

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

Feb 14, 2019 • 33min
Start Your Engines! The Money in Nascar's Biggest Race
Nascar President Steve Phelps joins Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the money surrounding U.S. auto-racing’s biggest race, the Daytona 500. Phelps also talks about the sale of a limited stake in the racing circuit, and the challenges posed by a changing media landscape that threatens Nascar’s long-time dominance on television. Also discussed is how Nascar can better promote its top drivers, helping names like Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. gain traction outside racing circles.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 13, 2019 • 18min
Golf's Worst Caddie Tip? Lacrosse Nets a Billionaire
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the kerfuffle surrounding golfer Matt Kuchar's tip to a local caddie he used while winning a tournament in Mexico. In short, Kuchar's usual caddie couldn't make the trip, so he used a caddie from the course where the tournament was played. Kuchar took home about $1.2 million as the winner, and gave the caddie $5,000. His usual caddie would've been paid $126,000. Also discussed is the Premier Lacrosse League's latest investor, Alibaba billionaire Joe Tsai. The league begins play in June. Also talked about is the decision by the Cleveland Browns to sign running back Kareem Hunt, who faces a National Football League suspension for domestic abuse, and the Chicago Cubs starting a regional sports network with Sinclair. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 11, 2019 • 18min
Knicks Sell Possibility of Kevin Durant; Costas Talks
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the New York Knicks' use of a picture of Kevin Durant in a pitch to season-ticket holders. The NBA team then deleted the picture to avoid any perception that it was using the photo as an inducement to the impending free agent. The Knicks said it was commonplace for teams to use game action photos in promotional material. The Knicks have been mentioned as a possible landing pad for the Golden State Warriors star and former MVP, who has said he's tired of free-agent speculation. Also discussed is broadcaster Bob Costas's take that he was removed from the Super Bowl telecast because of his comments regarding football and head trauma. Also talked about was the debut of the Alliance of American football, which posted a strong TV rating for its inaugural games. The season lasts 10 weeks. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 7, 2019 • 37min
He's Building a Silicon Valley Pipeline to Pro Jocks
Mastry Inc. founder Rudy Cline-Thomas joins Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including how professional athletes have become much more savvy with their money. Cline-Thomas seeks to identify investment opportunities in technology and media, and often serves as a liaison between the investment community and professional athletes. Cline-Thomas also talks about what athletes should be looking for when making an investment, and how many athletes these days are capitalizing on their notoriety as jocks and not waiting until retirement to explore what’s available to them.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 6, 2019 • 20min
Cubs Ownership on Defensive After Joe Ricketts Emails
Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including Major League Baseball and the Chicago Cubs moving to distance themselves from racist emails sent and received by billionaire Joe Ricketts, whose family owns the team and Wrigley Field. Many of the emails had to do with a fear of Muslims, including conspiracy theories about former President Barack Obama. Joe Ricketts, the founder of TD Ameritrade, has apologized for the emails. One of his sons, Tom, chairman of the Cubs, released a statement that condemned the emails and distanced his father from the franchise. Also discussed are Super Bowl viewership and commercials, and the possibility that the Raiders may play at Oracle Park next season. The 49ers may not waive their territorial rights to San Francisco, meaning the Raiders search for a temporary home would continue. Hosts: Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr Producer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 4, 2019 • 23min
Tom Brady, Dynastic Patriots Can't Boost TV Audience
Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the less-than-stellar ratings for New England's 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl. The game posted a 44.9 overnight rating on CBS, which is the lowest since the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals in 2009. Also discussed is what may happen during the offseason, including a possible change in how instant replay is utilized for questionable calls and non-calls like the pass interference that wasn't in the Rams-New Orleans NFC championship game. Also talked about are developments in the sale of Fox's 22 regional sports networks. Among the bidders are Apollo Global Management, Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. and Major League Baseball. Other interested parties include Platinum Equity and Liberty Media Corp. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Bob BraggSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 31, 2019 • 39min
Rams Wooed Coach With In-N-Out, Then Wolfgang Puck
Los Angeles Rams Chief Operating Officer Kevin Demoff joins Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including what the Super Bowl means not only to the team's bottom line now, but what it means in the context of a franchise building a $5 billion (and counting) stadium complex. Demoff also talks about the process of hiring a new coach, and the risks associated with naming a 30-year-old to the position. Also discussed is how teams and leagues will benefit from sports betting, the non-call in the NFC championship game against the New Orleans Saints, and the global view of Rams owner Stan Kroenke, whose company also owns the NBA's Denver Nuggets and Arsenal of the English Premier League. He also talks about the stadium and fan experience. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 30, 2019 • 16min
Wall Street Targeted by Suddenly Surging Brooklyn Nets
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including a new marketing campaign by the surging Brooklyn Nets. The campaign, dubbed ``Bet on Brooklyn,'' will be featured around Wall Street as the team targets fans in Manhattan. The team is offering a locked in, two-year price for season tickets. The campaign will include branded coffee carts in the Wall Street and Fulton Street subway stations. Also discussed is Pepsi's attempt to market during the Super Bowl in Atlanta, the home of rival Coke. The NFL has specific rules as to what Coke can -- and cannot -- do because Pepsi is a league sponsor. Also talked about is the trade request by Anthony Davis, who told the New Orleans Pelicans that he'd rather play elsewhere in a move that could reshape the NBA's balance of power. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 28, 2019 • 19min
Richest Sport Seeks Richer Future; Pac-12's Media Plan
Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including an update on the National Football League’s quest to reach $25 billion in revenue by 2027. Thanks to an evolving media landscape and the legalization of sports betting in states across the country, the world’s richest league is poised for major revenue jumps in the next few years. Also talked about is the Pac-12 Conference’s new partnership with the Raine Group, which will help the league manage its media strategy, and a new $115 fund launched by Sapphire Ventures, called Sapphire Sport, that’s attracted a heavy-hitting group of investors.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Madena Parwana (WHAT WHAT!)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 2019 • 29min
Raine Man Helps David Beckham, Steve Ballmer and UFC
Raine Group Managing Director Colin Neville joins Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his task in helping lead the company's sports advisory and investing platforms. He has worked on numerous transactions, including the sale of UFC to WME-IMG, advising David Beckham and Jorge Mas on their MLS expansion, advising Fanatics on its $1 billion capital raise and Steve Ballmer's purchase of the Clippers. Also discussed are franchise valuations, the complexity of today's transactions and what he looks for in an investment. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Jessica SummersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


