CNBC Sport

5.0 (20)
Sports
Updated Weekly

CNBC Sport brings you the convergence of sports, business, and investing. Each week, we sit down with the biggest names in sports - from league commissioners and top athletes to team owners and influential executives - uncovering the strategies, deals, and inside stories shaping the industry's future.

2d ago

Shaq’s Dunkman League and Larry Berg’s Vision for MLS 3.0 8/6/2026

This episode explores two ambitious plans to reshape professional sports. First, Shaquille O’Neal joins CNBC’s Alex Sherman to discuss Dunkman, a competitive league created to showcase elite independent dunkers from around the world. Shaq explains why basketball’s most spectacular play deserves its own professional platform—and why today’s best dunkers are not necessarily NBA stars. Dunkman brings international competitors together in a structured league with professional judging and an initial $500,000 prize. Shaq says that figure could rise to $1 million as the competition grows. He also explains how online video and social media have helped independent athletes build audiences, develop increasingly difficult dunks and create opportunities outside traditional professional basketball. The league evaluates performances across seven categories: difficulty, execution, originality, power, vertical leap, completion and crowd reaction. Shaq also shares memories of watching Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins, explains why he never entered the NBA Slam Dunk Contest and offers a blunt assessment of why the event has declined. For Shaq, elite athletes have a responsibility to reward fans by competing and putting on a memorable show. In the second conversation, Alex speaks with Larry Berg following the announcement that Berg will become the next commissioner of Major League Soccer. Berg discusses his lifelong connection to soccer, his experience as a minority owner of LAFC and his desire to help grow the sport across the United States and Canada. Berg describes MLS as being at a “fork in the road” following the World Cup. He argues that the league already has world-class infrastructure but must now improve the quality of play, strengthen youth development, refine its roster and spending rules, and capitalize on increased interest in North American soccer. He introduces the idea of an “MLS 3.0” grand bargain in which owners consider multiple interconnected reforms rather than debating one issue at a time. Berg also explains why European-style promotion and relegation could discourage investment in American stadiums, training facilities and player rosters. Instead, he suggests that MLS can create competitive jeopardy through knockout matches, playoff changes and performance-based spending opportunities. Topics discussed: Why Shaq created a global professional dunking league Dunkman’s $500,000 prize and potential future payouts How professional dunkers are evaluated across seven categories Why top NBA players often avoid the Slam Dunk Contest Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins’ influence on Shaq Social media’s impact on athletes and sports entertainment Larry Berg’s path from Apollo and LAFC to MLS commissioner How MLS can convert World Cup interest into long-term growth Berg’s proposed MLS 3.0 strategy Why promotion and relegation may not fit the MLS business model Salary rules, transfers and roster-building flexibility MLS academies, pay-to-play concerns and youth development The importance of supporter culture and live match experiences Leagues Cup as a bridge between MLS, Liga MX and World Cup-style competition Approximate timestamps: 01:30 Why Shaq believes dunking deserves a professional league 03:00 Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins and Shaq’s early inspiration 04:30 Social media, YouTube and modern athlete visibility 06:00 Dunkman’s international competitors and prize money 07:45 The seven Dunkman judging categories 10:15 Shaq’s long-term vision for competitive dunking 11:45 Why the NBA Slam Dunk Contest has declined 13:35 Larry Berg’s path to becoming MLS commissioner 16:35 How MLS can benefit from World Cup momentum 19:20 Why promotion and relegation may not work in MLS 21:25 Berg’s MLS 3.0 plan and proposed grand bargain 24:15 Turning new soccer viewers into MLS supporters 26:55 Youth soccer, academies and pay-to-play concerns 30:10 MLS relationships with FIFA and national soccer organizations Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jul 30

Legendary broadcaster Andrés Cantor on the 2026 World Cup’s Impact on American Soccer 7/30/26

Legendary broadcaster Andrés Cantor joins Alex Sherman to assess the legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and its potential to accelerate soccer’s growth in the United States. Cantor also discusses the U.S. men’s national team, Lionel Messi, Argentina’s dramatic run, future World Cup media rights, and his plans to continue calling major matches. Episode Notes Telemundo lead FIFA World Cup play-by-play broadcaster Andrés Cantor joins Alex Sherman to reflect on the 2026 tournament and what it could mean for the future of soccer in the United States. Cantor explains why the expanded 48-team World Cup exceeded his expectations, highlighting the competitiveness of first-time participants and the relative lack of one-sided matches. He also compares the logistical challenges of traveling across the United States, Mexico, and Canada with the compact experience of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The conversation explores whether the tournament represents a true turning point for American soccer. Cantor considers how new and casual fans may begin following MLS, the Premier League, La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and international stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and Alexis Mac Allister. Cantor also shares his perspective on the U.S. men’s national team’s performance, including the emotional effect of FIFA’s decision to overturn a red card before the team’s match against Belgium. He discusses his enduring enthusiasm for broadcasting, the emotional connection he feels when calling Argentina and the United States, and why retirement is not currently part of his plans. The episode also examines the next cycle of FIFA World Cup media rights. Cantor addresses the possibility of calling future tournaments in either Spanish or English, whether at Telemundo, NBC Sports, or another broadcaster. Later, Cantor revisits Argentina’s dramatic victory over England, Lionel Messi’s possible final World Cup, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s open letter responding to criticism of the tournament. The interview concludes with Cantor delivering his signature goal call for Sherman. Topics discussed: The legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Soccer’s growth and popularity in the United States The impact of the expanded 48-team format MLS, Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League viewership The U.S. men’s national team and the Belgium match FIFA officiating decisions and tournament controversies Andrés Cantor’s broadcasting career and future plans FIFA World Cup media rights for 2030 and 2034 Argentina’s rivalry with England Lionel Messi’s international future Gianni Infantino’s response to World Cup criticism Timestamps: 01:34 The expanded 48-team World Cup format 02:29 Comparing the 2026 World Cup with previous tournaments 03:43 Why the World Cup could transform American soccer 05:21 Do Americans love soccer or only the World Cup? 07:03 Which soccer leagues could benefit most? 08:05 FIFA’s overturned red-card decision 09:34 Cantor’s passion for calling major matches 10:45 Retirement plans and English-language broadcasting 11:24 FIFA World Cup media rights for 2030 and 2034 12:48 Argentina’s dramatic match against England 14:31 Lionel Messi’s possible final World Cup 15:42 Gianni Infantino’s open letter 19:21 Andrés Cantor delivers his signature goal call Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jul 23

Jimmy Pitaro’s Game Plan for ESPN’s next era, 7/23/26

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro explains how the network plans to grow amid cord-cutting, rising sports-rights costs and the shift to direct-to-consumer streaming. He also discusses ESPN’s interest in future World Cup rights, local NBA broadcasts, its expanding NFL relationship and the role of ESPN within Disney’s broader streaming strategy. ESPN is navigating one of the most consequential transitions in sports media: maintaining the value of traditional pay television while building a direct-to-consumer streaming business that reaches fans wherever they choose to watch. In this episode of CNBC Sport, Alex Sherman speaks with ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro about the network’s strategy for growing audiences and operating income as cord-cutting continues, advertising remains under pressure and the cost of premium sports rights rises. Pitaro explains why ESPN is pursuing parallel distribution paths rather than abandoning the cable bundle. Traditional pay-TV subscribers can access ESPN’s direct-to-consumer features through the ESPN app, while viewers without cable can subscribe through ESPN’s standalone service or streaming bundles involving Disney+, Hulu, NFL+ Premium and Fox One. The conversation also explores ESPN’s ambition to remain the “front door” for sports fans by reducing friction and bringing more live sports content into a single app. Pitaro discusses the integration of CW Sports and NFL Network programming, as well as ESPN’s broader partnership with the NFL following its acquisition of NFL Network, NFL RedZone linear rights and the RedZone brand. Other topics include ESPN’s disciplined approach to sports-rights spending, its interest in bidding for the 2030 and 2034 FIFA World Cups, and its desire to help solve the local sports-media challenges created by the decline of regional sports networks. Pitaro outlines how ESPN could use its reach and technology to distribute local NBA and other in-market games, potentially through non-exclusive agreements. The episode also covers Major League Baseball’s labor outlook, changes improving the pace and presentation of baseball, the growth and current tensions surrounding the WNBA, and ESPN’s strategic importance within Disney under CEO Josh D’Amaro. Topics discussed: ESPN’s direct-to-consumer and pay-TV strategy Cord-cutting, advertising pressure and operating-income growth Pricing and bundling for ESPN, Disney+ and Hulu ESPN’s partnership with the NFL and integration of NFL Network The value and rising cost of premium sports rights Potential bids for the 2030 and 2034 FIFA World Cups Local NBA media rights and regional sports network alternatives MLB streaming rights and possible labor disruptions WNBA growth, media coverage and Caitlin Clark ESPN’s role in Disney’s broader streaming strategy Timestamps: 01:45 ESPN’s ratings growth and parallel distribution strategy 04:10 Measuring direct-to-consumer growth and total ESPN households 05:14 ESPN pricing and the Disney+, Hulu and ESPN bundle 06:09 Future media partnerships and streaming bundles 07:50 CW Sports and NFL Network integration 08:17 ESPN’s relationship with the NFL 09:43 Balancing NFL costs with the broader sports-rights portfolio 10:58 ESPN’s interest in future FIFA World Cup rights 12:37 Local NBA broadcasts and regional sports network alternatives 15:03 MLB rights, labor uncertainty and contingency planning 16:49 WNBA growth, tension and ESPN’s coverage responsibilities 18:21 ESPN’s role under Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro 19:46 ESPN’s financial performance and transparency Brands, leagues and services mentioned include ESPN, CNBC Sport, Disney+, Hulu, NFL Network, NFL RedZone, NFL+ Premium, Fox One, CW Sports, YouTube TV, DirecTV, Comcast, Charter, the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL and FIFA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jul 16

