Bloomberg Business of Sports

Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.  The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Game 7 win Sunday over the Indiana Pacers delivered the most-watched NBA finals game in six years, Walt Disney Co.’s ESPN said. The Thunder’s 103-91 victory averaged 16.4 million viewers, the network said in a statement Monday, citing Nielsen data. The entire series averaged 10.3 million viewers per game, the least since 2021.  Bloomberg US sports business reporter Randall Williams joins to discuss this year’s finals and some of the other big headlines in the NBA, including Cooper Flagg going first in the NBA Draft. Then, Michael Israel, Chief Information & Technology Officer of the Kraft Group joins to discuss some of the innovations he’s helping to spearhead across the company and including at Gillette Stadium and how Kraft Group is using artificial intelligence.  Then, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt joins to talk about the Thunder bringing an NBA championship to his town, what it took to bring an NBA franchise there to begin with and what the team’s success means going forward. Plus, we hear a portion of the latest episode of “The Deal with Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly”, featuring Bridgewater founder Ray Dalio and legendary football coach Bill Belichick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.The Los Angeles Lakers, the storied National Basketball Association franchise that’s won 17 championships, second only to the Boston Celtics, will be sold at a record $10 billion valuation, according to people familiar with the discussions. The Buss family has agreed to sell its majority stake to Los Angeles Dodgers owner and Guggenheim Partners LLC Chief Executive Officer Mark Walter, the people said. The pricetag crushes the record for a professional sports team set in March by the Celtics, which were purchased for $6.1 billion by a group led by Bill Chisholm. Before the Celtics sale, the Washington Commanders of the National Football League were sold to a group led by Apollo Management co-founder Josh Harris for $6.05 billion. Bloomberg global business reporter Ira Boudway joins to discuss.Blake Walker of Arcis Golf joins to talk about his company acquiring three clubs in the Atlanta-area, adding to the footprint of the second-biggest owner and operator of US golf facilities.Then, Vanessa Perdomo sits down with Fabien Allegre, chief brand officer of Paris Saint-Germain football club about its participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, and how it's growing in the US.Plus, Ice Cube returns to talk about BIG3's growth as its new season gets underway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the first edition of the Business of Soccer, Vanessa Perdomo speaks with US Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson and DAZN CEO of Growth Markets, Pete Oliver.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join hosts Michael Barr, Scarlet Fu and Damian Sassower for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. A federal judge’s final approval of the NCAA’s $2.8 billion settlement with student-athletes won’t quell all the antitrust threats for the sports organization as it seeks to provide stability in college sports. Bloomberg's antitrust reporter Katie Arcieri joins to discuss.  Then, Vanessa Perdomo sits down with DAZN's CEO of Growth Markets Pete Oliver to talk about the opportunity the streaming company sees in soccer and how it's carrying FIFA Club World Cup games this weekend around the globe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. Marty Edel, co-chair of the Goulston & Storrs sports law practice and adjunct professor of law at Columbia Law joins to break down some of the latest legal headlines in sports, including the battle for player compensation in college sports and the MLB recently ruling to allow Pete Rose into the Hall of Fame. Toronto Raptors president and vice-chairman Masai Ujiri joins to talk the latest headlines in the NBA, his team and how he's growing basketball in Africa and using the game to empower young people through his Giants of Africa. Plus, listen to a special conversation Vanessa Perdomo has with US Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson ahead of the Concacaf Gold Cup and in anticipation of the US hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.Bloomberg Business of Sports Reporter Randall Williams details the latest private equity investments into NFL franchises. Bloomberg Sports Reporter Vanessa Perdomo speaks with former FC Barcelona star Gerard Pique and Kings League CEO Djamel Agaoua on the rising popularity of the seven on seven soccer league, which was launched in 2022. Gillian Zucker, CEO of Halo Sports and Entertainment and President of Business Operations for the LA Clippers, joins to discuss the successful first season for the tech-heavy Intuit Dome.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Boles, the President of IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, shares insights on the thrilling preparations for the iconic Indianapolis 500. He discusses how IndyCar is evolving to attract a younger audience. Jay Marine, Amazon's VP for Prime Video Sports, unveils exciting plans for NFL Thursday Night Football and NBA games, shedding light on Amazon's big investment in sports streaming. NASCAR driver Katherine Legge highlights her journey in racing, advocating for diversity and women's representation in motorsport. Tune in for an engaging blend of racing and sports media!

Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.The new WNBA season is just getting underway, following their most successful season yet. Thayer Lavielle, managing director of The Collective, Wasserman's dedicated women-focused, global impact and advisory business joins to talk about the growth of women's sports and how leagues and players can capitalize on the growing popularity of women's athletics.Then, Noah Basketball CEO John Carter joins to discuss his company's unique on-court basketball data technology, which provides real-time feedback to players on their shooting.Plus, listen in on a special conversation Bloomberg Originals chief correspondent Jason Kelly and Vanessa had with Monumental Sports & Entertainment CEO, as well as Washington Capital and Wizards owner Ted Leonsis. He talks about women's sports and what's next for Capital One Arena in the heart of DC as undergoes renovationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join hosts Michael Barr, Scarlet Fu and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. Kim Bhasin, Bloomberg News reporter covering athletes and celebrities, details plans from youth sports property and events manager Unrivaled Sports to raise $120 million in a funding round led by the venture arm of retailer Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc.  Then, Shawn Quill, the Sports Industry Leader at KPMG US, examines the rise of institutional capital in both professional and college sports, the business case for it, as well as how these investments are changing the consumer and fan experience. Plus, Kohler Chair and CEO David Kohler details his family-owned company's involvement in the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, formerly known as the National Minority College Championship. Kohler, the maker of household fixtures and furniture, owns Whistling Straits golf course in Wisconsin, where the tournament is being held.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.  Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is putting together an investment group to bid for a piece of the National Football League team, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Bloomberg US sports business reporter Randall Williams joins to break down Manning's reported bid and who else might be involved.  WNBA star and Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd joins to talk about her recent acquisition of lending platform Help With My Loan through her single-family office, Loyd & Co., plus her mission-driven financial firm co-founded with her brother, Jarryd Loyd. Plus, a check in on pickleball's growth with Major League Pickleball commissioner Samin Odhwani. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.