John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 13hNew pod: How does the PGA Tour move forward? Andy Johnson (@friedeggandy.bsky.social) of Fried Egg Golf (@friedegggolf.bsky.social) explains. open.spotify.com/episode/5EBM...open.spotify.comGolf’s Rolapp RevolutionThe Varsity · Episode 000
Reposted by John OurandProFootballTalk @profootballtalk.bsky.social · 29/09/2026Falcons-Packers draws 16.82 million on Thursday night. Is the number too good to be true? @ourand.bsky.social recently presented both sides as to a dispute over how Amazon counts its viewers.nbcsports.comFalcons-Packers generates 16.2 million on Prime VideoThe game wasn't good, unless you're a die-hard Falcons fan. 1115
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 25/09/2026A veteran documentary dealmaker has a new investment model that pairs pro athletes with production opportunities. And you don’t have to be a Peyton or LeBron to get into the movie business. puck.news/the-new-inve...puck.newsLet the Players PlayA veteran documentary dealmaker’s new model pairs athletes with production opportunities. You don’t have to be a Peyton or Lebron to get in. 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Ted's Entrance Interview: Ted Leonsis speaks to @puck.news just as he takes over as chairman of the NHL's Board of Governors. puck.news/ted-leonsis-...puck.newsTed’s Excellent VentureTed Leonsis built the Capitals into a D.C. sports empire spanning teams, media, and Capital One Arena. Next stop: women’s sports dominance. 001
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 20/09/2026New pod: Kevin Burkhardt on the tricks to calling games. open.spotify.com/episode/0ybr...open.spotify.comKevin Burkhardt's Art of "Not Showing How Smart You Are"The Varsity · Episode 021
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 16/09/2026The Varsity * There's a reason why CBS and Fox NFL Week 1 is down big, and it has nothing to do with Nielsen changes. * A minority investor in the Atlanta Braves is so concerned about a work stoppage, he wants John Malone to sell the team. * Florio signed a book deal. puck.news/newsletter_c...puck.newsNFL Ratings Real Talk & A Braves Sale NonstarterSep 15, 2026 John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity and congrats to John Tornow, Puck’s C.T.O., whose Tortured Backfield Dept. looks like the team to beat in Puck’s ultra-competitive office fantasy f... 110
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 14/09/2026New pod: ESPN's Peter Schrager with an NFL preview--the NFL’s flag football plans, international push and the next wave of team owners. open.spotify.com/episode/1RrX...open.spotify.comPeter Schrager’s Big DayThe Varsity · Episode 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 11/09/2026Football is back, and that means Pat McAfee is everywhere. After a summer in which sports media tried to unpack his megadeal with ESPN—which still hasn't been announced, for the record—his omnipotence says almost everything one needs to know about the business. puck.news/mcafeeconomi...puck.newsMcAfee of the UniverseAfter a summer in which much of the sports media tried to unpack his megadeal with ESPN—which remains unsigned, for the record—his omnipotence says almost everything one needs to know about the state of the business. 010
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 09/09/2026The Varsity * @dvnjr.bsky.social defends ESPN's Clippers' story. * @eriqgardner.bsky.social suggests that universities should allow college players to unionize. puck.news/newsletter_c...puck.newsThe NCAA Legal Inferno & Van Natta Speaks!Sep 8, 2026 John Ourand Welcome to The Varsity. It’s the NFL’s opening week, which can’t get here soon enough. Baseball season ended for me after that disastrous four-game series in Camden Yards over ... 001
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 09/09/2026New pod: Nick Khan opens up about the boxing business, WWE growth prospects and why Josh Kushner and Bob Iger paid $12.5 billion for the Lakers. open.spotify.com/episode/1fsW...open.spotify.comNick Khan’s Plan to Fix BoxingThe Varsity · Episode 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 06/09/2026New pod: Longtime sportscaster Jim Gray has a career's worth of stories. open.spotify.com/episode/5OVk...open.spotify.comJim Gray’s History LessonsThe Varsity · Episode 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 04/09/2026I'm a daily listener of @peterhamby.bsky.social's "The Powers That Be" podcast, so it's always great when I get to make an appearance. Topics: Steve Ballmer, Tony Romo and Roger Goodell in Australia. www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x5P...youtube.comHow the Clippers’ Future Imploded Before Their EyesYouTube video by Puck 120
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 04/09/2026The only surprising element of the NBA’s punishment of the L.A. Clippers is its severity—and how ferociously Steve Ballmer, the league’s richest owner, is fighting back. Is this a harbinger for future governor-on-league violence? puck.news/ballmers-def...puck.newsBallmer to the WallThe only surprising element of the NBA’s punishment of the L.A. Clippers is its severity—and how ferociously Steve Ballmer, the league’s richest owner, is fighting back. Is this a harbinger for future... 020
