1 00:00:01,080 --> 00:00:04,720 Speaker 1: This is the Business of Sports from Bloomberg Radio. Well, 2 00:00:04,720 --> 00:00:06,840 Speaker 1: thanks so much for joining us work here each and 3 00:00:06,960 --> 00:00:09,480 Speaker 1: every week for you at the same time talking to 4 00:00:09,560 --> 00:00:12,760 Speaker 1: the biggest names in sports. I'm Jason Kelly along with 5 00:00:12,840 --> 00:00:16,400 Speaker 1: Mike Lynch up in Boston. Today we're delighted to be 6 00:00:16,440 --> 00:00:19,439 Speaker 1: speaking with Jim van Stone. He's the president of Business Operations, 7 00:00:19,480 --> 00:00:24,000 Speaker 1: the chief commercial officer of Monumental Sports and Entertainment. And 8 00:00:24,280 --> 00:00:26,440 Speaker 1: for those who know sports, you know this is one 9 00:00:26,440 --> 00:00:30,280 Speaker 1: of the central voices one of the biggest and most 10 00:00:30,280 --> 00:00:34,040 Speaker 1: influential companies in all of sports, one of the few 11 00:00:34,200 --> 00:00:37,360 Speaker 1: companies that really owned so much across so many different leagues. 12 00:00:37,360 --> 00:00:41,159 Speaker 1: Were delighted, Uh, the Jim is spending some time with this, Jim, 13 00:00:41,200 --> 00:00:44,360 Speaker 1: I hope you're well. Everything going okay? These are obviously 14 00:00:45,159 --> 00:00:49,280 Speaker 1: unpreceded in times. What's it like down in Washington? And 15 00:00:49,320 --> 00:00:52,720 Speaker 1: I should say we're taping this to be totally clear 16 00:00:53,400 --> 00:00:56,440 Speaker 1: on June three, So Wednesday, you know, the midst of 17 00:00:56,960 --> 00:01:00,880 Speaker 1: really a very difficult week, you know, probably like everyone 18 00:01:00,880 --> 00:01:03,040 Speaker 1: else across the country. I mean, it's been a very 19 00:01:03,080 --> 00:01:06,160 Speaker 1: trying time and you know, I think we've gone through 20 00:01:06,240 --> 00:01:09,720 Speaker 1: so much and you know, uh, I I do love 21 00:01:09,760 --> 00:01:12,520 Speaker 1: the fact that you know, everyone is speaking their voice. 22 00:01:12,560 --> 00:01:15,759 Speaker 1: I think it's really really important. Uh, you know, hopefully 23 00:01:15,760 --> 00:01:18,479 Speaker 1: we will be healing very soon in this process. But 24 00:01:18,560 --> 00:01:21,360 Speaker 1: you know, it's it's been challenging as you see probably 25 00:01:21,760 --> 00:01:24,319 Speaker 1: in many many other markets across the country and everything 26 00:01:24,360 --> 00:01:27,120 Speaker 1: from that standpoint, but you know, I think we're all 27 00:01:27,160 --> 00:01:30,520 Speaker 1: hopeful for a brighter future. And you know, I think 28 00:01:30,520 --> 00:01:32,840 Speaker 1: getting back to normal and time is what we're all 29 00:01:32,880 --> 00:01:34,680 Speaker 1: looking for. I had a little bit of that yesterday. 30 00:01:34,760 --> 00:01:38,800 Speaker 1: My oldest graduated high school. So we we had a 31 00:01:38,840 --> 00:01:42,039 Speaker 1: good family experience yesterday, you know, in the midst of 32 00:01:42,200 --> 00:01:45,039 Speaker 1: you know, so many different things that we're all experiencing 33 00:01:45,200 --> 00:01:48,160 Speaker 1: every single day. So and I'm hopeful that you know, 34 00:01:48,200 --> 00:01:50,800 Speaker 1: before too long, sports is back and you know, because 35 00:01:50,880 --> 00:01:54,000 Speaker 1: people another outlet. So but it's been a very trying 36 00:01:54,080 --> 00:01:56,360 Speaker 1: time for you know, us here in Washington, d C. 37 00:01:56,800 --> 00:01:59,120 Speaker 1: And I know in many parts of the country. And 38 00:01:59,200 --> 00:02:02,640 Speaker 1: I think we just send best to everyone and you know, uh, 39 00:02:02,880 --> 00:02:05,520 Speaker 1: hopefully we have you know, better outcomes as we all 40 00:02:05,560 --> 00:02:08,360 Speaker 1: move forward in many many different scenarios. Jeff, this is 41 00:02:08,400 --> 00:02:10,960 Speaker 1: Mike up in Boston. Um, I think everyone has seen 42 00:02:11,000 --> 00:02:13,840 Speaker 1: the proof that sports is kind of a great diversion 43 00:02:13,880 --> 00:02:16,280 Speaker 1: for everyone with the ratings that the last dance has had, 44 00:02:16,320 --> 00:02:19,320 Speaker 1: with the ratings that the golf match with Tiger Woods 45 00:02:19,360 --> 00:02:23,360 Speaker 1: Michelson Brady and Peyton Manning had, and um, you know 46 00:02:23,400 --> 00:02:25,720 Speaker 1: golf will be starting up. But but you're main concerned 47 00:02:25,800 --> 00:02:27,880 Speaker 1: right now obviously would be the Caps and the and 48 00:02:27,919 --> 00:02:31,800 Speaker 1: the Wizards. Uh is the NHL ahead of all the 49 00:02:31,800 --> 00:02:34,400 Speaker 1: other three major sports in terms of a restart plan? 50 00:02:34,680 --> 00:02:37,440 Speaker 1: And why? Yeah? You know what I would say, Actually, 51 00:02:37,440 --> 00:02:39,960 Speaker 1: I think all all all these three big leagues that 52 00:02:40,000 --> 00:02:42,720 Speaker 1: were involved in the NBA, the NHL, and the w 53 00:02:42,880 --> 00:02:44,760 Speaker 1: n b A, I think are all in the same 54 00:02:44,800 --> 00:02:47,600 Speaker 1: really good direction. I think, you know, I think all 55 00:02:47,600 --> 00:02:50,240 Speaker 1: the leagues are are hopeful to be back playing. You know, 56 00:02:50,280 --> 00:02:53,880 Speaker 1: they're they're planning. There's a lot of really you know, uh, 57 00:02:54,040 --> 00:02:57,320 Speaker 1: really influential people at the legs and everyone is involved. 58 00:02:57,320 --> 00:02:58,840 Speaker 1: I think the league has done a great job in 59 00:02:58,919 --> 00:03:01,440 Speaker 1: terms of community and with the teams on the local level. 60 00:03:01,520 --> 00:03:04,000 Speaker 1: But I think they're all in like a really good 61 00:03:04,040 --> 00:03:06,960 Speaker 1: situation to get back before too long. And you know, 62 00:03:07,040 --> 00:03:10,360 Speaker 1: I think we're very excited about that opportunity. We think, 63 00:03:10,400 --> 00:03:12,640 Speaker 1: you know, for our market and many other markets around 64 00:03:12,680 --> 00:03:14,960 Speaker 1: the country. You know, it's going to be a really 65 00:03:14,960 --> 00:03:17,280 Speaker 1: great breath of fresh air to have you know, some 66 00:03:17,320 --> 00:03:20,200 Speaker 1: of the sports legs back and operating, and it should 67 00:03:20,240 --> 00:03:22,280 Speaker 1: be an exciting run. I mean, you know, I think 68 00:03:22,320 --> 00:03:25,360 Speaker 1: once we're back and you know, hopefully you know, baseball 69 00:03:25,440 --> 00:03:27,679 Speaker 1: is not too far behind that, and you know, the 70 00:03:27,720 --> 00:03:29,320 Speaker 1: start of the NFL, I mean, it could be a 71 00:03:29,440 --> 00:03:31,760 Speaker 1: really really exciting end of the summer in the beginning 72 00:03:31,800 --> 00:03:33,920 Speaker 1: of the fall. So but I think all the leagues 73 00:03:33,960 --> 00:03:38,000 Speaker 1: are really in that same same situation. I think they're 74 00:03:38,040 --> 00:03:40,840 Speaker 1: all very close. I think the NHL was very quick, 75 00:03:41,320 --> 00:03:43,760 Speaker 1: you know, to announce a week or so ago with Gary, 76 00:03:43,840 --> 00:03:45,960 Speaker 1: and you know, I do think some of the other leaks, 77 00:03:46,120 --> 00:03:48,800 Speaker 1: you know, with Adam and Kathy Engelberg, aren't going to 78 00:03:48,840 --> 00:03:50,960 Speaker 1: be too far along either. And so let's talk about 79 00:03:51,000 --> 00:03:52,760 Speaker 1: that a little bit. Why were they able to get 80 00:03:52,800 --> 00:03:55,760 Speaker 1: there pretty fast? And and I know you don't have 81 00:03:55,800 --> 00:03:58,280 Speaker 1: a baseball team, which is probably something you're thinking you're 82 00:03:58,320 --> 00:04:00,880 Speaker 1: lucky stars for right now, give and that that is 83 00:04:00,920 --> 00:04:06,320 Speaker 1: a much more contentious element. Why were the NHL and 84 00:04:06,320 --> 00:04:09,040 Speaker 1: and the NBA able to sort of pull it together 85 00:04:09,880 --> 00:04:12,960 Speaker 1: relatively fast by by all accounts, you know, I I 86 00:04:13,400 --> 00:04:15,200 Speaker 1: think it was probably a little bit of timing. You know. 87 00:04:15,280 --> 00:04:17,359 Speaker 1: I think when you take a look at it, you know, 88 00:04:17,520 --> 00:04:20,400 Speaker 1: the bulk of our seasons, the regular seasons were completed. 89 00:04:20,560 --> 00:04:23,280 Speaker 1: I think we're about to embark on on really what 90 00:04:23,360 --> 00:04:25,120 Speaker 1: I consider the most exciting time of the year in 91 00:04:25,160 --> 00:04:27,839 Speaker 1: the spring went when the NBA and NHL playoffs starts. 92 00:04:27,839 --> 00:04:30,039 Speaker 1: So I think there was a lot of you know, 93 00:04:30,160 --> 00:04:32,359 Speaker 1: focus on, hey, what are we going to do to 94 00:04:32,400 --> 00:04:34,080 Speaker 1: be able to kind of finish out, you know, the 95 00:04:34,480 --> 00:04:38,000 Speaker 1: nineteen season, and you know, I think, you know, hopefully 96 00:04:38,560 --> 00:04:41,640 Speaker 1: get nineteen twenty behind us and have a successful playoff 97 00:04:41,720 --> 00:04:45,480 Speaker 1: run and then hopefully build for you season. So I 98 00:04:45,520 --> 00:04:47,960 Speaker 1: think the league's had a lot of focus. I will 99 00:04:48,000 --> 00:04:50,000 Speaker 1: say it's funny when you take a look at all 100 00:04:50,000 --> 00:04:52,680 Speaker 1: of our you know, leagues that we have both in 101 00:04:52,720 --> 00:04:54,480 Speaker 1: the NBA and the NHL and w n b A. 102 00:04:54,800 --> 00:04:58,000 Speaker 1: We compete like mad on the court and on the ice, 103 00:04:58,040 --> 00:05:00,240 Speaker 1: But when it comes to, you know, the business side 104 00:05:00,240 --> 00:05:01,800 Speaker 1: of it off the court and off the ice, I 105 00:05:01,800 --> 00:05:05,200 Speaker 1: think there's a really great brother and sisterhood that everyone 106 00:05:05,240 --> 00:05:08,000 Speaker 1: really works together, you know, in this process to grow 107 00:05:08,040 --> 00:05:10,120 Speaker 1: the business and grow the game, and you know, I 108 00:05:10,160 --> 00:05:12,559 Speaker 1: think getting a lot of people together and everyone's sharing 109 00:05:12,600 --> 00:05:15,279 Speaker 1: the same common interest of you know, trying our best 110 00:05:15,320 --> 00:05:17,840 Speaker 1: to get back when it says it healthy, you know, 111 00:05:17,960 --> 00:05:20,320 Speaker 1: it is really really important. And I think the leaks 112 00:05:20,400 --> 00:05:24,120 Speaker 1: have a big responsibility in terms of, you know, just 113 00:05:24,160 --> 00:05:27,279 Speaker 1: the demeanor of our entire country. I mean, you know, 114 00:05:27,320 --> 00:05:31,000 Speaker 1: it's a passionate sports, you know country, and I think 115 00:05:31,040 --> 00:05:33,839 Speaker 1: we're part of the ethos of you know, the country. 116 00:05:33,880 --> 00:05:35,720 Speaker 1: And I think you know, they felt like they had 117 00:05:35,720 --> 00:05:39,880 Speaker 1: a responsibility when everything is to be you know, safe 118 00:05:39,960 --> 00:05:41,920 Speaker 1: and healthy of trying to get back on the quarter 119 00:05:41,960 --> 00:05:44,720 Speaker 1: of the ice as quick as possible. Jim, as you 120 00:05:44,880 --> 00:05:48,839 Speaker 1: think about the NHL, the NBA and the w n 121 00:05:48,880 --> 00:05:52,599 Speaker 1: B A coming back, it feels like the biggest thing 122 00:05:52,920 --> 00:05:56,240 Speaker 1: is going to be a lack of spectators in many way. 123 00:05:56,760 --> 00:05:58,800 Speaker 1: In many ways, what does that mean for the game 124 00:05:59,040 --> 00:06:02,440 Speaker 1: and the game? In your estimation, you know, I think 125 00:06:02,480 --> 00:06:04,640 Speaker 1: it's going to be a really unique opportunity. I think 126 00:06:04,640 --> 00:06:06,960 Speaker 1: certainly we all want to play in front of fans. 127 00:06:07,000 --> 00:06:09,320 Speaker 1: I mean, the vibe that you have in a live event. 128 00:06:09,440 --> 00:06:11,960 Speaker 1: I don't think there's anything you know like it out there. 129 00:06:11,960 --> 00:06:14,200 Speaker 1: I mean, you have the opportunity. If you're in person 130 00:06:14,240 --> 00:06:15,600 Speaker 1: to see an event, it could be a Hall of 131 00:06:15,640 --> 00:06:17,760 Speaker 1: Fame moment. You just never know what's going to happen. 132 00:06:17,839 --> 00:06:21,400 Speaker 1: So that is something that probably can never be replaced. 133 00:06:22,080 --> 00:06:23,640 Speaker 1: But I will say one of the things that I 134 00:06:23,680 --> 00:06:26,320 Speaker 1: think we're excited about is that, you know, we look 135 00:06:26,360 --> 00:06:28,640 Speaker 1: at at our businesses and our teams. I mean, there's 136 00:06:28,640 --> 00:06:31,880 Speaker 1: certainly pillars in the community, but they're also really a 137 00:06:31,920 --> 00:06:34,200 Speaker 1: big content opportunity, and I think there's things that we're 138 00:06:34,200 --> 00:06:37,160 Speaker 1: gonna be able to do from a broadcasting standpoint, uh, 139 00:06:37,240 --> 00:06:40,120 Speaker 1: and and a variety of different camera angles, try and 140 00:06:40,160 --> 00:06:43,240 Speaker 1: new things from that standpoint, maybe Mike and up players. 141 00:06:43,279 --> 00:06:45,240 Speaker 1: You just never know what it could be. I think 142 00:06:45,279 --> 00:06:48,760 Speaker 1: we're really gonna, you know, hopefully continue to enhance the 143 00:06:48,800 --> 00:06:51,280 Speaker 1: broadcast opportunity. And that's one of the things I'm excited about, 144 00:06:51,320 --> 00:06:54,480 Speaker 1: is we we we we come back and get started again. Uh. 145 00:06:54,560 --> 00:06:57,000 Speaker 1: From that standpoint, I mean, you know, I do think 146 00:06:57,040 --> 00:06:59,320 Speaker 1: a lot of the teams and you know, even the 147 00:06:59,360 --> 00:07:03,520 Speaker 1: leagues themselves have really done a very unique uh effort 148 00:07:03,680 --> 00:07:06,920 Speaker 1: I think in terms of creating really unique content both 149 00:07:06,960 --> 00:07:08,880 Speaker 1: on a social and digital format. And I think that's 150 00:07:08,920 --> 00:07:12,280 Speaker 1: another opportunity you know, as we get you know, back 151 00:07:12,320 --> 00:07:14,840 Speaker 1: to play that that really could be something very very 152 00:07:14,840 --> 00:07:17,960 Speaker 1: compelling form that standpoint, you know, So I'm excited about. 153 00:07:18,040 --> 00:07:20,120 Speaker 1: You know, the fact is that you know, we're going 154 00:07:20,160 --> 00:07:23,160 Speaker 1: to see probably a variety of different broadcasts. We're probably 155 00:07:23,160 --> 00:07:25,280 Speaker 1: going to see more games broadcasts that we would ever 156 00:07:25,640 --> 00:07:27,880 Speaker 1: have seen before as we get back into into play, 157 00:07:27,920 --> 00:07:30,920 Speaker 1: and I think there's gonna be a unique opportunity. And 158 00:07:31,360 --> 00:07:34,160 Speaker 1: you know, I mean, our athletes across the board, you know, 159 00:07:34,640 --> 00:07:38,240 Speaker 1: whether talckey or basketball are so competitive that I think 160 00:07:38,240 --> 00:07:40,080 Speaker 1: the spirit of the game, you know, of what you're 161 00:07:40,080 --> 00:07:41,920 Speaker 1: gonna see on the coarter of the ice is really 162 00:07:41,920 --> 00:07:45,560 Speaker 1: going to be very well noticed, you know, as players 163 00:07:45,560 --> 00:07:47,640 Speaker 1: get back into this, and you know, these are the 164 00:07:47,640 --> 00:07:49,920 Speaker 1: best athletes in the world. So I think we're all 165 00:07:49,920 --> 00:07:53,520 Speaker 1: going to see a compelling finish to the season and 166 00:07:53,880 --> 00:07:56,880 Speaker 1: potentially into the playoffs if and when fans are allowed 167 00:07:56,920 --> 00:07:58,800 Speaker 1: back into the building. I've talked to a number of 168 00:07:59,000 --> 00:08:01,960 Speaker 1: arena executive of SIN and there's all kinds of plans 169 00:08:02,000 --> 00:08:05,000 Speaker 1: being discussed, and I'm sure your group has has There's 170 00:08:05,040 --> 00:08:07,960 Speaker 1: no different um. One of the plans I heard was 171 00:08:08,000 --> 00:08:11,200 Speaker 1: temperature checks before you come in. UM, so we have 172 00:08:11,320 --> 00:08:14,640 Speaker 1: social distancing. It's almost like boarding an airplane. Okay, Group 173 00:08:14,680 --> 00:08:18,240 Speaker 1: A maybe admitted now depending where your seat is, uh, 174 00:08:18,760 --> 00:08:21,840 Speaker 1: Group B. Now those in rows fifteen through twenty one, 175 00:08:21,880 --> 00:08:25,440 Speaker 1: and then also reconfiguring the seats, like let's say you 176 00:08:25,440 --> 00:08:27,720 Speaker 1: have twenty rows and twenty seats in a row, you'd 177 00:08:27,720 --> 00:08:32,240 Speaker 1: sell seats one, seven, twelve, and nineteen. Is that Is 178 00:08:32,280 --> 00:08:35,360 Speaker 1: that a plan that that's already in motion right now 179 00:08:35,600 --> 00:08:38,160 Speaker 1: when fans are allowed back in. You know, I think 180 00:08:38,200 --> 00:08:40,000 Speaker 1: we're all doing that, Mike. I mean, we're all kind 181 00:08:40,000 --> 00:08:42,400 Speaker 1: of focused on that right now. I think you know, Washington, 182 00:08:42,480 --> 00:08:44,600 Speaker 1: d C. Is a little bit unique because you know, 183 00:08:44,640 --> 00:08:47,640 Speaker 1: we have so many government facilities also around the arena. 184 00:08:47,679 --> 00:08:49,880 Speaker 1: I mean, we're in a unique situation at Capital want 185 00:08:49,880 --> 00:08:51,920 Speaker 1: to read it. We're a mile from the hill, you know, 186 00:08:51,960 --> 00:08:54,520 Speaker 1: a mile from the White Hope of all these governmental buildings. 187 00:08:54,600 --> 00:08:57,160 Speaker 1: So we get a lot of support from you know, 188 00:08:57,240 --> 00:09:00,480 Speaker 1: a variety of different uh, you know, federal groups here 189 00:09:00,520 --> 00:09:03,160 Speaker 1: in the marketplace. I think all of us are actually 190 00:09:03,160 --> 00:09:05,960 Speaker 1: looking at our buildings and seeing how to outfit it 191 00:09:06,360 --> 00:09:08,120 Speaker 1: the right way. I think we're still going through the 192 00:09:08,120 --> 00:09:10,880 Speaker 1: evaluation of you know what resources we're going to need 193 00:09:10,920 --> 00:09:13,200 Speaker 1: to be able to do it effectively and you know, 194 00:09:13,240 --> 00:09:17,040 Speaker 1: ensure that everyone has a great and and and satisfying experience, 195 00:09:17,080 --> 00:09:20,200 Speaker 1: and along the way, you know, we continue to maintain, 196 00:09:20,679 --> 00:09:23,240 Speaker 1: you know, the safety piece of what we need. I 197 00:09:23,280 --> 00:09:25,080 Speaker 1: do think one of the things I've been really pleased 198 00:09:25,080 --> 00:09:27,280 Speaker 1: about is that, you know, I don't think there's one 199 00:09:27,320 --> 00:09:30,040 Speaker 1: team out there organization looking to find all the answers. 200 00:09:30,080 --> 00:09:32,160 Speaker 1: There's a variety of different groups, whether it's at the 201 00:09:32,240 --> 00:09:36,479 Speaker 1: leak level where we're participating and we're sharing best practices 202 00:09:36,640 --> 00:09:38,880 Speaker 1: or things to look at, you know, so we can 203 00:09:38,920 --> 00:09:42,160 Speaker 1: implement our buildings and equip them to be the best 204 00:09:42,360 --> 00:09:44,480 Speaker 1: and most safest that they can be. So I think 205 00:09:44,720 --> 00:09:46,719 Speaker 1: we're getting a lot of direction. We're doing as a 206 00:09:46,800 --> 00:09:51,080 Speaker 1: collaborative industry effort, and I think, you know, then you'll 207 00:09:51,080 --> 00:09:55,200 Speaker 1: see probably you know, some some some opportunities that are developed, 208 00:09:55,200 --> 00:09:58,080 Speaker 1: and I think it's going to be standardized. I really 209 00:09:58,160 --> 00:10:02,520 Speaker 1: do feel that most of the buildings and operations will 210 00:10:02,520 --> 00:10:05,479 Speaker 1: will be standard You're certainly going to have different touristictions 211 00:10:05,480 --> 00:10:08,679 Speaker 1: that have different roles and regulations, but I'm hopeful that 212 00:10:08,760 --> 00:10:11,959 Speaker 1: the operation side of it is all very similar. In 213 00:10:12,040 --> 00:10:14,800 Speaker 1: scope and space, and you know, the leaks have you know, 214 00:10:15,120 --> 00:10:18,000 Speaker 1: focused on subgroups that are working on back to the 215 00:10:18,040 --> 00:10:21,320 Speaker 1: arena experience and what that looks like. And we're also 216 00:10:21,360 --> 00:10:23,920 Speaker 1: doing it from a from a business operations standpoint in 217 00:10:24,000 --> 00:10:26,760 Speaker 1: terms of getting our employees back into you know, our 218 00:10:26,840 --> 00:10:30,040 Speaker 1: offices and arenas. So you know, there's gonna be probably 219 00:10:30,040 --> 00:10:32,120 Speaker 1: a lot of things that you know might be unique 220 00:10:32,160 --> 00:10:35,080 Speaker 1: and different. And you know, whether it's in the culinary 221 00:10:35,120 --> 00:10:37,839 Speaker 1: business that we have, whether it's the retail business, whether 222 00:10:37,880 --> 00:10:41,880 Speaker 1: it's the live events piece, I mean security. So I 223 00:10:41,920 --> 00:10:44,920 Speaker 1: don't know if there's been a full list of what's 224 00:10:44,920 --> 00:10:47,760 Speaker 1: been you know, shared with that we can easily say 225 00:10:47,840 --> 00:10:49,920 Speaker 1: right now that's best practices. But I think as we 226 00:10:49,960 --> 00:10:53,080 Speaker 1: get launched and hopefully by you know, a certain point 227 00:10:53,120 --> 00:10:55,320 Speaker 1: in time, get fans back in the building, I think 228 00:10:55,320 --> 00:10:57,480 Speaker 1: a lot of that will be uniformed that many arenas 229 00:10:57,520 --> 00:10:59,800 Speaker 1: across the country. So, Jim, how do you model the 230 00:10:59,800 --> 00:11:04,120 Speaker 1: economic impact of these changes, because ultimately you're running not 231 00:11:04,200 --> 00:11:06,840 Speaker 1: just a business, You're running a number of businesses here 232 00:11:06,840 --> 00:11:09,600 Speaker 1: with a whole lot of inputs. You know, we're talking 233 00:11:09,600 --> 00:11:13,720 Speaker 1: about a shortened season or a shortened rest of the season, 234 00:11:14,080 --> 00:11:17,760 Speaker 1: without any gate. We're talking about additional costs in in 235 00:11:17,800 --> 00:11:22,520 Speaker 1: some cases, Uh, the revenue side from a broadcast perspective 236 00:11:22,640 --> 00:11:26,000 Speaker 1: probably is in flux a little bit, depending on which 237 00:11:26,000 --> 00:11:28,160 Speaker 1: of the leagues and which of the teams we're talking about. 238 00:11:28,800 --> 00:11:31,120 Speaker 1: Is this something when you think about it when you 239 00:11:31,160 --> 00:11:34,080 Speaker 1: sit down with with Ted leonsis the CEO and an owner? 240 00:11:34,600 --> 00:11:37,120 Speaker 1: I mean, how do you guys think about this from 241 00:11:37,160 --> 00:11:39,920 Speaker 1: from just a P and L and A and a 242 00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:43,800 Speaker 1: balance sheet perspective. Yeah, that's a really really good question, 243 00:11:43,840 --> 00:11:47,679 Speaker 1: I mean, and something that I think continues to evolve 244 00:11:47,760 --> 00:11:50,200 Speaker 1: on on really a weekly basis. I think, you know, 245 00:11:50,240 --> 00:11:52,240 Speaker 1: with the situation that we're all facing, I mean, and 246 00:11:52,640 --> 00:11:55,360 Speaker 1: we see there are certainly peaks and valleys. I think 247 00:11:55,360 --> 00:11:57,959 Speaker 1: we've done a really good audit of our organization. I 248 00:11:58,000 --> 00:12:00,320 Speaker 1: think the way we are set up, I mean, we 249 00:12:00,360 --> 00:12:03,840 Speaker 1: look at our ourselves as really an integrated multimedia company. 250 00:12:03,960 --> 00:12:07,080 Speaker 1: So the teams themselves are are content for us. You know, 251 00:12:07,240 --> 00:12:09,199 Speaker 1: we we have an out home business, we have no 252 00:12:09,320 --> 00:12:12,120 Speaker 1: T T network. You know, we're involved in e sports, 253 00:12:12,160 --> 00:12:16,360 Speaker 1: so you know, we've got a very integrated organization as 254 00:12:16,360 --> 00:12:19,200 Speaker 1: a whole. And I think we continue to do audits 255 00:12:19,200 --> 00:12:21,679 Speaker 1: in terms of you know, what the opportunities are. As 256 00:12:21,679 --> 00:12:23,800 Speaker 1: I mentioned earlier, I think we look at ourselves as 257 00:12:24,080 --> 00:12:27,959 Speaker 1: a content business. So you know, certainly the opportunities on 258 00:12:27,960 --> 00:12:30,960 Speaker 1: on sponsorship and social digital, you know, are are going 259 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:33,680 Speaker 1: to be very apparent for us hopefully as we move forward, 260 00:12:34,080 --> 00:12:36,160 Speaker 1: you know, depending on what the landscape looks like in 261 00:12:36,160 --> 00:12:38,760 Speaker 1: the short period time. I mean, you know, certainly highly 262 00:12:38,840 --> 00:12:41,480 Speaker 1: visible signage you know, is going to be you know, 263 00:12:41,520 --> 00:12:44,120 Speaker 1: an important aspect that I think, you know, we've really 264 00:12:44,160 --> 00:12:47,679 Speaker 1: been trying to, uh stay connected to our season ticket holders. 265 00:12:47,720 --> 00:12:50,480 Speaker 1: I mean that's the one area that you know, it 266 00:12:50,679 --> 00:12:52,880 Speaker 1: is probably a little bit more challenge without the live events, 267 00:12:52,880 --> 00:12:55,360 Speaker 1: so you still need to make sure that you're delivering value. 268 00:12:55,400 --> 00:12:58,680 Speaker 1: I think, you know, there are certainly hurdles that we're facing, 269 00:12:58,880 --> 00:13:01,480 Speaker 1: you know, in the short period of time, but you know, 270 00:13:01,800 --> 00:13:05,040 Speaker 1: I think it's also creating opportunities and you know, I 271 00:13:05,080 --> 00:13:07,480 Speaker 1: think we've got an internal back to better you know, 272 00:13:07,600 --> 00:13:09,920 Speaker 1: mantra and I think, you know, once we get back 273 00:13:09,960 --> 00:13:14,120 Speaker 1: into a normalized business scenario again, you know, we want 274 00:13:14,120 --> 00:13:16,679 Speaker 1: to look at ourselves as we always have as being 275 00:13:16,760 --> 00:13:20,040 Speaker 1: very innovative, very first to market, and you know, an 276 00:13:20,040 --> 00:13:23,760 Speaker 1: openness to try new things. Ted, as you know, is 277 00:13:23,840 --> 00:13:27,640 Speaker 1: probably in the landscape of professional sports owners, one of 278 00:13:27,679 --> 00:13:31,640 Speaker 1: the most entrepreneurial, you know, business leaders that's out there, 279 00:13:31,640 --> 00:13:33,880 Speaker 1: and you know, we are always looking at new things. 280 00:13:33,920 --> 00:13:35,840 Speaker 1: But the business in a short period of time is 281 00:13:35,840 --> 00:13:38,920 Speaker 1: certainly i mean, you know, challenged, and you know we've 282 00:13:38,920 --> 00:13:41,199 Speaker 1: got to think creatively and think outside the box. And 283 00:13:41,640 --> 00:13:43,760 Speaker 1: you know, I'll give a lot of credit to you know, 284 00:13:43,800 --> 00:13:45,760 Speaker 1: a lot of people that are leading some of our 285 00:13:45,800 --> 00:13:47,880 Speaker 1: social and visual efforts. Some of the content that we've 286 00:13:47,920 --> 00:13:51,319 Speaker 1: been able to create, uh in this downtime has been 287 00:13:51,440 --> 00:13:53,679 Speaker 1: something that we've never been able to do before, and 288 00:13:54,040 --> 00:13:55,840 Speaker 1: you know, it allow us to I think, build better 289 00:13:55,840 --> 00:13:59,400 Speaker 1: relationships with our clients. I think, build better value from 290 00:13:59,440 --> 00:14:01,920 Speaker 1: an oppression standpoint for a lot of our corporate partners. 291 00:14:02,000 --> 00:14:04,600 Speaker 1: And you know, I think as we get into this, 292 00:14:04,760 --> 00:14:06,600 Speaker 1: you know, once we get the live events back and 293 00:14:06,640 --> 00:14:10,440 Speaker 1: then there's all this innovation that's happened with without the 294 00:14:10,480 --> 00:14:15,040 Speaker 1: actual games happening, I think we're poised to really continue 295 00:14:15,080 --> 00:14:17,280 Speaker 1: to grow the business at a very good, great and 296 00:14:17,360 --> 00:14:19,320 Speaker 1: at ering a clip. I mean, it's just getting through, 297 00:14:19,800 --> 00:14:22,240 Speaker 1: you know, this challenging time that we're all dealing with Jim. 298 00:14:22,480 --> 00:14:24,720 Speaker 1: You know the old saying, when one door closes, another 299 00:14:24,720 --> 00:14:28,120 Speaker 1: one opens. So my question here is has the door 300 00:14:28,200 --> 00:14:31,360 Speaker 1: opened for the ascension in the in the explosion of 301 00:14:31,440 --> 00:14:35,440 Speaker 1: e sports with no live sports. Well, I we've always 302 00:14:35,440 --> 00:14:37,960 Speaker 1: been very early in terms of putting our arms around 303 00:14:37,960 --> 00:14:41,640 Speaker 1: the sports where we we think it's just an incredible opportunity. 304 00:14:41,680 --> 00:14:44,120 Speaker 1: We were one of the early investors in Team Liquid, 305 00:14:44,160 --> 00:14:46,760 Speaker 1: which is uh probably one of the most successful, it 306 00:14:46,800 --> 00:14:51,080 Speaker 1: is not the most successful e sports organization uh in 307 00:14:51,160 --> 00:14:53,320 Speaker 1: the country, in the world. So we've been very early 308 00:14:53,360 --> 00:14:55,960 Speaker 1: adopters to We believe in the amount of connectivity that 309 00:14:55,960 --> 00:14:58,920 Speaker 1: it's going to provide. We love the younger audience, you know. 310 00:14:59,160 --> 00:15:01,560 Speaker 1: It's it's interesting thing because there's been a lot of debate, 311 00:15:02,200 --> 00:15:04,840 Speaker 1: uh in the world of e sports about getting you know, 312 00:15:05,000 --> 00:15:08,920 Speaker 1: non traditional you know, e sports organizations, non ademics to 313 00:15:09,920 --> 00:15:13,040 Speaker 1: uh you know, get involved in the industry. And we've 314 00:15:13,040 --> 00:15:15,720 Speaker 1: had a ton of success, you know, not only on 315 00:15:15,760 --> 00:15:18,200 Speaker 1: our NBA two K team, but also in some of 316 00:15:18,240 --> 00:15:20,600 Speaker 1: the efforts that we're doing on the hockey side of 317 00:15:20,640 --> 00:15:23,000 Speaker 1: working with a variety of tech companies to utilize the 318 00:15:23,080 --> 00:15:26,880 Speaker 1: sports as a potential recruiting platform for future engineers, future 319 00:15:26,880 --> 00:15:30,440 Speaker 1: computer science majors. So we think it's here to stay. Uh. 320 00:15:30,480 --> 00:15:33,000 Speaker 1: You know, I think we've been very pleased in terms of, 321 00:15:33,480 --> 00:15:35,120 Speaker 1: you know, the growth of what we're seeing in our 322 00:15:35,240 --> 00:15:38,760 Speaker 1: NBA two K League and also the Wizards sister gaming 323 00:15:38,760 --> 00:15:42,120 Speaker 1: our team from you know, uh, participation standpoint, from an 324 00:15:42,120 --> 00:15:47,560 Speaker 1: engagement standpoint, our our sponsorship numbers and and partnerships continue 325 00:15:47,600 --> 00:15:51,560 Speaker 1: to grow at pretty significant rates on on an annual basis. 