Sporticast

Scott and Eben complete their final Olympics recap by talking about Team USA's two hockey gold medals. They talk about the live coverage, the aftermath, and the business of USA Hockey, a governing body whose economics differ from many of its peers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Lasker, the head of ESPN's direct-to-consumer initiatives, joined Eben and Jacob to discuss the first six months since the launch of ESPN Unlimited, which allows fans to subscribe to all the network's programming directly. In the ensuing months, ESPN has closed a takeover of NFL Media assets, integrated MLB's direct-to-consumer offering, MLB.TV and signed an exclusive WWE deal, while also courting a series of questions about what the current strategy means for fans' ability to continue accessing their favorite sports content. Will streaming sports get simpler, or is the complexity here to stay? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben break down the biggest business stories from the 2026 Winter Games in Italy. They also talk about Tony Clark's inauspicious departure from the MLBPA, a table tennis business strategy and Casey Wasserman's decision to sell his representation agency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico's valuations expert, about his latest MLS numbers. They break down a critical moment for the league with the World Cup, schedule flip and new leadership all on the horizon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with NASCAR president Steve O'Donnell about the league's tumultuous last few years, its return to normalcy, and what might be on the longer-term horizon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben break down the business stories coming out of the Super Bowl, including the looming sale of the champion Seattle Seahawks, the renegotiation of the NFL's media deals, and Bad Bunny's halftime show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben chat live from Radio Row at the Super Bowl in San Francisco. The episode includes clips of interviews with former Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander and USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with San Francisco 49ers CEO Al Guido about hosting this year's Super Bowl, the growth of the NFL's business, and how the Super Bowl compares to the upcoming World Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Bill Belichick's Hall of Fame snub. They also talk about tennis player privacy, Whoop vs. the Australian Open, and the future of the Washington Post's sports coverage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben recap their two days in Davos, Switzerland alongside the World Economic Forum. The episode features snippets of interviews with Dodgers owner Todd Boehly, Timberwolves owner Alex Rodriguez, Genius Sports CEO Mark Locke and Africa 10 (A10) founder Kojo Annan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transfer madness continues, as Duke University has sued to effectively prevent QB Darian Mensah from switching schools. Meanwhile, the college basketball world is up in arms over Charles Bediako's return to Alabama three years after he signed a contract with the San Antonio Spurs. Sportico legal analyst Mike McCann returns to break it all down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben are joined by colleague Sara Germano to discuss the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. They talk through the biggest storylines of the Games, including a better time change with North America, the return of NHL players, Lindsey Vonn's comeback, figure skating dominance, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben are joined by Sportico valuations guru Kurt Badenhausen to discuss his latest list of the world's highest-paid athletes. It's led by Cristiano Ronaldo, followed by Canelo Alvarez, Lionel Messi and Juan Soto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about the money in Miami's showdown with Indiana in the CFP title game next week. They also talk about the NFL playoffs and the latest in MLB arbitration, with the sport's best pitcher on the verge of setting multiple records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the Japanese company that helped the Houston Astros sign Tatsuya Imai. They also talk about the Las Vegas Athletics, the Winter Olympics, and KKR's push to buy Arctos Partners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the most-watched TV broadcasts of 2025, a list predictably dominated by football. They also talk about the NFL playoffs and Indiana coach Curt Cignetti. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss some bold predictions for sports business in 2026, with topics that include the World Cup in North America, the NFL's media renegotiations, the MLB and WNBA labor battles, the chaos in college sports, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben, both under the weather themselves, talk about the sports business implications of a bad flu season. They also talk about the theater of the absurd in college sports, with seventh-year QBs, NBA draft picks-turned-freshmen, and Pop-Tarts galore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the Kansas City Chiefs' move across state lines. The NFL team will receive more than $1.8 billion in public funds, a record, to build a $3 billion venue in Kansas. They also talk about the rise of prediction markets and what to expect in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eben and Jacob speak with Zach Miller, president of Bucketsquad, the media and e-commerce company behind popular basketball YouTuber Jesser. They talk about Jesser's popularity, how it's monetized, and the ancillary businesses that Miller is planning to build on top of it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss new investors in Monumental, the parent of the Washington Wizards and Capitals. The backers are QIA and Arctos, buying shares previously held by Laurene Powell Jobs. They also talk about a notable line in Marshall Faulk's new college football coaching contract, and an NWSL player (not Trinity Rodman) crossing the $1 million barrier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about the Big 12's private equity plan, which is basically a credit facility for members. They also talk about the odd saga of Michael Jordan's former mansion, Diego Pavia's reverse star turn, and Nebraska women's volleyball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss a mystery involving Lane Kiffin's house, which may impact his compensation as LSU's head football coach. They also talk about the University of Utah's private equity pitch, and delays at a critical Winter Olympics venue in Milan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak about the uproar following the College Football Playoff selections. They also talk about the highest-paid female athletes, and the Donald Trump-dominated World Cup draw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eben and Jacob discuss the MLS Cup title showdown between Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Thomas Müller's Vancouver Whitecaps. They also talk about WNBA labor, ESPN's sports betting future, and college football playoff implications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eben and Jacob discuss Lane Kiffin's mid-season departure from Ole Miss, which rocked the college football world on Sunday. They break down what it means for Ole Miss and LSU, why players are the real losers, and why coaches' contracts aren't getting any smaller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Thanksgiving and Black Friday, two days jam packed with sports of all sorts. They talk about Amazon's growing sports ambitions, the NFL vs. college football, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

`Scott and Eben talk about changes underway at Spanish soccer giant Real Madrid, which is trying to keep the fan-controlled structure it has had since 1902, while simultaneously raising hundreds of millions of dollars. They also talk about a Sportico story exploring UMass football's FBS tenure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the NFL players union's annual report card, which has drawn the ire of the league and its owners. They also talk about latest in the WNBA negotiations, Steve Cohen's Sphere selloff, and James Franklin's new college football gig. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Steph Curry's surprise split from Under Armour. They also talk about two big changes at MLS, an existential crisis for NWSL, and the latest in the Big Ten's proposed $2+ billion loan from a California pension fund. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott speaks with Gavin Kaysen and Bri Rosas of KZ Provisioning about the company's original story with the Minnesota Wild, untapped potential in athlete nutrition, and the level of personalization needed to maximize performance from the sports world's biggest stars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben celebrate their 500th Sporticast episode. They discuss president Donald Trump's visit to the Commanders, a viral market stunt gone wrong, and more sports betting scandals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben tell stories from the latest Invest in Sports event in New York. They also talk about Fairleigh Dickinson University's decision to add men's fencing to make more money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the end of the World Series, on of the most dramatic in recent memory, and the shift toward baseball's looming labor battle. They also talk about ESPN vs. YouTubeTV, the latest major carriage fight in sports media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about the other side of the World Series—the Toronto Blue Jays—who are part of a much larger Canadian tech/internet/sports conglomerate. They also talk about athlete nutrition, sideline seating, and Jim Dolan's many salaries. 2:25 – Let's talk about the Blue Jays 6:12 – Eben's Ohtani x Blue Jays story 10:10 – Eben's nostalgia theory 21:00 – Players and their eating habits 23:16 – Scott on player chairs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben debate all sides of the latest NBA betting scandal, unveiled by the FBI late last week. They also talk about the World Series and the college football coaching carousel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Stan Kasten, the president and CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers. They talk about Shohei Ohtani's superlative performance, the team's run toward another World Series title, and how the business of the Dodgers has grown in recent years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben break down the start of the NBA season, including some major changes on the media side, and a new all-time highest earner. They also talk about Shohei Ohtani's superlative performance, and a new plan to save college soccer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico's valuations guru, about his latest NBA rankings. They discuss the business of the Warriors, Clippers and Knicks; the NBA's international opportunity; a shift towards an NFL-style model; the economics of new arenas; and more. 1:00 – Kurt's opening takes 6:00 – International opportunity 6:57 – The China question 17:57 – Scott prediction 19:46 – Clippers 24:40 – Thunder 28:57 – Start of the rapid fires… 32:37 – Who is more superlative? 33:24 – The “classic question” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the rush of college football buyouts, including Penn State paying James Franklin about $50 million to leave Happy Valley. They also talk NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman's new contract, and the MLB playoff latest. 0:37 – James Franklin 4:50 – Other schools 5:40 – College sports is skittish 11:50 – Scott q on pension funds (Carol this might be a good segment for a clip) 16:10 – Jess Berman new deal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The WNBA Finals have garnered record ratings, even with a lot of attention focused on the ongoing negotiations and conversation between commissioner Cathy Engelbert and top players, including Napheesa Collier. Just Women's Sports founder Haley Rosen joined Scott and Jacob to discuss both storylines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Connor McDavid's two-year, $25 million extension to stay in Edmonton. They also talk about Gavin McKenna, college sports private equity, the MLB playoffs, and the latest drama in the WNBA labor fight. 0:57 – Connor deal details 6:17 – Salary cap jumps 18:35 – Learfield-style deals 19:20 – Scott's endowment q 27:51 – WNBA labor drama Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben are joined by Sportico valuations expert Kurt Badenhausen to talk about the NHL's rise, labor peace, new media deals, international opportunities and the marketability of the NHL's biggest stars. 1:10 – NHL vs. MLB and text message 5:06 – Let's talk Florida Panthers 9:15 – Local media disruption 12:35 – International opportunities 16:30 – Hockey culture shies away from marketing 19:30 – Who is the third most recognizable NHL player??? 27:49 –Quick talk about Arizona. Then, will the NHL return there?? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the collapse of the New York Mets' 2025 season, which ended with a $342 million roster failing to make the playoffs. They also talk about owner guarantees, the Ryder Cup and new investors in Angel City FC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith joins the Sporticast podcast to discuss his views on the world's richest sports league. He talks about the NFL's antitrust exemption, a potential long-term threat from college football, and a theory on why women's unions seem to be making more progress than their male counterparts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak about the Los Angeles Dodgers hitting a big commercial milestone. They also talk about the economics of The Sphere in Las Vegas, and changes in college hockey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about the highest paid NFL players, a new Masters media partner, and growing pains in women's sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the title fight between Canelo Alvarez and Bud Crawford, which started late and paid its fighters handsomely. They also talk about Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, Nascar driver Bubba Wallace and some throwback Buds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eben and Jacob discuss the expansive grey area in the relationship between sports teams, players and sponsors. They also talk about the growing cost of sports streaming, and the NFL's YouTube numbers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben break down the biggest NBA story of the past week—allegations that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer may have tried to circumvent the league's cap via a fraudulent tree-planting start-up. They also talk about Unrivaled's $340M funding round, and a big NWSL loss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Marc Ganis, prominent sports consultant and NFL advisor, about the league's business heading into the 2025 season—they touch on media, valuations, private equity, college sports, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices