1 00:00:02,520 --> 00:00:09,959 Speaker 1: Bloomberg Audio Studios, Podcasts, radio News. This is the Business 2 00:00:09,960 --> 00:00:10,600 Speaker 1: of Sports. 3 00:00:10,640 --> 00:00:13,520 Speaker 2: The business of sports can be intimidating or hard for 4 00:00:13,520 --> 00:00:14,520 Speaker 2: a starting to break into. 5 00:00:14,640 --> 00:00:17,639 Speaker 3: We really appreciate when our owners are actually there, you know, 6 00:00:17,720 --> 00:00:18,800 Speaker 3: with us through the journey. 7 00:00:18,840 --> 00:00:22,360 Speaker 4: Teams ours especially have been very intentional to diversify at 8 00:00:22,400 --> 00:00:23,360 Speaker 4: all levels of the company. 9 00:00:23,440 --> 00:00:25,560 Speaker 5: I think we're in the bolden years for the NFL 10 00:00:25,760 --> 00:00:26,680 Speaker 5: and college football. 11 00:00:26,720 --> 00:00:29,720 Speaker 4: Our demographic reach has continued to exploise. 12 00:00:29,880 --> 00:00:33,520 Speaker 3: This is going to be really unlocking the streaming platform 13 00:00:33,600 --> 00:00:34,520 Speaker 3: for sports fans. 14 00:00:34,600 --> 00:00:37,080 Speaker 6: Sports valuations arising, We'll see when they peak. 15 00:00:37,120 --> 00:00:39,720 Speaker 3: You don't have to be the best in your sports 16 00:00:39,800 --> 00:00:42,680 Speaker 3: to make a whole ton of money. 17 00:00:42,840 --> 00:00:45,920 Speaker 1: Bloomberg Business of Sports from Bloomberg Radio. 18 00:00:47,840 --> 00:00:50,920 Speaker 2: This is the Bloomberg Business of Sports. We explore the 19 00:00:50,920 --> 00:00:53,240 Speaker 2: big money issues in the world of sports. I'm Michael 20 00:00:53,280 --> 00:00:56,320 Speaker 2: Labarr along with Vanessa Bernamo, Scarlett fu Is on assignment, 21 00:00:56,360 --> 00:00:59,640 Speaker 2: and Damian Sasauer. We'll be back next week coming up 22 00:00:59,680 --> 00:01:02,200 Speaker 2: All the sh Show. We talk hockey, and here from 23 00:01:02,240 --> 00:01:05,880 Speaker 2: the CEO of the Dallas Stars, Brad Albert. 24 00:01:05,600 --> 00:01:07,600 Speaker 4: Across the line, Graham and looking for help. 25 00:01:07,640 --> 00:01:12,119 Speaker 3: Has Itlyn Delphie stares to nothing, Dallas. 26 00:01:12,400 --> 00:01:15,760 Speaker 2: Plus we'll talk youth sports and the NFL's big plans 27 00:01:15,760 --> 00:01:20,000 Speaker 2: for flag football with former NFL player and now CEO 28 00:01:20,120 --> 00:01:24,760 Speaker 2: of RCX Sports Isazel Reese. All that and more is 29 00:01:24,840 --> 00:01:27,800 Speaker 2: on the way on the Bloomberg Business of Sports. But first, 30 00:01:28,000 --> 00:01:31,840 Speaker 2: the WNBA wastes no time coming out of March Madness. 31 00:01:32,120 --> 00:01:34,920 Speaker 2: This past week we saw the WNBA Draft, with. 32 00:01:34,880 --> 00:01:38,760 Speaker 5: The first pick in the twenty twenty five WNBA Draft, 33 00:01:39,280 --> 00:01:44,440 Speaker 5: the Dallas Wings Select Page Beckers University of Connecticut. 34 00:01:45,360 --> 00:01:49,600 Speaker 2: Bloomberg US Sports Business reporter Randa Williams was at the 35 00:01:49,680 --> 00:01:53,400 Speaker 2: WNBA draft and did some reporting on how the WNBA 36 00:01:53,480 --> 00:01:56,120 Speaker 2: players Union is still waiting for the league to start 37 00:01:56,160 --> 00:02:00,200 Speaker 2: talks with them about raising player wages. Randall is here 38 00:02:00,240 --> 00:02:02,680 Speaker 2: now to talk with us about the latest and to 39 00:02:02,760 --> 00:02:08,000 Speaker 2: preview the next WNBA season. Oh friend, Randon Williams, Welcome 40 00:02:08,120 --> 00:02:09,960 Speaker 2: back to the Bloomberg Business Sports. 41 00:02:10,160 --> 00:02:11,640 Speaker 6: That was a nice intro. That's one of the more 42 00:02:11,639 --> 00:02:13,720 Speaker 6: different ones you've given me. I appreciate it, and thank 43 00:02:13,760 --> 00:02:14,560 Speaker 6: you for having me. 44 00:02:14,440 --> 00:02:20,359 Speaker 2: Here officially from the un Man that's where I got Hey. 45 00:02:20,480 --> 00:02:23,440 Speaker 2: We just kind of wrapped up the w NBA Draft 46 00:02:24,160 --> 00:02:28,120 Speaker 2: page Beckers man Yu Khan is like, we're going to 47 00:02:28,200 --> 00:02:29,600 Speaker 2: miss you for sure. 48 00:02:29,800 --> 00:02:32,560 Speaker 6: And hats off to the WNBA because this year's draft, 49 00:02:32,600 --> 00:02:34,920 Speaker 6: I think was a significant improvement on last year. They 50 00:02:35,000 --> 00:02:37,720 Speaker 6: upgraded the space, it was more feasible, it was nicer, 51 00:02:38,120 --> 00:02:40,880 Speaker 6: more red tape. But as the league grows, they have 52 00:02:40,919 --> 00:02:43,600 Speaker 6: to make adjustments. It's the draft is always a celebratory 53 00:02:43,680 --> 00:02:44,800 Speaker 6: night that is a lot of fun. 54 00:02:44,960 --> 00:02:46,400 Speaker 7: I was gonna say, you got to set the scene 55 00:02:46,400 --> 00:02:47,959 Speaker 7: for us a little bit, because you know, I was 56 00:02:48,000 --> 00:02:51,000 Speaker 7: wondering about that. How were they going to build on 57 00:02:51,120 --> 00:02:53,600 Speaker 7: last year? Continuously build? I mean we've both been to 58 00:02:53,760 --> 00:02:56,480 Speaker 7: them before, even the NBA drafts. I mean, it wasn't 59 00:02:56,520 --> 00:02:59,120 Speaker 7: the Barclay Center, I'm sure, But does it look like 60 00:02:59,280 --> 00:03:02,440 Speaker 7: it's going to start getting up to that that level 61 00:03:02,639 --> 00:03:05,840 Speaker 7: of fervor that the NBA and NFL draft skill. 62 00:03:06,040 --> 00:03:07,640 Speaker 6: Yeah, I think they're going to stay at the Shed 63 00:03:07,680 --> 00:03:10,120 Speaker 6: a little bit now. I do think that over time 64 00:03:10,280 --> 00:03:13,040 Speaker 6: that they will grow. The reason I think they'll stay 65 00:03:13,040 --> 00:03:15,200 Speaker 6: at the Shed, of course, is because like Kaitlyn Clark 66 00:03:15,280 --> 00:03:18,680 Speaker 6: is obviously this huge figure. Everything that she touches essentially 67 00:03:18,680 --> 00:03:20,560 Speaker 6: turns to gold, and I think she'll be that figure 68 00:03:20,600 --> 00:03:22,520 Speaker 6: for a long time. But let's say that someone comes 69 00:03:22,560 --> 00:03:25,239 Speaker 6: along and is dunking in a way that you know, 70 00:03:25,320 --> 00:03:28,120 Speaker 6: women's basketball has never seen and attracts people to the 71 00:03:28,120 --> 00:03:32,560 Speaker 6: game similar the way that Caitlyn does. Like that would 72 00:03:32,880 --> 00:03:35,680 Speaker 6: I think bring a bigger audience, and you know, it 73 00:03:35,760 --> 00:03:37,640 Speaker 6: might give them reason to expand in bar plays. But 74 00:03:37,720 --> 00:03:39,760 Speaker 6: for now, like you think about the stars that are 75 00:03:39,760 --> 00:03:42,240 Speaker 6: here right now, we just had Page, there will be Juju, 76 00:03:42,280 --> 00:03:45,680 Speaker 6: there will be Hannah Hildrago, think things like that. I 77 00:03:45,680 --> 00:03:48,640 Speaker 6: think that they'll stay there and the audience might increase, 78 00:03:48,680 --> 00:03:50,120 Speaker 6: but who knows, who knows, we'll see. 79 00:03:50,320 --> 00:03:52,800 Speaker 2: Well, I think it is increasing because you know, it's 80 00:03:52,840 --> 00:03:56,400 Speaker 2: it's easy to talk about Caitlin and and everybody, right, 81 00:03:56,480 --> 00:03:59,640 Speaker 2: but we're talking about Paige Beckers of course, and you 82 00:03:59,640 --> 00:04:02,200 Speaker 2: know you've got to be in the sport to understand 83 00:04:02,400 --> 00:04:05,200 Speaker 2: where we're going with that. I think that is significant 84 00:04:05,600 --> 00:04:09,000 Speaker 2: that you know, we're talking about other players in the 85 00:04:09,120 --> 00:04:09,960 Speaker 2: w NBA. 86 00:04:10,040 --> 00:04:12,360 Speaker 6: Yeah, I think it is a pivotal year for them. 87 00:04:13,080 --> 00:04:15,920 Speaker 6: Obviously a good portion of the national TV games are 88 00:04:16,000 --> 00:04:19,120 Speaker 6: Caitlin Clark focused, but the ability for the league and 89 00:04:19,200 --> 00:04:21,960 Speaker 6: their partners, and I think media has some responsibility on 90 00:04:22,000 --> 00:04:25,080 Speaker 6: this as well to build up other athletes, so that 91 00:04:25,080 --> 00:04:27,719 Speaker 6: the league is not so dependent on Caitlyn is very 92 00:04:27,800 --> 00:04:31,240 Speaker 6: very important. Obviously, there's there's a history between Page and 93 00:04:31,640 --> 00:04:35,160 Speaker 6: Caitlyn playing. I think that was the final four last year. 94 00:04:35,800 --> 00:04:37,840 Speaker 6: We'll see them play again, and there's just a lot 95 00:04:37,839 --> 00:04:40,040 Speaker 6: of history. It can't just be Angel Caitlyn. You have 96 00:04:40,120 --> 00:04:44,559 Speaker 6: to establish Asia and and Breonna Stewart so that people 97 00:04:44,600 --> 00:04:46,640 Speaker 6: know them and granted when I mean, what I mean 98 00:04:46,680 --> 00:04:49,520 Speaker 6: when I say established is that you want to promote 99 00:04:49,520 --> 00:04:51,680 Speaker 6: them the same way. You don't just want it to 100 00:04:51,720 --> 00:04:54,680 Speaker 6: be Kitlyn Kaitlyn Caitlyn, because I think that's how you 101 00:04:55,160 --> 00:04:56,880 Speaker 6: end up with players unhappy. 102 00:04:57,000 --> 00:04:58,120 Speaker 7: And that was one of the other things, you know, 103 00:04:58,160 --> 00:05:00,839 Speaker 7: I was interested to hear about because obviously when Kaitlyn 104 00:05:00,880 --> 00:05:03,800 Speaker 7: came in last year in you know, the draft and 105 00:05:03,800 --> 00:05:06,000 Speaker 7: all that, but she wasn't the only one that people 106 00:05:06,040 --> 00:05:07,960 Speaker 7: were paying attention to. With Angel rees and they had 107 00:05:07,960 --> 00:05:12,039 Speaker 7: a really strong overall class rocky class last year. Was 108 00:05:12,080 --> 00:05:15,040 Speaker 7: this year kind of just the Page Backer show at 109 00:05:15,080 --> 00:05:18,919 Speaker 7: the draft? Do you think or were other stars created 110 00:05:18,920 --> 00:05:19,560 Speaker 7: throughout the nights? 111 00:05:19,600 --> 00:05:21,920 Speaker 6: Do you think I think that this year was more 112 00:05:22,080 --> 00:05:25,360 Speaker 6: basketball focused than last year. Was like something that happens 113 00:05:25,360 --> 00:05:27,800 Speaker 6: when stars come into leagues is that the aura that 114 00:05:27,839 --> 00:05:30,719 Speaker 6: comes with them, and sometimes that aura isn't always basketball related. 115 00:05:31,200 --> 00:05:33,880 Speaker 6: And with Caitlyn and Angel like, I think that their 116 00:05:34,040 --> 00:05:38,040 Speaker 6: rivalry dating back to Iowa and LSU and sort of 117 00:05:38,080 --> 00:05:40,320 Speaker 6: the tension that came with it from both sides of 118 00:05:40,360 --> 00:05:43,680 Speaker 6: the spectrum was a discussion in this year. It's like 119 00:05:44,160 --> 00:05:47,039 Speaker 6: whenever you hear these these players being discussed, it's just 120 00:05:47,080 --> 00:05:49,080 Speaker 6: more so about their college careers and how they fit 121 00:05:49,120 --> 00:05:51,880 Speaker 6: into these teams. And they did that last year too, 122 00:05:51,920 --> 00:05:54,320 Speaker 6: But I think this year that there isn't as much 123 00:05:54,400 --> 00:05:56,880 Speaker 6: tension with the WNBA draft. 124 00:05:57,080 --> 00:05:59,880 Speaker 2: And as usual, you have beautiful work that's on our 125 00:06:00,080 --> 00:06:03,880 Speaker 2: terminal and you have just written an article with the 126 00:06:04,040 --> 00:06:08,719 Speaker 2: WNBA season it's just around a month away. The players union, 127 00:06:09,160 --> 00:06:11,479 Speaker 2: let's just say there are some issues there. 128 00:06:11,839 --> 00:06:15,120 Speaker 6: Yes, as we know, the CBA is currently being negotiated. 129 00:06:15,160 --> 00:06:18,440 Speaker 6: The union opted out of it in November. My sources 130 00:06:18,480 --> 00:06:22,880 Speaker 6: tell me they sent something over to the league in 131 00:06:23,160 --> 00:06:28,799 Speaker 6: December that had not been responded to. Now, when Kathy commissioned, 132 00:06:28,839 --> 00:06:32,279 Speaker 6: WWA Commissioner Kathy Engelbert got to the podium, she said 133 00:06:32,279 --> 00:06:35,640 Speaker 6: this report was inaccurate, but also said that they had 134 00:06:35,720 --> 00:06:39,640 Speaker 6: received a proposal and that it had they had received 135 00:06:39,640 --> 00:06:42,080 Speaker 6: it recently. She did not get into the specifics of 136 00:06:42,120 --> 00:06:45,560 Speaker 6: the timeframe, and recently is obviously subjective recent to you. 137 00:06:45,640 --> 00:06:48,560 Speaker 6: If I got married yesterday and you heard about it 138 00:06:48,560 --> 00:06:50,200 Speaker 6: six months later, that's news to you, but that would 139 00:06:50,240 --> 00:06:52,680 Speaker 6: wouldn't be news to me. So I think that they 140 00:06:52,720 --> 00:06:55,479 Speaker 6: are still negotiating. There's a long way to go. We'll 141 00:06:55,520 --> 00:06:57,640 Speaker 6: have more news on that in months to go. 142 00:06:58,120 --> 00:06:58,760 Speaker 4: And Renald, what. 143 00:06:58,839 --> 00:07:03,360 Speaker 7: Is it you know in these proposals, have you say 144 00:07:03,440 --> 00:07:07,360 Speaker 7: or whatever that the WNBAPA is asking for that is 145 00:07:07,520 --> 00:07:10,720 Speaker 7: giving the league tension? Is it just the higher salaries 146 00:07:10,720 --> 00:07:13,320 Speaker 7: they're asking for, or what is it that's gonna that 147 00:07:13,360 --> 00:07:16,360 Speaker 7: they're asking for that could possibly bring the talks to 148 00:07:16,400 --> 00:07:16,880 Speaker 7: a whole. 149 00:07:17,560 --> 00:07:20,120 Speaker 6: Well, it really remains to be seen, because when you 150 00:07:20,280 --> 00:07:23,400 Speaker 6: ask the WNBA commissioner about it, she just doesn't say 151 00:07:23,480 --> 00:07:25,760 Speaker 6: much in terms of the detail. I asked her what 152 00:07:25,840 --> 00:07:27,360 Speaker 6: is a fair deal, and she said, you know, we're 153 00:07:27,360 --> 00:07:28,560 Speaker 6: not going to negotiate publicly. 154 00:07:28,880 --> 00:07:29,040 Speaker 8: Now. 155 00:07:29,080 --> 00:07:31,000 Speaker 6: What the union has said is they want a new 156 00:07:31,040 --> 00:07:35,000 Speaker 6: economic model. They want higher pay, they want better retirement benefits, 157 00:07:35,000 --> 00:07:38,800 Speaker 6: they want minimum standards upgraded. That's facilities and stadiums and 158 00:07:38,840 --> 00:07:41,240 Speaker 6: things like that they want. They have made a very 159 00:07:41,280 --> 00:07:43,960 Speaker 6: firm statement from the beginning. And if you compare this 160 00:07:44,120 --> 00:07:47,440 Speaker 6: to let's say NBA CBA negotiations, a lot of these 161 00:07:47,480 --> 00:07:50,200 Speaker 6: conversations in NBA, like you think of luxury tax and 162 00:07:50,240 --> 00:07:52,320 Speaker 6: things that are really in the weeds for fans. Now 163 00:07:52,440 --> 00:07:56,280 Speaker 6: this is like the essence of the WNBA. And like 164 00:07:56,360 --> 00:07:58,880 Speaker 6: there has been some speculation about if they're headed towards 165 00:07:58,880 --> 00:08:01,520 Speaker 6: the lockout, It's way too early to say that right now, 166 00:08:01,880 --> 00:08:05,520 Speaker 6: but the WNBPA has been aggressive from the moment that 167 00:08:05,520 --> 00:08:08,200 Speaker 6: they opted out. That statement that they said, and their 168 00:08:08,280 --> 00:08:12,680 Speaker 6: phrasing saying this is business is what I would consider aggressive. 169 00:08:12,800 --> 00:08:15,920 Speaker 6: And how they speak to each other, how they negotiate, 170 00:08:16,040 --> 00:08:19,520 Speaker 6: is important because obviously we all agree to get WNBA 171 00:08:19,600 --> 00:08:23,680 Speaker 6: players are underpaid, and this economic model, the way that 172 00:08:24,240 --> 00:08:27,280 Speaker 6: it has been displayed and shown to people, it's like, oh, 173 00:08:27,280 --> 00:08:29,360 Speaker 6: the WNBA doesn't make any money, Well, you just signed 174 00:08:29,360 --> 00:08:33,080 Speaker 6: a new media deal that is two billion dollars. It 175 00:08:33,120 --> 00:08:35,439 Speaker 6: could reach three if they add more partners. And when 176 00:08:35,440 --> 00:08:37,200 Speaker 6: you talk about all there's new money that's coming into 177 00:08:37,200 --> 00:08:39,760 Speaker 6: that the players want to share. Now, what is fair 178 00:08:39,800 --> 00:08:41,520 Speaker 6: for the players and what is fair for the league 179 00:08:41,559 --> 00:08:45,199 Speaker 6: so that the league continues to grow and be as 180 00:08:45,240 --> 00:08:46,760 Speaker 6: successful as it has been. 181 00:08:47,320 --> 00:08:50,040 Speaker 2: We're going to find out now that begins in twenty 182 00:08:50,080 --> 00:08:54,080 Speaker 2: twenty six. And that deal. About the media deal, it's 183 00:08:54,120 --> 00:08:57,360 Speaker 2: about four times more than the previous agreement, yep. 184 00:08:57,520 --> 00:09:01,320 Speaker 6: And it'll be with ESPN, Amazon, on an NBC and 185 00:09:01,360 --> 00:09:04,480 Speaker 6: the league is considering adding more media partners that could 186 00:09:04,480 --> 00:09:07,080 Speaker 6: push it to three billion. But again it's it's a 187 00:09:07,160 --> 00:09:09,600 Speaker 6: huge increase from one to the next. It's just about 188 00:09:09,840 --> 00:09:13,080 Speaker 6: from my perspective, like how big When we talk about 189 00:09:13,080 --> 00:09:16,839 Speaker 6: the last CBA, you know, the highest WNBA salary doubled. Well, 190 00:09:16,880 --> 00:09:19,120 Speaker 6: when the media deal quadruples or it gets a lot 191 00:09:19,160 --> 00:09:20,760 Speaker 6: bigger than the players get a lot bigger, and that 192 00:09:20,800 --> 00:09:23,720 Speaker 6: just isn't for the WNBA. You think about NFL contracts 193 00:09:23,760 --> 00:09:26,520 Speaker 6: or NBA contracts, think about what a super max is 194 00:09:26,600 --> 00:09:29,400 Speaker 6: right now versus what it was five or six years ago. 195 00:09:29,440 --> 00:09:33,560 Speaker 6: These numbers are astronomical for the WNBA and it's players. 196 00:09:33,760 --> 00:09:35,400 Speaker 6: I'm sure that they will get a raise, it's just 197 00:09:35,400 --> 00:09:38,720 Speaker 6: about how much and what do the players want that raise. 198 00:09:38,600 --> 00:09:40,120 Speaker 4: To be, right? 199 00:09:40,160 --> 00:09:44,000 Speaker 7: And also about revenue sharing, right, because like you just mentioned, 200 00:09:44,000 --> 00:09:46,640 Speaker 7: they want a cut of it, but they've never technically 201 00:09:46,760 --> 00:09:49,120 Speaker 7: gotten that cut before because they've never been able to 202 00:09:49,200 --> 00:09:53,440 Speaker 7: unlock revenue sharing under this last CBA because of it 203 00:09:53,480 --> 00:09:57,360 Speaker 7: was very complicated to unlock. Can you talk about about 204 00:09:57,400 --> 00:10:00,280 Speaker 7: that and if that's something that has to have been 205 00:10:00,360 --> 00:10:02,520 Speaker 7: for them to get those bigger contracts. 206 00:10:02,960 --> 00:10:06,360 Speaker 6: Well, there are a lot of different models that work 207 00:10:06,440 --> 00:10:08,880 Speaker 6: for this or that can work for this, But to me, 208 00:10:09,040 --> 00:10:12,360 Speaker 6: it's a The negotiation is about what decides are willing 209 00:10:12,400 --> 00:10:15,240 Speaker 6: to accept. It's a give and take. And as far 210 00:10:15,320 --> 00:10:19,280 Speaker 6: as the revenue sharing model, there aren't a lot of 211 00:10:19,280 --> 00:10:22,560 Speaker 6: specifics as to how the WNBA's business works outside of 212 00:10:22,600 --> 00:10:24,360 Speaker 6: you know, how the ownership is set up where you 213 00:10:24,360 --> 00:10:28,079 Speaker 6: have some NBA owners involved, you have some owners who 214 00:10:28,120 --> 00:10:31,720 Speaker 6: don't own NBA teams, and then you have the change 215 00:10:31,720 --> 00:10:34,040 Speaker 6: makers who have invested in the league as well. And 216 00:10:34,080 --> 00:10:36,520 Speaker 6: so where does who's getting the revenue? Where is it 217 00:10:36,520 --> 00:10:37,600 Speaker 6: coming from? Is it the media? 218 00:10:37,800 --> 00:10:38,440 Speaker 8: Is it you know? 219 00:10:38,480 --> 00:10:38,960 Speaker 6: The players? 220 00:10:39,000 --> 00:10:39,040 Speaker 8: Like? 221 00:10:39,120 --> 00:10:41,480 Speaker 6: Where is this money coming from? And how much do 222 00:10:41,559 --> 00:10:45,360 Speaker 6: the players want? Like if you think about it, from NBA, NFL, MLB, 223 00:10:45,880 --> 00:10:48,680 Speaker 6: these unions try to get as close to fifty percent 224 00:10:48,679 --> 00:10:51,800 Speaker 6: as they can. The WNBA is not close to that 225 00:10:51,880 --> 00:10:54,040 Speaker 6: right now, and with respect to that, let's add some 226 00:10:54,080 --> 00:10:56,720 Speaker 6: contexts that these leagues are over Most of these leagues 227 00:10:56,760 --> 00:10:58,880 Speaker 6: are over one hundred years old or close to seventy 228 00:10:59,000 --> 00:11:01,600 Speaker 6: years old. The w is thirty years old. It had 229 00:11:01,600 --> 00:11:05,160 Speaker 6: a much different start than the NFL, the NBA, the MLB, 230 00:11:05,559 --> 00:11:08,439 Speaker 6: all of these leagues. And granted, it is the oldest 231 00:11:08,679 --> 00:11:11,760 Speaker 6: women's professional sports league out there. So I think from 232 00:11:11,800 --> 00:11:14,600 Speaker 6: a fan perspective, from a journalist perspective, people are like, Okay, 233 00:11:14,760 --> 00:11:16,720 Speaker 6: you're the oldest. You've been around the block the longest. 234 00:11:16,880 --> 00:11:19,480 Speaker 6: We expect to see progress, and we're going to find 235 00:11:19,520 --> 00:11:21,760 Speaker 6: out what progress looks like over the course of the 236 00:11:21,760 --> 00:11:23,760 Speaker 6: summer and especially in the fall. 237 00:11:23,960 --> 00:11:28,880 Speaker 2: The NBA playoff season early, early, early, and I know 238 00:11:28,920 --> 00:11:31,440 Speaker 2: everybody's trying to look at the marquee matchups, and of 239 00:11:31,440 --> 00:11:34,720 Speaker 2: course we all know it is the Knicks against the Pistons, 240 00:11:35,040 --> 00:11:43,280 Speaker 2: and I see the look. Your opinion is, where do 241 00:11:43,400 --> 00:11:48,000 Speaker 2: you see this season going? Because you've got so many 242 00:11:48,120 --> 00:11:49,320 Speaker 2: very good teams out there. 243 00:11:49,640 --> 00:11:53,760 Speaker 6: I think the best case scenario for the NBA is 244 00:11:53,800 --> 00:11:55,920 Speaker 6: that there is a point of tension in the peak 245 00:11:55,960 --> 00:11:58,720 Speaker 6: of the playoffs, like it doesn't matter where, but you 246 00:11:58,920 --> 00:12:00,920 Speaker 6: there has to be some ten. If you remember last 247 00:12:01,000 --> 00:12:04,680 Speaker 6: year in the finals between the Mavericks and the Celtics, 248 00:12:04,679 --> 00:12:06,520 Speaker 6: there wasn't a lot of ten. Like the tension was 249 00:12:06,559 --> 00:12:09,720 Speaker 6: really if Luca could guard and if he could stay 250 00:12:09,720 --> 00:12:11,800 Speaker 6: in the game to keep the MAVs alive. And Kyrie 251 00:12:11,840 --> 00:12:13,920 Speaker 6: obviously didn't perform to the best of his abilities. But 252 00:12:13,960 --> 00:12:15,959 Speaker 6: at some point, like I went to Game one and 253 00:12:16,040 --> 00:12:17,800 Speaker 6: it was like, Okay, in order for this game to 254 00:12:17,800 --> 00:12:19,680 Speaker 6: be close, Luca's gonna have to score sixty. He didn't, 255 00:12:19,679 --> 00:12:22,160 Speaker 6: and they lost, and they lost in five. For this 256 00:12:22,320 --> 00:12:24,560 Speaker 6: year's playoffs, there are a number of teams and a 257 00:12:24,640 --> 00:12:28,040 Speaker 6: number of marcus that will attract viewers. But you know, 258 00:12:28,400 --> 00:12:30,280 Speaker 6: are this series going to be competitive? Are the Celtics 259 00:12:30,360 --> 00:12:33,040 Speaker 6: going to dominate? Are the Calvs going to dominate? And 260 00:12:33,160 --> 00:12:37,800 Speaker 6: will people tune in to watch stars like stars that 261 00:12:37,840 --> 00:12:40,960 Speaker 6: aren't Lebron, Steph and Kd's not even in the playoffs 262 00:12:40,960 --> 00:12:42,800 Speaker 6: this year, So we'll see. 263 00:12:43,080 --> 00:12:45,280 Speaker 2: Randall the man with the hand of Williams. You are 264 00:12:45,320 --> 00:12:47,920 Speaker 2: the man. Thank you, sir for coming back, an old 265 00:12:48,000 --> 00:12:49,880 Speaker 2: friend all the business of sports. 266 00:12:50,000 --> 00:12:52,000 Speaker 6: Appreciate you for having me as always. 267 00:12:52,200 --> 00:12:55,599 Speaker 2: Up next, we had to Texas and talk with Bloomberg 268 00:12:55,679 --> 00:12:59,200 Speaker 2: Dallas Bureau chief Julie Vine about her conversation with the 269 00:12:59,240 --> 00:13:03,520 Speaker 2: CEO of the NHL's Dallas Stars. For Vanessa Perdomo, I'm 270 00:13:03,520 --> 00:13:06,200 Speaker 2: Michael Barr. You're listening to the Bloomberg Business of Sports 271 00:13:06,360 --> 00:13:08,600 Speaker 2: from Bloomberg Radio around the world. 272 00:13:11,840 --> 00:13:15,840 Speaker 1: This is Bloomberg Business of Sports from Bloomberg Radio. 273 00:13:17,480 --> 00:13:19,959 Speaker 2: This is the Bloomberg Business of Sports. We explore the 274 00:13:20,000 --> 00:13:22,400 Speaker 2: big money issues in the world of sports. Michael Barr 275 00:13:22,440 --> 00:13:25,640 Speaker 2: along with Vanessa Perdomo, Scarlett foo Is on assignment, and 276 00:13:25,760 --> 00:13:29,000 Speaker 2: Damian Sasauer. We'll be back next week. Coming up, we'll 277 00:13:29,040 --> 00:13:32,720 Speaker 2: hear a special conversation with the NHL's Dallas Stars President 278 00:13:33,080 --> 00:13:38,120 Speaker 2: and CEO Brad Alberts. He spoke with Bloomberg Dallas Bureau 279 00:13:38,160 --> 00:13:41,640 Speaker 2: chief Julie Fine, but before we get there, we've got 280 00:13:41,640 --> 00:13:45,559 Speaker 2: to talk about the Mavericks. This week, Dallas Mavericks CEO 281 00:13:45,840 --> 00:13:49,200 Speaker 2: Nico Harrison was part of a media event where he 282 00:13:49,480 --> 00:13:53,600 Speaker 2: doubled down on his reasoning for trading away superstar Luka 283 00:13:53,720 --> 00:13:57,439 Speaker 2: Dantage to the Lakers, a move that fans are still 284 00:13:57,480 --> 00:14:01,520 Speaker 2: reeling from. Bloomberg Dallas Bureau chief Julie Fine was in 285 00:14:01,559 --> 00:14:03,840 Speaker 2: the room for the meeting, and she is here now 286 00:14:03,840 --> 00:14:05,920 Speaker 2: to talk with us about what she learned. 