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

Sports News
Sports
Business
1
A Tale of Two Fights: One Tyson, One Trump
Scott and Eben discuss Mike Tyson’s fight versus Jake Paul, and president-elect Donald Trump’s visit to the UFC event in New York City. They also talk about Northwestern’s new $850 million stadium project, and ESPN’s unique deal to license TNT’s popular “Inside the NBA” show.
28 min
2
Cavs’ 1,000-to-1 Odds / The Sphere’s $500 Milli...
Scott and Eben discuss FanDuel offering 1,000-to-1 odds that the Cleveland Cavaliers finish the regular season 82-0, which reflects the gradual blending of oddsmaking and marketing. They also discuss the Sphere’s heavily operating losses, and another asset sale from Endeavor with an interesting twist.
25 min
3
The NFL Goes Global / WTA’s Riyadh Riches
Scott and Eben discuss the NFL’s international aims, which are growing quite quickly if commissioner Roger Goodell is to be believed. They also talk about the prize pool at the WTA Finals held in Riyadh, and an NFL player that’s part of a potato empire.
26 min
4
How A Second Trump Presidency Impacts Sports
Scott and Eben discuss how a second Donald Trump presidency might impact the sports world, from golf to MMA, estate taxes and ticket prices. They also recap a recent sports investing conference in New York.
32 min
5
Light and Fun Club Sportico Takeover on Electio...
Eben and Jacob keep it light-hearted on Election Day as they discuss the changing nature of sports fandom, media consumption, and social media. They also talk about Club Sportico, their new sports business community.
34 min
6
Why NHL Valuations Have Nearly Doubled Since 2021
Sportico valuations expert Kurt Badenhausen joins the show to break down our recently updated NHL valuations. The average NHL franchise is now worth $1.8 billion, up 92% since 2021. As Kurt explains, a lot of that growth has come from Sun Belt teams that were once viewed as struggling properties but have since found a formula for sucess—and sellouts. We also discuss the role of the NHL's current salary cap on valuations, and whether we'd rather own the Boston Bruins or Boston Celtics going forward.
32 min
7
Is The Sports Equinox Too Much of a Good Thing?
The four biggest North American teams sports leagues were in action Monday night in 2024's only "sports equinox." But Scott and Jacob Feldman wonder whether leagues would be better served moving their games so as not to compete with marquee events like the World Series and Monday Night Football. With the MLS considering moving to a fall-to-spring schedule and the WNBA season expanding, finding moments to own is more important than ever. They also discuss a must-watch Fall Classic, COSM's football coverage, and the celebrity influencers every team should be trying to host.
24 min
8
Messi, MLS and Milestones w/ League Exec Chris ...
Scott and Eben sit with Chris McGowan, the Chief of Club Performance at MLS, to discuss the league’s commercial success, the impact of Lionel Messi, the MLS x Apple deal, and how he built his MLS unit from scratch.
27 min
9
Dream World Series Matchup Follows Dream WNBA F...
Scott and Eben talk about the Yankees and Dodgers meeting in the World Series, a showdown of the sport’s two most valuable franchises and two of its biggest stars. They also talk about the WNBA Finals, some breaking news on the league’s labor front, and surprise LA28 venue news.
32 min
10
NFL Minority Stakes Abound / BOS Nation Debacle
Scott and Eben discuss a trio of celebrities—Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter and Jozy Altidore—that are in talks to by into the Buffalo Bills. They also talk about Tom Brady’s Raiders deal, sports bettors haranguing doctors, and BOS Nation’s rough introduction.
32 min
11
WNBA Finals Showdown / Tom Brady the NFL Owner
Scott and Eben break down the WNBA finals, which includes a showdown of two All Stars who are also business partners in a new 3x3 women’s league. They also talk about Tom Brady nearing an equity stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, the MLB playoffs, and the looming Minnesota Twins sale
33 min
12
MLB Loan Season / Diddy’s Sports Philanthropy
Scott and Eben talk about MLB players that take out loans in the offseason. They also talk about cryptocurrency sponsorships, U.S. Soccer’s business, and Diddy’s sports philanthropy.
25 min
13
College Sports Upsets Abound. Guard The Goalpos...
Scott and Eben discuss the business impacts of an upset-heavy weekend in college football. They also talk about the MLB playoffs, a quiet start to the NHL season, and what may become the first private equity deal in the NFL.
30 min
14
MLB Playoff Vibes / Nike Baseball Jersey Revers...
Scott and Eben discuss a new energy around MLB playoffs this year. They also talk about Nike’s backtrack on its new MLB uniforms, the sale of CCM, NHL labor, and the Boston Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman problem.
31 min
15
Talkin’ Bout Playoffs! Plus Taylor Swift, UNLV
Scott and Eben discuss the MLB playoffs, Oakland’s long goodbye for the Athletics, and the anniversary of a certain pop star’s relationship with the NFL.
27 min
16
NWSL Valuations Extravaganza w/ Kurt Badenhausen
Scott and Eben are joined by Sportico valuations guru Kurt Badenhausen to discuss his latest NWSL valuations. They range from Angel City at $250 million to the Chicago Red Stars at $53 million.
27 min
17
12-Team Playoff Meets College Upheaval w/ CFP B...
Scott and Eben speak with retired Lt. General Rich Clark, the new executive director of the College Football Playoff, about expanding to 12 teams, upheaval across college sports, and his time playing football at Air Force in the 1980s.
31 min
18
There’s a New Mega Sports Empire In Canada
Scott and Eben discuss the consolidation of the major sports teams in Toronto. They also discuss a new NYCFC owner, one final ‘Woj Bomb,’ and waning interest for Deion Sanders’ college games.
28 min
19
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
20
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
21
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
22
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
23
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
24
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
25
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