The Varsity

Latest Episodes:

2024 Wrapped: Sports Media Edition Dec 25, 2024

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Jon Kelly and Dylan Byers join John to chew over the biggest sports media stories of 2024: the forfeiture of WBD’s NBA rights, Comcast’s SpinCo, Stephen A. Smith’s history in the making, Netflix’s deal with the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and much more.

The Tao of Talent Management Dec 22, 2024

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Constance Schwartz-Morini, the C.E.O. and co-founder of SMAC Entertainment, sits down with John to share her journey as a trailblazer in talent management, providing an inside look at the ins and outs of running a talent firm and managing a roster of high-profile clients including Deion Sanders, Michael Strahan, and Erin Andrews. She also sheds light on her bold decision to leave a promising career at the NFL—where she started as an assistant—to carve out her own path as an entrepreneur.

The Belichick Whisperer Dec 18, 2024

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ESPN senior writer and “Belichick whisperer” Seth Wickersham joins John to give an inside look at Belichick’s surprising decision to jump to the college ranks and become UNC’s next head coach. Seth dissects the appeal of this position, whether Belichick will be able to emulate his NFL success, and his desire to build a legacy beyond football. Then he dives into the evolution of the “Patriot Way” and offers his take on Brady’s broadcasting learning curve.

The ESPN Fantasy Draft Dec 15, 2024

Show notes

NBC sports commentator and fantasy football guru Matthew Berry joins John to discuss the new economics of on-air talent, from Stephen A. to Mike Clay; who’s actually moving the needle for the sports media business; and the grinfucker of the week.

Stephen A. Breaks the Bank & World Cup Media Limbo Dec 11, 2024

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Ben Strauss reunites with John to delve into a litany of hot topics stimulating the world of sports media: Stephen A. Smith’s soon-to-be historic contract, B1G’s college football noon kickoffs, ESPN’s MNF Simpsons alt-cast, the surprising non-bidders for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and more.

No NFL, No Glory Dec 08, 2024

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In a special live recording of The Varsity at the University of Massachusetts, former CBS Sports chairman and president Sean McManus sits down with John for a candid conversation about the ins and outs of sports media and his decades-long run as a media exec. The duo dive into how Sean got introduced to the biz, his crusade to bring the NFL back to CBS, why networks without the NFL can’t thrive, the ascension of women’s sports, and much, much more.

Marchand! Dec 04, 2024

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After popular demand, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand joins the pod to discuss McAfee, Manning, Inside the NBA, the Pitaro star strategy, the best Marchand jokes, and so much more.

The Live Sports Streaming Playbook Dec 01, 2024

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Michael Nathanson, the co-founder and top analyst at MoffettNathanson, joins John for a rollicking exploration of the challenges facing legacy media now that streaming is king. Then they dive into how sports leagues and college conferences can survive, and thrive, in the post-TV era.

Media Merger Mania & The Celtics L.B.O. Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

Bill Cohan joins John to assess the fate of Comcast’s Spinco, the potential involvement of private equity, and the snowball effect it could have on the industry writ large. Then Bill previews some potential M&A activity in the media space before recounting the surprising backstory to Wyc Grousbeck’s leveraged buyout of the Boston Celtics.

The ESPN-TNT Crossover Nov 24, 2024

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Former Turner Network prez David Levy joins John for a rollicking discussion of Comcast’s bombshell decision to spin off its cable channels, Amazon’s opportunities to dominate the R.S.N. market, the brilliance of Netflix’s Tyson-Paul fight, the ripple effects of the TNT-ESPN deal, and much more.

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