287 00:14:06,080 --> 00:14:08,880 Speaker 4: It's my favorite thing. Thank you so much for having me. 288 00:14:09,720 --> 00:14:14,080 Speaker 2: You know a lot about the Dallas Mavericks because you 289 00:14:14,160 --> 00:14:17,880 Speaker 2: were there for a media event when the GM Nico 290 00:14:18,000 --> 00:14:23,680 Speaker 2: Harrison was giving a news conference about it. But I'm 291 00:14:23,760 --> 00:14:28,200 Speaker 2: sure a lot of people were wondering about the Luka 292 00:14:28,280 --> 00:14:33,240 Speaker 2: Danks trade to the Lakers and the As for the Mavericks, 293 00:14:34,160 --> 00:14:36,280 Speaker 2: Let's be honest, they're still kind of reeling from it. 294 00:14:36,640 --> 00:14:40,600 Speaker 4: Well, I think the whole situation they're reeling from. I mean, 295 00:14:40,600 --> 00:14:43,360 Speaker 4: this was a devastated fan base. I mean you almost 296 00:14:43,440 --> 00:14:47,760 Speaker 4: have to live here to understand. Luca meant a lot 297 00:14:47,800 --> 00:14:50,040 Speaker 4: to this community. He was very active in the community. 298 00:14:50,080 --> 00:14:51,680 Speaker 4: So I think it was the shock he leaves in 299 00:14:51,720 --> 00:14:54,720 Speaker 4: the middle of the night, so this was really They 300 00:14:54,920 --> 00:14:58,320 Speaker 4: spoke after the trade. Nico Harrison spoke the day after 301 00:14:58,360 --> 00:15:00,960 Speaker 4: the trade. We have not heard from him, so he 302 00:15:01,200 --> 00:15:06,120 Speaker 4: sat with the with the CEO as well, and it 303 00:15:06,200 --> 00:15:09,120 Speaker 4: was just an interest like it was. I think you 304 00:15:09,320 --> 00:15:14,240 Speaker 4: left with still many questions about really why this happened. 305 00:15:14,240 --> 00:15:17,200 Speaker 4: I mean, Nico Harrison over and over again said defense 306 00:15:17,240 --> 00:15:20,040 Speaker 4: wins Championships and they're trying to build the team that 307 00:15:20,080 --> 00:15:22,520 Speaker 4: will win for many years to come. However, last year 308 00:15:22,560 --> 00:15:26,320 Speaker 4: with Luca, the team went to the finals. So a 309 00:15:26,360 --> 00:15:30,240 Speaker 4: lot of questions it's still remaining after this one hour. 310 00:15:31,040 --> 00:15:33,760 Speaker 4: I don't know what you would really call it. Select 311 00:15:33,880 --> 00:15:39,200 Speaker 4: media were invited, there were no cameras, no recordings, and 312 00:15:40,680 --> 00:15:44,360 Speaker 4: recordings allowed publicly, I should say. And so it was 313 00:15:44,920 --> 00:15:47,720 Speaker 4: just an event like none I've ever been to before 314 00:15:48,080 --> 00:15:50,920 Speaker 4: in working in news and being sent to, you know, 315 00:15:51,000 --> 00:15:52,840 Speaker 4: fill in and cover sports many times. 316 00:15:54,000 --> 00:15:57,040 Speaker 7: That is a statement. Jually, it's an event like you've 317 00:15:57,080 --> 00:16:00,400 Speaker 7: never been to before in your entire career covering. I mean, 318 00:16:00,440 --> 00:16:03,440 Speaker 7: that's that's a big statement, you know. I looked over 319 00:16:03,480 --> 00:16:07,480 Speaker 7: the transcript and obviously he's constantly he's just bombarded with 320 00:16:07,560 --> 00:16:10,560 Speaker 7: questions about the trade. Obviously as it should be, and 321 00:16:11,080 --> 00:16:13,920 Speaker 7: this is the GM's job to take these hard questions. 322 00:16:14,280 --> 00:16:16,000 Speaker 7: But I want you to tell us, like what the 323 00:16:16,080 --> 00:16:19,800 Speaker 7: tone of it was like in the room. Did he 324 00:16:19,840 --> 00:16:24,000 Speaker 7: appear frustrated by all these questions? You know, do you 325 00:16:24,040 --> 00:16:26,680 Speaker 7: think he actually believes in himself that it was a 326 00:16:26,680 --> 00:16:27,200 Speaker 7: good trade. 327 00:16:27,880 --> 00:16:31,040 Speaker 4: I think I think he clearly believes it was the 328 00:16:31,560 --> 00:16:33,360 Speaker 4: right trade. I mean he said it over and over. 329 00:16:33,440 --> 00:16:36,040 Speaker 4: I mean I asked him if he had any regrets 330 00:16:36,080 --> 00:16:40,000 Speaker 4: about how the whole thing was handled, and basically he said, 331 00:16:40,040 --> 00:16:41,880 Speaker 4: you know, he doesn't have any regrets. He thought this 332 00:16:42,040 --> 00:16:45,360 Speaker 4: was the best in the interest of the Dallas Mavericks. 333 00:16:45,400 --> 00:16:48,360 Speaker 4: I would say the room was quiet. It was a 334 00:16:48,480 --> 00:16:50,720 Speaker 4: round table type of setup. It was kind of in 335 00:16:50,760 --> 00:16:52,960 Speaker 4: a boardroom, so he was in the front along with 336 00:16:53,040 --> 00:16:58,400 Speaker 4: Rick Welts, and it was He seemed very very I 337 00:16:58,400 --> 00:17:01,080 Speaker 4: don't want to the word mellow can be construed in 338 00:17:01,160 --> 00:17:04,480 Speaker 4: so many different ways. He seemed very calm. I mean, 339 00:17:04,960 --> 00:17:08,320 Speaker 4: there was a couple slightly heated moments, but he just 340 00:17:08,400 --> 00:17:10,880 Speaker 4: kept going back to I don't think I can count 341 00:17:10,920 --> 00:17:14,560 Speaker 4: the amount of times he said defense wins championships. I mean, 342 00:17:14,600 --> 00:17:16,600 Speaker 4: they had to answer a lot of questions too, on 343 00:17:16,640 --> 00:17:19,840 Speaker 4: the business side of this year's season. Ticket prices went up, 344 00:17:19,920 --> 00:17:22,480 Speaker 4: so they had to answer a lot of questions about it. 345 00:17:22,520 --> 00:17:26,160 Speaker 4: But he really I hate he use the term doubled down, 346 00:17:26,240 --> 00:17:29,560 Speaker 4: but he really doubled down on this being the right 347 00:17:29,600 --> 00:17:32,840 Speaker 4: thing for the Mavericks. I think there's still many questions 348 00:17:32,880 --> 00:17:38,480 Speaker 4: about how it was handled and the emotion of the city, 349 00:17:38,600 --> 00:17:41,359 Speaker 4: like the city has not come around. You know, it 350 00:17:41,440 --> 00:17:45,199 Speaker 4: was interesting what he said about had everybody seen what 351 00:17:45,240 --> 00:17:47,359 Speaker 4: the team could have been, you know, Anthony Davis coming 352 00:17:47,359 --> 00:17:49,040 Speaker 4: and he only played for two and a half quarters, 353 00:17:49,080 --> 00:17:51,919 Speaker 4: so you really only saw the team together with Kyrie 354 00:17:51,960 --> 00:17:53,919 Speaker 4: as well. So he kept saying, you know, if you 355 00:17:53,960 --> 00:17:55,600 Speaker 4: had seen what you had seen for two and a 356 00:17:55,640 --> 00:17:58,800 Speaker 4: half quarters, but that I don't think that's at this 357 00:17:58,880 --> 00:18:00,840 Speaker 4: point sold the fan base either, Like two and a 358 00:18:00,880 --> 00:18:02,840 Speaker 4: half quarters is not going to get people through this 359 00:18:03,000 --> 00:18:04,040 Speaker 4: at this point. 360 00:18:04,280 --> 00:18:06,600 Speaker 2: Well, I think that you hit the key point. If 361 00:18:06,800 --> 00:18:12,200 Speaker 2: Anthony Davis was not injured, at least the Maverick fan 362 00:18:12,359 --> 00:18:17,240 Speaker 2: base could see the value of the trade. But you 363 00:18:17,320 --> 00:18:19,800 Speaker 2: only you know, it was just right after that that 364 00:18:19,880 --> 00:18:23,240 Speaker 2: he got injured, and it's like, oh man injured rather 365 00:18:23,240 --> 00:18:24,800 Speaker 2: and it's like, oh my goodness. 366 00:18:25,480 --> 00:18:28,320 Speaker 4: Well, I think the team really did somewhat feel like 367 00:18:28,560 --> 00:18:31,160 Speaker 4: if you would, you didn't get a chance to see 368 00:18:31,200 --> 00:18:33,520 Speaker 4: the trade really and what it was going to do 369 00:18:33,640 --> 00:18:35,920 Speaker 4: for the team. And they really tried to point that out, 370 00:18:36,000 --> 00:18:40,520 Speaker 4: like people may be a little less frustrated if that 371 00:18:40,560 --> 00:18:43,680 Speaker 4: team had been able to play healthy, but I mean 372 00:18:43,760 --> 00:18:46,040 Speaker 4: that team was crushed by injuries all year, So I 373 00:18:46,040 --> 00:18:49,080 Speaker 4: mean This was like a quadruple whammy for the Maps 374 00:18:49,520 --> 00:18:54,520 Speaker 4: in terms of the ticket pricing, losing Luca, everybody being injured. 375 00:18:54,560 --> 00:18:56,840 Speaker 4: Now they're in a play in last year, you know, 376 00:18:57,000 --> 00:19:00,440 Speaker 4: they were in the finals and just I think Luca, 377 00:19:00,520 --> 00:19:02,399 Speaker 4: I don't know if any I don't have to ask this. 378 00:19:02,480 --> 00:19:04,800 Speaker 4: Of course you all saw it when Luca came back 379 00:19:05,080 --> 00:19:08,000 Speaker 4: went to Dallas. I mean he had his head in 380 00:19:08,080 --> 00:19:11,560 Speaker 4: his hands, crying with a towel, and you could see 381 00:19:11,600 --> 00:19:14,800 Speaker 4: the fans every time he got a basket they were cheering. 382 00:19:14,840 --> 00:19:17,960 Speaker 4: And he's playing for the Lakers. So it's just been 383 00:19:18,320 --> 00:19:21,720 Speaker 4: just soul crushing, I would say for the fan base. 384 00:19:21,520 --> 00:19:24,960 Speaker 7: Here, Yeah, I mean it's going to take some time 385 00:19:25,000 --> 00:19:27,200 Speaker 7: to get over that. And I don't even know if 386 00:19:27,320 --> 00:19:31,679 Speaker 7: winning a championship would really really recover from losing your 387 00:19:32,119 --> 00:19:35,200 Speaker 7: star for that long. Actually, I want to talk about 388 00:19:35,200 --> 00:19:39,800 Speaker 7: how it parallels to the WNBA now that the Dallas 389 00:19:39,840 --> 00:19:43,200 Speaker 7: Wings got the number one draft pick in Paige Becker's 390 00:19:43,240 --> 00:19:46,640 Speaker 7: and I actually saw a few fans online saying, Okay, 391 00:19:46,880 --> 00:19:49,760 Speaker 7: Page is now our new Luca. You know, what's the 392 00:19:49,800 --> 00:19:51,480 Speaker 7: excitement for the Dallas Wings right now? 393 00:19:52,320 --> 00:19:54,800 Speaker 4: People are so excited for the Wings. We talked to 394 00:19:54,840 --> 00:19:57,600 Speaker 4: Greg Bibb last week. He came in and it was 395 00:19:57,680 --> 00:20:00,480 Speaker 4: the Friday before, so I mean, clearly they were going 396 00:20:00,480 --> 00:20:02,800 Speaker 4: to pick Page, but he couldn't say it. There's so 397 00:20:02,920 --> 00:20:05,159 Speaker 4: much excitement surrounding her. I mean, she comes here with 398 00:20:05,240 --> 00:20:07,240 Speaker 4: high expectations for sure, and you got to remember the 399 00:20:07,280 --> 00:20:10,640 Speaker 4: Wings were in less place last year, but eventually they're 400 00:20:10,640 --> 00:20:15,159 Speaker 4: getting a new stadium. It's really exciting, I think for 401 00:20:15,359 --> 00:20:19,920 Speaker 4: basketball fans, but I just think fans. It's really exciting 402 00:20:19,960 --> 00:20:24,400 Speaker 4: for this city, and I think certainly there's an opportunity 403 00:20:24,520 --> 00:20:26,640 Speaker 4: right now with the basketball fan base, but I think 404 00:20:26,640 --> 00:20:28,680 Speaker 4: they would have been there for Page all the way through. 405 00:20:28,840 --> 00:20:32,320 Speaker 4: It was interesting that this news conference by the MAVs 406 00:20:32,600 --> 00:20:36,240 Speaker 4: day after Page was chosen. A lot of discussion about 407 00:20:36,280 --> 00:20:39,280 Speaker 4: that as well. But I think the fan base here 408 00:20:39,400 --> 00:20:43,400 Speaker 4: is thrilled that she's coming here. I mean a serious 409 00:20:43,440 --> 00:20:45,400 Speaker 4: excitement for her, from. 410 00:20:45,160 --> 00:20:47,240 Speaker 2: The court to the ice. Because you also got a 411 00:20:47,320 --> 00:20:50,879 Speaker 2: chance to talk with Dallas Stars president and CEO Brad 412 00:20:50,920 --> 00:20:51,920 Speaker 2: Albert Brett. 413 00:20:51,960 --> 00:20:55,480 Speaker 4: Alberts is a really interesting guy. He comes in to 414 00:20:55,760 --> 00:20:58,399 Speaker 4: drop a ton in a row going into the playoffs, 415 00:20:58,400 --> 00:20:59,960 Speaker 4: but they're still I mean, they still had a great, 416 00:21:00,640 --> 00:21:03,040 Speaker 4: great great season. You know, the last two years they 417 00:21:03,080 --> 00:21:05,600 Speaker 4: went to the Western Conference finals. So high hopes for 418 00:21:05,680 --> 00:21:07,520 Speaker 4: this team, and I'll tell you this city could really 419 00:21:07,560 --> 00:21:11,600 Speaker 4: get excited about a champion right now. He's interesting on 420 00:21:11,920 --> 00:21:14,960 Speaker 4: many different levels. But what they're doing in terms of 421 00:21:15,080 --> 00:21:19,600 Speaker 4: media rights, every fan here can now get games streaming 422 00:21:19,680 --> 00:21:22,640 Speaker 4: for free. That's a decision they made. So we talked 423 00:21:22,680 --> 00:21:24,920 Speaker 4: about the team and the economics of that as well, 424 00:21:24,960 --> 00:21:28,800 Speaker 4: and he also talked about, you know, foreign relations and 425 00:21:28,920 --> 00:21:31,359 Speaker 4: how that you know, can play into hockey. 426 00:21:31,480 --> 00:21:34,720 Speaker 2: Our thanks to Julie Fine for joining us. She's Bloomberg 427 00:21:34,880 --> 00:21:38,360 Speaker 2: Dallas Bureau chief. Now let's take a listen to Julie's 428 00:21:38,359 --> 00:21:43,000 Speaker 2: conversation with Dallas Stars President and CEO Brad Alberts. 429 00:21:43,880 --> 00:21:46,400 Speaker 4: I want to talk a little bit about the business 430 00:21:46,440 --> 00:21:49,120 Speaker 4: of hockey, the eyes on it, and how you're attracting 431 00:21:49,160 --> 00:21:49,880 Speaker 4: more well. 432 00:21:49,960 --> 00:21:53,400 Speaker 5: I think success on the ice is a big differentiator, 433 00:21:53,520 --> 00:21:55,959 Speaker 5: you know, right away, and I think the fact that 434 00:21:56,000 --> 00:21:58,400 Speaker 5: we've been really really good here for the last couple 435 00:21:58,440 --> 00:22:01,600 Speaker 5: of years has really helped develop, you know, the next 436 00:22:01,640 --> 00:22:04,200 Speaker 5: generation of fans, both old and young. And I think 437 00:22:04,440 --> 00:22:06,919 Speaker 5: it's certainly things that we're focused on every day in 438 00:22:06,960 --> 00:22:09,439 Speaker 5: our office. How do we continue to grow at the 439 00:22:09,440 --> 00:22:11,760 Speaker 5: grassroots level and how do we get to grow at 440 00:22:11,800 --> 00:22:14,600 Speaker 5: the mature level and having a good team, there's nothing better. 441 00:22:15,119 --> 00:22:18,199 Speaker 4: You're in your second stint here with the Dallas Stars, 442 00:22:18,200 --> 00:22:20,920 Speaker 4: and we talked a lot earlier about branding and how 443 00:22:20,960 --> 00:22:24,400 Speaker 4: important that is for a team. You did something no professional, 444 00:22:24,520 --> 00:22:28,479 Speaker 4: major league professional team has done yet, you started direct 445 00:22:28,520 --> 00:22:31,480 Speaker 4: to consumer for free streaming of all your games. Can 446 00:22:31,520 --> 00:22:34,600 Speaker 4: you talk about that business strategy, how you came up 447 00:22:34,640 --> 00:22:37,480 Speaker 4: with that decision, and what has been like implementing it. 448 00:22:37,560 --> 00:22:41,359 Speaker 5: Yeah, we're crazy, you know, No, I think well it 449 00:22:41,359 --> 00:22:45,560 Speaker 5: it was a byproduct of, you know, the RSN dilemma 450 00:22:45,600 --> 00:22:47,439 Speaker 5: that we were faced with two years ago, and I 451 00:22:47,440 --> 00:22:50,639 Speaker 5: think we were fortunate we stumbled across, you know, an 452 00:22:50,680 --> 00:22:54,520 Speaker 5: incredible company in a PMC. Their leader, Neil Gruninger, has 453 00:22:54,560 --> 00:22:57,640 Speaker 5: done an unbelievable job building this technology to be able 454 00:22:57,680 --> 00:22:59,960 Speaker 5: to do this, and we really, you know, as we 455 00:23:00,119 --> 00:23:02,400 Speaker 5: sat down did our due diligence with them, we got 456 00:23:02,400 --> 00:23:04,440 Speaker 5: more and more comfortable as we went along. We ran 457 00:23:04,560 --> 00:23:08,000 Speaker 5: tests and our group is not afraid to do big things, 458 00:23:08,040 --> 00:23:10,040 Speaker 5: and certainly I preached that all the time, doing big 459 00:23:10,080 --> 00:23:12,320 Speaker 5: things and this is a big thing and we wanted 460 00:23:12,359 --> 00:23:14,639 Speaker 5: to pioneer it. We looked forward to pioneering it. We 461 00:23:14,720 --> 00:23:16,280 Speaker 5: knew that there were going to be issues that we'd 462 00:23:16,280 --> 00:23:19,080 Speaker 5: have to work through. We've done those together with APMC, 463 00:23:19,680 --> 00:23:22,320 Speaker 5: and we are strong believers that streaming is going to 464 00:23:22,359 --> 00:23:24,639 Speaker 5: be a big part of local sports into the future. 465 00:23:25,200 --> 00:23:28,199 Speaker 4: This, again, though, is free economically. How long can a 466 00:23:28,240 --> 00:23:29,280 Speaker 4: team sustain that. 467 00:23:29,600 --> 00:23:31,520 Speaker 5: Well, that's going to be part of what we evaluate 468 00:23:31,560 --> 00:23:33,600 Speaker 5: and look at. You know, our short term goals are 469 00:23:33,640 --> 00:23:37,119 Speaker 5: not going to change. We have no desire to change 470 00:23:37,119 --> 00:23:39,600 Speaker 5: that philosophy in the short term. That doesn't mean that 471 00:23:39,600 --> 00:23:41,840 Speaker 5: we're not going to pivot to it at some point 472 00:23:41,880 --> 00:23:44,119 Speaker 5: down the road. But right now, going into next season, 473 00:23:44,520 --> 00:23:46,000 Speaker 5: things are going to be the same as they were 474 00:23:46,040 --> 00:23:48,840 Speaker 5: this year. We've had a really good first year, over 475 00:23:48,880 --> 00:23:51,880 Speaker 5: a million downloads for Victory, plus a number of other 476 00:23:51,960 --> 00:23:55,239 Speaker 5: teams you know, coming on board looking to come on 477 00:23:55,320 --> 00:23:59,080 Speaker 5: board other content. So we're excited about the future. We think, 478 00:23:59,359 --> 00:24:01,760 Speaker 5: you know, you need it two good full years to 479 00:24:01,880 --> 00:24:03,719 Speaker 5: really get a good understanding of what we're dealing with, 480 00:24:03,760 --> 00:24:05,479 Speaker 5: and probably a new normal will appear. 481 00:24:05,960 --> 00:24:08,520 Speaker 4: When you look at the Hockey League of Scores heading 482 00:24:08,520 --> 00:24:11,040 Speaker 4: into the playoffs, but in general it is such an 483 00:24:11,119 --> 00:24:16,159 Speaker 4: international sport at this time, global tension. Is it changing 484 00:24:16,160 --> 00:24:17,399 Speaker 4: the game? How does it affect it? 485 00:24:18,240 --> 00:24:22,119 Speaker 5: Well, certainly, you know, the Russians from an international perspective 486 00:24:22,160 --> 00:24:24,520 Speaker 5: have been left out of international play, so I think 487 00:24:24,600 --> 00:24:27,240 Speaker 5: it's affecting it at a big level. We're going to 488 00:24:27,280 --> 00:24:30,320 Speaker 5: have the U eighteens World Championships here, you know, next 489 00:24:30,320 --> 00:24:32,240 Speaker 5: week in Frisco, and the Russians aren't going to be 490 00:24:32,280 --> 00:24:35,119 Speaker 5: a part of that. So and the Russians have you know, 491 00:24:35,160 --> 00:24:37,240 Speaker 5: a history in hockey and have great talent. So it's 492 00:24:37,280 --> 00:24:41,000 Speaker 5: impacting the sport at a high level. At the NHL level, 493 00:24:41,040 --> 00:24:44,160 Speaker 5: it's you know, it's not but you know, certainly in Europe, 494 00:24:44,200 --> 00:24:47,600 Speaker 5: I think the Russia factor is a real one, and 495 00:24:47,640 --> 00:24:49,760 Speaker 5: it's it's something that we can't ignore as a sport. 496 00:24:50,320 --> 00:24:52,280 Speaker 4: You've been in the sport a long time. Let's go 497 00:24:52,359 --> 00:24:54,480 Speaker 4: down the road a little bit. You talked about streaming 498 00:24:54,560 --> 00:24:58,200 Speaker 4: being the future in five years. You and I sit here, 499 00:24:58,480 --> 00:25:00,000 Speaker 4: what do you see the sport looking like? 500 00:25:00,960 --> 00:25:04,320 Speaker 5: Well, I think it's going through a very transfer formational 501 00:25:04,400 --> 00:25:06,400 Speaker 5: change at this point, and I think teams are going 502 00:25:06,440 --> 00:25:09,240 Speaker 5: to have to really evolve to stay with it. I 503 00:25:09,280 --> 00:25:11,080 Speaker 5: think if you're a team that stands still, you're going 504 00:25:11,160 --> 00:25:13,879 Speaker 5: to get blown away. I think digital technology is really 505 00:25:13,920 --> 00:25:16,960 Speaker 5: taking over. I think streaming is obviously going to play 506 00:25:16,960 --> 00:25:20,400 Speaker 5: a big part in how you view the sport, how 507 00:25:20,440 --> 00:25:23,040 Speaker 5: you view you know, sports and entertainment content you know, 508 00:25:23,119 --> 00:25:25,840 Speaker 5: into the future. And I think the big thing, you know, 509 00:25:25,920 --> 00:25:27,919 Speaker 5: that I worry about every day is where are we 510 00:25:27,960 --> 00:25:30,600 Speaker 5: going to continue to find top line revenue growth to 511 00:25:30,680 --> 00:25:32,560 Speaker 5: be able to make all of this work in a 512 00:25:32,600 --> 00:25:33,359 Speaker 5: profitable way. 513 00:25:33,640 --> 00:25:37,679 Speaker 2: That's Dallas Stars President and CEO Brad Alberts speaking with 514 00:25:37,800 --> 00:25:41,520 Speaker 2: Bloomberg Dallas Bureau chief Julie Fie. Up next, we turn 515 00:25:41,600 --> 00:25:45,000 Speaker 2: to youth sports and the rise of flag football for 516 00:25:45,200 --> 00:25:48,320 Speaker 2: Vanessa Berdomo. I'm Michael Barr. You are listening to the 517 00:25:48,359 --> 00:25:52,199 Speaker 2: Bloomberg Business of Sports from Bloomberg Radio around world. 518 00:26:01,560 --> 00:26:05,560 Speaker 1: This is Bloomberg Business of Sports from Bloomberg Radio. 519 00:26:06,440 --> 00:26:08,760 Speaker 2: Thanks for joining us on the Bloomberg Business of Sports. 520 00:26:08,800 --> 00:26:11,280 Speaker 2: Whigs for the big funny issues in the world of sports. 521 00:26:11,560 --> 00:26:14,880 Speaker 2: I'm Michael Barr along with Vanessa Bernomo. Joining us now 522 00:26:15,160 --> 00:26:18,280 Speaker 2: is Isazella Reese. He is a former NFL player and 523 00:26:18,400 --> 00:26:22,600 Speaker 2: is now CEO of RCX Sports, a leader in youth 524 00:26:22,680 --> 00:26:27,440 Speaker 2: sports and events and he's also executive director of NFL Flag. 525 00:26:27,880 --> 00:26:30,439 Speaker 2: He's here to talk to us about the latest in 526 00:26:30,520 --> 00:26:34,919 Speaker 2: youth sports participation in the rise of flag football. Isael 527 00:26:35,160 --> 00:26:37,399 Speaker 2: Welcome to the Bloomberg Business of Sports. 528 00:26:37,800 --> 00:26:39,080 Speaker 8: Thank you, thanks for having me. 529 00:26:39,480 --> 00:26:44,160 Speaker 2: You are the CEO of RCX Sports. Tell us what 530 00:26:44,200 --> 00:26:44,920 Speaker 2: that's all about. 531 00:26:45,960 --> 00:26:50,879 Speaker 3: Yes, RCX Sports is all about youth sports and youth 532 00:26:51,119 --> 00:26:56,640 Speaker 3: league play and also in a unique environment using and 533 00:26:56,720 --> 00:27:02,359 Speaker 3: utilizing NFL and Pro League IP and MARS to enhance 534 00:27:02,400 --> 00:27:07,520 Speaker 3: the experience for youth sports leagues around the country and events. 535 00:27:07,800 --> 00:27:10,399 Speaker 3: And a very simple way I like to kind of 536 00:27:10,440 --> 00:27:13,360 Speaker 3: put it is think of think of at the youth 537 00:27:13,359 --> 00:27:17,040 Speaker 3: sports level and an affordable and accessible model. But it 538 00:27:17,119 --> 00:27:22,760 Speaker 3: is little league Baseball meets fanatics, if you will. 539 00:27:22,920 --> 00:27:26,480 Speaker 8: So NFL Flag is one of the programs that we run. 540 00:27:26,320 --> 00:27:29,440 Speaker 3: And so the kids get the opportunities to be the Cowboys, 541 00:27:29,480 --> 00:27:32,919 Speaker 3: to be the Broncos through flag football, and it is 542 00:27:32,960 --> 00:27:35,560 Speaker 3: a very substantial program and I know we'll get into 543 00:27:35,560 --> 00:27:37,440 Speaker 3: that and many of the other ones that we oversee, 544 00:27:37,480 --> 00:27:40,720 Speaker 3: but yeah, we've a mask working with several of the 545 00:27:40,760 --> 00:27:44,200 Speaker 3: pro leagues now and it's just been a great opportunity 546 00:27:44,359 --> 00:27:47,040 Speaker 3: and you know, for me personally give them my background. 547 00:27:48,400 --> 00:27:49,040 Speaker 4: That's amazing. 548 00:27:49,240 --> 00:27:51,400 Speaker 7: As you know, one of the things obviously, like flag 549 00:27:51,440 --> 00:27:54,399 Speaker 7: football is exploded at the youth level to become a 550 00:27:54,480 --> 00:27:58,040 Speaker 7: high school sport in fourteen states. What is it about 551 00:27:58,080 --> 00:27:59,879 Speaker 7: flag football you know that's taking off. Is it just 552 00:28:00,119 --> 00:28:03,040 Speaker 7: safety element of it that you know more parents are 553 00:28:03,480 --> 00:28:06,520 Speaker 7: okay with their kids playing instead of tackle or is 554 00:28:06,560 --> 00:28:08,400 Speaker 7: it you know that it is a way to get 555 00:28:08,400 --> 00:28:10,160 Speaker 7: more girls playing. What is it about it? 556 00:28:10,840 --> 00:28:13,840 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think it's all of the above, and then 557 00:28:13,920 --> 00:28:17,639 Speaker 3: some I think I think the safety aspect is a 558 00:28:17,680 --> 00:28:18,719 Speaker 3: part of it. 559 00:28:18,840 --> 00:28:21,040 Speaker 8: I think the in addition of it. 560 00:28:21,600 --> 00:28:24,480 Speaker 3: So you know, obviously tackle football and I'm thinking about 561 00:28:24,760 --> 00:28:27,080 Speaker 3: of course boys and girls, but boys in this case 562 00:28:27,520 --> 00:28:31,040 Speaker 3: you can't play it year round, and so it gives 563 00:28:31,080 --> 00:28:34,639 Speaker 3: an opportunity flag football is year round to continue to 564 00:28:34,640 --> 00:28:39,720 Speaker 3: play and participate. I think it brings females now into 565 00:28:39,760 --> 00:28:42,280 Speaker 3: football in a major way. So now you're getting both 566 00:28:42,320 --> 00:28:47,000 Speaker 3: boys and girls of all ages playing the sport. And 567 00:28:47,040 --> 00:28:51,680 Speaker 3: it's fun, it's exciting, it's it's fun, it's affordable and 568 00:28:51,880 --> 00:28:54,600 Speaker 3: you know, you don't have on all the equipment, and 569 00:28:55,040 --> 00:28:58,280 Speaker 3: it's fast paced. Everybody can score touchdown, and it's it's 570 00:28:58,360 --> 00:29:02,120 Speaker 3: just so much engaging involved with it. And it's also 571 00:29:02,240 --> 00:29:05,800 Speaker 3: a good feeder into learning football. So let's say a young, 572 00:29:05,920 --> 00:29:08,000 Speaker 3: young young boy. I mean my son is a great 573 00:29:08,000 --> 00:29:10,720 Speaker 3: example of it. He's thirteen now getting ready to go 574 00:29:10,760 --> 00:29:13,080 Speaker 3: into high school. We started with flag first and it 575 00:29:13,160 --> 00:29:16,920 Speaker 3: was a good way to teach him the game. And 576 00:29:17,000 --> 00:29:19,400 Speaker 3: then when he raised his hand and it was solely 577 00:29:19,480 --> 00:29:22,320 Speaker 3: up to him to play a little tackle football, it 578 00:29:22,400 --> 00:29:26,480 Speaker 3: won his first time playing football and you know, backpedaling, 579 00:29:26,680 --> 00:29:29,600 Speaker 3: catching footballs, you know, running running routes. 580 00:29:29,720 --> 00:29:31,640 Speaker 8: It's still the same whether his flag or tackles. 581 00:29:31,720 --> 00:29:36,560 Speaker 3: So it's also a good feeder as well and giving 582 00:29:36,640 --> 00:29:40,080 Speaker 3: kids opportunity to play. So there's a multitude of reasons why, 583 00:29:40,160 --> 00:29:42,880 Speaker 3: but you touched on one that I'm very excited about 584 00:29:42,880 --> 00:29:45,200 Speaker 3: and having a hand in it at the collegiate level, 585 00:29:45,240 --> 00:29:47,560 Speaker 3: high school level, and across the NFL Flag and it 586 00:29:47,600 --> 00:29:50,520 Speaker 3: is just just women having this opportunity in the path 587 00:29:50,960 --> 00:29:54,160 Speaker 3: to play and participate. It's just it's exciting to see 588 00:29:54,200 --> 00:29:55,960 Speaker 3: and just know that they have a path that goes 589 00:29:56,000 --> 00:29:59,040 Speaker 3: all the way through college and even represent their country 590 00:29:59,080 --> 00:30:01,840 Speaker 3: in the Olympics. So that is just It's just music 591 00:30:01,880 --> 00:30:03,440 Speaker 3: to my years to be able to see that in football. 592 00:30:03,440 --> 00:30:06,480 Speaker 2: Now I want to go more into that about flag 593 00:30:06,480 --> 00:30:09,600 Speaker 2: football in the Olympics. That's going to be a big 594 00:30:09,680 --> 00:30:11,840 Speaker 2: step to expose the sport. 595 00:30:12,960 --> 00:30:16,200 Speaker 3: Yeah, yeah, I mean, it's no greater way than to 596 00:30:16,200 --> 00:30:19,920 Speaker 3: put it on a global scale and legitimize the sport. 597 00:30:20,160 --> 00:30:22,880 Speaker 3: I mean, the fact that anything that's an Olympic sport, 598 00:30:22,880 --> 00:30:26,600 Speaker 3: a collegiate sport, a pro sport for that matter, it 599 00:30:26,760 --> 00:30:30,520 Speaker 3: just to the legitimacy of what it does and creating 600 00:30:30,560 --> 00:30:33,040 Speaker 3: that path. But no doubt, I don't think there's a 601 00:30:33,040 --> 00:30:35,360 Speaker 3: bigger stage to be on then, you know, having that 602 00:30:35,440 --> 00:30:38,640 Speaker 3: opportunity to represent your country for both men and women, 603 00:30:39,280 --> 00:30:42,080 Speaker 3: which is which is great to see. And now with 604 00:30:42,200 --> 00:30:44,560 Speaker 3: flag entering into LA twenty eight, which is going to 605 00:30:44,600 --> 00:30:45,520 Speaker 3: be exciting to watch. 606 00:30:46,560 --> 00:30:48,640 Speaker 7: I mean, I'm I'm not gonna lie. I was quite 607 00:30:48,640 --> 00:30:51,320 Speaker 7: surprised actually when it did get added to LA twenty 608 00:30:51,360 --> 00:30:55,680 Speaker 7: eight because I've always thought of football, our version of football, 609 00:30:55,720 --> 00:30:59,360 Speaker 7: American football, as inherently American, right, you know, not necessarily 610 00:30:59,440 --> 00:31:02,120 Speaker 7: super Internet, but the tournament that you guys put on 611 00:31:02,760 --> 00:31:06,680 Speaker 7: with you know, the NFL also has an international division, 612 00:31:07,120 --> 00:31:08,360 Speaker 7: so talk to me a little bit about that, and 613 00:31:08,440 --> 00:31:11,480 Speaker 7: I guess, like, yeah, who else is really really good 614 00:31:11,560 --> 00:31:13,760 Speaker 7: at flag football internationally? Like who else is going to 615 00:31:13,800 --> 00:31:16,400 Speaker 7: be winning a medal? Obviously we're going to win gold, 616 00:31:16,440 --> 00:31:17,560 Speaker 7: but like who's gonna win silver? 617 00:31:18,440 --> 00:31:20,400 Speaker 3: Yeah, well, well we don't know if we're going to go. 618 00:31:20,760 --> 00:31:24,080 Speaker 3: I will start by saying that, so, and I'll use 619 00:31:24,080 --> 00:31:26,520 Speaker 3: an example of so. So flag football was in the 620 00:31:26,880 --> 00:31:30,120 Speaker 3: World Games. And if you've ever heard of World Games, 621 00:31:30,160 --> 00:31:32,760 Speaker 3: it's all those sports h flag men. One of them 622 00:31:33,280 --> 00:31:36,080 Speaker 3: that are now you know, went through that path to 623 00:31:36,160 --> 00:31:39,400 Speaker 3: get into the Olympics and World Games is like the Cousins. 624 00:31:39,440 --> 00:31:42,080 Speaker 3: So it's every sport that's vying to get in. As 625 00:31:42,120 --> 00:31:44,040 Speaker 3: we know, softball jumps in and out and when they're 626 00:31:44,040 --> 00:31:45,640 Speaker 3: not in the Olympics, they're in the World Games. 627 00:31:45,720 --> 00:31:45,920 Speaker 8: Right. 628 00:31:46,000 --> 00:31:49,840 Speaker 3: So, so that this way happened a couple of years ago, 629 00:31:50,240 --> 00:31:55,120 Speaker 3: and obviously the Olympic committee was closely watching and Mexico 630 00:31:55,320 --> 00:31:59,440 Speaker 3: women blew out Team USA, blew them out, and we're 631 00:31:59,480 --> 00:32:01,520 Speaker 3: sitting there watching it and the first thing is like, 632 00:32:01,680 --> 00:32:06,040 Speaker 3: damn they you know, they're they're punishing eating a Team USA. 633 00:32:06,240 --> 00:32:09,160 Speaker 3: But from from my perspective, I was like, this is 634 00:32:09,200 --> 00:32:12,280 Speaker 3: a good thing because when you think about and just 635 00:32:12,280 --> 00:32:14,360 Speaker 3: what you said of and that's when you think about it, 636 00:32:14,560 --> 00:32:17,920 Speaker 3: you a team, a country just dominating that one sport. 637 00:32:18,640 --> 00:32:19,800 Speaker 8: That is not a plus. 638 00:32:19,800 --> 00:32:22,120 Speaker 3: When you think about, you know, an Olympic sport, you 639 00:32:22,120 --> 00:32:24,960 Speaker 3: don't want just one country just dominating. You want you 640 00:32:25,000 --> 00:32:27,960 Speaker 3: want it to be competitive and exciting. So it really 641 00:32:28,440 --> 00:32:32,040 Speaker 3: builds that global fandom. And flag football is that the 642 00:32:32,080 --> 00:32:36,160 Speaker 3: women's side is competitive, the men's side is competitive. The 643 00:32:36,200 --> 00:32:40,520 Speaker 3: ease of learning that sport in football versus tackle to 644 00:32:40,760 --> 00:32:43,920 Speaker 3: start it only helps the continued growth of the game 645 00:32:44,000 --> 00:32:44,960 Speaker 3: at both levels. 646 00:32:45,400 --> 00:32:46,520 Speaker 8: But flag, you. 647 00:32:46,480 --> 00:32:49,080 Speaker 3: Know, again bringing in both men and women and the 648 00:32:49,200 --> 00:32:52,200 Speaker 3: ease of learning that game at either as a starting 649 00:32:52,240 --> 00:32:55,320 Speaker 3: point or only point is good. And then so it's 650 00:32:55,360 --> 00:32:58,800 Speaker 3: now given the NFL the sport of football something that 651 00:32:58,840 --> 00:33:01,040 Speaker 3: they've always wanted, and it's how do we grow the 652 00:33:01,040 --> 00:33:04,400 Speaker 3: game globally? And I don't think there's any greater indication 653 00:33:04,480 --> 00:33:07,000 Speaker 3: of that than you know, getting it approved and signed 654 00:33:07,040 --> 00:33:11,040 Speaker 3: off by the Olympic Committee and now entering into the 655 00:33:11,080 --> 00:33:11,880 Speaker 3: Olympics in LA. 656 00:33:12,560 --> 00:33:15,360 Speaker 2: We're not that far off from the second annual Flag 657 00:33:15,480 --> 00:33:18,880 Speaker 2: Football tournament. It's going to take place in Canton Ohio, 658 00:33:19,680 --> 00:33:23,360 Speaker 2: tell us about that, because again that's another avenue for 659 00:33:23,520 --> 00:33:26,400 Speaker 2: exposure for the sport. I think ESPN is going to 660 00:33:26,640 --> 00:33:27,600 Speaker 2: help broadcast that. 661 00:33:27,960 --> 00:33:29,960 Speaker 8: Yeah, Yeah, ESPN is going to broadcast. 662 00:33:30,040 --> 00:33:32,960 Speaker 3: This is our second year in doing it, and of 663 00:33:33,000 --> 00:33:36,560 Speaker 3: course in conjunction with the NFL and the NFL Flag Championships, 664 00:33:36,600 --> 00:33:40,120 Speaker 3: and so it's exciting. You know, our reference a Little 665 00:33:40,160 --> 00:33:43,120 Speaker 3: League earlier, I mean that was this is the equivalent 666 00:33:43,160 --> 00:33:45,280 Speaker 3: of that called it Little League World Series with it 667 00:33:45,320 --> 00:33:49,960 Speaker 3: being on ESPN and being global, and it is massive 668 00:33:50,040 --> 00:33:52,200 Speaker 3: to say the least will probably have three hundred plus 669 00:33:52,240 --> 00:33:55,320 Speaker 3: teams there, but NFL Flag as a whole in those 670 00:33:55,400 --> 00:33:58,120 Speaker 3: leagues that vo for those opportunities. There are eight hundred 671 00:33:58,160 --> 00:34:02,520 Speaker 3: thousand kids participating in the NFL Flag leagues around the country. 