The Varsity

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.

Ross Dellinger, a Senior college football writer at Yahoo Sports, shares his insights on the chaotic landscape of college football. He discusses the skyrocketing N.I.L. costs and how athletic departments are struggling financially. The conversation delves into the potential for a super league and the rising tensions between powerful conferences like the SEC and Big Ten. Ross also predicts that the College Football Playoff could expand from 12 to 16 teams as dynamics shift in the sport. Expect a mix of financial strategies and political maneuvering shaping the future of college athletics.

Andrew Marchand, a sharp sports media reporter at The Athletic, returns to tackle the hottest topics in sports broadcasting. He discusses the NFL's strategic holiday matchups and Amazon Prime's role in driving viewership. Marchand predicts YouTube's impending entry into NFL rights and assesses the implications of MLB's recent media deals. The conversation also dives into Netflix's hiring of ESPN talent as a sign of their sports ambitions and the challenges of fragmented rights affecting fan access.

Matthew Berry, a seasoned fantasy sports analyst and NBC Sports personality, discusses the changing landscape of sports media. He dives into the impact of AI on editorial content and the potential threats it poses. Berry shares insights on which leagues might fall behind economically and examines the influence of younger audiences and digital influencers on viewership. He also highlights his transition from ESPN to NBC, the growth of Fantasy Life, and the need for better regulation in sports betting. It's a fascinating look at the future of sports media.

Sara Fischer, an Axios media correspondent, dives into the shifts in sports and media landscapes. She breaks down the standoff between YouTube TV and Disney, highlighting their negotiation tactics. Fischer also discusses Warner Bros. Discovery's potential sale, offering insights into bidder interests and its impact on sports media. Plus, she explores the rise of independent creators and Vox's strategic decisions in the podcasting realm, emphasizing why platforms are keen on acquiring audio assets as they navigate today's competitive market.