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 02/09/2026New pod: Top NFL consultant, Marc Ganis, on fixing college sports, Lachlan Murdoch’s risky bet on NFL media rights, the league’s flag football and international expansion push, and the never-ending saga of the Bears’ stadium search. open.spotify.com/episode/5a8c...open.spotify.comCan Washington Actually Fix College Sports?The Varsity · Episode 011
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 02/09/2026* Kroenke takes the Angels. * A Romo prediction. * The newest trend in college sports. * ESPN's latest distribution numbers, per Nielsen. puck.news/newsletter_c...puck.newsRomo’s Surprise Statement & A Goodell Whisperer’s P.O.V.Sep 1, 2026 John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity. It’s that time of year when it feels like half of my source calls are coming from people wandering around the Billie Jean King National Tennis Cent... 100
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 01/09/2026Former NYT sportswriter Karen Crouse now writes for Clay Travis' Sport and State sports media co. puck.news/newsletter_c...puck.newsLakersnomics & LIV Golf’s Last GaspAug 31, 2026 John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity. Pour one out for Red Sox radio play-by-player Will Flemming, who issued an apology for calling for on-field fisticuffs after the Yankees’ Jazz Chi... 010
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 30/08/2026 New pod: A Varsity-style NFL season preview with @andrewmarchand.bsky.social. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...podcasts.apple.comThe NFL’s Broadcasting Shake-UpPodcast Episode · The Varsity · August 30 · 44m 010
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 28/08/2026LSU coach Lane Kiffin’s attempt to land a pair of players who previously signed NFL deals struck a nerve with just about everyone in college football this week. Was the act so audacious that Congress will have to take a harder look at the Protect College Sports Act? puck.news/lane-kiffins...puck.newsLane DrainLSU coach Lane Kiffin’s attempt to land a pair of players who previously signed NFL deals struck a nerve with just about everyone in college football this week. Was the act so audacious that Congress ... 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 26/08/2026New pod: NASCAR's top media exec on how the sports media landscape has changed in the three years since he signed $7.7 billion worth of deals. open.spotify.com/episode/3lub...open.spotify.comNASCAR’s $7.7 Billion BetThe Varsity · Episode 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 26/08/2026The premier name in stock car racing is trying to turn media fragmentation into a growth engine, pairing resilient traditional ratings with younger digital audiences and Hollywood-sized ambition. puck.news/nascars-medi...puck.newsNASCAR’s Days Of ThunderNASCAR is trying to turn media fragmentation into a growth engine, pairing resilient traditional ratings with younger digital audiences and Hollywood ambition. 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 25/08/2026The Timberwolves are the new poster child of skyrocketing sports team valuations, essentially tripling their worth in the course of a year. As it turns out, even tech investors need a safe place to park their billions… as long as it’s not in MLB. puck.news/the-timberwo...puck.newsHungry for the WolvesThe Timberwolves are the new face of skyrocketing team valuations, tripling in worth in a year. Turns out tech money needs a home—just not in the MLB. 000
Reposted by John OurandThe Brian Lehrer Show @thebrianlehrershow.bsky.social · 24/08/2026@puck.news sports correspondent John @ourand.bsky.social talks about skyrocketing sports team valuations, a new private equity investment in the Yankees, and the potential 2027 MLB lockout. Listen: wnyc.org/browse/shows...wnyc.orgThe Soaring Price of Sports Teams | WNYCJohn Ourand, sports correspondent at Puck, talks about skyrocketing sports team valuations, a new private equity investment in the Yankees, and the potential 2027 MLB lockout. 053
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 23/08/2026New pod: @jimmytraina.bsky.social on what went into his decision to leave Sports Illustrated after 20-plus years and embark on a new venture, Underscore Media. open.spotify.com/episode/5hJd...open.spotify.comLife after SIThe Varsity · Episode 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 21/08/2026For all its triumphs—the big-name talents, the rivalries, the broad-based appeal—even the WNBA’s most ardent fans are worried its success is too driven by social and political issues. And no one seems confident that leadership can make the most of their momentum. puck.news/newsletter_c...puck.newsWNBA Polarization & Disney+’s Sports PushJohn Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity. It promises to be a big weekend in the Ourand household. We’re taking our youngest to Villanova for her senior year, our final college move-in. How many popes ... 110
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 19/08/2026The Varsity * Mark Walter looked into letting Charter out of its Lakers’ and Dodgers’ deals early for a lump sum payout. Those talks went nowhere. * A bull case for Tony Romo's return to CBS. * Inside NBC's Preakness deal. puck.news/newsletter_c...puck.newsWalter’s Desperation Play & The Billionaire Sports HedgeAug 18, 2026 John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity. By the time this hits your inbox, I will be noshing on crab cakes with Michael Nathanson from a Camden Yards suite. Let’s go O’s! R.I.P. to Bill R... 110