326 00:15:51,600 --> 00:15:55,000 Speaker 1: So we've been early adopters. Uh, It's part of our 327 00:15:55,120 --> 00:15:58,760 Speaker 1: ethos and who we think we are, and we think 328 00:15:58,800 --> 00:16:01,200 Speaker 1: it's here for the future. And that's where I think 329 00:16:01,240 --> 00:16:03,280 Speaker 1: one of the things that you know, we've been very 330 00:16:03,440 --> 00:16:06,640 Speaker 1: entrepreneurial in our efforts in getting involved in things at 331 00:16:06,640 --> 00:16:08,720 Speaker 1: an early stage, and I think E sports is one 332 00:16:08,720 --> 00:16:10,800 Speaker 1: of those prime examples. You know, Jim, you know you 333 00:16:10,880 --> 00:16:15,480 Speaker 1: mentioned the geography of your arena. I've been there many 334 00:16:15,520 --> 00:16:19,680 Speaker 1: times to see various games go hoyas um, hoping for 335 00:16:19,760 --> 00:16:22,600 Speaker 1: you know, maybe a little better season and all of 336 00:16:22,640 --> 00:16:26,800 Speaker 1: that going on. Uh, we'll talk about that offline, but 337 00:16:26,960 --> 00:16:30,480 Speaker 1: you know, your proximity to exactly what you describe, whether 338 00:16:30,520 --> 00:16:34,440 Speaker 1: it's the White House, Capitol Hill certainly has been top 339 00:16:34,480 --> 00:16:36,720 Speaker 1: of mind this week when we think about what's been 340 00:16:36,760 --> 00:16:39,120 Speaker 1: going on in Washington, but it's also been top of 341 00:16:39,160 --> 00:16:43,680 Speaker 1: mind because you guys, it feels like have been pretty 342 00:16:43,720 --> 00:16:49,320 Speaker 1: forward in supporting your players, supporting your fans, and it 343 00:16:49,480 --> 00:16:53,640 Speaker 1: feels like a moment that we've been building to, especially 344 00:16:53,680 --> 00:16:55,680 Speaker 1: when it comes to the NBA and just talking about 345 00:16:55,680 --> 00:16:57,880 Speaker 1: the NBA for a second, Uh, you know, we have 346 00:16:57,960 --> 00:17:02,560 Speaker 1: Michael Jordan's notably a political for a long time coming out. 347 00:17:02,880 --> 00:17:08,240 Speaker 1: NBA players it feels like have been more comfortable being vocal. 348 00:17:08,840 --> 00:17:12,440 Speaker 1: How do you approach that as a company and as 349 00:17:12,440 --> 00:17:16,359 Speaker 1: an employer and as a partner to these players to 350 00:17:16,920 --> 00:17:20,160 Speaker 1: both make them feel supported and at the same time 351 00:17:20,680 --> 00:17:24,320 Speaker 1: be a part of an ongoing business. You know, I 352 00:17:24,560 --> 00:17:27,080 Speaker 1: applaud We've been very fortunate across the board. I think, 353 00:17:27,280 --> 00:17:30,639 Speaker 1: you know, our NBA, w NBA players are NHL players 354 00:17:30,640 --> 00:17:33,280 Speaker 1: have all been very very active in the community and 355 00:17:33,760 --> 00:17:37,080 Speaker 1: you know, uh, always you know, want to put their 356 00:17:37,119 --> 00:17:39,720 Speaker 1: their foot forward in terms of making a difference, and 357 00:17:40,080 --> 00:17:42,359 Speaker 1: you know, I think that's something that's very fortunate for 358 00:17:42,440 --> 00:17:44,840 Speaker 1: us as an organization. I mean, whether it's John Wall 359 00:17:44,920 --> 00:17:46,800 Speaker 1: in terms of some of the things he's done in 360 00:17:46,880 --> 00:17:49,840 Speaker 1: ward aid of our community in terms of helping with 361 00:17:50,359 --> 00:17:54,080 Speaker 1: rental assistance and housing. Bradley Beal has been very active 362 00:17:54,080 --> 00:17:57,720 Speaker 1: in terms of you know, feeding vulnerable populations. I mean 363 00:17:58,080 --> 00:18:02,080 Speaker 1: Garnet Hathaway his work with e MS and the firefighters 364 00:18:02,080 --> 00:18:05,000 Speaker 1: in terms of you know, delivering meals. We've been fortunate 365 00:18:05,040 --> 00:18:07,800 Speaker 1: across the board, you know, with a lot of our athletes, 366 00:18:07,840 --> 00:18:09,959 Speaker 1: and you know, I think what we need to do 367 00:18:10,000 --> 00:18:12,200 Speaker 1: as an organization, what we will continue to do is 368 00:18:12,520 --> 00:18:15,120 Speaker 1: support our athletes. I mean, they all have voices, they 369 00:18:15,119 --> 00:18:18,240 Speaker 1: all have huge impact in the community. Is not only 370 00:18:18,280 --> 00:18:21,240 Speaker 1: here in Washington, d C. But I would say across 371 00:18:21,240 --> 00:18:24,480 Speaker 1: the country and in many cases, you know, internationally, I 372 00:18:24,520 --> 00:18:27,160 Speaker 1: think you know, fortunately with the NBA and the NHL, 373 00:18:27,200 --> 00:18:30,199 Speaker 1: I mean those are really two global sports, and you know, 374 00:18:30,359 --> 00:18:32,080 Speaker 1: DC is very unique. We have a hundred nine d 375 00:18:32,119 --> 00:18:36,040 Speaker 1: embassies were one of five people are international and far 376 00:18:36,040 --> 00:18:38,520 Speaker 1: and born. So when you have players that have great 377 00:18:38,560 --> 00:18:42,040 Speaker 1: position and great ideas and thoughts, I mean, you know, 378 00:18:42,240 --> 00:18:45,439 Speaker 1: we have a responsibility to amplify their message. And you know, 379 00:18:45,520 --> 00:18:49,640 Speaker 1: they are all truly competitive, you know, in their own right. 380 00:18:50,080 --> 00:18:52,520 Speaker 1: That's why they're pro athletes. And there's only a small 381 00:18:52,520 --> 00:18:54,960 Speaker 1: fraction of people that are able to do that from 382 00:18:54,960 --> 00:18:58,280 Speaker 1: a professional standpoint, but they're also better citizens and they 383 00:18:58,320 --> 00:19:00,600 Speaker 1: want to make a difference. And you know, I think 384 00:19:00,600 --> 00:19:03,159 Speaker 1: having that that boy do that in Washington, d C. 385 00:19:03,359 --> 00:19:06,480 Speaker 1: Will hopefully be able to move, you know, with with 386 00:19:06,520 --> 00:19:08,320 Speaker 1: some of the changes that need to be made. And 387 00:19:08,560 --> 00:19:11,199 Speaker 1: I don't think we've ever been more proud, you know, 388 00:19:11,240 --> 00:19:14,280 Speaker 1: of our athletes and what we've really been over the 389 00:19:14,320 --> 00:19:16,879 Speaker 1: last three months. I mean, you know, I think and 390 00:19:17,000 --> 00:19:20,399 Speaker 1: been March when you know, our our our legs shut down. 391 00:19:20,920 --> 00:19:24,240 Speaker 1: You know, I think from the very first moment that happened, 392 00:19:24,600 --> 00:19:27,679 Speaker 1: we've had a tremendous amount of our our players step 393 00:19:27,760 --> 00:19:30,680 Speaker 1: up and do things that you know what weren't really 394 00:19:30,880 --> 00:19:33,840 Speaker 1: things that we probably ever thought of, but they took 395 00:19:33,840 --> 00:19:36,520 Speaker 1: the initiative to do it and they were passionate about it. 396 00:19:36,560 --> 00:19:39,240 Speaker 1: And I do think they're gonna make a difference, and 397 00:19:39,640 --> 00:19:42,040 Speaker 1: you know, it's it's great when you look at the 398 00:19:42,119 --> 00:19:45,000 Speaker 1: core you know players that we have, I mean the Garder, 399 00:19:45,040 --> 00:19:48,000 Speaker 1: Hathaway and Brandon Hope's on the capital side, very vocal, 400 00:19:48,080 --> 00:19:50,200 Speaker 1: t j Oshi, you know, you look at John Wall, 401 00:19:50,320 --> 00:19:53,639 Speaker 1: Bradley Beal, you know, on on the Wizard side, and 402 00:19:53,680 --> 00:19:56,439 Speaker 1: then Atlanta Delladon and Pasha Cloud on the w side. 403 00:19:56,800 --> 00:19:59,879 Speaker 1: You know, have all been great spokespeople for you know, 404 00:20:00,520 --> 00:20:03,480 Speaker 1: things that are are are critical that need to be 405 00:20:03,520 --> 00:20:06,840 Speaker 1: addressed and things that we need to you know, hopefully 406 00:20:07,000 --> 00:20:09,600 Speaker 1: uh get some answers to Jim I I know that 407 00:20:10,640 --> 00:20:12,480 Speaker 1: a little bit earlier said he was keeping in touch 408 00:20:12,520 --> 00:20:15,520 Speaker 1: with your season ticket holders. How are you keeping all 409 00:20:15,560 --> 00:20:18,480 Speaker 1: your fans engaged during this period where we've got our 410 00:20:18,520 --> 00:20:21,280 Speaker 1: finger on the pause button? You know, a great question. 411 00:20:21,320 --> 00:20:23,679 Speaker 1: We've been doing a lot of surveys. Uh. We we 412 00:20:23,720 --> 00:20:28,000 Speaker 1: have a pretty extensive sales and service organization that you know, 413 00:20:28,040 --> 00:20:30,360 Speaker 1: it is reaching out to a lot of our clients. 414 00:20:30,440 --> 00:20:36,199 Speaker 1: We've been creating unique content for our clients, exclusively for 415 00:20:36,240 --> 00:20:40,159 Speaker 1: our season ticket holders, variety of zoom calls, uh, you know, 416 00:20:40,280 --> 00:20:43,199 Speaker 1: some going through some of the greatest players we've ever 417 00:20:43,240 --> 00:20:45,880 Speaker 1: had in franchise history. So we're tapping into our alumni 418 00:20:45,880 --> 00:20:48,399 Speaker 1: and you know, that's been really really helpful. But I 419 00:20:48,480 --> 00:20:51,160 Speaker 1: just think that open dialogue, I mean, you know, we're 420 00:20:51,200 --> 00:20:54,439 Speaker 1: we're continuing to message to our our fans, you know, 421 00:20:54,480 --> 00:20:57,720 Speaker 1: on a consistent basis, and you know, uh, it was 422 00:20:57,760 --> 00:21:00,400 Speaker 1: an interesting time frame, because you know, if for us, 423 00:21:01,119 --> 00:21:04,359 Speaker 1: we were right past our our renewal deadline for next season, 424 00:21:04,800 --> 00:21:07,360 Speaker 1: you know, on the hockey side, and the Wizard's deadline 425 00:21:07,359 --> 00:21:10,119 Speaker 1: was still a couple of weeks away. And you know, 426 00:21:10,240 --> 00:21:13,240 Speaker 1: I think we've been pleased about the engagement and and 427 00:21:13,600 --> 00:21:16,040 Speaker 1: you know, the understanding that our our our our clients 428 00:21:16,040 --> 00:21:18,800 Speaker 1: and supporters are are given us. So you know, I 429 00:21:19,160 --> 00:21:21,679 Speaker 1: think it's something that we we've been very active on 430 00:21:21,840 --> 00:21:24,719 Speaker 1: and you know, the good thing is, uh you know, 431 00:21:24,760 --> 00:21:27,240 Speaker 1: the feedback that we've been getting has been very very positive. 432 00:21:27,320 --> 00:21:30,359 Speaker 1: So you know, I think just continuing to survey, you know, 433 00:21:30,480 --> 00:21:33,880 Speaker 1: continuing to stay connected has been critical for us, and 434 00:21:34,359 --> 00:21:36,400 Speaker 1: you know it's something that we're going to continue to do. 435 00:21:36,640 --> 00:21:38,479 Speaker 1: So Jim, I just want to wrap up by by 436 00:21:38,520 --> 00:21:43,080 Speaker 1: asking about one of those UH alum who sadly passed 437 00:21:43,080 --> 00:21:45,639 Speaker 1: away this week. But I think, you know, the celebration 438 00:21:45,680 --> 00:21:47,800 Speaker 1: of him has been very notable, and of course talking 439 00:21:47,800 --> 00:21:50,919 Speaker 1: about west Unseled, this was a guy who embodied so 440 00:21:50,960 --> 00:21:53,240 Speaker 1: many of the things that that we've been talking about. 441 00:21:53,600 --> 00:21:55,760 Speaker 1: Just give us a moment if you can on on 442 00:21:55,840 --> 00:21:58,200 Speaker 1: sort of what he meant to to the broader organization, 443 00:21:58,320 --> 00:22:01,040 Speaker 1: especially as you think about sort of a lineage of 444 00:22:01,520 --> 00:22:05,480 Speaker 1: this franchise. I think one thing to simply say about 445 00:22:05,520 --> 00:22:08,880 Speaker 1: West is he's a legend. I mean, he really, I 446 00:22:08,920 --> 00:22:14,080 Speaker 1: think is you know, the patriarchal of our organization from 447 00:22:14,119 --> 00:22:17,199 Speaker 1: a player's standpoint on the basketball side. And you know, 448 00:22:17,600 --> 00:22:20,080 Speaker 1: one of the most amazing things is West was just 449 00:22:20,359 --> 00:22:24,119 Speaker 1: a complete professional in everything that he did. And you know, 450 00:22:24,240 --> 00:22:27,159 Speaker 1: he has a legacy of you know, being a player, 451 00:22:27,240 --> 00:22:29,560 Speaker 1: a coach, a general manager with us. So I mean 452 00:22:29,640 --> 00:22:33,760 Speaker 1: he was part of you know, many different leadership roles 453 00:22:33,920 --> 00:22:38,120 Speaker 1: within the Wizards organization organization. But I think the most 454 00:22:38,160 --> 00:22:41,520 Speaker 1: important thing about West too is I have never, ever, 455 00:22:41,600 --> 00:22:46,200 Speaker 1: once ever heard anyone say anything negative about West. West 456 00:22:46,400 --> 00:22:49,760 Speaker 1: was someone that just was really built on, you know, 457 00:22:49,800 --> 00:22:53,760 Speaker 1: creating relationships and and working with people and truly cared about, 458 00:22:54,359 --> 00:22:57,000 Speaker 1: you know, everyone that he got connected with, and you 459 00:22:57,040 --> 00:23:01,159 Speaker 1: know he met. He made the entry level person that 460 00:23:01,240 --> 00:23:04,560 Speaker 1: we had, you know, feel as important as the highest 461 00:23:04,640 --> 00:23:07,400 Speaker 1: level you know, executive that we had. So I think, 462 00:23:07,480 --> 00:23:10,280 Speaker 1: you know, if we can all be like west On, so, 463 00:23:10,680 --> 00:23:12,840 Speaker 1: I think this world will be in a much better place. 