The Varsity

Rich Greenfield, a savvy financial analyst at Lightshed Partners, joins the conversation to dissect the implications of Warner Bros. Discovery's spin-off. He provides insights on whether Disney and Paramount may follow in Comcast's footsteps. The discussion dives into the fate of TNT and WBD’s sports rights, emphasizing a cautious approach to major sports acquisitions. Rich also highlights the ongoing shifts in media strategies as traditional networks grapple with the rise of streaming and the future of sports broadcasting.

Len Perna, founder of TurnkeyZRG, has three decades of experience matching executives in the sports world. He discusses the NCAA's recent transformative settlement and the urgent need for college athletic programs to adopt a business mentality. Perna highlights new hiring trends for athletic directors, emphasizing backgrounds in commercial sectors. He also introduces innovative concepts like a 'college super league' and reimagines football league structures for competitive balance, advocating for that new roles such as 'C.E.O. of Athletics' will emerge.

ESPN’s Don Van Natta returns to the pod with the scoop on a new FBI investigation into OneTeam Partners—the licensing company backed by the NFL and MLB player associations and RedBird Capital. Van Natta breaks down the opaque finances, the major players under scrutiny, and why some insiders suspect a potential Trump linkage. Then they dig into the growing threat of an MLB work stoppage next season as the owners and league’s unions clash over salary cap reforms. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Professional tennis player and TNT analyst Chris Eubanks joins to discuss the vibrant state of American tennis. He highlights the recent surge of homegrown talent, including potential breakout stars like Taylor Fritz and Francis Tiafoe. Eubanks emphasizes the media's crucial role in shaping player personalities to attract casual fans. He also shares insights from his transition into broadcasting, explaining the nuances of match-calling versus studio analysis. As a lifelong tennis enthusiast, he reflects on the challenges and triumphs of life on tour.

ESPN’s Seth Wickersham joins John to break down all of his remarkable inside reporting from last week’s NFL owners meetings in Minnesota. They discuss what it all portends for the league, before turning to Seth’s forthcoming book, American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback. Finally, they dig into all the latest drama surrounding Bill Belichick. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CBS Sports’ Pete Radovich joins John for an in-depth conversation about the UEFA Champions League. Pete reflects on the evolution of CBS’s coverage, the challenge of preserving its distinctive vibe amid personnel changes, and how they’ve optimized social media to deepen fan engagement. Then he previews the upcoming Champions League finals between PSG and Inter Milan—and their special watch-along event with David Beckham on Paramount+. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Cohan, a Wall Street expert and partner at Puck, shares his insights on the evolving sports media landscape. He discusses why he's optimistic about Warner Bros. Discovery, revealing the financial strategies investors seek in sports rights. Cohan also provides an inside look at the challenges Sherry Redstone faces with Paramount's sale and the complexities of navigating today's regulatory hurdles. Listeners gain a unique perspective on how traditional media is adapting to streaming and the impact of corporate mergers in this dynamic industry.

Eric Shanks, C.E.O. of Fox Sports, shares his insights on IndyCar's current state and future potential. He discusses the need to connect IndyCar with NASCAR, enhancing engagement for fans. Eric also highlights Fox's upcoming streaming platform, Fox One, which aims to diversify sports content. He dives into challenges in sports broadcasting, balancing traditional and direct-to-consumer strategies. With a blend of nostalgia and innovation, Eric paints an exciting picture for IndyCar's future.

Sara Fischer, a media reporter for Axios, dives into the nuances of ESPN's new streaming service and the challenges of its branding. She contrasts ESPN's strategy to appeal to younger viewers with Fox's more cautious approach. The discussion also highlights The Athletic's remarkable growth since its acquisition by The New York Times, emphasizing their successful navigation of a tough media landscape. Together, they examine the dynamics of sports broadcasting and how subscription models are reshaping the industry.

Build the life of your dreams and learn from the world’s most successful people. Emma Grede, one of America’s richest self-made women - wants you to make the most of your life. On ‘Aspire with Emma Grede', learn through thought-provoking conversations with some of the most successful and smartest minds on the planet. Each episode will unpack their habits, philosophy and strategies, covering career advice, well-being, psychology and of course how to win in business. The show offers personal stories, data-driven advice, real-world strategies, and the experience you need, to turn your dreams into reality. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices