Sporticast
'Sporticast' is a new podcast hosted by business journalists Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams from Sportico that will deliver the inside scoop on the intersection of money and sports. From billion-dollar valuations to team sales, sponsorship contracts and media rights, go behind the scenes on the deals that power the global sports economy. For more coverage and information, be sure to check out sportico.com
101
Air Travel Is the Next Frontier For Sports Scie...
Scott and Eben discuss a new charter arrangement for the NBA, which is reportedly nearing a 13-plane deal that will see its teams fly on aircrafts made specifically for athletes. They also talk about the Timberwolves arbitration process, and the UFC's event at the Sphere.
36 min
102
Sports In The Sphere: Exciting or Empty Hype?
Scott and Eben debate their expectations for UFC 306 this weekend. It’s the first live sporting event to be held in the Sphere, Jim Dolan’s fancy new entertainment venue in Las Vegas. They also talk about the WNBA playoffs and a new coach for the U.S. men’s national soccer team.
27 min
103
America Still Loves Football / Advice for the U...
Scott and Eben discuss the return of the NFL, which some record-breaking contracts, strong ratings and off-field drama. They also talk about the U.S. Open, and the latest in a legal settlement that could change college sports forever.
29 min
104
NFL’s Turf Wars: The Money Behind Natural Grass...
Scott and Eben break down the economics—and health concerns—of the natural grass vs. artificial turf debate, which splits the league in two. They also talk about the U.S. Open, where upsets have opened the door for Americans to take center-stage.
25 min
105
Introducing Club Sportico, An Online Sports Bus...
Scott and Eben are joined by Jacob Feldman to discuss Club Sportico, a new online sports business community. Club Sportico is a separate weekly newsletter, sent on Thursday afternoons, that covers the industry in a more fun and casual manner. There’s members-only Sporticast content planned, a weekly news quiz, online chatrooms, and more. You can sign up for Club Sportico here.
33 min
106
Inside the NFL’s New Private Equity Ownership R...
Longtime NFL advisor Marc Ganis joins Scott and Eben to break down the NFL’s new private equity ownership rules. The world’s richest sports league is taking a more conservative—and more lucrative—approach than other leagues.
32 min
107
U.S. Open Business Preview / NWSL Eliminates It...
Scott and Eben discuss the business of the U.S. Open, a cash-printing machine that funds the rest of the USTA’s roughly $500 million budget. They also talk about the NWSL’s radical new labor agreement, and major changes anticipated in NFL ownership.
35 min
108
NWSL Expansion / Caitlin Clark’s Next Endorseme...
Scott and Eben break down the latest in NWSL expansion talks, with groups from Denver and Cincinnati among those meeting with the league in New York City this week. They also talk about Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark’s candy opportunities, Cristiano Ronaldo’s new YouTube channel, and the NFL latest.
29 min
109
Table Tennis Went Viral During the Olympics. No...
Scott and Jacob Feldman chat with Flint Lane, founder of Major League Table Tennis, which is about to start its second season. The sport saw an explosion of interest during the Olympics—Google Search volume reportedly popped 5x above previous highs—with basketball stars Steph Curry and Anthony Edwards joining in on the fun.
30 min
110
NFL Valuations Jump Again, With Cowboys at $10....
Scott and Eben are joined by Sportico valuations guru Kurt Badenhausen to talk about his latest NFL list, which runs from the Dallas Cowboys ($10.32 billion) to the Cincinnati Bengals ($4.71 billion).
40 min
111
Olympic Flame Revived in France / NWSL’s New CBA
Scott and Eben recap the end of the Summer Olympics in Paris—a rejuvenation of the Games themselves and a template for media coverage of future mega-events. They also talk about the NWSL and its players union agreeing to a new CBA.
29 min
112
Dale! Why Is Pitbull Buying Stadium Naming Righ...
Scott and Eben discuss Pitbull’s $6 million deal to put his name on FIU’s football stadium. They also talk about an oddity of Olympics marketing, and Manchester United doing the unthinkable.
