Episode 125 | DP & McGhee

David and Tim return from the long weekend ready to dive into a packed episode filled with college football, NASCAR drama, and Ryder Cup anticipation. From major wins on the field to intense battles off of it, this episode covers the latest developments across multiple sports while featuring two powerhouse guests from the world of golf.

Here’s what they cover:

🏈 College Football Kickoff
UNC gets trounced in their season opener.
Florida State makes a statement with a huge win over Alabama.
ESPN's College GameDay posts record ratings as they bid farewell to Lee Corso in his retirement send-off.

🏎️ NASCAR News & Drama
Intense legal battles heat up between NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports — a fight that’s now public and very personal.

🏁 Motorsports Spotlight
Big storylines in F1, including success of F1 the Movie and major sponsorship news surrounding McLaren.

⛳ Ryder Cup Special Guests
DP and McGhee are joined by Jeff Price, Chief Commercial and Philanthropy Officer of the PGA of America, and Richard Bunn, Chief Revenue and Content Officer of the DP World Tour, to discuss:

• What makes the Ryder Cup one of the most unique and exciting events in sports.

• Their go-to-market strategy for attracting and retaining commercial partnerships.

• The impressive lineup of blue-chip sponsors backing the event.

This episode brings a perfect mix of analysis, breaking news, and insider perspectives — a must-listen for sports business fans as the fall season heats up!

—
Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

Wait, What?

𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝟭𝟮𝟰 | 𝗗𝗣 & 𝗠𝗰𝗚𝗵𝗲𝗲

In this episode, David and Tim sit down with Keith Gill, Commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference, for an open and wide-ranging conversation on the future of college sports. Gill shares his perspective on the College Football Playoff expansion, the transfer portal, and reflects on his own journey as a student-athlete at Duke University.

Before Gill joins the show, DP & McGhee break down some of the hottest topics in sports business:
⛳ PGA TOUR initiative: CEO Brian Rolapp establishes a new Future Competition Committee, with Tiger Woods as chair
⚾ MLB’s evolving media strategy: Netflix secures streaming rights to the Home Run Derby
🏀 NBA ownership moves: Finalization of the Celtics and Trail Blazers team sales
👏 WNBA milestone: Record-setting league attendance

And, a tribute to a motorsports marketing legend, Humpy Wheeler. 🏁

A jam-packed episode covering pro leagues, media, and the ever-changing college sports landscape.

𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗶𝗹𝗹, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁, 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁?

Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

115 | DP & McGhee

What's behind the headlines in sports this week? DP & McGhee serve up another fast-paced rundown of the latest in the business of sport:

 PGA TOUR Enterprises makes a power move, naming Brian Rolapp (former NFL media chief) as CEO. What does this mean for the future of the TOUR and any potential reunification with players on the LIV Tour?

 Scott O’Neil and Chris Heck are back together—this time at LIV Golf.

 JJ Spaun stuns the field and captures the U.S. Open—we look at what his win means.

 FIFA Club World Cup struggles to sell tickets in the U.S.—Was this a complete miss by FIFA?

 WNBA is in talks with ION for renewing media rights. Should the players be at the table?

 NASCAR was in Mexico City—What was the reception? You'll hear a few different narratives.

🎧 Fast takes. Smart analysis. Always at the intersection of sports and business. Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

DP & McGhee open their 25th episode talking about MLB’s recent decision to allow clubs to sell sponsorships to CBD companies and whether we’ll see cannabis sponsors at any time in the future. They also talk about Naomi Osaka’s most recent success as a sports agent, and the PGA TOUR’s most recent response to LIV Golf (spoiler alert, a reconciliation doesn’t seem to be in the cards anytime soon). The hosts are then joined by long-time NBA executive and current Drone Racing League president, Rachel Jacobson. Rachel flies across a number of topics, speaking in detail about how she thought she could make a difference when she joined the upstart league, and boy has she ever.

WNBA Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, joins DP & McGhee to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, its impact on her personally and professionally, the state of the league as it continues to grow, and the latest on the Brittney Griner situation. The hosts also discuss recent developments around LIV Golf and the spate of new sponsors across several leagues. They even work in a random reference to Miley Cyrus.  All in a day’s work for your intrepid podcasters.

The sport of Lacrosse gets headline billing in our latest episode as USA Lacrosse CEO Marc Riccio joins DP & McGhee to talk about the growth of the sport, the upcoming Women’s World Championships and the chances we’ll see lacrosse in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Once again, the show takes up the biggest story in golf since the development of the mashie niblick, LIV Golf. It has roiled the golf world, with geopolitical implications and ongoing impact on players, broadcasters, sponsors and fans. Additional topics include the NBA Finals, Apple TV+ and MLS’s blockbuster announcement, and more.

With just two weeks before NASCAR makes the leap from Fox Sports to NBC, DP & McGhee are joined by NASCAR on NBC commentator, Jeff Burton.  A 21-time winner in the NASCAR Cup Series, Burton talks about the differences between when he raced and the experience his son Harrison is having as a Cup Series Driver today. He also talks in great depth about the importance of sponsors and how the drivers, fans and sponsors all benefit from each other. Also discussed on episode 22: the crazy money being thrown around by LIV Golf, the disappointing NBA Finals ratings (to date), Jersey Mike’s at Roland Garros, and Dan Snyder’s continued troubles.  

At the opening of every episode of "Wait...What?," it is stated that the podcast takes a “sometimes serious” look at the business of sports.  That was definitely the case this week as DP & McGhee discuss the sports world’s response to the horrible tragedy in Uvalde, TX.  As the show continues, your co-hosts talk about this past weekend's Indy 500 (raced in front of a capacity crowd at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway) and also lobby for media credentials, shuttle tickets and housing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar. As we enter the conference finals stage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the NHL’s Chief Business Officer, Keith Wachtel, joins the #sportsbiz chat to talk about how sponsors, betting opportunities, and the new broadcast partners have created more and deeper fan engagement opportunities.

DP & McGhee cover a lot of ground in their 20th episode.  They start by discussing the upcoming NCAA Lacrosse Championships and segue into the historic agreement that guarantees pay equity in US Soccer.  They then discuss the recently completed PGA Championship and the sponsorship fallout for players choosing to play in the upcoming LIV Golf events.

Seasoned sponsorship marketer, Mike McCann then joins the program to talk about Amazon’s approach to sponsorships, including the strategy behind their unique naming rights deal of Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena.

DP & McGhee are joined on this episode by Donald Dell, the legendary sports marketer who was one of the industry’s true pioneers.  Dell talks about the evolution of the sports marketing industry from its beginnings over 50 years ago to the global business it has become, and drops a lot of knowledge about persistence, relationships and, yes, tennis. The hosts also talk about the latest news in the LIV Golf/PGA TOUR saga, the “sportswashing” being done by the Saudi government to attract top athletes and events, and then transition to a discussion about the prospects for continued growth in women’s sports.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we seek to shine a light on this important topic by welcoming Suraj Batheja, co-founder and COO of The Manifest Company. Suraj provides some excellent advice on how to practice mindfulness and the importance of taking care of your mental health. DP & McGhee open the chat on F1's continued success, including the success of the inaugural Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, Liberty Media's Q1 earnings and the upcoming media rights deal. David continues to be skeptical about Tom Brady's transition from the field to the broadcast booth following Fox Sports' big investment in the GOAT. Other topics touched on include a few old standbys, cricket and NIL, and the incredible finish in the Kentucky Derby.

DP & McGhee open the show talking about the future of the NCAA as it seeks to find its next leader following the recent announcement that current president, Mark Emmert, will be stepping down. The pair also discuss the size and scope of the sport of cricket as it continues to make inroads in the US, and after talking about the recently completed NFL draft and the success seen by the NHL's new media partners, your co-hosts introduce this week’s guest, Kelly Flatow of the NBA. Kelly has had a long and storied career in sports and entertainment, and she provides great insight into how the NBA managed through “The Bubble," its plans for growth, and the league's commitment to social justice issues, among other topics.

What can we say, we love alliteration. Ty Tumminia, former Commissioner of the Premier Hockey Federation, talks about her long and storied career in minor league baseball and women’s hockey, growing up in a baseball family and her bullish outlook on women's sports. DP & McGhee talk about the rapidly changing world of digital media, including the impact Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter might have on the sports business, and how Netflix’s recent challenges could impact their sports strategy.  The hosts also talk about the All England Club’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from this year’s Wimbledon.  The discussion wraps up with about the growth of Las Vegas as a home to major league teams and host to big-time sports events.

Episode 114 | DP & McGhee
From Emirates to Abu Dhabi, Roger Duthie has had a front-row seat to the Middle East’s emergence as a global force in sports. This week, he joins DP & McGhee to share stories from his time leading sponsorships at Emirates Airline — and to break down how the Gulf region became a sports power center seemingly overnight.

We cover:
• The Emirates playbook on global sponsorships
• How the Middle East changed the game in soccer, tennis, F1 & more
• What Western leagues and brands should expect next

Plus, DP & McGhee hit the headlines:
🏫 NCAA House Settlement — what it means for athlete compensation
🎾 French Open wrap-up
📉 Ratings watch: NBA & NHL Finals struggle to hold attention
⭐️ The real value of star power in today’s media market

🎧 Fast takes. Smart analysis. Always at the intersection of sports and business.
Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Howard Schacter, Chief Communications Officer for MariMed, a vertically integrated marijuana company, joins DP & McGhee to talk about the state of the cannabis industry. He also gives the real 411 on 4/20 and talks about some of the great campaigns he's executed over the course of his storied career. Tim and David also dish on the USFL, Jackie Robinson Day, the upcoming Chelsea sale and 70s stadium rock. They also look at one of the unintended consequences of NIL, namely tax bills some student-athletes didn't see coming.

With the NBA playoffs tipping off this week, Peter Feigin, president of the defending champion, Milwaukee Bucks, joins DP & McGhee for this week’s episode. Feigin discusses how winning a championship has helped the Bucks build a global brand in countries like the Philippines. He also talks about the importance of speaking truth to power when it comes to issues of social justice and race relations. No discussion about the Bucks would be complete without mentioning Giannis Antetokounmpo and Peter lets us in on how he reacted when the team re-signed the Greek Freak to a Super Max contract. DP & McGhee also talk Buffalo Bills new stadium deal, The Masters and NCAA viewership.  And, of course, McGhee goes out on a limb to make very specific prediction about the NBA playoffs.

With the US Men's National Team having just qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and a settlement with the US Women's National Team largely in the rearview mirror, the US Soccer Federation's Chief Commercial Officer, David Wright, joins DP & McGhee to take a deep look into the status of soccer in the United States and what the future holds. Be sure to listen through to hear the great advice David offers to young professionals looking to break into the business. Episode 13 also covers the rise of women's sport and how Tiger's participation in The Masters this week will affect things at Augusta. Of course, the show boasts its usual number of bizarre detours (maybe more than usual). 

McGhee takes a well-deserved victory lap to celebrate his March Madness predictions, while DP opines on the renewed popularity of F1 in the US. Your co-hosts then shine a light on the continued run of success for Major League Baseball as they announce a new sponsor in one of the most important categories. SVP of Media and Gaming for the PGA TOUR joins in to chat about the crop of great young players, the TOUR's new mega-media deals and what they mean for fan engagement, as well as the TOUR's reaction to the LIV Golf Super League. Once again DP & McGhee field student questions.

The midway point of March Madness seemed like the perfect time to take up the topic of sports betting in detail. Simplebet co-founder and CEO, Chris Bevilacqua, a leading sports industry expert across multiple segments, joins DP & McGhee to provide a lay of the sports betting landscape. The discussion covers state rollout post-PASPA, the data marketplace, and the guardrails being placed on the industry to maintain integrity. Other topics covered include the Chelsea F.C. sale and major sponsorship stories, and your co-hosts field more excellent questions from sports management students.

The sports industry has snapped back exceptionally well from two years ago--this week--when all sports were shut down. DP & McGhee talk Tom Brady return, MLB labor settlement, jersey sponsorship and more. Talent marketing agent, Russ Spielman of GSE Worldwide joins the discussion to discuss the changes that are driving his business, particularly NIL. And the co-hosts revive their college program segment fielding a question from a St. John's student. 

With conference tournaments tipping off and the NCAA men's and women's tournaments set to launch next week, it was a perfect time to talk with Eric Oberman, executive director of the Naismith Awards. DP & McGhee touch on a ton of other subjects, including Charlotte FC, Brittney Griner's detainment in Russia, and Calvin Ridley's year-long suspension from the NFL. So much to discuss, so little time. McGhee also stumps DP on an opening trivia blindside. He just didn't see that coming.

With the world roiling from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, DP & McGhee address the sports industry's response to the crisis and touch on other major storylines, including Phil Mickelson's sponsor defections, and the settlement between the US Women's National Team and U.S. Soccer. Special guest, Steve "Jake" Lauletta, of 23XI Racing, speaks to the new energy in NASCAR and how his race team, owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, is building a brand that reaches far beyond traditional NASCAR boundaries. 

MLB may still be in lockout, but the leading and most-storied trading card company, TOPPS has launched its 2022 collection. VP, Product Development, Clay Luraschi, joins the show to discuss. DP & McGhee also discuss the impact (or lack of it) left by the Beijing Winter Olympic Games and the curtain being pulled down on the busiest #sportsbiz season.

No guest this week? No problem.

DP & McGhee are talking business—this week, specifically the business of sports media. From why NBA and Stanley Cup Finals ratings could be historically low, to MLB’s attendance and viewership boom, this week’s episode is a tour through the shifting sports TV landscape.

🎯 Topics covered:

• 📉 Why NBA & NHL Finals ratings may dip (and who’s to blame)

• 📈 MLB’s strong rebound: ratings, rules, and real fan interest

• 🏀 Knicks coaching drama & what it means for MSG

• 🚐 The Oscar Mayer Weiner Mobile’s return to glory

• ⚽ MLS’s latest news and its long-term media outlook

Plus, some unexpected detours through Tim Robbins’ filmography and WKRP in Cincinnati. Because of course.

Subscribe to Wait, What? Sportsbiz Chat with DP & McGhee for weekly insights into the business behind the box scores.

With Super Bowl LVI behind us, DP & McGhee do an advertising and ratings post-mortem on the broadcast, and look toward upcoming major #sportsbiz calendar events. A new segment, Ask DP & McGhee, is introduced with tremendous questions coming in from undergraduate sports business students at Chicago's DePaul University.

Heading into Super Bowl LVI, DP & McGhee take a look at the stories surrounding the NFL, including the Brian Flores lawsuit, advertising on the game, sports betting, and more. NFL Chief Revenue Officer, Renie Anderson joins the discussion to provide some in-depth insights into how the league builds fan engagement and sponsor activation. Renie's story on how she got started in the #sportsbiz is not to be missed.

As a hyperactive #sportsbiz season continues, DP & McGhee cover a wide range of topics, including the dramatic Australian Open finals, the massive Microsoft acquisition of Activision, the rise of Las Vegas as a major sports city, and much more. Chief Commercial Officer of LA28 and US Olympic & Paralympic Properties, Christopher Pepe joined the show to discuss why the Olympic Games remain a vibrant opportunity for brand marketers and what he expects the legacy of the LA games in 2028 to be.

DP & McGhee chat about the epic weekend of NFL playoff football, the new NCAA Constitution, and welcome pioneering sports business journalist, Terry Lefton for a broad-ranging discussion. Topics tackled include, Super Bowl advertising, crypto sponsorship, Fanatics' ambitions, why he doesn't accept press releases, and much, much more. Terry is a "valuable/invaluable" resource to the sports business and he shows why during this episode.

With the Beijing Winter Games set to begin on February 4, DP & McGhee take a deep dive into the Olympic movement with special guest, Gary Pluchino, a veteran sports marketing executive that has spent a good deal of his career guiding major Olympic sponsorship programs. Other topics include, Novak Djokovic and the Australian Open, the MLB lockout, and the College Football Playoff. 

Episode 1 | Welcome to the inaugural episode of 𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩...𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩? 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨𝙗𝙞𝙯 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝘿𝙋 & 𝙈𝙘𝙂𝙝𝙚𝙚. On this week's episode, co-hosts and sports marketing industry veterans, Tim McGhee and David Paro,  provide an overview of what they are hoping to accomplish with this new podcast. Topics include the enduring strength of live sports, #sponsorship in the cryptocurrency category,  and the Let's Go Brandon NASCAR drama. DP also provides some background on how he got his career start. 

Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of sports and business. 𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩, 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩?

Episode 112 | DP & McGhee
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, DP & McGhee sit down with Dr. Mara Smith, a mental performance consultant to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and a former college gymnast, to explore how athletes are approaching mental fitness at the highest levels. Her insights on Simone Biles and the pressures elite athletes face are essential listening.

Also in this week’s episode:
• DP’s bold (and slightly delusional?) pick for 2025’s biggest sports story: Cornell lacrosse
• The passing of Colts owner Jim Irsay — what it means for the NFL
• Caitlin Clark’s injury and its ripple effect on the WNBA’s business momentum
• A look at Memorial Day weekend’s triple-header of racing action

🎧 Fast takes. Smart analysis. Always at the intersection of sports and business.
Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 111 | DP & McGhee
With the launch of his new docuseries Earnhardt on Amazon Prime Video, award-winning filmmaker Josh Altman joins the show to talk about capturing the legacy of Dale Earnhardt, earning the trust of the family, and what it takes to tell a story that resonates in and beyond the world of sports. The DP & McGhee endorsement of this project is strong.

Also in this episode:
• MLB’s stunning move: Rob Manfred lifts the lifetime bans on Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson — what it means for Cooperstown
• WNBA season tip-off and early business signals
• NBA Playoffs viewership — winners, losers, and what it means for ad spend
• MLS club valuations — DP & McGhee go full Wall Street

🎧 Fast takes. Smart analysis. Always at the intersection of sports and business.
Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 110 | DP & McGhee
If you’ve ever picked up the phone to find Terry Lefton on the line, you know you’re in for a smart, fast, and entertaining conversation. The longtime sports marketing journalist returns as the first-ever repeat guest on Wait, What? — and this time, DP & McGhee are the ones asking the questions. From how the sports media game has changed to what he’s watching most closely now, Terry brings sharp insight and great stories.

Before the interview, the hosts break down the week in sportsbiz, including:
• NBA Playoff viewership trends and what's driving the numbers
• F1’s financial outlook and global growth trajectory
• ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer product — and its brilliantly simple name
• Shilo or Shadeur? The Deion effect lives on
• Media Upfronts and what’s next for broadcast deals
• MJ joining the NBA on NBC broadcast team
• And yes, another correction segment from Tim

🎧 Fast takes. Smart analysis. Always at the intersection of sports and business.
Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 109 | DP & McGhee
With squash officially set to debut in the 2028 Summer Olympics, Kevin Klipstein, President & CEO of U.S. Squash, joins the show to talk about what this means for the sport’s future — from visibility and participation to investment and infrastructure. He also shares what it takes to lead a sport with deep roots but a modern growth mindset.

