CNBC Sport

CNBC Sport brings you the convergence of sports, business, and investing. Each week, we sit down with the biggest names in sports - from league commissioners and top athletes to team owners and influential executives - uncovering the strategies, deals, and inside stories shaping the industry's future.

CNBC Sport is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 112 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts CNBC Sport, a business show with 112 episodes published.

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  CNBC Sport

  The Business of Padel: CEO Michael Dorfman on franchise values, media deals and explosive growth 8/13/26

  Aug 13, 202634 min

  Pro Padel League CEO Michael Dorfman explains why padel is rapidly gaining traction in the U.S. and how the league is turning the fast-growing racket sport into a professional sports business. He discusses franchise valuations, athlete compensation, media strategy, live events, demographics, investment interest, and the sport’s potential alongside tennis and pickleball. Episode Notes Padel is one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the world, and the Pro Padel League is betting that its combination of accessibility, competition, social connection, and spectator appeal can make it a major professional sport in the United States. In this episode, Alex Sherman speaks with Pro Padel League CEO Michael Dorfman about how padel works, why participation is accelerating, and how the league is building a professional sports ecosystem around the game. Dorfman describes padel as a hybrid of tennis and squash that is played exclusively in doubles, with glass and metal walls keeping the ball in play. He says the sport has more than 35 million players globally and that U.S. participation has grown dramatically since the league launched in 2023. The conversation explores the business model behind the Pro Padel League, including its 10 city-based franchises, men’s and women’s teams, tournament structure, prize money, player compensation, and developmental ambitions. Dorfman also discusses the league’s capital raises and the sharp rise in franchise valuations, with early teams selling for $200,000 and more recent valuation marks reaching into the double-digit millions. Media and audience growth are another major focus. Dorfman explains why the league partnered with CNBC and Versant for live national broadcasts and why exposure, rather than near-term media-rights revenue, is currently the priority. He also discusses padel’s affluent, largely millennial audience and the sport’s growing popularity in markets including Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Austin, Chicago, and Atlanta. Topics discussed: 01:53 How padel is played and how it combines elements of tennis and squash 03:06 Why padel is attracting new recreational players 03:52 Global participation and rapid U.S. growth 05:29 How the Pro Padel League’s franchise and tournament structure works 06:08 Player compensation, prize money, and professional salaries 09:08 Why Pro Padel League franchise valuations have risen 10:08 The league’s CNBC and Versant media partnership 12:01 Why audience growth currently matters more than media-rights revenue 13:17 Miami’s role as a major U.S. padel market 13:53 The demographics of padel players 14:49 How padel fits alongside pickleball, tennis, squash, and other racket sports 15:41 PPL Two and the development of North American talent 16:17 Michael Dorfman’s path from insurance and technology to professional sports 18:44 Why investors are increasingly interested in live sports 19:54 The emerging padel equipment, footwear, and apparel market 21:01 The Pro Padel League’s Los Angeles event and CNBC broadcast Dorfman also explains his broader investment thesis around live sports: as more of everyday life becomes automated, he believes demand will increase for distinctly human, in-person experiences. For the Pro Padel League, that means building participation, community, live events, broadcast exposure, and professional opportunities before maximizing media monetization. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  CNBC Sport

  Shaq’s Dunkman League and Larry Berg’s Vision for MLS 3.0  8/6/2026

  Aug 6, 202625 min

  This episode explores two ambitious plans to reshape professional sports. First, Shaquille O’Neal joins CNBC’s Alex Sherman to discuss Dunkman, a competitive league created to showcase elite independent dunkers from around the world. Shaq explains why basketball’s most spectacular play deserves its own professional platform—and why today’s best dunkers are not necessarily NBA stars. Dunkman brings international competitors together in a structured league with professional judging and an initial $500,000 prize. Shaq says that figure could rise to $1 million as the competition grows. He also explains how online video and social media have helped independent athletes build audiences, develop increasingly difficult dunks and create opportunities outside traditional professional basketball. The league evaluates performances across seven categories: difficulty, execution, originality, power, vertical leap, completion and crowd reaction. Shaq also shares memories of watching Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins, explains why he never entered the NBA Slam Dunk Contest and offers a blunt assessment of why the event has declined. For Shaq, elite athletes have a responsibility to reward fans by competing and putting on a memorable show. In the second conversation, Alex speaks with Larry Berg following the announcement that Berg will become the next commissioner of Major League Soccer. Berg discusses his lifelong connection to soccer, his experience as a minority owner of LAFC and his desire to help grow the sport across the United States and Canada. Berg describes MLS as being at a “fork in the road” following the World Cup. He argues that the league already has world-class infrastructure but must now improve the quality of play, strengthen youth development, refine its roster and spending rules, and capitalize on increased interest in North American soccer. He introduces the idea of an “MLS 3.0” grand bargain in which owners consider multiple interconnected reforms rather than debating one issue at a time. Berg also explains why European-style promotion and relegation could discourage investment in American stadiums, training facilities and player rosters. Instead, he suggests that MLS can create competitive jeopardy through knockout matches, playoff changes and performance-based spending opportunities. Topics discussed: Why Shaq created a global professional dunking league Dunkman’s $500,000 prize and potential future payouts How professional dunkers are evaluated across seven categories Why top NBA players often avoid the Slam Dunk Contest Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins’ influence on Shaq Social media’s impact on athletes and sports entertainment Larry Berg’s path from Apollo and LAFC to MLS commissioner How MLS can convert World Cup interest into long-term growth Berg’s proposed MLS 3.0 strategy Why promotion and relegation may not fit the MLS business model Salary rules, transfers and roster-building flexibility MLS academies, pay-to-play concerns and youth development The importance of supporter culture and live match experiences Leagues Cup as a bridge between MLS, Liga MX and World Cup-style competition Approximate timestamps: 01:30 Why Shaq believes dunking deserves a professional league 03:00 Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins and Shaq’s early inspiration 04:30 Social media, YouTube and modern athlete visibility 06:00 Dunkman’s international competitors and prize money 07:45 The seven Dunkman judging categories 10:15 Shaq’s long-term vision for competitive dunking 11:45 Why the NBA Slam Dunk Contest has declined 13:35 Larry Berg’s path to becoming MLS commissioner 16:35 How MLS can benefit from World Cup momentum 19:20 Why promotion and relegation may not work in MLS 21:25 Berg’s MLS 3.0 plan and proposed grand bargain 24:15 Turning new soccer viewers into MLS supporters 26:55 Youth soccer, academies and pay-to-play concerns 30:10 MLS relationships with FIFA and national soccer organizations Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  CNBC Sport

  Legendary broadcaster Andrés Cantor on the 2026 World Cup’s Impact on American Soccer 7/30/26

