Bloomberg Business of Sports

MLS Next Pro Tries to Build Off World Cup Momentum 26.06.2026 38min

Join hosts Michael Barr, Vanessa Perdomo and Randall Williams for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.Ali Curtis, President of MLS Next Pro, discusses how MLS Next pro is going to try to build off the momentum of the World Cup once it ends.Curtis talks about how MLS Next Pro will help get the next generation ready to compete at the highest level. This week's show also features:- Matthew Savage, Chairman of Dorilton Capital and Atlassian Williams F1 Team, discusses their philosophy for how to invest and where to invest in the team to get the best results. - Chad Bronstein, Co-Founder and CEO of Real American Freestyle, discusses how popular the wrestling community. He talks about how he wanted to give the athletes who compete in this sport their whole lives a place to do it at the professional level.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BONUS: MLB Takes Over South Of France, With CC Sabathia, Jimmy Rollins & More 25.06.2026 1h 6min

On this special edition of the Bloomberg Business of Sports, host Vanessa Perdomo-Maglione is reporting from Cannes, France for the Cannes Lion festival. Over the last few years it has become a hotbed for athletes, teams and leagues to come and get some face time with brands in the hopes of increasing brand deals and partnerships to grow revenue.  New to the scene this year was Major League Baseball, due to the fact they are one of the only leagues in season at the moment. Along with the league’s CMO Uzma Rawn Dowler, a handful of former players accompanied the league to get in front of as many brand executives as possible to help grow the game and business of baseball. We spoke with MLB legends CC Sabathia, Jimmy Rollins and Dexter Fowler about their role in representing the league in the front office while in Cannes as well as Major League Baseball Chief Marketing Officer Uzma Rawn Dowler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Special Edition: How Niche Sports Built The Culture That Mainstream Follows 24.06.2026 28min

On this special bonus episode of the Bloomberg Business of Sports, host Vanessa Perdomo-Maglione ventured to Cannes, France for the Cannes Lion festival where she moderated a panel at Stagwell’s Sport Beach about how smaller sports build culture moments. The sports that shape taste, drive fashion, and influence what's cool rarely start at the center. They start at the edges, built by athletes who are as much creators and cultural figures as they are competitors. This panel explores how niche sports earn their way into the mainstream — and how the athletes who carry them there become the taste makers, style icons, and brand partners that marquee sports can only try to replicate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Knicks Unite New York City in Finals Win, Draws Massive TV Audience 19.06.2026 37min

Join hosts Michael Barr, Vanessa Perdomo and Randall Williams for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.The New York Knicks ended one of the longest championship droughts in the NBA, bringing relief to their long-suffering fans.Last Saturday night, the franchise won its first title since 1973, and third all-time, with a 94-90 win at the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5. The Knicks trailed for most of the game, staging yet another late comeback to take the lead with just minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.Jalen Brunson, who was named the Finals MVP after the game, scored 45 points to power New York to victory over San Antonio.The victory served as an exclamation point for one of the most dominant playoff runs in league history. The Knicks went 16-3, including a stretch of 13 consecutive wins and the largest comeback ever in the Finals.This week's show features: Ira Boudway, Bloomberg global business of sports reporter Mark Warsop, CEO of Panini America on its iconic World Cup sticker albums Shawn Johnson East, Olympic gold medal gymnast and ambassador for the Special Olympics on her YouTube documentary, "Soaring See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BONUS: FC Dallas President & Co-Chair Dan Hunt on Hosting World Cup Games 14.06.2026 15min

On this special bonus episode of the Bloomberg Business of Sports, we hear a conversation with Bloomberg News Texas bureau chief Julie Fine and Dallas FC president and co-owner Dan Hunt about how Texas is preparing to host nine FIFA World Cup matches, its economic impact and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FIFA World Cup in North America Kicks Off 12.06.2026 38min

