John Ourand
@ourand.bsky.social
đ€ 2820
đ„ 79
đ 435
Sports Correspondent, Puck
New pod:
@richlightshed.bsky.social
on the looming NFL rights renegotiation bonanza: who wins, who blinks first, and why the league still has all the leverage.
open.spotify.com/episode/5ub0...
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YouTubeâs NFL Discipline & NFL Partner Math
The Varsity · Episode
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ub0aYAI9lGsNWSPolj7Uk
2 days ago
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New pod:
@puck.news
'
@eriqgardner.bsky.social
on all the legal and political issues affecting the sports business these days.
open.spotify.com/episode/3tsc...
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Full Court Press!
The Varsity · Episode
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3tscV4LAPm4bTxhrQcOfTX
5 days ago
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The Varsity * Why Roger Goodell isn't coming to D.C. next week. * Are Michigan and the Big Ten at odds? * Chaos at CBS News and serenity at CBS Sports.
puck.news/newsletter_c...
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UFCâs Star Search & Goodellâs Kiss-Off to Congress
Jun 4, 2026 John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity. Iâm John Ourand, and I definitely was not keeping one eye on the Oriolesâ dominating 8â2 win at Fenway this afternoon. (Three games under .500, but...
https://puck.news/newsletter_content/ufcs-star-search-goodells-kiss-off-to-congress/
7 days ago
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New pod: ESPN's Burke Magnus on everything from Inside the NBA and the state of the NBA booth to the NFL Network acquisition and the MLB. TV experiment.
open.spotify.com/episode/640O...
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Burke Magnusâs ESPN Wish List
The Varsity · Episode
https://open.spotify.com/episode/640OBU1gGje2f5XrtwVgLW
9 days ago
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ESPNâs indomitable content chief, Burke Magnus, on losing talent to the NBA sidelines, the heat around the NHL, and what he learns from the way his kids watch sports.
puck.news/burke-magnus...
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The Magnus Carta
ESPNâs indomitable content chief, Burke Magnus, on losing talent to the NBA sidelines, the heat around the NHL, and what he learns from the way his kids watch sports.
https://puck.news/burke-magnus-on-espn-nba-finals-overhaul-nhl-ratings-boom/
9 days ago
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New pod: US Soccer COO Dan Helfrich offers a World Cup preview and discusses the state of soccer in the U.S.
open.spotify.com/episode/5Rmh...
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Is the U.S. Ready for the World Cup?
The Varsity · Episode
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Rmh4PVzGpJ2QdpoCyxik2
12 days ago
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The commissioners of college sportsâ two biggest conferences have thrown a stray shot or two at each other this spring over the CFP. But as just about everyone acknowledges, they both know theyâll have to be much more aligned to tackle the myriad issues they face.
puck.news/why-sankey-a...
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Sankey Is From Mars, Petitti Is From Venus
The commissioners of college sportsâ two biggest conferences have thrown a stray shot or two at each other this spring over the College Football Playoff. But as just about everyone acknowledges, they ...
https://puck.news/why-sankey-and-petitti-cant-agree/
15 days ago
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New pod: Financial analyst Peter Supino on the sports rights marketplace, including his bull case for Paramount's UFC deal and Apple's F1 partnership.
open.spotify.com/episode/7E6b...
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In Defense of Appleâs Crazy F1 Math
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7E6bY427wZjc8PofsMuCo2
16 days ago
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Wolfe Research analyst Peter Supino offers up his candid thoughts and surprising bull case for Paramountâs UFC deal and F1âs partnership with Apple.
puck.news/the-optimist...
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The Optimistâs Case for the UFC and F1 Megadeals
Wolfe Research analyst Peter Supino offers up his candid thoughts and surprising bull case for Paramountâs UFC deal and F1âs partnership with Appleâand why the mega-trend media universe keeps gravitat...
https://puck.news/the-optimists-case-for-the-ufc-and-f1-megadeals/
16 days ago
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New pod:
@andrewmarchand.bsky.social
on the World Cup, MLB and Netflix's role as a potential bidder.
open.spotify.com/episode/7kZd...
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Spotify â Web Player
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7kZdHpTXQ59vWUWWcAKNra
19 days ago
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The Varsity * NBA playoff ratings are bonkers. * SEC, Big Ten lobbying investment for naught. * Sports media production is getting a lot cheaper. * An idea for Hammond, Indiana.
puck.news/newsletter_c...
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Netflixâs âEventizeâ Learning Curve & Appleâs Soccer Stunt
May 21, 2026 John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity, coming to you from the Acela corridorâliterally. Iâm headed back to D.C. after a busy couple of days in New York: Yesterday, NBC invited me to spe...
https://puck.news/newsletter_content/netflixs-eventize-learning-curve-apples-soccer-stunt/
21 days ago
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Obviously, the short-lived RouseyâCarano title fight wasnât the ideal scenario for Netflixâs MMA debut. But it also wasnât a refutation of the streamerâs âeventizedâ sports content strategy.
puck.news/netflix-mma-...
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Netflixâs 17 Seconds in Heaven
Obviously, the short-lived RouseyâCarano title fight wasnât the ideal scenario for Netflixâs M.M.A. debut. But it also wasnât a refutation of the streamerâs âeventizedâ sports content strategy.
https://puck.news/netflix-mma-gamble-pays-off-despite-17-second-main-event/
21 days ago
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New pod: Are Super Bowl ads really with $10 million? I called Horizon Media's Adam Schwartz, one of the most active ad buyers, for his perspective.
open.spotify.com/episode/1TBi...
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Super Bowl or Bust
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1TBig1A9M9KTd96Pndf2hV
23 days ago
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The Varsity * UFC preps to expand to TNT, HBO, Bleacher Report, once Paramount's WBD acquisition gets okayed. * Assessing the blast radius from the NFL's media negotiations. * The chaos in college sports continues.
puck.news/newsletter_c...
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A $10 Million Super Bowl Bargain & TKOâs Expansion Plan
May 19, 2026 John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity. Iâm John Ourand, in New York this week for a bunch of meetings with one specific media company. Let the guessing begin! Wemby is pretty much all a...
https://puck.news/newsletter_content/a-10-million-super-bowl-bargain-tkos-expansion-plan/
23 days ago
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What? You want me to come onto a podcast to talk about the Orioles? Absolutely!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEbd...
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Puck's John Ourand on Orioles' slow start, Rubenstein's tenure and future of MASN | Ep. 28
YouTube video by Early Birds Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEbdb4FMuBQ&t=1s
25 days ago
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New pod: Jerry Silbowitz, UTAâs co-head of sports media, breaks down the latest trends for on-air talent and how the creator economy is affecting the sports business.
open.spotify.com/episode/7bXQ...
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Any Given Wednesday
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bXQoL1kGyByVCcPq8dKfm
26 days ago
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The Varsity * What happened to the five-game intl package that the NFL was shopping? * The NFL's message to Capitol Hill: broadcast TV is a priority. * It looks like Silver Lake exec Egon Durban has the inside track to become majority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
puck.news/newsletter_c...
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World Cup P.R. Headaches & The NFLâs International Dilemma
John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity, where, yes, it feels like weâre in the middle of the NFL seasonâeven though weâre supposed to be nearing the climax of the NBA and NHL playoffs. Pod alert: Jer...
https://puck.news/newsletter_content/world-cup-pr-headaches-the-nfls-international-dilemma/
28 days ago
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The World Cupâs descent on North America has been greeted by the typical grab bag of micro-scandals and preemptive complaints. But top industry executives donât really careâtheyâve seen this film before, and theyâre convinced they are about to make stacks of cash.
puck.news/why-network-...
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Hereâs GianniâŠ
The World Cupâs descent on North America has been greeted by the typical grab bag of micro-scandals and preemptive complaints. In their private group chats, though, top industry executives donât reall...
https://puck.news/why-network-execs-arent-worried-about-fifas-world-cup-pr-mess/
29 days ago
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New pod: Sports investor Jason Stein on the flow of private equity into sports at all levels. Topics include the commercialization of the NCAA, the future of youth sports and Apolloâs $225 million investment in Pickleball Inc.
open.spotify.com/episode/7237...
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Pro Sportsâ Private Equity Pickle
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7237BhWVzqGaJDzNfIGf2A
30 days ago
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New pod:
@pkafka.bsky.social
joins to hash topics ranging from the business behind ESPN to NFL media talks to the creator economy.
open.spotify.com/episode/4NYy...
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The Future of ESPN
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4NYyPnmbI4C3SzacR5xlqu
about 1 month ago
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The Varsity * Remembering Ted Turner. * Gianni Infantino on price gouging. * Why did TV OK NCAA Tourney expansion? * Michael Rubin took another step toward building out Fanaticâs collectibles business. * Only about 75 employees remain at Main Street Sports.
puck.news/newsletter_c...
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A New Netflix-NFL Deal & The NCAA Blowout
May 7, 2026 John Ourand Welcome to The Varsity, back in D.C. after a quick New York trip. I love all the civic pride that comes from local teams advancing through the playoffs. Montreal is in the midd...
https://puck.news/newsletter_content/a-new-netflix-nfl-deal-the-ncaa-blowout/
about 1 month ago
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News and notes on the latest machinations surrounding the NFLâs highly coveted, obscenely expensive rights packages.
puck.news/netflix-clos...
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More Netflix-NFL Footsie & Deal Extensionitis
Netflix is nearing a deal for at least five NFL games next season, including a Week 1 Australia matchup and a new Thanksgiving Eve contest. YouTube, meanwhile, may be left with nothing.
https://puck.news/netflix-closing-in-on-five-game-nfl-deal-for-next-season/
about 1 month ago
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News: Netflix is close to an NFL deal that looks likely include the week 1 game in Australia, the Thanksgiving Eve game and the Christmas games. I'll have much more on this in tonight's edition of The Varsity. Sign up here:
join.puck.news?attribution_...
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Join Puck
https://join.puck.news/?attribution_email=mb%40puck.news&attribution_post_id=14978&attribution_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpuck.news%2F&author_attribution_email=mb%40puck.news&author_attribution_post_id=14978&author_attribution_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpuck.news%2F&_cioid=828233&_cioidx=e4b78d847fe2429cf96cb3d60275e725a838f1fc297d90ffe6fb4d6721f0ef41&pe=m&v=gbb
about 1 month ago
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New pod: Premier Lacrosse League co-founder Paul Rabil on the challenges of carving out space in todayâs crowded sports market.
open.spotify.com/episode/2iTh...
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Is the Next Great American Sports League⊠Lacrosse?
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iThWKtRT20twpPiN05QXh
about 1 month ago
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New pod: Joe House and Nathan Hubbard, hosts of
@theringer.com.web.brid.gy
's Fairway Rollin' podcast, talk about the demise of LIV Golf.
open.spotify.com/episode/044F...
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LIV to Die?
https://open.spotify.com/episode/044FHlmUrGZBD3XQJauVMY
about 1 month ago
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The Varsity * Greg Maffei is launching a horse racing league next year. * ESPN hopes its CW streaming deal is the first of many. * Why is the ESPN spin-off not happening?
puck.news/newsletter_c...
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MLS Succession Sweepstakes & DâAmaroâs ESPN Surprise
John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity, where I really tried to focus on Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garberâs succession plan and Greg Maffeiâs big horse-racing ambitions. But I was riveted ...
https://puck.news/newsletter_content/mls-succession-sweepstakes-damaros-espn-surprise/
about 1 month ago
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With Don Garberâs quarter-century-plus tenure ending next year, MLS has executive headhunters embarked on a sprawling replacement search. A few well-known names have emerged as early targets. With big-growth ambitions, theyâd better get it right.
puck.news/who-will-suc...
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Soccerâs Next Don
A few well-known names have emerged as early candidates to replace MLS commissioner Don Garber once his quarter-century-plus tenure officially comes to a closeâand with ambitions of competing with tru...
https://puck.news/who-will-succeed-don-garber-as-mls-commissioner/
about 1 month ago
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The Varsity * Yahoo hires a new head of sports. * Main Street Sports RSNs aren't going dark this week. * A bull case for college basketball. Guggenheim analyst Mike Morris assesses how the negotiating table has shifted for the NFL and its media partners.
puck.news/newsletter_c...
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The NFL Renegotiations Punt & A Surprise N.I.L. Upside
Apr 28, 2026 John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity. If all goes according to plan, I should be in my Camden Yards seats by the time that todayâs issue hits your inbox. And yes, if you must know, I w...
https://puck.news/newsletter_content/the-nfl-renegotiations-punt-a-surprise-nil-upside/
about 1 month ago
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New pod: A conversation with analyst Guggenheim analyst Mike Morris about the myriad questions swirling around the NFLâs looming, blockbuster rights negotiations.
open.spotify.com/episode/1thD...
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The NFLâs Media Monopoly
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1thDPICetLZ0DCovVvetWK
about 1 month ago
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New pod:
@andrewmarchand.bsky.social
is back to talk NFL Draft, Tomlin to NBC and the NFL's Capitol Hill issues.
open.spotify.com/episode/7uKf...
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Who Won NFL Draft Weekend?
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7uKf5O0NIggKeqmrtg3dFc
about 2 months ago
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New pod: NBC Sports exec Jon Miller on the best strategy for broadcasters to compete with trillion-dollar, sports-hungry streamers.
open.spotify.com/episode/1qR9...
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NBC Sportsâ Survival Strategy
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1qR91x5zIwVS61bmJ5G7Y3
about 2 months ago
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The NFL's push to open its media rights deals--along with its ongoing relationship with the streamers--has opened it up to a wave of regulatory inquiry. But is the scrutiny more than just a headache?
@eriqgardner.bsky.social
walks us through it all.
puck.news/the-nfls-fou...
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How Much Trouble Is the NFL In, Really?
The leagueâs recent push to sign new rights deals with its media partners and ongoing relationship with the streamers has opened it up to a wave of regulatory inquiry. But is any of the scrutiny more ...
https://puck.news/the-nfls-four-point-six-billion-dollar-sunday-ticket-problem/
about 2 months ago
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New pod:
@matthewberrytmr.bsky.social
on the evolutionâand futureâof fantasy sports.
open.spotify.com/episode/1fGJ...
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The NFLâs Draft Day Fantasy
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1fGJkgmkQqDSfHekC6OEsF
about 2 months ago
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The Varsity * Senior ESPN exec Ilan Ben-Hanan laid off. * Will regulators get behind YouTube-NFL? * Casey Wasserman tries to salvage funding for LA28. * Russini-gate could accelerate integration of NYT standards on The Athletic. * Dorian Craft to call Mystics games.
puck.news/newsletter_c...
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ESPNâs Layoff Casualties & SaudiâLIV Jitters
Apr 16, 2026 John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity, live from Washington, D.C., where I am hoping that we didnât just see Ovieâs last game in a Caps jersey on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, my bags are p...
https://puck.news/newsletter_content/espns-layoff-casualties-saudi-liv-jitters/
about 2 months ago
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How much longer is Saudi Arabiaâs Public Investment Fund willing to continue pumping billions into its quixotic bet on LIV Golf, as the Iran war dislocates sporting events like Formula One and Fanatics flag football?
puck.news/is-liv-golf-...
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LIV & Let Die⊠Again
How much longer is Saudi Arabiaâs Public Investment Fund willing to continue pumping billions into its quixotic bet on LIV Golf, as the Iran war dislocates sporting events like Formula One and Fanatic...
https://puck.news/is-liv-golf-the-next-neom/
about 2 months ago
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New pod:
@dylanbyers.bsky.social
on the NYT-The Athletic fissures that Russini-gate exposed.
open.spotify.com/episode/2m8C...
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The Athleticâs Russini-Vrabel Stress Test
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m8CJXCNosDfw647DGXYYZ
about 2 months ago
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The Varsity * Russini-gate underscores underlying tension between NYT and The Athletic. * NBA ends its season of tanking.
puck.news/newsletter_c...
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NFL Musical Chairs & Russini-gate
Apr 13, 2026 John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity. I have been inundated with reader complaints about CBSâs Sunday telecast of the Mastersâspecifically, how the cameras somehow completely missed Ro...
https://puck.news/newsletter_content/nfl-musical-chairs-russini-gate/
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
John Ourand
New pod: MoffettNathanson's Michael Nathanson on what the NFL must do to lock in its next round of media deals ahead of Septemberâs kickoffâand whatâs at stake if it doesnât.
open.spotify.com/episode/3L2a...
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Spotify â Web Player
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3L2auBJjhXJZXG1JfsaPf1
2 months ago
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New pod: MoffettNathanson's Michael Nathanson on what the NFL must do to lock in its next round of media deals ahead of Septemberâs kickoffâand whatâs at stake if it doesnât.
open.spotify.com/episode/3L2a...
