This is Matt Reustle and today we are breaking down the National Basketball Association. The NBA topped $10bn in revenue last season, in line with MLB and behind only the NFL in terms of major sports leagues. The initial headlines for the next media rights deal, which is coming in 2025 suggest a 200% to 300% increase versus the previous contract. But what's particularly interesting about these data points is that they stand in sharp contrast to declining viewership numbers. To break down the NBA, I'm joined by Ethan Strauss. Ethan has been intimately involved with the league for the past decade and often writes about why the NBA, like other sports leagues, is not a traditional business. We cover who and what made the NBA into the giant it is today and whether that's getting stronger or less strong. Please enjoy this breakdown of the NBA. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to the best content to learn more, check out the episode page here. -----Business Breakdowns is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Business Breakdowns, visit joincolossus.com/episodes.Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up here.Follow us on Twitter: @JoinColossus | @patrick_oshag | @jspujji | @zbfuss | @ReustleMatt | @domcookeShow Notes (00:03:11) - (First Question) - His background and his entry into the basketball business(00:09:24) - Key turning points that enabled the league to mature to what it is today(00:12:53) - An overview of the league’s economics and scale(00:16:01) - The dynamics of negotiating national and regional TV deals(00:18:57) - How viewership is faring with an increasingly fractured TV audience(00:22:40) - The counter-intuitive notion that lower TV viewership can help extract more media rights profits(00:25:47) - The international market for the NBA(00:31:06) - The unique role of the NBA commissioner and how it compares to other sports(00:34:12) - How individual teams and their owners influence league dynamics(00:37:27) - Rough splits between the NBA’s various revenue streams(00:39:32) - Astronomical franchise purchase prices and owner dynamics(00:41:34) - The possibility of expansion and the creation of new franchises(00:44:41) - How the NBA’s star players draw in fans but also wield power over the league(00:50:07) - The extent to which players’ popularity depends on nationality(00:54:03) - How much players make in salary versus endorsement deals(00:58:11) - Variables that could threaten the success of the league as a whole(01:00:26) - Probable drivers for future success and growth of the NBA(01:02:14) - The role of marketing in the NBA’s continued success(01:04:15) - Cues the NBA could take from other leagues in terms of its media presence(01:07:15) - Lessons for builders and investors when studying the NBA’s story

Ethan Strauss, an independent journalist and former The Athletic writer, joins the conversation to discuss the peculiar tale of Richard Lapchick, an anti-racist sports icon with a bizarre tattoo. They delve into the changing landscape of sports journalism, particularly the shift toward independent platforms post-pandemic. Strauss also analyzes the evolving role of athletes in social justice advocacy and critiques superficial media responses to activism, blending serious insights with humor throughout their engaging dialogue.

* Tina, RIP. Bill Lee, RIP.* Zone of Interest* DeSantis announces* Tim Scott announced too, btw * An increasingly crowded and unimpressive field * Our old pal Ethan Strauss joins* Why does Joe keep saying that…thing about Iraq?* “Trump is sharper than Biden”* An interregnum on Ike Turner* Ethan’s piece on Glen Kuiper * The American employment gulag: exiled forever * Paying indulgences* Is it ok to boycott brands for not having the right politics? A debate* Cruising, the gay Casablanca / Donnie Moore, baseball’s Ike Turner* Bonus blathering about Basketball This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wethefifth.com/subscribe

NBA writer Ethan Strauss, known for his insights on the Golden State Warriors, joins the discussion on the shifting dynamics in basketball. He explains the surprising addition of Jimmy Butler to the Warriors at this stage of his career, emphasizing its implications for Steph Curry. The conversation also touches on the complexities of player trades, the tension surrounding Matthew Stafford's future with the Rams, and the organizational challenges facing teams like the Mavericks. Expect a blend of analysis and humor as they navigate these intriguing topics.

John Middlekauff, host of the '3 and Out' podcast, shares insights on Matthew Stafford's potential trade value and the dynamics of the NFL Draft Combine, stressing the importance of attending. Meanwhile, Ethan Strauss discusses the resurgence of the Golden State Warriors and the immense impact of Steph Curry on the game, dubbing him a transformational figure in sports history. They also highlight Caitlin Clark's influence in women's sports and the missed opportunities for the WNBA to capitalize on her popularity.

In this discussion, sportswriter Ethan Strauss, known for his insights on the Golden State Warriors, joins to debate Steph Curry's impact on elevating the franchise's value. They liken Caitlin Clark to Curry in women's sports and critique the WNBA’s missed chances to leverage her popularity. Strauss suggests college basketball as a prime opportunity for broadcast investment. They also scrutinize ESPN's recent dumping of MLB rights, question past media blunders, and analyze Jeff Bezos's influence on The Washington Post along with the broader media landscape.

Ethan Strauss, an NBA writer known for his insights on the Golden State Warriors, joins to discuss the Jets' surprising decision to part ways with Aaron Rodgers. They delve into the implications for both the team and Rodgers' legacy, highlighting the personal dynamics at play. The conversation shifts to the Lakers' recent challenges against the Jazz, focusing on their defensive struggles and roster issues. Strauss also explores the evolving landscape of NFL quarterbacks, including potential trades and the ramifications of a weak draft class.

Ethan Strauss, a writer for House of Strauss and former Golden State Warriors reporter, dives into the missed marketing opportunities surrounding Caitlin Clark in the WNBA. He critiques ESPN's shake-ups with Woj and Lowe departing, discussing the evolving sports media landscape and its impact on the WNBA's visibility. The conversation also covers Tom Brady's transition to broadcasting, highlighting his cautious style and potential NFL ownership aspirations. Strauss provides keen insights into the challenges and dynamics shaping today's sports narrative.

Ethan Strauss, popular sports newsletter writer, discusses how sports media has lost touch with its core audience and been captured by elite media. They explore the difference between men's and women's sports in business and marketing, and who is driving the voice of sports institutions. They also touch upon the declining popularity of sports among young people and the impact of progressive messaging. In addition, they talk about the contradictory desire of journalists to be counterculture and mainstream, and the lack of trust and meaningful conversation within sports media.

Wos is joined by Ethan Strauss to talk about the Warriors. They start by talking about what makes the Warriors the the most fun story in the NBA this season (3:58) before getting into where the Warriors' young players stand (14:53). Then they discuss what makes Draymond Green so important to his team (20:41)Host: Wosny LambreGuest: Ethan StraussProducer: Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices