The Deal with Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly
When sports, business and culture collide, there’s often a deal to be made. Join Alex Rodriguez and Bloomberg correspondent Jason Kelly as they get the inside track from corporate titans, sports champions and game-changing entrepreneurs on investing, strategy, reinvention and the ones that got away. The Deal is a Bloomberg Podcasts and Bloomberg Originals series that’s passionate, relaxed, insightful and inspirational.
Episodes
World Cup 2026 Recap
The 2026 World Cup is done and the numbers are astounding. FIFA reportedly expects to bring in $15 billion in revenue, blowing past their original projection of $12 billion. This number isn’t surprising considering that almost 7 million people attended the tournament’s 104 games and 60 million people in North America tuned into Sunday’s final. In this episode of The Deal, w
Hoyt McGarity on the State of Golf
8AM Golf is a holding company whose portfolio includes 15 companies that touch nearly every aspect of golf. Started in 2018 by Howard Milstein, 8AM’s umbrella includes Golf Magazine, Miura Golf and a newly constructed course in Nashville built in partnership with Justin Timberlake. So, there is no one better to talk to about what is going on in the world of golf than the company’s CEO,
The PWHL is Just Getting Started With Hilary Knight
If you know nothing else about women’s hockey, you probably know Hilary Knight. The 5-time Olympic medalist has played the most games in U.S. Women’s Hockey history. She has also served as the captain of two PWHL teams and is one of the reasons the league exists in the first place. In 2019, Hilary was among several players who vowed to boycott any North American league that was not fin
Portland is the Epicenter of Women’s Sports with Lisa Bhathal Merage
Lisa Bhathal Merage is very busy cementing Portland’s reputation as the global epicenter of women’s sports. In partnership with her brother Alex and their RAJ Sports venture, Lisa is the owner and governor of the NWSL’s Portland Thorns and the WNBA’s Portland Fire. They came to own both teams under pretty unusual circumstances. The Thorns were in turmoil after their previou
Is There a Future for LIV Golf?
LIV Golf is known for doing it big: big player contracts, big worldwide events and big prize purses (an average of $460 million annually). It has also received big funding from one particular source. As of February 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has pumped $5.3 billion into LIV. But this past April, the PIF announced that it would halt its funding of the league at the end
Alex and Jason’s Kids Join Us For a Father’s Day Special!
Here on The Deal we have interviewed some of the world’s most famous athletes and some of the most powerful people in sports. But today we welcome our most important guests and probably our hosts’ biggest critics: their children. In this special Father’s Day episode of The Deal, Alex and Jason’s kids join us to share some perspective on who their dads are off the air. Firs
The Knicks Won Big. New York's Economy Won Bigger.
Not only have the Knicks brought New York City its first NBA title in 53 years, the team also brought their hometown a lot of money. An estimate by the New York City Economic Development Corporation puts the economic impact of the Knicks’ postseason run at $380 million. In this special NBA Finals episode of The Deal, NYC EDC Interim CEO Jeanny Pak joins Jason to break down the methodology be
The "Americanization" of the World Cup, Plus Alex on the MLB CBA
It’s the first day of the 2026 World Cup! Ticket prices, transportation, security, visas, Attorneys General investigations and water bottles are just a few of the issues threatening to distract from the play on the pitch. Now that it's time for the football to actually be played, we will finally get some answers to the biggest outstanding questions: Will FIFA’s controversial ticketing
FIFA’s Jill Ellis Says the World Cup Will be “Magical”
Jill Ellis has seen soccer from every angle: as an elite player, as the two-time World Cup champion coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team and as an NWSL team president. She is bringing this expertise to FIFA as the organization’s first Chief Football Officer. As one of the chief architects of the global game, she is the ultimate World Cup insider. In this episode of The Deal, Jill te
Tracy McGrady Always Wanted to Be an Owner
Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady is considered one of the best shooting guards to ever play the game of basketball. His post-playing career is one of a multifaceted businessperson. T-Mac is one of the lead studio analysts on NBC’s nostalgic return to NBA coverage. And in December 2024, Tracy and his cousin Vince Carter were among 10 limited partners who joined the Buffalo Bills ownership group. O
Jess Pegula on the Business of Tennis
Jess Pegula has spent her life around elite sports — both as one of the best tennis players in the world and as part of the family behind the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. Beyond competing at the highest level, she’s become an influential voice in the future of professional tennis through her role as a player representative for the Women’s Tennis Association, giving her a rar
Alan Waxman is a Sports Superinvestor
Alan Waxman’s Sixth Street Partners has a deep conviction in sports. Over the past five years, Alan and his firm have taken a minority stake in teams in most major professional leagues, including: the Boston Celtics, the San Antonio Spurs, the San Francisco Giants and FC Barcelona. In 2024, Sixth Street became the first investment fund to take a controlling interest in an American pro team w
AJ Andrews on What's Next for Baseball and Softball
Baseball and softball are both having a moment. The 2025 Women’s College World Series was the most watched ever, with 2.4 million people tuning in to game 3. On the baseball side, almost 11 million people watched Venezuela beat the U.S. to take the 2026 World Baseball Classic title. The audience for both sports is growing, and LSU softball star and baseball media analyst AJ Andrews is one of
How NFL Legend Steve Young Built a $10 Billion Fund
Steve Young has created a playbook for so many athletes looking to make their way in business and spends a lot of his time paying it forward. HGGC, the private equity firm he started in 2007 with Rich Lawson, currently has an AUM above $10 billion. He also happens to be one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game of football. In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason
The WNBA's Expansion into Cleveland is Powered by Private Equity
Kara Nortman bets big on women’s sports, and it’s paying off. She is the co-owner of Angel City FC, an NWSL team with a $335 million valuation. She is also the managing partner of Monarch Collective, the first investment platform exclusively dedicated to women’s sports. Monarch is now investing a $250 million fund with a stake in three NWSL teams and a European football club. In
How Kenny Beecham Became the New Face of NBA Media
NBA fans, you’re about to see a whole lot more of Kenny Beecham. The founder of basketball media brand Enjoy Basketball first broke through in 2011 streaming NBA 2k games on Twitch. Since then, he has built a YouTube channel with over 700,000 followers, hosted altcasts on NBA TV and ESPN and interviewed Adam Silver. In October 2025, Kenny and Enjoy signed their biggest deal yet: a partnershi
Elle Duncan Says It’s Too Early to Write Off Netflix Sports
Elle Duncan has heard your criticism of Netflix’s MLB Opening Day Coverage. And as the streamer’s first sports anchor, she has something to say about it. In this episode of The Deal, Elle explains to Alex and Jason that there is a difference between constructive criticism and saying something is “too Netflix” and there’s a balance between "eventizing" sports and cover
How Jesse Cole Turned the Savannah Bananas Into a $500 Million Business
Jesse Cole is the Walt Disney of baseball. As the founder and CEO of the Savannah Bananas and its parent company Fans First Entertainment, Jesse rewrote the rules of baseball to build an entertainment juggernaut. There are no bunts, walks or mound visits in Banana Ball, but there are dancing umpires, trick plays and choreographed dance numbers. But the Savannah Bananas are more than just a zany ta
MLB Opening Day Preview with Alex Rodriguez
Today is Opening Day of the 2026 MLB season. The season kicks off with a coast-to-coast showdown (on Netflix!) between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants. But it’s the off-the-diamond news that’s making the biggest waves. Beyond a streaming service partnership, baseball's also now in business with Polymarket, and facing labor strife that could lead to an offseason lockout go
David Levy is the Reason You’re Watching March Madness
It’s brackets season! And you can watch all 67 games of both the women’s and men’s NCAA tournament on national TV, thanks to David Levy. Levy spent 33 years at Turner Broadcasting, eventually serving as its president, where he expanded the network’s NBA coverage. Levy is probably best known for brokering a $10.8 billion rights agreement that made every March Madness game av
Reaction: Alex Rodriguez Says the MLB Needs to Act on the World Baseball Classic’s Momentum
Tonight, the United States and Venezuela face off in the finals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. And chances are, a lot of you will be watching. Based only on pool play, this year’s WBC viewership is up 142% from the 2023 tournament. 35,000 people have bought tickets to tonight’s final and over 100 million Japanese fans tuned in to watch Shohei Ohtani. Aaron Judge called the crowd a
How NFL Star Bobby Wagner is Modeling his Career on Michael's and Magic's
Bobby Wagner is one of three NFL Linebackers to ever record 2,000 tackles. But his biggest goal is ownership, whether that’s of a team or his own contract negotiations. Following the lead of his mentors Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, Wagner has spent the last decade diversifying his business interests, including investments in tech start-ups and taking a minority stake in the WNBA’s
Men in Blazers’ Roger Bennett Says America Already Loves Soccer
Can Americans really embrace the rest of the world's favorite sport? According to Roger Bennett, the founder and CEO of soccer media powerhouse Men in Blazers, we don't have to wait for this summer's World Cup -- the love affair with soccer is in full swing across the United States. In fact, Roger breaks the news to Alex that soccer has surpassed baseball as the country’s third most popular
Power Players: How F1's Pierre Gasly Built a Brand Outside of Racing
In this special episode, Jason Kelly speaks with Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly about how drivers aren't just racers in today's Formula 1 – they're global brand ambassadors, technical consultants, and brands unto themselves. Gasly discussed how he is building his empire through partnerships with fashion brands, an investment group, and an ownership stake in FC Versailles, on top of competing
Power Players: How CEO Stefano Domenicali is Growing F1's Legacy
In this special episode, Jason Kelly speaks with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali about how F1 is bringing its booming business to Miami, why he's excited about the addition of Cadillac to the F1 grid, how he's pushing to bring more women into racing through F1 Academy, and why he teamed up with the folks behind the Brad Pitt movie "F1." This interview was part of the third episode of Bloomb
Why Willow Bay Invested in Angel City FC
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk to Angel City FC controlling owner Willow Bay about how she sees her investment giving back to the community. They discuss how Bay helped change sports media culture when she hosted “NBA Inside Stuff,” how her work as dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism inspired her to acquire a team in the N
Reaction: Best World Series Ever? Plus, the "Alex vs. A-Rod" Premiere
In this special bonus episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly hop on the mic to talk about the thrilling seven-game World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays. They discuss why it was the best World Series Rodriguez has ever seen, how Dodgers owner Mark Walter's vision and checkbook have fueled the team, and why they see potential for a Dodgers three-peat ne
Why Emmanuel Acho Left the NFL to Create a New Kind of Platform
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk to the former football player and award-winning producer Emmanuel Acho about why he rejected the NFL and rebranded as a media influencer. In this conversation, they discuss the business of the NFL, why Acho’s “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” video series became a viral success and how he’s revita
How Jerry Jones Turned the Cowboys Into a Global Brand
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk to Dallas Cowboys owner, President & General Manager Jerry Jones about how he turned “America’s Team” into a global brand. In this conversation, they discuss the risks Jones took to redefine the role of National Football League teams, how he faces criticism and the high-stakes deals that have shaped his legacy,
How Barstool's Ex-CEO Built a Brand Amid Controversy
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Erika Ayers Badan, the former chief executive of Barstool Sports and current CEO of Food52, about what she’s learned from leading two “turnaround” companies. Badan tells the hosts how she led a company often laden with controversy, why she’s happy to grow talent that leaves and why she thinks it’s i
How NFL Legend Justin Tuck Tackled Goldman Sachs
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with two-time Super Bowl champion Justin Tuck about how he transitioned to a career at Goldman Sachs. In this conversation, which was taped in front of an audience at the Bloomberg Power Players conference, Tuck tells the hosts about the pressures and opportunities of being a professional athlete in New York City, how private equity
How Peloton’s Robin Arzón Built a Successful Brand
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with entrepreneur and Peloton head instructor Robin Arzón about how she built her own brand while also growing Peloton’s. In this conversation, Arzón tells the hosts why she decided to leave her law career to dive into the world of fitness, how she decides which deals to pursue as one of the top fitness influencer
