On the new SMW podcast, Jon Lewis and Armand Broady dissect the end of the MLB-ESPN partnership, examining the tone and implications of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's memo to owners. The discussion then shifts to the surprising success of the NHL's Four Nations Face-Off, which delivered viewership milestones for the league.

The hosts also touch on the latest developments surrounding the NBA, including the Lakers and Warriors' resurgence and the decision to have Richard Jefferson join the lead NBA team on ESPN. Additionally, they analyze ESPN's contract extension with reporter Laura Rutledge and the new sports offerings on the Max streaming service, including the introduction of a higher-tier subscription for live sports content.