

The Sports Media Podcast
Sports Business Journal
The hottest headlines, network deals, ratings, trends and everything else you need to know inside sports media.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 26, 2025 • 17min
LionTree’s Alex Michael on sports media trends, youth sports; Three things to be thankful for in sports media
On this week’s pod, host and SBJ media writer Austin Karp is joined by LionTree Managing Director Alex Michael for a deep dive into investment opportunities in youth sports, as well as trends in sports tech and international growth. Karp also reflects on the YouTubeTV-Disney carriage deal and Nielsen’s big data impact on sports as part of what he is most thankful for this year. Finally, a look into the future of TNT Sports and consolidation in sports media. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 20, 2025 • 20min
Prime Video’s Charlie Neiman on NBA, NFL; Breaking down the new MLB deals; YouTube TV and Disney find peace
On this week’s pod, host and SBJ media writer Austin Karp is joined by Prime Video’s head of sports content Charlie Nieman, who dishes on the start to the company’s NBA deal, another strong year for “TNF” and a big Black Friday coming. Plus, Karp gets what MLB’s media rights will look like from 2026-28, the details on the carriage deal that brought ESPN and YouTube TV back together, the enthusiasm of NBC Sports’ John Fanta and what might become of the NFL international game package.1:08 MLB's Media deal4:45 YOUTUBE TV and Disney deal update7:50 Charlie Neiman Interview16:14 Karp's Corner Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 13, 2025 • 33min
Tim Pernetti gets all American; Will YouTube TV or Disney blink first?; A requiem for ESPN Bet
On this week’s pod, host and SBJ media writer Austin Karp is joined by Tim Pernetti, commissioner of the American Conference, as they dig into the latest with college football. Plus, Karp gets into whether anything is close with the YouTube TV-ESPN standoff, the end of the ESPN Bet experiment and Unrivaled adding another night of action.1:27 Disney vs YouTube TV5:42 Tim Pernetti Interview26:00 Karp's Corner Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 6, 2025 • 32min
The YouTube TV-ESPN battle continues; the NFL debuts in Berlin; and an expert’s view of the landscape
On this week’s pod, host and SBJ media writer Austin Karp is joined by Bjorn Werner, a former Colts defensive end (now a popular football podcaster in his native Germany) ahead of the team’s home game in Berlin. Also, longtime consultant Doug Perlman of Sports Media Advisors joins the pod to talk about the biggest things going on at his shop. Plus, Karp breaks down the latest around the YouTube TV-ESPN battle, MLB’s big sendoff with World Series numbers and NASCAR’s audience drop in Year 1 of a new media deal.1:00 YouTube TV & Disney Dispute4:14 MLB Recap5:59 Bjorn Werner Interview21:37 Doug Perlman Interview28:00 Karp's Corner Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 30, 2025 • 31min
Former HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg; Inside MLS Viewership on Apple
This week on the SBJ Sports Media Podcast SBJ golf and sports media reporter Josh Carpenter, is joined by SBJ soccer writer Alex Silverman for a deep dive into MLS viewership on Apple and what it could mean for the future of the media rights partnership. Also, SBJ media reporter Austin Karp has a conversation with former HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg. The two discuss the future of the in-season version of Hard Knocks, the creation of HBO Real Sports as well as the impact of HBO’s partnership with boxing. All that and more on this week’s SBJ Sports Media podcast. 1:04 MLS VIEWERSHIP SURGE7:05 MLS IN PERSON ATTENDANCE DOWN9:31 ROSS GREENBURG INTERVIEW Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 23, 2025 • 42min
Getting the gang back together, NBA/NBC tip off and F1 takes a bite of the Apple
On this week’s pod, host and SBJ media writer Austin Karp is joined by The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand and Puck’s John Ourand. The trio take a deep dive into NBC’s return to the NBA mix, how F1 fits into the Apple grid, who’s up and who’s down in sports media and more. 1:00 Podcast Reunion2:01 Who's Up Who's Down18:45 NBA This Season22:24 Rank the Four Players in Sports ( NBC Sports, Amazon Prime, ESPN, TNT)25:50 The Future of WBD30:25 YouTube TV deal with Disney31:19 World Series TV Ratings Predictions33:13 Last Sports Documentary watched39:08 Karp's Corner40:06 Who Won the Weekend41:01 Bloopers Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 16, 2025 • 40min
Big numbers for the MLB postseason; Dick Vitale talks hoops; ‘We Need a Fourth’ on all things golf
On the pod this week, host Austin Karp brings in Dick Vitale to talk about his new namesake hoops event and how he sees all the changes to college basketball. Plus, SiriusXM and SmartLess Media have a new show, “We Need a Fourth,” and co-hosts Brian Baumgartner, Cooper Manning and Kenny Mayne come on the pod with their unique approach to talking about golf. And with numbers in for the first two rounds, MLB viewership has skyrocketed, but can it continue that success with some smaller markets in the LCS.1:21 This Week in Sport's Media5:49 Dick Vitale Interview16:38 Ask Austin18:30 We Need a Fourth Intervew35:40 Karp's Corner Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 9, 2025 • 19min
An SBJ writer roundtable; Kate Scott gets back to women's hoops; and the Wild and Blue Jackets keep their address on Main Street.
The podcast features a fascinating roundtable on NFL media rights, discussing opt-out rumors and streamer interests. NASCAR's viewership challenges and rights fragmentation take center stage, alongside Formula One's potential new deal with Apple. The NBA's massive media deal and local TV constraints are explored, as is golf's strategy on tournament tiering. Highlights include Kate Scott's return to WNBA broadcasting and the revenue spikes from MLB wild card viewership. NBC's new NBA studio show, featuring basketball legends, promises engaging moments for fans.

Oct 2, 2025 • 24min
ESPN’s Steve Levy, the NFL stays on record pace and Bama-UGA brings a big number
Steve Levy, a veteran ESPN anchor and play-by-play voice, dives into the exciting world of NHL storytelling as the season approaches. He shares insights into Kirill Kaprizov's record contract and Connor McDavid's contract drama, highlighting the league's dynamics. Levy also discusses offseason injuries, the return of Olympic hockey, and identifies potential breakout teams like Detroit. Additionally, he reflects on memorable hockey films and his friendship with Barry Melrose while contrasting the broadcasting styles of football and hockey.

Sep 25, 2025 • 28min
Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee, the Big Ten’s Grace McNamara and Roger Goodell moves up the NFL’s timetable
Brandel Chamblee, a veteran Golf Channel analyst, shares insider insights on the Ryder Cup, discussing its unique anticipation and studio prep differences. He reflects on evolving commentary styles and the PGA Tour's challenges, highlighting LIV defections. Grace McNamara from the Big Ten emphasizes the surge in women's sports viewership, particularly in volleyball, and hints at exciting developments like a potential women's conference tournament. They also explore media rights shifts impacting the NFL, revealing how sports might bridge significant industry disputes.


