Bloomberg Business of Sports

Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including ramifications of the NBA’s decision to suspend its regular season because of the coronavirus. The league took the unprecedented step of halting its regular season after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the virus, which has been labeled a pandemic. Also talked about is sponsor reaction to U.S. Soccer’s take on the women’s national team, and Roger Federer getting the rights to his signature RF logo, which had stayed with Nike after the tennis great moved on to represent Uniqlo. In the second half of the show former Madison Square Garden Chief Executive Officer Hank Ratner discusses media and technology in sports. He also talks about the necessity of catering to the customer.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroTo contact the reporters on this story:Scott Soshnick in New York at ssoshnick@bloomberg.net;Eben Novy-Williams in New York at enovywilliam@bloomberg.net;Michael Barr in New York at mbarr18@bloomberg.netTo contact the editor responsible for this story:Scott Soshnick at ssoshnick@bloomberg.netSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including Rob Gronkowski reportedly being close to a deal with the WWE. According to Fox Sports, which has a broadcast contract with the wrestling behemoth, the former New England Patriots tight end is nearing a deal that could have him competing as soon as March 20 at a Friday Night Smackdown event. Gronk, as he’s known, retired from the NFL a year ago. He appeared at WrestleMania 33 in 2017. Also talked about is CBS’s decision to keep betting information out of its telecasts of the NCAA basketball tournaments. The event, known as March Madness, is widely bet upon. Also discussed is the rapidly changing situation involving the coronavirus, which may prompt major sports leagues to play games without fans, relocate games or even cancel them.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroTo contact the reporters on this story:Scott Soshnick in New York at ssoshnick@bloomberg.net;Eben Novy-Williams in New York at enovywilliam@bloomberg.net;Michael Barr in New York at mbarr18@bloomberg.netTo contact the editor responsible for this story:Scott Soshnick at ssoshnick@bloomberg.netSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the PGA Tour’s new media rights deals with NBC, CBS and ESPN, which will show events on its streaming service, ESPN+. Network coverage remains with CBS and NBC. The nine-year deal begins in 2022, and will pay the Tour about $7 billion, a hefty rights increase from its current agreement. Also talked about is the continuing effect of the coronavirus on sports. Most recently, the tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, one of the sport’s biggest events outside of the four majors, was canceled because of the outbreak. Qualifying matches were scheduled to begin today. And also discussed is Atlanta Hawks Chief Executive Officer Steve Koonin’s suggestion that the league begin its season in December, two months later than it currently does. That way, Koonin said, the NBA wouldn’t compete for attention with the NFL.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroTo contact the reporters on this story:Scott Soshnick in New York at ssoshnick@bloomberg.net;Eben Novy-Williams in New York at enovywilliam@bloomberg.net;Michael Barr in New York at mbarr18@bloomberg.netTo contact the editor responsible for this story:Scott Soshnick at ssoshnick@bloomberg.netSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Richard Peddie joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the wide-ranging effect the coronavirus might have on major professional sports teams and leagues. Peddie was running the parent company of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors and NHL’s Maple Leafs when the SARS outbreak hit. Peddie talks about the myriad financial implications of playing games without fans, a precaution already being taken in Italy, and what teams can do to mitigate financial loss. Peddie also talks about the media landscape surrounding sports, and whether leagues will continue to reap windfalls from media companies like Disney and its ESPN unit.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroTo contact the reporters on this story:Scott Soshnick in New York at ssoshnick@bloomberg.net;Eben Novy-Williams in New York at enovywilliam@bloomberg.net;Michael Barr in New York at mbarr18@bloomberg.netTo contact the editor responsible for this story:Scott Soshnick at ssoshnick@bloomberg.netSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the public feud between the New York Knicks and their super fan, Spike Lee, who was admonished by the NBA club for using the employee entrance to Madison Square Garden. The team said it has repeatedly asked the Academy Award winner to use the VIP entrance instead. Lee in an interview with ESPN said he wouldn’t attend any more games this season. Also talked about is NBC’s Olympic ad sales, which have reached a record $1.25 billion amid speculation as to whether the Games might be canceled because of the coronavirus. And also talked about is Zion Williamson’s exclusive memorabilia deal with Fanatics.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Colin TiptonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including whether the NCAA should play its annual college basketball tournaments without fans due to the coronavirus outbreak. Ramogi Huma, who leads the National College Players Association, in a statement said there should be “a serious discussion” about holding the competitions without an audience present. Also talked about is retired quarterback Tony Romo’s $17 million annual contract to remain with CBS, which is showing its commitment to the NFL as networks prepare to bid on future broadcast contracts. And also discussed is the owners of Los Angeles Football Club partially buying out a stake held by Vincent Tan in a deal that values the MLS club at more than $700 million.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroTo contact the reporters on this story:Scott Soshnick in New York at ssoshnick@bloomberg.net;Eben Novy-Williams in New York at enovywilliam@bloomberg.net;Michael Barr in New York at mbarr18@bloomberg.netTo contact the editor responsible for this story:Scott Soshnick at ssoshnick@bloomberg.netSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Liverpool FC and current Nashville SC Chief Executive Officer Ian Ayre joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his team’s Major League Soccer debut this weekend. The club is one of two MLS expansion teams that begin play this season, joining Miami FC, whose ownership group includes retired superstar David Beckham. Ayre discusses the integration of the soccer team and the city, and how Nashville’s music roots will be incorporated into the game-day experience. Also discussed is where MLS and its players stack up against top leagues like the English Premier League, and why teams are worth lofty valuations. Ayre also talks about the team’s process of getting its own stadium, which will be constructed without taxpayer money.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroTo contact the reporters on this story:Scott Soshnick in New York at ssoshnick@bloomberg.net;Eben Novy-Williams in New York at enovywilliam@bloomberg.net;Michael Barr in New York at mbarr18@bloomberg.netTo contact the editor responsible for this story:Scott Soshnick at ssoshnick@bloomberg.netSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including a pair of trademark battles: one involving the Phillie Phanatic, and one involving NBA star LeBron James. The creators of the original Philadelphia Phillies mascot are trying to reclaim ownership of it through a little-used legal provision. A Maryland-based non profit is suing James over his commercial use of the phrase "I am more than an athlete." Also talked about is the latest regarding planning for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which are starting to confront the possibility that the coronavirus interferes with the Summer games. And also touched on is the ongoing National Football League labor agreements, with the entire union membership set to vote on a 10-year deal already approved by owners.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroTo contact the reporters on this story:Scott Soshnick in New York at ssoshnick@bloomberg.net;Eben Novy-Williams in New York at enovywilliam@bloomberg.net;Michael Barr in New York at mbarr18@bloomberg.netTo contact the editor responsible for this story:Scott Soshnick at ssoshnick@bloomberg.netSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the tale of a 42-year-old Zamboni driver for a minor-league hockey team who was pressed into action during an NHL game, which he won for the Carolina Hurricanes. David Ayres is a case study on several sports business fronts, including media, scale and the capabilities of retail to capitalize on emotional moments. Also talked about is how the U.S. olympic committee is telling American athletes that it’s business as usual in preparation for the Tokyo Games amid concerns over the global spread of the coronavirus. And also touched on is the National Football League’s decision to allow some of its teams to have betting lounges this season, though they won’t include betting windows. Teams can also accept sponsorships from sportsbook operators.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroTo contact the reporters on this story:Scott Soshnick in New York at ssoshnick@bloomberg.net;Eben Novy-Williams in New York at enovywilliam@bloomberg.net;Michael Barr in New York at mbarr18@bloomberg.netTo contact the editor responsible for this story:Scott Soshnick at ssoshnick@bloomberg.netSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Media consultant Lee Berke joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including how the prospective television deals of the National Football League are playing a role in their ongoing labor talks with the players’ association. The owners are seeking long-term labor peace prior to those negotiations, hoping it’ll prompt networks to pay more for live rights to show games. Berke also talks about the affect sports betting has had on networks and contract negotiations with sports leagues. He also touches on the National Basketball Association, which is seeing an erosion of television audience this season. The NBA, though, has a younger audience that not only consumes on mobile but tends not to watch full games. And Berke also touches on whether the technology companies will be significant bidders for live sports rights in the near future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.