Sporticast

Jacob Feldman and Justin Birnbaum discuss the latest sports video game news, including Netflix's partnership with FIFA and the first new Backyard Sports title in years. Is there a lane for simple, nostalgic games in a world of high-quality simulations? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eben and Justin Birnbaum discuss latest from the World Cup. Fans have been the most enduring story of the games so far. They also talk about tickets, visas, transportation, and early success from the sport's biggest names. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss a historic sports weekend in New York City, where a Knicks championship took over the streets. They also talk about the Carolina Hurricanes winning the Stanley Cup, and the U.S. World Cup team's hot start against Paraguay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about big news with a group that's looking to expand its Seattle sports portfolio. They also talk about the latest with the World Cup, NBA Finals, and a potential watershed moment in college sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about two major sporting events underway in the U.S.—the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup and the NBA Finals. They talk about various business storylines, including World Cup host agreements, soaring ticket prices, and the American-ization of soccer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Steph Curry's new 10-year deal with Chinese sneaker brand Li-Ning. They also talk about the NBA Finals, the World Cup, and an Olympics trademark battle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Serena Wiliams' much anticipated (and curiously motivated) return to pro tennis. They also talk about the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final, which begin this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the New York Knicks' return to the NBA Finals. They also talk about what a Princeton lacrosse national title says about NCAA economics and a new volleyball team in LA with a notable owner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the increased blending—and increased tension—between the major fashion labels and tennis' biggest tournaments. They also discuss Fernando Tatis Jr.'s lawsuit against a company that is owed 10% of his MLB earnings forever, the NFL's ongoing media negotiations, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arsenal clinched its first Premier League championship in 22 years on Tuesday, thanks to investment from Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. Kurt and Jacob dive into the Kroenkes' success on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as the drama that remains at the bottom of the table and the top of the EFL Championship heading into the final week of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss MSG's plans to separate the Knicks and Rangers into two separate publicly traded companies. They discuss what that means for both the NBA and NHL teams. They also talk about a major rail work stoppage, and the potential relocation of one of NWSL's most valuable clubs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben break down the economics of a deep New York Knicks playoff run. They also talk about the World Cup ticket pricing controversy, and the Red Sox's most successful theme night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kurt and Scott discuss broadcast networks' insatiable appetite for NFL games. They also talk Seattle Seahawks bidders, WNBA season kickoff, PGA Championship beer prices and recap Sportico's Invest West event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eben, Jacob and Lev discuss Duke's controversial new deal with Amazon. They also talk NBA playoff chaos, the draft lottery, and Bryson DeChambeau's uncertain future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss Sportico's latest WNBA valuations, led by the Golden State Valkyries at $850 million. They talk about the economics of the league, its unique cap table structure, and the rapid growth it has seen. They also talk about a new KKR investment into MLS's development league, the ongoing sale of the Vancouver Whitecaps, and LIV Golf's uncertain future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the motivation behind the move toward 76-team men's and women's March Madness tournaments. They also talk about eligibility changes in college sports, an update on NBA Europe, and an NWSL expansion wrinkle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss a record marathon performance, with Sabastian Sawe becoming the first person to break the two-hour mark in an official race. They talk Adidas vs. Nike, shoes vs. humans, and some other storylines. They also talk about new technology in fencing, and technology they wish the NHL would adopt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Kurt Badenhausen about his latest list of the world's most valuable soccer teams. They discuss the “broken system” that has zapped profits but continues to drive valuations. They talk about Tottenham's potential relegation, Chelsea's woes, the rightsizing of the two Spanish soccer giants, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the various unique reasons why the San Diego Padres are worth $3.9 billion. They also talk about the Boston Marathon, a controversial piece of Nike ad copy, the Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel latest, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss a potentially massive shakeup in pro golf, with Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund PIF considering pulling its financial backing of LIV Golf. They also talk about a high-profile baseball lawsuit, and a tech mishap from Amazon in overtime of an NBA play-in game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak about their trip to the Masters, where Rory McIlroy won his second straight green jacket. They talk about the event's reputation, its blend of tradition vs. modernity, and what other sports teams/events could learn from its success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben are joined by Lee Biggerstaff, a finance professor at Miami University in Ohio, to discuss his research about the correlation between a public-traded company's performance and the amount of golf played by its CEO. They talk about the data, how it was collected, and what it says about golf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss a major trade in the WNBA involving Angel Reese. They also talk about the PWHL's post-Olympics growth, an NFL media partner going after the NFL's antitrust exemption, and UCLA's women's basketball national title. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben are joined by Kurt Badenhausen to discuss his latest list of the highest paid athletes of all time. They touch on Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and the rest of the list. They talk about how athletes make money, how that's changing, and what to expect from this list in the future. They close by talking about the NBA's plans for Europe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the ongoing sales of NFL and NBA franchises in Seattle. They debate whether the NFL would approve billionaire Elon Musk for ownership in the league. They also talk about the sale of the Connecticut Sun, two Indian cricket teams, and the Final Four. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prediction markets are everywhere, from MLB's new deal with Polymarket to ire over trading opportunities tied to ongoing conflict in Iran. Hosts Scott Soshnick and Jacob Feldman are joined by Robinhood VP and GM of futures and prediction markets JB Mackenzie to discuss how the category has grown over the last year, why leagues are getting involved now and how Robinhood sees itself in relation to the likes of Kalshi and Polymarket—as well as DraftKings, Fanatics and FanDuel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about how modern economics have made the NCAA men's basketball tournament less fun, with fewer upsets and fewer Cinderella runs. They also talk about the WNBA labor accord, and the start of the MLB season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Rick Cole Jr., the athletic director at Hofstra, about his team's berth in the men's March Madness basketball tournament. Cole talks about the benefits for a school of Hofstra's size, the financial gap between the Pride and schools like its first round opponent Alabama, and how he views the rapid changes underway in college sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Brad D'Arco, the director and lead consultant of D'Arco & Associates, about elite high school sports recruiting. They talk about how it differs from college, what schools want, and how NIL has changed things. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo's 83-point outburst in the NBA. They also talk about an ownership shuffle with the New York Giants, PGA Tour changes, and Syracuse basketball's disappearance from the national conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about the very expensive unwinding of Tua Tagovailoa's contract with the Miami Dolphins. They also talk about Donald Trump's college sports reform efforts, a big antitrust settlement with Live Nation, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about a notable shift in how WNBA players are discussing their labor battle. They also talk about an Atlanta Hawks strip club promo, and some recent sports team M&A. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss a recent story about a Duke athletics risk assessment, which examined teams on campus most likely to unionize. They also talk more about Jack Hughes' post-Olympics run, and a new group formed by President Donald Trump to explore college sports reform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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