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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.

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  • 22 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 31 min
  • English

Episodes 22

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  • August 20 · 26 min

    Geno Auriemma on UConn, Women’s Basketball, NIL and the Price of Winning 8/20/26

    UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma joins Alex Sherman to discuss the state of the WNBA, his demanding coaching philosophy, the UConn dynasty, NIL and recruiting, and legendary rivalries with Pat Summitt and Dawn Staley. Auriemma also reflects on sustained success, leadership, accountability and what could eventually make him retire.

  • August 6 · 24 min

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

    Shaquille O’Neal reveals how Dunkman aims to transform elite dunking into a global professional sport with major prize money and objective judging. Then, incoming Major League Soccer commissioner Larry Berg outlines his MLS 3.0 vision, including roster investment, youth development, league growth and why promotion and relegation may not work in North America.

  • July 23 · 20 min

    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.

  • July 2 · 38 min

    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.

  • June 25 · 23 min

    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.

  • June 18 · 34 min

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

    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.

  • June 11 · 37 min

    Don Garber on MLS 3.0, Apple TV strategy, and World Cup 2026 rocket fuel 6/11/26

    MLS commissioner Don Garber breaks down why the 2026 World Cup is “rocket fuel” for Major League Soccer—and what metrics (attendance, media coverage, social growth, and player movement) will prove it. He also explains MLS 3.0, the league’s post-World Cup calendar shift, and what he’d change about the Apple TV model as MLS plans its next media rights chapter. Alex also speaks with Mark Trübenbacher, CEO of Stadium Growth Lighting. They are the company in charge of preserving the grass on every W

  • May 28 · 30 min

    French Open Economics: Brad Gilbert on player protests, unions and TV changes 5/28/26

    From Roland Garros, Brad Gilbert breaks down the current health of pro tennis, why player unions could reshape prize money and working conditions, and what life looks like for players outside the top 100. He also explains the week-to-week business of tennis coaching and reflects on his long ESPN run, his move to Tennis Channel, and his 2026 French Open picks. Then, Alex Sherman talks with CNBC valuations guru Michael Ozanian about the business of the  New York Knicks.

  • May 21 · 40 min

    Utah sports owner Ryan Smith on the Jazz reset, tanking debate and Jazz-Mammoth synergies 5/21/26

    Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith joins Alex Sherman to explain why the franchise hit reset, how the NBA is rethinking tanking, and what the No. 2 pick means for the team’s next era. They also discuss building the Utah Mammoth brand, a shared community-focused training facility, and the future of local sports media. Then, Sports Professor Rick Horrow joins the podcast to talk NBA playoffs.

  • May 14 · 25 min

    Ronda Rousey Talks Fighter Pay, Streaming Wars, and Her Return Fight With Gina Carano 5/14/26

    Ronda Rousey breaks down why many UFC fighters are effectively paid at “poverty level” and argues real competition—powered by streaming platforms like Netflix—is the clearest path to better fighter compensation. She also shares the business story behind her upcoming comeback fight against Gina Carano and what a new MMA distribution model could mean for the sport. Then, Golden State Valkyries President Jess Smith explains what’s really driving the franchise’s $1 billion valuation—from Chase C

  • May 7 · 42 min

    Hall of Fame MLB pitchers Mariano Rivera and CC Sabathia 5/7/26

    Mariano Rivera joins CNBC’s Alex Sherman at Latinos in Sports in Miami to discuss MLB’s future—including the salary cap debate, modern rule changes, and how he developed the legendary cutter. He also shares his journey from Panama to the Yankees and announces his new “Most Heat” hot sauce launch. Then, CC Sabathia breaks down where MLB stands heading into a major collective bargaining agreement, why recent rule changes like the pitch clock are working, and what he hopes changes in youth basebal

  • April 30 · 32 min

    F1 Academy’s Mission: Susie Wolff on Building a Pathway for Women in F1 4/30/26

    F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff joins Alex Sherman to explain how the series is removing financial barriers, developing female racing talent, and changing perceptions in motorsport. They also discuss the impact of racing docuseries, the growing female F1 fan base, and what it will take to see a woman reach Formula One. Alex Sherman also speaks with sports business strategist Rick Horrow to break down how the NFL Draft became a tentpole business event—and why “monetizing hope” work

  • April 23 · 39 min

    Heisman Winner Fernando Mendoza on the NFL Draft 4/23/26

    CNBC’s Alex Sherman speaks with #1 Draft prospect and Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. He breaks down his NFL draft process, what he learned meeting with the Raiders and Tom Brady, and how sports psychology shapes his approach as a presumed top pick. He also shares how he’s building the Mendoza brand through NIL partnerships and why investing in himself and his family comes first. Then, Dane Brugler, The Athletic’s Draft Guru and author of ‘The Beast’ gives us his take on the upcoming draft.  

  • April 16 · 26 min

    Charlotte Hornets' Shelly Cayette-Weston on how the NBA franchise is rebuilding growth, revenue, and the fan experience 4/16/26

    CNBC's Lillian Rizzo joins Alex Sherman on what may really be behind the Justice Department's antitrust investigation into the NFL. Then, Alex speaks with Shelly Cayette-Weston, President of Business Operations for the Charlotte Hornets, about how the organization is strengthening its business foundation while building a winning culture on and off the court.She details what the president of business operations role looks like for an NBA franchise, from overseeing ticket sales, sponsorships, oper

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes