CNBC Sport: A Deep Dive into the Business of Sports in

Remember the good ol’ days when we thought athletes were just, well, athletes? Yeah, me neither. These days, sports are about way more than just touchdowns and slam dunks. We’re talking serious business, folks – billion-dollar franchises, global sponsorships, the works. It’s a whole different ball game (pun intended).

Enter CNBC, the OG of financial news, who clearly see the writing on the wall (or maybe the ticker tape?). They’re launching “CNBC Sport,” a dedicated section all about the money, honey, behind the sports we love (and love to hate-watch).

CNBC Sport: Where the Money Talks (and the Athletes Play)

So, who’s running this show? CNBC isn’t messing around, bringing in some heavy hitters to cover the financial side of the game:

Leadership That Knows the Score

First up, we’ve got KC Sullivan, CNBC’s President, calling the shots. Sullivan’s goal is crystal clear: make CNBC Sport the go-to source for anyone who wants to understand the financial playbook of the sports world, whether they’re seasoned investors or just diehard fans.

The Franchise Whisperer

Next, get ready for Michael Ozanian, a Forbes legend known for his uncanny ability to size up a sports franchise like it’s a rookie at the NFL Combine. He’s joining CNBC Sport as a senior reporter, and trust me, his analysis on franchise values and market trends? Pure gold.

CNBC All-Stars Take the Field

CNBC is also pulling from its own all-star lineup:

• Alex Sherman, Contessa Brewer, Scott Wapner, and Jessica Golden – These seasoned vets are bringing their A-game (sorry, had to) to cover the wild world where Wall Street meets the sports arena.
• Sara Eisen (Formula ) and Dominic Chu (Golf) – These two are diving deep into the nitty-gritty of specific sports, giving us the inside scoop on the financial engines driving those industries.

What’s on the CNBC Sport Playbook?

So, what kind of content can you expect from CNBC Sport? Think of it as ESPN meets “Shark Tank,” with a dash of “Wall Street Week” thrown in for good measure. They’re covering it all:

• Franchise Valuations: How much is that team REALLY worth? And what happens when a scandal breaks or a star player gets traded? CNBC Sport will break it down.
• Investment Opportunities: Where’s the smart money going in the sports world? From esports to fantasy leagues, CNBC Sport will uncover the hottest investment plays.
• League and Team Finances: Salary caps, media deals, stadium financing – get ready for a deep dive into the financial inner workings of your favorite (and not-so-favorite) leagues and teams.

CNBC’s Big Bet: Why Sports, Why Now?

CNBC’s not just jumping on the sports bandwagon here. They’re making a strategic play – and it’s one we’re seeing across the media landscape.

Content is King, But Business is Queen

Under Sullivan’s leadership, CNBC is laser-focused on what they do best: business and market news. Launching CNBC Sport and revamping their evening lineup to be more market-driven shows they’re putting their money where their mouth is (again with the puns, I know, I know).

The Media Game is Changing, and Sports is Winning

CNBC’s not the only one taking notes from the sports playbook. Check it out:

• CNN, led by Mark Thompson, is also doubling down on digital verticals with expert-led content. They’re like the free agent signing that makes everyone go, “Whoa, where’d THEY come from?”
• NBC News is investing heavily in journalists covering the business and cultural impact of sports. They’re basically creating their own fantasy team of sports business reporters.

Live Sports: The MVP of the Media World

Here’s the deal: in a world of on-demand everything and streaming wars, live sports are the golden ticket. Media companies are realizing that nothing draws a crowd like a nail-biting game, and advertisers are willing to pay top dollar to reach those eyeballs.