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.

Episode 165 | Even more than two weeks after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the tournament's ripple effects continue to dominate the sports business conversation. This week, DP & McGhee examine FIFA's latest controversy, highlight several noteworthy sponsorship deals, and revisit the ever-expanding world of sports wagering.

⚽ FIFA's Post-World Cup Controversy — David and Tim break down FIFA President Gianni Infantino's short-lived proposal to sell a 21% stake in FIFA's commercial operations, a move that generated swift and widespread criticism throughout the global football community.

🤝 A Rare United Front — The hosts discuss the nearly universal opposition to the proposal, led by UEFA and CONCACAF, and debate whether the backlash could ultimately jeopardize Infantino's future as FIFA president.

💰 Spotlight on Sponsorship Returns — DP & McGhee revive one of the show's favorite recurring segments to discuss several notable partnership announcements:

• Ohio State lands a jersey patch partnership with JPMorgan Chase.
• Notre Dame announces a similar jersey patch agreement with SoFi.
• The New York Mets become the first Major League Baseball club to partner with a prediction market through Novig.
• Japanese insurer Sompo Property & Casualty signs on as a major sponsor of the PGA TOUR.

🎲 The Expanding World of Sports Wagering — David and Tim revisit one of the show's recurring themes, discussing how sportsbooks, prediction markets, and even financial index-based products continue to blur the lines between sports and wagering. The hosts agree that as betting opportunities expand, so too does the potential for future integrity concerns and betting scandals.

🏀 Lines Being Drawn in the WNBA — A co-owner is fined as sides continue to form following Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham's comments regarding transgender athletes. While acknowledging the complexity of the issue, the hosts agree that much of the reaction has been overblown.

Another insightful episode from DP & McGhee that blends timely sports business news, thoughtful debate, and a wide-ranging look at the stories shaping the industry.

Another insightful episode from DP & McGhee that blends timely sports business news, thoughtful debate, and engaging conversation.

Another insightful episode from DP & McGhee that blends timely sports business news, thoughtful debate, and engaging conversation.

𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩, 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩?

Smart Takes. Occasional Nonsense. Always at the Corner of Sports & Business.

Episode 164 | With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now in the books, DP & McGhee take one final look back at a tournament that captivated the sporting world before turning their attention to what's next in sports business. David and Tim recap the biggest moments from the World Cup, debut a brand-new recurring segment, and welcome one of the industry's leading sponsorship strategists for a conversation spanning commercial partnerships, squash, and the road to the Los Angeles Olympics.

🌍 One Last Look at the World Cup — The hosts reflect on a memorable tournament and discuss the lasting impact it may have on the global sports landscape.

🏆 A Spectacular Final — David and Tim break down the championship match, including the pre-match entertainment, halftime festivities, and the atmosphere surrounding one of the world's biggest sporting events.

📺 Ratings Through the Roof — The World Cup Final delivers blockbuster television numbers, reinforcing the tournament's unmatched global appeal.

⚽ The Best Match That Wasn't the Final — The England–France third-place match earns high praise from the hosts, who argue it may have been the most entertaining contest of the tournament.

🚀 Momentum for What's Next — DP & McGhee discuss how the World Cup's success could accelerate interest in the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup and continue fueling Major League Soccer's growth in the United States.

🇦🇷 Argentina Under the Microscope — The hosts weigh in on Argentina's conduct during and after the championship, sparking a broader conversation about sportsmanship on the biggest stage.

🐐 Messi's Legacy — David and Tim debate Lionel Messi's leadership throughout the tournament and how it may influence the way history remembers one of the game's greatest players.

🤦 Owners Doing Stupid Things — DP & McGhee introduce a new recurring feature that calls out questionable decisions and head-scratching behavior from professional sports team owners.

🎙️ Guest: Stephanie Borges — The Founder & CEO of Mead Point Capital joins the show to discuss how her firm helps brands and rights holders maximize sponsorship value through strategic intelligence.

🏸 A Passion That Became a Profession — Stephanie shares how her love of squash led to owning a professional men's squash team, serving on the World Squash Federation board, and supporting U.S. Squash's commercial development efforts.

🥇 Looking Ahead to LA28 — Drawing on her experience in sponsorship strategy, Stephanie offers her perspective on the commercial opportunities and competitive storylines surrounding the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.

Another engaging episode that wraps up a historic World Cup, introduces a fun new recurring segment, and delivers expert insight into the evolving business of sponsorship and global sport.

Wait, What?

Smart Takes. Occasional Nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

Episode 163 | DP & McGhee return with another episode that blends insightful sports business analysis with an engaging conversation about one of the most overlooked aspects of the fan experience.Before welcoming sports business veteran and entrepreneur Ryan Halkett, David and Tim tackle the latest headlines in golf, college sports, sponsorship, and baseball.

⛳ Golf's Changing Landscape — David opens the show with a deep dive into several of the biggest stories in professional golf.

🎙️ LIV Golf Under the Microscope — DP shares his reaction to LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil's recent interview with Sportico, explaining why he came away less than impressed with the league's messaging and direction.

📈 The PGA TOUR's New Structure — The hosts discuss the PGA TOUR's new two-tier competitive format, featuring Championship and Challenger events, and how a promotion-and-relegation-style system could reshape professional golf.

🎰 A Gambling Double Standard? — David and Tim examine what they see as hypocrisy from players such as Jordan Spieth, who accept sponsorship money from sports betting companies while criticizing fans whose gambling interests lead to disruptive behavior during tournaments.

🤝 Monster Energy Joins the Big 12 — The co-hosts break down Monster Energy's landmark sponsorship agreement, which gives the brand naming rights to the Big 12 Conference's football and basketball seasons, and discuss what it signals about the future of conference partnerships.

⚾ Home Run Derby Review — Before the interview, David and Tim share their thoughts on the latest MLB Home Run Derby, discussing its entertainment value and place among baseball's premier showcase events.

🎙️ Guest: Ryan Halkett — Sports business veteran, entrepreneur, and game presentation expert Ryan Halkett joins the show for an in-depth conversation about the art and science of creating unforgettable live sports experiences.

🎆 More Than Halftime Entertainment — Ryan explains why game presentation extends far beyond halftime entertainment, influencing fan engagement, sponsor value, and the overall atmosphere inside a venue.

📺 Connecting the Arena and the Broadcast — The discussion explores how game presentation serves as a bridge between live audiences and viewers at home, helping shape the perception of teams, leagues, and events.

💡 Innovation in the Sports Experience — Ryan shares lessons from his career building businesses and advising sports organizations, offering insight into how technology, creativity, and storytelling continue to reshape the fan experience.

Another thoughtful episode from DP & McGhee exploring the business of sports from every angle, from golf, sponsorship, and baseball to the sights, sounds, and storytelling that bring live events to life.

𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩, 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩? Smart Takes. Occasional Nonsense. Always at the Corner of Sports & Business.

Episode 162 | With no guest on the schedule, DP & McGhee devote nearly the entire episode to the biggest sporting event in the world—the FIFA World Cup. David and Tim take a deep dive into the tournament's defining storylines, reflect on the performance of the U.S. Men's National Team, and discuss what the competition means for the future of soccer in America. Along the way, they also tip their caps to a pair of champions from one of America's most unique Independence Day traditions.

🌭 Saluting Competitive Eating Legends — The hosts congratulate Joey Chestnut on yet another victory at the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest and marvel at Eric "Badlands" Booker's astonishing feat of chugging a gallon of lemonade in just 21 seconds.

🇺🇸 USMNT Meets Expectations — Both David and Tim agree the U.S. Men's National Team advanced about as far as could reasonably have been expected given the quality of the international competition.

🟥 Politics Enters the Pitch — The hosts discuss President Trump's public comments surrounding Folarin Balogun's controversial red card, another example of how the World Cup has extended beyond sports into the broader cultural conversation.

👏🏼Balogun's Composed Response — David and Tim praise Balogun for handling the situation with class and grace despite the intense scrutiny.

🇵🇹 Ronaldo's Final World Cup? — The conversation turns to what appears to be Cristiano Ronaldo's farewell appearance on soccer's biggest stage and the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.

🎙️ Broadcast Booth Tension — DP & McGhee revisit the increasingly obvious friction between Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović on one side and fellow analyst Alexi Lalas on the other, making for compelling television beyond the matches themselves.

⚽ The Future Is Bright — The hosts conclude that while American soccer still has room to grow, the World Cup demonstrated that the sport's foundation in the United States has never been stronger. Increased fan interest, stronger infrastructure, and greater visibility leave David and Tim optimistic that the game's momentum can continue after the tournament ends if the proper commitments are made.

Another episode filled with thoughtful analysis, spirited debate, and a celebration of the moments—both on and off the field—that made this World Cup unforgettable.

𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩, 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩? Smart Takes. Occasional Nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

Episode 161 | Fresh off attending a FIFA World Cup match in Philadelphia, DP & McGhee return with another episode packed with observations from the tournament, major NBA headlines, and a conversation with veteran sports industry executive Gordon Kane.

A quick note: Due to connectivity issues during recording, portions of Gordon's audio may sound choppy at times. We appreciate your patience and believe the insights he shares are well worth it.

🌍 World Cup from the Stands — David and Tim recap their trip to Philadelphia to watch Côte d'Ivoire take on Curaçao, sharing observations on the fan atmosphere, tournament operations, and the continued growth of soccer in the United States.

🏀 NBA Betting Scandal Grows — The hosts discuss two additional indictments tied to the league's ongoing sports betting investigation and what the latest developments could mean for the NBA.

🔎 Clippers Investigation Nears a Conclusion — DP & McGhee examine reports that the NBA is close to wrapping up its investigation into the alleged Steve Ballmer/Kawhi Leonard/Los Angeles Clippers and Aspiration controversy.

⭐ LeBron's Next Move — LeBron James announces he is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers in pursuit of one more championship, and the hosts discuss the potential destinations and business implications of another high-profile free agency decision.

