Wait, What? Sportsbiz Chat with DP & McGhee

DPandMcGhee
  • 5.0 (14)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Two sports marketing insiders, David Paro and Tim McGhee, bring you a fresh take on the sports business — often irreverent, sometimes cynical, and occasionally serious. From their years leading both agencies and client teams, they break down today’s biggest industry stories and share lessons learned along the way. Joined by top voices from the sports marketing world, DP & McGhee help you see the game behind the game. You’ll laugh, learn, and sometimes just say, “Wait, What?”

  1. 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱: 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢 𝘰𝘯 23𝘟𝘐 𝘙𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨’𝘴 𝘔

    2D AGO

    𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱: 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢 𝘰𝘯 23𝘟𝘐 𝘙𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨’𝘴 𝘔

    Episode 148 | David and Tim pack this episode with global perspective and motorsports insight, moving seamlessly from Olympic analysis to an inside look at one of NASCAR’s most closely watched teams. With sharp commentary and candid conversation, the hosts explore how leadership, performance, and business pressures are shaping the modern sports landscape. In this episode: 🏔️ A comprehensive breakdown of the Milano-Cortina Winter Games, including: • The continued politicization of the Olympics and its ripple effects across the movement. • Strong U.S. TV ratings and what they reveal about audience engagement. • The standout success of the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams. • Evaluating Kirsty Coventry’s leadership at the IOC. • Discussion of Casey Wasserman’s challenging tenure as chairman of the LA28 Games. 🏁 A featured return appearance by Steve "Jake" Lauletta, President of 23XI Racing (“Jake”), covering: • The team’s early season success and competitive trajectory. • Michael Jordan’s deep commitment to NASCAR and its cultural impact on the organization. • The industry landscape following the settlement involving 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR. • Broader insights into team strategy, economics, and the sport’s future. From Olympic power dynamics to NASCAR performance metrics, this episode examines how sports organizations navigate visibility, volatility, and victory. Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business. Wait, What?

    49 min
  2. 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿: 𝘋𝘰𝘶𝘨 𝘓𝘰𝘨𝘢𝘯 — 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘻𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘰

    FEB 19

    𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿: 𝘋𝘰𝘶𝘨 𝘓𝘰𝘨𝘢𝘯 — 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘻𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘰

    Episode 147 | This week on Wait, What? Sportsbiz Chat with DP and McGhee, David and Tim sprint through a packed slate of ratings stories, league dynamics, and leadership shakeups before sitting down with one of the most fascinating executives in modern sports. From the Super Bowl to the Olympics to Daytona, this episode is a deep dive into how performance, presentation, and leadership intersect across the sports landscape. In this episode: 📊 A ratings tour across the sports calendar — from the Super Bowl to NBA All-Star Weekend — and what the numbers actually signal. 🥇 Olympics viewership surges compared to four years ago, plus: • A Ukrainian slider forced to withdraw after refusing to change helmets. • The growing role of drone technology across the Games. 🏀 NBA All-Star Weekend — ratings and competitiveness both spike; Tim argues Saturday night needs a serious redesign. 🏁 The Daytona 500 — unpacking Michael Jordan capturing a major title outside basketball and what it means for his NASCAR presence. 🏈 Super Bowl reality check — DP & McGhee miss their projections, but the NFL celebrates 124.9M viewers. ⚾ Leadership turbulence at the MLBPA, and why internal stability matters at a critical moment for the game. 🎙️ A featured conversation with Doug Logan, reflecting on a career spanning six decades, including: • Bronze Star recipient and an improbable start as a New York City cab driver • The first commissioner of Major League Soccer • CEO of USA Track & Field • Leadership lessons from a lifetime at the highest levels of sport. A wide-ranging episode connecting ratings, reputation, and resilience, all through the lens of service and leadership. Wait, What? Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

    1h 5m
  3. 𝗚𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗼: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘞𝘪𝘵

    FEB 12

    𝗚𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗼: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘞𝘪𝘵

    Episode 146 | In this episode of Wait, What? Sportsbiz Chat with DP & McGhee, David and Tim break down the intersection of spectacle, culture, and leadership across the biggest stages in sports. From Super Bowl creative misses to Olympic geopolitics to Netflix’s transformational impact on Formula 1, this one lives squarely at the crossroads of storytelling and strategy. In this episode: 🏈 A candid review of this year's Super Bowl commercials — and why DP & McGhee felt most of them missed the mark. 🎤 Reaction to Bad Bunny’s performance and what it signals culturally and commercially. 📺 The rise of the “alternative halftime show” — and what audience fragmentation means for brands. 🏔️ Politics entering Milano-Cortina, as U.S. athletes find themselves in complicated spotlight moments. ⚖️ Michael Bay vs. Cadillac F1 — unpacking the lawsuit and the broader implications for filmmakers, brands, and creative control. 🎬 A wide-ranging conversation with Piers Sanderson, producer/director of Netflix’s Drive to Survive, covering:• His unconventional path through music, nightlife, and film• Why Drive to Survive became a global breakout and reshaped F1’s footprint• Practical advice for aspiring filmmakers navigating a competitive industry From Super Bowl spectacle to Netflix storytelling, this episode explores how narrative, leadership, and cultural timing shape modern sports business — on and off the screen. Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business. Wait, What?

    57 min
  4. 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢,

    FEB 5

    𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢,

    Episode 145 | DP & McGhee are back with an episode that spans sports culture, public policy, fandom, and forecasting, before welcoming one of the pioneers of the modern collectibles business, Brandon Steiner. From Olympic buzz and hockey’s cultural moment to football controversies and bold presidential ambitions, the hosts set the table for a conversation about longevity, authenticity, and staying connected to the fans who ultimately power the industry. 🎭 USA Luge Goes Mainstream — The team gets the Saturday Night Live treatment as it ramps up for the upcoming Winter Olympic Games. 🏒 Hockey Finds New Fans — Heated Rivalry breaks into the cultural conversation, drawing fresh audiences to the sport. 🏈 Hall of Fame Outrage — Even Tim, a lifelong Jets fan, calls the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s snubbing of Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft a travesty. 🚫 No Prediction Markets on the Big Stage — The NFL bans prediction-market advertising during the Super Bowl, despite the category’s rapid growth. 🏎️ Racing Through the Capital? — David reacts to the President’s attempt to will an IndyCar race through the streets of Washington, DC—proof that some decrees are easier than others. ✍️ Guest: Brandon Steiner — The legendary memorabilia entrepreneur reflects on more than 40 years in autographed collectibles, shares his keys to success, and explains why remaining a true fan of the athletes he’s worked with has been central to his career. 🔮 Super Bowl Predictions — DP & McGhee close the episode by continuing their annual tradition, forecasting both the final score and total viewership for the Super Bowl. A wide-ranging conversation that captures the business—and the heart—of sports. Wait, What? Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

    57 min
  5. 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄: 𝘚𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘰-𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘢 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘜

    JAN 29

    𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄: 𝘚𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘰-𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘢 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘜

    Episode 144 | DP & McGhee are back with another wide-ranging episode that blends big-picture sports business trends with personal perspective and Olympic-level insight. From blockbuster NFL storylines to landmark sponsorship moves, the hosts break down the latest headlines before welcoming an elite athlete-turned-executive who offers a rare look inside the Olympic movement and its commercial realities. 🏈 Darnold’s Redemption Tour — David puts Tim on the spot about Sam Darnold, once a pick of his beloved Jets, now leading the Seahawks on a stunning run to the Super Bowl.📺 NFL Playoff Ratings Surge — The co-hosts unpack the eye-popping television numbers from this year’s NFL postseason and what they signal about the league’s continued dominance.⚽ Trinity Rodman Makes History — A look at Rodman’s record-setting NWSL contract and the players association’s response to the landmark deal.🏟️ CFP Holds at 12 Teams — Status quo reigns, at least for another season, as college football’s playoff format remains unchanged.🤝 Sponsorship Spotlight — Lowe’s grabs the sleeve patch with Inter Miami, the NCAA opens the door for schools to sell their own jersey patches, and MLS partners with prediction market Polymarket.🛷 Guest: Gordy Sheer — Olympic medalist and Director of Marketing at USA Luge, Gordy Sheer joins the show to reflect on his Olympic experience, preview what Team USA might expect in Milano-Cortina, and explain why long-term sponsors are vital to national governing bodies—including one partner that’s supported luge for more than 25 years. Another episode that connects the dots between performance, policy, and partnerships across the sports business landscape. Wait, What? Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

