

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

Jan 23, 2019 • 15min
Will Football Disappear Because Insurers Want Out?
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the Super Bowl matchup (and corporate battles) surrounding the New Orleans Saints and the New England Patriots in Atlanta. Also talked about is the University of Connecticut's athlete department, which is losing $40 million a year. The school is considering cutting some sports to help balance the budget. Also discussed is the ESPN story surrounding football's insurance problem. Many carriers are refusing to cover the sport, forcing some to eliminate participation. The NFL, according to the story, has one carrier that has doubled its premium for coverage. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Jessica SummersRunning time 14:47See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 21, 2019 • 29min
Sports Business in 2019: Spotlight on Gambling, Media
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss the upcoming year in sports business on a special holiday edition of the Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast. The trio open with a look at the changing media landscape, with more sports moving digital and the looming sale of the 22 regional sports networks that the Walt Disney Co. has to unload as part of its upcoming merger with Twenty-First Century Fox. Also discussed is the host of ways in which sports betting will change consumption in 2019 -- from new in-game betting options to million-dollar data deals and advertising. The show closes on an interview with Scott Rochelle, the CEO of the National Basketball Retired Players Association and a discussion on athletes preparing for life after their careers end.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams Producer: Jessica SummersRunning time: 29:28See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 17, 2019 • 37min
The $220 Billion Company Shaping the Sports Future
Intel Sports Managing Director Shawn Bryant 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 recent Consumer Electronics Show presentation with the National Hockey League, which tested a chip in players’ shoulder pads that -- with the help of a connected puck -- enables the tracking of where every player is on the ice at all times. Also discussed is how Intel’s plans for virtual reality can help not only sports leagues and teams scale their content but also assist athletes with their training. Bryant also talked about the company’s interest in sports betting, and its new Olympic partnership with Alibaba.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams Producer: Jessica SummersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 16, 2019 • 15min
Billion-Dollar NBA Video Game; $350 Nike Sneakers
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the National Basketball Association's billion-dollar deal with Take-Two, securing the star power of LeBron James and others in the popular sports video game. The deal allows Take-Two's 2K studio to continue making its NBA 2K video game. Also discussed is Nike's new sneaker, unveiled earlier this week, that tracks performance in real time, allowing the company to give weekend warriors athletic tips and also sell them more products. The sneaker, which costs $350, needs regular charging and doesn't require tying of laces. In addition, discussed is John Skipper's task at DAZN, which the former ESPN president is trying to turn into the leader in direct-to-consumer sports. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Jessica SummersRunning time 14:42See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 14, 2019 • 15min
Which Career Would You Choose? NFL Versus Baseball
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the baseball versus football decision that faces Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Kyler Murray, who has until today to declare for the NFL draft. The Oklahoma quarterback was also drafted by the Oakland A's, who are trying to convince him to play baseball. Also discussed is the NFL's final four, which pits New England (Tom Brady) against Kansas City (Pat Mahomes) and The Los Angeles Rams versus New Orleans. Also talked about is the technological trial going on at the National Hockey League, which recently had players wear tracking chips inside their shoulder pads during games. Along with a connected puck, it was the most comprehensive data ever collected during a game.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael BarrProducer: Jessica SummersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 10, 2019 • 42min
NFL's Money Man Eyes $25 Billion Target Through Media
NFL Chief Media and Business Officer Brian Rolapp joins Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including how the National Football League intends to fulfill Commissioner Roger Goodell's aspiration of $25 billion in annual revenue by 2027. Rolapp also discusses the league's media strategy, which focuses on generating the biggest audience via traditional TV. He also talks about scaling media, FAANG, stadium development, franchise valuations, international growth, and the league's deal to have its uniforms included in the popular video game Fortnite. Rolapp also talks about headwinds, including a possible recession. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Colin TiptonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 9, 2019 • 19min
Jerry Jones Gets a $250 Million Yacht; Tech and Sports
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the Consumer Electronics Show and what new products are being touted for the world of sports. For example, Alibaba and Intel announced plans to develop the first AI-powered 3D athlete tracking technology for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and beyond. Also talked about are the privacy issues being raised by data tracking and measurement by sports teams. Also discussed is Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and why he won't be in the National Football League anytime soon. And also discussed is the new $250 million yacht purchased by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Colin TiptonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 7, 2019 • 15min
Snoop Dogg's Marijuana Fight vs. NHL's Maple Leafs
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including rapper Snoop Dogg's ongoing trademark fight against the parent company of the National Hockey League's Toronto Maple Leafs. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment filed an opposition to the musician's bid to trademark Leafs By Snoop, a line of marijuana products. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has set a schedule for depositions and a possible trial in 2020 for the case. Snoop, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, is a well-known hockey fan who has performed during the league's All-Star weekend. Also discussed is the case of a USA Basketball player being suspended by the Alabama High School Athletic Association, and the decision by baseball's Tampa Bay Rays to eliminate some 5,000 seats from Tropicana Field in their upcoming renovation. Also talked about is the Spanish language radio call of the final play from the Philadelphia Eagles-Chicago Bears game. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Colin TiptonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 3, 2019 • 35min
Dallas Cowboys Are Doing It Best in Pro Sports
16W Marketing partner Frank Vuono joins Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including his time as an executive with the National Football League and how the league has grown since that time. Vuono also discusses his work with the New Orleans Saints after Hurricane Katrina and the real possibility that the team was going to relocate to San Antonio. Vuono also talks about the upstart football leagues, including Vince McMahon's XFL, and which professional teams and owners are doing it best in sports nowadays. The former Princeton University football player also talks about how college sports could utilize a pro-like licensing model in order to generate revenue to pay its players. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Colin TiptonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 2, 2019 • 13min
Beer, Here! Get Your $26 Beer; Pulisic to Chelsea
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including Qatar's implementation of a 100 percent tax on alcohol. A six-pack of beer will cost about $26. The predominantly Muslim country is preparing to host the men's soccer World Cup in 2022. Also discussed is the decision by Dick's Sporting Goods to end its partnership with the United States Olympic Committee. It comes as Team USA continues to deal with the fallout from the sexual-abuse scandal surrounding a former gymnastics team doctor. Also talked about is Christian Pulisic's $73 million transfer to English Premier League side Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund of Germany's Bundesliga. Pulisic, a promising 20-year-old American, will finish the season with league-leading Dortmund before heading to Chelsea. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-WilliamsProducer: Colin TiptonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