Also this week:
• 🐎 Kentucky Derby recap — on and off the track
• 📺 NBA Playoff ratings: which matchups are driving viewership
• 🏀 Gregg Popovich’s retirement — the end of an era in San Antonio
• 🔦 Spotlight on Sponsorship: three smart partnerships worth your attention
• 🎧 And in a show first, a listener calls out a Tim mistake — and he owns it

🎧 Fast takes. Smart analysis. Always at the intersection of sports and business.
Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 108 | DP & McGhee
This week, DP & McGhee welcome Jeff Gooding, VP of Marketing at Ace Hardware, to talk about the company’s new partnership with Major League Baseball — and how they activate that at both the national and local level across 5,000 stores. Jeff also shares one of the most grounded, practical pieces of career advice we’ve heard for anyone looking to break into the sports industry.

Also in this episode:
• NBA and NHL Playoff updates — and what matters from a business POV
• The NFL Draft recap: Cam Ward goes first, but Shadeur Sanders steals the narrative
• Mel Kiper’s hot takes on Sanders — analysis or obsession?
• Celebrating the legendary Lee Corso as he retires from ESPN after 38 years

🎧 Fast takes. Smart analysis. Always at the intersection of sports and business.
Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 107 | DP & McGhee
Imagine a platform connecting over 115,000 student-athletes with brands for endorsement deals, influencer campaigns, and content partnerships. That’s Opendorse, and this week, DP & McGhee welcome TJ Ciro, SVP of Partnerships, to break down how the platform operates at scale — and what’s next in the NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) space. From compliance to creativity, this conversation is packed with insights on the fast-changing college sports marketing landscape.

Also in this episode:
• 📈 The Masters TV ratings and what the numbers say about golf viewership
• 🏀 NBA’s spring rebound — how far can it go?
• 🏈 The NFL’s continued revenue dominance
• ⚽ MLB sponsorship trends
• 🏆 WNBA headlines heading into a pivotal season

🎧 Fast takes. Smart analysis. Always at the intersection of sports and business.
Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 106 | DP & McGhee
It’s early April, so of course DP & McGhee are talking Final Four basketball and Masters Week — with a few twists. They dig into both the Men’s and Women’s tournaments before David confesses a take that might ruffle tradition-loving hoops fans. Then it’s on to golf, as the hosts weigh in on the fractured state of the game and where things go from here.

Later in the episode, Jason Langwell, Chief Revenue Officer of TMRW Sports, joins the show to talk about the debut season of TGL — the innovative golf league backed by Tiger, Rory, and others. Jason shares key insights on the future of the sport, building new formats for modern fans, and where TMRW Sports is headed next.

Also in this episode:
• NCAA Tournament business takeaways
• The Masters and brand affinity
• PGA vs. LIV: is resolution in sight?

🎧 Fast takes. Smart analysis. Always at the intersection of sports and business.
Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 123 | DP & McGhee

In this episode, David Paro and Tim McGhee kick things off with their signature Spotlight on Sponsorships before diving into big stories across the sports business landscape. They wrap things up with a conversation with Ahmad Nassar, Executive Director of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) and CEO of Winners Alliance.

✨ Spotlight on Sponsorships
🏟️ Olympic Venue Naming Rights – LA2028 makes history by selling venue naming rights, while iconic sites like Dodger Stadium and the Rose Bowl remain untouched.
🚗 NASCAR Series Title Change – O’Reilly Auto Parts replaces Xfinity as the title sponsor of NASCAR’s second series, creating a strong endemic fit.
🪖 USAA & NFL – USAA renews its long-standing partnership with the NFL, with DP highlighting Tim’s role in the original deal.

📑 Around the Leagues
🏒 NHL CBA Quietly Renewed – A major labor milestone passes with little fanfare.
🏈 Football Headlines – Updates on the Brian Flores discrimination case, more turbulence within the NFLPA, and NCAA sanctions for Michigan football.

🎾 Guest Spotlight: Ahmad Nassar
David and Tim welcome Ahmad Nassar, Executive Director of the PTPA and CEO of Winners Alliance. He shares:

• The PTPA’s mission to give tennis players a stronger collective voice and improve their careers both on and off the court.

• The difference and similarities between various players associations.

• His experience as a leader at NFL Players, Inc.

Wait, What?
Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.

