The Deal with Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly
Bloomberg
When sports, business and culture collide, there’s often a deal to be made. Join Alex Rodriguez and Bloomberg correspondent Jason Kelly as they get the inside track from corporate titans, sports champions and game-changing entrepreneurs on investing, strategy, reinvention and the ones that got away. The Deal is a Bloomberg Podcasts and Bloomberg Originals series that’s passionate, relaxed, insightful and inspirational. If you think you know these icons, prepare to be surprised.
Hosts:
Alex Rodriguez is chairman and chief executive of A-Rod Corp, an investment firm that backs startups and partners with global companies across real estate, sports and entertainment. While best known as a fourteen-time All-Star and World Series champion with the New York Yankees, Rodriguez is now an owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx sports teams and an on-air analyst for Major League Baseball.
Jason Kelly is the chief correspondent of Bloomberg Originals. During his two decades at Bloomberg, Kelly has served as executive editor of Bloomberg Television, hosted Bloomberg Businessweek on television and radio, and also hosted Power Players and Next in Sports series. He’s also the author of two books, The New Tycoons, about the global private equity industry, and Sweat Equity, an inside look at the business of fitness.
Hosts:
Alex Rodriguez is chairman and chief executive of A-Rod Corp, an investment firm that backs startups and partners with global companies across real estate, sports and entertainment. While best known as a fourteen-time All-Star and World Series champion with the New York Yankees, Rodriguez is now an owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx sports teams and an on-air analyst for Major League Baseball.
Jason Kelly is the chief correspondent of Bloomberg Originals. During his two decades at Bloomberg, Kelly has served as executive editor of Bloomberg Television, hosted Bloomberg Businessweek on television and radio, and also hosted Power Players and Next in Sports series. He’s also the author of two books, The New Tycoons, about the global private equity industry, and Sweat Equity, an inside look at the business of fitness.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 28, 2025 • 46min
How Laura Correnti is Selling Women’s Sports
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about Bryce Underwood's $12.5M NIL deal. Then, they speak with Laura Correnti about how she came to found Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment, the first firm dedicated to commercial investment and growth opportunities in women's sports. Correnti tells the hosts how the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team inspired her to start her business, why she’s torn up her five-year plan so many times amidst the growth of women’s sports, and what needs to be done to create more “multi-hyphenates” amongst female athletes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 21, 2025 • 45min
Why FOX Sports’ Greg Olsen Wants to Shake Up Youth Sports
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly cover expansion and realignment in Major League Baseball. Later, they speak with Greg Olsen about his company, Youth Inc., and its mission to transform organized sports for kids. Olsen explains how his football career informs his work as a FOX Sports commentator, why the broader sports landscape is due for innovation, and the financial hurdles now confronting families involved in baseball. You can also watch this interview on the Bloomberg Podcasts YouTube page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 14, 2025 • 42min
How Allyson Felix Took on Nike and Built an Empire
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about the state of baseball (including the sorry state of the Yankees) and break down Paramount's massive new deal with the UFC. Then, they speak with Allyson Felix about how she parlayed her legendary track and field career into unexpected activism in the world of business. Felix tells the hosts why it was important for her to stand up for mothers' rights in her fight against Nike and how speaking up – and changing the company's policies – ignited an entrepreneurial zeal to change the business of shoes (via her company Saysh) and talent management (her firm Always Alpha). You can also watch this interview on the Bloomberg Podcasts YouTube page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 7, 2025 • 46min
Ex-NFLPA’s DeMaurice Smith on Fighting for Change in the NFL
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about Stanford’s surprising pick for its new athletic director, and the drama taking place at the NFL Players Association. Then, they speak with DeMaurice Smith about his time as the Executive Director of the NFLPA and his new book, "Turf Wars: The Fight for the Soul of America's Game," which gives an inside look at the league. Smith dishes on the NFL’s 2011 lockout, lessons learned about leadership and negotiation from other union bosses, and what it was like sitting across the negotiating table from giants like NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. You can also watch this interview on the Bloomberg Podcasts YouTube page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 31, 2025 • 29min
Highlighting 'Just Women's Sports,' with Founder Haley Rosen
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly speak with Haley Rosen about why she founded “Just Women’s Sports,” the media company focused solely on – you guessed it – women's sports. Rosen tells the hosts how she got investors to see the coverage as a real business and not a charity, how she is both creating and leveraging this moment of fandom for women’s sports, and why she thinks the media industry needs to “feel incredible urgency” to keep this moment going. You can also watch this interview on the Bloomberg Podcasts YouTube page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 24, 2025 • 35min
How D.C Mayor Muriel Bowser is Closing the Commanders, RFK Stadium Deal
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez tells Jason Kelly about his plans for celebrating his 50th birthday. Then, they speak with Mayor Muriel Bowser about the biggest sports deal in Washington, D.C.’s history. Bowser tells the hosts what lies ahead for a D.C. Council vote on the deal to bring the Washington Commanders to RFK Stadium, how she got Ted Leonsis to keep the Washington Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics in the nations’ capital, and why sports and politics go together. You can also watch this interview on the Bloomberg Podcasts YouTube page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 17, 2025 • 42min
How Sam Kennedy’s Bold Moves Shape the Red Sox, Plus Alex on the MLB All-Star Game
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.
Jul 10, 2025 • 35min
How Whoop’s Will Ahmed Built a $3.6B Business Tracking Fitness
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.
Jul 3, 2025 • 37min
Michelle Wie West on Golf Dealmaking, and Alex Closes His Deal
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.
8 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 45min
Bill Belichick and Ray Dalio on What It Takes to Win
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.
