host. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben sit with Chris McGowan, the Chief of Club Performance at MLS, to discuss the league’s commercial success, the impact of Lionel Messi, the MLS x Apple deal, and how he built his MLS unit from scratch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about the Yankees and Dodgers meeting in the World Series, a showdown of the sport’s two most valuable franchises and two of its biggest stars. They also talk about the WNBA Finals, some breaking news on the league’s labor front, and surprise LA28 venue news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss a trio of celebrities—Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter and Jozy Altidore—that are in talks to by into the Buffalo Bills. They also talk about Tom Brady’s Raiders deal, sports bettors haranguing doctors, and BOS Nation’s rough introduction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben break down the WNBA finals, which includes a showdown of two All Stars who are also business partners in a new 3x3 women’s league. They also talk about Tom Brady nearing an equity stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, the MLB playoffs, and the looming Minnesota Twins sale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about MLB players that take out loans in the offseason. They also talk about cryptocurrency sponsorships, U.S. Soccer’s business, and Diddy’s sports philanthropy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the business impacts of an upset-heavy weekend in college football. They also talk about the MLB playoffs, a quiet start to the NHL season, and what may become the first private equity deal in the NFL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss a new energy around MLB playoffs this year. They also talk about Nike’s backtrack on its new MLB uniforms, the sale of CCM, NHL labor, and the Boston Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the MLB playoffs, Oakland’s long goodbye for the Athletics, and the anniversary of a certain pop star’s relationship with the NFL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben are joined by Sportico valuations guru Kurt Badenhausen to discuss his latest NWSL valuations. They range from Angel City at $250 million to the Chicago Red Stars at $53 million. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with retired Lt. General Rich Clark, the new executive director of the College Football Playoff, about expanding to 12 teams, upheaval across college sports, and his time playing football at Air Force in the 1980s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the consolidation of the major sports teams in Toronto. They also discuss a new NYCFC owner, one final ‘Woj Bomb,’ and waning interest for Deion Sanders’ college games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss a new charter arrangement for the NBA, which is reportedly nearing a 13-plane deal that will see its teams fly on aircrafts made specifically for athletes. They also talk about the Timberwolves arbitration process, and the UFC's event at the Sphere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben debate their expectations for UFC 306 this weekend. It’s the first live sporting event to be held in the Sphere, Jim Dolan’s fancy new entertainment venue in Las Vegas. They also talk about the WNBA playoffs and a new coach for the U.S. men’s national soccer team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the return of the NFL, which some record-breaking contracts, strong ratings and off-field drama. They also talk about the U.S. Open, and the latest in a legal settlement that could change college sports forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben break down the economics—and health concerns—of the natural grass vs. artificial turf debate, which splits the league in two. They also talk about the U.S. Open, where upsets have opened the door for Americans to take center-stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben are joined by Jacob Feldman to discuss Club Sportico, a new online sports business community. Club Sportico is a separate weekly newsletter, sent on Thursday afternoons, that covers the industry in a more fun and casual manner. There’s members-only Sporticast content planned, a weekly news quiz, online chatrooms, and more. You can sign up for Club Sportico here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Longtime NFL advisor Marc Ganis joins Scott and Eben to break down the NFL’s new private equity ownership rules. The world’s richest sports league is taking a more conservative—and more lucrative—approach than other leagues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the business of the U.S. Open, a cash-printing machine that funds the rest of the USTA’s roughly $500 million budget. They also talk about the NWSL’s radical new labor agreement, and major changes anticipated in NFL ownership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben break down the latest in NWSL expansion talks, with groups from Denver and Cincinnati among those meeting with the league in New York City this week. They also talk about Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark’s candy opportunities, Cristiano Ronaldo’s new YouTube channel, and the NFL latest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Jacob Feldman chat with Flint Lane, founder of Major League Table Tennis, which is about to start its second season. The sport saw an explosion of interest during the Olympics—Google Search volume reportedly popped 5x above previous highs—with basketball stars Steph Curry and Anthony Edwards joining in on the fun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben are joined by Sportico valuations guru Kurt Badenhausen to talk about his latest NFL list, which runs from the Dallas Cowboys ($10.32 billion) to the Cincinnati Bengals ($4.71 billion). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben recap the end of the Summer Olympics in Paris—a rejuvenation of the Games themselves and a template for media coverage of future mega-events. They also talk about the NWSL and its players union agreeing to a new CBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Pitbull’s $6 million deal to put his name on FIU’s football stadium. They also talk about an oddity of Olympics marketing, and Manchester United doing the unthinkable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben break down U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles’s demands for a sneaker—not sprinting spikes—built around him at Adidas. They also talk about an audacious plan at Howard University, a new high-tax surcharge at DraftKings, and the most valuable executives in sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the U.S. women’s gymnastics team’s early success at the Paris Summer Olympics. They also talk about the Kelce Brothers seeking a $100M podcast deal, and the MLB trade deadline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss how athletes are revolutionizing coverage of the Olympics via their own channels. They also talk about Peacock and NBC’s versions, WBD’s NBA lawsuit, and the latest in the major legal settlement that could forever change the business of college sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about the NFL and its players union discussing an 18th regular season game. They also discuss Mat Ishbia’s NHL ambitions and the business of the Olympics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Jacob Feldman discuss NBC's Olympics strategy, full of celebrity cameos and crossovers, as well as how athletes leverage their time in the spotlight. They also talk about the post-Covid resurgence of physical tickets as a souvenir. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Knicks owner Jim Dolan’s objections to the league’s handling of its new $76 billion TV deals. They also talk about Angel City being sold to Willow Bay and Bob Iger, and new $75M sports venture fund. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben are joined by Mike McCann, Sportico’s legal expert, to discuss the security issues at the Copa America final, delays in the NCAA’s latest anti-trust settlement, and the NFL’s recent legal setbacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup, about the eight-week event currently underway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. They talk about the $60 million prize pool, the state of competitive video gaming, and Saudi Arabia’s investment in its future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the $8 billion merger between Paramount and Skydance, with an eye on what it means for CBS’s sports portfolio. They also talk about the business of the NFL, more changes at NFL Media, and a $230 Tour de France fine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the looming multibillion-dollar sale of the Boston Celtics, which was announced shortly after the team won its NBA-record 18th title. They also talk about Willow Bay, wife of Disney CEO Bob Iger, nearing a deal to buy a control stake of Angel City FC, and some tech intrigue at the Tour de France. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the NFL’s losing an anti-trust lawsuit over Sunday Ticket that could cost the league more than $14 billion. They also talk about Bronny James being drafted by the Lakers, and the end of the Arizona Coyotes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the upcoming NBA Draft, specifically how teams are evaluating Bronny James, who has potential off-court value in addition to his on-court skills. They also talk about the Florida Panthers winning the Stanley Cup, the start of the Fanatics/NHL jersey era, and Alex Morgan being left off the U.S. Olympic team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Camilo Durana, executive vice president of both MLS and SUM, about Major League Soccer’s attendance growth, the overlap of the Euros and Copa America, and the impact of Lionel Messi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inaugural WNBA Valuations Breakdown w/ Kurt Badenhausen Scott and Eben speak with Sportico colleague Kurt Badenhausen about his inaugural WNBA valuations. They range from the Las Vegas Aces at $140 million to the Atlanta Dream at $55 million. The average team is worth about $96 million. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, who has overcome a rough public image to capture golf fans and golf media. They also talk about a new TGL investor, the ongoing NBA/NHL finals, Tom Brady’s broadcast debut, and Charles Barkley’s “retirement” announcement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben break down a sports business scandal in competitive eating, with Joey Chestnut, the sport’s biggest star, banned from the July 4 Nathan’s hot dog competition. They also talk about NBA players as investors, the Kelce brothers, and the ongoing MaxPreps sale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben breakdown weekend trips to Yankee Stadium for Yankees vs. Dodgers, and the T20 Cricket World Cup for India vs. Pakistan. They also talk about Kyrie Irving’s unique shoes, a possible U.S. investment in Portuguese soccer club Benfica, and a website acquisition that’s turning heads around the NHL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss more betting scandals in pro sports, with MLB and NBA confronting new news about athletes violating their anti-gambling rules. They also talk, rationally, about Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and the WNBA’s current media reckoning. They also speak briefly about Man City’s Premier League lawsuit and Carmelo Anthony’s unique NBL deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Connor McDavid, the NHL’s most talented player, finally playing in his first Stanley Cup Final. They also talk about soccer star Kylian Mbappé moving to Real Madrid, the U.S. Government’s Ticketmaster lawsuit, and a new 3x3 women’s basketball league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the Edmonton Oilers’ real estate empire, which includes one of the largest sports and entertainment developments in North America. They also talk NBA playoffs and the marketing stardom of MLB rookie Paul Skenes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Brett Jones, CEO of the U.S. host committee for upcoming T20 Cricket Men’s World Cup, about the event, its venue/city strategy, and the commercial powerhouse that is India vs. Pakistan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the latest in college sports, with the backers of a new investment vehicle announcing its plans to deploy hundreds of millions into athletic departments. They also talk about the NFL’s own PE efforts, and Angel Reese’s latest investment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak about the bizarre ownership situations at both the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves as the two teams face off in the NBA’s Western Conference Finals. They also talk about the WNBA investigating a new sponsorship for the Las Vegas Aces, the NCAA’s strange anti-trust settlement talks, and the Yankees’ ticket dominance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices