The Varsity

ESPN’s MLB insider Jeff Passan joins John for a sweeping conversation about the state of the league a few months into the 2025 season. Jeff discusses MLB’s biggest red flags, the forthcoming labor and media rights negotiations, and the parity between high-payroll teams and small market teams. Then, as the specter of a new salary cap looms, Jeff warns why a 2027 lockout may be all but inevitable. 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

Connor Schell, the visionary co-creator behind ESPN’s 30 for 30 series, joins John for a deep dive into the golden era of sports storytelling. From the evolution of prestige documentaries at HBO and ESPN to the streaming revolution led by the likes of Netflix and Apple, Connor unpacks how the landscape has shifted—and why these are the golden days for sports content. He also offers an inside look at his production company, Words + Pictures, and discusses what’s next. 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

Greg Wyshynski, ESPN's senior NHL guru and former Puck Daddy writer, dives into the pressing issues facing professional hockey today. He discusses the upcoming labor deal likely to emerge during the Stanley Cup Finals and highlights the NHL's economic vulnerabilities compared to the NBA and NFL. The podcast also explores Gary Bettman's impactful leadership, the league's evolving media strategies, and the potential for team relocations. Greg gives insights on how the NHL is adapting to new audiences while balancing tradition with innovation.

NBC’s data guru Steve Kornacki drops by the pod to talk about his new deal with the network, expanding his footprint across both NBC News and Sports—while also allowing flexibility to pursue other avenues, à la Stephen A. and Pat McAfee. Then he previews his coverage plans for the Kentucky Derby, riffs on the rise of sports betting, explains how he brings numbers to life, 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

Mike Florio, a key voice in NFL coverage and creator of Pro Football Talk, shares insider insights on the NFL Draft's evolving media rights and the league's global ambitions, including a season opener in Brazil. He tackles the league's antitrust hurdles and the implications of introducing an 18-game season. Florio also discusses the $50 million lawsuit against Shannon Sharpe and reflects on Adam Silver's concerns about media's hold on the NBA, shedding light on the intricate connections between sports, legal battles, and media dynamics.

Larry Baer, President and CEO of the San Francisco Giants, along with Fox Sports executive Ben Valenta, dive into the art of community-building in sports. They discuss the Giants' commitment to enhancing neighborhood connections and Fox Sports' data-driven fan engagement strategies. The conversation explores the challenges of appealing to younger audiences, finding funding for new ballparks, and the balance between spending and success in baseball. Audience questions spark lively discussions about the emotional ties between fans and their teams.

Sara Fischer, Axios's media reporter, dives into the excitement surrounding the rise of women’s sports, highlighting new leagues like LOVB volleyball and the Professional Women’s Hockey League. She explores major investments, such as Willow Bay and Bob Iger’s funding of Angel City FC, showcasing how women's sports rights are becoming valuable assets. The discussion also touches on the struggle of traditional networks in the streaming era and the broader implications for sports media investments.

Jerry Silbowitz, co-head of UTA Sports and expert in media rights, shares insights on how emerging talents are bypassing traditional paths by utilizing platforms like YouTube and TikTok. He discusses how major broadcasters, including ESPN, are reinventing themselves to connect with younger audiences through innovative content creation. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of sports media, the impact of personal branding for on-air talent, and the need for creative control as digital platforms gain traction.

Peter Schrager, a prominent sportscaster who recently transitioned from NFL Network to ESPN, shares insights on the evolving sports media landscape. He discusses the implications of streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon on the NFL's media rights by 2029. The conversation dives into the dynamics of the NFL owners meeting, the controversy surrounding the 'tush push' rule, and Schrager's personal journey in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and collaboration in shaping the future of sports analysis.

Gary Bettman, the NHL Commissioner since 1992, shares insights on the league’s remarkable growth, including an $11 billion media rights deal. He discusses the success of the Four Nations tournament and its potential to spark international competition. Bettman also addresses how political factors like Trump’s trade war could influence the league's economics in Canada. Additionally, he explores the evolving landscape of hockey broadcasting and fan engagement, emphasizing the cultural ties between Canadian and American hockey fans.