The Deal with Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez tells Jason Kelly how he’s feeling leading up to his first press conference as the owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx at the NBA’s Summer League, and what he’s looking forward to at the MLB All-Star Game next week. Then, they speak with Will Ahmed about how he came to found the fitness tracker Whoop. Ahmed tells the hosts the unique way he got early adapters Michael Phelps and LeBron James to try his product, which investor he was most excited to bring on board, and what it’s like competing with giants like Nike and Apple.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez tells Jason Kelly how he has felt since finalizing his ownership of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx. Then, they speak with Michelle Wie West about what she learned during her impressive golf career. West tells the hosts why she was excited to invest in Togethxr to promote women’s golf, why she sees potential in the new simulator golf league TGL, and what she learned from her father-in-law, the late NBA great Jerry West. You can also watch this interview on the Bloomberg Podcasts YouTube page. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with iconic football coach Bill Belichick and Bridgewater's legendary founder Ray Dalio about their guiding principles for success. Belichick tells the hosts how he was inspired by Dalio’s book “Principles” to write “The Art of Winning: Lessons from My Life in Football,” and why he’s excited for a new challenge coaching at the University of North Carolina. Dalio meanwhile recounts how his principles have become tools that can be applied across industries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with David Blitzer, Blackstone’s chairman and the co-founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, about how his teams use data and analytics to improve fan experience. In this conversation, which was taped in front of an audience at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, Blitzer tells the hosts how a “failed athlete” came to be the first person to own teams in all five major American sports leagues, what he’s doing to invest in the “massively fragmented” world of youth sports and why having a favorite sports team is like having a favorite child. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Magic Johnson, the iconic point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. In their conversation, taped in front of a live audience at the Milken Global Conference, Johnson reveals what he’s learned from his “greatest deal,” becoming part of the Washington Commanders ownership group. He also explains why pitching himself as a partner to the Starbucks board was the hardest thing he’s ever done, and how much it meant to win an Olympic gold medal alongside Michael Jordan and Larry Bird.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Susie Wolff, the managing director of F1 Academy, about how she’s helping more female racers try to advance into the ranks of Formula One. In this conversation, Wolff tells the hosts how she got all ten F1 teams to support cars in F1 Academy, why she wanted to sign makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury and what she hopes viewers will learn from watching Netflix’s new docuseries, “F1: The Academy.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Washington Commanders Owner Josh Harris about how he was able to bring the team back to the RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. In this conversation, Harris tells the hosts how he was also able to negotiate a deal with Comcast for the Philadelphia 76ers’ new arena, why his team was able to perform so much better on the NFL Players Association report card this year, and what he’s learned from owning teams in different markets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments, about her firm’s newly launched fund, “Project Level,” devoted to investing in women’s sports. In this conversation, which was taped in front of an audience at Bloomberg’s Invest conference, Hobson tells the hosts why she decided to personally invest in the Chicago White Sox and the Denver Broncos, how F1 racer Lewis Hamilton taught her to speak more positively to herself and what she learned from a specific seat at the table of the Starbucks Board of Directors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit down with Georgia Tech Athletics Director J Batt to discuss the current upheaval in college athletics. In their conversation, taped in front of a live audience during March Madness, Batt explains how his athletics department is helping students navigate new rules around “name, image and likeness,” the transfer portal and potential revenue-sharing opportunities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about McLaren Racing’s success at the Miami Grand Prix, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finishing first and second on the podium. Then, they speak with Zak Brown about how McLaren Racing came back from the brink of bankruptcy to be a winning team. Brown tells the hosts how he and his drivers deal with media scrutiny, why Netflix and Brad Pitt are crucial to Formula One’s growth, and he turns the tables for a lightning round of questions for A-Rod. You can also watch this interview on the Bloomberg Podcasts YouTube page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about the new Washington Commanders stadium deal and the upcoming Miami Grand Prix. Then, they speak with Jennifer Epstein about what it’s like to build a team from scratch with the NWSL’s latest expansion team: Boston Legacy FC. Epstein tells the hosts what she learned from her family’s ownership of the Boston Celtics, how she’s inspired by the passion of Boston sports fans, and why it’s too early to take a victory lap celebrating her investment in the NWSL. You can also watch this interview on the Bloomberg Podcasts YouTube page. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about the potential #1 pick in the NFL draft and Alex's report from sitting court-side in LA at a star-studded Timberwolves/Lakers Game 1 of the NBA playoffs. Then, they speak with Christine Dorfler about how she’s rising to the economy’s challenges as the NFL’s chief financial officer. Dorfler tells the hosts how a recession could affect the NFL’s media deal, why she sees so much potential in introducing private equity into team investments, and what she learned about resilience from being a military intelligence officer in the Army. You can also watch this interview on the Bloomberg Podcasts YouTube page. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about Rory McIlroy’s historic win at the 2025 Masters at Augusta National. Then, they speak with Richard Jefferson about how he made the transition from NBA star forward to ESPN analyst. Jefferson tells the hosts why work ethic is important to him, the lessons he learned from being robbed by his former manager, and why he’s never been more nervous than at the 2004 slam dunk contest with Amar'e Stoudemire. You can also watch this interview on the Bloomberg Podcasts YouTube page. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about two big records: Alex Ovechkin topping Wayne Gretzky’s legendary scoring record in the NHL, and Geno Auriemma’s 12th NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship win as coach at the University of Connecticut. Then, they speak with Jessica Berman about how she has helped revolutionize the National Women’s Soccer League for the last three years as commissioner. Berman tells the hosts why the NWSL decided to get rid of the draft, how she’s making the most of her media rights deal with Amazon, ESPN, CBS, and Scripps ION, and whether she thinks expansion teams are getting too expensive too fast. You can also watch this interview on the Bloomberg Podcasts YouTube page. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about Major League Baseball’s opening weekend and the new torpedo bat everyone is talking about. Then, they speak with Tom Garfinkel about the business empire he leads as President and CEO of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. Garfinkel tells the hosts why his partnership with Dolphins owner, Stephen Ross, is so special, how he was able to negotiate a 10-year deal to bring Formula 1 racing to his stadium, and how his work is impacting the city of Miami. You can also watch this interview on the Bloomberg Podcasts YouTube page. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Mike Repole about how he built two beverage empires with Vitamin Water and BodyArmor. Repole tells the hosts why it’s important for him to share equity with everyone at his company, how he worked with huge investors like Kobe Bryant and Tom Brady, and why he thinks it’s important for entrepreneurs to fail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with the New York Yankees’ Assistant General Manager, Jean Afterman. Afterman explains how she helped change the game by helping to introduce Japanese players to the MLB, what she learned from legendary Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner, and the advice her mother gave her to start off every negotiation on the strongest foot.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Mike McCarley about how he built TMRW Sports and the TGL (Tomorrow’s Golf League). McCarley explains the pitch that got legendary golfer Tiger Woods on board, how his team navigated setbacks and delays in launching the league for its inaugural season, and where TGL is already looking to expand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Katlyn Gao about how she founded a whole new women's professional sports league: League One Volleyball. Gao tells the hosts why LOVB chose their six inaugural team markets, how she got investors like Jayson Tatum and Candace Parker on board, and why women’s volleyball is uniquely situated to take off in the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Johnny Damon about his career highlights with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Damon tells the hosts the surprising reason why he doesn't agree with the Yankees' new facial hair policy, the reason it’s important to really know your teammates if you want to win a World Series, and what he’s learned about running a business since founding A-Game Beverages.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Laura Rutledge about how she built a career as a host for ESPN and the SEC Network. Rutledge tells the hosts about how the new name, image, and likeness rules are affecting when college football players are ready to go pro, how she organizes herself covering football and golf, and what she thought about Tom Brady's turn on the mic calling games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit with Ted Leonsis, founder of Monumental Sports and Entertainment, to discuss how he came to dominate the Washington DC sports scene. Leonsis shares what he learned from the “world’s worst deal” at AOL and how he’s helping the US capital become a “super city” by investing in its teams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly hop on the mic to talk about the biggest night in sports. They discuss the pressures of being a quarterback at the Super Bowl, how FOX must feel about the game's ratings, the best sports-related ads of the night, and what it all means for the business of football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit with entrepreneur Josh Richards to discuss his social media empire. Richards explains how he cracked the algorithm to make a name for himself on TikTok, what he’s learned from his partnerships with Dave Portnoy and Mark Wahlberg and why sports teams and star athletes should follow his lead in creating content that can meet target demographics where they are. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit with Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, CEO and founder of Next 3 and the governor of Gotham FC. Blodgett explains why she wanted to invest in women’s professional soccer, what Peloton taught her about marketing and brand development and how her family’s ownership of the New York Giants has affected her work with Gotham.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit with Steve Pagliuca to discuss his ownership principles for the Boston Celtics and Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio. Pagliuca explains how he ended up with a successful career as an investor at Bain Capital, what lessons he applied to growing sports teams and why he’s proud to be called the Italian Ted Lasso.