Wait, What? Sportsbiz Chat with DP & McGhee

Hosted by DPandMcGhee

Business Marketing

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Episodes

159

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Two sports marketing insiders, David Paro and Tim McGhee, bring you a fresh take on the sports business — often irreverent, sometimes cynical, and occasionally serious. From their years leading both agencies and client teams, they break down today’s biggest industry stories and share lessons learned along the way. Joined by top voices from the sports marketing world, DP & McGhee help you see the game behind the game. You’ll laugh, learn, and sometimes just say, “Wait, What?”

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June 11, 2026Episode 15845 min

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝘌𝘥 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘊𝘶𝘱 𝘏𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 & 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦

Episode 158 | With the 2026 FIFA World Cup finally set to kick off, DP & McGhee break down the biggest storylines surrounding the world's largest sporting event before welcoming Ed Horne, COO of On Location, the company helping deliver hospitality experiences for millions of fans. From tournament predictions and operational concerns to the business of premium experiences, this episode explores both the competition on the field and the massive industry supporting it.🌎 World Cup Predictions & Business Implications — David and Tim kick off the show by sharing their forecasts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, discussing both the competition on the pitch and the broader business implications of the tournament.⚠️ World Cup Operational Concerns — While excitement is high, the hosts revisit concerns that logistical or operational issues could arise during the event, pointing to reports that an African referee was denied entry to the United States on the eve of the tournament.🏛️ The "Save College Sports Act" — David examines the latest effort by U.S. senators to bring structure to the college sports landscape, noting that while the intentions may be good, meaningful legislation remains difficult to achieve.🏒 Stanley Cup Finals Quick Hits — The hosts offer their thoughts on the latest developments from hockey's biggest stage.🏀 NBA Finals Storylines — A look at the key narratives emerging as the championship series unfolds.🤖 ESPN's AI Misstep — DP & McGhee weigh in on ESPN's much-discussed use of artificial intelligence in its NBA Finals Game 1 coverage package and whether the execution missed the mark.🎙️ Are We in a Golden Age of Play-by-Play? — Before heading to the interview, Tim makes the case that sports fans are currently enjoying an unprecedented era of elite play-by-play broadcasters across multiple sports.🎟️ Guest: Ed Horne, COO of On Location — Ed joins the show to discuss the massive scale of the company's hospitality operations for the World Cup and what it takes to serve fans at one of the largest sporting events in history.🏈 Executing the Biggest Events in Sports — Ed shares behind-the-scenes insights from On Location's work at the Super Bowl, Winter Olympic Games, NCAA Final Four, and numerous other marquee events.📈 The Business of Sports Hospitality — The conversation explores how hospitality has become a critical revenue driver and fan-engagement platform across the sports industry.🏒 An Unforgettable Career Origin Story — In a first for the podcast, Ed reveals that his sports business journey began as a hockey referee at the 1988 Olympics, providing a remarkable example of how unconventional paths can lead to executive leadership.Another episode packed with timely analysis, industry perspective, and a fascinating look at the people and organizations operating behind the scenes of the world's biggest sporting events.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.🌐 Link in bio or visit dpandmcghee.comWait, What?Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

June 4, 2026Episode 15752 min

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸: 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘐𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘉𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘯

Episode 157 | DP & McGhee return with another episode exploring the intersection of sports, media, intellectual property, and business. Before welcoming a leader from one of the world's most influential brand management companies, David and Tim tackle several major stories shaping the sports landscape from championship season to labor negotiations and league governance.🏒 Championship Season Arrives — The hosts preview the Stanley Cup Final and NBA Finals, discussing the storylines, stakes, and opportunities surrounding two of sports' biggest annual events.⚾ MLB Labor Clouds on the Horizon — David and Tim examine the growing divide between Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association as early discussions begin around the framework for the next collective bargaining agreement.🏛️ Goodell Says "No Thanks" — The NFL once again finds itself in the political spotlight as Commissioner Roger Goodell declines an invitation to testify before the House Judiciary Committee.Guest: Colin Smeeton — The President of Authentic Studios joins the show to discuss how Authentic creates value across a portfolio of more than 60 global brands through content, licensing, partnerships, and media strategy.📺 The Business of Iconic Brands — Colin shares how Authentic leverages powerhouse properties such as Sports Illustrated while developing content and new revenue streams that extend well beyond traditional publishing.⭐ Working with Global Sports Icons — The conversation explores Authentic's partnerships with legendary athletes including Shaquille O'Neal and David Beckham, and how athlete brands continue to evolve long after their playing careers end.🎾 Tennis' Revenue Debate — Drawing on his years as a tennis agent, Colin offers perspective on recent efforts by the sport's top players to secure a larger share of tennis revenues, and what those discussions could mean for the future of the game.💡 Content as a Growth Engine — Colin explains how storytelling, intellectual property, and strategic partnerships have become essential tools for building brand relevance and long-term enterprise value.Another insightful episode blending current sports business headlines with a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the world's most recognizable brands and personalities are built, monetized, and managed.Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.Wait, What?

May 28, 202647 min

𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘈𝘪𝘳𝘣𝘯𝘣’𝘴 𝘍𝘐𝘍𝘈 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘌𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘰 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘴

Episode 156 | DP & McGhee return with a wide-ranging episode covering nearly every corner of the sports world, from the business of the FIFA World Cup to Memorial Day weekend racing, golf controversy, and the growing role of prediction markets in sports.The episode is highlighted by the return of one of the podcast’s past guests, bringing a uniquely well-rounded perspective on one of the world’s biggest sporting events.🌍 Guest: Eduardo Solis ReturnsEduardo Solis becomes just the third two-time guest on the show, joining David and Tim in his current role as Senior Partner Lead at Airbnb, where he oversees the company’s FIFA sponsorship efforts.⚽ Inside the World Cup BusinessFrom sponsorship strategy to fan engagement, Edu shares insights on the opportunities and challenges surrounding one of the world’s biggest sporting events.🚀 Career Journey & AdviceEdu reflects on the path that led him to one of sports’ most high-profile sponsorship roles and offers advice for young professionals looking to break into the industry.Before the interview, DP & McGhee tackle several major headlines from around the sports world:🏎️ A Massive Memorial Day Weekend for MotorsportsThe hosts discuss the biggest weekend in racing, including the sport’s reaction to the passing of legendary driver Kyle Busch, the closest finish in Indy 500 history, and Fox’s strong presentation of the iconic race.⛳ Golf’s Strange WeekBryson DeChambeau sparks controversy with comments about moon landing images, while Garrick Higgo parts ways with his caddie after a costly late-arrival penalty at the PGA Championship.🎟️ Politics, FIFA & Ticket AccessDP & McGhee examine New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s agreement with FIFA to secure reduced-price World Cup tickets for local residents.📈 Prediction Markets Enter the World CupFIFA names Fanatics Market an official prediction market partner, further blurring the lines between fandom, gaming, and sports engagement.Another entertaining and insightful episode blending current events, industry expertise, and the evolving business of sports.Wait, What?Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

May 21, 2026Episode 15546 min

𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸: 𝘊𝘺𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘢 𝘏𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘯 𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘒𝘺𝘭𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯’𝘴 “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦”

Episode 155 | DP & McGhee return with an episode that crosses the worlds of sports business, global football, media strategy, and storytelling. Before sitting down with an acclaimed filmmaker, David and Tim break down several headline-making developments—from naming rights and Premier League shakeups to sports documentaries and evolving TV metrics.🍟 McDonald’s Makes Naming Rights History — The hosts discuss McDonald’s first-ever naming rights deal as the new home of Chicago Fire FC becomes McDonald’s Park.⚽ A New Era in the Premier League — Arsenal captures the EPL title, while the football world reacts to Pep Guardiola stepping down from Manchester City and what it could mean for the league’s balance of power.🎬 Ted Lasso Meets USL? — Tim predicts Christo Fernández joining USL side El Paso Locomotive could be the start of a behind-the-scenes docu-series centered around the actor and club.📊 NASCAR Challenges the Ratings Narrative — DP & McGhee examine NASCAR’s move away from Nielsen’s current measurement methodology in an effort to better reflect the strength of its audience performance.🎥 Guest: Cynthia Hill — Award-winning director and producer Cynthia Hill joins the show to discuss her latest project, Kyle Larson vs. The Double. She shares insights into her filmmaking process, the career path that brought her to prominence, the challenge of documenting one of motorsports’ most ambitious undertakings, and advice for aspiring filmmakers trying to find their voice.Another insightful episode connecting the business, culture, and storytelling forces shaping modern sports.Wait, What?Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

May 14, 2026Episode 15450 min

𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆: 𝘑𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘷𝘢𝘯 𝘋𝘪𝘫𝘬 & 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘉𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘓𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘤𝘺 𝘍𝘊

Episode 154 | After an extended spring break, David and Tim return with a packed episode covering playoff viewership, media fragmentation, golf’s ongoing turbulence, and major developments reshaping college athletics. The hosts are then joined by one of the most accomplished executives in women’s sports to discuss leadership, expansion, and what it takes to build a sustainable franchise in the rapidly growing NWSL.In this episode:🏀🏒 The National Basketball Association and National Hockey League continue drawing strong playoff audiences, while Tim points out the growing frustration fans face trying to locate games across an increasingly fragmented media landscape.⛳️ The latest challenges surrounding LIV Golf and CEO Scott O'Neil, as questions persist about the league’s long-term positioning and momentum.🏀 Major changes coming to college basketball as the NCAA expands both the men’s and women’s tournaments from 68 to 76 teams — and what that means for access, revenue, and competitive balance.💰More than half of the schools in the Big 12 Conference reportedly decline private equity cash infusions, highlighting the ongoing debate over outside investment in collegiate athletics.📋 The Collegiate Sports Commission nullifies NIL deals involving 18 University of Nebraska athletes, raising fresh questions about compliance, governance, and athlete compensation.⚽️ A featured conversation with Jennifer van Dijk, President of Boston Legacy FC, discussing: • Her journey from a $6/hour internship at IMG to the executive suite. • Leadership lessons from across the sports business industry. • Her vision for building and growing the NWSL’s newest expansion franchise. • Practical advice for young professionals looking to break into sports.From playoff ratings to private equity to women’s soccer expansion, this episode explores the evolving economics and leadership challenges shaping the future of sports business.Wait, What?Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

April 9, 2026Episode 15359 min

𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲: 𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘕𝘐𝘓 & 𝘎𝘰𝘭𝘧 𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴

Episode 153 | David welcomes Tim back from the Final Four circuit, and the hosts waste no time diving into a packed slate of basketball storylines, industry deals, and emerging regulatory issues. The conversation blends courtside insight with boardroom analysis before shifting to a compelling discussion with a leading golf executive ahead of one of the sport’s biggest stages.In this episode:🏀 A look back at the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Four, including:• The high-profile spat between coaching legends Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley• The transfer portal ripple effects impacting the Tennessee Lady Volunteers• Tim’s firsthand experience at the Naismith Awards in Phoenix and Indianapolis💼 A major move in the marketing world as 160over90 is acquired by Publicis Groupe for $500M — and what it signals about the continued rise of sports and experiential marketing📊 Ongoing efforts by states to regulate prediction markets like Kalshi, raising new questions at the intersection of sports, gaming, and financial products⛳ A featured conversation with Omer Kem, EVP of Sales at GSE Worldwide, discussing:• The business landscape heading into The Masters• Expanding NIL opportunities for collegiate golfers• His unique journey from professional cycling to sports sales leadership• Key trends shaping golf marketing, sponsorship, and athlete representationFrom Final Four friction to fairway strategy, this episode delivers a comprehensive look at the forces shaping today’s sports business ecosystem.Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

April 2, 2026Episode 15228 min

𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀: 𝘈 𝘙𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘥-𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 — 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘞𝘕𝘉𝘈, 𝘔𝘓𝘉 & 𝘛𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘞𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘴

Episode 152 | David and Tim are back after a week off—and they waste no time getting into it. This is a quick-hitting episode with a courtside perspective—literally—as Tim checks in from the NCAA Women’s Final Four in Phoenix.With basketball energy in the air, the hosts move rapidly through several timely sports business stories, offering sharp analysis on labor dynamics, emerging sponsorship risks, and the evolving role of technology in officiating.In this episode:🏀 WNBA — A bit of a victory lap for DP & McGhee, correctly predicting no games would be lost to a work stoppage. They break down the league’s new financial reality, including significantly increased player salaries and what it signals for long-term growth.⚾ Major League Baseball — The addition of Polymarket as a sponsor raises eyebrows, with questions around potential regulatory and reputational risks. Plus, an early look at the Automatic Balls and Strikes (ABS) system—and whether implementation is already exposing inconsistencies among umpires.⛳ Tiger Woods — A thoughtful conversation as both hosts express hope that the golf icon seeks support for personal challenges, and why greater openness could have a meaningful ripple effect across sports and society.🎙️ Live from Phoenix, with the backdrop of the Women’s Final Four, DP & McGhee connect performance, policy, and personality in a fast-paced tour across the sports business landscape.Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business. Wait, What?

March 19, 2026Episode 15149 min

𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁: 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘕𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘰 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭, 𝘕𝘐𝘓 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘳

Episode 151 | David and Tim deliver another wide-ranging episode, mixing timely headlines from across the sports landscape with an insightful conversation featuring one of volleyball’s rising professional stars.From international baseball drama to labor tensions and March Madness debates, the hosts set the table before diving into a compelling athlete journey and a thoughtful perspective on the evolving college sports model.In this episode:⚾ The World Baseball Classic builds toward a dramatic finish, with Team USA vs. Venezuela set for a championship showdown.🏀 Ongoing WNBA labor negotiations — tensions rising as players push for a transformational deal, with the possibility of a work stoppage looming.🏀 It wouldn’t be March without madness:• Experimental LED courts malfunctioning and creating controversy• Bruce Pearl stirring the pot with his latest takes• DP & McGhee weigh in — ultimately backing the NCAA Men’s Selection Committee for getting the bracket right🏐 A featured conversation with Brooke Nuneviller, star outside hitter for the Omaha Supernovas and one of the sport’s top emerging pros:• Her journey from picking up volleyball at age 6 to becoming a standout at Oregon• Playing professionally overseas in Turkey before landing in Omaha• A candid, insightful perspective on NIL and the current state of college athleticsFrom global tournaments to grassroots beginnings, this episode highlights both the business and personal pathways shaping today’s sports world.Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.Wait, What?

March 12, 2026Episode 15040 min

𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻: 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘕𝘊𝘈𝘈’𝘴 𝘋𝘢𝘯 𝘎𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘵

Episode 150 | March Madness is around the corner, and DP & McGhee tee up the conversation with a wide-ranging look at some of the biggest stories across the sports industry before welcoming one of the key architects behind college basketball’s marquee event.From labor negotiations and international baseball surprises to league scandals and golf’s evolving leadership, the hosts cover plenty of ground before sitting down for an insider’s perspective on the NCAA Tournament.In this episode:🏀 A featured conversation with Dan Gavitt, discussing:• Preparations for the upcoming NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.• What it would take to expand the tournament beyond 68 teams.• His career path from college coaching to sports marketing, athletic administration, and ultimately a leadership role at the NCAA.🏀 WNBA labor negotiations — the latest developments and what they could mean for the league’s economic trajectory.⚾ A surprising upset in the World Baseball Classic, as Team USA suffers a shocking loss to Italy.⚽ A major scandal hits Major League Soccer, where a gambling investigation results in two players receiving lifetime bans.⛳ Structural changes on the horizon at the PGA Tour, as new CEO Brian Rollap explores significant reforms for the sport.From the boardrooms of professional leagues to the bracket-building of March Madness, this episode examines the pressures, politics, and planning that shape the modern sports business landscape.Wait, What?Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

March 5, 2026Episode 14956 min

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝘒𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘯 𝘒𝘢𝘮𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘉𝘈’𝘴 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯

Episode 149 | This week, David and Tim move from racetracks to boardrooms to the hardwood, blending racing history, global football politics, media consolidation, and basketball storytelling into one compelling episode. After breaking down several major sports business headlines, the hosts welcome an award-winning filmmaker whose latest project spotlights one of the most influential disruptors in professional sports history.In this episode:🏁 Tyler Reddick and 23XI Racing open the NASCAR season with three consecutive wins — and what that early dominance signals about competitive balance at the Cup level.🥇 USA Hockey’s gold medalists from the men’s and women’s teams share a celebratory moment on 𝘚𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘦, a crossover that underscores hockey’s growing cultural momentum.⚽ FIFA faces fresh headwinds, including local resistance in Foxborough, Mass. as city officials weigh spending ahead of upcoming World Cup matches, a reminder that global events still hinge on local politics.📺 The proposed merger between Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery and what consolidation at that scale could mean for sports rights, distribution strategy, and programming leverage.🎬 A featured conversation with Kenan Kamwana Holley, two-time Emmy Award–winning director and executive producer, discussing:• His formative experience at NFL Films under Steve Sabol.• Career stops at ESPN and lessons in premium sports storytelling.• His latest project, Soul Power: The Legend of the American Basketball Association, and what made the ABA such a cultural and commercial disruptor.• What he hopes viewers take away about innovation, personality-driven marketing, and the league’s lasting imprint on today’s NBA.From racetracks to boardrooms to the hardwood, this episode explores how visionaries — on the field and behind the camera — shape the evolution of sports culture.Wait, What?Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.