David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group and owner of the Baltimore Orioles, teams up with Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. to delve into the evolving landscape of sports ownership. They dissect the role of analytics and financial dynamics in Major League Baseball. The duo also highlights the young talent of the Orioles and the community connections that are vital in sports. This lively discussion touches on the changing face of women's soccer and the increasing investments driving its growth in popularity.
The investment landscape in sports is transforming, with owners like David Rubenstein focusing on rejuvenating teams while ensuring financial viability amidst rising costs.
Women’s soccer is gaining momentum through increased investments and lucrative media deals, reflecting a growing recognition of the sport's commercial potential.
Deep dives
AI's Performance Boost in Business
Artificial intelligence is driving significant performance improvements in various industries, with notable results seen in the streaming sector. For instance, Netflix achieved a remarkable boost in streaming performance, enhancing it by as much as three and a half times through the integration of Intel AI accelerators. These accelerators are reported to outperform competitors by a substantial margin of 30%. Businesses are encouraged to leverage AI capabilities within their trusted existing architectures to realize similar performance gains.
Investment Dynamics in Sports
The landscape of investment in sports is evolving, notably highlighted by philanthropic motivations among some owners. David Rubenstein, co-owner of the Baltimore Orioles, expressed a desire to rejuvenate the team and contribute to the revitalization of Baltimore. The Orioles' younger talent and depth in their minor league system are viewed positively, allowing for flexibility during injury setbacks. Conversations also highlight the financial viability of purchasing sports teams, as ownership in leagues like the NFL remains lucrative despite rising costs.
College Sports Transformation with NIL
The college sports arena is rapidly changing, particularly with the implementation of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), which allows athletes to earn money based on their personal branding. This shift is prompting discussions about economic models, as some institutions are preparing to pay athletes directly which could reshape traditional college athletics funding. The importance of education surrounding NIL for student-athletes is emphasized, equipping them for a competitive landscape. Ongoing conference realignment poses additional challenges, especially for smaller sports teams facing travel inefficiencies while pursuing top-level competition.
The Rise of Women's Soccer
Women's soccer is currently experiencing a significant surge, with investments in leagues like the National Women's Soccer League showcasing an optimistic future. The arrival of notable investors and ownership changes, including high-profile names like Bob Iger and Magic Johnson, signals a shift in the perception of women's sports as a viable investment. The league has also negotiated lucrative media deals, enhancing visibility and access to games, driving audience growth. While the competitive landscape continues to enhance with international participation, there's a push for more tailored marketing strategies to capture diverse audiences effectively.
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*The following interviews were recorded live from the Bloomberg Power Players event at Bloomberg Global Headquarters in New York. The summit brings together industry leaders at the intersection of sports, business and technology*
On this week’s podcast: David Rubenstein, Co-Founder & Co-Chairman, The Carlyle Group; Owner, The Baltimore Orioles, and Cal Ripken, Jr., Baseball Hall of Famer; Founder & Partner, Ripken Baseball, discuss the Baltimore Orioles. Steve Phelps, NASCAR President, discusses trying to build audiences, and expand outside the U.S. Brittney Whiteside, Vice President, ASP College, Altius Sports Partners, discusses how the economics of intercollegiate sports are shifting. Jessica Berman, Commissioner, of National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), discusses women's soccer. Midge Purce, Forward, NJ/NY Gotham FC & USWNT, talks about what’s next as women’s soccer hits the mainstream. Grant Hill, Managing Director, USA Basketball; Co-Owner, Atlanta Hawks, takes a behind the scenes look at the big talent who brought home the gold for women’s and men's Olympic teams.
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