

Bloomberg Business of Sports
Bloomberg
Michael Barr, Vanessa Perdomo 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 games.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 10, 2019 • 14min
Banned Warriors Owner Faces Question: Will He Sell?
Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the prospect of banned Golden State Warriors minority owner Mark Stevens selling his stake in the National Basketball Association franchise. Stevens, a billionaire, was barred by the NBA for a year and fined $500,000 for pushing Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors. Seventy-five percent of NBA owners would have to agree in order to force Stevens to sell his stake. It is also possible that his fellow partners in the team would ask him to relinquish it. Stevens reportedly bought in at an $800 million valuation. The team, which is moving to a new arena in San Francisco next season, is now worth $3.5 billion, according to Forbes. Also discussed is the Pac-12's stake sale, which has reportedly drawn interest from several suitors, and a Twitter executive saying the company isn't interested in bidding on live sports rights. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams Producer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 6, 2019 • 35min
China, India Offer Scale as NBA Rides Tech to Revenue
National Basketball Association Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum joins Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the championship series between the Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors. Also discussed is the league’s global ambition, and how the NBA can drive revenue outside of the U.S. Tatum also talks about the league’s approach to sports betting, data, and how the NBA and its teams are utilizing technology to drive interest in the NBA. Prior to his appointment as deputy commissioner in 2014, Tatum served as executive vice president of global marketing partnerships.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams Producer: Colin TiptonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 5, 2019 • 13min
It's Federer and Nadal at Roland Garros Yet Again
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the 39th meeting between Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal. The tennis icons face each other in the semifinal at the French Open as both look to add to their career grand slam totals. Nadal is 23-15 all-time versus Federer, who hasn't beaten his rival in five chances at Roland Garros. Federer has won 20 major singles titles, the most by any man. Also discussed is a decision by the organizers of the Tokyo Olympics to bar fans from posting video taken at venues from their social media accounts. And also talked about is Illinois close to becoming the 13th state in the U.S. to legalize sports betting. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams Producer: Colin TiptonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 3, 2019 • 14min
Tom Brady Takes on Tom Seaver with Terrific Trademark
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the trademark application for ``Tom Terrific'' made by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. The application was made by Brady's TEB Capital. Former New York Mets pitcher Tom Seaver was known as ``Tom Terrific,'' but never moved to trademark the phrase. Also discussed is Andy Ruiz's upset of Anthony Joshua to become boxing's heavyweight champion, and the possibilities for him as an endorser. Also talked about is the convergence of TV sports and e-commerce as NBC during its telecast of the French Open invited viewers to point their phones at the screen to buy the outfits worn by Novak Djokovic. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams Producer: Colin TiptonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 30, 2019 • 35min
Facebook's Four-Letter Word Is Driving Sports Revenue
Facebook Vice President of Global Sports and Media Partnerships Dan Reed joins Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the company's Facebook Watch strategy for both live sports and video on demand. Reed also discusses the role the social media platform plays in helping leagues, teams, athletes and media drive their business initiatives beyond just video distribution. Also discussed is the Tom vs. Time series that centered on New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and the new series, Stephen vs. The Game, featuring Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. Also discussed is how the company uses data to help its sports partners drive revenue. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams Producer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 29, 2019 • 16min
Duke, Kansas Left Without Basketball Star They Wanted
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including two recent stories about young athletes blazing new trails in their question to reach the pros. In the first, high school basketball star R.J. Hampton announced this week that he will play basketball professionally in Australia instead of playing in college as he awaits the 2020 NBA Draft. In the second, 19-year-old pitcher Carter Stewart signed to play baseball professionally in Japan instead of re-entering the MLB Draft. Both Stewart and Hampton will make more money in the near-term, and roll the dice that their development will also accelerate due to a higher level of competition. Also talked about is the $110 million sale of Sports Illustrated to Authentic Brands Group. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 27, 2019 • 32min
Tiger, Zion and Legal Bets: The Year in Sports Business
On this special Memorial Day edition of the Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast, Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discusses some of the biggest trends in sports business and look ahead towards the rest of 2019. The trio discuss the rapid expansion of legal sports betting, and the ramifications for operators, media companies and the leagues themselves. They also break down the NBA Draft and it's lottery system, and the future stardom of Duke phenom Zion Williamson. Also discussed is Tiger Woods's dramatic win at the Masters, and how college sports are creating new types of media deals. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 23, 2019 • 33min
Milk Mustache, Ninja Turtle Backpack and the Indy 500
Brazilian auto racing driver Helio Castroneves joins Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his participation in the Indianapolis 500, a race he's won three times. Castroneves talks about his team owner, Roger Penske, and the importance of communication and teamwork during a race. He also talks about what sponsors want from their agreements, and how the team's relationship with its sponsors goes beyond just the race track. Also discussed is how IndyCar can benefit from technology and media, and how NBC is taking a storytelling approach to its first Indy 500 coverage. Also discussed is his participation, and the promotion, that he received from appearing on Dancing With the Stars. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams Producer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 22, 2019 • 16min
Marijuana as Medicine Gets NFL-Backed Consideration
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the NFL and its players association announcing joint agreements that will address pain management and behavioral health. As part of the agreements, the league and union will work together to address pain management and potential treatments, including the use of marijuana. Also discussed is New York golf courses being poised to keep their tax breaks after a repeal attempt faltered. The fight happened after Trump National Golf Club in suburban New York challenged its assessed value. And also talked about is Nascar's $2 billion acquisition of International Speedway Corp, more tightly combining two companies already controlled by the France Family. Nascar has been seeking a minority investment. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams Producer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 20, 2019 • 22min
Golf's Best Player Isn't an Endorsement Darling -- Yet
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the marketability of PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka, who has taken four of the past nine major tournaments. Koepka has an apparel deal with Nike, but no equipment endorsement. He also has a deal with Michelob Ultra. Also discussed is NBC taking over the broadcast of the Indy 500, which from 1965 through last year was seen on ABC. NBC outbid ABC for exclusive rights to the IndyCar series. The Indy 500 has seen a stead decline in viewers, dropping to 4.9 million last year from 6.5 million in 2015. And also talked about is the NCAA's decision against governing esports. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams Producer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


