Brian Millman

A week of explosive acquisitions, partnerships, and announcements 🤯 National Basketball Association (NBA) finalizes massive $76B rights deal. Live sports is the tipping point for convergent TV and streaming 🏀 Skydance merges with Paramount Global. Another sign that Silicon Valley tech and money are all in on media💰 Live Joe Rogan comedy special is coming to Netflix. Streamers are expanding live events beyond just sports to differentiate and capture more viewers 🎙️ Lowe's Companies, Inc. ONE platforms expands to in-store audio. There’s no digital channel that RMNs can’t touch 🎧 Well done John Storms RMNs get a boost with Criteo & Microsoft Advertising partnership. Using data and commerce media to unify a fragmented RMN space. BlueConic acquires Jebbit. CDPs manage 1PD and now are looking to also create it💡 Never a dull moment 🎢

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The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Prime Video & Amazon Studios are reportedly finalizing a deal that could change the game for sports media, and putting pressure on Warner Bros. Discovery and NBCUniversal According to executives with direct knowledge of the talks, the streaming service is set to become a major home for the league’s games. Prime Video's package is expected to include significant regular season and postseason games, and possibly even some conference finals. The contract is anticipated to be for at least a decade and slated to begin during the 2025-2026 season. Article via The Athletic #NBA #AmazonPrimeVideo #SportsMedia #sportsbiz #sportbusiness #sportsmarketing #streaming #marketing #media #sponsorships #sportssponsorships #ai #mensio #hive

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Here is a thought exercise: What if Warner is right about the NBA? Warner is getting dragged through the mud right now for letting NBA rights slip out of their fingertips. But what if they’re right? What if it’s not worth the $2.5B that NBC is forking over? If you think about it, the bear case becomes clearer. For starters, the NBA has a long season, and more and more of their young fans are watching highlights on YouTube and TikTok over regular season games. That makes monetizing those games on TV harder as fans can just keep up with the games elsewhere. Further, there is more allegiance to players over teams at this point. So it’s not like all 30 teams are must watch TV - instead, it’s more like 10-15 players. Plus, the NBAs stars are aging up and out in the next few years - LeBron, KD, Curry, etc. The new crop is strong, but not to the levels of these players. Just look at NBA playoff ratings - without these players in the mix, playoff ratings are down 11% YoY through the 2nd round. A year ago, LeBron, KD and Curry were all in the mix in the 2nd round, and LeBron made it to the conference finals. Finally, look at the NBA ownership trends. Mark Cuban just sold his stake in the Mavs, along with MJ. When smart people and owners start signaling they think the valuations have peaked, pay attention. I’m not saying Warner is making the right move to not retain the rights - but it’s possible they are right that the NBA rights are being overvalued. Time will tell who is right. (Post inspired by Joe Pompliano great podcast this weekend with Alex Sherman. Check it out!)

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The National Basketball Association (NBA) is on the brink of lucrative media deals with NBCUniversal, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios and The Walt Disney Company/ESPN, potentially bringing in a staggering $76 billion in revenue over 11 years, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. NBCUniversal is set to pay an average of $2.5 billion annually to showcase about 100 games per season, with half airing exclusively on Peacock. Amazon's deal, valued at $1.8 billion, includes regular season and playoff games, an in-season tournament, and "play-in" games. The Walt Disney Company, on the other hand, is expected to pay about $2.6 billion each year to continue broadcasting the NBA Finals, receiving fewer games but expanding coverage to ESPN's forthcoming direct-to-consumer platform. These agreements, encompassing WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) telecasts, are slated to commence post the 2024-2025 season and could hike the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s annual fees to nearly $7 billion, marking a notable 2.5 times increase in average fees. 🏀 📺 💻 📱 #nba #disney #espn #nbcu #peacock #amazonprime #primevideo #mediarights #sportbiz #sportsbusiness #sportsmedia #sponsorships #sportssponsorships #marketing #media #NBAfinals #brandedcontent #ai #mensio #hive

