

The Sporting Class: The Trade That Kept Inside the NBA Alive
Dec 6, 2024
John Skipper, CEO of Meadowlark Media, and David Samson, former president of the Miami Marlins, dive into the recent landmark deal where 'Inside the NBA' transitions to ESPN. They trace the intricate negotiations back to a 2005 trade involving a cartoon rabbit. The discussion also touches on Stephen A. Smith's ongoing contract talks and the controversies surrounding the new 12-team College Football Playoff, highlighting the messy interplay of sports politics and media rights.
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Episode notes
Oswald the Rabbit Trade
- John Skipper traded Al Michaels to NBC in exchange for Oswald the Rabbit.
- This trade also included Ryder Cup rights, Olympic highlights, and Kentucky Derby coverage.
Trading a Pitcher for a Coach
- David Samson traded a top pitching prospect, Trevor Williams, for Jim Benedict, a coach.
- Samson admits this trade was a mistake, as Benedict didn't perform well.
Negotiation Advice
- Look at all assets during a negotiation, not just cash.
- Different parties value things differently, allowing for mutually beneficial trades.