CNBC Sport

This episode explores two ambitious plans to reshape professional sports. First, Shaquille O’Neal joins CNBC’s Alex Sherman to discuss Dunkman, a competitive league created to showcase elite independent dunkers from around the world. Shaq explains why basketball’s most spectacular play deserves its own professional platform—and why today’s best dunkers are not necessarily NBA stars.

Dunkman brings international competitors together in a structured league with professional judging and an initial $500,000 prize. Shaq says that figure could rise to $1 million as the competition grows. He also explains how online video and social media have helped independent athletes build audiences, develop increasingly difficult dunks and create opportunities outside traditional professional basketball.

The league evaluates performances across seven categories: difficulty, execution, originality, power, vertical leap, completion and crowd reaction. Shaq also shares memories of watching Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins, explains why he never entered the NBA Slam Dunk Contest and offers a blunt assessment of why the event has declined. For Shaq, elite athletes have a responsibility to reward fans by competing and putting on a memorable show.

In the second conversation, Alex speaks with Larry Berg following the announcement that Berg will become the next commissioner of Major League Soccer. Berg discusses his lifelong connection to soccer, his experience as a minority owner of LAFC and his desire to help grow the sport across the United States and Canada.

Berg describes MLS as being at a “fork in the road” following the World Cup. He argues that the league already has world-class infrastructure but must now improve the quality of play, strengthen youth development, refine its roster and spending rules, and capitalize on increased interest in North American soccer.

He introduces the idea of an “MLS 3.0” grand bargain in which owners consider multiple interconnected reforms rather than debating one issue at a time. Berg also explains why European-style promotion and relegation could discourage investment in American stadiums, training facilities and player rosters. Instead, he suggests that MLS can create competitive jeopardy through knockout matches, playoff changes and performance-based spending opportunities.

 

Topics discussed:

Why Shaq created a global professional dunking league

Dunkman’s $500,000 prize and potential future payouts

How professional dunkers are evaluated across seven categories

Why top NBA players often avoid the Slam Dunk Contest

Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins’ influence on Shaq

Social media’s impact on athletes and sports entertainment

Larry Berg’s path from Apollo and LAFC to MLS commissioner

How MLS can convert World Cup interest into long-term growth

Berg’s proposed MLS 3.0 strategy

Why promotion and relegation may not fit the MLS business model

Salary rules, transfers and roster-building flexibility

MLS academies, pay-to-play concerns and youth development

The importance of supporter culture and live match experiences

Leagues Cup as a bridge between MLS, Liga MX and World Cup-style competition

 

Approximate timestamps:

01:30 Why Shaq believes dunking deserves a professional league

03:00 Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins and Shaq’s early inspiration

04:30 Social media, YouTube and modern athlete visibility

06:00 Dunkman’s international competitors and prize money

07:45 The seven Dunkman judging categories

10:15 Shaq’s long-term vision for competitive dunking

11:45 Why the NBA Slam Dunk Contest has declined

13:35 Larry Berg’s path to becoming MLS commissioner

16:35 How MLS can benefit from World Cup momentum

19:20 Why promotion and relegation may not work in MLS

21:25 Berg’s MLS 3.0 plan and proposed grand bargain

24:15 Turning new soccer viewers into MLS supporters

26:55 Youth soccer, academies and pay-to-play concerns

30:10 MLS relationships with FIFA and national soccer organizations

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Legendary broadcaster Andrés Cantor joins Alex Sherman to assess the legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and its potential to accelerate soccer’s growth in the United States. Cantor also discusses the U.S. men’s national team, Lionel Messi, Argentina’s dramatic run, future World Cup media rights, and his plans to continue calling major matches.

Episode Notes

Telemundo lead FIFA World Cup play-by-play broadcaster Andrés Cantor joins Alex Sherman to reflect on the 2026 tournament and what it could mean for the future of soccer in the United States.

Cantor explains why the expanded 48-team World Cup exceeded his expectations, highlighting the competitiveness of first-time participants and the relative lack of one-sided matches. He also compares the logistical challenges of traveling across the United States, Mexico, and Canada with the compact experience of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The conversation explores whether the tournament represents a true turning point for American soccer. Cantor considers how new and casual fans may begin following MLS, the Premier League, La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and international stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and Alexis Mac Allister.

Cantor also shares his perspective on the U.S. men’s national team’s performance, including the emotional effect of FIFA’s decision to overturn a red card before the team’s match against Belgium. He discusses his enduring enthusiasm for broadcasting, the emotional connection he feels when calling Argentina and the United States, and why retirement is not currently part of his plans.

The episode also examines the next cycle of FIFA World Cup media rights. Cantor addresses the possibility of calling future tournaments in either Spanish or English, whether at Telemundo, NBC Sports, or another broadcaster.

Later, Cantor revisits Argentina’s dramatic victory over England, Lionel Messi’s possible final World Cup, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s open letter responding to criticism of the tournament. The interview concludes with Cantor delivering his signature goal call for Sherman.

 

Topics discussed:

The legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Soccer’s growth and popularity in the United States

The impact of the expanded 48-team format

MLS, Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League viewership

The U.S. men’s national team and the Belgium match

FIFA officiating decisions and tournament controversies

Andrés Cantor’s broadcasting career and future plans

FIFA World Cup media rights for 2030 and 2034

Argentina’s rivalry with England

Lionel Messi’s international future

Gianni Infantino’s response to World Cup criticism

 

Timestamps:

01:34 The expanded 48-team World Cup format

02:29 Comparing the 2026 World Cup with previous tournaments

03:43 Why the World Cup could transform American soccer

05:21 Do Americans love soccer or only the World Cup?

07:03 Which soccer leagues could benefit most?

08:05 FIFA’s overturned red-card decision

09:34 Cantor’s passion for calling major matches

10:45 Retirement plans and English-language broadcasting

11:24 FIFA World Cup media rights for 2030 and 2034

12:48 Argentina’s dramatic match against England

14:31 Lionel Messi’s possible final World Cup

15:42 Gianni Infantino’s open letter

19:21 Andrés Cantor delivers his signature goal call

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ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro explains how the network plans to grow amid cord-cutting, rising sports-rights costs and the shift to direct-to-consumer streaming. He also discusses ESPN’s interest in future World Cup rights, local NBA broadcasts, its expanding NFL relationship and the role of ESPN within Disney’s broader streaming strategy.

ESPN is navigating one of the most consequential transitions in sports media: maintaining the value of traditional pay television while building a direct-to-consumer streaming business that reaches fans wherever they choose to watch.

In this episode of CNBC Sport, Alex Sherman speaks with ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro about the network’s strategy for growing audiences and operating income as cord-cutting continues, advertising remains under pressure and the cost of premium sports rights rises.

Pitaro explains why ESPN is pursuing parallel distribution paths rather than abandoning the cable bundle. Traditional pay-TV subscribers can access ESPN’s direct-to-consumer features through the ESPN app, while viewers without cable can subscribe through ESPN’s standalone service or streaming bundles involving Disney+, Hulu, NFL+ Premium and Fox One.

The conversation also explores ESPN’s ambition to remain the “front door” for sports fans by reducing friction and bringing more live sports content into a single app. Pitaro discusses the integration of CW Sports and NFL Network programming, as well as ESPN’s broader partnership with the NFL following its acquisition of NFL Network, NFL RedZone linear rights and the RedZone brand.

Other topics include ESPN’s disciplined approach to sports-rights spending, its interest in bidding for the 2030 and 2034 FIFA World Cups, and its desire to help solve the local sports-media challenges created by the decline of regional sports networks. Pitaro outlines how ESPN could use its reach and technology to distribute local NBA and other in-market games, potentially through non-exclusive agreements.

The episode also covers Major League Baseball’s labor outlook, changes improving the pace and presentation of baseball, the growth and current tensions surrounding the WNBA, and ESPN’s strategic importance within Disney under CEO Josh D’Amaro.

Topics discussed:

ESPN’s direct-to-consumer and pay-TV strategy

Cord-cutting, advertising pressure and operating-income growth

Pricing and bundling for ESPN, Disney+ and Hulu

ESPN’s partnership with the NFL and integration of NFL Network

The value and rising cost of premium sports rights

Potential bids for the 2030 and 2034 FIFA World Cups

Local NBA media rights and regional sports network alternatives

MLB streaming rights and possible labor disruptions

WNBA growth, media coverage and Caitlin Clark

ESPN’s role in Disney’s broader streaming strategy

Timestamps:

01:45 ESPN’s ratings growth and parallel distribution strategy

04:10 Measuring direct-to-consumer growth and total ESPN households

05:14 ESPN pricing and the Disney+, Hulu and ESPN bundle

06:09 Future media partnerships and streaming bundles

07:50 CW Sports and NFL Network integration

08:17 ESPN’s relationship with the NFL

09:43 Balancing NFL costs with the broader sports-rights portfolio

10:58 ESPN’s interest in future FIFA World Cup rights

12:37 Local NBA broadcasts and regional sports network alternatives

15:03 MLB rights, labor uncertainty and contingency planning

16:49 WNBA growth, tension and ESPN’s coverage responsibilities

18:21 ESPN’s role under Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro

19:46 ESPN’s financial performance and transparency

Brands, leagues and services mentioned include ESPN, CNBC Sport, Disney+, Hulu, NFL Network, NFL RedZone, NFL+ Premium, Fox One, CW Sports, YouTube TV, DirecTV, Comcast, Charter, the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL and FIFA.

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Bill Foley joins Alex Sherman to explain why his ownership group is positioned to bring an NBA expansion team to Las Vegas, followed by an interview with Rick Horrow on the excitement and business impact of the World Cup.

Bill Foley, owner of the Vegas Golden Knights, joins Alex Sherman for a detailed conversation about his bid to own a potential Las Vegas NBA expansion franchise. Foley lays out why he believes Las Vegas is ready for an NBA team, how the Golden Knights’ success has prepared his organization, and what kind of ownership culture he would bring to professional basketball.

The episode also features an interview with Rick Horrow, who discusses the excitement around the World Cup and its impact on the global sports business landscape. Together, the conversations explore how major sports franchises, international soccer, media rights, fan engagement, and live events continue to shape the future of sports ownership and investment.

 

Topics discussed:

 

Why Bill Foley believes Las Vegas is ready for an NBA expansion team

How the Golden Knights’ “Vegas Born” identity shaped Foley’s ownership approach

The potential NBA expansion fee and long-term franchise valuation

T-Mobile Arena as the likely initial home for a Las Vegas NBA team

Building a world-class practice facility for NBA and NHL operations

How Foley’s “team first” philosophy could translate from hockey to basketball

Sports betting concerns and professional sports in Las Vegas

Foley’s international soccer portfolio, including AFC Bournemouth and Auckland FC

The excitement surrounding the World Cup

Rick Horrow’s perspective on the business of global sports events

Sponsorship, ticketing, media rights, and synergies across sports ownership groups

Local broadcast strategy and opportunities to bundle sports media assets

Possible naming themes for a Las Vegas NBA franchise

Whether Las Vegas can support more professional sports teams

 

Timestamps:

01:30 Bill Foley’s pitch for owning a Las Vegas NBA franchise

03:18 Why Foley has been preparing for NBA expansion for years

04:20 Lessons from owning the Vegas Golden Knights

05:11 How expansion fees factor into the NBA ownership decision

06:08 Why Foley believes his group can compete financially

07:03 Long-term NBA franchise value and sports scarcity

08:10 Sports betting concerns in Las Vegas

08:50 Foley’s international soccer investments and World Cup impact

10:09 Synergies across Foley’s sports ownership portfolio

11:17 What kind of owner Foley says he would be

12:03 NBA expansion timeline and presentation process

12:58 Local media strategy for a Las Vegas NBA team

13:43 Potential naming ideas for the franchise

14:35 Why Foley is not worried about Las Vegas sports oversaturation

15:41 Advice from current NBA owners

16:16 Closing thoughts on the possible Las Vegas NBA franchise

Mentioned in this episode:

Bill Foley

Alex Sherman

Rick Horrow

Vegas Golden Knights

Las Vegas NBA expansion

NBA Board of Governors

Adam Silver

T-Mobile Arena

AFC Bournemouth

Auckland FC

Silver Knights

Nighthawks

CNBC

Scripps Sports

World Cup

Otter.ai

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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen joins Alex Sherman to discuss Super Bowl expectations, fatherhood, sleep, brand partnerships, New Balance, investing, and life after football. Allen shares how he manages pressure, thinks about his personal brand, and prepares for the next chapter of his NFL career.

 

Episode Notes

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen joins Alex Sherman for a wide-ranging conversation on football, business, sleep, fatherhood, and the mindset required to lead one of the NFL’s most passionate fan bases.

Allen opens up about becoming a new father to his daughter Harper and how parenthood has changed his perspective on rest, recovery, and interrupted sleep. He discusses his partnership with Natrol and explains why sleep has become an even more important part of his routine as he balances family life, training, and the demands of an NFL season.

The conversation also dives into the pressure surrounding the Buffalo Bills and the pursuit of a Super Bowl. Allen explains why he does not focus on outside expectations, how he handles internal pressure, and why bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Western New York remains the team’s ultimate goal.

Sherman and Allen also cover the business side of being a franchise quarterback, including Allen’s approach to brand partnerships, authenticity, and long-term alignment with companies he genuinely believes in. Allen discusses his move from Nike to New Balance, what impressed him about the brand’s direction, and how he thinks about future opportunities in football, broadcasting, investing, and life after the NFL.

 

Topics discussed:

Josh Allen’s transition into fatherhood

Sleep, recovery, and his partnership with Natrol

Managing Super Bowl expectations in Buffalo

Internal pressure versus outside pressure

The Bills’ roster-building process and front office communication

Buffalo’s new stadium and home-field advantage

Personal branding and authentic sponsorships

Moving from Nike to New Balance

Playing style, longevity, and taking hits as a quarterback

Investing, private equity, and post-football planning

Broadcasting as a possible future path

Golf, training camp, and team bonding

 

Timestamps:

01:37 Managing pressure from Bills fans and Super Bowl expectations

03:17 Allen’s mindset and whether he works with a sports psychologist

03:41 How involved Allen is in Bills personnel decisions

05:02 First impressions of Buffalo’s new stadium

06:04 How Josh Allen thinks about his personal brand

06:22 Why Allen partnered with Natrol

07:20 Moving from Nike to New Balance

08:13 Playing aggressively, recovery, and sleep products

09:26 Thinking about life after football

10:15 Whether broadcasting could be part of Allen’s future

10:51 Investing, private equity, and values-based opportunities

11:44 Golf, fatherhood, and offseason routines

12:09 Training camp, family, and team chemistry

 

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