CNBC Sport

WNBA Finals MVP Gabby Williams joins Alex Sherman to discuss her Game 7 championship performance, the pressure of winning a title, and how Golden State's investment and team culture helped fuel its success. Williams also shares her perspective on WNBA leadership, Caitlin Clark, player activism, UConn basketball, and the growing business opportunities for women's sports.
Episode Notes
WNBA Finals MVP Gabby Williams joins Alex Sherman for a conversation about championship basketball, Golden State's winning culture, and the future of the WNBA. Fresh off a dramatic Game 7 victory, Williams reflects on her remarkable 28-point second-half performance, the emotional roller coaster of the Finals, and what it takes to deliver under championship pressure.
Williams explains why Golden State owner Joe Lacob's competitiveness and commitment to women's basketball convinced her to join the franchise. She discusses how investment in players, organizational culture, and the passionate atmosphere at Valhalla created a championship environment unlike anything she had experienced before.
Beyond the court, Williams offers her perspective on the WNBA's evolving leadership, including the departure of commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the importance of building stronger relationships between league executives and players. She also addresses Caitlin Clark's influence on women's basketball, the WNBA's history of social activism, and why female athletes continue to play an important role in political and cultural conversations.
With her championship success creating new sponsorship and business opportunities, Williams considers how her growing profile could help her make a greater impact in the Bay Area community where she grew up. She also reflects on her time playing for UConn under Geno Auriemma and how the program's emphasis on discipline, selflessness, and teamwork continues to shape her professional career.

Plus, CNBC’s Michael Ozanian breaks down the latest NHL team valuations, including the league’s most valuable teams and what’s driving franchise values.

Topics discussed:


Gabby Williams' 28-point second half in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals
Handling championship pressure and finding a flow state in basketball
Why Joe Lacob's vision convinced Williams to join Golden State
Building a winning WNBA franchise through investment, leadership, and culture
The emotional significance of messages from Michael Jordan, Sue Bird, and fellow players
What Williams wants from the WNBA's next commissioner
Caitlin Clark's impact on the league and the growing visibility of women's basketball
Women's sports, political activism, LGBTQ+ rights, and social change
Sponsorship opportunities and community engagement following a championship
Geno Auriemma's coaching philosophy and the lasting influence of UConn basketball

Episode timestamps:
01:33 — The emotional stakes of Game 7 and the opportunity to win at home
02:02 — Williams' 28-point second half and performing under championship pressure
02:58 — Why Joe Lacob convinced Williams to join Golden State
04:16 — Messages from Michael Jordan, Sue Bird, and fellow WNBA players
04:43 — The WNBA commissioner transition and expectations for future leadership
05:20 — Evaluating Cathy Engelbert's impact on WNBA growth
05:45 — The intersection of women's basketball, politics, and social activism
07:25 — Caitlin Clark, player recognition, and the WNBA's expanding audience
08:31 — Life after winning Finals MVP and new sponsorship opportunities
09:34 — Golden State's championship culture and the challenge of repeating
10:17 — How ownership investment and Valhalla's atmosphere contribute to success
10:53 — Lessons from Geno Auriemma and UConn's basketball program
11:54 — The discipline and team-first mentality that distinguish UConn players
Key insights:
Williams emphasizes that championship performance isn't always about recognizing when you're in the zone. During Game 7, she was so focused on each possession that she didn't fully appreciate the magnitude of her second-half performance until watching the game afterward.
She credits Golden State's success to more than individual talent, highlighting Joe Lacob's personal involvement, organizational investment, and a supportive home environment that gave her the confidence to play her best basketball.
Looking toward the WNBA's future, Williams advocates for league leadership that understands players as individuals while recognizing the significant progress women's basketball has made. She also stresses that the league's growth should create opportunities for multiple athletes and their stories to receive recognition.
For Williams, winning a championship is both a personal milestone and an opportunity to expand her influence beyond basketball through community involvement and new partnerships.
People and organizations discussed:
Gabby Williams, Alex Sherman, Joe Lacob, Michael Jordan, Sue Bird, Alysha Clark, Napheesa Collier, Cathy Engelbert, Caitlin Clark, Geno Auriemma, Golden State, WNBA, UConn Huskies, Minnesota Lynx.

