On the latest Sporticast episode, hosts Eben Novy-Williams and Jacob Feldman discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including some notable changes underway at the New York Yankees.
The most valuable sports team in Major League Baseball has made a few notable departures from its traditions in the past week. For one, it reversed its long-held ban on players sporting facial hair. In another, it will no longer play Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” after losses, only after wins. The hosts discuss whether these are minor, meaningless changes, or whether they say something about the Yankees view on the future.
Next they talk about the looming divorce between MLB and ESPN. Neither host was surprised that ESPN chose to opt out of its $550 million/year deal, but both were surprised by the rhetoric that commissioner Rob Manfred used to communicate the development to owners. Manfred criticized ESPN—which is still a league partner this year—but also criticized the entire cable model, which is still central to the league’s revenue. It’s unclear if MLB already has held talks with streaming companies about the package, which includes Sunday Night Baseball.
Next the hosts talk about the start of the MLS season. The league is in the first half of its 10-year streaming deal with Apple, and the relationship has drawn criticism from multiple owners in private conversations. It’s still unclear if that deal will eventually net out to being a success for the league, which is facing a big next 18 months with the FIFA men’s World Cup being hosted in North America next Summer.
The hosts also talk about San Diego FC owner Mohamed Mansour, an MLS investor unlike any other; and major changes in discussion for college soccer.
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