The Varsity

Michael Nathanson, a media analyst and founder of MoffettNathanson, shares insights on the evolving sports media landscape. He discusses YouTube's expansion into sports streaming and how traditional players like ESPN can adapt. Nathanson highlights the importance of smaller, focused bundles for consumers and predicts the implications of potential mergers, like Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, on sports rights. He emphasizes that YouTube will be a key player in 2026 for premium sports distribution, changing how fans engage with live events.

Sports media reporter Andrew Marchand, also the host of a media podcast for The Athletic, joins John to dish out this year's Sports Media Awards. They highlight everything from the most overhyped storylines to the sleeper media deals that captured attention. Marchand shares insights on TV ratings, debates the best play-by-play announcers like Joe Buck and Mike Tirico, and discusses Tom Brady's growth as an analyst. They also predict executives poised to shine in 2026, especially focusing on Mark Shapiro's major deals and Rob Manfred's potential impact.

Nicole Auerbach, lead college football insider for NBC Sports, dives into the complexities of the College Football Playoff landscape. She critiques the lackluster first-round matchups and discusses the uncertain future of CFP expansion due to Big Ten–SEC tensions. Nicole shares insights into Notre Dame's potential conference moves and the growing financial pressures on athletic departments. She also touches on the impact of rapid coaching turnover and her surprising national championship pick, Indiana.

Gabe Spitzer, Netflix's Vice President of Sports, talks about the streaming giant’s ambitious sports strategy. He reveals how Netflix prioritizes major events, like the Women’s World Cup and Christmas Day NFL games, to drive global engagement. Gabe explains the technical challenges faced during live streams and the importance of star-driven matches in boxing. He also teases upcoming sports documentaries and outlines plans for a video podcast initiative, showcasing how Netflix aims to become a top player in the sports landscape.

Brian Windhorst, an ESPN NBA reporter and expert on the league, joins the discussion to explore the NBA's future. He praises the NBA Cup while addressing its execution challenges and the need for a more engaging All-Star Weekend. Windhorst delves into the league's ambitions for international expansion, though he expresses skepticism about the viability of NBA Europe. He highlights the impressive talent on the court today, sharing insights on the impact of players like Nikola Jokic and the struggles for smaller markets like the Wizards.

Matt Hong, President of USA Sports and former COO of Turner Sports, discusses the digital transformation following the spin-off from Versant. He highlights significant investments in women's sports like volleyball and the WNBA, emphasizing their growth potential. Matt explores how NASCAR is poised for a resurgence and defends the continued relevance of linear TV in a digital age. The conversation also dives into innovative programming strategies that intertwine volleyball and WNBA events, showcasing a multifaceted approach to sports broadcasting.

Julia Alexander, a media analyst focused on streaming, Dylan Byers, a media strategy reporter, and Eriq Gardner, a courts reporter, discuss the biggest sports media winners of 2025. They highlight David Ellison's impact in rights wars and Pat McAfee as a transformative on-air personality. Gardner emphasizes Judge Claudia Wilkins’ pivotal rulings on college athlete rights, reshaping the landscape. The conversation explores the influence of talent-driven franchises and the potential of McAfee's model across various media platforms.

Don Garber, the longtime commissioner of Major League Soccer, discusses the league's ambitious MLS 3.0 blueprint. He highlights MLS's impressive $21 billion valuation and explains why the Apple deal, despite criticism, is a strategic move for global reach. Garber shares insights on adapting the league's calendar to align internationally, the significant impact of Lionel Messi in energizing fans, and the ongoing focus on player development through academies. His reflections underscore MLS's growth and innovation in the competitive sports landscape.

Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas dive into the nostalgia of How I Met Your Mother, reflecting on why now is the perfect time for a rewatch. They share behind-the-scenes stories, including favorite kissing scenes and character chemistry. Exciting guests for season two are teased, with names like Joe Manganiello and Bryan Cranston sparking curiosity. The hosts discuss how unpredictable success can be in TV, inviting listeners to reminisce about life, love, and the show's lasting impact.

Join industry experts Julia Alexander, Eriq Gardner, and Dylan Byers as they dissect the riveting shifts in sports media for 2025. Julia delves into YouTube's rise as a central player in sports distribution, leveraging creators to attract younger audiences. Eriq discusses Netflix's bold move into live sports, altering the landscape of rights deals. Dylan highlights the mainstreaming of sports betting and the legal ramifications it brings, while pondering the future of cable in an increasingly streaming-focused world.