Wait, What? Sportsbiz Chat with DP & McGhee

Episode 175 | Prediction markets, baseball labor battles, the future of LIV Golf, and the business of fandom. It’s another wide-ranging episode of Wait, What? Sportsbiz Chat with DP & McGhee!

David and Tim break down the latest developments across the sports business landscape, including a potential Supreme Court decision on prediction markets and how the MLB playoffs could shape looming labor negotiations. Then, Drew Cousin, co-founder of Cheers Cash, joins the show to explain how his platform helps brands tap into major sports and pop culture moments and shares advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

⚖️ Prediction Markets Head to the Supreme Court? — The NFL is asking the Supreme Court to weigh in on states’ ability to regulate prediction markets. David and Tim discuss what’s at stake and what the outcome could mean for the rapidly evolving industry.

⚾ MLB Playoffs and the Labor Battle Ahead — With four teams, including three small-market clubs, remaining in the MLB postseason, the hosts consider how the outcome could influence the sport’s looming labor showdown and the potential for a work stoppage.

📝 Tim Puts David to the Test — With baseball labor issues on the agenda, Tim quizzes David on what teams can and cannot do during a lockout. Spoiler alert: David knows his stuff!

⛳ Is LIV Golf Running Out of Road? — LIV is back in the headlines, and DP asks McGhee whether Jon Rahm’s departure signals the beginning of the end for the controversial golf league.

🎙️ Guest: Drew Cousin, Co-Founder of Cheers Cash — Drew joins the show to discuss how Cheers Cash helps brands become part of the biggest moments in sports and pop culture.

🎉 Turning Fandom Into Brand Opportunities — Drew explains how Cheers Cash helps brands connect with fans and enhance the fan experience by becoming part of the moments that matter most to them.

💡 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs — Drew shares lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, offering insights for those looking to turn an idea into a viable business.

From the courtroom to the baseball labor front to the future of professional golf, David and Tim cover plenty of ground before exploring how a new platform is finding creative ways to connect brands and fans.

Wait, What? Smart takes. Occasional Nonsense. Always at the center of Sports & Business.

Episode 174 | What an action-packed episode of Wait, What? Sportsbiz Chat with DP & McGhee!

David and Tim welcome longtime industry friend Drew Sheinman, founding partner of Brand Velocity Group, for a fascinating conversation about a different kind of private equity firm, how the group convinced NFL legend Eli Manning to join its ranks, and Drew's own unlikely journey from sports business to high finance. But first, the hosts have plenty to debate, from Bears-Jets bragging rights to major changes across the sports media landscape.

🏈 David Takes His Victory Lap: The Bears get the better of Tim's increasingly hapless Jets, giving David an opportunity to celebrate—and Tim nowhere to hide.

📺 Big Changes in Sports Media: Barstool Sports' Dave Portnoy is out at Fox's Big Noon Kickoff, while CBS has parted ways with Tony Romo. What does it all mean for the evolving sports media talent landscape?

⛳ Good Good Golf Good Again? The popular golf-content creators appear to be making a comeback, with video views approaching pre-scandal levels. Are fans ready to welcome Good Good Golf back?

📡 Paramount Skydance Meets Warner Bros. Discovery: With the newly completed merger reshaping the media landscape, David and Tim examine what the deal could mean for CBS and Turner's sports operations.

🚨 Owners Doing Stupid Things—NFL Edition: Following up on a recent segment, the guys discuss the NFL's punishment of 49ers president Jed York following his recent run-in with the law.

🏟️ College Football Ratings Warning: Both hosts sound the alarm over an 11% decline in college football viewership and debate what could be behind the drop—and whether it represents a temporary blip or a larger problem for the sport.

⚽ Trouble at Manchester City: Before the break, David and Tim discuss the unfolding scandal involving City Football Group and its crown jewel, Manchester City.

💼 From Sports to Private Equity: Drew Sheinman joins the conversation to explain what makes Brand Velocity Group different from traditional private equity firms, how the company has built its unique sports-focused investment strategy, and what attracted Eli Manning to become part of the group.

🏈 The Eli Manning Factor: Drew provides insight into bringing one of the NFL's most respected quarterbacks into the Brand Velocity Group family—and the value a sports icon can bring well beyond his playing career.

🎓 From the Sports World to High Finance: Drew takes David and Tim through his career journey and explains how experience in the sports business ultimately led him to the world of private equity.

