Keeping Score

Houston Texans President Jamey Rootes discusses the team’s community involvement especially after the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. He also talks about the effort that went into hosting Super Bowl LI in 2017 and what Minneapolis is going through now as it prepares to host this year’s game. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bob Griese did more than just lead the Miami Dolphins to a perfect season and Super Bowls. His winning ways changed the culture of South Florida sports and proved it could be a major league market. Rick Horrow spent some time with the Hall of Fame quarterback during the season and he’s their Keeping Score conversation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Richard Peddie served as CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment where he oversaw the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs and other teams. He expresses concerns about the amount of attention paid to the amenities at stadiums instead of what’s happening on the court. He also explains why he thinks owners will have to shell out more for new facilities and rely less on public financing. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The NFL team will soon have to decide whether to renovate its existing stadium or build a new facility. We discuss the options with Bruce Popko Chief Operating Officer of Pegula Sports and Entertainment which manages the franchise. Pegula Sports also runs the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, the American Hockey League’s Rochester Americans and the National Lacrosse League’s Buffalo Bandits so Popko talks about his role dealing with them too. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Peter Feigin discusses how the Milwaukee Bucks are using a new arena and an e-sports team to key the franchise’s future. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Former University of Oklahoma Football Coach Bob Stoops discusses why he likes the College Football Playoff system and doesn’t want to see it expand. Plus, he recommends a change to the overtime rules that he thinks would speed up games. Also, a look at some of the top sports business stories of 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott talks about the athletic conference’s media plan and how it is modeled after what the NFL has done. He also gives his take on whether student-athletes should be paid. Plus, a discussion of some of the challenges facing ESPN and Roger Goodell in his new contract as commissioner of the NFL.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The CEO of Canadian college athletic organization U Sports discusses how his group operates and how it compares to the NCAA. One major difference deals with the treatment of hockey players trying to get to the NHL. Plus, why there are so many college football bowl games and a look at the challenges facing the Olympics. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko discusses how Major League Soccer has grown to this point and the steps it needs to take to become a bigger force in the global game. Plus, my take on Roger Goodell’s role with the NFL and why Detroit should win one of two expansion franchises MLS plans to award by the end of 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Golf Channel Executive Producer Molly Solomon talks about what Tiger’s return to competitive golf this weekend means for the game and the network’s ratings. She also discusses the evolution of the sport and the kinds of competitions the channel may cover. Plus, a discussion of college football coaching salaries and which Major League Baseball team could end up with Japanese superstar Shohei Otani. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Canadian Football League Chairman Jim Lawson discusses the challenges in reaching younger fans and making money from them. He also gives his take on the health of the league. Plus, Reuters Digital Editor Dan Colarusso and I share our views on the issues facing the NFL and what it could do to reach millennials. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Junior discusses his work building baseball fields to help at-risk youth learn the sport and valuable life lessons that go with playing it. Plus, how the tax bill in Congress could impact stadium construction and how Amazon is increasing its involvement in streaming sports. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Phoenix Raceway is undergoing a major upgrade as part of a partnership with a technology company to provide faster internet connectivity to fans and more interactive experiences. Bryan Sperber who is the president of the motorsports facility explains the project. Plus, a look at a new survey ranking the most marketable players in the NBA. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Two corporations facing tough times. We look at the challenges confronting their leaders and what could happen next. Plus, how the Atlanta Falcons have used their new stadium to develop a stronger connection to the people of the city and help boost the local economy. A conversation with Frank Fernandez who ‎serves as Vice President of Community Development with the foundation of Falcons owner Arthur Blank.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The NBA has become the first of the big four American professional sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL) to allow advertising on players’ jerseys. We look at the impact. Plus, a discussion about how some basketball players are investing their money and a conversation about partnerships between businesses and sports leagues with the co-founder of education technology company EverFi. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The league has rejected President Trump’s calls to punish players who kneel for the national anthem to protest racism. The ongoing dispute poses financial risk for teams and for sponsors. We discuss some of those challenges and how they may play out. Plus, Atlanta Falcon’s CEO Rich McKay explains how the team’s new stadium deal came together and how it aims to create an unparalleled live experience for sports fans and concertgoers.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Former Nike marketing star Sonny Vaccaro discusses the fraud charges filed in late September against college basketball assistant coaches. Vaccaro who signed Michael Jordan among others, explains why paying athletes could minimize these issues. He also discusses the role of the NCAA and how he helped develop the marketing plan to grow Nike’s basketball business. Plus, how Las Vegas’s newest professional sports team is getting off to a solid start. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Vice President of esports at Turner Sports Christina Alejandre discusses the media company’s role in the growing video game competition space. She also explains how more advertisers and professional sports leagues are getting involved. Plus, a look at some of the concerns about the 2018 Winter Olympics. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Trump called on NFL owners to fire players who don’t stand during the national anthem. Why this has brought the league and its players closer together and raised the value of the teams. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Legendary race car driver Michael Andretti discusses the importance of race preparation and how it contributes to success on the track. He also talks about the Andretti Autosport team and its newest driver Zach Veach. Plus, which American city could be the next one to host the Winter Olympics and the latest on the effort to grow the NFL fan base in the UK. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.