The Town with Matthew Belloni Part 2: What Ari Emanuel Talks About With Trump and the Rock
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Oct 10, 2025 
Ari Emanuel, longtime Hollywood agent and WME executive chairman, joins the discussion alongside TKO president Mark Shapiro. They explore how NFL rights negotiations could reshape the entertainment landscape and dive into the intriguing story behind the UFC's deal with Paramount versus Netflix. Emanuel shares insights into his relationships with high-profile figures like The Rock and Donald Trump, revealing the dynamics of power and influence in the industry.
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Rights Values Continue To Climb
- Rights values keep rising because platforms need premium content to drive subscriptions.
- Costs may fall but the intrinsic value of live and great content continues to increase.
NBA Split Is A Market Experiment
- The NBA's decision to split rights will serve as a market test for reach versus concentration.
- How ratings respond will show whether splitting deals hurts or helps league assets.
NFL Will Maximize Fees Without Sacrificing Brand
- The NFL will maximize marketplace value but won't sacrifice its brand or audience.
- Networks and streamers will make 'rational decisions' to balance fees and brand reach.