  Jul 30, 202628 min

  Legendary broadcaster Andrés Cantor joins Alex Sherman to assess the legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and its potential to accelerate soccer’s growth in the United States. Cantor also discusses the U.S. men’s national team, Lionel Messi, Argentina’s dramatic run, future World Cup media rights, and his plans to continue calling major matches. Episode Notes Telemundo lead FIFA World Cup play-by-play broadcaster Andrés Cantor joins Alex Sherman to reflect on the 2026 tournament and what it could mean for the future of soccer in the United States. Cantor explains why the expanded 48-team World Cup exceeded his expectations, highlighting the competitiveness of first-time participants and the relative lack of one-sided matches. He also compares the logistical challenges of traveling across the United States, Mexico, and Canada with the compact experience of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The conversation explores whether the tournament represents a true turning point for American soccer. Cantor considers how new and casual fans may begin following MLS, the Premier League, La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and international stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and Alexis Mac Allister. Cantor also shares his perspective on the U.S. men’s national team’s performance, including the emotional effect of FIFA’s decision to overturn a red card before the team’s match against Belgium. He discusses his enduring enthusiasm for broadcasting, the emotional connection he feels when calling Argentina and the United States, and why retirement is not currently part of his plans. The episode also examines the next cycle of FIFA World Cup media rights. Cantor addresses the possibility of calling future tournaments in either Spanish or English, whether at Telemundo, NBC Sports, or another broadcaster. Later, Cantor revisits Argentina’s dramatic victory over England, Lionel Messi’s possible final World Cup, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s open letter responding to criticism of the tournament. The interview concludes with Cantor delivering his signature goal call for Sherman. Topics discussed: The legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Soccer’s growth and popularity in the United States The impact of the expanded 48-team format MLS, Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League viewership The U.S. men’s national team and the Belgium match FIFA officiating decisions and tournament controversies Andrés Cantor’s broadcasting career and future plans FIFA World Cup media rights for 2030 and 2034 Argentina’s rivalry with England Lionel Messi’s international future Gianni Infantino’s response to World Cup criticism Timestamps: 01:34 The expanded 48-team World Cup format 02:29 Comparing the 2026 World Cup with previous tournaments 03:43 Why the World Cup could transform American soccer 05:21 Do Americans love soccer or only the World Cup? 07:03 Which soccer leagues could benefit most? 08:05 FIFA’s overturned red-card decision 09:34 Cantor’s passion for calling major matches 10:45 Retirement plans and English-language broadcasting 11:24 FIFA World Cup media rights for 2030 and 2034 12:48 Argentina’s dramatic match against England 14:31 Lionel Messi’s possible final World Cup 15:42 Gianni Infantino’s open letter 19:21 Andrés Cantor delivers his signature goal call Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  CNBC Sport

  Jimmy Pitaro’s Game Plan for ESPN’s next era, 7/23/26

  Jul 23, 202620 min

  ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro explains how the network plans to grow amid cord-cutting, rising sports-rights costs and the shift to direct-to-consumer streaming. He also discusses ESPN’s interest in future World Cup rights, local NBA broadcasts, its expanding NFL relationship and the role of ESPN within Disney’s broader streaming strategy. ESPN is navigating one of the most consequential transitions in sports media: maintaining the value of traditional pay television while building a direct-to-consumer streaming business that reaches fans wherever they choose to watch. In this episode of CNBC Sport, Alex Sherman speaks with ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro about the network’s strategy for growing audiences and operating income as cord-cutting continues, advertising remains under pressure and the cost of premium sports rights rises. Pitaro explains why ESPN is pursuing parallel distribution paths rather than abandoning the cable bundle. Traditional pay-TV subscribers can access ESPN’s direct-to-consumer features through the ESPN app, while viewers without cable can subscribe through ESPN’s standalone service or streaming bundles involving Disney+, Hulu, NFL+ Premium and Fox One. The conversation also explores ESPN’s ambition to remain the “front door” for sports fans by reducing friction and bringing more live sports content into a single app. Pitaro discusses the integration of CW Sports and NFL Network programming, as well as ESPN’s broader partnership with the NFL following its acquisition of NFL Network, NFL RedZone linear rights and the RedZone brand. Other topics include ESPN’s disciplined approach to sports-rights spending, its interest in bidding for the 2030 and 2034 FIFA World Cups, and its desire to help solve the local sports-media challenges created by the decline of regional sports networks. Pitaro outlines how ESPN could use its reach and technology to distribute local NBA and other in-market games, potentially through non-exclusive agreements. The episode also covers Major League Baseball’s labor outlook, changes improving the pace and presentation of baseball, the growth and current tensions surrounding the WNBA, and ESPN’s strategic importance within Disney under CEO Josh D’Amaro. Topics discussed: ESPN’s direct-to-consumer and pay-TV strategy Cord-cutting, advertising pressure and operating-income growth Pricing and bundling for ESPN, Disney+ and Hulu ESPN’s partnership with the NFL and integration of NFL Network The value and rising cost of premium sports rights Potential bids for the 2030 and 2034 FIFA World Cups Local NBA media rights and regional sports network alternatives MLB streaming rights and possible labor disruptions WNBA growth, media coverage and Caitlin Clark ESPN’s role in Disney’s broader streaming strategy Timestamps: 01:45 ESPN’s ratings growth and parallel distribution strategy 04:10 Measuring direct-to-consumer growth and total ESPN households 05:14 ESPN pricing and the Disney+, Hulu and ESPN bundle 06:09 Future media partnerships and streaming bundles 07:50 CW Sports and NFL Network integration 08:17 ESPN’s relationship with the NFL 09:43 Balancing NFL costs with the broader sports-rights portfolio 10:58 ESPN’s interest in future FIFA World Cup rights 12:37 Local NBA broadcasts and regional sports network alternatives 15:03 MLB rights, labor uncertainty and contingency planning 16:49 WNBA growth, tension and ESPN’s coverage responsibilities 18:21 ESPN’s role under Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro 19:46 ESPN’s financial performance and transparency Brands, leagues and services mentioned include ESPN, CNBC Sport, Disney+, Hulu, NFL Network, NFL RedZone, NFL+ Premium, Fox One, CW Sports, YouTube TV, DirecTV, Comcast, Charter, the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL and FIFA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  CNBC Sport

  Bill Foley’s Pitch to Own Las Vegas’ Next NBA Franchise 7/16/26

  Jul 16, 202627 min

  Bill Foley joins Alex Sherman to explain why his ownership group is positioned to bring an NBA expansion team to Las Vegas, followed by an interview with Rick Horrow on the excitement and business impact of the World Cup. Bill Foley, owner of the Vegas Golden Knights, joins Alex Sherman for a detailed conversation about his bid to own a potential Las Vegas NBA expansion franchise. Foley lays out why he believes Las Vegas is ready for an NBA team, how the Golden Knights’ success has prepared his organization, and what kind of ownership culture he would bring to professional basketball. The episode also features an interview with Rick Horrow, who discusses the excitement around the World Cup and its impact on the global sports business landscape. Together, the conversations explore how major sports franchises, international soccer, media rights, fan engagement, and live events continue to shape the future of sports ownership and investment. Topics discussed: Why Bill Foley believes Las Vegas is ready for an NBA expansion team How the Golden Knights’ “Vegas Born” identity shaped Foley’s ownership approach The potential NBA expansion fee and long-term franchise valuation T-Mobile Arena as the likely initial home for a Las Vegas NBA team Building a world-class practice facility for NBA and NHL operations How Foley’s “team first” philosophy could translate from hockey to basketball Sports betting concerns and professional sports in Las Vegas Foley’s international soccer portfolio, including AFC Bournemouth and Auckland FC The excitement surrounding the World Cup Rick Horrow’s perspective on the business of global sports events Sponsorship, ticketing, media rights, and synergies across sports ownership groups Local broadcast strategy and opportunities to bundle sports media assets Possible naming themes for a Las Vegas NBA franchise Whether Las Vegas can support more professional sports teams Timestamps: 01:30 Bill Foley’s pitch for owning a Las Vegas NBA franchise 03:18 Why Foley has been preparing for NBA expansion for years 04:20 Lessons from owning the Vegas Golden Knights 05:11 How expansion fees factor into the NBA ownership decision 06:08 Why Foley believes his group can compete financially 07:03 Long-term NBA franchise value and sports scarcity 08:10 Sports betting concerns in Las Vegas 08:50 Foley’s international soccer investments and World Cup impact 10:09 Synergies across Foley’s sports ownership portfolio 11:17 What kind of owner Foley says he would be 12:03 NBA expansion timeline and presentation process 12:58 Local media strategy for a Las Vegas NBA team 13:43 Potential naming ideas for the franchise 14:35 Why Foley is not worried about Las Vegas sports oversaturation 15:41 Advice from current NBA owners 16:16 Closing thoughts on the possible Las Vegas NBA franchise Mentioned in this episode: Bill Foley Alex Sherman Rick Horrow Vegas Golden Knights Las Vegas NBA expansion NBA Board of Governors Adam Silver T-Mobile Arena AFC Bournemouth Auckland FC Silver Knights Nighthawks CNBC Scripps Sports World Cup Otter.ai Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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