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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254 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes254

Newest first

March 12 · 25 min
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips talks all things college sports; Is the NFL adding a Thanksgiving appetizer?
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp opens up with a conversation at the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament with Commissioner Jim Phillips, who dishes on the recent meeting with President Trump at the White House, resurgent viewership for college hoops and likely expansion of the ACC’s efforts with in-game replay review audio for fans. Plus, Karp gets into college basketball regular season viewership, the prospects for an NFL game on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, C
March 5 · 34 min
David Ellison pays up; a new direction for games in Detroit; and CAA Sports’ top broadcasting agents give a lay of the land
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp discusses the implications of David Ellison and Paramount Skydance winning a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. Also, what the Red Wings and Tigers are doing for local games in Motown and what Unrivaled needs to accomplish in Season 3. Plus, CAA Sports’ Matt Kramer and Tom Young dish on what they look to accomplish for their broadcasting clients, and what trends they’re following for talent in 2026.
February 26 · 26 min
Golden viewership, Milan Cortina in the rearview, and the NHL’s Keith Wachtel
This week on the SBJ Sports Media Podcast, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp delivers his takeaways from the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, including a look at NBC’s cross‑platform strategy that helped drive record viewership for the USA–Canada women’s hockey gold‑medal showdown. Later in the episode, the president of NHL Business Keith Wachtel joins the show to share on‑the‑ground insights from his Olympic experience and to lay out why the league views major global events as a cornerstone
February 19 · 19 min
Main Street’s demise creates havoc, opportunity; Big TV numbers during President’s Day weekend; SBJ’s Rachel Axon talks Olympics from Milan
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp discusses what the end of Main Street Sports Group and the FanDuel Sports Networks means for teams across the NHL, NBA and MLB. Plus, he breaks down numbers for the NBA All-Star Game’s return to NBC, the Daytona 500 and first week of the Milan Cortina Winter Games. And SBJ’s Rachel Axon gives an on-the-ground report from Italy and what she’s hearing concerning all things Olympics.
February 12 · 44 min
Super Bowl viewership, the NFL’s media future, changes for NBA All-Star weekend and more
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp is joined by SBJ special contributor Richard Deitsch, and the duo break down Super Bowl viewership, changes coming to NFL media rights, the start to the Milan Cortina Olympics, this weekend’s NBA All-Star Game and Daytona 500 and more.
February 5 · 35 min
Breaking down the MLB team exodus from Main Street; ESPN and the NFL get a deal done early; and all things media with Octagon’s William Mao
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp brings on colleague Tom Friend to talk about the latest with Main Street Sports Group and its RSNs. Then, Karp gets into the closing of the NFL-ESPN equity deal and what surprised him. Then, Octagon media rights expert William Mao joins the pod to dish on the NFL, college sports, a potential squeeze on mid-tier properties and more.
January 29 · 24 min
Breaking down the latest NFL numbers; SEC vs. Big Ten; and FanDuel’s Christian Genetski on the intersection of gambling and media
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp breaks down the NFC/AFC conference championship, and whether he thinks Patriots-Seahawks will set a Super Bowl audience record. He also breaks down the CFP title game number, and why the SEC’s regular season numbers still dwarf the Big Ten on the whole. Plus, FanDuel President Christian Genetski gives insight on how sports betting is helping TV viewership, how he’s monitoring the Main Street Sports RSN mess and why the company’s ads fee
January 22 · 26 min
NFL’s Hans Schroeder gets into the business of The Shield
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp looks into what a potential CFP format expansion would mean for interested media. Sticking with college, the hardwood is heating up and so are audience numbers, as Karp shares why the Big Ten Network isn’t just relying on football for a record start. Plus, with the NFC and AFC championship games set for Sunday, NFL media chief Hans Schroeder dishes on the matchups, plus where things stand on media rights and Nielsen’s Big Data. 00:55
January 15 · 28 min
Cash is king for Netflix as it pursues WBD; the NFL keeps humming on Wild Card weekend; Checking in on TikTok and Playfly Media
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp looks at the latest movement in the battle for WBD, as well how the numbers looked around NFL Wild Card weekend and the CFP semifinals. Plus, some chatter on the latest with MLB teams and RSNs and Fanatics getting into the content production business. Then, a conversation with TikTok executive Kat Marquez on how the platform views sports, as well as a talk with the new head of Playfly Media, Nick Cartan.
January 8 · 18 min
CFP ratings coming up roses, Main Street blues continue and ESPN’s Bryan Jaroch
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp shares what could be next for Main Street Sports Group as the RSN saga continues. Plus, the path to Super Bowl LX is set and we put a bow on NFL regular season viewership trends. Plus, Indiana's trouncing of Alabama did not slow down the Rose Bowl juggernaut, and Karp shares why the audience numbers will only continue to grow as the College Football Playoffs roll on. And speaking of the CFP, ESPN’s Bryan Jaroch drops in to share what th
January 1 · 27 min
NBA gives more thoughtful Christmas presents; Will DAZN pull the trigger on Main Street?
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp starts off 2026 with his experience taking in the Pop-Tarts Bowl and why bowl season on TV continues to be ripe for brand experimentation. Plus, some talk on how the NBA and NFL delivered on Christmas Day and what’s next for a potential DAZN-FanDuel RSNs marriage. Then, a conversation with top Wall Street media analysts David Karnovsky (JPMorgan) and Naveen Sarma (S&P Global) from SBJ’s Media Innovators event on key issues around sports
Dec 23, 2025 · 25 min
All things with Christmas with Netflix’s Kay Adams, ESPN’s Mark Jones
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp brings home the last pod of 2025 with an eye on Christmas Day. First, Kay Adams joins to talk about the second iteration of Netflix’s NFL doubleheader and how she sees her role in sports after departing NFL Network. Then, longtime ESPN play-by-play announcer Mark Jones dishes on the five-pack of Christmas NBA games and whether the Pop-Tarts Bowl has the best postseason trophy.
Dec 18, 2025 · 23 min
Heisman, Army-Navy and the CFP’s future with SBJ’s college expert
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp brings in colleague Ben Portnoy to look at the future where Army-Navy falls on the calendar. The duo also discuss the Heisman Trophy telecast, TNT’s CFP future and predictions for the first round this weekend. Finally, in Karp’s Corner, a look a new “MNF” alt-cast, WBD rejecting David Ellison’s hostile offer, DAZN looking for U.S. inroads with FanDuel Sports Networks and Netflix expanding its video podcast offerings with Barstool Sports
Dec 11, 2025 · 31 min
Fox Sports’ Rob Stone on World Cup Draw, Big Ten Championship; A wrap on college football regular season viewership
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp breaks down the viewership around the conference championships and college football’s regular season. Then, fresh off hosting duties for the FIFA World Cup Draw and Big Ten title game, Fox Sports’ Rob Stone joins the show. Finally, in Karp’s Corner, a look at the World Cup Draw audience, reviews of a couple of NFL alt-casts and media’s impact on the SBJ Influence 125 list.
Dec 4, 2025 · 31 min
Thanksgiving brings bountiful NFL numbers: Will Messi fans flock to Fox?: and the latest on the out-of-home sports TV distribution business.
On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp discusses the NFL setting new regular-season TV records. Then, SBJ's Josh Carpenter joins Karp to look at Netflix making a bold move with Elle Duncan, MLS getting its Messi moment and the college conference championship games that you need to pay attention to. Plus, Neema Ghazi of Joe Hand Promotions dishes on where business is at for his company.
Nov 26, 2025 · 16 min
LionTree’s Alex Michael on sports media trends, youth sports; Three things to be thankful for in sports media
On this week’s pod, host and SBJ media writer Austin Karp is joined by LionTree Managing Director Alex Michael for a deep dive into investment opportunities in youth sports, as well as trends in sports tech and international growth. Karp also reflects on the YouTube TV-Disney carriage deal and Nielsen’s big data impact on sports as part of what he is most thankful for this year. Finally, a look into the future of TNT Sports and consolidation in sports media.
Nov 20, 2025 · 20 min
Prime Video’s Charlie Neiman on NBA, NFL; Breaking down the new MLB deals; YouTube TV and Disney find peace
On this week’s pod, host and SBJ media writer Austin Karp is joined by Prime Video’s head of sports content Charlie Nieman, who dishes on the start to the company’s NBA deal, another strong year for “TNF” and a big Black Friday coming. Plus, Karp gets what MLB’s media rights will look like from 2026-28, the details on the carriage deal that brought ESPN and YouTube TV back together, the enthusiasm of NBC Sports’ John Fanta and what might become of the NFL international game package. 1:08 MLB's M
Nov 13, 2025 · 32 min
Tim Pernetti gets all American; Will YouTube TV or Disney blink first?; A requiem for ESPN Bet
On this week’s pod, host and SBJ media writer Austin Karp is joined by Tim Pernetti, commissioner of the American Conference, as they dig into the latest with college football. Plus, Karp gets into whether anything is close with the YouTube TV-ESPN standoff, the end of the ESPN Bet experiment and Unrivaled adding another night of action. 1:27 Disney vs YouTube TV 5:42 Tim Pernetti Interview 26:00 Karp's Corner
Nov 6, 2025 · 31 min
The YouTube TV-ESPN battle continues; the NFL debuts in Berlin; and an expert’s view of the landscape
On this week’s pod, host and SBJ media writer Austin Karp is joined by Bjorn Werner, a former Colts defensive end (now a popular football podcaster in his native Germany) ahead of the team’s home game in Berlin. Also, longtime consultant Doug Perlman of Sports Media Advisors joins the pod to talk about the biggest things going on at his shop. Plus, Karp breaks down the latest around the YouTube TV-ESPN battle, MLB’s big sendoff with World Series numbers and NASCAR’s audience drop in Year 1 of a
Oct 30, 2025 · 31 min
Former HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg; Inside MLS Viewership on Apple
This week on the SBJ Sports Media Podcast SBJ golf and sports media reporter Josh Carpenter, is joined by SBJ soccer writer Alex Silverman for a deep dive into MLS viewership on Apple and what it could mean for the future of the media rights partnership. Also, SBJ media reporter Austin Karp has a conversation with former HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg. The two discuss the future of the in-season version of Hard Knocks, the creation of HBO Real Sports as well as the impact of HBO’s partnersh

The Sports Media Podcast

ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips talks all things college sports; Is the NFL adding a Thanksgiving appetizer?

David Ellison pays up; a new direction for games in Detroit; and CAA Sports’ top broadcasting agents give a lay of the land

Golden viewership, Milan Cortina in the rearview, and the NHL’s Keith Wachtel

Main Street’s demise creates havoc, opportunity; Big TV numbers during President’s Day weekend; SBJ’s Rachel Axon talks Olympics from Milan

Super Bowl viewership, the NFL’s media future, changes for NBA All-Star weekend and more

Breaking down the MLB team exodus from Main Street; ESPN and the NFL get a deal done early; and all things media with Octagon’s William Mao

Breaking down the latest NFL numbers; SEC vs. Big Ten; and FanDuel’s Christian Genetski on the intersection of gambling and media

NFL’s Hans Schroeder gets into the business of The Shield

Cash is king for Netflix as it pursues WBD; the NFL keeps humming on Wild Card weekend; Checking in on TikTok and Playfly Media

CFP ratings coming up roses, Main Street blues continue and ESPN’s Bryan Jaroch

NBA gives more thoughtful Christmas presents; Will DAZN pull the trigger on Main Street?

All things with Christmas with Netflix’s Kay Adams, ESPN’s Mark Jones

Heisman, Army-Navy and the CFP’s future with SBJ’s college expert

Fox Sports’ Rob Stone on World Cup Draw, Big Ten Championship; A wrap on college football regular season viewership

Thanksgiving brings bountiful NFL numbers: Will Messi fans flock to Fox?: and the latest on the out-of-home sports TV distribution business.

LionTree’s Alex Michael on sports media trends, youth sports; Three things to be thankful for in sports media

Prime Video’s Charlie Neiman on NBA, NFL; Breaking down the new MLB deals; YouTube TV and Disney find peace

Tim Pernetti gets all American; Will YouTube TV or Disney blink first?; A requiem for ESPN Bet

The YouTube TV-ESPN battle continues; the NFL debuts in Berlin; and an expert’s view of the landscape

Former HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg; Inside MLS Viewership on Apple