It's a wide-ranging episode covering sports, media, ownership, college football, golf, soccer and private equity—with plenty of opinions along the way. 𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩, 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩? indeed

Wait, What? Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the center of sports & business.

𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝟭𝟳𝟯 | DP & McGhee cover plenty of ground before welcoming this week's guest, touching on one of the biggest developing stories in global sports, record-setting NFL television numbers, more controversy surrounding the University of Texas football program, and another Spotlight on Sponsorship. They then welcome Sophie Whitesell for a conversation about the intersection of athletes, philanthropy, and purpose—and how her own career has shaped her work helping athletes make an impact beyond the playing field.

⚽ Manchester City Under the Microscope: DP & McGhee open with the brewing Manchester City situation, which some have already described as potentially the biggest scandal in sports history. With possible penalties looming and other Premier League clubs reportedly threatening legal action, the guys discuss what could be at stake and why this story is likely to play out for months to come.

📺 NFL Ratings Rebound: After a softer opening week, NFL television ratings bounced back in Week 2, reaching record levels. The Cowboys-Ravens matchup was particularly noteworthy, becoming the highest-rated international game in NFL history.

🏈 Football Players Behaving Badly: The University of Texas finds itself back in the conversation as DP & McGhee discuss another incident involving football players and the challenges that arise when athletes' behavior becomes a story of its own.

💰 Spotlight on Sponsorship: The recurring segment returns with two interesting developments. Michelob Ultra is becoming an NHL sponsor, while Major League Soccer is considering selling a presenting sponsorship at the league level. David and Tim also explore the news of Red Bull using increased sponsorship budgets to drive its best year since the pandemic.

🎙️ Meet Sophie Whitesell: Sophie joins the show to discuss her podcast, The Giving Game, which features athletes talking about their charitable and philanthropic efforts. Learn more about the platform and follow along @thegivinggamepodcast.

❤️ Athletes & Giving Back: Sophie shares how her experiences as a college athlete and healthcare executive have shaped her approach to helping athletes pursue causes that are personally meaningful to them.

🌎 Beyond the Playing Field: The conversation explores the growing role athletes can play in philanthropy and how the right guidance, resources, and connections can help them turn their passion for important causes into meaningful impact.

From Premier League controversy and record NFL audiences to the evolving sports sponsorship marketplace and the growing influence of athletes in philanthropy, Episode 173 highlights the many ways sports, business, and purpose continue to intersect.

Wait, What? Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the center of Sports & Business.

Episode 172 | This week, DP & McGhee welcome Glenn Horine, Chief Operating Officer of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), for a look at the state of the sports and fitness industry and where it may be headed. But before Glenn joins the conversation, David and Tim tackle a wide-ranging collection of timely sports-business stories, from the upcoming MLB playoffs and college sports legislation to NFL ratings and some surprising revelations about college basketball.

• ⚾ MLB Playoffs: With the MLB postseason approaching, DP & McGhee look ahead to the playoff picture—and consider whether a Nor’easter headed for the East Coast could wreak havoc on season-ending games and the postseason schedule.
• 🏀 Money Under the Table?: Former national player of the year and current ESPN basketball analyst Jay Williams tells Front Office Sports that he and his Duke teammates took money under the table during their college careers. The guys discuss the implications of the allegations and what they could mean in the broader conversation about compensation in college athletics.
• 🏈 Trouble in New England: Bill Belichick has lost two members of his staff—including his son, Steve—amid investigations into their behavior and actions. DP & McGhee examine the developing story and what it could mean for the legendary coach and his program.
• 🏛️ Protecting College Sports Act: The outlook for the Protecting College Sports Act (PCSA) has changed significantly in recent weeks. The guys revisit the proposed legislation and discuss why its path to passage now appears considerably less certain.
• 📺 NFL Week 1 Ratings: The NFL season got off to a strong start on the field, but Week 1 television ratings were down compared with the previous two seasons. DP & McGhee look at the numbers and consider what they might—and might not—tell us about the current state of NFL viewership.
• 🎙️ Meet Glenn Horine: Glenn Horine, COO of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, joins the show to discuss the organization's annual Top Line Report and what its findings reveal about the health and direction of the sports and fitness industry.
• 📈 Where Is the Growth?: Glenn shares his perspective on the sports and activities that appear positioned for significant growth, along with the challenges and opportunities facing the industry and what they could mean for continued expansion.
• 🚀 Developing the Next Generation: Glenn wraps up the conversation by discussing an accelerator program designed to identify, mentor and support the next generation of sports and fitness industry leaders. SFIA also works with the veteran community to create career opportunities and connections that might otherwise be difficult to access.

