The Varsity

John rings up Dylan Byers for a temperature check on the stability-starved media industry. They discuss why major streamers like Amazon are reticent to dabble in live news, the current trend of on-air talent salaries, why the Yankees-Dodgers World Series is good for MLB’s “health,” and much more.

John Ourand rings up baseball Hall of Famer turned analyst John Smoltz for a broad-spectrum conversation about broadcasting and Smoltz’s ascension to becoming Fox Sports’ top World Series analyst. Then the duo preview the World Series and get into the riveting narratives stemming from the Yankees-Dodgers/Judge-Ohtani matchup.

John sits down with NBC Sports’ lead college football insider, Nicole Auerbach, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving landscape of the college sports business. They explore the impact of N.I.L., the dynamics of the transfer portal, the shifting tides of conference realignment, the potential role of private equity, and much more. 

As the World Series looms, MLB commish Rob Manfred joins John to discuss the league’s landmark 2024 season, its outreach to younger fans, new (and future) rule changes, and the enhanced in-game experience—all contributing to the league’s highest attendance in seven years. Then they weigh into the media rights landscape and Manfred’s grand plans.

Legal expert Eriq Gardner joins John to discuss the bizarre saga of Jack Nicklaus’ lawsuit against Nicklaus Companies, in which the retired golfer is fighting to reclaim the rights to his own name, image, and likeness. Eriq offers some very frank advice to athletes looking to capitalize on their N.I.L. Then the duo dig into the looming DirecTV-Dish merger, and whether Venu Sports will ever see the light.

John sits down with Matt Kramer, co-head of CAA Sports’ media group and Adrian Wojnarowski’s agent, for an inside look at how Woj’s surprise retirement unfolded. Kramer also discusses the changing landscape for on-air talent, and what media networks are actually prioritizing these days when hiring.

John is joined by WaPo sports media reporter Ben Strauss for a wide-ranging conversation on ESPN’s looming media rights negotiation with MLB, how ESPN scooped up Shams after the departure of Woj, and the WNBA’s Caitlin-centric coverage.

John is joined by the broadcasting GOAT and 45-year ESPN veteran Chris “Boomer” Berman for a candid conversation about his rise through ESPN’s ranks, how the sports network is navigating a shapeshifting media landscape, and much more.

John is joined by Business Insider’s Peter Kafka for a wide-ranging discussion about the major streamers: Apple TV’s deal with the MLS, Amazon’s NBA and NFL packages, the likelihood FOX Sports gets acquired, and much more.

On today’s episode, John Ourand is joined by the dean of professional sports, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, for a deep-dive discussion about the NHL’s media strategy as opening night approaches on Friday. Bettman candidly speaks about the league’s global imprint, ESPN’s excellent job promoting the game, their 7-year deals with WBD, and much more. With new media negotiations on the horizon, Bettman expresses his optimism about where the league is headed.