

Bloomberg Business of Sports
Bloomberg
Michael Barr, Scarlet Fu and Damian Sassower follow the money in the world of sports, taking listeners inside decisions that power the multibillion dollar industry. From media and technology to finance and real estate, leagues and teams across the globe have matured into far more than just back-page entertainment. The show explains the money behind the final score.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 29, 2025 • 39min
RotoWire Founder Peter Schoenke; Netflix To Air World Baseball Classic in Japan
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.This week we focus on how streamer continue to look to live sports programming to boost their platforms. Recently, Netflix picked up the rights to show the 2026 World Baseball Classic to viewers in Japan in a deal announced Monday by the streaming service and Major League Baseball. Plus, ESPN said a package bundling its new online service with the RedZone highlights program and NFL Network games will debut on Sept. 3 and cost $40 a month. Bloomberg News media and entertainment reporter Hannah Miller joins to discuss these new deals and how streaming platforms are leaning into sports. Then, we take a deep dive on streamers and sports with Bloomberg Intelligence senior media analyst Geetha Ranganathan. Plus, we speak with RotoWire's founder and president Peter Schoenke on the rise of fantasy sports and some of the latest emerging trends ahead of the new NFL season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 22, 2025 • 38min
Trump Doral to Host PGA Tour; Big Daddy Celebrity Golf Classic
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.President Donald Trump’s Miami area golf course will host the PGA Tour in 2026, the first time in about a decade that the league will hold an event at a Trump property.The Professional Golfers’ Association 2026 Miami Championship will descend on Trump National Doral from April 30 to May 3, according to a statement Tuesday. It’s a sign the league is again embracing Trump’s golf courses after a relationship that strained after he moved into politics, and adds to a pattern of businesses that once distanced themselves but are doubling back and thawing relationships in his second term.Bloomberg News wealth reporter Annie Massa joins to discuss her reporting on the the PGA's big return to one of Trump's signature golf courses. This week's show also features:- Bloomberg News global business of sports reporter Ira Boudway on his latest reporting on how leagues are handling player betting scandals- Rich "Big Daddy" Salgado on his Big Daddy Celebrity Golf ClassicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 16, 2025 • 38min
NFL Union Had Secret VC Fund in the Works; NCAA's New Landscape
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 US sports business reporter Randall Williams joins to discuss his latest reporting on the turmoil surrounding the NFL Players Association, including new word that former leaders were working on a secret venture capital fund project. Former NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell hoped that one day it would raise enough money to invest in a stake in an NFL franchise. Also on this week's show: Bloomberg Opinion columnist Adam Minter on his latest column: America Is Undermining Its Soft Power in Sports Kelleigh Irwin Fagan, former collegiate athlete and now partner at CCHA Law discusses the latest in the NCAA See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 8, 2025 • 39min
‘Ripping Wax’ on Trading Cards, Investing in Triathletes
Join hosts Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.Bloomberg Originals Chief Correspondent Jason Kelly joins to discuss the latest episode of "The Deal," which will feature DeMaurice Smith, former executive director of the NFL players association. Then, Matt Winkelried, owner of Bleecker Trading, on this week's National Sports Collector Convention and boom in trading cards.Plus, Sam Renouf, the founding CEO of Professional Triathletes Organization (PTO) discusses the need for financial compensation and safety for triathletes. As well as the $40 investment it received from SURJ, the sports arm of the Saudi Public Investment Fund.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 1, 2025 • 42min
NFL Grapples With Fallout From NYC Shooting
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 former football player who fatally shot four people and himself in Midtown Manhattan claimed to have a poorly understood brain disease, putting a renewed focus on the link between head injuries in sports and irreversible brain damage. Shane Tamura was targeting the National Football League’s headquarters when he entered 345 Park Avenue, a skyscraper that’s also home to offices of private equity giant Blackstone Inc. and consultant KPMG. One NFL employee was injured in the shooting. In 2015, the league reached a $765 million settlement with over 4,500 players who claimed in a lawsuit that the NFL had hidden the dangers of concussions. The league denied any wrongdoing. Years after the settlement, the NFL is still grappling with issues related to head injuries. Bloomberg US sports business reporter Randall Williams joins to discuss his reporting on the aftermath of the shooting and why getting answers on CTE has proven so difficult for the NFL.Also on this week's show: Bloomberg News global business reporter Ira Boudway on the WNBA's growth Morgan Shaw Parker, President and Chief Operating Officer for the WNBA's Atlanta Dream about her team's recent success and growth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 25, 2025 • 38min