The Ultimate NIL Primer with College Sports Company’s Adam Breneman
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly speak with Adam Breneman, founder of The College Sports Company, about the huge amount of money flowing into the business of college football. Breneman tells the hosts all about the new rules around revenue sharing and name, image, and likeness deals in college sports, how student athletes are stepping up to earn their big paydays, and wh
The Business of Baseball with Orioles President Catie Griggs
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez tells Jason Kelly about his experience watching his Minnesota Lynx during the first round of the WNBA playoffs. Then, they speak with Catie Griggs about how she thinks about the business of baseball as President of Business Operations of the Baltimore Orioles. Griggs – who, like Alex, did a stint with the Seattle Mariners – tells the hosts wh
How Jozy Altidore Moved from MLS Star to NFL Owner
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly speak with Jozy Altidore about his transition from legendary soccer player to entrepreneur and investor. Altidore tells the hosts why he loved FIFA’s Club World Cup this year and what he’s looking forward to at the FIFA World Cup next year, how he leveraged his own World Cup experience to develop his brand, and why he’s
Hall of Famer Pau Gasol on Basketball Going Global
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly speak with Pau Gasol about his Hall of Fame basketball career, both in the US and in Spain. Gasol tells the hosts how he sees the growth of basketball internationally, the power of the Olympics to grow the game, why he saw value in investing in the WNBA via Gasol16 Ventures, and what he learned both on and off the court from his friend an
How Laura Correnti is Selling Women’s Sports
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about Bryce Underwood's $12.5M NIL deal. Then, they speak with Laura Correnti about how she came to found Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment, the first firm dedicated to commercial investment and growth opportunities in women's sports. Correnti tells the hosts how the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team inspired her to start her business
Why FOX Sports’ Greg Olsen Wants to Shake Up Youth Sports
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly cover expansion and realignment in Major League Baseball. Later, they speak with Greg Olsen about his company, Youth Inc., and its mission to transform organized sports for kids. Olsen explains how his football career informs his work as a FOX Sports commentator, why the broader sports landscape is due for innovation, and the financial hu
How Allyson Felix Took on Nike and Built an Empire
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about the state of baseball (including the sorry state of the Yankees) and break down Paramount's massive new deal with the UFC. Then, they speak with Allyson Felix about how she parlayed her legendary track and field career into unexpected activism in the world of business. Felix tells the hosts why it was important for her to stand
Ex-NFLPA’s DeMaurice Smith on Fighting for Change in the NFL
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about Stanford’s surprising pick for its new athletic director, and the drama taking place at the NFL Players Association. Then, they speak with DeMaurice Smith about his time as the Executive Director of the NFLPA and his new book, "Turf Wars: The Fight for the Soul of America's Game," which gives an inside look at the league.
Highlighting 'Just Women's Sports,' with Founder Haley Rosen
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly speak with Haley Rosen about why she founded “Just Women’s Sports,” the media company focused solely on – you guessed it – women's sports. Rosen tells the hosts how she got investors to see the coverage as a real business and not a charity, how she is both creating and leveraging this moment of fandom for wom
How D.C Mayor Muriel Bowser is Closing the Commanders, RFK Stadium Deal
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez tells Jason Kelly about his plans for celebrating his 50th birthday. Then, they speak with Mayor Muriel Bowser about the biggest sports deal in Washington, D.C.’s history. Bowser tells the hosts what lies ahead for a D.C. Council vote on the deal to bring the Washington Commanders to RFK Stadium, how she got Ted Leonsis to keep the Washington Capit
How Sam Kennedy’s Bold Moves Shape the Red Sox, Plus Alex on the MLB All-Star Game
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez tells Jason Kelly about his experience at the MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta. Then, they speak with Sam Kennedy about his “bold decision making” as President and CEO of the Boston Red Sox. Kennedy tells the hosts how he handles tough decisions like trading Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, why buying Liverpool FC is proof that “t
How Whoop’s Will Ahmed Built a $3.6B Business Tracking Fitness
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez tells Jason Kelly how he’s feeling leading up to his first press conference as the owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx at the NBA’s Summer League, and what he’s looking forward to at the MLB All-Star Game next week. Then, they speak with Will Ahmed about how he came to found the fitness tracker Whoop. Ahmed tells the hosts the
Michelle Wie West on Golf Dealmaking, and Alex Closes His Deal
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez tells Jason Kelly how he has felt since finalizing his ownership of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx. Then, they speak with Michelle Wie West about what she learned during her impressive golf career. West tells the hosts why she was excited to invest in Togethxr to promote women’s golf, why she sees potential in the new simulator golf league TGL
Bill Belichick and Ray Dalio on What It Takes to Win
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with iconic football coach Bill Belichick and Bridgewater's legendary founder Ray Dalio about their guiding principles for success. Belichick tells the hosts how he was inspired by Dalio’s book “Principles” to write “The Art of Winning: Lessons from My Life in Football,” and why he’s excited for a
How Blackstone’s David Blitzer Invested in Every Major Sport
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with David Blitzer, Blackstone’s chairman and the co-founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, about how his teams use data and analytics to improve fan experience. In this conversation, which was taped in front of an audience at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, Blitzer tells the hosts how a “failed
How Magic Johnson Went From NBA Legend to Billionaire
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Magic Johnson, the iconic point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. In their conversation, taped in front of a live audience at the Milken Global Conference, Johnson reveals what he’s learned from his “greatest deal,” becoming part of the Washington Commanders ownership group. He also explains why pitching himsel
How Susie Wolff Is Driving Change in F1
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Susie Wolff, the managing director of F1 Academy, about how she’s helping more female racers try to advance into the ranks of Formula One. In this conversation, Wolff tells the hosts how she got all ten F1 teams to support cars in F1 Academy, why she wanted to sign makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury and what she hopes viewers
Inside the Commanders DC Deal with Owner Josh Harris
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Washington Commanders Owner Josh Harris about how he was able to bring the team back to the RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. In this conversation, Harris tells the hosts how he was also able to negotiate a deal with Comcast for the Philadelphia 76ers’ new arena, why his team was able to perform so much better on the NFL Pla
Mellody Hobson's Game-Changing Investment in Women's Sports
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments, about her firm’s newly launched fund, “Project Level,” devoted to investing in women’s sports. In this conversation, which was taped in front of an audience at Bloomberg’s Invest conference, Hobson tells the hosts why she decided to personal
Why College Sports Will Never Be the Same, With Georgia Tech's J Batt
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit down with Georgia Tech Athletics Director J Batt to discuss the current upheaval in college athletics. In their conversation, taped in front of a live audience during March Madness, Batt explains how his athletics department is helping students navigate new rules around “name, image and likeness,” the transfer portal and p
How McLaren’s Zak Brown Wins with a Pair of Rivals
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about McLaren Racing’s success at the Miami Grand Prix, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finishing first and second on the podium. Then, they speak with Zak Brown about how McLaren Racing came back from the brink of bankruptcy to be a winning team. Brown tells the hosts how he and his drivers deal with media scrutiny, why Ne
How Jennifer Epstein Leveraged Celtics into Soccer, Plus a Miami GP Preview
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about the new Washington Commanders stadium deal and the upcoming Miami Grand Prix. Then, they speak with Jennifer Epstein about what it’s like to build a team from scratch with the NWSL’s latest expansion team: Boston Legacy FC. Epstein tells the hosts what she learned from her family’s ownership of the Boston Celt
NFL CFO Christine Dorfler on the Draft, and Alex's NBA Playoff Report
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about the potential #1 pick in the NFL draft and Alex's report from sitting court-side in LA at a star-studded Timberwolves/Lakers Game 1 of the NBA playoffs. Then, they speak with Christine Dorfler about how she’s rising to the economy’s challenges as the NFL’s chief financial officer. Dorfler tells the hosts how a
ESPN’s Richard Jefferson on Money Mistakes, Plus McIlroy’s Miracle Masters Win
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about Rory McIlroy’s historic win at the 2025 Masters at Augusta National. Then, they speak with Richard Jefferson about how he made the transition from NBA star forward to ESPN analyst. Jefferson tells the hosts why work ethic is important to him, the lessons he learned from being robbed by his former manager, and why he&rsquo
Jessica Berman on the NWSL’s Good Vibes, Plus Ovechkin and UConn Make History
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about two big records: Alex Ovechkin topping Wayne Gretzky’s legendary scoring record in the NHL, and Geno Auriemma’s 12th NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship win as coach at the University of Connecticut. Then, they speak with Jessica Berman about how she has helped revolutionize the National Women’s Soccer
Tom Garfinkel on Miami's Sports and Entertainment Boom
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk about Major League Baseball’s opening weekend and the new torpedo bat everyone is talking about. Then, they speak with Tom Garfinkel about the business empire he leads as President and CEO of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. Garfinkel tells the hosts why his partnership with Dolphins owner, Stephen Ross, is so special,
Why Entrepreneur Mike Repole Wants Young People to Learn Grit
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Mike Repole about how he built two beverage empires with Vitamin Water and BodyArmor. Repole tells the hosts why it’s important for him to share equity with everyone at his company, how he worked with huge investors like Kobe Bryant and Tom Brady, and why he thinks it’s important for entrepreneurs to fail.See omnystu
How Yankees Assistant GM Jean Afterman Changed Baseball for Japanese Players
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with the New York Yankees’ Assistant General Manager, Jean Afterman. Afterman explains how she helped change the game by helping to introduce Japanese players to the MLB, what she learned from legendary Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner, and the advice her mother gave her to start off every negotiation on the strongest foot.Se
How Mike McCarley is Revolutionizing Golf with TGL
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Mike McCarley about how he built TMRW Sports and the TGL (Tomorrow’s Golf League). McCarley explains the pitch that got legendary golfer Tiger Woods on board, how his team navigated setbacks and delays in launching the league for its inaugural season, and where TGL is already looking to expand.See omnystudio.com/listener f
Why Volleyball is the Next Big Pro Sports League, with Katlyn Gao
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Katlyn Gao about how she founded a whole new women's professional sports league: League One Volleyball. Gao tells the hosts why LOVB chose their six inaugural team markets, how she got investors like Jayson Tatum and Candace Parker on board, and why women’s volleyball is uniquely situated to take off in the United States.S
How Former MLB Star Johnny Damon is Still Bringing His A-Game
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Johnny Damon about his career highlights with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Damon tells the hosts the surprising reason why he doesn't agree with the Yankees' new facial hair policy, the reason it’s important to really know your teammates if you want to win a World Series, and what he’s learned about
How ESPN's Laura Rutledge Thinks NIL Will Affect the NFL
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Laura Rutledge about how she built a career as a host for ESPN and the SEC Network. Rutledge tells the hosts about how the new name, image, and likeness rules are affecting when college football players are ready to go pro, how she organizes herself covering football and golf, and what she thought about Tom Brady's turn on the m
Why Ted Leonsis Wants to Build a 'Super City' of Sports Teams
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit with Ted Leonsis, founder of Monumental Sports and Entertainment, to discuss how he came to dominate the Washington DC sports scene. Leonsis shares what he learned from the “world’s worst deal” at AOL and how he’s helping the US capital become a “super city” by investing in its teams.See omnystudio.