😂 Sophie Cunningham's Viral Moment — Tim can't get enough of the now-viral clip of Sophie Cunningham seemingly pointing at an opponent for an eternity, creating one of the week's most entertaining social media moments.

📰 What Is an "NFL Insider"? — David and Tim discuss former The Athletic reporter Diana Russini, her reported compensation, and what the increasingly common title of "NFL Insider" really means in today's sports media landscape.

🎙️ Guest: Gordon Kane — Joining from Kansas City after experiencing the World Cup firsthand, Gordon shares his perspective on one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

⚽ Evaluating the Tournament — Gordon discusses how the World Cup has unfolded, from fan engagement and operations to the overall execution of the event.

🤝 The Sponsorship Winners and Losers — Drawing on decades of experience, Gordon identifies which brands have successfully activated their World Cup partnerships—and which have missed valuable opportunities.

🇺🇸 World Cup's Lasting Legacy — The conversation's highlight is hearing Gordon's well-articulated thoughts on the long-term impact the 2026 FIFA World Cup will have on soccer's growth, commercial development, and cultural relevance in the United States.

Another engaging episode that combines firsthand World Cup experiences, breaking sports business news, and expert analysis from one of the industry's most respected voices.

𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩, 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩? | Smart Takes. Occasional Nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

Episode 160 | DP & McGhee are back with another episode that blends global football, major championship golf, and a fascinating look behind the scenes of one of the most accomplished careers in sports business. After breaking down the latest World Cup storylines and sharing their thoughts on the U.S. Open, David and Tim welcome a longtime industry executive whose career has touched some of the most important developments in international baseball.

🌍 World Cup Storylines Take Center Stage — The hosts dive into the latest developments from the tournament and discuss the players and personalities dominating the global conversation.

⚽ Mbappé Chasing History — David and Tim discuss why Kylian Mbappé appears on track to challenge the World Cup scoring record and further cement his place among the game's all-time greats.

🎙️ Broadcast Drama on Display — The co-hosts discuss the on-air tension between Alexi Lalas and Zlatan Ibrahimović during World Cup coverage, with Thierry Henry seemingly caught in the middle.

🇵🇹 Ronaldo Answers the Critics — After drawing some criticism from the hosts, Cristiano Ronaldo responded with a brace shortly after recording wrapped, offering another reminder that writing off greatness is rarely a safe bet.

⛳ U.S. Open at Shinnecock — David and Tim review the year's third major championship and share differing perspectives on the event.

👥 An Underwhelming Atmosphere? — David was less than impressed with both the gallery turnout and the television presentation from Shinnecock Hills.

😂 A Bushwood Comparison — Tim jokes that Wyndham Clark belongs at the fictional Bushwood Country Club, providing one of the episode's lighter moments.

🙈 Predictions Best Left Unmentioned — Neither host seemed eager to revisit their pre-tournament picks.

🎙️ Guest: Jim Small — The founder and president of Ascendant Sports & Entertainment joins the show after retiring from a remarkable 40-year career in sports, including more than 25 years with Major League Baseball.

⚾ A Memorable First Day — Jim shares the story of a run-in with Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver on his very first day in professional baseball.

🌎 Building the World Baseball Classic — Jim takes listeners behind the scenes of creating and growing the World Baseball Classic into one of the premier international competitions in sports.

💡 Lessons from Four Decades in Sports — Jim reflects on the relationships, challenges, and opportunities that shaped a distinguished career and discusses what comes next in his new chapter with Ascendant Sports & Entertainment.

Another entertaining episode packed with sharp takes, sports business insights, and memorable stories from one of the industry's most respected executives.

𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩, 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩? | Smart Takes. Occasional Nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

Episode 159 | DP & McGhee are back with a wide-ranging conversation spanning college football, global soccer, combat sports, and championship reflections. With no guest this week, David and Tim dive into the biggest stories in sports, delivering their trademark mix of analysis, opinion, and fandom, and in doing so, reveal numerous things that are 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴.

🏈 A New Twist in College Football — Brendan Sorsby elects to forgo his final season at Texas Tech and enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, potentially sidestepping what could have become a significant legal battle involving the Big 12.

🥊 UFC at the White House — The hosts pull no punches in discussing the UFC event at the White House, examining the spectacle, symbolism, and implications of blending sports and politics on such a visible stage.

🌍 World Cup Headlines Continue to Dominate

• An Côte d'Ivoire player is arrested on suspicion of match-fixing, creating one of the tournament's most troubling off-field stories.
• Argentina overwhelms Algeria behind Lionel Messi's first World Cup hat trick.
• Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha becomes an overnight sensation after a standout performance against Spain captures global attention.

🏆 Championship Season Wrap-Up — David and Tim reflect on the Stanley Cup Final and NBA Finals, discussing the moments and storylines that made both championship runs memorable.

🏒 Another Great NHL Season — A look back at the storylines that made this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs must-watch television.

🏀 Knicks Fanboy Moment — The conversation turns personal as the hosts discuss what's next for one of the NBA's most talked-about franchises.

Another lively episode from DP & McGhee blending sports business, current events, and passionate fan perspectives from across the sporting world.

Wait What?

Smart Takes. Occasional Nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.