The discussion delves into Notre Dame's financial edge as an independent football program, especially with playoff expansions on the horizon. It reveals how independence affects revenue, TV deals, and the competitive landscape in college football. The complex history of Notre Dame’s struggle to navigate conference affiliations is explored, raising intriguing questions about the long-term implications of their unique status. Listeners are in for a surprise regarding the true value behind this independence!

Experience the excitement of attending the inaugural night of a groundbreaking indoor golf league, featuring Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Discover the innovative venue and how technology enhances the gameplay. Hear about the unique fan interactions and the vibrant atmosphere that sets this league apart from traditional golf events. Explore what makes this format engaging and the potential for future sports entertainment. Get an insider's perspective on what could improve the fan experience!

Today's podcast covers the ski patrol strike at Park City Mountain Resort in Utah. I explain why 200 of the resort's ski patrol employees went on strike, and delve into the labor dispute between the ski patrol union and the resort's parent company, Vail Resorts. I also break down the economics of Vail Resorts, including how the company makes money, their approach to buying and owning resorts, the vertical integration of their business to maximize profit margins, and why this business model ultimately led to the Park City Mountain Resort strike. Enjoy!

Dive into the world of aerial photography with insights from Mark Holtzman, who captured the stunning B-2 Stealth Bomber flyover at the Rose Bowl. Discover the technical and artistic challenges he faced, and learn about the unique communication tactics used with pilots to get the perfect shot. Explore the blend of passion and precision that fuels his photography journey, along with an intriguing discussion on the cost of military displays at sporting events.

Get ready for a deep dive into the future of sports business! Predictions for 2025 cover the UFC's media rights shake-up, the impact of private equity on college football, and the Chicago Bears' stadium ambitions. The shift in college basketball towards professional development mirrors the NBA's G League. Expect potential expansion in Seattle and Las Vegas, alongside talks of the NBA evolving and the NFL possibly adding an 18th game. It's a thought-provoking look at where sports might be headed!

Explore Disney's ambitious yet troubled venture into professional sports ownership. Discover the highs and lows of owning the Mighty Ducks and the Anaheim Angels, including the astonishing financial losses and mismanagement issues. Uncover the hilarious details of a $450,000 pregame intro that seems too outrageous to be real. Dive into the conflict between making shareholders happy and winning games, revealing the challenges that ultimately led to Disney's exit from the sports world.

Discover the groundbreaking technology behind the Buffalo Bills' upcoming stadium. Learn how the remarkable design features, like the world's largest snow melt system and an advanced field heating apparatus, transform the outdoor experience. Wind reduction panels promise to keep fans cozy during chilly games. This innovative mix of tradition and modern technology is set to redefine stadium experiences in 2026!

Discover the thrilling holiday showdown between the NFL and NBA as their Christmas Day ratings are put to the test. Delve into the impressive viewership numbers of the NBA on ABC contrasted with the NFL's performance on Netflix. Examine how the shifting dynamics affect both leagues’ futures and broadcasting strategies. Plus, uncover how global reach and lucrative contracts play into basketball’s revenue potential while the NFL innovates its broadcasting approach. It's a fascinating look at sports rivalry on the biggest holiday!

Explore Netflix's daring $150 million investment in exclusive rights to Christmas Day NFL games. Discover how the NFL is vying for dominance against the NBA during the holiday season. Delve into Netflix's promotional strategies, including star-studded halftime shows aimed at enhancing viewer engagement. Learn how this bold move could redefine sports broadcasting and affect the overall business landscape for Netflix. The competition heats up as both leagues adapt to shifting viewer habits.

Dive into the financial frenzy surrounding the new 12-team College Football Playoff. Discover how the playoff launch transforms earnings for conferences and schools alike. Learn about the lucrative TV contract with ESPN starting in 2026 and its potential to reshape college football's financial landscape. Explore the journey from the BCS to this expanded playoff format and the ongoing debates on fairness and commercialization. It's a fascinating look at the intersection of sports and big money!