    1h 1m

  6. TRAILER

    𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁, 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁? 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀𝗯𝗶𝘇 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗣 & 𝗠𝗰𝗚𝗵𝗲𝗲

    𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩...𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩? 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨𝙗𝙞𝙯 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝘿𝙋 & 𝙈𝙘𝙂𝙝𝙚𝙚 is the podcast that takes an often irreverent, sometimes cynical, and on occasion a serious look at the business of sports. Sports marketing veterans David Paro and Tim McGhee bring their special brand of sports business commentary to this weekly show, and welcome some of the top luminaries in the industry for vibrant conversations. Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the intersection of Sports & Business. 𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩...𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩?

    1 min
  7. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: 𝘔𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘪𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱, 𝘭𝘦𝘨

    JAN 22

    𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: 𝘔𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘪𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱, 𝘭𝘦𝘨

    Episode 143 | DP & McGhee return with their third episode of the year and dive headfirst into the rapidly evolving—and increasingly complicated—world of college sports. From championship glory to courtroom drama, the hosts break down the biggest stories shaping the collegiate landscape before welcoming a true industry luminary for a wide-ranging conversation on sports marketing, leadership, and legacy. 🏆 College Football Championship Recap — Indiana completes a perfect 16–0 season with a title-game victory over Miami, powered by another standout performance from Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.⚖️ NIL Meets the Courtroom — Duke University files suit alleging quarterback Darian Mensah breached his contract, raising new questions about enforcement and accountability in the NIL era.🎲 NCAA Basketball Betting Scandal — The latest gambling controversy puts integrity, oversight, and athlete vulnerability back in the spotlight.🕵️ Federal Scrutiny on Agents — The FTC steps in to examine agent conduct with student-athletes, signaling potential regulatory shifts ahead. ⚾🏀 CBA Watch: MLB & WNBA Negotiations — The hosts dig into the shifting labor landscape across MLB (in light of Kyle Tucker's signing with Dodgers), and WNBA. 🎙️ Guest Spotlight: Mike Reisman — The hosts are joined by sports marketing luminary Mike Reisman, founder and former managing partner of Velocity Sports & Entertainment (later part of MKTG). Mike reflects on building culture, navigating change in the industry, and the meaningful work he continues to do to honor his wife’s legacy. As always, DP & McGhee blend sharp analysis with real-world experience to make sense of a sports business landscape that never stops changing. Wait, What? Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

    1h 14m
  8. 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀: 𝘕𝘈𝘚𝘊𝘈𝘙'𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘵, 𝘒𝘰𝘦𝘱𝘬

    JAN 15

    𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀: 𝘕𝘈𝘚𝘊𝘈𝘙'𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘵, 𝘒𝘰𝘦𝘱𝘬

    Episode 142 | In Episode 2 of Season 5, David and Tim roll with the changes as several major 2026 storylines continue to take shape across the sports business landscape. 🏁 NASCAR made a headline-grabbing move by announcing a return to the Chase format to determine its champion. David also points out why NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell being front and center for the announcement matters more than it might seem. ⛳ Big golf news as Brooks Koepka confirmed his intention to return to the PGA TOUR. But for Koepka — and others considering a move back from LIV Golf — the financial and contractual costs won’t be insignificant. 🏀 The guys agree that the WNBA’s decision to delay the free agency period is another encouraging sign in what continues to be a productive and thoughtful labor negotiation process. And finally… Let’s Go Bears. Wait, What? Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

    36 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Two sports marketing insiders, David Paro and Tim McGhee, bring you a fresh take on the sports business — often irreverent, sometimes cynical, and occasionally serious. From their years leading both agencies and client teams, they break down today’s biggest industry stories and share lessons learned along the way. Joined by top voices from the sports marketing world, DP & McGhee help you see the game behind the game. You’ll laugh, learn, and sometimes just say, “Wait, What?”

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