Sporticast - podcast cover

Sporticast

Sporticosportico.com
'Sporticast' is a new podcast hosted by business journalists Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams from Sportico that will deliver the inside scoop on the intersection of money and sports. From billion-dollar valuations to team sales, sponsorship contracts and media rights, go behind the scenes on the deals that power the global sports economy. For more coverage and information, be sure to check out sportico.com
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Episodes

Rockies Fans Keep Showing Up / A Wild Bat Story

Scott and Eben talk about the Colorado Rockies, who are historically bad on the field but continue to draw decent crowds to Coors Field. They also talk about Chandler Bats, the batmaker of the pros; the latest in the WNBA labor talks; and a new gambling tax taking effect in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 08, 202535 min

NBA Salaries Explode / Florida Panthers Reload

Scott and Eben discuss NBA salary economics, and a curious legal request from Michael Jordan. They also talk about the two-time NHL defending champion Florida Panthers, who managed to secure hometown discount for some of their most important players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 03, 202533 min

Three Winners of The WNBA Sweepstakes

Scott Soshnick and Jacob Feldman discuss the WNBA’s announcement of new franchises coming to Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia following a historically competitive bidding process. They also break down a new slice of the Cleveland Cavaliers going on sale, NHL labor peace, and MLS teams’ Club World Cup haul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 01, 202536 min

WNBA Valuations Breakdown

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

Jun 26, 202536 min

Breaking Down the Team Sale of the Century

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

Jun 24, 202533 min

Are Sports Fans Nearing a Breaking Point?

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

Jun 19, 202540 min

A Made-for-TV Club World Cup, & Shaq Pays Up

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

Jun 17, 202530 min

How & Why Certain Teams Excel on Social Media

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

Jun 12, 202538 min

College Sports Chaos: What’s Next After House Settlement?

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

Jun 10, 202534 min

lnside the $7M Takeover of a Viral Winter Olympics Sport

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

Jun 05, 202543 min

How Another Stanley Cup Run Makes Panthers Money

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

Jun 03, 202534 min

$6.1B Celtics Group Comes Together, Caitlin Clark Gets Hurt

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

May 29, 202532 min

Why Haven’t Sports Teams or Their Billionaire Owners Done This?

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

May 27, 202540 min

TGL Franchise Values, Plus NFL Boosts Olympic Flag Football

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

May 22, 202531 min

Can UCLA Reverse its $200+ Million in Athletics Losses?

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

May 20, 202543 min

Connecticut Sun, Portland Trail Blazers Both For Sale

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

May 15, 202533 min

Michael Jordan on NBC? What’s Going On Here?

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

May 13, 202538 min

Real Madrid Regains Spot As Soccer’s Most Valuable Club

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

May 08, 202541 min

Giants Investors Line Up / Warren Buffett Steps Down

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

May 06, 202539 min

LIV Golf Nearing Rankings Points / Kentucky Derby Preview

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

May 01, 202535 min

Shedeur Sanders’ Surprise Saturday Slide Stuns Sports Scribes

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

Apr 29, 202534 min

50 Highest Paid Athletes Ever / NFL Draft Preview

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

Apr 24, 202531 min

The ‘Matriarch of Utah’ Returns, Plus Trump vs. Harvard Athletics

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

Apr 22, 202530 min

What the Hell is Going on In College Sports?

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

Apr 17, 202537 min

PGA vs. LIV Undertones Abound as Rory Wins Masters

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

Apr 15, 202534 min

Tariff Whiplash, Plus the World’s Highest Paid Golfers

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

Apr 10, 202529 min

Ovechkin Breaks Goal Record / Tariffs Rock Sports

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

Apr 08, 202532 min

The Truth About Torpedo Bats / Timberwolves Sale Resolved

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

Apr 03, 202536 min

NBA Europe?!? w/ Unofficial Partner Host Richard Gillis

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

Apr 01, 202534 min

MLB Valuations Recap on Opening Day

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

Mar 27, 202538 min
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