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Bloomberg Business of Sports

Bloomberg News

Michael Barr, Vanessa Perdomo and Damian Sassower follow the money in the world of sports, taking listeners inside decisions that power the multibillion dollar industry. From media and technology to finance and real estate, leagues and teams across the globe have matured into far more than just back-page entertainment. The show explains the money behind the games.

Location:

United States

Description:

Michael Barr, Vanessa Perdomo and Damian Sassower follow the money in the world of sports, taking listeners inside decisions that power the multibillion dollar industry. From media and technology to finance and real estate, leagues and teams across the globe have matured into far more than just back-page entertainment. The show explains the money behind the games.

Language:

English

Contact:

212-318-2000


Episodes
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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Hockey's Growth, An Early Look at the Olympics

10/3/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. On this episode, hear from: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:38:35

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All Things NBA with Kyle Kuzma, Buddy Hield and Adam Silver

9/26/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. On this episode, hear from: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:38:53

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PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague Talks Golf & Ryder Cup

9/19/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. On this episode, hear from: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:39:43

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American Kings: The Outsider's Guide to the Elite World of NFL QBs

9/12/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. On this episode, hear from: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:38:44

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Special Edition: Bloomberg Power Players New York

9/5/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. On this special edition of the show, we present a few of our favorite conversations from Bloomberg Power Players New York from earlier this week. It's an annual event hosted at Bloomberg World Headquarters in New York, that brings together influential voices from the business behind sports to help you identify what's coming next. On this episode, hear from: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:39:03

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RotoWire Founder Peter Schoenke; Netflix To Air World Baseball Classic in Japan

8/29/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. This week we focus on how streamer continue to look to live sports programming to boost their platforms. Recently, Netflix picked up the rights to show the 2026 World Baseball Classic to viewers in Japan in a deal announced Monday by the streaming service and Major League Baseball. Plus, ESPN said a package bundling its new online service with the RedZone highlights program and NFL Network games will debut on Sept. 3 and cost $40 a month. Bloomberg News media and entertainment reporter Hannah Miller joins to discuss these new deals and how streaming platforms are leaning into sports. Then, we take a deep dive on streamers and sports with Bloomberg Intelligence senior media analyst Geetha Ranganathan. Plus, we speak with RotoWire's founder and president Peter Schoenke on the rise of fantasy sports and some of the latest emerging trends ahead of the new NFL season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:38:45

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Trump Doral to Host PGA Tour; Big Daddy Celebrity Golf Classic

8/22/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. President Donald Trump’s Miami area golf course will host the PGA Tour in 2026, the first time in about a decade that the league will hold an event at a Trump property. The Professional Golfers’ Association 2026 Miami Championship will descend on Trump National Doral from April 30 to May 3, according to a statement Tuesday. It’s a sign the league is again embracing Trump’s golf courses after a relationship that strained after he moved into politics, and adds to a pattern of businesses that once distanced themselves but are doubling back and thawing relationships in his second term. Bloomberg News wealth reporter Annie Massa joins to discuss her reporting on the the PGA's big return to one of Trump's signature golf courses. This week's show also features: - Bloomberg News global business of sports reporter Ira Boudway on his latest reporting on how leagues are handling player betting scandals - Rich "Big Daddy" Salgado on his Big Daddy Celebrity Golf Classic See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:38:27

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NFL Union Had Secret VC Fund in the Works; NCAA's New Landscape

8/15/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. Bloomberg US sports business reporter Randall Williams joins to discuss his latest reporting on the turmoil surrounding the NFL Players Association, including new word that former leaders were working on a secret venture capital fund project. Former NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell hoped that one day it would raise enough money to invest in a stake in an NFL franchise. Also on this week's show: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:38:25

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‘Ripping Wax’ on Trading Cards, Investing in Triathletes

8/8/2025
Join hosts Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. Bloomberg Originals Chief Correspondent Jason Kelly joins to discuss the latest episode of "The Deal," which will feature DeMaurice Smith, former executive director of the NFL players association. Then, Matt Winkelried, owner of Bleecker Trading, on this week's National Sports Collector Convention and boom in trading cards. Plus, Sam Renouf, the founding CEO of Professional Triathletes Organization (PTO) discusses the need for financial compensation and safety for triathletes. As well as the $40 investment it received from SURJ, the sports arm of the Saudi Public Investment Fund. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:39:03

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NFL Grapples With Fallout From NYC Shooting

8/1/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. The former football player who fatally shot four people and himself in Midtown Manhattan claimed to have a poorly understood brain disease, putting a renewed focus on the link between head injuries in sports and irreversible brain damage. Shane Tamura was targeting the National Football League’s headquarters when he entered 345 Park Avenue, a skyscraper that’s also home to offices of private equity giant Blackstone Inc. and consultant KPMG. One NFL employee was injured in the shooting. In 2015, the league reached a $765 million settlement with over 4,500 players who claimed in a lawsuit that the NFL had hidden the dangers of concussions. The league denied any wrongdoing. Years after the settlement, the NFL is still grappling with issues related to head injuries. Bloomberg US sports business reporter Randall Williams joins to discuss his reporting on the aftermath of the shooting and why getting answers on CTE has proven so difficult for the NFL. Also on this week's show: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:41:55

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NFLPA Embroiled in Controversy; NY-NJ Projects Big Boost From World Cup

7/25/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. New York and New Jersey officials are projecting a $3.3 billion economic boost to the region from hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026. The region will hold eight matches at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey, including the final on July 19, 2026, expecting to bring in over 1.2 million fans and tourists, according to an economic impact summary released Monday by the NYNJ Host Committee, the local body responsible for organizing the games. Bloomberg News reporter Sri Taylor joins to discuss her reporting on what the highly anticipated games could mean for local economies. Then, Australian yachtsman and CEO of Red Bull Italy's SailGP team discusses the rise of competitive sailing and an upcoming documentary. Plus, the NFL's players association recently found itself embroiled in controversy that led to the resignation of NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell as well as at least one other executive. Martin Edel, Goulston & Storrs Sports Law Practice co-chair and adjunct professor at Columbia University joins to discuss the latest headlines and potential fallout. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:38:21

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NBA to Expand, Sale of Tampa Bay Rays

7/18/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. Apple is expected to win the rights to stream Formula 1 races on Apple TV+ in the United States thanks to a $150 million bid, rights currently held by Disney’s ESPN, according to a report by Business Insider. Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Media Analyst Geetha Ranganathan breaks down what this means for Apple moving forward. Then, Bloomberg News Global Business of Sports reporter Randall Williams on NBA officially beginning the process to expand for the first time in more than two decades. Why Las Vegas and Seattle are favored Plus, MLB Network Insider Jon Morosi on the pending sale of the Tampa Bay Rays, the upcoming trade deadline and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:44:35

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NYC Casinos Could Become World's Biggest; Atlanta Embraces Soccer

7/11/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. Bidders for three New York City-area casino licenses are projecting revenue that would place them among the most lucrative resorts in the world, according to an analysis of their proposals. In Manhattan, the Freedom Plaza project is expected to generate $2.2 billion in annual revenue in its first year of operation, rising to $4.2 billion by year 10, while billionaire Steve Cohen’s project near Citi Field in Queens is forecast to produce $3.9 billion annually by year three, according to executive summaries the bidders filed with the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board. Bloomberg News New York City and State reporter Laura Nahmias joins to discuss the big money prospects for gaming in the NYC-area. Then, Bloomberg News global business of sports reporter Ira Boudway discusses the latest as college athletes begin to receive pay from their schools following the NCAA's settlement. Plus, Vanessa Perdomo sits down with Dan Corso, President of the Atlanta Sports Council and head of the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee, along with Tim Zulawski, President of AMB Sports and Entertainment, which owns Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Atlanta Falcons. They discuss Atlanta hosting the FIFA Club World Cup, how they're both looking forward to the city hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup and how they're hoping to build Atlanta into a major hub for soccer in the US. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:33:47

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Special Edition: The Business of Soccer Ep. 2: Andres Cantor & Atlanta Sports

7/5/2025
Join host Vanessa Perdomo as she speaks to some of the key players, leaders and newsmakers in the world of soccer ahead of the FIFA World Cup coming to the US in 2026. On this edition, Vanessa speaks with: - Legendary broadcaster Andres Cantor - Dan Corso, President of the Atlanta Sports Council and head of the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee and Tim Zulawski, President of AMB Sports and Entertainment See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:40:46

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WNBA Plans Expansion; Rich Paul's New Masterclass

7/4/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. Bloomberg News senior reporter Kim Bhasin joins to do a check in on the sneaker industry. He discusses his reporting on New Balance relaunching its basketball business with new NBA top draft selection Cooper Flagg as a big part of its efforts, plus how Nike's latest upbeat forecast suggests that CEO Elliott Hill's plans for the brand might be starting to work. Then, Bloomberg US sports business reporter Randall Williams joins to discuss the WNBA's plans to add three teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia with a record expansion fee. Plus, a special conversation with Klutch Sports founder and CEO Rich Paul about his latest project with Masterclass. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:38:38

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Oklahoma City Celebrates First NBA Title

6/27/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Game 7 win Sunday over the Indiana Pacers delivered the most-watched NBA finals game in six years, Walt Disney Co.’s ESPN said.The Thunder’s 103-91 victory averaged 16.4 million viewers, the network said in a statement Monday, citing Nielsen data. The entire series averaged 10.3 million viewers per game, the least since 2021. Bloomberg US sports business reporter Randall Williams joins to discuss this year's finals and some of the other big headlines in the NBA, including Cooper Flagg going first in the NBA Draft. Then, Michael Israel, Chief Information & Technology Officer of the Kraft Group joins to discuss some of the innovations he's helping to spearhead across the company and including at Gillette Stadium and how Kraft Group is using artificial intelligence. Then, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt joins to talk about the Thunder bringing an NBA championship to his town, what it took to bring an NBA franchise there to begin with and what the team's success means going forward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:37:51

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Ice Cube on BIG3's New Season; Buss Family Sells Lakers at $10 Billion Valuation

6/20/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. The Los Angeles Lakers, the storied National Basketball Association franchise that’s won 17 championships, second only to the Boston Celtics, will be sold at a record $10 billion valuation, according to people familiar with the discussions. The Buss family has agreed to sell its majority stake to Los Angeles Dodgers owner and Guggenheim Partners LLC Chief Executive Officer Mark Walter, the people said. The pricetag crushes the record for a professional sports team set in March by the Celtics, which were purchased for $6.1 billion by a group led by Bill Chisholm. Before the Celtics sale, the Washington Commanders of the National Football League were sold to a group led by Apollo Management co-founder Josh Harris for $6.05 billion. Bloomberg global business reporter Ira Boudway joins to discuss. Blake Walker of Arcis Golf joins to talk about his company acquiring three clubs in the Atlanta-area, adding to the footprint of the second-biggest owner and operator of US golf facilities. Then, Vanessa Perdomo sits down with Fabien Allegre, chief brand officer of Paris Saint-Germain football club about its participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, and how it's growing in the US. Plus, Ice Cube returns to talk about BIG3's growth as its new season gets underway. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:38:43

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Special Edition: The Business of Soccer

6/14/2025
On the first edition of the Business of Soccer, Vanessa Perdomo speaks with US Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson and DAZN CEO of Growth Markets, Pete Oliver. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:30:58

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NCAA Faces Legal Risks Despite NIL Settlement; DAZN's Global Soccer Push

6/13/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr, Scarlet Fu and Damian Sassower for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. A federal judge’s final approval of the NCAA’s $2.8 billion settlement with student-athletes won’t quell all the antitrust threats for the sports organization as it seeks to provide stability in college sports. Bloomberg's antitrust reporter Katie Arcieri joins to discuss. Then, Vanessa Perdomo sits down with DAZN's CEO of Growth Markets Pete Oliver to talk about the opportunity the streaming company sees in soccer and how it's carrying FIFA Club World Cup games this weekend around the globe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:38:18

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Masai Ujiri's Giants of Africa, US Soccer President JT Batson

6/6/2025
Join hosts Michael Barr, Damian Sassower and Vanessa Perdomo for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. Marty Edel, co-chair of the Goulston & Storrs sports law practice and adjunct professor of law at Columbia Law joins to break down some of the latest legal headlines in sports, including the battle for player compensation in college sports and the MLB recently ruling to allow Pete Rose into the Hall of Fame. Toronto Raptors president and vice-chairman Masai Ujiri joins to talk the latest headlines in the NBA, his team and how he's growing basketball in Africa and using the game to empower young people through his Giants of Africa. Plus, listen to a special conversation Vanessa Perdomo has with US Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson ahead of the Concocaf Gold Cup and in anticipation of the US hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:38:45