

The Joe Pomp Show
Joe Pompliano
Host Joe Pompliano breaks down the most interesting topics in sports business. From athlete investments to media rights deals, you'll leave each episode more informed about the business and money behind sports. Join hundreds of thousands of others and start listening today!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2025 • 8min
Inside the $800 Million Gamble That Could Ruin Tennis’ Best Event
The discussion delves into the US Open's shift towards commercialization, raising ticket prices and creating luxury suites that alienate longtime fans. It highlights the influence of celebrity culture, with figures like Trump attending, signaling a pivot to wealthier clientele. The podcast also examines the staggering $800 million renovation plan aimed at transforming Arthur Ashe Stadium, posing tough questions about prioritizing profits over fan accessibility. This change could forever alter the tournament's connection with its audience.

Sep 15, 2025 • 5min
The Untold Math Behind $1 Pretzels and $5 Beers
Sports teams are slashing concession prices by 50%, not just to please fans, but for solid financial returns. Discover how affordable pretzels and beers lead to higher attendance and increased merchandise sales. It’s all about smart pricing strategies that enhance the game-day experience while boosting revenue. Dive into the surprising math behind these concessions and their impact on sports venues!

Sep 10, 2025 • 9min
The Chicago Bears new stadium could generate billions in revenue (before it even opens)
The Chicago Bears are shifting their stadium plans to Arlington Heights, abandoning the downtown site. This $2.5 billion project aims to be completely privately funded. The team anticipates making over $1 billion in revenue even before the stadium opens, driven by sales of personal seat licenses, luxury suites, and naming rights. The discussion highlights financial inconsistencies and the promising financial benefits of this modernized venue.

Sep 5, 2025 • 56min
How a Fraudulent Startup Pulled the Clippers Into Chaos
Ethan Strauss, a Substack writer and host of Random Offense, dives into the chaotic scandal involving Kawhi Leonard and Steve Ballmer's Clippers. He unpacks the web of deceit connected to a fraudulent startup, exploring its profound impact on NBA ethics. The conversation touches on financial power's influence in sports, the thin line between greed and corporate responsibility, and the ethical dilemmas faced by billionaires. Strauss raises critical questions about the integrity and accountability in an increasingly complex sports landscape, making for a riveting discussion.

Sep 4, 2025 • 20min
How Underdog Reached $500 Million In Annual Revenue In Just Five Years
Jeremy Levine, the visionary Founder and CEO of Underdog—one of the fastest-growing sports businesses—shares insights on their impressive journey to $500 million in revenue. He discusses the launch of user-friendly prediction markets and how they enhance sports engagement. Levine delves into the regulatory challenges they face and the importance of innovation in the sports betting landscape. He highlights the company culture that fosters talent and product innovation, enabling them to outpace established competitors and attract a growing audience.

9 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 8min
How A Formula 1 Race Gets 300,000 Fans To Show Up Without A Single Car
Discover how the Dutch Grand Prix attracted 300,000 fans without a single car in sight. Innovative transportation methods like public transit and biking played a key role in this eco-friendly event. The emphasis on sustainability not only minimized waste but also set a benchmark for future sporting events. Dive into the fascinating intersection of motorsport and environmental consciousness!

Aug 27, 2025 • 8min
What the Hell is Going on in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is experiencing a significant economic downturn as tourism numbers plummet. The podcast delves into the factors behind this decline, including cultural shifts and an evolving corporate tourism model. The city's identity is changing, moving away from its classic charm to cater to high-end corporate events and professional sports. Insightful discussions uncover how increased costs and a reinvented identity are reshaping the Vegas experience, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for this iconic city.

Aug 13, 2025 • 10min
How MLB's Atlanta Braves Built a $1 Billion Real Estate Business
Discover how the Atlanta Braves turned a traditional baseball franchise into a $1 billion real estate powerhouse. The focus is on The Battery, a dynamic mixed-use development that boosts both fan engagement and revenues. Explore innovative lease structures that ensure steady income and the strategic acquisition of new properties. The discussion uncovers how real estate is reshaping financial sustainability in sports, creating year-round revenue streams beyond mere ticket sales and merchandise.

Aug 8, 2025 • 9min
The Billionaire Tax Trick Fueling Record-High Sports Valuations
Discover how a billionaire tax trick is driving record-high valuations in sports franchises. The discussion reveals how team owners lobbied against tax provisions that could threaten their wealth. WNBA franchises are seeing surprising increases thanks to visibility and tax incentives. Learn about the loopholes billionaires exploit by classifying team purchases as depreciating assets, and the potential fallout if these tax benefits were to change. It's a fascinating look at the intersection of sports, finance, and politics!

10 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 8min
Inside the NFL-ESPN Deal That Could Reshape Sports Media
A landmark deal has shifted control of NFL Media properties like NFL Network and NFL RedZone to ESPN, marking a significant move in sports media. This strategic partnership could boost subscriber growth and reshape the landscape of sports broadcasting. Beyond the obvious benefits, there are intriguing underreported advantages lurking underneath the surface that could revolutionize viewer experiences. Dive into the details of how this collaboration might influence the future of sports content consumption!