Bill Foley’s Pitch to Own Las Vegas’ Next NBA Franchise 7/16/26

Bill Foley joins Alex Sherman to explain why his ownership group is positioned to bring an NBA expansion team to Las Vegas, followed by an interview with Rick Horrow on the excitement and business impact of the World Cup. Bill Foley, owner of the Vegas Golden Knights, joins Alex Sherman for a detailed conversation about his bid to own a potential Las Vegas NBA expansion franchise. Foley lays out why he believes Las Vegas is ready for an NBA team, how the Golden Knights’ success has prepared his organization, and what kind of ownership culture he would bring to professional basketball. The episode also features an interview with Rick Horrow, who discusses the excitement around the World Cup and its impact on the global sports business landscape. Together, the conversations explore how major sports franchises, international soccer, media rights, fan engagement, and live events continue to shape the future of sports ownership and investment. Topics discussed: Why Bill Foley believes Las Vegas is ready for an NBA expansion team How the Golden Knights’ “Vegas Born” identity shaped Foley’s ownership approach The potential NBA expansion fee and long-term franchise valuation T-Mobile Arena as the likely initial home for a Las Vegas NBA team Building a world-class practice facility for NBA and NHL operations How Foley’s “team first” philosophy could translate from hockey to basketball Sports betting concerns and professional sports in Las Vegas Foley’s international soccer portfolio, including AFC Bournemouth and Auckland FC The excitement surrounding the World Cup Rick Horrow’s perspective on the business of global sports events Sponsorship, ticketing, media rights, and synergies across sports ownership groups Local broadcast strategy and opportunities to bundle sports media assets Possible naming themes for a Las Vegas NBA franchise Whether Las Vegas can support more professional sports teams Timestamps: 01:30 Bill Foley’s pitch for owning a Las Vegas NBA franchise 03:18 Why Foley has been preparing for NBA expansion for years 04:20 Lessons from owning the Vegas Golden Knights 05:11 How expansion fees factor into the NBA ownership decision 06:08 Why Foley believes his group can compete financially 07:03 Long-term NBA franchise value and sports scarcity 08:10 Sports betting concerns in Las Vegas 08:50 Foley’s international soccer investments and World Cup impact 10:09 Synergies across Foley’s sports ownership portfolio 11:17 What kind of owner Foley says he would be 12:03 NBA expansion timeline and presentation process 12:58 Local media strategy for a Las Vegas NBA team 13:43 Potential naming ideas for the franchise 14:35 Why Foley is not worried about Las Vegas sports oversaturation 15:41 Advice from current NBA owners 16:16 Closing thoughts on the possible Las Vegas NBA franchise Mentioned in this episode: Bill Foley Alex Sherman Rick Horrow Vegas Golden Knights Las Vegas NBA expansion NBA Board of Governors Adam Silver T-Mobile Arena AFC Bournemouth Auckland FC Silver Knights Nighthawks CNBC Scripps Sports World Cup Otter.ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jul 9

Josh Allen on Bills Super Bowl Pressure, Sleep, New Balance, and Fatherhood 7/9/26

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen joins Alex Sherman to discuss Super Bowl expectations, fatherhood, sleep, brand partnerships, New Balance, investing, and life after football. Allen shares how he manages pressure, thinks about his personal brand, and prepares for the next chapter of his NFL career. Episode Notes Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen joins Alex Sherman for a wide-ranging conversation on football, business, sleep, fatherhood, and the mindset required to lead one of the NFL’s most passionate fan bases. Allen opens up about becoming a new father to his daughter Harper and how parenthood has changed his perspective on rest, recovery, and interrupted sleep. He discusses his partnership with Natrol and explains why sleep has become an even more important part of his routine as he balances family life, training, and the demands of an NFL season. The conversation also dives into the pressure surrounding the Buffalo Bills and the pursuit of a Super Bowl. Allen explains why he does not focus on outside expectations, how he handles internal pressure, and why bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Western New York remains the team’s ultimate goal. Sherman and Allen also cover the business side of being a franchise quarterback, including Allen’s approach to brand partnerships, authenticity, and long-term alignment with companies he genuinely believes in. Allen discusses his move from Nike to New Balance, what impressed him about the brand’s direction, and how he thinks about future opportunities in football, broadcasting, investing, and life after the NFL. Topics discussed: Josh Allen’s transition into fatherhood Sleep, recovery, and his partnership with Natrol Managing Super Bowl expectations in Buffalo Internal pressure versus outside pressure The Bills’ roster-building process and front office communication Buffalo’s new stadium and home-field advantage Personal branding and authentic sponsorships Moving from Nike to New Balance Playing style, longevity, and taking hits as a quarterback Investing, private equity, and post-football planning Broadcasting as a possible future path Golf, training camp, and team bonding Timestamps: 01:37 Managing pressure from Bills fans and Super Bowl expectations 03:17 Allen’s mindset and whether he works with a sports psychologist 03:41 How involved Allen is in Bills personnel decisions 05:02 First impressions of Buffalo’s new stadium 06:04 How Josh Allen thinks about his personal brand 06:22 Why Allen partnered with Natrol 07:20 Moving from Nike to New Balance 08:13 Playing aggressively, recovery, and sleep products 09:26 Thinking about life after football 10:15 Whether broadcasting could be part of Allen’s future 10:51 Investing, private equity, and values-based opportunities 11:44 Golf, fatherhood, and offseason routines 12:09 Training camp, family, and team chemistry Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jul 2

Paul Rabil on PLL Funding, Olympic Lacrosse, AI and the Future of Emerging Sports, 7/2/26

PLL co-founder and President Paul Rabil joins Alex Sherman to discuss the Premier Lacrosse League’s $100 million funding round, its path toward team ownership, and how the 2028 Olympics could accelerate lacrosse’s growth. The conversation covers media rights, player salaries, AI, youth development, women’s lacrosse, and what it takes to build a mainstream pro sports league. Episode Notes Premier Lacrosse League founder Paul Rabil sits down with Alex Sherman to break down the business strategy behind the PLL’s latest funding round and the league’s long-term plan to turn lacrosse into a larger professional sports property. Rabil explains why investors are increasingly interested in sports leagues, how the PLL’s single-entity C-corp model differs from traditional leagues, and why lacrosse’s return to the Olympics in 2028 could create a major growth window for the sport. The conversation explores how the PLL is thinking about team sales, local ownership, sponsorship, media rights, player compensation, and the challenge of converting casual sports fans into lacrosse fans. Rabil also discusses how the league uses social media, storytelling, youth development, women’s lacrosse, and AI to scale more efficiently while building a stronger foundation for the future. Topics discussed: Why sports leagues are attracting institutional investors The PLL’s $100 million funding round and investor pitch How the PLL’s single-entity model supports future team sales Potential exit strategies for league investors The future of PLL expansion, local ownership, and home markets Player salaries, marketing opportunities, and the path toward full-time pro lacrosse How sponsorship, media rights, tickets, merchandise, and youth participation drive revenue The impact of NIL on lacrosse and emerging sports What it takes to create crossover stars in lacrosse Lessons from Caitlin Clark, Tiger Woods, Conor McGregor, Michael Jordan, Tony Hawk, and Charlotte North Why film, television, and documentary storytelling matter for emerging sports How PLL Play and PLL Assist connect youth lacrosse to the professional game Why the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could be a major moment for lacrosse How the PLL is making broadcasts more accessible to new fans The NHL as a growth comparison for professional lacrosse How the PLL is using AI across creative, technical, and analytics functions The cultural perception of lacrosse and how access, women’s sports, and youth growth are changing the game Timestamps: 01:00 Paul Rabil explains the investor pitch behind the PLL’s new funding round 02:46 How the PLL’s single-entity C-corp model differs from traditional sports leagues 03:35 Why lacrosse’s return to the Olympics creates a strategic growth window 04:40 How investors could see returns through team sales and league growth 07:55 Rabil describes the current state of the PLL and future expansion goals 09:22 Player salaries, wage growth, and making professional lacrosse more sustainable 12:03 Why sponsorship is the PLL’s biggest revenue category 13:30 How NIL benefits lacrosse and other emerging sports 14:14 The challenge of creating the next crossover lacrosse star 17:21 Why sports documentaries and scripted storytelling can grow participation 18:31 How PLL Play and PLL Assist connect youth participation with the pro league 19:16 The importance of the 2028 Olympics for lacrosse and the PLL 20:44 How the PLL is trying to reach sports fans who are new to lacrosse 24:06 How the league is using AI to support content, analytics, and operations 25:07 Future innovations in broadcast production and fan engagement 27:00 Rabil addresses lacrosse’s cultural image and the importance of access 29:46 The growth of women’s lacrosse and the opportunity for the Women’s Lacrosse League Mentions and resources: Premier Lacrosse League: https://premierlacrosseleague.com Women’s Lacrosse League: https://premierlacrosseleague.com/wll PLL Play: https://premierlacrosseleague.com/play PLL Assist: https://premierlacrosseleague.com/assist ESPN: https://www.espn.com LA28 Olympic Games: https://la28.org Olympics: https://olympics.com MSG Sports: https://www.msgsports.com Arctos: https://www.arctospartners.com Ares Management: https://www.aresmgmt.com Apollo Global Management: https://www.apollo.com TKO Group: https://www.tko.com NWSL: https://www.nwslsoccer.com WNBA: https://www.wnba.com NHL: https://www.nhl.com Major League Soccer: https://www.mlssoccer.com League One Volleyball: https://www.lovb.com Netflix: https://www.netflix.com Chess.com: https://www.chess.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.com Nike: https://www.nike.com IBM: https://www.ibm.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jun 25

Rafael Nadal on Retirement, Rivalries and the Future of Tennis 6/25/26

Rafael Nadal reflects on his Netflix documentary, early training in Mallorca, rivalry with Roger Federer, retirement, injuries and what comes next after one of tennis’s greatest careers. He also shares why Novak Djokovic’s numbers define the GOAT debate and what Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner would need to achieve to enter that conversation. Then, Alex speaks with CNBC’s Michael Ozanian about his upcoming Empires Valuations list. Episode Notes Rafael Nadal joins Alex Sherman for a wide-ranging conversation about his life, career, retirement and the new documentary chronicling his final chapter in professional tennis. The 22-time Grand Slam champion and 14-time French Open winner opens up about why he finally agreed to let cameras into his life, how his family and team adjusted to the documentary process, and why watching a film about himself is such a difficult experience. The conversation explores Nadal’s earliest days in Manacor, Mallorca, where his uncle Toni Nadal began coaching him as a child. Nadal explains how natural ability, hard work, family support and the right environment all shaped his path, while emphasizing that he always loved tennis, even through the most physically challenging periods of his career. Nadal also reflects on the contrast between his on-court intensity and his off-court personality, his famous routines and rituals, and the mental focus required to compete at the highest level. He discusses his legendary rivalry with Roger Federer, why their opposing styles made the matchup so special, and why he believes Novak Djokovic’s record makes him the greatest tennis player of all time by the numbers. The episode also covers Nadal’s retirement, the hip injury that ultimately ended his playing career, and why he feels confident there was nothing left in the tank. Looking ahead, Nadal shares his focus on expanding the Rafa Nadal Academy, growing his foundation, spending time on business projects, and why full-time coaching is not currently part of his life plan. Topics discussed: Rafael Nadal’s Netflix documentary and why he finally agreed to participate Growing up in Manacor, Mallorca and training with Toni Nadal Winning regional junior tennis titles at a young age Why Nadal always loved tennis despite injuries and pressure The difference between Nadal’s competitive mindset and personal life Nadal’s rivalry with Roger Federer and their contrasting styles The purpose behind Nadal’s on-court routines and rituals Retirement, injuries and the end of Nadal’s professional career Life after tennis, including the Rafa Nadal Academy and foundation Novak Djokovic, the GOAT debate and tennis records Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and the future of men’s tennis Nadal’s most meaningful tournament wins, including Roland Garros, Wimbledon 2008, Australian Open 2022 and the US Open Timestamps: 01:39 Watching a documentary about his own life and career 02:18 Nadal’s early childhood in Mallorca and first tennis memories 04:04 Why he never hated tennis, even during difficult periods 05:32 Life after fame and returning to his real life after retirement 06:57 Roger Federer, elegance and what made their rivalry unique 08:14 Nadal’s rituals, routines and focus during competition 09:42 Retirement, injuries and why his career ended the way it did 11:33 Why a comeback is not part of Nadal’s next chapter 12:03 Rafa Nadal Academy, foundation work and business projects 12:55 Whether Nadal would ever coach a player full time 13:38 Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and the GOAT debate 14:46 Nadal’s most meaningful career victories Mentioned in this episode: Netflix documentary about Rafael Nadal Rafa Nadal Academy Rafa Nadal Foundation Roland Garros Wimbledon 2008 Australian Open 2022 US Open 2010 and 2013 Roger Federer Novak Djokovic Carlos Alcaraz Jannik Sinner Toni Nadal David Ellison Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jun 18

