Latest news with #JacobFeldman
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sporticast 459: Have Fans Hit a Breaking Point?
On the latest Sporticast episode, host Jacob Feldman speaks to Joon Lee about Lee's recent opinion piece in the New York Times: How the N.B.A. and M.L.B. Shattered America's Sports Culture, which appeared to strike a chord online. Lee explains his perspective, as a sportswriter and as a fan, that teams and leagues are taking advantage of supporters. As he says, recent growth—from new investors to new media deals to new international efforts—could threaten the bonds that make sports a central component of American culture. Advertisement More from Now, Lee says, fans have the ability to fight for change. The two discuss how three decades of media turmoil have in some ways made being a sports fan better than ever, with more access to games and more ways to engage with athletes, while at the same time making it more expensive (and less attractive) to become a diehard fan in the first place. There are also more alternatives than ever, from video games to TikTok, that threaten sports' cultural hegemony. Some fans are already frustrated by the feeling of 'rooting for laundry.' But as franchises become increasingly financialized and analytics-driven, could the sensation of cheering for a spreadsheet be even more of a turn off? Lee also compares American sports to the Premier League, where certain fan rights are established, but where parity appears impossible. At the moment, college and women's pro sports offer alternative structures, though that too is changing. Advertisement Lastly Lee discusses why he still considers himself a fan, even after witnessing so much upheaval. (You can subscribe to Sporticast through Apple, Google, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever else you get your podcasts.) Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sporticast 458: A Club World Cup Check-In
On the latest Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Jacob Feldman weigh in on the first weekend of the newly expanded Club World Cup. DAZN is paying $1 billion to stream the games, while offering them for free around the world. How does that make dollars and sense? Jacob breaks down their business strategy, from sub-licensing to upselling. Advertisement More from The hosts also discuss FIFA's ticketing strategy for the event, which includes consolidating visitors into certain, TV-friendly sections for less popular matches, including those played during weekdays. A series of scoreless tilts and blowouts likely did little to help organizers increase interest in attending upcoming matches. A reported 22,137 showed up to Atlanta's 71,000-seat Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday to see LAFC play Chelsea. Where fans sit is just one of many game day operations decisions made with TV in mind. Newly developed grass has also been criticized, with all eyes focused on how the turf performs during next year's World Cup—and whether it makes its way to American venues full-time. Then, Scott explains the impact of Shaquille O'Neal signing a $1.8 million settlement in the wake of his controversial FTX endorsement. Could the FTX disaster change the way athletes approach potential endorsements? (If the money's good enough, probably not…) In the meantime, the deal could improve Shaq's standing among fans. Lastly, they touch on MLB's investment in Jomboy Media, with the help of a special, surprise guest. Advertisement (You can subscribe to Sporticast through Apple, Google, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever else you get your podcasts.) Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
