The Varsity

Golf personalities Joe House and Nathan Hubbard dive into the evolving world of professional golf. House shares cautious optimism about exciting majors on the horizon, while Hubbard points out the sport's struggles with audience engagement and product-market fit. They dissect the disruptive influence of LIV Golf and its implications for the PGA Tour, along with upcoming changes like the TGL initiative. Their candid conversation reveals the complexities and challenges that lie ahead for golf's future.

Scott Van Pelt, the charismatic ESPN sportscaster known for his engaging interviews, discusses the evolving sports media landscape. He shares insights on colleagues Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee, revealing his passion for postgame coverage. The conversation dives into what makes someone a 'needle mover' in sports media and reflects on the importance of authenticity and audience connection. Scott also addresses the challenges the NBA faces in viewer engagement and shares humorous personal anecdotes, blending sports analysis with relatable storytelling.

Jon Kelly and Dylan Byers join John to chew over the biggest sports media stories of 2024: the forfeiture of WBD’s NBA rights, Comcast’s SpinCo, Stephen A. Smith’s history in the making, Netflix’s deal with the FIFA Women’s World Cup, 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

Constance Schwartz-Morini, the C.E.O. and co-founder of SMAC Entertainment, sits down with John to share her journey as a trailblazer in talent management, providing an inside look at the ins and outs of running a talent firm and managing a roster of high-profile clients including Deion Sanders, Michael Strahan, and Erin Andrews. She also sheds light on her bold decision to leave a promising career at the NFL—where she started as an assistant—to carve out her own path as an entrepreneur. 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 senior writer and “Belichick whisperer” Seth Wickersham joins John to give an inside look at Belichick’s surprising decision to jump to the college ranks and become UNC’s next head coach. Seth dissects the appeal of this position, whether Belichick will be able to emulate his NFL success, and his desire to build a legacy beyond football. Then he dives into the evolution of the “Patriot Way” and offers his take on Brady’s broadcasting learning curve. 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

NBC sports commentator and fantasy football guru Matthew Berry joins John to discuss the new economics of on-air talent, from Stephen A. to Mike Clay; who’s actually moving the needle for the sports media business; and the grinfucker of the week. 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

Ben Strauss, a media reporter for The Washington Post, joins to discuss the evolving landscape of sports media. They dive into Stephen A. Smith's record-breaking contract and ESPN's innovative MNF Simpsons alt-cast. Strauss shares insights on the surprising non-bidders for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, emphasizing the challenges major networks face in promoting women's sports. The conversation highlights the intersection of media evolution and college football scheduling, reflecting on how financial incentives are changing college recruitment.

Sean McManus, the former CBS Sports chairman and president, shares his rich media career journey. He reveals how he fought to bring the NFL back to CBS, highlighting why networks without the NFL struggle. McManus also talks about the evolution of sports media, the rise of women's sports, and the economic pressures of broadcasting rights. His insights offer a fascinating look at both personal milestones and industry shifts, blending nostalgia with the excitement of modern sports entertainment.

After popular demand, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand joins the pod to discuss McAfee, Manning, Inside the NBA, the Pitaro star strategy, the best Marchand jokes, and so 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

Michael Nathanson, co-founder and top analyst at MoffettNathanson, dives into the upheaval in sports media as streaming takes center stage. He discusses the survival tactics for sports leagues and college conferences amid the decline of traditional TV. Nathanson humorously highlights the implications of new streaming competitors like Amazon and YouTube for live sports rights. The conversation also touches on the struggles of legacy broadcasters and how they are adapting their strategies to keep fans engaged in a fragmented media landscape.