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit with former professional lacrosse player Paul Rabil to discuss the evolving business of the sport. Rabil tells the hosts how he managed to develop a new lacrosse league, why he's investing in its digital media presence and how he plans for the league's future growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly hop on the mic to talk about Juan Soto's record-breaking $765 million deal to play for the Mets over the next 15 years. They discuss the details of Soto's deal, how it compares to Rodriguez's own record-breaking contract back in 2000, and what it all means for the business of baseball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit down with former WNBA player and Seattle Storm co-owner Sue Bird to discuss her growing media empire and the explosion of women's sports. Bird tells the hosts how she has built her investment portfolio, why her company’s viral t-shirt is about more than just a meme and why timing is so important for her big decisions on and off the court. Become a Bloomberg.com subscriber using our special intro offer at bloomberg.com/podcastoffer. You’ll unlock deep reporting, data and analysis from reporters around the world, plus access to a suite of subscriber-only newsletters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with former WNBA player Candace Parker about how she’s making a name for herself off the court. Parker shares how she got into the business side of basketball by working closely with Adidas, her former sponsor, why she loves being an NBA broadcaster and what she’s looking for in her investments. Become a Bloomberg.com subscriber using our special intro offer at bloomberg.com/podcastoffer. You’ll unlock deep reporting, data and analysis from reporters around the world, plus access to a suite of subscriber-only newsletters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Bruin Capital Founder and CEO George Pyne about how he reinvented institutions like NASCAR and IMG before pivoting to investing. Pyne explains what he looks for in a founder, why the risk-reward ratio is important in deal-making and the opportunities he sees for growth in college sports. Become a Bloomberg.com subscriber using our special intro offer at bloomberg.com/podcastoffer. You’ll unlock deep reporting, data and analysis from reporters around the world, plus access to a suite of subscriber-only newsletters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman about the value of letting fans own a part of their team by having teams enter the public market. Friedman tells the hosts about her competitive deal-making mindset, how she’s transformed Nasdaq and the current sports business landscape. Become a Bloomberg.com subscriber using our special intro offer at bloomberg.com/podcastoffer. You’ll unlock deep reporting, data and analysis from reporters around the world, plus access to a suite of subscriber-only newsletters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Jay Williams, the co-founder and CEO of Improbable Media, about how athletes can build their brands using media. Williams tells the hosts how he made a major career pivot after an accident ended his professional basketball dreams, the lessons he's learned from his personal board of advisors (which includes Duke's legendary Coach Mike Krzyzewski), and how athletes today are taking advantage of NIL deals. Become a Bloomberg.com subscriber using our special intro offer at bloomberg.com/podcastoffer. You’ll unlock deep reporting, data and analysis from reporters around the world, plus access to a suite of subscriber-only newsletters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group, about his recent purchase of the Baltimore Orioles. Rubenstein tells the hosts about why he bought his hometown baseball team, how he assembled the ownership group and what the Orioles mean for the city of Baltimore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit with tennis champions Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss to discuss the current buzz around women’s sports. King and Kloss, the dreamer and builder (respectively) behind Billie Jean King Enterprises, King says, tell the hosts about their investments in the Los Angeles Dodgers and Angel City FC, the story behind how they helped launch the Professional Women's Hockey League and the lessons they think athletes should learn about the business of sports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly discuss the state of Big Ten football after Rodriguez visits his daughter for a University of Michigan game. The hosts then interview Kevin Warren, president and chief executive of the Chicago Bears and the former commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, about lessons he’s learned from professional and college sports. Warren also shares the latest on a proposed new Bears stadium and the importance of relationships in business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly discuss the influence of Latinos in the world of sports and how the Boys and Girls Club changed Rodriguez’ life. The hosts then interview ImpactX Sports Group CEO Xavier Gutierrez about the growing business of investing in sports. Gutierrez also shares the results of a Nielson report co-produced by his organization, Latinos in Sports, and why it’s important for teams and leagues to pay attention to this important demographic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly start off by discussing their excitement for the pro and college football seasons. The hosts then interview New York sports radio icon Mike Francesa about his legendary career at WFAN and his partnership with Chris Russo on Mike and the Mad Dog. Francesa shares his insights on the evolution of sports media, the future of baseball and what he says are the three biggest stories in New York sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Jason Kelly and Alex Rodriguez discuss private equity’s move into the National Football League. The hosts then interview Midge Purce, a forward for Gotham FC, about how she’s taking on the world of business while navigating a soccer career. Purce tells the hosts why she wanted to launch a new reality show that follows the lives of players in the offseason, how she sees the National Women’s Soccer League gaining ground and why her dad’s advice never failed her.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Jason Kelly and Alex Rodriguez discuss the 15th anniversary of the 2009 New York Yankees World Championship and why it was an emotional day. The hosts then interview Michael Kay, a Yankees play-by-play announcer for the YES Network and host of The Michael Kay Show. Kay tells the hosts how he doubled his salary as a sports writer, how he got involved with YES and the one fellow sports broadcaster he wishes he could work with.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Jason Kelly discusses his recent interview with the owners of the Kansas City Chiefs, Clark and Dan Hunt, as well as the burgeoning sports betting industry. Kelly and Alex Rodriguez then interview Carsten Koerl, founder and CEO of Sportradar, about how his sports betting technology company partners with leagues and wagering platforms around the world. Koerl tells the hosts about how Ted Leonsis set him up with all-star investors like Michael Jordan and Mark Cuban, and how integrity in sports is at the center of the work he does.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly discuss the conclusion of the Paris Olympics and the big wins for USA basketball. They also interview Keith Dawkins, president of the Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios, about how he is reinvigorating the 98-year-old exhibition basketball icon. Dawkins also tells the hosts about how he’s pivoting from a tour-based to media-based business model, how he quickly negotiated the first-ever residency for a sports team and why having the right people on your bench makes all the difference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez tells Jason Kelly about his experience in Paris during the Olympics. They also interview Kevin Burkhardt, Fox Sports’ National Football League play–by-play announcer and lead Major League Baseball studio host, about his journey in broadcasting and what it’s like to now work with Rodriguez. Burkhardt also tells the hosts about how he prepares for broadcasts, his approach to negotiating for himself and what he thinks about the current state of baseball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez shares his excitement for attending the Olympics as a fan, reminisces about historic moments of the Games and analyzes their impact on athletes’ careers and brands. The conversation then shifts to Masai Ujiri, founder of Giants of Africa and president of the Toronto Raptors. Ujiri tells Jason Kelly about his journey from scouting talent in Africa to leading social and economic development on the continent through basketball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Jason Kelly and Alex Rodriguez reflect on baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. and his influence on Rodriguez and the broader baseball community. Then Ripken tells Kelly about his business partnership with Josh Harris and David Blitzer, and their effort to expand youth sports. He also discusses the effect his father had on his career and the challenges of building a business that remains true to the Ripken family’s core values.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Monarch Collective's Jasmine Robinson tells Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly about the business case for investing in women's sports leagues. Jasmine explains how her $150 million fund decided to invest in the NWSL and how she sees future growth opportunities for women's sports. (Corrects to remove reference to the WNBA in first paragraph.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, The Chernin Group's Jesse Jacobs tells Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly about a few of his notable deals, including Barstool Sports, the Professional Lacrosse League and his recent venture in Unrivaled Sports alongside Josh Harris and David Blitzer. Jesse shares his unique approach to business, the impact of digital media on sports and his thoughts on the evolving landscape of college and youth sports markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, entrepreneur Joe Pompliano tells hosts Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly about his rise in the sports media landscape, potential directions for sports valuations and future trends in sports media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Jessica Gelman, chief executive of Kraft Analytics Group, tells Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly how she navigates the intersection of business and sports with a special focus on the transformative impact of data analytics. Alex and Jason also discuss Willie Mays' legacy and the lessons they learned from Reggie Jackson at a celebration of the Negro League.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With all the money pouring into sports these days, big-time investor Marc Lore says he has an additional metric for success: happiness. On the latest episode of The Deal with Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly, Lore lays out his thinking on some of his deals, including a few with Rodriguez. Lore and Rodriguez initially tried to buy the New York Mets, a race they ultimately lost to billionaire hedge fund manager Steven Cohen. Then came the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, and the pair jumped. There’s currently a lot of happiness in Minnesota about the Timberwolves’ performance, given their initial success in the NBA playoffs. The 52-year-old Lore made his fortune as an entrepreneur through a series of startups, including Diapers.com and Jet.com, which he and his partners sold to Amazon and Walmart, respectively. Those experiences pushed him toward a near-obsession with company culture and mission. He’s created a framework he dubs VCP—which stands for “vision, capital and people.” The capital in Lore’s equation has come quickly and seemingly easily. Diapers was sold to Amazon for more than $500 million and Jet.com was acquired by Walmart for about $3.3 billion. Yet, Lore insists the drive was about more than the cash, a lesson he learned with the Diapers deal. “After the money was wired to our bank account, we sort of said, ‘We should be celebrating right now,’” Lore says. “And we’re like, depressed. And it just goes to show you, it wasn’t about the money. Like the mission that we had set out was kind of crushed with the sale to Amazon.” You can also watch The Deal on Bloomberg Originals, YouTube or Bloomberg TV.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.