Moneyball - The Business of Sport

Moneyball

Sport isn’t just about what happens on the field — it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry driven by the deals, decisions and dynamics behind the scenes. Moneyball is the podcast that pulls back the curtain on the business of sport — how it works, who makes it happen, and where the real game is being played. Hosted by brand expert and experienced storyteller Scott Keenan, the show dives into the intersection of sport, money and culture, with open, commercially focused conversations that go behind the big decisions shaping modern sport in Australia and around the world. From player contracts and sponsorship deals to broadcast rights, expansion teams, athlete brands and women’s sport, Moneyball is fun, curious and unfiltered — made for sports insiders and for fans who want to understand how the game really works. Subscribe and join the conversation. Because if you want to know what's really going on in sport, you've gotta follow the money!

  1. Is Sport Built For Men — And Limiting Women?

    4d ago

    Is Sport Built For Men — And Limiting Women?

    Australia prides itself on being a sporting nation. But in a market of just 26 million people, a small number of dominant men’s competitions continue to consume most of the attention, airtime and commercial investment. In this episode of Moneyball: The Business of Sport, host Scott Keenan sits down with Dr Bridie O’Donnell — broadcaster, former elite cyclist and advocate for women’s sport and gender equality — to unpack one of the biggest structural questions in Australian sport. From AFL and NRL dominance, to broadcast rights, sponsorship economics and media gatekeeping, this conversation explores how Australia’s sports ecosystem has been built around men’s competitions — and why women’s sport is still fighting for visibility inside a crowded and commercially constrained market. Dr O’Donnell argues this isn’t simply about popularity — it’s about systems. Systems that have historically been built around men’s sport, reinforced by legacy media, and sustained through a feedback loop of coverage, revenue and visibility that continues to shape which sports grow, and which struggle to scale. Together, they explore: Why AFL and NRL dominate the national sports conversationThe economics of women’s sport in a 26 million-person marketWhether Australia’s sports ecosystem is becoming oversaturatedWhy participation rates don’t translate into media attentionAFLW, NRLW, football, netball and women’s cyclingThe role of broadcasters and legacy mediaThe rise of podcasts and digital sports creatorsWhy visibility shapes opportunity and pathways for young womenThe long-term commercial challenge of building sustainable women’s leaguesWhy women’s sport is still often treated as an “add-on”The impact of the Matildas and the FIFA Women’s World CupWhether independent media is genuinely changing sports coverage — or replicating existing patternsThe conversation also turns inward — questioning whether newer media voices, including independent creators and sports podcasters, are truly shifting the system or unintentionally reinforcing it. This is a wide-ranging discussion about sport, media, power, culture, investment and the future of Australian sport. About Moneyball: The Business of Sport Moneyball explores the business, economics, politics and strategy behind modern sport — from elite performance and broadcast deals to fan culture and the commercial forces shaping the games we watch. Hosted by Scott Keenan, the show is for sports fans and industry insiders who want to understand how the game really works beneath the scoreboard. Contact 📧 askmoneyball.show@gmail.com Subscribe for more episodes breaking down the business of sport. Because if you want to know what's really going on in sport, you've gotta follow the money.

    42 min
  2. Amazon Wants NRL TV Rights

    May 27

    Amazon Wants NRL TV Rights

    The NRL’s broadcast rights negotiations are heating up — and Amazon Prime is now reportedly preparing a bid for rugby league rights in Australia. In this episode of Moneyball, Scott Keenan is joined by Australian Financial Review media reporter Sam Buckingham-Jones to break down the biggest developments in the NRL media rights race, including Andrew Abdo leaving the NRL for Tennis Australia, Peter V’Landys chasing a $4 billion TV deal, and why Channel Nine, Stan Sport, Foxtel and Kayo could all be impacted by the arrival of Amazon Prime Video. Sam explains why Amazon’s growing investment in global sport — including NFL Thursday Night Football, UEFA Champions League football and NHL hockey rights — could make the NRL its next major target in Australia. The episode also explores: Why the NRL believes it can land a broadcast deal bigger than the AFLHow Nine Entertainment and Stan Sport may be planning to reshape rugby league broadcastingWhether Foxtel and Kayo can hold onto the rights after 30 yearsThe pressure now sitting on Peter V’Landys after publicly targeting a $4 billion dealThe decline of the Australian free-to-air television advertising marketHow streaming services are changing sports media economicsAnd the fascinating reporting that some NRL rule changes may have increased tries, stoppages and advertising inventory during broadcast negotiationsThis is a deep dive into the future of NRL broadcasting, sports streaming, rugby league media rights, Amazon Prime Video, Channel Nine, Stan, Foxtel, Kayo and the business of Australian sport. Subscribe to Moneyball for more conversations about the business of sport, sports media, broadcasting, streaming, sponsorship and the future of Australian sport.

    18 min
  3. How Hearts Changed Scottish Football & Why Belief Matters in Sport

    May 21

    How Hearts Changed Scottish Football & Why Belief Matters in Sport

    For the first time in 40 years, Scottish football has had something different: hope. In this episode of Moneyball: The Business of Sport, Scott Keenan breaks down the incredible Scottish Premiership title race between Hearts of Midlothian, Celtic and Rangers — and why Hearts’ shock challenge may have changed Scottish football forever. From Ted Lasso’s iconic “Believe” message to the commercial realities of modern sports broadcasting, this episode explores why unpredictability, jeopardy and competitive balance are some of the most valuable assets in global sport. Scott is joined by BBC Scotland senior sports journalist Paul Barnes to unpack: Hearts’ remarkable 2025-26 Scottish Premiership campaignCeltic’s dramatic comeback to win the titleWhy the Scottish football title race suddenly captured global attentionThe business of sport and why broadcasters want uncertaintyTony Bloom, Moneyball analytics and Hearts’ recruitment strategyThe parallels between Hearts, Brighton & Hove Albion and Union Saint-GilloiseThe commercial future of the SPFL, Sky Sports and BBC ScotlandScottish football culture, rivalry and tribalismThe controversial Celtic pitch invasion and its impact on the league’s imageWhy leagues become more valuable when fans believe more than two clubs can winThis episode also explores: Ted Lasso, Believe, Scottish Premiership, Hearts FC, Celtic FC, Rangers FC, SPFL, BBC Scotland, Alex Ferguson, Aberdeen FC, Tony Bloom, football business, sports media rights, sports broadcasting, football finance, football analytics, Moneyball strategy, Australian football connections, Ange Postecoglou, Cameron Devlin, Scottish sport, European football, football culture, sports documentaries, football podcasts and the future of Scottish football. If you’re interested in: the business of footballsports media rightssports documentariesfootball financeMoneyball analyticssports broadcastingScottish footballCeltic and RangersTed Lasso themes in sporthow underdog teams change leagues…this episode is for you. Subscribe to Moneyball – The Business of Sport on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. And ask any questions about the business of sport by email askmoneyball.show@gmail.com.

    25 min
  4. The Most Expensive World Cup Ever?

    May 14

    The Most Expensive World Cup Ever?

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being billed as the biggest tournament in football history — but it may also become the most expensive World Cup ever for fans. In this episode of Moneyball, Scott Keenan examines the business behind the modern FIFA World Cup and the growing concern that football’s biggest event is becoming financially out of reach for ordinary supporters. With the Socceroos preparing for the tournament under coach Tony Popovic in Sarasota, Florida, Australian fans are confronting the reality of attending a World Cup spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico — with soaring airfares, hotel prices, ticket costs and internal travel expenses potentially pushing trips into the tens of thousands of dollars. The episode also explores FIFA’s controversial use of dynamic ticket pricing, comparisons between the World Cup, Formula One and the Super Bowl, and the broader commercialisation of global sport. Plus: The Socceroos’ World Cup preparationWhy North America creates unique travel challengesFIFA’s response to pricing criticismThe growing backlash from supportersFederation Square and the importance of fan cultureWhether football risks drifting away from the people who built itMoneyball: The Business of Sport is an Australian sports business podcast hosted by Scott Keenan, exploring the money, politics, media and power behind the biggest stories in sport. Watch the show on YouTube, follow for clips and breaking news on Instagram and email your questions any time askmoneyball.show@gmail.com.

    13 min
  5. Who REALLY Runs Manchester United Now?

    May 7

    Who REALLY Runs Manchester United Now?

    Who is really running Manchester United right now? After years of instability since the retirement of Alex Ferguson, United are back in the Champions League and preparing to make one of the biggest decisions in the club’s modern history: appointing a permanent manager. Will it be Michael Carrick after his impressive interim spell? Or will INEOS and Jim Ratcliffe go in another direction? And with the Glazer family still holding a majority stake in the club, who is actually making the big decisions at Old Trafford? This week on Moneyball: The Business of Sport, host Scott Keenan speaks with Chris Blackhurst — former editor of The Independent in the UK and author of The World’s Biggest Cash Machine, the acclaimed book about the ownership of Manchester United and the financial model behind one of the biggest clubs in world football. In this episode: The Glazer takeover and leveraged buyoutManchester United’s debt and transfer obligationsINEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s role at the clubWhy Champions League qualification matters financiallyWhether United can realistically challenge for the Premier League againThe risk and politics around appointing Michael CarrickRecruitment mistakes and football decision-makingOld Trafford redevelopment and long-term strategyWhether Manchester United is still being run like a “cash machine”Moneyball: The Business of Sport is an Australian sports business podcast hosted by Scott Keenan, exploring the money, power, politics, media, and strategy shaping global sport. If you enjoy conversations about: Manchester UnitedPremier League ownershipFootball financeSports businessSir Jim RatcliffeINEOSThe GlazersMichael CarrickUEFA Champions LeagueFootball media and strategy…make sure you subscribe and follow the show. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. 📩 Got a question or guest suggestion? Email: askmoneyball.show@gmail.com And remember: if you want to know what’s really going on in sport… you’ve gotta follow the money.

    37 min
  6. Building a Sports Attention Machine: Nine’s Big Play (NBL, Netball & NRL)

    Apr 23

    Building a Sports Attention Machine: Nine’s Big Play (NBL, Netball & NRL)

    What is Nine Entertainment really building with its latest sports rights deals? In this episode of Moneyball – The Business of Sport, Scott Keenan is joined by Tim Burrowes from Mumbrella to unpack Nine’s acquisition of the National Basketball League free-to-air rights and its major new deal with Netball Australia. This isn’t just about adding more sport to the schedule. It’s about building a portfolio of audiences—premium, consistent, and highly targeted—designed to attract different types of advertisers across the year. 🎯 In this episode: Why live sport is becoming the most valuable asset in mediaHow Nine is building a tiered sports portfolioThe real commercial value of NBL and netballWhy advertisers care about consistency, not just scaleThe role of Stan and streaming vs free-to-air TVHow Australia’s anti-siphoning laws shape media dealsWhat this means for the next NRL broadcast rights deal💥 The big question: As Nine invests across more sports… 👉 Do they still go all-in on the NRL? 👉 Or does this open the door for new players like Amazon or Seven? 👤 About the guest Tim Burrowes is the founder and publisher of Mumbrella, covering media, marketing and advertising in Australia for nearly two decades. 👉 Learn more: https://mumbrella.com.au 👉 Mumbrella360 Conference (Sydney): https://mumbrella.com.au/events/mumbrella360 🎙️ About the show Moneyball – The Business of Sport breaks down the strategy, economics, and deals shaping the world of sport—from media rights to sponsorships and beyond. Hosted by Scott Keenan, you can follow us on Instagram, watch on YouTube or email anytime askmoneyball.show@gmail.com. 💬 Join the conversation How has your sports viewing changed? Are too many platforms making it harder to watch? Who wins the next NRL rights deal?

    23 min
  7. Can the NRL Still Afford Nathan Cleary?

    Apr 15

    Can the NRL Still Afford Nathan Cleary?

    Can the National Rugby League actually afford Nathan Cleary in the future? With reports suggesting Cleary could become the first $2 million player in NRL history, this episode of Moneyball breaks down the economics behind the biggest contract question the game has ever faced. Because this isn’t just about one player. It’s about whether the NRL’s salary cap, broadcast deals, and revenue model can keep up with the rising value of its biggest stars. 📊 In this episode, Scott Keenan explores: Why Nathan Cleary could command $2 million per seasonHow the NRL salary cap has evolved — and why it’s under pressureThe real cost of keeping a dynasty together at the Penrith PanthersThe key players coming off contract and what Penrith might have to sacrificeHow media rights deals fund the entire NRL ecosystemThe role of Nine Entertainment, Stan, and DAZN in the next broadcast dealWhether global players like Amazon could reshape the marketThe impact of new gambling advertising laws on sports revenueWhy Dylan Brown’s record contract might actually be ahead of the curveAt the centre of it all is a bigger question: What happens when one player becomes more valuable than the system designed to contain him? 🎙️ About the show Moneyball is a podcast about the business of sport — the deals, decisions, and strategies behind the biggest moments in the game. Hosted by Scott Keenan. 📩 Get in touch Got a question, topic idea, or take on this episode? Email: askmoneyball.show@gmail.com 📱 Follow & watch Follow on Instagram for clips and updates: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/moneyball_show Watch the full episode on YouTube: 👉 Search “Moneyball Nathan Cleary Salary Cap”

    15 min

About

Sport isn’t just about what happens on the field — it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry driven by the deals, decisions and dynamics behind the scenes. Moneyball is the podcast that pulls back the curtain on the business of sport — how it works, who makes it happen, and where the real game is being played. Hosted by brand expert and experienced storyteller Scott Keenan, the show dives into the intersection of sport, money and culture, with open, commercially focused conversations that go behind the big decisions shaping modern sport in Australia and around the world. From player contracts and sponsorship deals to broadcast rights, expansion teams, athlete brands and women’s sport, Moneyball is fun, curious and unfiltered — made for sports insiders and for fans who want to understand how the game really works. Subscribe and join the conversation. Because if you want to know what's really going on in sport, you've gotta follow the money!

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