The Varsity

Mark Shapiro, president of WME Group and TKO, dives into the thrilling world of media rights in sports. With a rich history in dealmaking, he discusses his groundbreaking UFC and WWE deals, shedding light on why these properties command top dollar. Shapiro analyzes streaming strategies, comparing Netflix and YouTube's roles in live sports. He also shares insights into boxing's resurgence, particularly the excitement around the monumental Canelo–Crawford showdown that drew 70,000 fans, signaling a bright future for the sport.

Former pro bowl quarterback Matt Ryan joins John to discuss his transition from the sidelines to CBS’s star football analyst, and the art of calling the game. Then he weighs in on the league’s hottest debates—from the potential 18-game expansion to fantasy football, sports betting, and more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pablo Torre, former ESPN mainstay turned podcast sleuth, joins John to unravel his latest investigations—into Bill Belichick, the NFLPA, and most recently, his bombshell report on the Clippers’ alleged salary cap circumvention. He also weighs in on the tightrope of balancing independence with partnerships like The New York Times and The Athletic—and his aspirations for his podcast’s future, including potential expansion to television. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dylan Byers joins John to dig into the NFL’s streaming playbook, starting with Friday’s YouTube debut. They discuss how the NFL, NBA, and other leagues are walking a tightrope between expanding their digital footprint and keeping legacy partners appeased. They also explore the so-called democratization of sports and news media, the outsized role of live rights, why ESPN’s shiny new app still needs some polishing—and much more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jon Kelly joins John to map the many fault lines in today’s sports media circus, from cable's slow bleed to the sports rights land grab by streamers like Netflix and Amazon. They also dig into YouTube’s NFL experiment in Brazil and why MLB’s golden age may be gone for good. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NBC’s veteran sportscaster Mike Tirico joins John to yap about the upcoming NFL season that’s already brimming with soap opera-esque storylines—most recently the Cowboys shipping Micah Parsons off to Green Bay. Mike and John get into the ripple effects of the blockbuster deal, the NFL’s sustained brand dominance, Tirico’s next act leading NBC’s play-by-play NBA coverage, and much more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NBC’s Mike Florio returns to the pod for a wide-ranging NFL season preview, tackling the biggest off-the-field questions facing the league: the NFL's in-house justice system, the league’s potential 10% ownership stake in ESPN and its impact on coverage, the NFLPA's leadership issues, the potential expansion to 18 games, and much, much more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt joins John to make sense of the sport’s ongoing upheaval—from playoff expansion madness and conference realignment to N.I.L. and the huge debates over the transfer portal. They also delve into ESPN’s continued GameDay supremacy over Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff (even after the Portnoy stunt), plus the Bill Belichick of it all. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ryan Spoon, president of Yahoo Media Group, discusses the launch of the Yahoo Sports Network and the strategic shift toward ad-supported content across various platforms. He shares insights on Yahoo's partnerships and innovative collaborations aimed at enhancing user engagement. Spoon highlights the evolution of fantasy sports, with new game formats set to attract a wider audience. He also talks about YahooSports.tv's purpose in delivering diverse original content to keep fans engaged as the sports media landscape continues to change.

ESPN's Jeff Passan, a renowned baseball insider, dives into the escalating tensions between MLB owners and the players union. He discusses Bryce Harper's clash with commissioner Rob Manfred, revealing the potential for a work stoppage. The podcast explores the contentious debate around a salary cap, its implications for player contracts, and the competitive landscape of baseball. Additionally, Passan sheds light on labor relations and the emotional rollercoaster faced by players amid these challenges, blending serious analysis with a touch of humor.