The Varsity

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

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.