Join hosts Michael Barr, Vanessa Perdomo and Randall Williams for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports as the FIFA World Cup kicks off across America.This week's show features: Gonzalo Soto, Bloomberg's Mexico City bureau chief for a look at how Mexico is preparing to host games amid unrest. Alan Rothenberg, former US Soccer president, chairman and CEO of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, chairman of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup and author of "The Big Bounce" Alexi Lalas, former soccer player and member of the US national team in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, and current FOX Sports soccer analyst See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Knicks-Spurs Finals Clash Elevates Jalen Brunson to NYC Royalty 05.06.2026 38min

Join hosts Michael Barr, Vanessa Perdomo and Randall Williams for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. The New York Knicks reaching the NBA Finals for the first time this century and facing emerging superstar Victor Wembanyama promises to become one of the most-watched championships in league history. In his second season, the 22-year-old Wembanyama is making a case to be the next face of the league, Kosner said. His unique mix of size and skill — he’s the league’s best shot-blocker while also a skilled shooter and ballhandler — has led him to be nicknamed “The Alien.” The Knicks have their own superstar in Jalen Brunson, a crafty 6-foot-2 guard who could make a claim on being the league’s biggest star by leading New York to its first title in more than 50 years.This week's show features: Randall Williams on the road as he travels to cover the NBA Finals firsthand Joe Perello, former New York City Chief Marketing Officer See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business of Soccer: Napoli Potentially Becoming Next $2 Billion Sports City 04.06.2026 33min

Join host Vanessa Perdomo for a special edition of the Bloomberg Business of Soccer as she speaks with Matt Rizzetta, the founder and managing partner of Underdog Global Partners. He is the owner of multiple sports franchises across Italy including Campobosso FC, Donna Roma and Napoli Basketball. Rizzetta has had conversations with the owners of SSC Napoli about building the brand of Napoli into a true global juggernaut.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'The Messi Effect' with The Athletic's Paul Tenorio & SailGP's Andrew Thompson 29.05.2026 39min

Join hosts Michael Barr, Vanessa Perdomo and Randall Williams for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.This week's show features: Paul Tenorio, senior writer at The Athletic and author of "The Messi Effect" on how soccer superstar Lionel Messi changed the sport & how the upcoming FIFA World Cup could boost the sport even more in the US Andrew Thompson, managing director at SailGP on the upcoming Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indy 500, The 'Double', First Women's Sports Franchise to Hit $1 Billion 22.05.2026 37min

Join hosts Michael Barr, Vanessa Perdomo and Randall Williams for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.This week's show features: Indycar President Doug Boles on the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500.  Professional auto racing driver Katherine Legge on becoming the first woman to attempt the racing double this weekend Golden State Valkyries president Jess Smith on becoming the first woman’s sports franchise in history to be valued at a $1 billion.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MLB Legend Mariano Rivera & LAFC Co-President Larry Freedman 15.05.2026 39min

Join hosts Michael Barr, Vanessa Perdomo and Randall Williams for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports. This week's show features: Mariano Rivera, five-time World Series Champion, World Series MVP and New York Yankees legend from the Latinos in Sports event in Miami Tom Glick, CEO of Hometown Soccer Holdings, a joint venture between MLS and KKR to accelerate the growth of pro soccer in the US through MLS NEXT Pro Larry Freedman, LAFC President and co-chair of the Los Angeles Host Committee on preparations for the FIFA World Cup See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WNBA Legend and Future Hall of Famer Candance Parker on New Season 08.05.2026 37min

Join host Vanessa Perdomo and Michael Barr for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.WNBA Legend and Future Hall of Famer Candance Parker speaks with Vanessa Padermo and Randall Williams.They discussed the start of the WNBA season, after a contentious offseason regarding the CBA that created a lot of uncertainty if the season would start on time. Candace also talked about her career traveling back and forth between playing in the WNBA and overseas where they were given private jets, private drivers and paid seven figure salaries, while back in the US the conditions weren’t even close. Now under a new CBA, players are getting the treatment they’ve been fighting for.On this episode, we also hear from:- Rog Bennett, Founder of Men In Blazers and Author of ‘We Are the World Cup’ on his new book. The Men in Blazers network is the one of the biggest independently run soccer media networks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Churchill Downs CEO on Kentucky Derby Weekend, F1 Returns to Miami 01.05.2026 38min