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 19/08/2026New pod: Venture capitalist Mark Ein, who holds stakes in the Commanders, Orioles and Leeds United, opens up about why team values are skyrocketing. open.spotify.com/episode/5Z0H...open.spotify.comInside D.C.'s Sports Ownership BoomThe Varsity · Episode 100
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 16/08/2026New pod: ESPN's @ramonaespn.bsky.social on how Bob Iger and Josh Kushner managed to buy the Lakers so quickly. open.spotify.com/episode/27Vk...open.spotify.comHow Iger Got the LakersThe Varsity · Episode 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 14/08/2026While some media types wonder if Bob Iger and Josh Kushner have minted the top of the market for franchise ownership, a whole new tidal wave of money is beginning to look at this asset class as a hedge against A.I. and other macroeconomic factors. puck.news/are-the-lake...puck.newsAre the Lakers Really Worth $12 Billion?While some media types wonder if Bob Iger and Josh Kushner have minted the top of the market for franchise ownership, a whole new tidal wave of money is beginning to look at this asset class as a hedg... 010
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 12/08/2026New pod: What happens to NFL media rights negotiations now? Guggenheim's Mike Morris explains what's going on. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...podcasts.apple.comCable Bundles of JoyPodcast Episode · The Varsity · August 12 · 44m 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 09/08/2026New pod: Florio (@profootballtalk.bsky.social) joins for an NFL season preview: Sunday Ticket, the NFL owning ESPN, the inevitable 18th game and, of course, Tony Romo. open.spotify.com/episode/0LAv...open.spotify.comA ’26 NFL Off-Field Season Preview 062
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 07/08/2026The Varsity * The latest on NFL media rights negotiations. * Will Romo return to CBS? * How did the Preakness double its rights fee? puck.news/newsletter_c...puck.newsThe MLS Commish Conclave & More Romo Tea LeavesAug 6, 2026 John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity. It’s football season again! By the time this hits your inbox tonight, Carolina’s taxi squad players will be just about ready to take the field agai... 100
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 06/08/2026TNT Sports picked up rights to Spikes Under the Lights, a women's volleyball event from Full Day Productions and GSE Worldwide. Nebraska, Penn State, Florida, and SMU will play for $1 million on TNT, TruTV, HBO Max Aug. 27. More in @dylanbyers.bsky.social's private email. puck.news/newsletter_c... 011
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 05/08/2026The Varsity * New MLS commissioner Larry Berg meets the press. * Analytics firm Samba puts some numbers to the first few F1 races on Apple TV. * The knives are out for Gianni Infantino. Plus, agent Gideon Cohen explains why the market for on-air talent is drying up. puck.news/newsletter_c...puck.newsIron Gianni & Apple’s F1 SpinoutAug 4, 2026 WELCOME BACK! You’re receiving a complimentary version of The Varsity as a welcome gift to new readers. Start a free 14-day trial to unlock access to Puck. John Ourand Welcome back to Th... 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 05/08/2026New pod: It used to be a seller’s market for sports broadcasters. But as RSNs wither and TV networks gut studio rosters, it’s increasingly lean times for on-air talent. Athletes First's Gideon Cohen is thinking about what his business might look like in the future. open.spotify.com/episode/6TyZ...open.spotify.comNetflix’s NFL Booth & CBS’s Romo ConundrumThe Varsity · Episode 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 02/08/2026New pod: The business behind the WNBA is great--TV ratings, attendance, sponsorships. So why is it mired in so much internal conflict? The Athletic's @anniecostabile.bsky.social joins to make sense of it all. open.spotify.com/episode/1bpm...open.spotify.comCan the WNBA Survive Its Own Success?The Varsity · Episode 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 29/07/2026New pod: Is the A.I. capex arms race reshaping how streamers approach sports rights? Ace analyst Michael Nathanson offers his thoughts. open.spotify.com/episode/6ZuJ...open.spotify.comIs the A.I. Arms Race Coming for Sports?The Varsity · Episode 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 29/07/2026The Varsity * Big Ten's rivalry with the SEC takes center stage. * MLS commissioner search could be decided next week. * This streaming thing doesn't look like a fad. puck.news/newsletter_c...puck.newsParaBros Hard Choices & A Netflix NFL PitchJul 28, 2026 John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity. I’m John Ourand, once again spending far too much of the college football preseason thinking about Chapel Hill. Last year, it was Bill Belichick’s... 100
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 28/07/2026The Varsity * Cathy Engelbert’s hold on her WNBA Commissioner job remains tenuous at best. * NBCU's streaming strategy marks a significant departure from Disney and Paramount. * @andrewmarchand.bsky.social on the Ryan Clark story. puck.news/newsletter_c...puck.newsCuban vs. The Mavs & A WNBA Confidence CrisisJul 27, 2026 John Ourand Welcome back to The Varsity. Like Gianni Infantino, I would like to offer a special shout-out to all the haters out there. Yesterday, the FIFA president posted a strange World... 100
