Pablo Torre Finds Out The Sporting Class: We're Gonna Need a Bigger Bracket
Mar 21, 2025
Join John Skipper, former president of ESPN, and David Samson, former president of the Miami Marlins, as they delve into their intriguing experiences in sports media and baseball. Skipper shares his unsuccessful quest to secure March Madness rights, while Samson confronts criticism of MLB's international series. They tackle the financial inequalities in college sports and debate the inclusivity of the NCAA tournament. With humorous anecdotes and sharp insights, their conversation reveals the complex interplay of money, power, and change in the world of sports.
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ESPN's Failed March Madness Bid
- John Skipper recounts ESPN's aggressive bid for March Madness, including a proposal to expand the tournament to 96 teams and televise every game.
- Despite offering more money and broader coverage, the NCAA chose to stay with CBS/Turner, partially due to loyalty and concerns about ESPN's growing power.
NCAA's Suboptimal Expansion
- The NCAA's decision to expand to 68 teams instead of 96, as proposed by ESPN, highlights the organization's sometimes illogical decision-making process.
- This suboptimal expansion demonstrates how factors beyond financial incentives can influence the NCAA's choices.
Women's Tournament Growth
- The women's NCAA tournament's increasing viewership is driven by improved competition and star power, like Caitlin Clark.
- The rising popularity suggests a sustainable growth trend, not just a one-time phenomenon.