The Varsity

Jay Marine, a key Amazon executive driving Prime Video's sports strategy, shares insights on the company's transformation into a major player in live sports. He discusses the $20 billion NBA deal and how Amazon is reshaping league perceptions of streaming. Marine emphasizes investing in tier-one sports and women's leagues, aligning with Prime member value. He highlights innovative approaches like AI features and integration of shopping and betting in broadcasts, aiming to create a unique viewing experience for fans.

Michael Rubin, the visionary founder of Fanatics, joins hosts Bill Cohan and Michael Nathanson at Puck’s In The Arena to discuss his remarkable journey in sports commerce. He reveals how he reinvented licensed merchandise by swiftly responding to fan needs. The conversation dives into his expansion into collectibles and betting, highlighting the innovative strategies behind Fanatics' growth. Rubin also shares insights on building connections across sports and entertainment, as well as his thoughts on a potential IPO and future initiatives.

Gerry Cardinale, founder and CIO of RedBird Capital Partners, offers insight into the evolving landscape of live sports investments. He discusses the potential overvaluation of sports leagues and the crucial role of technology in rejuvenating legacy media. Gerry also shares his thoughts on the challenges of media M&A, the importance of cash-flow models, and how AI will enhance fan engagement and content production. Plus, he reflects on owning AC Milan and the need for innovative monetization strategies in a rapidly changing market.

Josh Harris, owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Commanders, shares insights on multi-team ownership. He discusses transforming the Commanders' culture, plans for a new stadium, and the impact of private equity on sports. Harris delves into the challenges and opportunities of owning teams across different leagues. He emphasizes community engagement, the importance of fan experience, and his commitment to the Commanders name, all while navigating the complexities of a globalizing NFL.

Ken Belson, a longtime sports business reporter for The New York Times and author of Every Day Is Sunday, dives into the NFL's incredible journey to cultural and economic dominance. He discusses the transformative impact of Rupert Murdoch's Fox deal and Roger Goodell's media-first strategy. Topics include the NFL's cautious embrace of private equity, challenges from expanded gambling, and the implications of college NIL on player leverage. Belson also highlights the risks of declining youth participation and explores the owners’ innovative revenue models beyond game days.

Join Frank DiGraci, a veteran television producer with a rich history in NBA broadcasts, and Noah Eagle, a rising play-by-play announcer and the son of Ian Eagle, as they dive into NBC's thrilling return to NBA coverage. They discuss how the network plans to evolve its iconic legacy with new technologies and star-focused storytelling for younger fans. Anecdotes about their personal journeys, the excitement of on-the-bench analysis, and unique strategies to captivate diverse audiences make for a lively and insightful conversation.

Greg Wyshynski, ESPN NHL analyst and veteran hockey writer, joins John to dive into the latest NHL season. They discuss the league's labor peace and a new CBA set for next September. Greg highlights Conor McDavid’s team-friendly deal and contrasts it with Kaprizov’s record contract. He examines the implications of no-income-tax markets on team competitiveness and shares insights on potential expansions, including a promising franchise in Utah. Their chat also touches on the USA-Canada rivalry and the future of international competitions.

Cody Campbell, a billionaire Texas Tech booster and former college/NFL player, passionately advocates for reforms in college sports through his "Saving College Sports" campaign. He discusses the broken NCAA structure, arguing that current issues stem from outdated governance and media rights models. Cody proposes modernizing the Sports Broadcasting Act, which could potentially add $7 billion in new revenue. He emphasizes the importance of college athletics in building character and opportunities, while also advocating for a more equitable governing body for all sports.

Sara Fischer, a media reporter at Axios with deep expertise in sports and media business, joins to discuss ESPN’s recent partnerships with the NFL and MLB. She highlights the rapid success of ESPN and Fox’s DTC launches, both surpassing a million sign-ups in a short time. The conversation also dives into the ongoing distribution rivalry between NBC and YouTube TV, the implications of media-league equity deals, and the potential shake-up of NFL rights negotiations. Plus, find out why Bad Bunny was the chosen performer for the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Michael Nathanson, a veteran media analyst and founder of Moffitt Nathanson, shares insights into the ever-evolving world of sports media. He discusses David Ellison's aggressive spending at Paramount and why legacy media is clinging to live sports rights amidst cord-cutting. The conversation explores the NFL's potential early rights negotiations and innovative packaging strategies for streaming platforms. Nathanson also delves into the rising value of mid-tier sports and how YouTube is positioning itself as a major player in the TV landscape.