The Varsity Steve Bornstein’s NFL Gospel
Nov 12, 2025
Steve Bornstein, a former president of ESPN and ABC Sports, shares his experiences shaping sports media and the NFL's rise. He reminisces about his collaboration with legendary commissioner Paul Tagliabue, highlighting their mutual respect and intellect. Bornstein discusses the challenges of the current sports media landscape, including streaming wars and AI's incursion. He also offers advice on career paths for graduates, champions women's volleyball, and emphasizes the need for broader access for fans in the evolving sports rights market.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Deal That Sparked A Partnership
- Steve Bornstein first worked with Paul Tagliabue negotiating ESPN Sunday night and Monday Night Football renewals in the 1990s.
- That relationship later led Tagliabue to recruit Bornstein to the NFL, changing his career direction.
Why ESPN Is A Natural Home For NFL Network
- Bornstein believes the NFL Network idea predated him but he helped make it successful by giving confidence and execution skill.
- He sees ESPN taking over NFL Network as a nurturing move to provide scale and resources for growth.
Tagliabue’s Quiet Intellectual Strength
- Bornstein recalls Paul Tagliabue as extremely smart, humble, and intellectually curious across many subjects.
- He credits Tagliabue with improving ideas and offering thoughtful perspectives in meetings.