Episode 105 | DP & McGhee
This week, DP & McGhee sit down with sports marketing legend Rick Jones for a conversation that spans nearly 50 years of partnerships, storytelling, and bold thinking. From building the iconic Werner Ladder x March Madness deal to shaping historic Final Fours, Rick shares war stories and lessons from a career spent at the center of the action.

Also in this episode:
• 🔥 Pat McAfee’s amplification of a false MLB rumor — and the fallout
• ⚾ The “torpedo” moment hitting Major League Baseball — and why it matters for the league’s future
• 🏀 Thoughts on this year’s NCAA Tournament — through the eyes of a marketing veteran

🎧 Fast takes. Smart analysis. Always at the intersection of sports and business.
Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 104 | DP & McGhee
After several guest-packed episodes, DP & McGhee fly solo this week — and there’s no shortage of stories to break down. They kick things off with the record-breaking sale of the Boston Celtics and what that might signal for future team valuations and expansion fees.

Then it’s a full tour around the sportsbiz world, including:
🎬 Jimmy Pitaro removing himself from Disney CEO contention — what it says about ESPN’s future

⚽ USL announces promotion and relegation — a bold move in U.S. soccer
🏀 March Madness marketing takeaways
🌍 The historic selection of a new IOC president

🎧 Fast takes. Smart analysis. Always at the intersection of sports and business.
Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 103 | DP & McGhee
For the first time in show history, DP & McGhee recorded in front of a live audience — thanks to the New York Mets, who hosted the show at their Mets House activation in NYC’s Union Square.

Joining the show is Bobby Clemens, VP of Creative Content & Creative Director for the Mets, who takes listeners behind the scenes of how the team creates impactful storytelling and brand moments both on and off the field.

Also in this special live episode:
• 🏀 March Madness and the business of buzzer-beaters
• ⚾ MLB Opening Day — brand energy and first impressions
• 🧢 The New Era Cap fallout and licensing misfires
• 📰 Remembering the late, great sportswriter John Feinstein

🎧 Fast takes. Smart analysis. Always at the intersection of sports and business.
Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 102 | DP & McGhee
DP & McGhee are joined by Caroline Smith (aka @itscarolinescorner), a rising voice in the F1 content space, to talk about building an audience, her approach to storytelling, and what it really takes to break into the creator/influencer game. Whether you're into sports, media, or digital content strategy, Caroline drops valuable perspective.

Also in this episode:
🎭 A first for Wait, What? — the crew shares their favorite Broadway musicals
🏀 NCAA Tournament chatter: who’s in, who’s moving the needle, and what it means for brands
💰 NIL strategy and the rise of the General Manager role in college athletics

🎧 Fast takes. Smart analysis. Always at the intersection of sports and business.
Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 101 | DP & McGhee
DP & McGhee are joined by Elisa Padilla, Chief Marketing Officer, and Joe Stetson, Chief Commercial Officer, of the New York Red Bulls — two senior leaders with deep experience across the sports industry. From their early days at MSG and BSE Global to their current leadership roles in MLS, Elisa and Joe share lessons in growth, leadership, and brand strategy.

They also take us inside the club’s new naming rights deal with Sports Illustrated Tickets, and how it fits into the Red Bulls’ broader vision for fan engagement and revenue innovation.

Before the interview, the hosts break down major headlines:
🏅 Big moves and shifting power dynamics in the Olympic world
🏒 Strong turnout for the NHL Stadium Series
🏎️ IndyCar’s ratings surge on FOX — and what it could signal

🎧 Fast takes. Smart analysis. Always at the intersection of sports and business.
Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 100 | DP & McGhee
DP & McGhee celebrate a major milestone — the 100th episode of Wait, What? — and they’re joined by John Lewicki, VP of International at the NHL, for a timely discussion about the global momentum behind the league.

The conversation includes a look back at the 4 Nations Face-Off, what made it such a success, and how the NHL is thinking about its next international plays.

Also in this episode:
📺 Trouble ahead? The likely split between ESPN and MLB
🌟 Takeaways from the NBA All-Star Weekend
🎲 Another gambling scandal shakes the industry — how many more are coming?

