The Varsity

Jessica Berman, the Commissioner of the NWSL, dives into the impressive growth of women's soccer, highlighting record attendance and a dramatic rise in TV viewership. She emphasizes the role of storytelling in engaging fans and building cultural relevance. The discussion covers the league's groundbreaking media rights deals, which skyrocketed game sales 40-fold, and the implications of high-profile transfers like Naomi Girma's $1.1 million move. Berman's insights reveal the strategic focus needed to further expand and elevate women's soccer.

Sara Fischer, Axios's media correspondent and CNN contributor, joins the discussion on the declining landscape of regional sports networks, particularly the unraveling of MASN. With the Nationals stepping away, could this signal Ted Leonsis's chance to consolidate D.C. sports? They also dive into the fallout from MLB's split with ESPN and the impending launch of Fox's new direct-to-consumer streaming service, examining its potential impact on how fans will engage with sports in the future.

Roger Bennett, founder of the Men in Blazers Media Network, dives into the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America. He discusses the emotional dynamics of soccer fandom and the significant role of sports media in shaping public perception. Bennett highlights the intense Liverpool-Everton rivalry, the importance of fan loyalty, and the historical context of soccer in the U.S. He reflects on the transformative impact of the 1994 World Cup and the growing American soccer culture, igniting excitement and anticipation for the future.

Evan Drellich, a baseball reporter for The Athletic known for his insightful coverage of the MLB and ESPN split, dives into the complexities of the recent divorce between the two giants. He shares why he believes this isn’t the end of their relationship, discusses the financial fallout from collapsing regional sports networks, and previews upcoming labor negotiations. The conversation also hints at potential rule changes for baseball, including the introduction of automated umpire technology by 2026.

Big East commissioner Val Ackerman joins John for a deep dive into the present and future of college sports. She lays out the Big East’s strategy for thriving in a football-dominated landscape, probes the possibility of a Big East-ACC merger, and breaks down the conference’s approach to revenue sharing. Val also reflects on her groundbreaking role as the WNBA’s first commissioner and explains why the league’s meteoric growth is anything but surprising. 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

CNBC’s Alex Sherman joins John for a deep dive into how leagues can maximize profits from social media engagement in the streaming era. They also wade into the brewing media rights battles between traditional networks and streaming giants, with UFC and F1’s rights up for grabs, before Alex shares his personal insights on the overall state of sports media and the business behind the games. 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

NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill joins John for a candid conversation about his pivot from the court to the sidelines, where’s he's become a standout broadcaster. Hill discusses his ownership stakes in various sports franchises, the health of the NBA, and the impact of their blockbuster media rights deal. He also reflects on leading Team USA to back-to-back gold medals and weighs in on ESPN’s evolving media strategy.  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

ESPN’s Shams Charania, the consummate NBA insider and veritable scoop machine, joins John to probe some of the biggest business stories ahead of NBA All-Star Weekend: the impacts of sports betting, Maverick Carter’s attempt to jumpstart an NBA-adjacent international rival, and the league’s evolving trade dynamics. Plus, Shams explains the bizarre Luka-A.D. trade—and how he broke the story. 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

Rick Cordella, President of NBC Sports, dives deep into the ever-evolving world of sports media, sharing nearly two decades of insights. He discusses the NFL's unparalleled viewership and the complexities of media rights negotiations. Cordella also teases NBC's exciting NBA coverage and strategies for the upcoming Winter Olympics. The conversation highlights the blend of nostalgia and modern broadcasting that shapes today’s sports experience, underscoring the importance of relationships and trust in this competitive landscape.

Don Van Natta Jr., an ESPN journalist and author known for his insights into sports business, joins to discuss the NFL's financial power, spotlighting the Dallas Cowboys' $10 billion valuation. He delves into the controversies surrounding officiating and fan trust, particularly amidst the rise of legalized gambling. The conversation also navigates the influential roles of owners like Jerry Jones and Robert Kraft, as well as the future of Roger Goodell as commissioner, highlighting the complex dynamics between NFL leadership and ownership.