Bloomberg Business of Sports

SNY President Steve Raab joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including how the business of his regional sports network changes as the team it shows -- the New York Mets -- climb back into playoff contention. SNY is majority owned by the Mets, and its investors include Charter and Comcast, which provide distribution heft. Also discussed is how the Yankees and their RSN, the YES Network, complement SNY and help to promote the businesses of both. Raab also talks about where Major League Baseball is taking digital rights, and offers his take on what Sinclair's purchase of 21 Fox regional sports networks says about the industry. He also touches on SNY's Connecticut Ice, a hockey festival showcasing the sport across the state, including games involving Yale, Connecticut, Sacred Heart and Quinnipiac.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 National Football League’s deal with artist and entrepreneur Jay-Z, whose company, Roc Nation, will consult on the league’s entertainment offerings, including the Super Bowl halftime show. Roc Nation will also contribute to the league’s activism campaign, Inspire Change. Also discussed is Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, who is the latest boss to potentially face an unfair labor practice complaint for an anti-union tweet storm threatening workers who talk to union attorneys. Portnoy threatened to fire and sue employees that reached out to union lawyers. Also talked about is the ownership changes made with Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders, who welcomed, among others, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella.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 NFL star Antonio Brown's threat to retire if he's prevented from wearing his longtime helmet. The NFL's rules prohibit players from wearing non-approved equipment in either practice or games. Brown's helmet hasn't been approved by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. Also talked about is Major League Baseball's decision to stage a Yankees-White Sox game in the Iowa cornfield that was the backdrop for the move ``Field of Dreams.'' The game will be played next season. And also discussed is the NFL's new partnership with Sportradar, marking the league's first major step into gambling. The NFL, which is an investor in Sportradar, signed a multiyear deal with data firm, giving it exclusive rights to distribute official data to legal sports-betting operators in the U.S. and abroad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Capitol IV Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Ein joins Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his investment in the Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington, DC, and his World Team Tennis club, the Washington Kastles. A former Citi Open ball boy, Ein acquired the 50-year-old tournament and is seeking to make it a destination event in the area. Ein talks about the next generation of tennis stars, and how they can affect the ticket-buying public. He also talks about the social media savvy of today’s young players and how that helps tournament operators to market their events. Ein upgraded the culinary offerings at the tournament, and created an indoor space for non VIPs. Also owner of the Washington Justice in the Overwatch League, Ein also talks about the growth of esports and what traditional sports team owners can learn.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr Producer: 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 Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott's desire for a new contract. According to ESPN, Elliott's representatives have told the Cowboys their client won't play this season without a new agreement. He is scheduled to be paid about $3 million this season and $9 million next season. Also discussed is Fortnite star Tyler ``Ninja'' Blevins move to Microsoft's Mixer platform from Amazon's Twitch. On Twitch, Ninja had some 14 million followers, which helped him to generate about $10 million in sponsorship, ads and subscription revenue last year. Also discussed are American Airlines' 10-year, $90 million sponsorship of the plaza at Stan Kroenke's $5 billion Los Angeles stadium, and Allegiant's deal to put its name on the new football stadium in Las Vegas.  Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr Producer: 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 Tom Brady's contract extension with the New England Patriots. The two-year extension keeps Brady, 42, under contract through the 2021 season. Also discussed is Brady's decision to sign with Endeavor for off-the-field matters. Also discussed is Barcelona playing exhibition games in the U.S. without star player Lionel Messi, who is bothered by a calf injury. Barca is scheduled to play Italian side Napoli in Miami and Michigan. And also touched on is a lawsuit involving baseball's Philadelphia Phillies and the firm that created its beloved mascot, the Phillie Phanatic. The company, Harrison/Erickson Inc., said it may make the mascot a so-called free agent if a contract signed in 1984 isn't restructured. The team has also filed suit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bleacher Report Chief Executive Officer Howard Mittman joins Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his digital media company's popularity on Twitter. According to Mittman, Bleacher is the No. 2 most engaged account on Twitter, sandwiched in-between President Trump and Ariana Grande. Bleacher focuses on sports and culture, and its audience on social media has an average age of about 26. Mittman discusses how Bleacher goes about finding customers, what the company does with user data, and what the landscape of legalized sports betting in the U.S. means for his platform. Mittman also talks about live rights, partnerships, ESPN and The Athletic.See 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 tax implications of the Dallas Cowboys hosting training camp in California. The Cowboys and Carolina Panthers are the only two NFL teams to hold camps outside of their home states. Having to pay California taxes costs some players hundreds of thousands of dollars. Also discussed is New Balance's decision to cancel lacrosse player Paul Rabil's endorsement contract. The company says Rabil violated terms of his multi-million-dollar deal by wearing another brand during practice and games for the Premier Lacrosse League. Rabil co-founded the PLL, leaving Major League Lacrosse. New Balance found Jim Davis until recently owned four MLL franchises. The continuing controversy surrounding U.S. Soccer's gender pay inequity is also discussed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the financial troubles of Washington Redskins star Adrian Peterson. The highest paid running back in NFL history, Peterson is being sued for allegedly defaulting on a $5.2 million loan and has other creditors, all despite making over $100 million over his career. An attorney for the 34-year-old said he was "taken advantage of." Also discussed is the Pac-12's announcement that it is considering playing football games that start at 9 AM Pacific time, in an effort to boost its exposure across the country. The pair also talk about the first Fortnite World Cup, which paid its winner $3 million.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liverpool Football Club Chief Executive Officer Peter Moore (and the club's recently acquired Champions League trophy) join Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his team's U.S. tour that included a stop at Yankee Stadium. Liverpool is just one of many blue-chip soccer brands to tour the U.S., hoping to snag a share of the world's largest sports market. Moore also talked about the ownership of John Henry, who also controls baseball's Boston Red Sox, and how LeBron James's fashion choices can affect the soccer team's bottom line. Moore also discusses OTT networks and how direct-to-consumer helps the club win fans and generate revenue around the globe. Moore took over as Liverpool's CEO in 2017.  Prior to that he ran the sports division at Electronic Arts. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Bob BraggSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.