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 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.
14 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 45min
How Blackstone’s David Blitzer Invested in Every Major Sport
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.
Jun 12, 2025 • 25min
How Magic Johnson Went From NBA Legend to Billionaire
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.
Jun 5, 2025 • 49min
How Susie Wolff Is Driving Change in F1
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.