From the business of baseball and college athletics to NFL television audiences and the broader sports and fitness marketplace, this episode covers a lot of ground, and offers insight into where the sports industry may be headed next.

Wait, What? Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the center of Sports & Business.

Episode 171 | No guest. No agenda. Just DP & McGhee diving into some of the biggest—and most entertaining—stories happening across the sports industry. From a wild opening week in the NFL to the latest developments in college sports legislation, a celebrity-backed prediction market, and the ever-evolving relationship between sports and media, David and Tim cover plenty of ground in this week’s episode.

• 🏈 NFL Week 1: The NFL season is off and running with record-setting scoring, and both DP and McGhee have something to celebrate as their teams emerge victorious. But not everything went according to plan, as the Rams’ decision to arrive in Australia just one day before their game against San Francisco raises plenty of questions about preparation and logistics.
• 🏛️ Protecting College Sports Act: The proposed Protecting College Sports Act (PCSA) could be headed for a Senate vote this week. DP & McGhee break down the latest developments surrounding the legislation, examine the arguments from both supporters and critics, and discuss what passage could mean for the future of college athletics.
• 📺 Sydney Sweeney & Novig: Sydney Sweeney finds herself at the center of debate once again, this time involving Novig, a sports-focused prediction market in which the actress holds an equity stake. The guys discuss the unusual intersection of celebrity, advertising, sports betting, and prediction markets.
• 🥤 Spotlight on Sponsorship — F1 & Coke: David brings back Spotlight on Sponsorship with a look at Formula 1’s response to McLaren driver Lando Norris drinking a Coke in the cooldown room following the Spanish Grand Prix. What might seem like a simple post-race moment becomes an interesting lesson in sponsorship rights and brand relationships.
• 🎙️ Steve Sarkisian vs. ESPN: The fallout continues from University of Texas coach Steve Sarkisian’s issues with ESPN during the Texas–Ohio State game. DP & McGhee examine the tension between coaches, broadcasters, and media partners—and the potential consequences when those relationships go sideways.
• 🤖 Arch Manning & "AI Slop": The discussion continues with Arch Manning’s response to AI-generated content depicting violence against ESPN journalist Holly Rowe. After initially laughing about the "AI slop" content, Manning ultimately apologized, creating another fascinating conversation about AI, social media, athletes, and responsibility in the digital age.

From NFL travel decisions and college legislation to prediction markets, sponsorship rights, media relationships, and AI, DP & McGhee once again prove there is never a shortage of 𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩, 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩? moments in the sports business world.

𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩, 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩? Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the center of sports & business.

Episode 170 | This week, DP & McGhee shake things up by changing the format of the show and launching the first edition of the 𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩, 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩? 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨. Instead of the traditional guest interview, David and Tim welcome back Rick Singer for a wide-ranging roundtable discussion on some of the biggest—and most consequential—issues shaping the sports business landscape today.

With Rick’s unique experience spanning higher education, charitable foundations, IBM and the NBA, the three bring plenty of perspective, opinions and debate to the table.

🎙️ Meet Rick Singer: Rick returns to the show with a career that includes leadership roles in higher education, charitable foundations, IBM and the NBA, providing a unique perspective on the business of sports.

⛳ LIV Golf — Past, Present & Future: The three examine the evolution of LIV Golf, where the controversial league stands today and what its future could look like. They also discuss how LIV forced the PGA TOUR to respond and the potential long-term ramifications for professional golf.

🏀 NBA & the Clippers Sponsorship Scandal: Drawing on his experience inside the NBA, Rick offers his thoughts Commissioner Adam Silver's response to the Clippers cap circumvention scandal. The group also considers a fascinating question: How might former NBA Commissioner David Stern have handled the situation?

🏀 The WNBA's Next Chapter: With the league searching for a new commissioner, DP, Tim and Rick discuss the qualities the WNBA should be looking for, and who some of the likely candidates might be. They also tackle the growing number of off-court distractions surrounding the league and its players and what can be done to keep the focus on the basketball.

🏈 SEC vs. LSU: The conversation wraps up with the increasingly contentious battle between the SEC and one of its most prominent member schools, LSU. The guys debate what's behind the dispute and what it could mean for the conference—and college sports—going forward.

The first installment of the Wait, What? Conversation Series brings together three experienced sports-business voices for a discussion that goes beyond headlines, exploring the issues, decisions and personalities shaping the industry today.

