The Deal with Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly

Sam Kennedy, President and CEO of the Boston Red Sox, shares insights on his bold leadership decisions. He talks about the controversial trade of Rafael Devers and his surprising investment in the PGA Tour, emphasizing that there are 'really no bad ideas' in business. Kennedy also discusses the exciting acquisition of Liverpool FC and the innovative changes shaping the Red Sox's future. Meanwhile, Alex Rodriguez reflects on his unforgettable experience at the MLB All-Star Game, bringing a personal touch to the conversation.

Will Ahmed, the visionary Founder and CEO of Whoop, revolutionized fitness tracking by developing his idea as a Harvard athlete. He shares the story behind how he convinced sports legends like Michael Phelps and LeBron James to adopt his technology. Ahmed discusses the unique challenges of competing against giants like Nike and Apple and sheds light on the transformative shift from hardware sales to a subscription-based model that fueled Whoop's growth to a $3.6B valuation. His journey emphasizes innovation, resilience, and the future of athlete performance.

Michelle Wie West, a former professional golfer and businesswoman, shares insights from her illustrious career and her passion for promoting women's sports. She discusses her excitement about investing in Togethxr and the potential of the new simulator golf league, TGL. Wie West reflects on the essential role family played in her growth, sharing lessons learned from her father-in-law, the legendary Jerry West. The conversation also highlights the financial challenges young golfers face and the need for improvements in broadcasting women's golf.

Bill Belichick, the legendary former NFL coach now leading at UNC, and Ray Dalio, the visionary founder of Bridgewater Associates, share their insights on winning. Belichick reveals how Dalio's book inspired his football principles. They discuss the core values of motivation, teamwork, and the necessity of embracing discomfort for growth. The duo reflects on the intricate relationship between coaching and leadership, emphasizing transparency and the importance of continuous learning as they transition from professional challenges to collegiate coaching.

David Blitzer, Chairman at Blackstone and co-founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, discusses his unique journey from a 'failed athlete' to owner of teams in all five major American sports leagues. He highlights how data and analytics enhance fan experiences and details his investments in youth sports, aiming to bridge the fragmented market. Blitzer also shares insights on the rising popularity of women's sports and innovative strategies to attract younger audiences, comparing choosing a favorite team to picking a favorite child.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Magic Johnson, the iconic point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. In their conversation, taped in front of a live audience at the Milken Global Conference, Johnson reveals what he’s learned from his “greatest deal,” becoming part of the Washington Commanders ownership group. He also explains why pitching himself as a partner to the Starbucks board was the hardest thing he’s ever done, and how much it meant to win an Olympic gold medal alongside Michael Jordan and Larry Bird.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Susie Wolff, the managing director of F1 Academy, about how she’s helping more female racers try to advance into the ranks of Formula One. In this conversation, Wolff tells the hosts how she got all ten F1 teams to support cars in F1 Academy, why she wanted to sign makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury and what she hopes viewers will learn from watching Netflix’s new docuseries, “F1: The Academy.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Harris, owner of the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia 76ers, shares insights on groundbreaking stadium deals and team management. He discusses the ambitious plans for a $3.8 billion stadium in D.C. and highlights the intricate negotiations behind relocating sports teams. Harris dives into enhancing player experiences and the community impact of sports, while addressing financial strategies that improve team performance. He also reflects on the responsibilities of sports owners in a competitive environment and the growth of women's sports.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments, about her firm’s newly launched fund, “Project Level,” devoted to investing in women’s sports. In this conversation, which was taped in front of an audience at Bloomberg’s Invest conference, Hobson tells the hosts why she decided to personally invest in the Chicago White Sox and the Denver Broncos, how F1 racer Lewis Hamilton taught her to speak more positively to herself and what she learned from a specific seat at the table of the Starbucks Board of Directors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit down with Georgia Tech Athletics Director J Batt to discuss the current upheaval in college athletics. In their conversation, taped in front of a live audience during March Madness, Batt explains how his athletics department is helping students navigate new rules around “name, image and likeness,” the transfer portal and potential revenue-sharing opportunities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.