Bloomberg Business of Sports

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the arrest of Nascar boss Brian France for driving while intoxicated. France has since taken an indefinite leave at a time when the auto racing circuit is seeking a minority investor. Also discussed are LeBron James's programs with Showtime and CBS, and the suspension of a number of North Carolina football players for selling school-issued merchandise. In all, 13 players were suspended, including quarterback Chazz Surratt. The NCAA approved a request to stagger some of the suspensions

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Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the Boston Red Sox sweep of the New York Yankees and the possible ramifications to YES Network's ratings later in the season. Also discussed is the upcoming retirement of PepsiCo Inc. Chief Executive Officer Indra Nooyi, who oversaw one of the dominant global sports sponsors. Nooyi, 62, will step down in October and remain chairman until early 2019. 

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Monumental Sports founder Ted Leonsis discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including what can be gleaned from the National Basketball Association's recent 3-year, $25 million deal with MGM International, which became the league's official gaming partner. Leonsis, whose company includes Washington's Wizards of the NBA and Stanley Cup champion Capitals of the NHL, also discusses technology's effect on not only sports but sports fans. He also talks about esports and games like Fortnite, which he says could pass the NHL in annual revenue. Leonsis also talks about a $1 bet with Michael Jordan, which demonstrates where sports is headed. 

Ted Leonsis is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns and operates a number of professional sports teams, including the Wizards and Stanley Cup champion Capitals. The company also owns Monumental Sports Network, a regional sports network for digital, mobile and direct-to-consumer platforms. 

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Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the National Basketball Association's new deal with MGM International, which becomes the league's first sports gambling partner. The three-year deal is worth $25 million. Also discussed is the Oakland A's new season ticket plan, which gives customers the option to move around the ballpark and not lock into one single seat. The trio also discusses the trend of parents hiring Fortnite tutors for their kids.

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Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the sale of Genius Sports, a sports data firm, to private equity funds advised by Apax Partners. It's the latest in a series of investments tied to legalized sports betting in the U.S. Also discussed are Seattle Mariners executives and workplace misconduct, as well as more Major League Baseball players having to explain old tweets.

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NFL Players Inc. President Ahmad Nassar discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including how the role of sports unions -- and unions in general -- have changed over the years. He also discusses the business of NFL players, including the NFLPA's Ace Media, which helps members gain access to content opportunities with traditional and non-traditional broadcasters. He also talks about the business implications of players kneeling during the National Anthem, and the growth in the union's One Team Collective, which is akin to a venture fund that uses the players' popularity as capital for investment opportunities. 

NFL Inc. is the licensing and marketing arm of the NFL Players Association. Nassar became its president in 2015. He joined NFLPI in 2009, and previously served as its vice president of business affairs and general counsel. Prior to joining the NFLPA Nassar was an attorney with Patton Boggs. 

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Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the change over pouring rights at MSG-owned venues. Pepsi takes over for Coke, which had held the rights for more than 100 years. Also discussed is the U.S. government's lawsuit against sports apparel company Fanatics, Inc., whose investors include the National Football League and Major League Baseball. The suit brought by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission centers mainly around claims from a former employee who says he was repeatedly subjected to discrimination during his time at the company's Jacksonville, Florida, headquarters. 

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Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the Tour de France. They also discuss Comcast and Charter selling their shares of baseball's New York Mets. Both companies have ownership through their investment in SNY, the team's regional sports network, which is the actual owner of the shares. In all, more than 10 percent of the Mets are being offered by limited partners. Also discussed are the NFL's National Anthem policy, which is still problematic for Commissioner Roger Goodell, and the ability of Cristiano Ronaldo to sell some $60 million worth of Juventus jerseys in one day. 

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The Basketball Tournament founder Jon Mugar discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his idea for a big-money, winner-take-all basketball tournament. TBT, as the tournament has become known, has grown into a 72-team affair where the winning team (and its top fans) share in the $2 million prize. Mugar talks about the mistakes he made, lessons learned, and how the rise of over-the-top networks like ESPN+ have helped niche sports and events gain traction. He also talks about the tournament's new sponsorship with Puma, the possibility of international expansion and why he isn't doing any private equity roadshows. 

Mugar is a former comedic writer and producer for TV. He launched The Basketball Tournament in 2014. Since then, the prize money has reached $2 million, up from $500,000. 

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Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including Mississippi State's decision to reduce the prices on a number of its concession items. For instance, a 44 ounce soda is priced at $4, down from $7. A hot dog is $2, down from $5. The trio also discusses Major League Baseball's All-Star game and DraftKings' plan to obtain a New York gambling license through a small casino in Central New York. Also discussed is the new Fanduel Sports book at the Meadowlands, home of Metlife Stadium in New Jersey. 

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