Sporticast

Scott and Eben are joined by Kurt Badenhausen to discuss his latest NHL valuations list. They talk about the surge for Sun Belt teams, a roster construction conundrum and the strange economics of expansion vs. relocation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben break down the start of the NHL season on Tuesday. They also talk about the NFL in Brazil, a senate vote on college sports, and the LeBron effect on the 76ers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss their favorite pudgy ursine mammals, plus the highest paid NFL players, PWHL trademarks and Manchester United's lofty revenue goals.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Xavier Gutierrez, the chairman of ImpactX Sports Group and former CEO of the Arizona Coyotes, about opportunities for Latino executives, making sports more inclusive, and the viability of pro hockey in the greater Phoenix area.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Reid, John Harbaugh and Sean Payton are the highest paid coaches in the NFL. Scott and Eben discuss Sportico's latest list, plus stupidity surrounding Arch Manning and Sydney Sweeney.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the start of the NFL season, with the world's richest sports league on the brink of hitting its $25 billion revenue target. They also talk about the U.S. Open and the latest in the NBA's punishment of Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben debate how problematic it is for U.S. Open matches to end at 3:33 AM ET. They also talk LIV Golf's long-expected bankruptcy, the start of the NFL season, and LSU vs. SEC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Antoine Bethea, a former Pro Bowl safety, about his time in the NFL, his post-playing business approach, and how athletes can better manage their money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben talk about Stan Kroenke's $4 billion deal to buy the Los Angeles Angels, which will grow what was already the largest ownership empire in global sports. They also talk about some business storylines from the U.S. Open. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Marc Ganis, founder of Sportscorp and advisor to the NFL, about the economics of the world's richest league and how sports investing is changing forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So much for a quiet summer. Kurt and Jacob fill in for Scott and Eben, breaking down the latest news in the Mark Walter saga, the approval of the Seattle Seahawks' sale to a group led by Vinod Khosla, and a new funding round for Unrivaled at a $650 million valuation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss a social media masterclass from Erling Haaland. They also discuss the Timberwolves sale, Woody Johnson's F1 investment, and NFL players going back to college. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with notable Wall Street (and sports) investor Roger Ehrenberg about the $12.5 billion Lakers deal, the changing face of sports ownership, and the thorniest questions that major leagues like the NBA and NFL are yet to solve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss more fallout from the stunning Lakers sale, including new reporting about Mark Walter's business empire and Joshua Kushner's AI-heavy portfolio. They also talk about Jeff Bezos buying into Liverpool, and a bizarre college sports legal battle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben are joined by Kurt Badenhausen to discuss an NBA bombshell, with the Los Angeles Lakers selling to Josh Kushner for $12.5 billion. They also talk about Kurt's latest NFL valuations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Ben Kennedy, the COO of NASCAR, about how the racing giant balances its traditional roots and its constant quest for innovation. They talk about new race locations, up-and-coming drivers, private equity and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben break down new MLS commissioner Larry Berg, a 'hybrid candidate' who was introduced to fans this week. They also talk about the Dodgers' embarrassment of riches, and LIV Golf funding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the rapid and stunning collapse of FIFA president Gianni Infantino's investment plan, which drew criticism for its merits, its lack of transparency and its potential ulterior motives. They also talk about Mauricio Pochettino's new contract as USMNT coach, and a crazy Friday night in college sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben break down the early reporting on FIFA's plan to sell a $4.2 billion stake in its commercial ventures. They also talk about college sports patch deals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. They also talk about the latest financials from the Green Bay Packers, new investors in the Athletics, the sale of The Team, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben break down this week's layoffs at ESPN. They also talk about the Walton and Mittal sports ownership empires, the World Cup finals ratings, and NFL economics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the two finalists to be the next MLS commissioner. They also talk about the end of the World Cup and Fanatics Fest in New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak with Telemundo soccer broadcaster Andrés Cantor about the World Cup, the U.S. team's exit, his love for Argentina, the prospect of a 64-team tournament, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the Khosla family—led by tech billionaire Vinod Khosla and his wife, Neeru Khosla—agreeing to buy the Seattle Seahawks for an NFL record $9.61 billion. They talk about the Khosla family's background, the deal price and the yet-to-be-announced financing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben speak about the U.S. team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup following a blowout loss to Belgium. They also talk about looming layoffs coming to LIV Golf as the circuit seeks new funding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the red card controversy involving U.S. striker Folarin Balogun in the lead-up to the team's game against Belgium. They also discuss Nike vs. Adidas, an MLSE stake sale and Versant making a sizable golf investment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kurt and Scott discuss the highest-paid tennis players, including Serena Williams at $40 million over the past 12 months. They also talk NBA Europe bids, Nike earnings and NBA accounting for the 2025-26 season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Eben discuss the latest with NBA Europe, including the finances of the basketball league hoping to launch in October 2027. They also talk about the World Cup, Scott's visit to the Vatican, and Serena Williams' return to Wimbledon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eben and Jacob discuss the NHL's chosen location (Texas) and owner (Dan Friedkin) for its 33rd team. They also talk about Brendan Sorsby, the World Cup, the NBA Draft, and PGA Tour changes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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