Bloomberg Business of Sports

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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NBC Sports horse racing analyst Randy Moss joins Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of thoroughbred racing, including the 29 horses that have died at Santa Anita Racetrack since December. The deaths have drawn national attention, including condemnation from California Governor Gavin Newsom. Moss also talks about declining interest in what was once one of America's most popular sports, and what horse racing can do to possibly reverse the trend. Also discussed is horse racing's history with gambling, and why there's economic incentive for owners not to race their best horses. 

Hosts: Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams

Producer: Colin Tipton

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Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the fallout from Kevin Durant's injury sustained during Game 5 of the National Basketball Association Finals. Durant, a former league MVP who had missed time with a calf problem, sustained an Achilles injury during the game. It has prompted billionaire Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban to call for the league and players union to invest in research into diagnostic tools that would allow for proactive analysis of tendons and ligaments. Cuban said it's worth the investment, even if the payoff is more than a decade away. Also discussed are the U.S. Women's Soccer team's 13-0 win over Thailand, and Forbes's list of highest paid athletes, which is topped by a trio of soccer players: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. 

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

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Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the prospect of banned Golden State Warriors minority owner Mark Stevens selling his stake in the National Basketball Association franchise. Stevens, a billionaire, was barred by the NBA for a year and fined $500,000 for pushing Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors. Seventy-five percent of NBA owners would have to agree in order to force Stevens to sell his stake. It is also possible that his fellow partners in the team would ask him to relinquish it. Stevens reportedly bought in at an $800 million valuation. The team, which is moving to a new arena in San Francisco next season, is now worth $3.5 billion, according to Forbes. Also discussed is the Pac-12's stake sale, which has reportedly drawn interest from several suitors, and a Twitter executive saying the company isn't interested in bidding on live sports rights.  

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

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National Basketball Association Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum joins Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the championship series between the Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors. Also discussed is the league’s global ambition, and how the NBA can drive revenue outside of the U.S. Tatum also talks about the league’s approach to sports betting, data, and how the NBA and its teams are utilizing technology to drive interest in the NBA. Prior to his appointment as deputy commissioner in 2014, Tatum served as executive vice president of global marketing partnerships.

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

Producer: Colin Tipton

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