🎙️ 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁, 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁? 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀𝗯𝗶𝘇 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗣 & 𝗠𝗰𝗚𝗵𝗲𝗲
Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the center of sports & business.

Episode 169 | With football season upon us, DP & McGhee welcome an executive from one of the most iconic franchises in professional sports. Pittsburgh Steelers SVP of Business Operations Ryan Huzjak joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation about the culture, leadership, and traditions that have helped define the Steelers for generations, while also sharing his perspective on the current state of football and the business of sports.

🏈 Steelers Culture: Championships Are the Standard — Ryan explains what it means to work for a franchise where winning isn't simply the goal—it's the expectation.

🟨 50 Years of the Terrible Towel — Ryan discusses the history, significance, and enduring power of one of the most recognizable symbols in all of sports.

👔 The Legacy of Dan Rooney — Huzjak reflects on the influence of former Steelers owner Dan Rooney, his impact on the franchise and the league, and the lasting significance of the Rooney Rule.

🏟️ A Quarterback's Perspective — A standout quarterback at the University of Toledo, Ryan offers his thoughts on today's college football landscape and how the game has evolved since his playing days.

Before welcoming Ryan, DP & McGhee tackle another busy week in sports business:

🧵 David's Opening "Weave" — DP connects the demise of the Pro Bowl, Karl Ravech's final Little League World Series call, and Pat McAfee's reported march toward another massive ESPN deal.

🏀 The WNBA Keeps Making News — The hosts discuss the latest developments surrounding women's professional basketball and the league's continued ability to command attention.

🎥 Content Controversy Continues — The fallout from the Good Good Golf and Callaway debate provides another opportunity to examine the increasingly complex relationship between brands, athletes, creators, and content.

🏈 LSU vs. the SEC? — LSU's effort to welcome players back from NFL training camps raises fresh questions about the evolving relationship between college programs, athletes, conferences, and the professional game.

⚽ Kushner's Football Education — David and Tim have some fun at Josh Kushner's expense while discussing UEFA's latest efforts to push back against FIFA.

Another episode that gets listeners ready for football season with a fascinating look inside one of sports' most respected organizations, while DP & McGhee continue connecting the dots across the ever-changing sports business landscape.

Wait, What? Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the center of Sports & Business.

Episode 168 | DP & McGhee return with another episode that spans the business of sports, questions of leadership and accountability, and some decidedly unusual behavior from owners and athletes. David and Tim also welcome Amanda Gunville, a longtime sports executive, cancer thriver, and entrepreneur, who shares her career journey and the inspiration behind her new venture helping women better understand and enjoy the game of football.

🤦 Owners Doing Stupid Things — The popular recurring segment returns, with San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York taking the spotlight following a recent incident that sparked debate across the sports world. David and Tim examine the situation and the uncomfortable questions it raises about leadership, accountability, and public perception.

🏀 The WNBA's Off-Court Distractions — The league continues to deal with headlines away from the court, including Enes Kanter Freedom being ejected from a game following a confrontation with Chicago Sky player Natasha Cloud. The hosts agree they would much rather be talking about the tremendous basketball being played and the continued growth of the WNBA.

⛳ Is LIV Golf in Trouble? — DP & McGhee examine the increasingly uncertain outlook surrounding LIV Golf, including reports and speculation about the league's long-term future. David and Tim discuss what a potential restructuring—or even the league's demise—could mean for professional golf and the broader sports business landscape.

🎙️ Guest: Amanda Gunville — Longtime sports industry executive Amanda Gunville joins the show to discuss her career journey, her experience as a cancer thriver, and the lessons she's learned navigating the sports business.

• 🏈 Introducing Champera — Amanda explains her new sports education company, Champera, which helps people better understand American football strategy while building knowledge and confidence, particularly among women. She shares why she saw an opportunity to make the game more accessible and enjoyable for an audience that has historically been underserved by traditional football education.
• 🤝 Lessons from Leigh Steinberg — Amanda reflects on working with legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg and the influence that experience had on her career, leadership style, and approach to the sports industry.
• 💡 Creating Confidence Through Sports Education — The conversation explores how understanding football strategy, terminology, and decision-making can make the game more enjoyable while giving women greater confidence participating in conversations around America's most popular sport.

Another engaging episode of Wait, What? Sportsbiz Chat with DP & McGhee combining the latest sports business headlines with an inspiring conversation about resilience, entrepreneurship, and making America's most popular sport more accessible to new audiences.

Wait, What? Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the center of Sports & Business.

