Bloomberg Business of Sports

Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the health of the National Football League's business heading into the Feb. 2 Super Bowl between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs. Ratings are up this year and some of the major headwinds from two years ago (concussion concerns and the fight over political protests) have receded from the narrative. That comes at a perfect time for the league, which is currently re-negotiating its major TV contracts, which bring it more than $6.5 billion per year. Also talked about is the American Gaming Association's estimate that a record 26 million Americans will gamble on the Super Bowl, with a total of $6.8 billion wagered, both legally and illegally. Also discussed is Penn National's investment in Barstool Sports, which values the controversial digital media company at $450 million.  See 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 basketball and business legacy left by former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash over the weekend. Bryant, much like the late NBA Commissioner David Stern, was myopic on his relentless pursuit of perfection. His death drew an outpouring of support from world leaders, athletes and entertainers. Bryant also built an investment platform, which had him on the road to becoming a billionaire. Also discussed is the Premier Golf League, which begins play in 2022.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Charles VollmerTo 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.

San Francisco 49ers President Al Guido joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including all of the financial implications associated with your team reaching the Super Bowl. The 49ers will face the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 2 in Miami. Guido talks about the weeks of preparation that go into staging the NFL’s premier event, and how teams and players try and capitalize on what is historically the most-watched TV event of the year. Guido also talks about his team’s marketing plan, using former stars such as Joe Montana and Jerry Rice to help the team prepare. He also discusses the halo effect of being in the NFL’s title game, and what it means for the sale of tickets, suites and sponsorship beyond this season.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroSee 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 what Derek Jeter’s memorabilia prospects are in light of his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Jeter, a former New York Yankees captain, came within one vote of joining his former teammate, Mariano Rivera, as the only unanimous selections. Even so, the market for Jeter memorabilia should be robust, said Ken Goldin, founder of Goldin Auctions. Also talked about is Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald’s investment in the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. And also discussed is a possible sale of Bill Simmons’s media company, The Ringer, to Spotify. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr Producer: Tim Herro To 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.

Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including a Super Bowl match-up that has ticket prices soaring. The Feb. 2 game in Miami features the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs, two classic NFL franchises that haven't had a lot of Super Bowl success of late. The cheapest available ticket on secondary market TicketIQ.com is right around $4,500, with the average listing over $8,000. Also talked about is a changing of the guard regarding the NFL's most marketable stars, with Patrick Mahomes set to overtake Tom Brady as the players union's top selling athlete. Also discussed is mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor's return to the octagon, and what his 40-second victory this weekend means for the business of UFC.Hosts: 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.

Terri Jackson, head of the Women’s National Basketball Association players union, joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, starting with the groundbreaking new labor accord negotiated between the league and union. If ratified, the new agreement would dramatically increase salaries for WNBA players, and expand benefits in areas like maternity leave and family planning, travel and road accommodation, and free agency. The executive director of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association since 2016, Jackson was instrumental in negotiating the deal. She discusses the process, the unique ownership structure of the league’s teams, and its profitability. She also speaks more broadly about similar efforts in sports like women’s soccer and women’s hockey to improve athlete compensation and treatment.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 sign stealing fiasco in Major League Baseball. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has already suspended the Houston Astros’ Jeff Luhnow and A.J. Hinch -- both were subsequently fired by the team. Additionally, the Red Sox have fired manager Alex Cora, who previously worked for the Astros. The league is still investigating allegations made against the Red Sox. Also talked about is the WNBA’s new labor contract, which significantly increases player salaries and benefits. For the first time the league’s average salary will eclipse $100,000. Also discussed is a recap of the college football championship game, including LSU quarterback Joe Burrow clinging to the game ball, which one memorabilia expert said is worth at least $100,000. And included in the show is a conversation with New York Islanders legend Mike Bossy.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 Marshawn Lynch’s post-game advice to younger players in the NFL, which has reached the conference finals stage off its playoffs. Lynch, whose Seattle Seahawks lost to the Green Bay Packers, used his platform to tell younger players to take care of their bodies, minds and money. Lynch came out of retirement to play for the Seahawks, giving him a glimpse of life after football. Also discussed is the NFL’s final four, and the star power and brand-name teams still alive. The matchups bode well for television ratings. Also discussed is tonight’s college football national title game between Clemson and LSU, which generates far more money than its ACC opponent. Also talked about are Tony Romo’s broadcasting prospects, and the NBA players’ association starting an accelerator to assist its members in business ventures.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Colin TiptonTo listen to this podcast click here (running time xx:xx)To 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.

Leverage Agency founder Ben Sturner joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including this weekend’s “Rivalry on Ice” hockey game between Harvard and Yale at Madison Square Garden. The event is owned and operated by Sturner’s company, which rents the midtown Manhattan arena and tries to make money by selling sponsorships and tickets. Sturner discusses the event model, how he’s gone about publicizing the game and what it takes to make it profitable. He also talks about how sponsors utilize the event, which, he said, works because of the affluent demographic of the schools' fan bases. He also talks about selling the stadium naming rights for English Premier League side Tottenham.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Tim HerroSee 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 court’s ruling that cleared the way for Liverpool Football Club to ink its new sponsorship deal with Nike. New Balance had said it had a right to match any offer. A judge ruled that New Balance simply couldn’t match Nike’s offer in terms of marketing, particularly the use of “three, non-football global superstars” like LeBron James, Serena Williams and Drake. Also discussed is Matt Rhule’s new contract with David Tepper’s Carolina Panthers, who inked the Baylor coach to a deal that’s worth $8.6 million annually, ranking sixth in the NFL. And also talked about whether the NFL is doing enough to promote the hiring of minority coaches.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.