The Varsity

Puck’s A.I. expert Ian Krietzberg joins John for a deep dive into the growing influence of artificial intelligence in sports. Ian discusses the promise and pitfalls of A.I. in sports, from computer vision models to predictive analytics—and stresses the importance of deploying A.I. with intent, solving real-world problems rather than embracing the technology for novelty’s sake. 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

Christine Brennan, the pioneering sports columnist, joins the pod to discuss her new book, “On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports.” She unpacks the WNBA’s struggle to match the moment of Caitlin’s rise, the financial implications of Caitlin’s ascent, the league’s perpetual lack of media attention and support, and much more. Christine also reflects on her own trailblazing career pushing through sports journalism’s glass ceiling. 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’s Sara Fischer returns to the pod for a sweeping tour of the most urgent issues in the sports media landscape—from the looming Trump–CBS settlement (and what a Skydance-Paramount merger portends for CBS Sports) to the College Football Playoff’s potential expansion, the growing leverage of live sports in ad markets, the possibility of a new NFL stadium in D.C., 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

Jon Wertheim, Sports Illustrated's esteemed writer and 60 Minutes correspondent, dives into the tennis world’s thrilling resurgence, spotlighting stars like Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz. He advocates for the unification of men's and women's tours to boost global appeal. Wertheim also examines the sport's business challenges, including the intriguing influence of Saudi investors. Finally, he reflects on the importance of storytelling in sports, emphasizing how athlete personalities are captivating fans like never before.

Paul Rabil, co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League, joins John for a deep dive into the PLL’s new five-year media rights deal with ESPN, which includes an equity stake from the network. Rabil charts the PLL’s growth trajectory, teases expansion plans, and explains why the 2028 Olympics could be a turning point for lacrosse as a global sport. 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

Alexi Lalas, Fox Sports analyst and former American soccer star, swings by the pod for a wide-ranging discussion about the accelerated growth of soccer in the U.S. Alexis lays out the MLS roadmap to global relevance, celebrates the rise of the NWSL, and explains why he’s bullish on the 2026 World Cup—and what this all means for the future of the sport in the U.S. 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

Alex Sherman, CNBC's top media reporter, joins to dissect the rapidly changing sports media landscape. He explores the ascent of streaming giants like Amazon and Netflix, juxtaposed against the decline of traditional cable TV. The conversation dives into the future of sports rights for major leagues like F1, UFC, and MLB, revealing the complex negotiations underway. Sherman sheds light on how media partnerships are evolving and the strategies needed to engage younger viewers in a ‘streamified’ world.

The legendary Dale Earnhardt Jr. joins John for a rollicking discussion about the future of motorsport. He delves into NASCAR’s expansion into Mexico City and the opportunities of international racing; shares his thoughts on F1’s hospitality and accessibility compared to NASCAR; discusses Amazon Prime’s gripping four-part documentary series on his father; 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

Rich Greenfield, a savvy financial analyst at Lightshed Partners, joins the conversation to dissect the implications of Warner Bros. Discovery's spin-off. He provides insights on whether Disney and Paramount may follow in Comcast's footsteps. The discussion dives into the fate of TNT and WBD’s sports rights, emphasizing a cautious approach to major sports acquisitions. Rich also highlights the ongoing shifts in media strategies as traditional networks grapple with the rise of streaming and the future of sports broadcasting.

Len Perna, founder of TurnkeyZRG, has three decades of experience matching executives in the sports world. He discusses the NCAA's recent transformative settlement and the urgent need for college athletic programs to adopt a business mentality. Perna highlights new hiring trends for athletic directors, emphasizing backgrounds in commercial sectors. He also introduces innovative concepts like a 'college super league' and reimagines football league structures for competitive balance, advocating for that new roles such as 'C.E.O. of Athletics' will emerge.