31 min
113
Noah Lyles Wants A Shoe / Howard Basketball Wan...
Scott and Eben break down U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles’s demands for a sneaker—not sprinting spikes—built around him at Adidas. They also talk about an audacious plan at Howard University, a new high-tax surcharge at DraftKings, and the most valuable executives in sports.
31 min
114
U.S. Gymnastics Swagger Strikes Gold at Paris S...
Scott and Eben discuss the U.S. women’s gymnastics team’s early success at the Paris Summer Olympics. They also talk about the Kelce Brothers seeking a $100M podcast deal, and the MLB trade deadline.
29 min
115
Athletes Are Revolutionizing How We Watch the O...
Scott and Eben discuss how athletes are revolutionizing coverage of the Olympics via their own channels. They also talk about Peacock and NBC’s versions, WBD’s NBA lawsuit, and the latest in the major legal settlement that could forever change the business of college sports.
34 min
116
NFL’s 18th Regular Season Game / Olympics Biz
Scott and Eben talk about the NFL and its players union discussing an 18th regular season game. They also discuss Mat Ishbia’s NHL ambitions and the business of the Olympics.
32 min
117
Olympic Entertainment / Physical Tickets Return
Scott and Jacob Feldman discuss NBC's Olympics strategy, full of celebrity cameos and crossovers, as well as how athletes leverage their time in the spotlight. They also talk about the post-Covid resurgence of physical tickets as a souvenir.
28 min
118
Knicks Owner Jim Dolan Stirs the Pot / Angel Ci...
Scott and Eben discuss Knicks owner Jim Dolan’s objections to the league’s handling of its new $76 billion TV deals. They also talk about Angel City being sold to Willow Bay and Bob Iger, and new $75M sports venture fund.
34 min
119
Fallout of Copa America Security Collapse / NCA...
Scott and Eben are joined by Mike McCann, Sportico’s legal expert, to discuss the security issues at the Copa America final, delays in the NCAA’s latest anti-trust settlement, and the NFL’s recent legal setbacks.
35 min
120
Esports World Cup A Part of Growing Saudi Arabi...
Scott and Eben speak with Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup, about the eight-week event currently underway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. They talk about the $60 million prize pool, the state of competitive video gaming, and Saudi Arabia’s investment in its future.
32 min
121
What the $8 Billion Paramount Merger Means for ...
Scott and Eben discuss the $8 billion merger between Paramount and Skydance, with an eye on what it means for CBS’s sports portfolio. They also talk about the business of the NFL, more changes at NFL Media, and a $230 Tour de France fine.
32 min
122
Won and Done: Celtics to Sell After 18th NBA Title
Scott and Eben discuss the looming multibillion-dollar sale of the Boston Celtics, which was announced shortly after the team won its NBA-record 18th title. They also talk about Willow Bay, wife of Disney CEO Bob Iger, nearing a deal to buy a control stake of Angel City FC, and some tech intrigue at the Tour de France.
28 min
123
NFL Suffers Rare Financial Set-Back in Sunday T...
Scott and Eben discuss the NFL’s losing an anti-trust lawsuit over Sunday Ticket that could cost the league more than $14 billion. They also talk about Bronny James being drafted by the Lakers, and the end of the Arizona Coyotes.
29 min
124
Bronny James NBA Draft Game Theory
Scott and Eben discuss the upcoming NBA Draft, specifically how teams are evaluating Bronny James, who has potential off-court value in addition to his on-court skills. They also talk about the Florida Panthers winning the Stanley Cup, the start of the Fanatics/NHL jersey era, and Alex Morgan being left off the U.S. Olympic team.
35 min
125
The Money Behind the Summer of Soccer w/ MLS Ex...
Scott and Eben speak with Camilo Durana, executive vice president of both MLS and SUM, about Major League Soccer’s attendance growth, the overlap of the Euros and Copa America, and the impact of Lionel Messi.
33 min