The Varsity

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.

Stan Van Gundy, a former NBA coach and current TNT analyst, dives into the current state of basketball with keen insights. He discusses the evolving landscape of player empowerment and the rise of 3-point shooting. College basketball also takes center stage as he addresses the impact of NIL deals and the transfer portal on player decisions. Van Gundy calls for a balance between tradition and innovation, advocating for contracts to ensure stability within college sports. His thoughts on the future of the league are both enlightening and engaging.

Peter Schrager, a Fox and NFL Network analyst, dives into the changing landscape of NFL broadcasting as the Super Bowl approaches. He discusses the rising influence of streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon and how they challenge traditional networks. Schrager also debunks the notion of 'Chiefs fatigue' and argues that measuring NFL popularity through TV ratings is outdated. The conversation highlights the evolving dynamics of fandom and the critical role of social media in shaping sports narratives.

Michael Nathanson, a senior research analyst at Moffitt Nathanson with expertise in media and sports business, joins to delve into pressing topics in sports broadcasting. They explore Netflix's potential bid for UFC rights and the challenges of building a sustainable pay-per-view model. The viability of ESPN's streaming strategy is also a key focus, alongside Fox Sports' need for innovation. The discussion highlights the shifting landscape of sports media and the need for traditional networks to adapt to stay competitive.

Nicole Auerbach, NBC Sports’ lead college football insider, dives into the thrilling changes in the college football playoff system. She highlights the successes of fan engagement with the expanded 12-team format and discusses the challenges of seeding. Auerbach considers the potential for a 14-team field and the implications of strategic losses in conference championships. She also addresses the shifting power dynamics in college sports governance, especially with NIL deals and the influence of major conferences like the Big Ten and SEC.