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Spotify â Web Player
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3L2auBJjhXJZXG1JfsaPf1
2 months ago
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I always love going on
@peterhamby.bsky.social
's great The Powers That Be podcast. This week, we hashed out ESPN's job cuts and offered a Masters preview.
open.spotify.com/episode/4l9H...
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https://open.spotify.com/episode/4l9HpPnTsvtOFfdVR7NA2i
2 months ago
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reposted by
John Ourand
ProFootballTalk
2 months ago
Fun chat with John.
add a skeleton here at some point
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New pod:
@profootballtalk.bsky.social
on the NFL's top off-the-field issues: media rights, antitrust exemptions, referee labor talks...
open.spotify.com/episode/26Tq...
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How Much NFL Is Too Much?
https://open.spotify.com/episode/26Tq6KiZNto7FnY2JoDASH
2 months ago
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The Varsity * Murdoch vs. the NFL * How UCLA's win benefits the whole Big Ten * What NBA Europe investors should know, per @jamalmashburn
puck.news/newsletter_c...
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New ESPN Layoffs & The NBAâs Funny Money
Apr 6, 2026 John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity, where weâre rooting for the Huskies tonightâif only because a UConn victory would allow me to deploy my favorite chestnut for yet another year. Pra...
https://puck.news/newsletter_content/new-espn-layoffs-the-nbas-funny-money/
2 months ago
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ESPN is about to be hit with a round of layoffs. Iâm told the number will land near 30, primarily in off-camera departments. My story for
@puck.news
:
puck.news/espns-next-r...
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Cut-Down Day Is Coming at ESPN
Layoffs at ESPN are coming as the sports network deals with cord-cutting, the YouTube TV blackout, and uncertainty around whether Josh DâAmaro is going to spin it off to Wall Street cheers.
https://puck.news/espns-next-round-of-layoffs-is-almost-here/
2 months ago
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New pod: Former Kentucky and NBA star Jamal Mashburn on the state of college basketball from the increasingly chaotic off court business to how mid-majors can navigate the N.I.L. maze.
open.spotify.com/episode/3IyP...
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Spotify â Web Player
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3IyPks3Idr9xikpoeiGWOT
2 months ago
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The Varsity * Robo umps are here. * Wapo hires some sports reporters. * Rupert's WSJ swipes at NFL's antitrust exemption. * Don't expect a lot of changes at NFL Network. * Passan: WBC shouldn't be more than every three years.
puck.news/newsletter_c...
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Silberwasserâs Last Stand & Murdochâs NFL Beef
Apr 2, 2026 John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity. I spent last night at Capital One Arena watching my hometown Wizards, losers of 20 out of their last 21 games, give up 80 second-half points in a l...
https://puck.news/newsletter_content/silberwassers-last-stand-murdochs-nfl-beef/
2 months ago
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Pod: Just one week into the MLB season, ESPN's Jeff Passan dishes on all of the momentum in the league so far.
open.spotify.com/episode/4SCD...
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Spotify â Web Player
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4SCD1oDrwC8teBIwDrARbp
2 months ago
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New pod: ESPN's Jeff Passan on the wonders of the robot umps, MLB's momentum and the future of the World Baseball Classic.
open.spotify.com/episode/4SCD...
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Reinventing Americaâs Favorite Pastime
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4SCD1oDrwC8teBIwDrARbp
2 months ago
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Pod: ESPNâs
@susiepio.bsky.social
on ESPNâs launch of âWomenâs Sports Sundaysâ this summer and the still growing popularity of womenâs sports.
open.spotify.com/episode/2PX6...
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ESPNWâs Growth Engine
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2PX6mbxVb8cM0dBtvEpqda
2 months ago
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ESPNâs Susie Piotrkowski on the explosion of womenâs sports, from the surging popularity of the WNBA and womenâs college basketball to the growing reach of the NWSL. She also dives deep into ESPNâs launch of âWomenâs Sports Sundaysâ this summer.
open.spotify.com/episode/2PX6...
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Spotify â Web Player
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2PX6mbxVb8cM0dBtvEpqda?si=e67fbx77QYiRzXHEuT5qLA
2 months ago
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