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Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis joins CNBC's Michael Ozanian to discuss Tom Brady's role in the franchise, the team's $13 billion valuation, its investment strategy and the business opportunities driving growth in Las Vegas. Davis also shares his perspective on Fernando Mendoza's development, private equity in the NFL, the WNBA's future, sports betting risks and the importance of protecting the Raiders' legacy.
Episode Notes
Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis sits down with CNBC's Michael Ozanian for an in-depth conversation about the business of professional sports, the Raiders' ownership strategy and the transformation of Las Vegas into a major sports and entertainment destination.
Davis reveals how a multiyear plan to bring Tom Brady and influential business leaders into the Raiders' ownership group is helping position the franchise for long-term growth. With investors including Michael Dell, Silver Lake's Egon Durban and entertainment executives Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro, Davis explains why industry expertise and strategic relationships matter more to him than maximizing the sale price of minority ownership stakes.
The conversation explores the Raiders' reported $13 billion valuation, the franchise's evolution since relocating from Oakland, and how Allegiant Stadium creates revenue opportunities extending far beyond NFL games. Davis also discusses the development of quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the value of veteran Kirk Cousins and his philosophy of building a winning team.
Beyond football, Davis shares the story behind his acquisition of the Las Vegas Aces, his commitment to improving WNBA player compensation and his perspective on the league's evolving media business. He also addresses the growing influence of sports betting and prediction markets, emphasizing why maintaining the integrity of professional sports remains essential.

Key topics discussed:
Raiders ownership and Tom Brady: Why Davis prioritized bringing Brady into the ownership group and how strategic investors contribute football, technology, finance and entertainment expertise.
NFL franchise valuations and private equity: Why Davis favors long-term strategic partnerships over potentially higher offers from private equity firms.
Fernando Mendoza and quarterback development: How Brady's mentorship and Kirk Cousins' experience can help Mendoza transition to the NFL.
Las Vegas sports economics: How the Raiders are growing local revenue through sponsorships, ticket sales, stadium events and entertainment partnerships.
Allegiant Stadium and global entertainment: The business opportunities created by concerts and major events featuring artists such as Taylor Swift, the Rolling Stones and BTS.
The Las Vegas Aces and WNBA growth: Davis' approach to women's basketball, player compensation, leadership and the next phase of WNBA expansion.
NFL international expansion: Opportunities in Australia, New Zealand and Mexico.
Sports betting and prediction markets: The financial opportunities and potential integrity risks associated with gambling partnerships.

Episode timestamps:
HH:MM:SS
02:51 – The strategic value of the Raiders' ownership group, from Tom Brady to Silver Lake and entertainment executives
03:27 – Mark Davis' leadership philosophy and protecting the Raiders' global brand
06:00 – Fernando Mendoza, Kirk Cousins and the development of young NFL quarterbacks
07:39 – Building an athlete's personal brand while prioritizing team success
08:43 – Private equity in the NFL and the league's partnership with General Atlantic
10:59 – The Raiders' $13 billion valuation and why strategic value matters more than investment price
12:16 – NFL international expansion into Australia, New Zealand and Mexico
13:50 – Las Vegas sports expansion and competition for sponsorship revenue
16:14 – Raiders fan loyalty, visiting fans and the secondary ticket market
18:07 – Allegiant Stadium's business model, concerts and new revenue opportunities
21:29 – Why Mark Davis purchased the Las Vegas Aces
23:45 – WNBA player compensation and the league's collective bargaining agreement
24:29 – Caitlin Clark, player visibility and the evolving WNBA
26:21 – What the WNBA needs from its next commissioner
28:48 – Tom Brady, the Tuck Rule and the Raiders' most memorable losses
30:00 – NBA expansion in Las Vegas and Davis' interest in the opportunity
31:05 – Sports betting, prediction markets and protecting NFL game integrity
33:07 – The financial risks and rewards of gambling sponsorships

