Sporticast

Scott Soshnick and Kurt Badenhausen discuss Sportico's recently released 2025 WNBA Valuations. The newly created Golden State Valkyries debuted at No. 1, with a $500 million valuation, ten times the price the franchise paid in expansion fees in October 2023. They also discuss how an ongoing expansion process plays into the numbers, and what impact rising team values could have on the WNBA's next CBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Soshnick and Kurt Badenhausen dive deep on Mark Walter's $10 billion takeover of the Los Angeles Lakers. They start by discussing whether the iconic franchise is worth the record-shattering sale price and what it means for the Los Angeles Dodgers owner to become the only person with control of two of the 10 most valuable sports teams in the world. They also discuss the potential sale of the Tampa Bay Rays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Joon Lee's New York Times Op-ed struck a chord, arguing that “fandom isn't being nurtured anymore. It's being mined.” He joined Jacob Feldman to discuss why he thinks recent growth—from new investors to new media deals to new international efforts—could threaten the bonds that made sports a central component of American culture in the first place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Jacob discuss the early returns from the first-of-its-kind Club World Cup, including how DAZN intends to make back the $1 billion it spent on streaming rights while airing games for free. The hosts also break down Shaquille O'Neal paying FTX customers $1.8 million in a legal settlement—and whether MLB players would be better spokespeople for weight-loss or weight-gain programs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jacob Feldman is joined by STN Digital CEO David Brickley to discuss the company's latest report detailing the top U.S. teams on social media and the content they're using to get ahead, from Saquon Barkley to LeBron James to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Brickley also dished a few tips for people hoping to grow their own social following—or just looking for a more personalized feed of posts on their favorite app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legal expert Michael McCann joins hosts Jacob Feldman and Scott Soshnick to discuss what last week's completed House settlement means for the future of college sports. And boy do we have questions. The group discusses how billions of dollars will now flow from schools to athletes, whether the new rules will be enforced, and what it means for universities unable to keep up financially. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eben speaks with Nic Sulsky, CEO of The Curling Group, about the ~$7 million takeover of the sport's biggest event series, the business strategy behind making curling a more commercially successful global sport, the impact of the Olympics, and how curling is misunderstood among many sports fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Shawn Thornton, chief revenue officer of the Florida Panthers, about the team's third straight Stanley Cup run and how that turns into new revenue for the NHL franchise. They also talk Florida hockey, the Tkachuk brothers, and the culture of the sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the latest on the $6.1 billion Celtics sale, with the buyers finalizing their group members and their financing. They also talk about a notable WNBA stake sale, a notable WNBA injury, and big news concerning the world's highest-paid athlete. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Syracuse sports management professor Rick Burton about the future of sports and fandom, with commonsense changes to enhance stadiums and leagues. They also talk about MLS, the subject of Burton's most recent book, titled “The Rise of Major League Soccer.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the newest TGL franchise selling for $70+ million. They also talk about Olympic flag football, the WNBA opening week, the Fanatics Games, and LiveBarn for sale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about UCLA's plan to right-size its athletic department. They also talk about a stake sale for the San Francisco 49ers, and the NHL/NBA playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the sale of two pro basketball teams: the WNBA's Connecticut Sun and the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. Both are happening in the midst of expansion talks. The hosts also talk about the NFL schedule reveal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Michael Jordan partnering with NBC to do some NBA coverage next season. They also talk about Shohei Ohtani, Michael Eisner and the new Pope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eben is joined by colleague Kurt Badenhausen to discuss his ranking of the 50 most valuable soccer teams in the world. They talk No. 1 Real Madrid, No. 2 Manchester United, and a number of other teams. Plus, they break down the economics of global soccer as compared to other major U.S. leagues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Marc Lasry and Michael Strahan joining forces to pursue an investment in the New York Giants. They also talk about Warren Buffett, the NHL playoffs, President Donald Trump, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about the latest in professional golf, with LIV Golf close to securing something it has wanted since its inception. They also talk about the Kentucky Derby, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the very physical NHL playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the biggest story of the NFL draft: Shedeur Sanders' fall to the fifth round. They also talk about the Commanders' new stadium deal and the NCAA's new partnership with Genius Sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Sportico's high-paid athletes of all time, a top 50 that covers eight sports and 16 countries. They also debate the Savannah Bananas and the upcoming NFL Draft in Green Bay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak about Gail Miller's return to big-time sports ownership in Utah with her purchase of the Utah Royals and Real Salt Lake. They also talk about a new sports PE fund, and Trump vs. Harvard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eben chats with Sportico's Daniel Libit about the rapid changes underway in college sports, including a series of high-profile lawsuits and looming revenue sharing. They also talk about what it all means for fans, the status of athlete activism, and why 2030-2032 may actually be the critical window of reform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about Rory McIlroy's win at The Masters, and the many business stories that spun off it. They also talk about Nico Iamaleava, Paige Bueckers and Western Michigan hockey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss a crazy few days in the global economy, with markets crashing and dire words from Republican donors like Ken Griffin, followed by a Trump announcement that sent stock surging. They also talk about the world's highest-paid golfers on the eve of the Masters, and two senators asking the DOJ to probe a new partnership between Fanatics and Ticketmaster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about Alex Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL scoring. They also talk about the sports implications of President Trump's global trade war, the NCAA basketball tournaments, and The Masters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about the ‘torpedo bats' that have taken the internet—and MLB—by storm. They also chat about a major update in the Minnesota Timberwolves sale, a potential sale in MLS/NWSL, and the latest in the Ovi goal chase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Richard Gillis, host of the Unofficial Partner podcast, about the NBA considering its own league in Europe. They break down the what, the why and the how, and discuss some potential hurdles to the project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Sportico valuations expert Kurt Badenhausen about his latest MLB numbers, the business of baseball, and what might be in store with the sport's looming labor battle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, which were light on upsets or drama. They also talk about a surprising Celtics sale, and the death of a sports business icon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with banker Sal Galatioto about his thirty years of sports dealmaking, including surging valuations, notable transactions, and why he thinks MLB teams are undervalued. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben break down the business of March Madness, including controversy involving UNC, the NCAA's legal struggles, and the lack of star power on the men's side. They also talk MLB in Japan and the Bengals' spending spree. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben are joined by Eric Jackson for a live taping at SXSW in Austin. They talk about Eminem the WNBA owner, the groups vying for the Celtics, and other musings from their time in Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Fanatics' long-expected move into ticketing, via a partnership with Ticketmaster. They also talk about Alex Ovechkin's memorabilia haul, the Yankees' record 2023 ticket revenue, and WNBA labor omens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about how the NHL is navigating fraught economic and political tensions between the U.S. and Canada. They also discuss a notable legal settlement in college sports, a World Cup halftime change, and Adidas finally ridding itself of Yeezy product. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the media rights settlement between the Orioles and Nationals, and what it means for a potential Nats sale. They also talk about the UFC and the FBI, Alex Ovechkin's goal chase, and Serena Williams' latest investment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the latest NFLPA report card, in which anonymous players rated various aspects of their teams. They also discuss the Top 100 most valuable sports franchises, and the ownership future of the Cleveland Guardians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eben and Jacob discuss some recent changes underway with the New York Yankees. They also talk about ESPN's divorce from MLB, robot umps, MLS's deal with Apple, and a new MLS owner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off, which ends Thursday with a title showdown between the U.S. and Canada. They talk about the economics of the event, its future, and a rare national win for the sport. They also talk about a first for Nike, baseball's stadium woes, and women's sports sponsors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the very different All-Star breaks in the NBA and NHL. The former had a fairly standard weekend in San Francisco; the latter launched a new four-team international showcase. They also talk about the 100 highest paid athletes in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo's YouTube account, and a stake in the New York Giants that is on the market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with DeMaurice Smith, the former executive director of the NFLPA, about his time running the union, risk management, negotiating a CBA during COVID, and Donald Trump vs. the NFL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Susie Piotrkowski, VP of women's sports programming at ESPN, about the Eagles' dominant Super Bowl performance, ESPN's big weekend of women's sports content, and how Disney utilizes a portfolio that includes the WNBA, NWSL, League One Volleyball, and more than a dozen college championships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott, Jacob, and longtime NFL advisor Marc Ganis discuss what's next for the league, ahead of the 2025 Super Bowl. An NFL team is now worth more than $10 billion. The league is playing games in Australia and on Netflix. It is hosting the President of the United States—and Taylor Swift—on Sunday. Can anything slow the sport's momentum? And how has it gotten so big, by luck or by strategy?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott, Jacob, and Kurt Badenhausen discuss Sportico's recently published MLS valuations. How have a handful of clubs separated themselves from the pack, why are small-market and new clubs excelling, and where do things stand with MLS's Apple deal? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Jacob discuss expectations for the Super Bowl—can the Chiefs set another record? Will Caitlin Clark show up?—as well as some tidbits on the way playoff advertising and ticket revenue is collected by the NFL that surprised the hosts themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the Super Bowl matchup, a rematch between the Chiefs and Eagles. They also talk about another possible NWSL sale, a curious new F1 rule, and the economics of Fanatics.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Ohio State's college football national title. They also talk about changes afoot in minor league hockey, Netflix economics, and a very lucky 11-year-old boy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the NFL playoffs, including Bills fans' love of Zubaz, a tradition dying in their new stadium, and an owner's conflict. They also discuss a wild week in college sports and how the incoming Trump administration might play a role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the bonanza that would follow if Deion Sanders took the Cowboys job. They also talk about UConn women's basketball and the Chicago White Sox ownership latest.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss a self-help book that jumped to the top of Amazon's sales charts after it appeared on an NFL sideline. They also talk about a shocking arena deal in Philadelphia, a quiet investment in the White Sox, and a dream College Football Playoff matchup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about the debut telecast of TGL, the new team simulator golf league backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. They also talk about NFL betting favorites, Jerry Jones the actor, and NDSU's FCS football dominance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the combination of Fubo and Hulu+ Live TV services. They also talk about NWSL expansion, a controversial new DraftKings product, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with sports media consultant and entrepreneur Chris Bevilacqua about the recent sale of his company to DraftKings, changes in sports media consumption, and his thoughts on how to fix college sports.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices