Bloomberg Business of Sports

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred joins the podcast from London to talk about the league's first-ever games in Europe. The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees played twice in London last weekend, drawing two sold-out crowds and combining for 50 runs. MLB essentially built a make-shift baseball stadium inside London's Olympic Stadium, complete with imported locker rooms and dirt imported from Pennsylvania. Manfred discusses baseball's goals in hosting games in London, plus the economics of the games, which cost tens of millions to put on. He also discusses the payments MLB paid to the Red Sox to compensate them for losing two home games, and the possibility of placing a franchise in Europe in the future. 

Hosts: Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams

Producer: Colin Tipton

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Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including Nike's controversial decision to recall a limited-edition Fourth of July shoe that featured the "Betsy Ross" version of the American flag. The image has been coopted by some far-right groups and Nike reportedly reconsidered the sale after conversations with quarterback-turned-activist Colin Kaepernick, one of the company's sponsored athletes. Also discussed is a quirk in the NBA's free agency rules that has prevented the Brooklyn Nets from being able to market new free agent acquisitions Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving. The pair also talk about the success of the U.S. women's national soccer team, which is one win away from repeating as World Cup champions.

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Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including a banner first day for NBA free agency. The Brooklyn Nets made the biggest splash, reportedly agreeing to terms with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan, while the crosstown New York Knicks failed to land a big name. Other stars changing teams appear to include Jimmy Butler and Al Horford. Also discussed is the success of the U.S. women's national team, which is playing the in semifinals of the Women's World Cup, and setting records for TV ratings and merchandise sales. Also talked about sports gambling numbers from May that show that New Jersey operators took more in wagers than operators in Nevada. 

Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr

Producer: Colin Tipton

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In this special, the Surveillance team does a deep dive on Major League Baseball's debut in the U.K. Robert Manfred Jr., MLB Commissioner, speaks on the profound financial opportunities of bringing Major League Baseball to Europe. And Sam Kennedy, Boston Red Sox CEO, illustrates the severity of the need to grow the MLB on an international scale. 

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Former U.S. Women’s National Soccer team player Kristine Lilly joins Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the current team’s run through the World Cup, its place in the quarterfinal against host France, and what kind of halo would attach itself to the club should it win the tournament. Lilly, who first qualified for the national team while in high school, played in five World Cups, winning in 1991 and 1999. Lilly also discusses the state of women’s soccer, including the current team’s struggle for pay equality with the men. She also touches on what can be done to increase support for women’s soccer in non-World Cup years. And She also talks about her book, Powerhouse, which examines the teamwork tactics that have helped spur the U.S. women’s team’s success.

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Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including NCAA President Mark Emmert threatening to bar California teams from participating in national championships if a proposed state law takes effect. The bill in question would force schools to allow athletes to sign endorsements, appear in ads and make money off their name and likeness, which is currently a violation of the NCAA's amateurism rules. Also discussed is a unique new $3 billion Olympic sponsorship signed by Coca-Cola and Mengniu Dairy Company, China's largest dairy manufacturer. Also talked about is Steph Curry's new Under Armour golf line, which he unveiled in China. 

Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams

Producer: Colin Tipton

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Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including Big 3 Chairman of the Board Amy Trask grabbing a mop and drying the court during a game. Trask, a former CEO of the NFL's Oakland Raiders, said the wet spot was bugging her so she just grabbed the mop and dried the court herself. Also discussed is Major League Baseball's decision to grant the Tampa Bay Rays permission to explore the possibility of splitting their home games between Florida and Montreal. The team has for years unsuccessfully lobbied for a new stadium. Under the proposal, the Rays would play the first part of the season in Tampa and the second half in Montreal, where business leaders are lobbying for the return of big-league baseball. Also talked about is UConn's decision to return to the Big East Conference from the American Athletic Conference. The Big East doesn't offer football. 

Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams 

Producer: Colin Tipton

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Former Disney Chief Executive Officer Michael Eisner joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his pursuit and eventual ownership of English lower division soccer team Portsmouth. Eisner talks about the pitfalls of pro sports team ownership and what advice he would give a prospective owner of an English football club at any level. Eisner also talks today’s broadcast environment, including the value proposition of professional sports. He also talks about the migration of sports, and whether technology companies like Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Google will be serious bidders for pro sports rights. He also touches on the global growth of esports.

Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams 

Producer: Bob Bragg

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Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including a new partnership between NBA All-Star Anthony Davis and Ruffles, the PepsiCo-owned potato chip brand. Davis, who was recently traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, will become a Ruffles endorser, but he also unveiled a new sneaker with Nike, called the Ruffles Ridge Tops, which are potato-chip inspired. Also talked about was the police question of Michel Platini, the former head of European soccer's governing body, over potential corruption connected to the vote that awarded Qatar the right to host the 2022 World Cup. Also discussed is Major League Baseball and its players union beginning labor talks more than two year before their current deal expires. 

Hosts: Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr

Producer: Bob Bragg

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Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the Los Angeles Lakers' acquisition of All-Star center Anthony  Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans. In return for Davis, who had requested a trade, the Pelicans will receive three players and three first-round draft picks. Davis will team with LeBron James, who this past season missed the playoffs for the first time in his career. Also talked about is how Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, parent company of the Toronto Raptors, can capitalize on the team's National Basketball Association championship. MLSE also owns hockey's Maple Leafs and soccer's Toronto FC. Also discussed is Florida State University's decision to privatize its athletic department, which, among other things, keeps the entity from having to respond to open record requests. 

Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams 

Producer: Bob Bragg

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