Featured organizations and brands:
Las Vegas Raiders, Las Vegas Aces, NFL, WNBA, Allegiant Stadium, Silver Lake, TKO Group Holdings, UFC, General Atlantic, Fanatics, MGM Resorts International, BetMGM and CNBC Sports.
About the guest:
Mark Davis is the principal owner and managing general partner of the Las Vegas Raiders and owner of the Las Vegas Aces. He discusses his approach to sports franchise ownership, strategic investments, leadership and building championship organizations while preserving the Raiders' legacy established by his father, Al Davis.
Explore more:
CNBC Sports
Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Aces
Allegiant Stadium
NFL
WNBA

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DraftKings CEO Jason Robins and sports analytics expert Kirk Goldsberry join CNBC's Contessa Brewer and Alex Sherman to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the business of sports. From DraftKings' expansion into prediction markets and competition with Kalshi to the University of Texas' new Bevo Labs initiative, the conversations examine the future of sports betting, AI-powered coaching, college athletics, responsible gaming and the growing influence of technology on sports.
Episode Notes
How is artificial intelligence reshaping the sports industry, from the business of betting to the decisions coaches make on the field?
In this episode, CNBC explores two major developments at the intersection of sports, technology and business through conversations with DraftKings CEO and co-founder Jason Robins and Kirk Goldsberry, Executive Director of the Business of Sports Institute at the University of Texas.
First, CNBC's Contessa Brewer speaks with Robins about the rapidly evolving sports betting industry, the rise of prediction markets and DraftKings' strategy for competing with platforms such as Kalshi. Robins explains how prediction markets could expand the company's reach into states where traditional online sports betting remains unavailable, including California, Texas and Florida.
He also addresses regulatory uncertainty, customer acquisition, responsible gaming and whether prediction markets threaten established sportsbooks. Robins reveals how AI is transforming DraftKings' operations, from software development and automated reporting to customer personalization and marketing.
Then, CNBC's Alex Sherman speaks with Goldsberry about Bevo Labs, a new student-run sports analytics initiative at the University of Texas. Drawing on his experience with the San Antonio Spurs and The Ringer, Goldsberry explains how AI, machine learning and advanced data analysis are changing college athletics.
Bevo Labs is developing a centralized data infrastructure across Texas' 21 athletic teams to support roster construction, athlete compensation decisions and game strategy. With technology partners including Dell, Google and SHI, the initiative also gives paid student researchers opportunities to apply STEM skills to real-world sports challenges.
Together, the conversations reveal how AI is increasingly influencing both the commercial and competitive sides of sports, raising new questions about innovation, regulation, human decision-making and the future of the industry.
Topics discussed:
DraftKings' growth strategy during the NFL betting season
Prediction markets and competition between DraftKings and Kalshi
Sports betting regulation and expansion into new markets
How AI is transforming DraftKings' software development, analytics and operations
Responsible gaming, gambling addiction and self-exclusion safeguards
DraftKings' super app strategy and changing consumer behavior
Bevo Labs and the future of sports analytics at the University of Texas
AI-powered roster construction and athlete compensation analysis
Predictive models, data infrastructure and machine learning in college sports
The potential for AI-assisted football play-calling and game strategy
Technology partnerships with Dell, Google and SHI
The importance of human judgment as AI becomes more influential in sports
Episode timestamps:
Jason Robins interview with Contessa Brewer
01:14 – Why NFL season is DraftKings' biggest customer acquisition opportunity
02:52 – Expanding prediction markets into states without legal online sports betting