NFLPA Embroiled in Controversy; NY-NJ Projects Big Boost From World Cup
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.New York and New Jersey officials are projecting a $3.3 billion economic boost to the region from hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026. The region will hold eight matches at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey, including the final on July 19, 2026, expecting to bring in over 1.2 million fans and tourists, according to an economic impact summary released Monday by the NYNJ Host Committee, the local body responsible for organizing the games. Bloomberg News reporter Sri Taylor joins to discuss her reporting on what the highly anticipated games could mean for local economies.Then, Australian yachtsman and CEO of Red Bull Italy's SailGP team discusses the rise of competitive sailing and an upcoming documentary. Plus, the NFL's players association recently found itself embroiled in controversy that led to the resignation of NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell as well as at least one other executive. Martin Edel, Goulston & Storrs Sports Law Practice co-chair and adjunct professor at Columbia University joins to discuss the latest headlines and potential fallout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 18, 2025 • 45min
NBA to Expand, Sale of Tampa Bay Rays
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.Apple is expected to win the rights to stream Formula 1 races on Apple TV+ in the United States thanks to a $150 million bid, rights currently held by Disney’s ESPN, according to a report by Business Insider. Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Media Analyst Geetha Ranganathan breaks down what this means for Apple moving forward. Then, Bloomberg News Global Business of Sports reporter Randall Williams on NBA officially beginning the process to expand for the first time in more than two decades. Why Las Vegas and Seattle are favoredPlus, MLB Network Insider Jon Morosi on the pending sale of the Tampa Bay Rays, the upcoming trade deadline and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 11, 2025 • 34min
NYC Casinos Could Become World's Biggest; Atlanta Embraces Soccer
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.Bidders for three New York City-area casino licenses are projecting revenue that would place them among the most lucrative resorts in the world, according to an analysis of their proposals.In Manhattan, the Freedom Plaza project is expected to generate $2.2 billion in annual revenue in its first year of operation, rising to $4.2 billion by year 10, while billionaire Steve Cohen’s project near Citi Field in Queens is forecast to produce $3.9 billion annually by year three, according to executive summaries the bidders filed with the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board. Bloomberg News New York City and State reporter Laura Nahmias joins to discuss the big money prospects for gaming in the NYC-area.Then, Bloomberg News global business of sports reporter Ira Boudway discusses the latest as college athletes begin to receive pay from their schools following the NCAA's settlement.Plus, Vanessa Perdomo sits down with Dan Corso, President of the Atlanta Sports Council and head of the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee, along with Tim Zulawski, President of AMB Sports and Entertainment, which owns Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Atlanta Falcons. They discuss Atlanta hosting the FIFA Club World Cup, how they're both looking forward to the city hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup and how they're hoping to build Atlanta into a major hub for soccer in the US.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 5, 2025 • 41min
Special Edition: The Business of Soccer Ep. 2: Andres Cantor & Atlanta Sports
Andres Cantor, a legendary soccer broadcaster known for his passionate commentary, shares insights on the evolving landscape of U.S. soccer and international tournaments. Dan Corso, President of the Atlanta Sports Council, discusses Atlanta's exciting preparations for hosting major soccer events, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Tim Zulawski, President of AMB Sports and Entertainment, emphasizes the role of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in attracting global soccer events while highlighting Atlanta's emergence as a key player in the soccer community.

Jul 4, 2025 • 39min
WNBA Plans Expansion; Rich Paul's New Masterclass
Join hosts Michael Barr and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. Bloomberg News senior reporter Kim Bhasin joins to do a check in on the sneaker industry. He discusses his reporting on New Balance relaunching its basketball business with new NBA top draft selection Cooper Flagg as a big part of its efforts, plus how Nike's latest upbeat forecast suggests that CEO Elliott Hill's plans for the brand might be starting to work. Then, Bloomberg US sports business reporter Randall Williams joins to discuss the WNBA's plans to add three teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia with a record expansion fee. Plus, a special conversation with Klutch Sports founder and CEO Rich Paul about his latest project with Masterclass. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.