The Sports Media Podcast NBA gives more thoughtful Christmas presents; Will DAZN pull the trigger on Main Street?
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Jan 1, 2026 David Karnofsky, a media analyst at JPMorgan, and Naveen Sarma from S&P Global dive into the dynamic world of sports media. They assess the NBA's standout Christmas offerings compared to the NFL and the implications of a potential DAZN-FanDuel partnership. The analysts discuss YouTube's deal with Disney and impact on streaming platforms, while evaluating the challenges faced by traditional cable in light of cord-cutting trends. They also explore the significance of the NFL for broadcasters and ESPN's new app driving deeper fan engagement.
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Pop-Tarts Bowl Brand Activation
- Austin Karp attended the Pop-Tarts Bowl and saw strong brand activation and sold-out energy in Orlando.
- He argues bowl season still offers rich marketing opportunities for consumer brands that activate creatively.
NBA Won Christmas Day Product
- Austin Karp says the NBA delivered the best Christmas Day product with top stars and teams on display.
- He contrasts that with an NFL slate that didn't provide as much top-tier action this season.
DAZN Could Buy FanDuel RSNs
- Karp highlights DAZN's potential purchase of FanDuel-branded Main Street RSNs as strategically meaningful for U.S. entry.
- He notes leagues might prefer the deal to fail so they can plan national streaming packages of local rights.