672 00:34:02,640 --> 00:34:05,560 Speaker 3: Is the largest organized flag football league in the world, 673 00:34:06,200 --> 00:34:10,360 Speaker 3: and now with a bigger, greater global footprint of teams 674 00:34:10,400 --> 00:34:13,320 Speaker 3: and coming from different countries. So you're only going to 675 00:34:13,719 --> 00:34:18,000 Speaker 3: continue to see continued expansion across that. But last year's 676 00:34:18,040 --> 00:34:22,520 Speaker 3: tournament on ESPN was such a huge success and exciting 677 00:34:22,560 --> 00:34:25,960 Speaker 3: to watch, and only ask to that exposure and that 678 00:34:26,200 --> 00:34:29,560 Speaker 3: fandom that's being built around the sport and the momentum, 679 00:34:29,840 --> 00:34:32,680 Speaker 3: which also you need to see is entizing very well 680 00:34:32,719 --> 00:34:35,320 Speaker 3: with Olympics because it's like, okay, flag is in the Olympics. 681 00:34:35,360 --> 00:34:37,879 Speaker 3: Who's watching There's people that's watching it for the first 682 00:34:37,920 --> 00:34:41,000 Speaker 3: time that may be intrigued, but there's this huge base 683 00:34:41,440 --> 00:34:43,879 Speaker 3: within the US and globally that's a part of that too. 684 00:34:43,960 --> 00:34:47,480 Speaker 3: So giving these kids these opportunities, all age groups, boys 685 00:34:47,480 --> 00:34:52,319 Speaker 3: and girls to play on an NFL ask ESPN televised 686 00:34:52,400 --> 00:34:54,920 Speaker 3: type stage and canting at the Hall of Fame, it's 687 00:34:55,000 --> 00:34:58,440 Speaker 3: just such a cool and unique experience that's pretty much 688 00:34:58,440 --> 00:35:01,160 Speaker 3: here to stay. It was such huge hit last year, 689 00:35:01,680 --> 00:35:03,799 Speaker 3: and we can't wait to uh, you know, to see 690 00:35:03,800 --> 00:35:06,799 Speaker 3: it this summer as well. Uh and now in the 691 00:35:06,880 --> 00:35:10,000 Speaker 3: second year, and and we'll continue to grow from there. 692 00:35:10,400 --> 00:35:12,239 Speaker 7: Love it, I mean it has to, yeah, continue to grow. 693 00:35:12,280 --> 00:35:14,759 Speaker 7: I'm sure. I'm sure there's no no stopping at this 694 00:35:14,800 --> 00:35:16,560 Speaker 7: point for sure. And there you brought up some some 695 00:35:16,600 --> 00:35:18,799 Speaker 7: things I'd love to talk about there obviously, like you said, 696 00:35:18,800 --> 00:35:21,400 Speaker 7: the NFL flag and and who will be watching it 697 00:35:21,480 --> 00:35:25,120 Speaker 7: at the Olympics, that really ties into you know, the 698 00:35:25,239 --> 00:35:29,400 Speaker 7: NFL wants to start a professional league, right, so I 699 00:35:29,440 --> 00:35:33,719 Speaker 7: think when when will we see that obviously, like one 700 00:35:33,760 --> 00:35:36,439 Speaker 7: of our reporters just you know, he said they want 701 00:35:36,440 --> 00:35:38,880 Speaker 7: to start it next year ahead of the Olympics. Do 702 00:35:38,920 --> 00:35:42,239 Speaker 7: you think that that's something we'll really see or why 703 00:35:42,280 --> 00:35:44,600 Speaker 7: get it out before the Olympics. Do you think an 704 00:35:44,719 --> 00:35:47,240 Speaker 7: NFL professionally, Yeah. 705 00:35:47,000 --> 00:35:51,040 Speaker 3: I think I think given the the raatest flag football 706 00:35:51,160 --> 00:35:54,040 Speaker 3: is growing, I think there's a chance you could see 707 00:35:54,040 --> 00:35:56,320 Speaker 3: it if if if a good game plan is put together, 708 00:35:56,440 --> 00:36:00,680 Speaker 3: why wait, right? So and who better to have a 709 00:36:00,760 --> 00:36:04,040 Speaker 3: hand in it than the NFL and whatever strategic partner 710 00:36:04,480 --> 00:36:07,560 Speaker 3: that they add to it to you know, announce a 711 00:36:07,600 --> 00:36:10,440 Speaker 3: pro league, but just giving the excitement and buzz and 712 00:36:10,520 --> 00:36:13,280 Speaker 3: just growth the flag, even even the Pro bowlers playing 713 00:36:13,320 --> 00:36:17,440 Speaker 3: flag at the Pro Bowl or NFL players and their 714 00:36:17,520 --> 00:36:20,400 Speaker 3: wanting and willingness which which is TVD to be figured 715 00:36:20,400 --> 00:36:24,840 Speaker 3: out if they have that opportunity to play. But adding 716 00:36:24,880 --> 00:36:28,120 Speaker 3: pro flag and knowing that, I think it's the other 717 00:36:28,160 --> 00:36:31,839 Speaker 3: phenomenal opportunity. When you think about the Olympians, you're thinking 718 00:36:31,880 --> 00:36:35,799 Speaker 3: about pros right, you know that opportunity which if you 719 00:36:35,840 --> 00:36:38,879 Speaker 3: were to ask them today is when those teams get 720 00:36:38,880 --> 00:36:42,560 Speaker 3: selected or the professional players now that are deeming for 721 00:36:42,640 --> 00:36:47,040 Speaker 3: those those spots. Would they want to play and participate? Absolutely? 722 00:36:47,239 --> 00:36:50,480 Speaker 3: And all these young kids and millions around the country 723 00:36:50,480 --> 00:36:53,680 Speaker 3: that are participating in flag would you watch? Would you 724 00:36:53,760 --> 00:36:55,359 Speaker 3: would you want to be a part of it? Would 725 00:36:55,400 --> 00:36:56,800 Speaker 3: you want to go see it? Would you want to 726 00:36:56,840 --> 00:36:59,040 Speaker 3: watch if it was cell avized pro league? I think 727 00:36:59,080 --> 00:37:04,480 Speaker 3: those are the big question. And I think you already 728 00:37:04,520 --> 00:37:06,800 Speaker 3: see that because I don't think if it didn't exist 729 00:37:06,800 --> 00:37:10,920 Speaker 3: and you didn't have this base, in this momentum, in 730 00:37:10,920 --> 00:37:13,080 Speaker 3: this door that opened at the Olympic level, at the 731 00:37:13,080 --> 00:37:16,800 Speaker 3: collegiate level, and the fastest growing sport in high school 732 00:37:16,840 --> 00:37:21,600 Speaker 3: for girls in the US being flag football, you know, 733 00:37:21,680 --> 00:37:24,359 Speaker 3: it's showing all the momentum of what's next. I mean, 734 00:37:24,480 --> 00:37:27,400 Speaker 3: I think that's the big question because we're already on 735 00:37:27,440 --> 00:37:30,720 Speaker 3: this path. Flag football is at the collegiate level across 736 00:37:30,760 --> 00:37:34,320 Speaker 3: all three collegiate associations. Alabama State University just became the 737 00:37:34,360 --> 00:37:37,239 Speaker 3: first D one program to offer it, so you know 738 00:37:37,360 --> 00:37:40,720 Speaker 3: others will follow. So I just say all that to say, 739 00:37:41,160 --> 00:37:43,960 Speaker 3: why not you know, why not add it as a 740 00:37:44,000 --> 00:37:46,000 Speaker 3: pro league sport? And you see all of what's happening 741 00:37:46,000 --> 00:37:49,440 Speaker 3: with women's sports today and how just the fandom and 742 00:37:49,560 --> 00:37:53,759 Speaker 3: excitement and buzz and women getting to just doing basketball 743 00:37:53,800 --> 00:37:55,040 Speaker 3: and volleyball. 744 00:37:54,840 --> 00:37:57,359 Speaker 8: In these sports. It's just it's great to see. 745 00:37:57,440 --> 00:38:01,239 Speaker 3: So I think the time is right and people are 746 00:38:01,600 --> 00:38:09,319 Speaker 3: hungry for continued sports in professional sports and enhancing the experience, 747 00:38:09,400 --> 00:38:13,040 Speaker 3: and so as you can say, I'm all for as 748 00:38:13,040 --> 00:38:16,200 Speaker 3: you can see, but I think it's right for the taking, 749 00:38:16,480 --> 00:38:19,160 Speaker 3: and I think no time like the Presidence to not 750 00:38:19,239 --> 00:38:22,640 Speaker 3: only announce something like that, but see it come to 751 00:38:22,680 --> 00:38:24,640 Speaker 3: fruition even before the Olympics potentially. 752 00:38:24,719 --> 00:38:27,400 Speaker 2: Our thanks to Isel Reeves for joining us. He's a 753 00:38:27,520 --> 00:38:31,280 Speaker 2: seven year NFL veteran and now executive director of NFL 754 00:38:31,400 --> 00:38:36,239 Speaker 2: Flag and CEO of rc X Sports. Hey, thank you 755 00:38:36,560 --> 00:38:39,760 Speaker 2: for joining us Foranessa Pernobo. I'm Michael Barr. Don't forget 756 00:38:39,800 --> 00:38:43,160 Speaker 2: to catch our podcast on all your podcast platforms. Tune 757 00:38:43,200 --> 00:38:45,200 Speaker 2: in again next week for the latest on the stories 758 00:38:45,280 --> 00:38:48,400 Speaker 2: moving big old money. I'm not talking small, big old 759 00:38:48,520 --> 00:38:50,960 Speaker 2: money in the world of sports. You're listening to the 760 00:38:50,960 --> 00:38:54,840 Speaker 2: Bloomberg Business of Sports from Bloomberger Radio around the world. 761 00:39:02,280 --> 00:39:02,840 Speaker 1: Two