The Big Suey: THE U...IS...BACK!
Digest
This podcast delves into the dynamic world of sports media, examining the strategies athletes and personalities are employing to build their own content empires. David Samson, a former MLB executive, draws parallels between this trend and Hollywood development deals, where individuals are compensated for their ideas. He highlights the Mannings' successful use of ESPN to expand their empire. The discussion then shifts to the challenges faced by Venue Sports, a new sports streaming service that was ultimately prevented from launching due to an antitrust lawsuit filed by Fubo. Samson emphasizes the importance of owning intellectual property in today's media landscape, citing the example of Metal Arc Media's relationship with ESPN. He argues that owning your feed and audience grants portability and free agency, leading to greater financial rewards. Dan Lebatard, a sports commentator, discusses the resentment felt towards Chris Cody, who has risen to the executive producer chair. He suggests that Cody's position is a result of Metal Arc Media's decision to compete with prominent athletes like Tom Brady, LeBron James, and Peyton Manning. The podcast also explores the ongoing conflict between content providers and distributors, using Lebatard's own experience with Direct TV and ESPN as an example. He highlights the challenges faced by sports fans trying to keep up with the changing landscape and the increasing cost of accessing content. The podcast concludes with a review of the Pearl Jam 20 documentary, weekend observations, and discussions about the impact of Pat McAfee on ESPN's College Game Day, the objectification of Notre Dame coaches, and the rare occurrence of a 2-0 team after week one.
Outlines
The Changing Sports Media Landscape and Content Empires
David Samson discusses the evolving sports media landscape, highlighting how athletes and personalities are leveraging their platforms to build content empires. He compares this to Hollywood development deals, where individuals are paid for ideas, and how the Mannings are using ESPN to build their empire.
The Rise and Fall of Venue Sports
Samson explains the challenges faced by Venue Sports, a new sports tier launched by Warner Brothers, Murdoch and Fox. He discusses the antitrust lawsuit filed by Fubo, which ultimately prevented Venue from launching.
The Importance of Owning Intellectual Property
Samson advises against investing in Broadway shows or movies, emphasizing the low financial return. He highlights the importance of owning intellectual property and building a diversified revenue stream, as exemplified by the Mannings and Tom Brady.
The Power of Owning Your Intellectual Property and Free Agency
Samson emphasizes the importance of owning intellectual property in today's media world, citing the example of Metal Arc Media's relationship with ESPN. He argues that owning your feed and audience allows for portability and free agency, leading to greater financial rewards.
The Resentment Towards Chris Cody and the Rise of Content Empires
Dan Lebatard explains the resentment felt by some towards Chris Cody, who has risen to the executive producer chair. He suggests that Cody's position is a result of Metal Arc Media's decision to compete with Tom Brady, LeBron James, and Peyton Manning.
The Conflict Between Content Providers and Distributors
Dan Lebatard discusses the ongoing conflict between content providers and distributors, using his own experience with Direct TV and ESPN as an example. He highlights the challenges faced by sports fans trying to keep up with the changing landscape and the increasing cost of accessing content.
Keywords
Content Empire
A media entity or individual that has built a significant and profitable presence across multiple platforms, often through the creation and distribution of original content.
Venue Sports
A proposed sports streaming service that aimed to offer a curated selection of live sports events for a monthly fee. It faced legal challenges due to antitrust concerns.
Intellectual Property
Creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols, that are protected by law. Owning intellectual property grants exclusive rights to use, exploit, and profit from it.
NIL Deals
Name, Image, and Likeness deals, which allow college athletes to profit from their personal brand and endorsements. These deals have significantly impacted the landscape of college athletics.
Free Agency
The ability of athletes to negotiate contracts with any team after their existing contract expires. In the media world, it refers to the ability of content creators to move their work to different platforms.
Q&A
How is the sports media landscape changing, and what are athletes and personalities doing to capitalize on these changes?
Athletes and personalities are building content empires by leveraging their platforms and creating original content. They are using streaming services like ESPN and Fox to reach a wider audience and build their brands.
What challenges did Venue Sports face, and why did it ultimately fail to launch?
Venue Sports faced an antitrust lawsuit from Fubo, which argued that the new sports tier would create an unfair monopoly. The lawsuit resulted in an injunction that prevented Venue from launching.
Why is owning intellectual property so important in today's media world?
Owning intellectual property gives creators control over their work and allows them to negotiate better deals with platforms. It also enables them to move their content to different platforms and build a more diversified revenue stream.
How have NIL deals impacted college athletics?
NIL deals have given college athletes the opportunity to profit from their name, image, and likeness, leading to increased competition for talent and a shift in the power dynamics between athletes and universities.
What is the significance of the conflict between content providers and distributors?
This conflict is driving the shift towards streaming services and creating challenges for consumers who are trying to access their favorite content. It is also leading to higher costs for consumers as they are forced to subscribe to multiple services.
Show Notes
David Samson is here to chat about the Manning musical, Venu sports, investing in a Broadway show, and fighting for your own IP as a media company. Then, it's time for Stugotz's Weekend Observations including Mike Norvell, Canesville, Travis Hunter, Marcus Freeman's objectification, Herbie's dog, and his Top 5 Reasons The Show Has Lasted 20 Years.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices