
Bloomberg Business of Sports
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.
Latest episodes

Nov 22, 2024 • 39min
ESPN Gets "Inside The NBA"; College Football's Ancient Eight
Join host Damian Sassower, along with guest hosts Bloomberg Originals chief correspondent Jason Kelly, Bloomberg Originals sports correspondent Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. After losing broadcast rights to NBA games, Warner Brothers Discovery struck a new deal with the league that will allow the popular studio show "Inside The NBA" to air on ESPN. Bloomberg News media reporter Hannah Miller joins to talk about the unique arrangement, plus a report that MLB commissioner Robert Manfred is looking to overhaul baseball's media rights. Bloomberg News bankruptcy reporter Jonathan Randles discusses Diamond Sports Group's new court approved restructuring plan that brings games to Amazon Prime Video. Plus, acclaimed sports journalist and author Jonathan Feinstein examines the changing landscape of college sports and his new book, "The Ancient Eight: College Football's Ivy League and the Game They Play Today". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 15, 2024 • 38min
Dallas Cowboys In Chaos Dragging Down Jerry Jones' Big Year
Join host Damian Sassower, along with guest hosts Bloomberg Originals chief correspondent Jason Kelly, Bloomberg Originals sports correspondent Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones saw his net worth rise to $15 billion this year, despite his team suffering from a down season and losing star $240 million QB Dak Prescott to injury. Bloomberg Texas Bureau chief Julie Fine joins to discuss her reporting on the up-and-down year for Jones. DLA Piper global co-chair and global co-CEO Frank Ryan examines soaring franchise valuations and the future of sports media deals. Plus, Bloomberg US sports business reporter Randall Williams joins for a conversation with Mubarak "Bar" Malik - a former director of performance for the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers, about his new sports drink venture, Barcode Performance Water. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 14, 2024 • 15min
BONUS EPISODE: Gotham City FC's Carolyn Tisch Blodgett
On this bonus edition of the Bloomberg Business of Sports, Bloomberg Originals sports correspondent Vanessa Perdomo sits down with Carolyn Tisch Blodgett. She's co-owner and governor of Gotham City FC and an executive board member of the NWSL. They discuss the club's exciting playoff run, the team's popularity and the NWSL's growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 8, 2024 • 38min
Billionaire Josh Harris Leads Washington Commanders Resurgence
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. Bloomberg US sports business reporter Randall Williams joins to talk about how private equity titan Josh Harris is changing the culture for the NFL's Washington Commanders, making them one of the most fun teams to watch in the league.Jonathan Fascitelli, founder, CEO and chairman of Seregh (Sports and Entertainment Real Estate Global Holdings) explains how his firm is looking to invest in and develop mixed-use real estate around sports and entertainment venues.And Speedway Motorsports president and CEO Marcus Smith talks about Ten Tenths Motorclub - a new joint venture with Hendrick Motorsports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 2, 2024 • 48min
Dodgers Win World Series; A Premium Tequila Crafted By NBA Owners
Join hosts Michael Barr, Scarlet Fu, Damian Sassower and special guest host Vanessa Perdomo, sports correspondent for Bloomberg Originals, for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. Bloomberg US sports business reporter Randall Williams helps to recap this year’s World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees. He also breaks down how well the matchup did in the ratings, and where now-free agent Juan Soto might end up. Top Rank president Todd duBoef joins to talk about the state of pro boxing and a new partnership with ESPN that yielding a new streaming show. Wyc Grousbeck and Emilia Fazzalari, husband and wife combo, discuss their joint venture in the spirits industry with Cincoro Tequila and its roots with several big names in the sports world. Grousbeck, also lead owner of the NBA champion Boston Celtics, discusses the new NBA season and the state of the franchise’s search for a buyer. Plus, Dylan Robbins, CEO of Lucra Sports, joins to discuss his unique sports betting platform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 25, 2024 • 39min
WNBA Players Opt Out Early, NBA's Adam Silver Talks With Jason Kelly
Join host Michael Barr, Scarlet Fu, Damian Sassower and special guest host Vanessa Perdomo, sports correspondent for Bloomberg Originals, for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. After a season that saw a surge in attendance and ratings, WNBA players decided to opt out of their collective bargaining deal two years early. Bloomberg US sports business reporter Randall Williams joins to discuss why and what could happen next.Bloomberg Originals chief correspondent Jason Kelly got a chance to sit down with NBA commissioner Adam Silver at the USC Next Level Sports conference, just as the new NBA season gets underway. He tells us about his conversation, and we hear a portion of it. Plus, New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer joins to preview this year's TCS New York City Marathon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 25, 2024 • 20min
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Sits Down With Jason Kelly
On this special bonus edition of the show, we hear Bloomberg Originals chief correspondent Jason Kelly's conversation with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, from the USC Next Level Sports Conference. They discuss the latest media rights deals, the growth of the WNBA and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 18, 2024 • 39min
Welcoming BOS Nation FC, US Grand Prix Preview
Join host Michael Barr and special guest host Vanessa Perdomo, sports correspondent for Bloomberg Originals, for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. Boston has a new team to root for: BOS Nation FC. The newly announced team will start play in the National Women's Soccer League in 2026. Jennifer Esptein is controlling owner of the new club. She joins to discuss its establishment and the growth of women's soccer. James Vowles, team principal for the Williams Racing Formula 1 team speaks with Michael and Vanessa, along with Bloomberg Pursuits auto columnist Hannah Elliot about the US Grand Prix taking Austin this weekend and F1's rapid growth in the US. Plus, Athletes.org founder and chairman Jim Cavale examines the state of college sports in 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 11, 2024 • 39min
Jerry Jones and Roger Penske Bring IndyCar to Dallas
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.Tom Brady is planning to sell 47 pieces from his personal collection of watches and sports memorabilia at Sotheby's New York this winter. Bloomberg Pursuits reporter and editor James Tarmy joins to discuss.Former New York Rangers head coach and Stanley Cup winner Mike Keenan joins to share his outlook for the new NHL season and to discuss his new book, "Iron Mike: My Life Behind the Bench".Then, we listen in on a conversation with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Penske Corporation founder, chairman and CEO Roger Penske. The two billionaires talk about their plans to bring IndyCar racing to the streets outside of AT&T Stadium and more with Bloomberg Originals chief correspondent Jason Kelly and Bloomberg Dallas bureau chief Julie Fine.Plus, a preview of the latest episode of "The Deal with Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly", featuring David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group and host of Peer-to-Peer Conversations on Bloomberg TV and Radio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 4, 2024 • 39min
Baseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz on MLB Postseason
Join host Michael Barr and Damian Sassower for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. Baseball Hall of Famer and Fox Sports analyst John Smoltz breaks down the MLB playoffs and shares his thoughts on the recent passing of Pete Rose. Bloomberg Originals chief correspondent Jason Kelly also joins to talk about the new season of "The Deal With Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly" and the latest episode featuring tennis legend Billie Jean King. Plus, Bloomberg News legal reporter Chris Dolmetsch dives into why a former Jacksonville Jaguars executive, who admitted to stealing more than $22 million dollars from the club, is suing FanDuel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.