Reaction: Super Bowl LIX
In this special bonus episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly hop on the mic to talk about the biggest night in sports. They discuss the pressures of being a quarterback at the Super Bowl, how FOX must feel about the game's ratings, the best sports-related ads of the night, and what it all means for the business of football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Sports Teams Can Learn from Tiktok Star Josh Richards
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit with entrepreneur Josh Richards to discuss his social media empire. Richards explains how he cracked the algorithm to make a name for himself on TikTok, what he’s learned from his partnerships with Dave Portnoy and Mark Wahlberg and why sports teams and star athletes should follow his lead in creating content that can meet targe
Carolyn Tisch Blodgett’s Journey From Peloton to Gotham FC
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit with Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, CEO and founder of Next 3 and the governor of Gotham FC. Blodgett explains why she wanted to invest in women’s professional soccer, what Peloton taught her about marketing and brand development and how her family’s ownership of the New York Giants has affected her work with Gotham.See omnystudi
How Steve Pagliuca Brought Bain’s Playbook to the Celtics
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit with Steve Pagliuca to discuss his ownership principles for the Boston Celtics and Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio. Pagliuca explains how he ended up with a successful career as an investor at Bain Capital, what lessons he applied to growing sports teams and why he’s proud to be called the Italian Ted Lasso.See omnystudio.com/listene
How Paul Rabil Is Transforming Lacrosse Into a Major League Sport
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit with former professional lacrosse player Paul Rabil to discuss the evolving business of the sport. Rabil tells the hosts how he managed to develop a new lacrosse league, why he's investing in its digital media presence and how he plans for the league's future growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reaction: Juan Soto's Record-Breaking Deal with the Mets
In this special bonus episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly hop on the mic to talk about Juan Soto's record-breaking $765 million deal to play for the Mets over the next 15 years. They discuss the details of Soto's deal, how it compares to Rodriguez's own record-breaking contract back in 2000, and what it all means for the business of baseball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Why Sue Bird Thinks Women’s Sports Has Finally Broken Through
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit down with former WNBA player and Seattle Storm co-owner Sue Bird to discuss her growing media empire and the explosion of women's sports. Bird tells the hosts how she has built her investment portfolio, why her company’s viral t-shirt is about more than just a meme and why timing is so important for her big decisions on and off the co
How Basketball Legend Candace Parker is Shaping the Game
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with former WNBA player Candace Parker about how she’s making a name for herself off the court. Parker shares how she got into the business side of basketball by working closely with Adidas, her former sponsor, why she loves being an NBA broadcaster and what she’s looking for in her investments. Become a Bloomberg.com subscriber usin
How Bruin Capital’s George Pyne Capitalizes on Sports
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Bruin Capital Founder and CEO George Pyne about how he reinvented institutions like NASCAR and IMG before pivoting to investing. Pyne explains what he looks for in a founder, why the risk-reward ratio is important in deal-making and the opportunities he sees for growth in college sports. Become a Bloomberg.com subscriber using o
Why Nasdaq’s Adena Friedman Says Sports Teams Should Go Public
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman about the value of letting fans own a part of their team by having teams enter the public market. Friedman tells the hosts about her competitive deal-making mindset, how she’s transformed Nasdaq and the current sports business landscape. Become a Bloomberg.com subscriber using our special intro offer a
How Jay Williams Reinvented His Brand After Basketball
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with Jay Williams, the co-founder and CEO of Improbable Media, about how athletes can build their brands using media. Williams tells the hosts how he made a major career pivot after an accident ended his professional basketball dreams, the lessons he's learned from his personal board of advisors (which includes Duke's legendary Coach
Why Wall Street Giant David Rubenstein Bought the Baltimore Orioles
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group, about his recent purchase of the Baltimore Orioles. Rubenstein tells the hosts about why he bought his hometown baseball team, how he assembled the ownership group and what the Orioles mean for the city of Baltimore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tennis Legend Billie Jean King Is Still Fighting for Women in Sports
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit with tennis champions Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss to discuss the current buzz around women’s sports. King and Kloss, the dreamer and builder (respectively) behind Billie Jean King Enterprises, King says, tell the hosts about their investments in the Los Angeles Dodgers and Angel City FC, the story behind how they helped launch th
How Kevin Warren Is Changing Chicago – and the Bears
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly discuss the state of Big Ten football after Rodriguez visits his daughter for a University of Michigan game. The hosts then interview Kevin Warren, president and chief executive of the Chicago Bears and the former commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, about lessons he’s learned from professional and college sports. Warren also shares th
Xavier Gutierrez, ImpactX Sports Group CEO, Is Investing in Sports
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly discuss the influence of Latinos in the world of sports and how the Boys and Girls Club changed Rodriguez’ life. The hosts then interview ImpactX Sports Group CEO Xavier Gutierrez about the growing business of investing in sports. Gutierrez also shares the results of a Nielson report co-produced by his organization, Latinos in Sports, and