464 00:23:12,880 --> 00:23:15,639 Speaker 1: And you know, I mean, uh, you know, he just 465 00:23:15,880 --> 00:23:18,760 Speaker 1: means so much to us organizationally, and it was a 466 00:23:18,920 --> 00:23:21,560 Speaker 1: very tough day I think for us as an organization. 467 00:23:22,119 --> 00:23:25,640 Speaker 1: You know, we send the best to Kanye and their family, 468 00:23:25,880 --> 00:23:29,479 Speaker 1: you know, on his passing, but uh, West, his legacy 469 00:23:29,520 --> 00:23:33,120 Speaker 1: will remain in in our hearts for a long long time, 470 00:23:33,200 --> 00:23:37,320 Speaker 1: and you know, I think we're fortunate and you know, uh, 471 00:23:37,400 --> 00:23:40,439 Speaker 1: it's just a really really challenging time. But you know, 472 00:23:40,600 --> 00:23:43,879 Speaker 1: I think, you know, knowing how much West contributed, you know, 473 00:23:44,280 --> 00:23:46,920 Speaker 1: over his life, has made us all feel really really 474 00:23:46,920 --> 00:23:50,120 Speaker 1: great about Washington, d C. Well. And it feels important 475 00:23:50,160 --> 00:23:52,800 Speaker 1: to mention, especially this week, especially given what we've been 476 00:23:52,800 --> 00:23:57,520 Speaker 1: talking about, given the role of players, of owners and 477 00:23:57,760 --> 00:24:01,119 Speaker 1: managers in the sports world hang in on issues of 478 00:24:01,160 --> 00:24:04,639 Speaker 1: the day and really being important role models and outsized 479 00:24:04,760 --> 00:24:07,359 Speaker 1: voices when it comes to everything that's going on in 480 00:24:07,400 --> 00:24:09,600 Speaker 1: the country. And we look forward to talking to you 481 00:24:09,600 --> 00:24:11,639 Speaker 1: on the other side of all this and uh catching 482 00:24:11,640 --> 00:24:15,600 Speaker 1: a game and uh, you know, maybe the world getting 483 00:24:15,640 --> 00:24:18,560 Speaker 1: to whatever the next normal is going to be. And 484 00:24:18,600 --> 00:24:21,440 Speaker 1: that was our conversation with Jim van Stone, Monumental Sports 485 00:24:21,440 --> 00:24:26,919 Speaker 1: and Entertainment President of Business Operations, chief commercial officer. And 486 00:24:27,119 --> 00:24:31,320 Speaker 1: you know, Mike, I felt pretty optimistic, you know, for 487 00:24:31,400 --> 00:24:34,000 Speaker 1: a guy whose teams aren't playing right now. Yeah, Well, 488 00:24:34,119 --> 00:24:37,040 Speaker 1: unfortunately they have three teams ru under their umbrella, the Caps, 489 00:24:37,280 --> 00:24:40,919 Speaker 1: the w NBA team, and the Wizards, so they they have, 490 00:24:41,119 --> 00:24:44,240 Speaker 1: you know, three three headed interest in this whole thing 491 00:24:44,359 --> 00:24:46,800 Speaker 1: right here. What my takeaway from this whole thing is 492 00:24:46,800 --> 00:24:49,719 Speaker 1: how he spoke about keeping the fans engaged. They've had 493 00:24:49,720 --> 00:24:53,320 Speaker 1: a number of zoom opportunities, they send out surveys, they 494 00:24:53,359 --> 00:24:56,479 Speaker 1: stay connected, and we all know that there are some 495 00:24:56,560 --> 00:24:59,639 Speaker 1: franchises in some sports were the only communication they have 496 00:24:59,680 --> 00:25:01,960 Speaker 1: with their fans right now is it's time to renew 497 00:25:02,000 --> 00:25:04,440 Speaker 1: your season tickets for next year, and that sends out 498 00:25:04,480 --> 00:25:06,320 Speaker 1: the wrong tone. I think you've got to be smart. 499 00:25:06,359 --> 00:25:09,560 Speaker 1: You've got to have a good marketing and public relations 500 00:25:10,119 --> 00:25:12,880 Speaker 1: skill and be very sensitive to what's going on and 501 00:25:12,880 --> 00:25:14,480 Speaker 1: and to and to all your fans. And to me, 502 00:25:14,600 --> 00:25:16,520 Speaker 1: that was that was the big takeaway right there. Yeah, 503 00:25:16,640 --> 00:25:20,920 Speaker 1: my takeaway, I really like that. And my other big 504 00:25:20,920 --> 00:25:26,800 Speaker 1: takeaway was just talking about how they need to and 505 00:25:26,880 --> 00:25:32,800 Speaker 1: do it feels like support their players, and it happens 506 00:25:32,840 --> 00:25:36,840 Speaker 1: to some extent in hockey, but basketball players I think 507 00:25:36,880 --> 00:25:39,600 Speaker 1: are at the core and the four of all of 508 00:25:39,640 --> 00:25:41,960 Speaker 1: this right now. And we when we think about what's 509 00:25:41,960 --> 00:25:43,800 Speaker 1: going on in the country, and you and I have 510 00:25:43,800 --> 00:25:47,920 Speaker 1: talked about this in some of our other broadcasts, that 511 00:25:47,920 --> 00:25:51,560 Speaker 1: that is a it's an important role for them to play, 512 00:25:52,200 --> 00:25:55,320 Speaker 1: but it's also a balance that these teams and leagues 513 00:25:55,359 --> 00:25:57,960 Speaker 1: have to strike. It does feel like the NBA has 514 00:25:58,000 --> 00:26:01,360 Speaker 1: done it generally better. And we could have a long 515 00:26:01,400 --> 00:26:04,679 Speaker 1: discussion about what happened in China uh last year, but 516 00:26:05,119 --> 00:26:09,159 Speaker 1: in general, when it comes to social issues, it feels 517 00:26:09,160 --> 00:26:12,479 Speaker 1: like Adam Silver and the various owners across the NBA 518 00:26:13,080 --> 00:26:16,399 Speaker 1: have struck a better balance than most. Would you agree? 519 00:26:16,440 --> 00:26:18,840 Speaker 1: I agree, And I think of all the four major sports, 520 00:26:18,880 --> 00:26:23,120 Speaker 1: I think that the the relationship between commissioner and players 521 00:26:23,200 --> 00:26:26,080 Speaker 1: is strongest in the NBA, Stronger than the NHL, Major 522 00:26:26,160 --> 00:26:29,120 Speaker 1: League Baseball, in the NFL. Yeah, I think that's right. 523 00:26:29,240 --> 00:26:31,520 Speaker 1: All right, you've been listening to Bloomberg Businesses Sports. We're 524 00:26:31,520 --> 00:26:33,879 Speaker 1: here with you every week at the same time, plus 525 00:26:33,920 --> 00:26:37,200 Speaker 1: online wherever you get your podcast and catch us Monday's, 526 00:26:37,240 --> 00:26:40,639 Speaker 1: Wednesdays and Thursdays. I'm Jason Kelly. Find me on Twitter 527 00:26:40,680 --> 00:26:42,840 Speaker 1: at Jason Kelly News. Mike Glinch you can find me 528 00:26:42,880 --> 00:26:45,600 Speaker 1: at Lynch E W. C VB. All right, you're listening 529 00:26:45,640 --> 00:26:49,439 Speaker 1: to the Bloomberg Business of Sports from Bloomberg Radio around 530 00:26:49,480 --> 00:26:49,840 Speaker 1: the world.