NBA Expansion, Media Rights and the Future of Basketball with Mark Tatum 6/18/26

Episode Summary NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum joins Alex Sherman to discuss the league’s surging ratings, new media partnerships, international expansion plans, ticket accessibility, draft lottery changes, and how AI could shape officiating. The conversation offers a high-level look at where the NBA is headed across Europe, Africa, Seattle, Las Vegas, and beyond. Episode Notes NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum joins Alex Sherman for a wide-ranging conversation on the business, growth, and future of professional basketball. Tatum discusses why NBA ratings are climbing, how new media partners like NBC and Amazon are helping tell player stories, and why the league sees major long-term opportunities in Europe, Africa, and domestic expansion markets. The episode also covers the economics of NBA Finals ticket prices, the league’s approach to fan accessibility, the evolving draft lottery system, and how technology and AI may assist referees with calls in the future. Plus, sports professor Rick Horrow joins the podcast to talk this week in sports. Topics discussed: Why NBA regular season and playoff ratings have surged The impact of star players, competitive balance, and Finals viewership How NBC, Amazon, ABC, and ESPN support NBA storytelling and distribution President Donald Trump attending Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals Game 3 Jim Dolan, the New York Knicks, and the team’s Finals run High NBA Finals ticket prices and secondary market dynamics NBA Europe expansion plans and the target launch timeline What the NBA is looking for in European ownership groups Potential NBA Europe cities, investors, media partners, and competition model Basketball Africa League growth, investor interest, and economic opportunity Domestic NBA expansion discussions around Las Vegas and Seattle Other possible future markets, including Mexico City and Vancouver Draft lottery reform, anti-tanking incentives, and the proposed 3-2-1 system Player availability, regular season length, and the role of the Emirates NBA Cup AI and technology in officiating, including goaltending reviews Timestamps: 01:43 New NBA media rights partners, NBC, Amazon, ABC, and ESPN 02:35 President Trump attending Knicks-Spurs Finals Game 3 03:46 Jim Dolan, the Knicks, and the team’s turnaround 04:49 NBA Finals ticket prices and fan accessibility 07:01 NBA Europe expansion plans and possible launch timing 08:46 What makes a desirable NBA Europe owner 09:36 How NBA Europe could interact with NBA teams 11:50 NBA Africa investment opportunity and Basketball Africa League growth 14:07 Media partner interest for NBA Europe 15:10 Domestic expansion focus on Las Vegas and Seattle 17:09 Draft lottery reform, anti-tanking, and competitive balance 19:21 The ongoing Aspiration lawsuit process 20:32 Regular season length, player availability, and the Emirates NBA Cup 22:39 Potential NBA rule changes and competition committee priorities 23:23 AI and technology in NBA officiating Mentioned in this episode: NBA NBA Finals New York Knicks San Antonio Spurs NBC Amazon ABC ESPN Basketball Africa League NBA Europe FIBA Emirates NBA Cup Madison Square Garden Garden of Dreams Foundation Las Vegas Seattle Mexico City Vancouver Summer League AI officiating technology Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Trailer

Introducing CNBC Sport

CNBC Sport brings you interviews with the biggest names in the business talking everything from media rights to team investment and ownership structure. The podcast covers the convergence of sports, business and investing across major leagues like the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, PGA and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Sherman

Host

out of 5

20 Ratings

Smart, informative and entertaining

Apr 8

bellatrix182

Truly one of my favorite podcasts for my morning commute to work. Alex is a smart host, asking the right questions, and topics and guests are always current and entertaining. This is a great show and I’m happy to have discovered it.
Love the show!

04/14/2025

Coffeecup72

Guests are great and love how the show gets right into the interview with no wasted time