🎧 Fast takes. Smart analysis. Always at the intersection of sports and business.
Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 99 | DP & McGhee
What kind of sportsbiz podcasters would we be if we didn’t talk Super Bowl?

In this episode, DP & McGhee go beyond just the game to cover:
🏈 The on-field action in Super Bowl LIX
🎤 The halftime show performance
📺 The hits and misses in this year’s ad lineup — including a few favorites (and a few flops)

David takes the high road after correctly predicting the winner, while Tim…well, let’s just say he’s got a few regrets.

Also on the docket:
💰 A sharp look at MLB and NFL’s record-setting sponsorship revenue
📈 What it means for the future of team and league brand partnerships

Smart takes. Real insights. No Ad Meter required.

🎧 Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 98 | DP & McGhee
DP & McGhee open the show with bold Super Bowl LIX predictions — and yes, one of them nails it. But before kickoff, they dive into:
🔁 The blockbuster trade between Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis
🎲 Ongoing scandals around sports betting in the NBA and MLB

Then they’re joined by Ben Reiling of Nielsen Sports — a longtime leader in the brand marketing world — for a fascinating conversation about:
📊 How data and analytics are reshaping decisions in the sports industry
🥤 His days at The Coca-Cola Company and insights from one of the biggest brands in the game

And yes, keep an eye out for the 11:11s.

🎧 Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 97 | DP & McGhee
DP & McGhee kick off 2025 with a wide-ranging, no-guest-needed episode to get back in the groove.

They open with a look back at:
🏈 The College Football Playoffs
🏆 The NFL Conference Championship games

Then it’s time to turn the page:
🔮 The co-hosts revisit their 2024 predictions — and both make a solid case for their sportsbiz clairvoyance
📅 They lay out bold takes and big bets on what’s coming in 2025

We predict you’ll enjoy the show.

🎧 Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 96 | DP & McGhee
It’s beginning to look a lot like...time for another sportsbiz chat.

DP & McGhee close out 2024 with a lively conversation on:
🥊 The upcoming Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight and its potential impact on Netflix’s first-ever Christmas Day NFL games
🕵️‍♂️ The growing buzz over whether the fight outcome could be scripted
📺 NFL Thanksgiving ratings that once again prove the league’s dominance in live TV

Also on the rundown:
🏎️ F1 season wrap-up
⚽ MLS Cup
🏈 Final takes ahead of the College Football Playoff

Packed weekend. Packed episode. Let’s go out strong.

🎧 Don’t miss this episode of Wait, What?

Episode 122 | DP & McGhee
Co-hosts David Paro and Tim McGhee open with a sharp look at recent headline-making moves in sports media. They break down the NFL’s $2.5B stake in ESPN—part of a massive $25B valuation—and Fox Sports’ strategic investment in IndyCar, exploring how these deals could reshape the sports broadcast and rights landscape.
The discussion then tackles the troubling persistence of sexism and misogyny in sports. DP & McGhee address incidents like sex toys being thrown onto the court at WNBA games, and examine both the progress and pushback faced by Jen Pawol, MLB’s first female umpire, who recently made history in Atlanta.
This week’s guest is Liz DiLullo Brown, EVP and Chief Marketing & Business Relationships Officer for Little League International. Liz shares insights from the just-completed Little League Softball World Series and previews the Little League World Series, beginning August 13 in Williamsport, PA. She explains how Little League is evolving to stay culturally relevant and details the organization’s growing partnership with Major League Baseball to inspire the next generation of athletes.
𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀. 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲. 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 & 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀.
𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁, 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁?

Thanksgiving is right around the corner in the US, and like a fully loaded Turkey Day table, DP & McGhee have a little something for everyone.

The hosts serve up the recently completed NASCAR season as the appetizer, followed by a main course of NFL with a side of Tom Brady. Major League Soccer serves as a nice intermezzo before David and Tim serve up a sweet dessert of the stories they are following.

Bon appetit!