Bloomberg Business of Sports

Latest Episodes:

Beer Changes at Dodger Stadium and Golf TV Ratings Aug 13, 2018

Show notes

Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the Business of Sports, including fans don't have to get out of their seats to get a beer at Dodger Stadium. Also discussed are the ratings for Fox and the World Cup. When you factor in the bars and parties watching the games, the ratings are better than first thought. Also, Tiger Woods and a strong second place finish behind Brooks Koepka in the PGA Championship is just what the golf TV broadcasters needed.

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Tim Leiweke Might Surprise You on Stadium Finance Aug 09, 2018

Show notes

Oak View Group co-founder Tim Leiweke discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including how his group is transforming the old Key Arena in Seattle as it prepares to land a hockey and basketball team. He also talks about the technological evolution in sports, and how it affects the distribution of content as well as the in-arena experience. Leiweke also talks about facilities management and what drives revenue for owners of sports teams, which nowadays are only centerpieces of much more elaborate business ventures focused on sectors like real estate or media. He also touches on President Trump's tariffs and what they mean for builders of a new arena.

Leiweke is a former chief executive officer of AEG, which operates Staples Center, and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns and operates, among others, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Leiweke founded Oak View Group with music industry veteran Irving Azoff.

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Brian France Takes Leave; LeBron, the Producer and UNC Aug 08, 2018

Show notes

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the arrest of Nascar boss Brian France for driving while intoxicated. France has since taken an indefinite leave at a time when the auto racing circuit is seeking a minority investor. Also discussed are LeBron James's programs with Showtime and CBS, and the suspension of a number of North Carolina football players for selling school-issued merchandise. In all, 13 players were suspended, including quarterback Chazz Surratt. The NCAA approved a request to stagger some of the suspensions

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Red Sox Sweep Yankees; Indra Nooyi Steps Down at PepsiCo Aug 06, 2018

Show notes

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the Boston Red Sox sweep of the New York Yankees and the possible ramifications to YES Network's ratings later in the season. Also discussed is the upcoming retirement of PepsiCo Inc. Chief Executive Officer Indra Nooyi, who oversaw one of the dominant global sports sponsors. Nooyi, 62, will step down in October and remain chairman until early 2019.

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$1 Bet With Michael Jordan has Leonsis High on Sports Aug 02, 2018

Show notes

Monumental Sports founder Ted Leonsis discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including what can be gleaned from the National Basketball Association's recent 3-year, $25 million deal with MGM International, which became the league's official gaming partner. Leonsis, whose company includes Washington's Wizards of the NBA and Stanley Cup champion Capitals of the NHL, also discusses technology's effect on not only sports but sports fans. He also talks about esports and games like Fortnite, which he says could pass the NHL in annual revenue. Leonsis also talks about a $1 bet with Michael Jordan, which demonstrates where sports is headed.

Ted Leonsis is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns and operates a number of professional sports teams, including the Wizards and Stanley Cup champion Capitals. The company also owns Monumental Sports Network, a regional sports network for digital, mobile and direct-to-consumer platforms.

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NBA Inks $25 Million Sports Betting Partnership With MGM Aug 01, 2018

Show notes

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the National Basketball Association's new deal with MGM International, which becomes the league's first sports gambling partner. The three-year deal is worth $25 million. Also discussed is the Oakland A's new season ticket plan, which gives customers the option to move around the ballpark and not lock into one single seat. The trio also discusses the trend of parents hiring Fortnite tutors for their kids.

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Genius, I'll Tell Ya! More MLB Players Explaining Tweets Jul 30, 2018

Show notes

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the sale of Genius Sports, a sports data firm, to private equity funds advised by Apax Partners. It's the latest in a series of investments tied to legalized sports betting in the U.S. Also discussed are Seattle Mariners executives and workplace misconduct, as well as more Major League Baseball players having to explain old tweets.

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NFL Players Ride Union Eyeing Venture Capital, Content Jul 26, 2018

Show notes

NFL Players Inc. President Ahmad Nassar discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including how the role of sports unions -- and unions in general -- have changed over the years. He also discusses the business of NFL players, including the NFLPA's Ace Media, which helps members gain access to content opportunities with traditional and non-traditional broadcasters. He also talks about the business implications of players kneeling during the National Anthem, and the growth in the union's One Team Collective, which is akin to a venture fund that uses the players' popularity as capital for investment opportunities.

NFL Inc. is the licensing and marketing arm of the NFL Players Association. Nassar became its president in 2015. He joined NFLPI in 2009, and previously served as its vice president of business affairs and general counsel. Prior to joining the NFLPA Nassar was an attorney with Patton Boggs.

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No Coke -- Pepsi at MSG; Fanatics Sued by EEOC Jul 25, 2018

Show notes

Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the change over pouring rights at MSG-owned venues. Pepsi takes over for Coke, which had held the rights for more than 100 years. Also discussed is the U.S. government's lawsuit against sports apparel company Fanatics, Inc., whose investors include the National Football League and Major League Baseball. The suit brought by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission centers mainly around claims from a former employee who says he was repeatedly subjected to discrimination during his time at the company's Jacksonville, Florida, headquarters.

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Meet the Mets, Buy the Mets; Ronaldo Selling Jerseys Jul 23, 2018

Show notes

Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the Tour de France. They also discuss Comcast and Charter selling their shares of baseball's New York Mets. Both companies have ownership through their investment in SNY, the team's regional sports network, which is the actual owner of the shares. In all, more than 10 percent of the Mets are being offered by limited partners. Also discussed are the NFL's National Anthem policy, which is still problematic for Commissioner Roger Goodell, and the ability of Cristiano Ronaldo to sell some $60 million worth of Juventus jerseys in one day.

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