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 26/07/2026New pod: @andrewmarchand.bsky.social breaks down ESPN’s recent layoffs--from the reasons why they happened to what it was like reporting on it. open.spotify.com/episode/1bVy...open.spotify.comWhat ESPN’s Layoffs Really SignalThe Varsity · Episode 010
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 24/07/2026The latest round of ESPN casualties represents the latest act in the remaking of sports media: The network has shed half of its households in the past 15 years as the costs of broadcast rights have skyrocketed. How’s a linear sports network supposed to compete? puck.news/espns-layoff...puck.newsBristol WhippedThe latest round of ESPN casualties represents the latest act in the remaking of sports media: The network has shed half of its households in the past 15 years as the costs of broadcast rights have sk... 100
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 22/07/2026New pod: How can @ussoccer.com capitalize on this year's World Cup. JT Batson, the CEO of the US Soccer Federation, explains. open.spotify.com/episode/7eqW...open.spotify.comHas the U.S. Finally Fallen in Love with Soccer?The Varsity · Episode 020
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 19/07/2026New pod: @theathletic.com's @evandrellich.bsky.social on an era of good feelings around baseball in the face of a coming labor war. open.spotify.com/episode/1jUn...open.spotify.comCan MLB Surpass the NBA?The Varsity · Episode 001
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 17/07/2026Sources: I'm told that the MLS Commissioner search has narrowed to three execs who could replace Don Garber. * LAFC co-owner and former PE exec Larry Berg * Veteran media exec David Nathanson * Senior exec with the 49ers Paraag Marathe A new MLS commissioner is expected to be announced next month. 02210
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 17/07/2026The Varsity * Player of the Week: Carolyn Tisch Blodgett * Down to the J.V.: Bundesliga * World Cup TV ratings are bonkers * ESPN's local sports plan * Last hope for the Protect College Sports Act puck.news/newsletter_c...puck.newsMLB Lockout Forecasting & World Cup DominanceJohn Ourand Welcome to The Varsity from a smoke-filled New York City. I attended the ESPYs last night for their cross-country, Lincoln Center debut. The show had a bit of a New York vibe, from the hom... 100
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 17/07/2026Looming lockout or not, baseball is riding high this summer, with generational stars, epic ratings, and the willingness to ignore the labor storm clouds gathering for the post-postseason. puck.news/why-mlbs-bus...puck.newsSmiling Through the Baseball ApocalypseLooming lockout or not, baseball is riding high this summer, with generational stars, epic ratings, and the willingness to ignore the labor storm clouds gathering for the post-postseason. 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 15/07/2026The Varsity * Grading the Netflix production of the Home Run Derby * FIFA officials are torn over the future of hydration breaks * MLB labor strike was on display in Philly * Morgan Stanley analyst is not concerned about Netflix engagement numbers. puck.news/newsletter_c...puck.newsThe Fanatics Invasion & The Hydration Break WarsJul 14, 2026 John Ourand Welcome to The Varsity, from a joyous Philly, even after hometown hero Kyle Schwarber fell short in MLB’s Home Run Derby. The vibes around baseball have felt great this week—a... 100
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 15/07/2026New pod: @puck.news @eriqgardner.bsky.social explains the legal drama around Paramount/WBD and the NFL’s Sunday Ticket suit. Plus, a deep dive into the Wrigley Field lawsuit. open.spotify.com/episode/3vQ7...open.spotify.comCaught Stealing… The View?The Varsity · Episode 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 12/07/2026New pod: Michael Ratner and Lance Fensterman on the wild growth and evolution of Fanatics Fest, which kicks off in New York this week. open.spotify.com/episode/2FGw...open.spotify.comFanatically SpeakingThe Varsity · Episode 000
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 11/07/2026FIFA World Cup U.S. rights negotiations expected to start later this year. "A half dozen really good sources say that there’s been no real communication with FIFA on the topic, beyond the expectation that bids could be submitted in late fall or early winter." puck.news/inside-fifas...puck.newsFIFA Prepares Its 2030 Wish ListWith the World Cup overperforming, FIFA is in the catbird seat on 2030 and 2034 rights—but a time-zone penalty makes fees next to impossible to predict. 100
John Ourand @ourand.bsky.social · 10/07/2026FIFA is seemingly in the catbird seat in negotiating rights deals for 2030 and 2034. And while there is no shortage of suitors, there are surprisingly few details, and a time-zone penalty that makes viewership and rights fees next to impossible to predict. puck.news/inside-fifas...puck.newsFIFA Prepares Its 2030 Wish ListWith the World Cup overperforming, FIFA is in the catbird seat on 2030 and 2034 rights—but a time-zone penalty makes fees next to impossible to predict. 010
