SBJ Morning Buzzcast SBJ Morning Buzzcast: November 21, 2025
Nov 21, 2025
Excitement builds with the PWHL kicking off its season alongside new teams and impressive ticket sales. The NWSL commits to keeping star player Trinity Rodman amidst external interest. MLS plans a strategic World Cup break, scheduling key matches and utilizing Apple TV+ for broadcasts. Meanwhile, Learfield explores potential sale options and the NBA sees a notable viewership surge in its new media partnerships. Plus, Michael Jordan makes a generous donation, and Curacao makes history as the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup.
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Expansion Teams Drive Ticket Sales
- Joe Lemire mentions PWHL expansion teams Seattle and Vancouver led in season-ticket sales.
- He recalls Stan Kasten telling the SBJ conference that those teams topped season-ticket numbers.
PWHL Prioritizes Broad Accessibility
- The PWHL launched season three with strong local and digital distribution instead of a U.S. national TV partner.
- Joe Lemire notes the league reaches nearly 100 million homes through RSNs, over-the-air, and YouTube streaming.
NWSL Eyes Talent Retention vs. Revenue
- NWSL moved to protect star talent amid overseas interest while balancing salary cap realities.
- Joe Lemire highlights Commissioner Jessica Berman saying the league will "keep Trinity in the NWSL" but must link spending to revenue.