Episode 167 | This week, DP & McGhee explore the increasingly complex world of sports ownership before welcoming a guest whose work helps ensure the NFL's most important numbers are accurate. David and Tim break down a series of major ownership developments across the NBA, NFL and MLB, then go behind the scenes with Ollie Auerbach from the NFL's Statistics Operations department.

• 🏀 The Lakers' Blockbuster Sale — The hosts discuss Mark Walter's shocking sale of the Los Angeles Lakers and the surprising decision by the Buss family to sell control of the franchise. They also consider whether the move could have implications for Chelsea, another major sports property in Walter's portfolio.
• 🏀 The Buss Family Drama — Not long after the Lakers sale was announced, members of the Buss family indicated they intended to sell their minority stake in the franchise (also to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner). But Jeanie Buss was quick to push back with a "not so fast," suggesting the Lakers ownership story may have another chapter—or several—yet to come.
• 🏀 Clippers Investigation Gets Murkier — David and Tim examine conflicting reports surrounding the NBA's investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers, Kawhi Leonard and their dealings with Aspiration, and what the uncertainty could mean for the league and the franchise.

• ⚾ The Yankees Bring in Apollo — The New York Yankees become the latest iconic sports franchise to tap outside capital, taking an investment from Apollo Sports Capital that includes both equity and a line of credit. DP & McGhee discuss what the deal says about the changing financial landscape of professional sports ownership.
• 🏈 Guest: Ollie Auerbach — Ollie joins the show to explain his role in the NFL's Statistics Operations department, where he and his colleagues oversee the statistical operation for every play of every NFL game.
• 📊 Every Play Counts — Ollie provides a behind-the-scenes look at how the NFL monitors games from league headquarters and with personnel stationed at every stadium, ensuring the statistics relied upon by teams, broadcasters, fans and fantasy players are accurate and consistent.
• 🤔 David Gets the Quiz — Ollie opens the interview by giving David the same quiz he previously gave Tim: What exactly qualifies as a sack? The seemingly simple question turns out to be considerably more complicated than it sounds.
• 📈 The Science Behind the Stats — The conversation reveals the extraordinary level of detail, judgment and coordination required to produce the official statistics that become part of the NFL's permanent record.

From franchise valuations and ownership intrigue to the people responsible for recording every sack, tackle and touchdown, this episode offers a fascinating look at both the business and operational sides of professional sports.

🎙️ Wait, What? SportsBiz Chat with DP & McGhee

Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the center of Sports & Business.

📺 Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@DPandMcGhee
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts
🔗 Visit: dpandmcghee.com

Episode 166 | DP & McGhee are back with another wide-ranging episode exploring the business of sports from both the front office and the fan's perspective. David and Tim examine the latest turmoil surrounding FIFA, revisit some of the most memorable sports venues they've experienced, and welcome an industry veteran whose unconventional career path has led to a new approach to helping college athletic departments generate revenue.

🏟️ The DP & McGhee Top 10 — The hosts bring back a popular segment and reveal their favorite sports venues, sharing the experiences and characteristics that make certain stadiums and arenas truly memorable.

🌍 FIFA Faces More Turmoil — The ongoing controversy surrounding Gianni Infantino and FIFA takes center stage as David and Tim discuss growing opposition from several of the sport's confederations despite a vote of confidence from FIFA's board.

💰 World Cup Host Cities Cry Foul — The hosts examine claims from several U.S. host cities that they have not received funding they expected to help offset costs associated with staging the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

🎙️ Guest: Tom Valdiserri — The CEO of TKN Sports joins DP & McGhee to discuss a new fan engagement platform designed to help college athletic departments generate incremental revenue while building deeper relationships with their supporters.

🏀 A Career Unlike Any Other — Tom shares stories from a sports business journey that includes serving as Commissioner of the Continental Basketball Association and leadership roles across multiple areas of the industry.

🐾 From Mascot to Management — In one of the more unusual career stories in sports, Tom reflects on his time as a mascot for the Chicago White Sox and the lessons he learned from seeing the business from a completely different perspective.

💡 The Future of Fan Engagement — Tom explains why direct fan relationships are becoming increasingly important and how colleges can create new revenue opportunities in an evolving landscape.

Another entertaining episode from DP & McGhee combining sports business headlines, personal sports experiences, and a fascinating conversation with an executive whose career has taken him from the CBA to the baseball diamond and now into the next generation of fan engagement.

Wait, What? Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the center of Sports & Business.