Bloomberg Business of Sports

Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the New York Knicks' use of a picture of Kevin Durant in a pitch to season-ticket holders. The NBA team then deleted the picture to avoid any perception that it was using the photo as an inducement to the impending free agent. The Knicks said it was commonplace for teams to use game action photos in promotional material. The Knicks have been mentioned as a possible landing pad for the Golden State Warriors star and former MVP, who has said he's tired of free-agent speculation. Also discussed is broadcaster Bob Costas's take that he was removed from the Super Bowl telecast because of his comments regarding football and head trauma. Also talked about was the debut of the Alliance of American football, which posted a strong TV rating for its inaugural games. The season lasts 10 weeks. 

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

Producer: Madena Parwana

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Mastry Inc. founder Rudy Cline-Thomas joins Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including how professional athletes have become much more savvy with their money. Cline-Thomas seeks to identify investment opportunities in technology and media, and often serves as a liaison between the investment community and professional athletes. Cline-Thomas also talks about what athletes should be looking for when making an investment, and how many athletes these days are capitalizing on their notoriety as jocks and not waiting until retirement to explore what’s available to them.

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

Producer: Madena Parwana

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Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including Major League Baseball and the Chicago Cubs moving to distance themselves from racist emails sent and received by billionaire Joe Ricketts, whose family owns the team and Wrigley Field. Many of the emails had to do with a fear of Muslims, including conspiracy theories about former President Barack Obama. Joe Ricketts, the founder of TD Ameritrade, has apologized for the emails. One of his sons, Tom, chairman of the Cubs, released a statement that condemned the emails and distanced his father from the franchise. Also discussed are Super Bowl viewership and commercials, and the possibility that the Raiders may play at Oracle Park next season. The 49ers may not waive their territorial rights to San Francisco, meaning the Raiders search for a temporary home would continue. 

Hosts: Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr Producer: Madena Parwana

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Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the less-than-stellar ratings for New England's 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl. The game posted a 44.9 overnight rating on CBS, which is the lowest since the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals in 2009. Also discussed is what may happen during the offseason, including a possible change in how instant replay is utilized for questionable calls and non-calls like the pass interference that wasn't in the Rams-New Orleans NFC championship game. Also talked about are developments in the sale of Fox's 22 regional sports networks. Among the bidders are Apollo Global Management, Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. and Major League Baseball. Other interested parties include Platinum Equity and Liberty Media Corp. 

Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Bob Bragg

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Los Angeles Rams Chief Operating Officer Kevin Demoff joins Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including what the Super Bowl means not only to the team's bottom line now, but what it means in the context of a franchise building a $5 billion (and counting) stadium complex. Demoff also talks about the process of hiring a new coach, and the risks associated with naming a 30-year-old to the position. Also discussed is how teams and leagues will benefit from sports betting, the non-call in the NFC championship game against the New Orleans Saints, and the global view of Rams owner Stan Kroenke, whose company also owns the NBA's Denver Nuggets and Arsenal of the English Premier League. He also talks about the stadium and fan experience. 

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

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Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including a new marketing campaign by the surging Brooklyn Nets. The campaign, dubbed ``Bet on Brooklyn,'' will be featured around Wall Street as the team targets fans in Manhattan. The team is offering a locked in, two-year price for season tickets. The campaign will include branded coffee carts in the Wall Street and Fulton Street subway stations. Also discussed is Pepsi's attempt to market during the Super Bowl in Atlanta, the home of rival Coke. The NFL has specific rules as to what Coke can -- and cannot -- do because Pepsi is a league sponsor. Also talked about is the trade request by Anthony Davis, who told the New Orleans Pelicans that he'd rather play elsewhere in a move that could reshape the NBA's balance of power. 

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

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Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including an update on the National Football League’s quest to reach $25 billion in revenue by 2027. Thanks to an evolving media landscape and the legalization of sports betting in states across the country, the world’s richest league is poised for major revenue jumps in the next few years. Also talked about is the Pac-12 Conference’s new partnership with the Raine Group, which will help the league manage its media strategy, and a new $115 fund launched by Sapphire Ventures, called Sapphire Sport, that’s attracted a heavy-hitting group of investors.

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

Producer: Madena Parwana (WHAT WHAT!)

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Raine Group Managing Director Colin Neville joins Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his task in helping lead the company's sports advisory and investing platforms. He has worked on numerous transactions, including the sale of UFC to WME-IMG, advising David Beckham and Jorge Mas on their MLS expansion, advising Fanatics on its $1 billion capital raise and Steve Ballmer's purchase of the Clippers. Also discussed are franchise valuations, the complexity of today's transactions and what he looks for in an investment. 

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

Producer: Jessica Summers

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Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the Super Bowl matchup (and corporate battles) surrounding the New Orleans Saints and the New England Patriots in Atlanta. Also talked about is the University of Connecticut's athlete department, which is losing $40 million a year. The school is considering cutting some sports to help balance the budget. Also discussed is the ESPN story surrounding football's insurance problem. Many carriers are refusing to cover the sport, forcing some to eliminate participation. The NFL, according to the story, has one carrier that has doubled its premium for coverage. 

Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Jessica Summers

Running time 14:47

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Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss the upcoming year in sports business on a special holiday edition of the Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast. The trio open with a look at the changing media landscape, with more sports moving digital and the looming sale of the 22 regional sports networks that the Walt Disney Co. has to unload as part of its upcoming merger with Twenty-First Century Fox. Also discussed is the host of ways in which sports betting will change consumption in 2019 -- from new in-game betting options to million-dollar data deals and advertising. The show closes on an interview with Scott Rochelle, the CEO of the National Basketball Retired Players Association and a discussion on athletes preparing for life after their careers end.

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

Running time: 29:28

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