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
1
The Lakers Just Sold For $12.5 Billion?! Plus, ...
Scott and Eben are joined by Kurt Badenhausen to discuss an NBA bombshell, with the Los Angeles Lakers selling to Josh Kushner for $12.5 billion. They also talk about Kurt's latest NFL valuations.
32 min
2
Nascar COO Discusses the Delicate Balance of In...
Scott and Eben speak with Ben Kennedy, the COO of NASCAR, about how the racing giant balances its traditional roots and its constant quest for innovation. They talk about new race locations, up-and-coming drivers, private equity and more.
31 min
3
Larry Berg Rises / Dodgers' Embarrassment of Ri...
Scott and Eben break down new MLS commissioner Larry Berg, a 'hybrid candidate' who was introduced to fans this week. They also talk about the Dodgers' embarrassment of riches, and LIV Golf funding.
31 min
4
What Was Gianni Infantino Thinking?
Scott and Eben discuss the rapid and stunning collapse of FIFA president Gianni Infantino's investment plan, which drew criticism for its merits, its lack of transparency and its potential ulterior motives. They also talk about Mauricio Pochettino's new contract as USMNT coach, and a crazy Friday night in college sports.
31 min
5
FIFA Seeks Investors: Breaking Down a Soccer M&...
Scott and Eben break down the early reporting on FIFA's plan to sell a $4.2 billion stake in its commercial ventures. They also talk about college sports patch deals.
29 min
6
LeBron James Choses Philadelphia / The Packers ...
Scott and Eben discuss LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. They also talk about the latest financials from the Green Bay Packers, new investors in the Athletics, the sale of The Team, and more.
26 min
7
ESPN Layoffs / Sports Ownership Empires Grow
Scott and Eben break down this week's layoffs at ESPN. They also talk about the Walton and Mittal sports ownership empires, the World Cup finals ratings, and NFL economics.
32 min
8
MLS Commissioner Finalists / World Cup Recap
Scott and Eben discuss the two finalists to be the next MLS commissioner. They also talk about the end of the World Cup and Fanatics Fest in New York City.
36 min
9
40 Years of Goooooooals With World Cup Announce...
Scott and Eben speak with Telemundo soccer broadcaster Andrés Cantor about the World Cup, the U.S. team's exit, his love for Argentina, the prospect of a 64-team tournament, and more.
33 min
10
Breaking Down the $9.6 Billion Seattle Seahawks...
Scott and Eben discuss the Khosla family—led by tech billionaire Vinod Khosla and his wife, Neeru Khosla—agreeing to buy the Seattle Seahawks for an NFL record $9.61 billion. They talk about the Khosla family's background, the deal price and the yet-to-be-announced financing.
22 min
11
U.S. Soccer Requiem / LIV Golf Layoffs
Scott and Eben speak about the U.S. team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup following a blowout loss to Belgium. They also talk about looming layoffs coming to LIV Golf as the circuit seeks new funding.
26 min
12
U.S. Red Card At Center of World Cup Controversy
Scott and Eben discuss the red card controversy involving U.S. striker Folarin Balogun in the lead-up to the team's game against Belgium. They also discuss Nike vs. Adidas, an MLSE stake sale and Versant making a sizable golf investment.
29 min
13
Tennis Players Cash in With 4 Earning $40M+ in ...
Kurt and Scott discuss the highest-paid tennis players, including Serena Williams at $40 million over the past 12 months. They also talk NBA Europe bids, Nike earnings and NBA accounting for the 2025-26 season.
27 min
14
NBA Europe Takes Shape / World Cup Elimination ...
Scott and Eben discuss the latest with NBA Europe, including the finances of the basketball league hoping to launch in October 2027. They also talk about the World Cup, Scott's visit to the Vatican, and Serena Williams' return to Wimbledon.
28 min
15
NHL Eyes Texas Expansion / Brendan Sorsby In No...
Eben and Jacob discuss the NHL's chosen location (Texas) and owner (Dan Friedkin) for its 33rd team. They also talk about Brendan Sorsby, the World Cup, the NBA Draft, and PGA Tour changes.
33 min
16
Who’s Winning EA/FIFA Split, Plus How Backyard ...
Jacob Feldman and Justin Birnbaum discuss the latest sports video game news, including Netflix’s partnership with FIFA and the first new Backyard Sports title in years. Is there a lane for simple, nostalgic games in a world of high-quality simulations?
34 min
17
Fans Are the Story of the World Cup So Far
Eben and Justin Birnbaum discuss latest from the World Cup. Fans have been the most enduring story of the games so far. They also talk about tickets, visas, transportation, and early success from the sport’s biggest names.
35 min
18
Knicks Win, Canes Win, U.S. Men’s Soccer Team W...
Scott and Eben discuss a historic sports weekend in New York City, where a Knicks championship took over the streets. They also talk about the Carolina Hurricanes winning the Stanley Cup, and the U.S. World Cup team’s hot start against Paraguay.
33 min
19
Seattle NBA, NFL Sales Take Shape / World Cup K...
Scott and Eben talk about big news with a group that’s looking to expand its Seattle sports portfolio. They also talk about the latest with the World Cup, NBA Finals, and a potential watershed moment in college sports.
24 min
20
The World Cup Is Here / The Knicks Keep Winning
Scott and Eben talk about two major sporting events underway in the U.S.—the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup and the NBA Finals. They talk about various business storylines, including World Cup host agreements, soaring ticket prices, and the American-ization of soccer.
30 min
21
The Thinking Behind Steph Curry’s New Chinese S...
Scott and Eben discuss Steph Curry’s new 10-year deal with Chinese sneaker brand Li-Ning. They also talk about the NBA Finals, the World Cup, and an Olympics trademark battle.
26 min
22
Serena is Back / NBA, NHL Finals Are Here
Scott and Eben discuss Serena Wiliams’ much anticipated (and curiously motivated) return to pro tennis. They also talk about the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final, which begin this week.
24 min
23
Knicks’ New York Takeover/ NCAA Economic Revers...
Scott and Eben discuss the New York Knicks’ return to the NBA Finals. They also talk about what a Princeton lacrosse national title says about NCAA economics and a new volleyball team in LA with a notable owner.
31 min
24
French Open Fashion Feud / Fernando Tatis Jr.’s...
Scott and Eben discuss the increased blending—and increased tension—between the major fashion labels and tennis’ biggest tournaments. They also discuss Fernando Tatis Jr.’s lawsuit against a company that is owed 10% of his MLB earnings forever, the NFL’s ongoing media negotiations, and more.
30 min
25
American Owners Are Winning Soccer Titles—And R...
Arsenal clinched its first Premier League championship in 22 years on Tuesday, thanks to investment from Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. Kurt and Jacob dive into the Kroenkes' success on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as the drama that remains at the bottom of the table and the top of the EFL Championship heading into the final week of the season.
31 min