The Varsity

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.

Andrew Marchand, a savvy media reporter for The Athletic, returns for a lively discussion on the evolving sports broadcasting landscape. He dives into NFL's streaming strategy, highlighting Amazon's game-changing influence and Netflix's holiday offerings. The conversation shifts to ESPN's potential reacquisition of Sunday Night Baseball rights and the challenges faced in MLB broadcasting. Marchand also shares insights on J.J. Watt's transition to CBS, unpacking the competitive dynamics shaping the future of sports media. It's a captivating mix of analysis and humor!

Gary Danielson, CBS's top college football analyst with a remarkable 36-season career, shares insights on his decision to retire. He reminisces about iconic calls like the 'Kick Six' and discusses the evolving landscape of college sports. Gary emphasizes the importance of adaptability in broadcasting and how social media has transformed sports commentary. He also tackles issues like player compensation and the impact of NIL deals while reflecting on the competitive dynamics between conferences. His journey highlights the balance between career and family, leaving a lasting legacy.

Julia Alexander, a streaming expert at Puck and former Disney strategist, dives into the fierce race for sports streaming supremacy. She breaks down Peacock’s clever regional sports approach and reveals ESPN’s multifaceted strategy. Julia also discusses Netflix’s experimental ventures and why Apple TV+ is lagging behind. Additionally, she highlights YouTube's potential advertising explosion and the significance of catering to young female audiences. This insightful discussion uncovers the shifting landscape of media consumption and sports engagement.

Michael Nathanson, a top-tier analyst at MoffettNathanson, and Robert Fishman, an equity research analyst at the same firm, share insights on the intensifying competition between Netflix and YouTube in the streaming arena. They discuss the evolving landscape of sports media rights and speculate on ESPN's future. The duo delves into how sports betting could reshape the industry and reveal strategies for captivating audiences with innovative event presentations. Get ready for a lively debate on the future of media and sports!

Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright joins John for a candid chat about the evolution of his legendary career. He explains the moment he knew it was time to retire and discusses how the job changed over his 22 years helming Villanova, including two national championships. He also weighs into all the massive upheaval in college sports, the notorious transfer portal, and the murky future of the NCAA Tournament. Then, Jay dives into his transition into star CBS analyst. 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