Join hosts Michael Barr, Vanessa Perdomo and Randall Williams for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.  This week’s show features:  Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Inc., on how the Kentucky Derby has evolved past the race itself.  Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1 Team Principal, on the Formula 1 Grand Prix’s return to Miami and the sport’s rising popularity in the US.  Alberto Perlman, CEO of Zumba Fitness, on the longevity of the largest branded fitness program in the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NFL Draft Hits Pittsburgh, Boston Prepares for the World Cup 25.04.2026 38min

Join hosts Michael Barr, Vanessa Perdomo and Randall Williams for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.This week's show features: Matt Smith, Chief Growth Officer of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development on Pittsburgh hosting the NFL draft Greg Ryan, Bloomberg News Boston money and power reporter on the city's transformation in anticipation of hosting the FIFA World Cup Tom Coughlin, two-time Super Bowl winning former New York Giants head coach on the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business of Soccer Special: Former USMNT Captain Landon Donovan 24.04.2026 25min

Landon Donovan was the star player for the US Men’s National soccer team for almost 15 years playing across three FIFA World Cups and he is the highest-scoring male American player in World Cup history. He is now retired and ready to tell the story of his life that were marked by these incredible feats in soccer, in his new memoir Landon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WrestleMania, Las Vegas as Sports City, Richmond Flying Squirrels 17.04.2026 38min

Join host Vanessa Perdomo and Randall Willliams for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.Senior Radio Producer Sebastian Escobar chats his converation with WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair as she prepares for Wrestlemania.Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President of MGM Resorts International, on how he championed the development of T-Mobile Arena and Las Vegas’ growth as a sports city.Lou DiBella, Managing Partner of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, on the Double A minor league baseball team's newest ballpark and growth in minor league sports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York City FC CEO Brad Sims on the World Cup 10.04.2026 39min

Join host Vanessa Perdomo and Michael Barr for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.New York City Football Club CEO Brad Sims speaks with Vanessa Padermo.They discussed his thoughts on the World Cup. Brad also talked about new developments for his team’s upcoming brand new stadium.On this episode, we also hear from:- Ann Liguori, Award-winning sports broadcaster and host of Talking Golf, on The Masters.- Randall Williams, Bloomberg US Sports Business Reporter, on women’s basketball and what we should be looking out for ahead of the WNBA draft on MondaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman on March Madness and UConn Basketball 03.04.2026 37min

Join host Vanessa Perdomo and Michael Barr for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman speaks with host Vanessa Padermo.They discussed her thoughts on this year’s March Madness tournament. Val also talked about UConn men’s and women’s basketball and how she hopes to see a double national title. On this episode, we also hear from:- Lisa Bhathal Merage, Portland Fire owner, on the WNBA and a new collective bargaining agreement.- Korey Dropkin, Olympic Silver medalist and Nic Sulsky, founder of the Rock League, on the winter Olympics and about how to grow the sport of curling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business of Soccer: LA Is Preparing To Be Major World Cup Hub 02.04.2026 27min

Los Angeles Host Committee President and CEO Kathryn Schloessman joins to speak about how the city is preparing for the World Cup with just over 2 months left to go. On this episode: What LA has to offer for visitors outside of the games at the stadium How impactful it is to have the opening match for the US How the city is preparing for hosting matches with Iran See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former MLB All-Star Nick Swisher on Ford Partnership 27.03.2026 38min

Join host Vanessa Perdomo and Michael Barr for a look at some of the latest headlines and stories in the business of sports.Former MLB All-Star and World Series champion Nick Swisher spoke with Vanessa and Guest Host Randall Williams.They discussed Nick’s partnership with Ford. Nick gave his insights into the start of the 2026 MLB season.Nick also talked about collective bargaining and what it means for Major League Baseball moving forward in terms of a potential work stoppage.On this episode, we also hear from:Chip Paucek the CEO and founder of Pro Athlete Community and former NFL player and PAC board member Terron Armstead. They spoke with Vanessa Perdomo and Michael Barr on their flagship summit Pac Accelerate. The summit will gather over 400 professional athletes and executives to create intentional momentum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.