The Varsity Mark Shapiro’s Media Rights Cage Match
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Sep 17, 2025 Mark Shapiro, president of WME Group and TKO, dives into the thrilling world of media rights in sports. With a rich history in dealmaking, he discusses his groundbreaking UFC and WWE deals, shedding light on why these properties command top dollar. Shapiro analyzes streaming strategies, comparing Netflix and YouTube's roles in live sports. He also shares insights into boxing's resurgence, particularly the excitement around the monumental Canelo–Crawford showdown that drew 70,000 fans, signaling a bright future for the sport.
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Reliable Tech Unlocks Live Sports For Streamers
- Netflix fixed prior technical issues and can now credibly host massive live sports audiences.
- That technical reliability lowers a major barrier to streamers expanding into live sports rights.
Invest In Talent And Team Culture
- Build teams of curious, expert operators and invest heavily in recruiting and mentorship.
- Demand performance, reward results, and replace people who can't keep pace.
Premium Content Still Wins
- Premium, must-see sports properties continue to command strong rights fees despite market turbulence.
- Secondary properties will face tighter budgets and must prove ROI for platforms to invest.