Keeping Score

NFL Broadcaster Cris Collinsworth discusses his company Pro Football Focus and the increasing role data and analytics are playing in the sport. He also gives his take on why the New England Patriots have become such a successful team. Plus, why NASCAR is in need of new stars as Dale Earnhardt Jr. prepares for retirement. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dallas Cowboys Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones talks about what his family has done to try to maximize the value of the team and increase its connection with fans. He also discusses his father Jerry’s leadership and the role of the NFL in positioning the team and the league for success. Plus, why Seattle could soon land an NHL or NBA team and why Canadian viewership is rising during this year’s NHL playoffs. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Major League Baseball President of Business and Media Bob Bowman explains why he wants other sports to provide their games to viewers on any device. He also discusses the role team owners have in growing the league’s digital presence. Plus hear Rick Horrow’s take on the lawsuit Saint Louis filed against the NFL and the renovations at Churchill Downs. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jordan Spieth’s father Shawn Spieth of MVPindex talks about some of the top athletes on social media as tracked by his company. He also discusses how the relationship between endorsers and advertisers is evolving due to social media. Plus, why the NHL isn’t going to participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics and the sudden athletic prowess of Las Vegas. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Reebok President Matt O'Toole talks about how the shoe company tries to develop marketing that is emotionally engaging in an effort to sell more personalized and customized products. He also addresses its approach to the competition and why Reebok is moving its headquarters to Boston from the suburbs. Plus, why the Raiders’ move to Las Vegas won’t end up costing Nevada taxpayers much and why NHL players may not participate in the next winter Olympics. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Chief Operating Officer of Indian Wells Tennis Garden Steve Birdwell discusses the site's renovation and its purpose. The California facility hosts the BNP Paribas Open each March. Plus, our take on the impact of the World Baseball Classic and a look at the impact of this year's NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Oklahoma City Thunder Senior Vice President Brian Byrnes discusses how the organization has persevered and succeeded after losing its star player to free agency. He also discusses how technology has changed the relationship between the team and ticket holders. Plus, a look at the money flowing through the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Former WNBA President Val Ackerman on the growing role of women in sports from dedicated leagues in the U.S. to increased participation in the Olympics. The commissioner of the Big East Conference also discusses her current role, including the challenges of working in the sports business. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Co-Founder of digital video broadcasting company NeuLion Chris Wagner discusses its growth and work with the NFL and other sports leagues. He also talks about the latest efforts to make money from the viewing audience. Plus, a discussion of how Snap and other tech companies may play a bigger role in providing sports coverage and the continued growth of Major League Soccer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan Sperber discusses the moves the sport is making to draw younger fans. He also talks about the nearly $200 million dollars parent company International Speedway Corporation is spending to enhance the experience for fans at the Arizona facility. Plus, how UK and U.S. sports leagues are following each other’s lead when it comes to sponsorship deals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The NBAs close relationship with sponsorsHow the National Basketball Association continues to integrate advertisers into the game. We discuss its effort to put corporate logos on jerseys and the name of one sponsor in the title of its development league. Plus how the for-profit Grand Canyon University is trying to develop a top-notch athletic program to help raise its profile. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

NFL Senior Vice President of Events Peter O’Reilly on what it takes to plan and pull off a successful Super Bowl and other large gatherings for the league. He addresses everything from security to fan involvement to the relationship between the NFL and local partners. Plus, what the best-selling jerseys in the National Hockey League say about the state of that league and why Olympic Champions could be kissing recycled gold on the podium. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How much cash does Houston stand to rake in as Sunday's Super Bowl host city? Rick and Dan crunch the numbers in this week's podcast and discuss the major hurdles the Raiders now face in their bid to move to Vegas. And Rick talks to former Notre Dame quarterback Patrick Steenberge, the founder of Global Football, who's made it his life's mission to bring the game to other countries. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Former San Diego Chargers Kicker Rolf Benirschke fought back from a life-threatening illness to become an inspiration and an entrepreneur in San Diego. Now he’s talking about his journey and how his adopted hometown will deal with losing its NFL franchise. Plus, our prediction about Alibaba spending on sports comes true, and a discussion of how President Trump’s election could reshape a potential North America bid for the World Cup. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We discuss the myriad of ticket pricing options offered by the home arena of the NHL's San Jose Sharks. Plus, how what happens outside the stadium is becoming more important when it comes to large sporting events. That's one topic in my conversation with Jeff Atkinson, president of Honda Indy Toronto. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

American Hockey League Commissioner David Andrews discusses how his league plays a major role in the development of players for the NHL. He also talks about the AHL's expansion and effort to grow the game in non-traditional hockey markets. Plus, I talk with Reuters Digital Editor Dan Colarusso about the success of outdoor hockey in the NHL and China's attempt to become a bigger player in professional soccer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Why Chinese tech giant Alibaba could disrupt the sports world this year. Plus where we see the NFL’s Raiders and Chargers playing future home games. Check out all of our predictions for the new year plus a discussion on documenting the struggles of athletes with former head of HBO Sports Ross Greenburg. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How Oklahoma City has rebuilt many of its school athletic facilities, boosting athletic participation and graduation rates. Businessman and part owner of the Oklahoma City Energy FC soccer team Tim McLaughlin talks about his nonprofit Fields and Futures, and the difference it has made in his community. Plus, a discussion of some of the biggest sports stories of 2016. Think the Windy City. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mourning Family Foundation President Bill Diggs discusses what it takes to turn an athlete's foundation into a successful organization that makes a lasting impact on its local community. He also discusses the important role Alonzo Mourning continues to play in the group's work. Plus, Tiger Woods' lasting impact on golf and why more college football players may skip bowl games in my weekly conversation with Reuters Digital Editor Dan Colarusso. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt explains how area residents have opened their wallets to support the local team. He also discusses the special relationship they share. Plus winners and losers from Major League Baseball’s winter meetings in this week’s episode of Keeping Score: See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.