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📊 New Data Tool for Evaluating Sports Franchises The University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business has teamed up with Arctos Sports Partners to launch the pioneering Sports Franchise Index (SFI). This innovative initiative promises to transform how we understand the performance and valuation of sports franchises. 🔍 What is the SFI? The Sports Franchise Index offers a comprehensive and transparent measure of the financial and operational health of sports franchises. Utilizing robust data analytics, the SFI aims to provide deep insights into the sports industry. 💡 Notable Findings: - Long-Term Growth: The value of North American sports assets included in the index has compounded at 13.0% per annum over the last 60+ years, outperforming the equity market by 2.5%. - Superior Risk/Return: According to several measures of risk, North American sports assets included in the index possess risk/return characteristics superior to other traditional and alternative asset classes. 📊 Latest Performance Updates (as of Q1 2024): - Quarter-to-Date Return: 4.8% - Year-to-Date Return: 28.1% - Three-Years-to-Date Return: 16.7% 🔝 Year-Over-Year Performance: - Outperforming Assets: North American sports assets have outperformed global equities (23.8%), U.S. small cap stocks (19.7%), private credit (8.8%), private equity (6.0%), commodities (1.5%), and fixed income (1.3%). - Top Performers: The U.S. media and entertainment sector (53.6%) and U.S. equities (29.9%) have outperformed North American sports assets included in the index. This collaboration highlights a significant step forward in using data-driven strategies to revolutionize the sports industry. I've dropped a link to the announcement in the comments 👇 #linkedinsports #sportsfranchise

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We have been powerful advocates for women's sports. We used our data 3 plus years ago to predict the momentum the industry is now measuring in real dollars. Yesterday, we held the first ever Women's Sports New Front to bring scale and performance to the women's sports industry. Why? Because we believe in the power of sports to make the world a better place -- and it's time women's sports has an unfair advantage. Using our Sports Data Cloud to help women's sports grow faster is core to our mission. 👊 Advantage Women's Sports. All that said, we are not a women's sports agency. There are lots of women's sports agencies out there, fortunately, there are too many to list. That was not always the case. As a fan intelligence company, we are a very important partner to these agencies because we can provide them and their clients (brands and media) with the fan insights and audiences they need to scale and demonstrate killer results. We will continue to use our fan intelligence, the Sports Data Cloud, to elevate all of sports, media, and entertainment. 🐰 When we can point this asset at growth markets, everyone wins. 🏏 🏉 ⚽ When we can use this asset to drive emerging sports, youth sports, and new fan experiences, we're here for it. I'm proud of the way our team takes our mission to make the world a better place through the power of sport seriously. Yesterday was another amazing example of how our team does the work and shows up. Huge respect: Gina Waldhorn for being the visionary that finds clever, innovative, and exciting ways to connect our Sports Data Cloud with our mission. 🧡 Angela Ruggiero and I are so proud to work with you. Sports Innovation Lab https://lnkd.in/e_Ta5M9w

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🏀📺COLLATERAL DAMAGE - while not finalized it’s looking like NBC Sports will be replacing Warner Bros. Discovery Sports as the 2nd (3rd) National Basketball Association (NBA) broadcast package. There’s been a lot posted on this but I have a very different take. Most are saying it’s crazy TNT would let this slip and mostly because they do have the greatest post game show all all time 🥇and Charles Barkley Shaquille O'Neal Kenny Smith @ernie stewart will inevitably split as I doubt they can all switch collectively. WHY IS TNT not matching. PURELY SMART ECONOMICS. We all know cable and broadcast is dying. Before this new 10 yr deal expires the word cable won’t exist. The NBA is NOT the NFL, and fact they can get this money will be the last time. There is a reason Marc Cuban sold the Mavs. In my opinion fans who watch NBA can be into 3 categories 1. Diehard NBA (like myself) will subscribe NBA Gamepass all games globally, we won’t get Peacock for NBA as we don’t need 2. Fans who care but only big games and really care playoff time (this is a target of these rights) 3. Fans who only follow their local team (they will ultimately be subscribing to a D2C product) many of these fans pay for cable but will they subscribe to a streaming platform for NBA doubtful Cable TV is dead 🪦and the value of TNT on cable was dropping 📉as each subscriber churns, down down down📉 There is now a streaming war and a fight for subs to survive (uphill climb) So why is NBC paying so much.💰NBC / Peacock needs subs desperately; as when a Comcast customer churns then need to show them value to subscribe Peacock. Comcast has a new bundle coming Apple TV Netflix Peacock at extremely discounted rate, probably losing money they are so desperate for subs Sports is Comcast only hope as NBC TV no longer cuts it, the days of Friends and Sat Night Live aren’t pulling customers but National Football League (NFL) is a cornerstone Olympics will help and English Premier League adds a bump but they need NBA to fill out their offer. Warner Discovery - or should I say MAX - does not need sports as HBO is the anchor. I subscribe to MAX for their original content, specifically HBO unparalleled shows; MAX 👑crown jewel. Getting an NBA game here or there is an added bonus, but seeing GoT, or the next big thing aka Succession, Wire, Sopranos etc is what will drive subs not a tue night TNT game and not Charles, Shaq, Jet or Ernie. It was an amazing run and hands down best show 🥇for the analysis + light comedy and telling it how it is. I’ll miss it; hopefully but unlikely they regroup under Amazon ESPN or NBC. As they say all good things come to an end, if mad blame capitalism. For me it happens and survival of fittest. https://lnkd.in/eTrKf4ij

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As global #audiences and the demand for #live event experiences continues to grow, it only makes sense that the business of #sports would drive additional resources and opportunities for #linear and #digital #content coverage.

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Even during the offseason, the NFL makes noise. Per reports, ESPN will take over the NFL Network while “the league gain an equity stake in the family of networks." Now, I don't think ESPN needs to augment its talking heads + highlights package with more talking heads + more highlights + old games no one really watches. Not sure if that is much of a win. BUT… The NFL will presumably own part of ESPN, ESPN+ and Sports-Hulu (and no doubtably impact ABC's MNF) AND offload all the production capital expenditure of having to run the NFL Network in a deteriorating cable environment. That's a win right there. https://lnkd.in/gk_cwgjb hat tip: Lee Kyle Gaither

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5 Learnings from Morgan Stanley's partnership with Serena Williams for modern CMOs Morgan Stanley has teamed up with Serena Williams on an eight part docu series. They’ll serve as presenting sponsor through collaboration with Disney Advertising. In the Arena: Serena Williams will land tonight on ESPN.+ And I love sports documentaries. What I love more, is when there's a story I can take to work afterwards. Morgan Stanley CMO explained how the move to sponsor the series was a natural fit for their marketing strategy. A strategy that has made amplifying women’s sports a priority. Here’s 5 learnings from the sponsorship and key reasons why Morgan Stanley leaned in 1️⃣ Leverage Authentic Storytelling By showcasing Serena's genuine journey, Morgan Stanley can connect with audiences on a personal level, reinforcing the brand's commitment to real, impactful narratives. 2️⃣ Engage with Inspirational Figures Partnering with a globally recognized figure like Serena Williams helps Morgan Stanley reach and resonate with a broader, more diverse audience. It demonstrates how aligning with influential personalities can enhance brand perception and engagement. 3️⃣ Highlight Personal and Professional Growth The series covers Serena's career and personal milestones, illustrating the power of both professional achievements and personal growth. This approach can humanize a brand and create deeper connections with the audience by showcasing relatable and aspirational stories​. 4️⃣ Utilize Multi-Platform Distribution By premiering the docuseries on ESPN+, Morgan Stanley taps into a multi-platform strategy that ensures wider reach and accessibility. This demonstrates the effectiveness of leveraging various media channels to maximize content visibility and engagement​. 5️⃣ Showcase Social and Cultural Impact The docuseries not only focuses on Serena's tennis career but also her cultural impact and personal challenges. Highlighting such themes can align a brand with broader social issues, fostering a positive brand image and demonstrating a commitment to societal values and progress​. Morgan Stanley’s move into women’s sports and other cultural avenues reflects a broader push to modernize the brand for a new generation of investors. A great case study for sports marketing 🔥 P.S. Follow me (Chris Swadling) for more sports business content! #sports #sportsbiz

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If your interested in the business of Sport Joe Pompliano is a must follow. Here he does a great job of breaking down the complex scenario which is the NBA's new media rights deal. We think the money is big in American sports - wait until we see the new world this media rights deal will unleash! #sports #business #professionals #media #TV #nosuchthingasTVanymore #sportsbusiness #NBA

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I've been spending more and more time digging into the athlete media ecosystem and there's few better to do that with then Dev Sethi. On this week's podcast we discuss: - How have the likes TikTok, Instagram and YouTube elevated the platform of athletes and their brands? - Why do traditional media companies struggle to engage fans like athletes? - How have recent changes with NIL in college sports impacted the current system? - What is the future of athlete representation? - How will athletes impact sports media in the long-term?   - What role is Athletes.org trying to play for athletes? Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/ehbrFd_T

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Major League Baseball on Monday announced WM, a leading environmental services provider, as the Official Sustainability Partner of Major League Baseball. This is the first sustainability-focused partner in League history, which will aim to elevate MLB’s continued sustainability-related efforts in ballparks and throughout communities. WM will be the presenting sponsor of Major League Baseball’s official Earth Day and Green Week celebrations, which will include a variety of environmental-positive practices and messaging. Additionally, WM will offer sustainability advisory services to MLB Clubs, which includes end-to-end solutions intended to help customers achieve their sustainability goals in waste reduction and diversion, greenhouse gas emissions management, and more. WM also will support MLB Green Teams at MLB All-Star Week, the World Series and other MLB special events, as well as provide support to the League office and its facilities. “As with any event driven industry that prioritizes sustainability at our facilities and in our communities, it is critical that we partner with organizations that share similar values in that space,” said Noah Garden, Deputy Commissioner, Business & Media, Major League Baseball. “This new partnership with WM takes our sustainability efforts to new heights. We look forward to continuing this work with WM as we host best-in-class events that are sustainability-focused driven for years to come.” “WM has a more than 20-year history for its advisory services team, providing sustainability solutions for a variety of customers of all sizes and industries,” said Tara Hemmer, chief sustainability officer, WM. “Our expertise has helped us triple the number of customers in the sports space since 2021 – including leagues, events, teams and venues -- and we look forward to the incredible opportunity to build comprehensive and custom plans designed to improve sustainable operations for MLB and its Clubs.” https://lnkd.in/gEM-rYBF

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✅🖥️ Variety (5/8): “The companies announced a new streaming bundle comprising Disney+, Hulu and Max will be available this summer in the U.S. There’s no pricing info or specific launch date at this point. Disney and WBD said the bundle will be available for purchase on any of the three streaming platforms’ websites and offered as both an ad-supported and ad-free plan. As streaming has fueled the steady erosion of the pay-TV industry, the moves by otherwise competing media companies to partner up on streaming bundles looks like an attempt to reconstitute cable TV. But both Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery have touted the benefits of bundles by boosting engagement and lowering churn (i.e., cancelation rates). The perk for consumers is typically a discounted price compared with paying for individual services separately.” ⬇️ #bundle #avod #svod #streamingtv #ctvadvertising #churn https://lnkd.in/e462pV7q

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This is further validation that working with facilities like ours is good for brands. At the Erie Sports Center we have the added bonus of owning 10 sports clubs with 800-1000 male and female athletes, camps, clinics, leagues, tournaments and events. We also understand the power of activation and ROI for brand partners. We even build some of our corporate partners benefits into our fees to guarantee uptake. We provide free sport to thousands of kids in the community and space for schools and not for profits to fundraise. Sports families for the most part have disposable income and are loyal to brands that support their kids. They are also easy to communicate with regularly. All these kids buy cars, equipment, phones, computers, clothes and fast food. Our location makes the Erie Sports Center a regional brand opportunity as well with 46 tournaments and multiple leagues with teams from Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Buffalo coming in regularly. We reinvest a lot of our corporate sponsorship back into new facilities and free sports clinics and scholarship programs for kids to make sport accessible. When asked how often consumers will buy from companies sponsoring a sport or sports organization they like, 66% responded that they are more likely to purchase from sponsors they like, up from 59% in 2022. Moreover, 20% of respondents have chosen to do business with a brand only because it sponsors a sport or sporting organization that they like, and 28% have recommended a sponsoring company of a sport/organization they like to a friend. #sports #sponsorship #business #eriesportscenter #marketing #advertising #youthsports #eriebusiness #eriecounty #scholarships

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https://lnkd.in/g434NVyF Happy to share our newest offering from Allison Worldwide called the Sports Momentum Index. It's a monthly collab with our friends at the Harris Poll's Sports Division that is an in-depth consumer poll measuring and indexing where the fan momentum in sports is, and why.   The monthly poll will look at a broad cross section of existing and emerging sports - including an emphasis on women’s sports - documenting fans’ impressions of each sport’s cultural relevancy, personal relevance and depth of engagement through a series of questions posed to the general population of fans. Over time, the Sports Momentum Index will be able to capture the rise in popularity of emerging sports, ebbs and flows over the course of a season and year, and probe into the why’s and with-whom’s with strong statistical correlations. We'll also be producing a monthly video podcast series each month to highlight results. You can find our first episode here: https://lnkd.in/gcgYJZm6

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Insights like this are very interesting to me, showcasing plays or tendencies that may be missed when watching a game more casually. Throughout the playoffs, the focus is usually on the star players who make a noticeable impact on a nightly basis. The depth players aren’t recognized to the same extent, but are often a driving force in their team’s success. Here, Sportlogiq’s Mike Kelly focuses on the strong forecheck of the Dallas Stars 4th line and how they did what was necessary to give their team every advantage they could get in the game. It’s always refreshing to hear an analyst relay their findings from the data to viewers in a clear, digestible way that adds value to the panel and shows how teams are able to work to their strengths to give themselves the best chance to win. #nhlplayoffs #analytics #data

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✅🖥️ WSJ (4/25): “Interest is high in the league’s next round of packages, which kick in after the 2024-2025 season. Disney, which pays around $1.6B a year for TV rights, and Warner, which pays about $1.2B a year, are in discussions to pay substantial increases under a new pact while airing fewer games than they do now, say people familiar with the conversations. The robust pricing expected in the deals shows how valuable live sports are to traditional media companies at a time when cord-cutting is shrinking overall TV viewership. Many households maintain cable subscriptions because it is the only way to watch their favorite teams’ games. Under their current deals, Disney and Warner carry roughly 165 games combined. Games taken from those incumbents would help the NBA create a new package for a streaming player with nationally televised regular-season games and some playoff contests. The league also could draw on a catalog of locally aired games. Amazon’s Prime Video, which airs NFL games, has been aggressive in pursuing the streaming package and is viewed by league and media executives as the front-runner. YouTube is also in the mix, those executives say. The streaming package would give a tech giant the right to show games in markets around the world.” ⬇️🏀 #livesports #streamingtv #ctvadvertising https://lnkd.in/eYK3qmFY

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I'm really pleased to see that slowing down as a competitive advantage is getting to the point that main stream media is giving it attention. We started building "braking" algorithms around our granular athlete assessment data over 10 years ago, and started mainstream discussion when we ID'd James Harden as the best braker we had ever assessed just prior to his winning MVP. Similarly, Luka was at the 90% of our NBA data base for this movement system when he visited us as a 16 and 17 yo. This is a very trainable system, and compared to our acceleration system is much more plastic in well trained athletes. Jumping high and running fast are the easiest things to identify and are important in ball sports like bball and soccer, but they may not be the most important physical performance metrics for success... and are certainly not the only. Even better brakers are coming.... #sportscience #data #NBA #athlete https://lnkd.in/gPbdyW-4

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