The Sports Media Podcast

Sports Business Journal

The hottest headlines, network deals, ratings, trends and everything else you need to know inside sports media.

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20 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes20

Newest first

Thursday · 15 min
DAZN goes big on local media; what can MLS get in its next rights deal?; What to follow with Paramount Skydance’s legal case; and the WNBA keeps rising.
On this week's pod, SBJ’s Austin Karp and Josh Carpenter dig into why MSG and YES Network are taking streaming from the Gotham App over to DAZN, and what it means for DAZN cracking the U.S. market. Plus, the duo breaks down what MLS might get in its next media deal, the sports angles related to Paramount Skydance’s upcoming court case and the WNBA’s strong first half.
July 23 · 39 min
FIFA World Cup delivers record viewership; rights questions loom for 2030 and beyond; and halftime show hijinks
On this week's pod, SBJ’s Austin Karp is joined by Richard Deitsch, Alex Silverman and Bret McCormick for a deep dive into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The quartet looks back at the tournament’s record-breaking viewership for Fox and Telemundo, forecasts the future of World Cup media rights, and discuss FIFA’s first World Cup halftime show. Plus, Silverman and McCormick share on-the-ground insights from host cities across the country.
July 16 · 32 min
The World Cup rolls on, Versant adds another property, and Netflix takes a swing at the Home Run Derby
On this week's pod, SBJ’s Austin Karp and Josh Carpenter reflect on the massive viewership around the World Cup quarterfinals, as well as Bundesliga's shift away from ESPN. We look back at Netflix's debut around MLB's Home Run Derby, and Chicago Sports Network's Mike McCarthy joins the pod to talk RSNs.
July 9 · 34 min
World Cup viewership and rights talk heat up; Versant keeps diversifying; and Matt Vasgersian talks about Netflix’s Home Derby debut
On this week's pod, SBJ’s Austin Karp and Josh Carpenter reflect on the U.S. and Mexico exits from the FIFA World Cup, and how Fox and Telemundo will continue to deliver viewership numbers. Plus, the duo look at who might want rights to the next iterations of the tournament. Then, Karp and Carpenter address Versant’s recent acquisition of Full Swing. Plus, with MLB All-Star weekend around the bend, MMLB Network’s Matt Vasgersian, who will call the Home Run Derby, breaks down Netflix’s debut with
July 1 · 32 min
Inside the World Cup's knockout stage; what's next for NBC/Comcast; Bonnie Bernstein joins the pod
Coming up on this week’s pod: Diving into World Cup viewership, what’s next for NBC and Comcast from a sports perspective, Bonnie Bernstein joins the show, and our hosts offer a peak at their Fourth of July plans.
June 25 · 27 min
NASCAR looks classy in San Diego; College baseball on the rise; Fox’s Stu Holden talks World Cup
On this week's pod, SBJ’s Austin Karp digs into the NBA Draft presentation, NASCAR’s debut in San Diego, the continued rise of NCAA Baseball and Linda Cohn’s “SportsCenter” legacy. Karp also delves into Telemundo having to make corrections to their early World Cup numbers. Finally, ahead of U.S.-Turkey to wrap the group stage, Fox Sports lead analyst Stu Holden breaks down the early portion of the tournament.
June 18 · 39 min
World Cup viewership and hydration breaks; the NBA and NHL wrap up big; and what to make of UFC Freedom 250
On this week's pod, SBJ’s Austin Karp and Josh Carpenter dig into the big numbers to start the World Cup, and how Fox has really looked to commercialize hydration breaks. Plus, the duo looks at how the NBA and NHL finished their seasons on a high, the UFC Freedom 250’s presentation on Paramount+, what to make of Fox Corp.’s purchase of Roku and the latest on golf media with the U.S. Open underway at Shinnecock Hills. Finally, with Fanatics Fest on the horizon, Lance Fensterman, CEO of Fanatics E
June 11 · 27 min
NBA Finals is delivering, ESPN’s Sean McDonough talks Stanley Cup Final; and the World Cup gets started
On this week's pod, SBJ’s Austin Karp looks at where things sit with the NBA Finals, Pat McAfee eyeing a new deal that could be worth $60 million annually and the lack of star power at Roland Garros. After an incredible start to the Stanley Cup Final, ESPN’s Sean McDonough joins to talk about the Golden Knights-Hurricanes matchup and the state of the. Finally, with the FIFA World Cup set to begin, SBJ soccer writer Alex Silverman joins the pod to break down the event.
June 4 · 31 min
Stanley Cup, NBA Finals highlight major June for ABC; Rebecca Lowe previews the World Cup
On this week's pod, SBJ’s Austin Karp and Josh Carpenter dive into a big June for ABC, which is hosting both the Stanley Cup Final as well as the NBA Finals, which will have an international flair. We break down the newest NFL analyst for CBS Sports, and Rebecca Lowe looks ahead to the World Cup.
May 28 · 31 min
The Knicks are back in the NBA Final; Excel and WIN Sports get together; Donovan and Howard talk World Cup
On this week's pod, SBJ’s Austin Karp and Josh Carpenter dig into the NBA and ESPN getting the Knicks back in the NBA Finals, what Stanley Cup Final matchup would be best for the NHL, takeaways from NASCAR and IndyCar on Memorial Day weekend and what to make of the recent Excel Sports-WIN Sports tie-up. Finally, with just two weeks until the FIFA World Cup, Karp sits down with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard to talk about their podcast and what to expect from the event as it hits North America.
May 21 · 36 min
Memorial Day weekend on tap, recapping Sports Business Awards
This week on the SBJ Sports Media Pod: What’s ahead for the NBA conference finals and finals, a big race weekend on tap, NASCAR’s Nielsen pivot, and recapping the Sports Business Awards.
May 14 · 32 min
Upfront season highlights sports; late changes for the last available NFL games; Tennis Channel’s Jeff Blackburn
On this week's pod, SBJ’s Austin Karp and Josh Carpenter go deep on the biggest headlines around sports media. First, the duo look back at the Upfronts in Manhattan and how sports was woven in. Then, there’s talk about where some NFL games are landing ahead of the formal schedule release and how the Knicks return to the conference finals is a win for the NBA. Finally, with Roland Garros around the corner and the network growing its viewership, Tennis Channel CEO Jeff Blackburn joins to break dow
May 6 · 25 min
The Run for the Roses racks up a big audience; Comcast and Disney have an NFL Network stare down; the Timberwolves’ Matthew Caldwell talks basketball media issues
On this week's pod, SBJ media reporters Austin Karp and Josh Carpenter saddle up to break down the biggest Kentucky Derby audience since 1983. Then, it’s the latest on a carriage dispute between Disney and Comcast over NFL Network and why Duke basketball made sense for Amazon Prime Video. Finally, Matthew Caldwell of the T’Wolves and Lynx dishes why he moved from the NHL to the NBA, fan reaction to Year 1 of the new NBA media deals, what’s next for the two teams on local distribution and his fav
April 30 · 29 min
The impacts of Disney's ESPN decision; reacting to the NFL Draft; and Caitlin Clark and the Fever set another WNBA TV record.
On this week's pod, SBJ media reporters Austin Karp and Josh Carpenter break down Disney's decision not to spin off ESPN, as well as the CW landing on ESPN's app. The NFL Draft's opening round was surpisingly down on TV, and Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever set a record with 44 national broadcasts. Also, Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen breaks down what to expect at the Kentucky Derby.
April 23 · 22 min
All eyes on the NFL Draft; digging into NBA local numbers; and what's next for LIV Golf on TV?
On this week's pod, co-hosts Austin Karp and Josh Carpenter dive into the NFL Draft, which is trying to follow up on near-record viewership for 2025's event. Staying on the NFL: Mike Tomlin has a new job, but not on the sidelines. And amid questions around its funding, where does LIV Golf go for its next media deal?
April 16 · 24 min
Rory drives big Masters numbers; whispers around the Preakness; and Year 1 of the new media is big for the NBA.
On this week's pod, SBJ media reporters Austin Karp and Josh Carpenter go deep on a number of pressing topics. First, the duo looks at the impressive audience numbers for the Masters final round juxtaposed with the production hiccups. Then, it’s the latest on media rights for the Preakness, the NBA’s strong regular season, what to make of the DOJ investigation into the NFL and some ESPN talent moves.
April 9 · 33 min
The Masters meets Amazon Prime Video; Is more basketball better for the NCAA tournaments?; and Gideon Cohen dishes on what Athletes First is trying to build
On this week's pod, SBJ media reporters Austin Karp and Josh Carpenter – making his debut as co-host – discuss Prime Video’s debut at Augusta National and what it could portend for Amazon’s deeper involvement in golf. The duo also put a bow on March Madness, talk about the latest with NFL Network and look at where the local game delivery market is headed. Plus, Athletes First’s Gideon Cohen, an SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree in 2019, joins Karp to discuss how the agency has built out a media represe
April 2 · 23 min
NCAA Tournament viewership, the future of streaming for the NFL and how Tiger Woods’ future impacts TGL
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp is joined by SBJ special contributor Richard Deitsch to break down the impact of Big Data on viewership for both the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments. They duo also breaks down the future of NFL media with streaming partners and how Tiger Woods stepping away from golf could impact the media rights discussions around the TGL.
March 26 · 22 min
NCAA Men’s Tournament numbers start hot; Elle Duncan on her move to Netflix; and how Sportradar is giving your telecasts a data edge
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp discusses record NCAA Tourney viewership numbers for TNT Sports and CBS Sports headed into the Sweet 16. Karp also looks at Brian Rolapp’s comments regarding a tightening media rights market, how the debut Fanatics Flag Football Classic performed and whether President Trump’s executive order regarding Army-Navy will slow the CFP’s expansion. Plus, Elle Duncan joins the pod to discuss her move to Netflix, while Brian Josephs of Sportrada
March 19 · 27 min
NCAA basketball keeps seeing big numbers; the WBC makes its mark; and NBC Sports’ John Fanta dishes on all things March Madness
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp discusses the big audience numbers for college basketball’s regular season and the conference tournaments. Karp also looks at the healthy prospects for the WNBA with a CBA done, how the WBC delivered big numbers and the PWHL getting its first national TV deals done in the U.S. Plus, with the NCAA Tournament underway, NBC Sports’ John Fanta comes on to talk about the broader college hoops landscape.

The Sports Media Podcast

DAZN goes big on local media; what can MLS get in its next rights deal?; What to follow with Paramount Skydance’s legal case; and the WNBA keeps rising.

FIFA World Cup delivers record viewership; rights questions loom for 2030 and beyond; and halftime show hijinks

The World Cup rolls on, Versant adds another property, and Netflix takes a swing at the Home Run Derby

World Cup viewership and rights talk heat up; Versant keeps diversifying; and Matt Vasgersian talks about Netflix’s Home Derby debut

Inside the World Cup's knockout stage; what's next for NBC/Comcast; Bonnie Bernstein joins the pod

NASCAR looks classy in San Diego; College baseball on the rise; Fox’s Stu Holden talks World Cup

World Cup viewership and hydration breaks; the NBA and NHL wrap up big; and what to make of UFC Freedom 250

NBA Finals is delivering, ESPN’s Sean McDonough talks Stanley Cup Final; and the World Cup gets started

Stanley Cup, NBA Finals highlight major June for ABC; Rebecca Lowe previews the World Cup

The Knicks are back in the NBA Final; Excel and WIN Sports get together; Donovan and Howard talk World Cup

Memorial Day weekend on tap, recapping Sports Business Awards

Upfront season highlights sports; late changes for the last available NFL games; Tennis Channel’s Jeff Blackburn

The Run for the Roses racks up a big audience; Comcast and Disney have an NFL Network stare down; the Timberwolves’ Matthew Caldwell talks basketball media issues

The impacts of Disney's ESPN decision; reacting to the NFL Draft; and Caitlin Clark and the Fever set another WNBA TV record.

All eyes on the NFL Draft; digging into NBA local numbers; and what's next for LIV Golf on TV?

Rory drives big Masters numbers; whispers around the Preakness; and Year 1 of the new media is big for the NBA.

The Masters meets Amazon Prime Video; Is more basketball better for the NCAA tournaments?; and Gideon Cohen dishes on what Athletes First is trying to build

NCAA Tournament viewership, the future of streaming for the NFL and how Tiger Woods’ future impacts TGL

NCAA Men’s Tournament numbers start hot; Elle Duncan on her move to Netflix; and how Sportradar is giving your telecasts a data edge

NCAA basketball keeps seeing big numbers; the WBC makes its mark; and NBC Sports’ John Fanta dishes on all things March Madness