04:21 – Regulatory challenges and DraftKings' prediction markets strategy
06:36 – Are prediction markets cannibalizing traditional sportsbooks?
09:21 – Competing with Kalshi in the growing prediction markets industry
12:26 – Lessons from DraftKings' early competition with FanDuel
17:50 – How younger generations are changing sports consumption
19:50 – DraftKings' super app strategy and personalized experiences
22:50 – Gambling addiction and responsible gaming
25:50 – Efforts to create a nationwide self-exclusion system
26:51 – Should responsible gaming limits become mandatory?
30:49 – Robins reflects on building DraftKings
40:20 – How AI is transforming DraftKings' business operations
42:41 – Can AI-native startups challenge established sportsbooks?
44:39 – Could AI-powered betting predictions threaten DraftKings?
Kirk Goldsberry interview with Alex Sherman
Timestamps below restart at the beginning of the Kirk Goldsberry interview. They are not cumulative episode timestamps.
01:29 – How analytics can improve college sports roster construction
02:19 – AI-assisted coaching and real-time game strategy
03:21 – Building a centralized data lake for 21 Texas athletic teams
04:31 – Paid student researchers and technology career opportunities
05:32 – Could AI eventually recommend plays to college football coaches?
06:51 – Why sports can embrace AI while remaining a human-centered experience
08:52 – Goldsberry's journey from NBA analytics to the University of Texas
10:09 – How AI is changing higher education and experiential learning
11:15 – The origins of Bevo Labs and its technology partnerships
12:09 – When could AI influence Texas football's game plans?
13:14 – Goldsberry reflects on former Spurs star Manu Ginobili
Key takeaways:
Prediction markets represent a major growth opportunity for DraftKings. Robins believes these products could help the company reach customers in states where traditional sports betting remains restricted. Despite competition from Kalshi and regulatory uncertainty, he sees DraftKings' customer relationships, established technology and marketing expertise as significant advantages.
AI is already changing how DraftKings operates. Robins says most of the company's code is now written using AI. Automated reporting, data analysis and other AI-powered workflows are increasing productivity across engineering, legal, marketing and business operations.
Responsible gaming remains a central challenge. Robins discusses gambling addiction, setting betting limits and the development of a nationwide self-exclusion framework. He argues that responsible gaming tools should become a more normalized part of the customer experience.
College sports increasingly require professional-level analytics. Goldsberry explains how athlete compensation and roster management are creating new demands for data-driven decision-making. Bevo Labs aims to bring professional sports practices to college athletics.
Better data could lead to smarter coaching decisions. Goldsberry's team is centralizing information across 21 Texas athletic programs, laying the groundwork for predictive models, improved game planning and eventually more sophisticated AI-assisted decision support.
AI can enhance sports without replacing the human element. Both conversations highlight how technology can improve organizational efficiency and decision-making while preserving the athletes, coaches and fans who make sports compelling.
Companies, organizations and resources mentioned:
DraftKings – Sports betting, fantasy sports and digital gaming
Kalshi – Prediction markets platform
Polymarket – Prediction markets platform
FanDuel – Sports betting and fantasy sports
University of Texas at Austin – Home of Bevo Labs and the Business of Sports Institute
Texas Longhorns Athletics – University of Texas athletic programs
Dell Technologies – Bevo Labs technology partner
Google – Bevo Labs technology partner
SHI International – Bevo Labs technology partner
The Ringer – Sports media outlet featuring Goldsberry's basketball analysis
San Antonio Spurs – Goldsberry's former NBA organization
Claude – AI assistant discussed in both interviews
ChatGPT – AI platform discussed in connection with higher education
CNBC – Business and financial news

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Four-time NBA champion Draymond Green joins CNBC's Alex Sherman to discuss the Golden State Warriors' future, LeBron James' move to Philadelphia, and why he believes NBA salary cap rules are hurting basketball dynasties. Green also opens up about retirement, a potential broadcasting career with Inside the NBA, and his virtual reality therapy series Open Season.
Episode Notes
What's next for Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors, and could this be his final season in Golden State? Four-time NBA champion Draymond Green joins CNBC's Alex Sherman for a candid conversation about NBA salary cap rules, championship dynasties, LeBron James, his basketball future, sports broadcasting, and the importance of mental health.
As the NBA season approaches, Green explains why he would change the league's salary structure if he became commissioner. While Commissioner Adam Silver has emphasized competitive parity, Green argues that basketball's greatest dynasties have historically helped drive fan interest and that today's financial restrictions make sustained championship success more difficult.
Green also weighs in on LeBron James' decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers rather than the Warriors, discussing championship experience, roster chemistry, and the challenges of building a title contender.
Turning to his own career, Green reflects on 15 seasons with Golden State, his relationship with Stephen Curry, and the possibility that his current one-year contract could be his last with the franchise. He shares why retiring as a Warrior remains his preference, while acknowledging that he wants to continue playing basketball.
Beyond the court, Green explores his ambitions in sports media, including his experience with Inside the NBA and the prospect of working alongside or following Charles Barkley. He also discusses Open Season on Draymond Green, a virtual reality series produced by Skydance Sports for Meta Quest TV that documents his personal therapy journey with Dr. Kerry Hastings.
The conversation concludes with Green's admiration for Shaquille O'Neal's success in broadcasting, brand partnerships, and entrepreneurship.

Key topics discussed:
NBA salary cap and championship dynasties: Why Green believes the league's salary structure is making it harder to build sustained championship contenders.
Adam Silver and competitive parity: Green's perspective on whether fans prefer championship dynasties or a league where more teams can compete for titles.
LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers: Why Green respects LeBron's decision and how he compares Philadelphia's championship prospects with Golden State's.
Golden State Warriors' future: Green's expectations for the season and his approach to competing without being considered a championship favorite.
Draymond Green's retirement plans: His desire to finish his career with the Warriors and the possibility of playing for another NBA team.
Inside the NBA and Charles Barkley: Green's broadcasting ambitions and why he considers Barkley an irreplaceable television personality.
Athlete mental health and therapy: How Green overcame his initial reluctance to seek therapy and why he believes it has improved his decision-making and performance.
Virtual reality sports entertainment: The creation of Open Season on Draymond Green and how Meta Quest technology brings viewers into his therapy sessions.

Episode timestamps:
01:59 – Introduction: Draymond Green joins Alex Sherman
02:11 – What Green would change as NBA commissioner
03:30 – Adam Silver, competitive parity, and the value of NBA dynasties
04:29 – LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers instead of Golden State
07:42 – Stephen Curry and redefining success for the Warriors
09:03 – Could this be Draymond Green's final season?
10:23 – Retiring with the Warriors versus continuing his NBA career elsewhere
11:16 – Inside the NBA, Charles Barkley, and Green's broadcasting future
14:24 – Why Charles Barkley's television career is so remarkable
15:16 – Open Season on Draymond Green and the origins of his VR therapy series
16:00 – Mental health stigma, therapy, and sharing his personal journey
19:16 – How therapy influences Green's basketball performance

Featured shows, organizations, and resources:
CNBC – Business, media, and sports industry coverage
Golden State Warriors – Official Warriors website
NBA – Professional basketball news and league information
Meta Quest – Virtual reality platform featuring immersive entertainment experiences
Skydance – Entertainment company associated with the production of Open Season on Draymond Green

From the economics of NBA championships to the challenges of professional athletes transitioning into media and business, this episode offers an inside look at Draymond Green's evolving career and his perspective on basketball, mental health, and life beyond the NBA.

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Milwaukee Bucks President Josh Glessing joins CNBC Sport's Michael Ozanian to explore soaring NBA franchise valuations, the growing influence of private equity, and why sports teams are attracting billions in investment. From the Bucks' media and arena strategies to women's sports, NBA competitive balance, and potential $10 billion expansion fees, Glessing explains what's driving the business of professional sports and where the biggest opportunities lie.
Episode Notes
Why are NBA franchises commanding multibillion-dollar valuations, and how much higher could sports team prices climb? Milwaukee Bucks President Josh Glessing joins CNBC Sport's Michael Ozanian for an in-depth conversation about sports investing, private equity, NBA economics, and the future of professional sports ownership.
Drawing on his experience at Goldman Sachs and Haslam Sports Group, Glessing explains how institutional investors, live sports media rights, and new sources of capital have transformed sports franchises into increasingly valuable and liquid assets. He discusses the Milwaukee Bucks' approach to competing in a smaller market, reaching fans through free television broadcasts, and turning Fiserv Forum and the surrounding Deer District into an economic development engine.
The conversation also examines the Bucks' roster-building philosophy, the NBA's second-apron salary cap restrictions, the commercial value of jersey sponsorships, and the accelerating growth of women's professional sports.
Looking ahead, Glessing shares his outlook for NBA expansion into Las Vegas and Seattle, including why he believes potential franchise fees could exceed $10 billion and $7 billion, respectively.
Key topics discussed:
Sports franchise valuations: How major transactions involving the Los Angeles Lakers and other professional teams reflect growing demand for sports assets.
Private equity and sports ownership: Why institutional capital, high-net-worth investors, and alternative asset managers are increasingly investing in professional teams.
NBA media rights and local broadcasting: How the Bucks are prioritizing audience growth and fan accessibility as the regional sports network business model evolves.
Milwaukee Bucks business strategy: The advantages of operating in a smaller NBA market and balancing championship ambitions with long-term financial sustainability.
NBA salary cap and competitive balance: How the second apron is influencing roster construction and opportunities for smaller-market teams.
Fiserv Forum and the Deer District: How sports venues can attract concerts, hotels, housing, commercial development, and institutional investment.
Jersey sponsorships and sports marketing: Why the Bucks' partnership with Uline illustrates the growing value of NBA sponsorship inventory.
Women's sports investment: The business potential of the WNBA and NWSL, including media rights, sponsorship revenue, and expansion.
NBA international growth: Why basketball's worldwide talent pool and global audience create significant long-term commercial opportunities.
NBA expansion fees: Glessing's bullish outlook for potential franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle.
Episode timestamps:
02:00 – Why sports franchises are becoming more liquid and attractive investments
03:56 – Live sports, private equity, and the growth of sports finance
05:31 – NBA ownership rules and institutional capital
07:21 – Sports teams as alternative investments and portfolio diversification
10:02 – Milwaukee Bucks strategy and the advantages of a smaller market
11:48 – NBA media rights, local television, and free broadcasts in Wisconsin
13:53 – Giannis Antetokounmpo, roster decisions, and long-term franchise strategy
15:27 – The NBA's second apron and competitive balance
16:57 – Fiserv Forum, the Deer District, and sports-driven real estate development
19:22 – Institutional investment in mixed-use sports developments
20:09 – Uline jersey sponsorship and the evolving economics of sports partnerships
22:35 – WNBA and NWSL valuations and investment opportunities
25:08 – The NWSL's global growth potential
25:59 – NBA international growth and league governance
28:38 – Las Vegas and Seattle NBA expansion and potential franchise valuations
Featured organizations and resources:
CNBC Sport – Sports business news, franchise valuations, and industry analysis
Milwaukee Bucks – Official team website
NBA – League news, standings, and information
Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee's sports and entertainment arena
Haslam Sports Group – Sports ownership and investment organization
WNBA – Women's professional basketball
NWSL – Women's professional soccer
Uline – Milwaukee Bucks jersey patch partner
For more reporting and analysis on NBA franchise valuations, sports investments, media rights, and professional sports business trends, visit CNBC Sport.


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