

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

Nov 15, 2018 • 32min
No-ter Dame? Or No-Tra Dame? Here's the Correct Answer
University of Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick joins Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including this weekend's big game against Syracuse University at Yankee Stadium. Swarbrick also talks about the football team's independent status, its TV deal with NBC, and how the school is thinking about the future of content in a changing media landscape. Also discussed is Swarbrick's take on the problems associated with legalized sports betting and whether student-athletes should be compensated. Also discussed is the team's stadium, which was recently renovated, and what's the correct pronunciation of the school's name. Hosts: Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr Producer: Colin TiptonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 14, 2018 • 16min
Would You Pay $100 NOT to See the Sporting Event?
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the National Football League's decision to move Monday Night's game to Los Angeles from Mexico City after it was determined the field wasn't up to league standards. Also discussed is Calgary's vote against hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics, which continues a trend of cities opting against becoming hosts of the world's biggest sporting event. And, finally, the trio talks about the Golden State Warriors newest ticket plan: a $100 monthly pass that allows fans entry to the arena without a view of the court. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr Producer: Colin TiptonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 12, 2018 • 15min
Numbers, Not Names, Matter Most in Big-League Baseball
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including comments made by Bill James, who spearheaded the use of Sabermetrics in baseball. James, an adviser to the Boston Red Sox, suggested that players are commodities and that replacing all of them would make no difference in the game. Also discussed is Nascar’s intention of buying up International Speedway Corp. stock and what it means for a possible minority share of the auto race league. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr Producer: Bob BraggSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 8, 2018 • 32min
USA Gymnastics Under Fire; Hear the NCAA's Side
Rick Burton, the David B. Falk Endowed Professor of Sport Management at Syracuse University, joins Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the fiasco surrounding USA Gymnastics and what it's dissolution could mean for the athletes and broadcaster NBC. Also discussed are possible governance changes at the NCAA and why the organization's structure limits its ability to make alterations in major college sports. Burton also talks about what he considers to be the most important things students seeking to enter the sports world must learn. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr Producer: Colin TiptonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 7, 2018 • 8min
Senators Say Sorry After Uber; USA Gymnastics Latest
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the U.S. Olympic Committee's moving to revoke USA Gymnastics' status as the governing body for the sport at the Olympic level. It's a move that comes in response to an organization that has seemingly botched its own restructuring after the Larry Nassar sex abuse scandal. Also talked about is NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's concern that teams are spending too much money as they chase a championship, and players from the National Hockey League's Ottawa Senators caught on tape criticizing the team's coach during an Uber ride. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 5, 2018 • 14min
Fortnite and the NFL; Floyd Mayweather Goes MMA
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the National Football League's new deal with Epic Games that allows Fortnite players to buy customized jerseys based on their favorite teams. The jerseys will cost about $15 of in-game currency. Also discussed is the decision by Fanatics to nix its deal with Nascar to sell merchandise at tracks just four years into a 10-year agreement. The Fanatics tent was designed as a one-stop shop that housed merchandise from every team. Also talked about was the New Year's eve matchup between boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa. Mayweather has never fought in MMA. Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr Producer: Colin TiptonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 1, 2018 • 29min
The Mets' GM Controversy, Maryland Coach Finally Fired
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the New York Mets's decision to hire agent Brodie Van Wagenen as their new general manager. Prior to his hire, Van Wagenen represented a number of current Mets, including star pitcher Jacob deGrom, and there have been concerns about the conflict of interest. Also discussed is the University of Maryland’s decision to fire its football coach, one day after saying he would stay on following the death a player, and Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia's criticism of a journalist.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr Producer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 31, 2018 • 18min
Wanna Bet? Sports World Reaps Revenue From Wagering
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including the rash of sports betting deals taking place. Among them are the National Hockey League, which, like the NBA, inked a partnership with MGM, and the Devils and 76ers struck a deal with Caesars. Also discussed is the University of Maryland's decision to retain its football coach in the wake of an investigation into the death of one of its players, and World Wrestling Entertainment's event taking place in Saudi Arabia. Host: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr Producer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 29, 2018 • 18min
Fortnite Maker Hits $15 Billion; USOC Hires Legends
Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including LA 2028 and the USOC's hiring of Legends (owned in part by the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys) to sell some $2.5 billion in corporate sponsorship. They also talk about the brewing feud between the family of Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and the trust running the team. Bill Bowlen, the brother of Pat, is asking a Colorado court to remove the three members of a trust that is running the club while his brother battles Alzheimer's. Also discussed is Epic Games Inc.'s $1.25 billion investment round from a coalition that includes KKR, Vulcan and Kleiner Perkins. Host: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr Producer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 25, 2018 • 38min
Dodgers-Red Sox; Elon Musk, TV Blackouts and Bankers
Los Angeles Dodgers Chief Financial Officer Tucker Kain joins Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr to discuss a host of issues related to the business of sports, including Elon Musk's planned `Dugout Loop' tunnel, which would help the fans of L.A. to avoid the notorious traffic. Kain also discussed renovations to Dodger Stadium, the team's accelerator project, global ambitions, the team's television deal, and whether Guggenheim Baseball Management will sell a minority stake of the franchise. He also talked about the purchase from Frank McCourt for a then-record $2.15 billion dollars. Host: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr Producer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


