The Varsity

John sits down with NBC Sports’ lead college football insider, Nicole Auerbach, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving landscape of the college sports business. They explore the impact of N.I.L., the dynamics of the transfer portal, the shifting tides of conference realignment, the potential role of private equity, 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

Rob Manfred, the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, discusses exciting changes shaping the sport. He highlights efforts to attract younger fans through innovative rule changes and enhanced game experiences, contributing to the league's highest attendance in seven years. Manfred delves into the complex media rights landscape, aiming to enhance accessibility for fans and tackle issues like blackout restrictions. He also candidly addresses the challenges faced by teams, including the Oakland A's potential move and the aftermath of a hurricane on the Rays Stadium.

Legal expert Eriq Gardner joins John to discuss the bizarre saga of Jack Nicklaus’ lawsuit against Nicklaus Companies, in which the retired golfer is fighting to reclaim the rights to his own name, image, and likeness. Eriq offers some very frank advice to athletes looking to capitalize on their N.I.L. Then the duo dig into the looming DirecTV-Dish merger, and whether Venu Sports will ever see the light. 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

John sits down with Matt Kramer, co-head of CAA Sports’ media group and Adrian Wojnarowski’s agent, for an inside look at how Woj’s surprise retirement unfolded. Kramer also discusses the changing landscape for on-air talent, and what media networks are actually prioritizing these days when hiring. 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

John is joined by WaPo sports media reporter Ben Strauss for a wide-ranging conversation on ESPN’s looming media rights negotiation with MLB, how ESPN scooped up Shams after the departure of Woj, and the WNBA’s Caitlin-centric coverage. 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

John is joined by the broadcasting GOAT and 45-year ESPN veteran Chris “Boomer” Berman for a candid conversation about his rise through ESPN’s ranks, how the sports network is navigating a shapeshifting media landscape, 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

Join Peter Kafka, Chief Correspondent at Business Insider, as he dives into the shifting landscape of sports broadcasting. Explore how Apple TV's deal with MLS and Amazon's sports strategies are reshaping viewer experiences. Kafka discusses the challenges traditional networks face amid these changes and the potential for mergers in a competitive media market. Learn about YouTube TV's impact on subscriber growth and the future of live sports viewership. Kafka also teases his new podcast, 'Channels', focusing on media executives' insights.

In this engaging discussion, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, a veteran leader in professional sports, highlights the NHL’s evolving media strategy as the league gears up for a new season. He shares insights on the NHL's global expansion, the success of recent media deals with ESPN, and their promising implications for viewer engagement. Bettman also touches on the enthusiastic launch of a new franchise in Salt Lake City, emphasizing the importance of community support and innovative fan interactions in shaping the league's future.

Dylan Byers joins John to discuss the aftermath of Woj’s abrupt exit from ESPN and what that means for the future of ESPN’s programming strategy. Then the duo examine the magnitude of the problems facing W.B.D. and forecast what’s next for sports media at large.To celebrate Puck’s third anniversary, we’re offering readers a limited-time, 20 percent discount on an annual subscription. Claim yours here: https://www.puck.news/johnourand. 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

John sits down with NBC’s top two Olympics TV producers, Molly Solomon and Amy Rosenfeld, for a candid talk about what went into bringing the Paris Olympics to the U.S. and whether L.A. 2028 can beat the hype. Then the duo discuss why they decided to give so much airtime to Snoop, how international stars like Léon Marchand factored into the ratings, and their own roles as women producers in a male-dominated field.By the way, to celebrate Puck’s third anniversary, we’re offering readers a limited-time, 20 percent discount off an annual subscription. Claim yours here: https://www.puck.news/johnourand. 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