The Varsity

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

Axios media reporter Sara Fischer joins John to discuss all the feels on the sports media beat—Disney vs. DirecTV, Zaz’s Charter deal, ESPN Flagship hypotheticals, and much, 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

Paul Rabil, the lacrosse G.O.A.T. and co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League, shares his incredible journey from player to entrepreneur. He opens up about overcoming challenges in launching the PLL and highlights the potential for niche sports in today's media world. The discussion touches on the changing landscape of sports broadcasting and the importance of building relationships within the industry. Rabil's insights into media partnerships and the exciting future for lacrosse are both insightful and inspiring.

With the NFL season kicking off, The Washington Post's Ben Strauss joins John to discuss Jimmy Pitaro’s plan to turn ESPN into a veritable streaming juggernaut, the incredible ascendance of Pat McAfee, and the confounding economics of live sports in the post TV era. Then they trade notes on Tom Brady’s underwhelming debut as a Fox Sports talking head. 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

Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA Commissioner, is at the forefront of the league's transformation, enhancing its digital landscape and securing lucrative media deals. She discusses the rising star power, notably Caitlin Clark, and how younger demographics are engaging more than ever. Engelbert reflects on her journey from corporate executive to league leader, navigating challenges during the pandemic while promoting player advocacy. The conversation also highlights the WNBA's unique relationship with the NBA, balancing independence with strategic collaboration.

Jon Kelly, co-founder of Puck and a keen observer of media and sports, dives into the intense Disney-DirecTV showdown impacting NFL fans. He discusses the shifting sands of cable bundling, emphasizing how streaming options are reshaping viewer preferences. Jon also highlights Amazon’s evolving strategies for its Thursday Night Football broadcasts, focusing on subscriber retention. The talk further touches on the growing influence of private equity in NFL ownership and the implications for future team valuations and franchises.

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro sits down with John in Bristol for an incredibly candid and detailed conversation about the state of his business and the industry. The duo delve into ESPN’s various broadcast negotiations with the top leagues, its streaming strategy, an evolving view on talent, and so 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

Welcome to the maiden voyage of The Varsity. On this debut episode, John chats with Peyton Manning about the origins of his post-football career, the rise of the ManningCast, the genesis of Omaha Productions, and so much more—Brady, Bill, Tennessee, NIL, Eli, etcetera. It’s really great! 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

Welcome to “The Varsity,” your new favorite podcast about what’s really happening in the business of sports and the players who run it all. Join Puck sports media correspondent John Ourand and a rotating cast of industry experts for inside-the-room conversations about the money behind the major leagues, the biggest network executive dramas, media rights battles, and so 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