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CNBC Sport

CNBC Sport

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CNBC Sport brings you the convergence of sports, business, and investing. Each week, we sit down with the biggest names in sports - from league commissioners and top athletes to team owners and influential executives - uncovering the strategies, deals, and inside stories shaping the industry's future.2026 CNBC Management & Leadership Persönliche Finanzen Ökonomie
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  • Paul Rabil on PLL Funding, Olympic Lacrosse, AI and the Future of Emerging Sports, 7/2/26

    Paul Rabil on PLL Funding, Olympic Lacrosse, AI and the Future of Emerging Sports, 7/2/26
    Jul 2 2026
    PLL co-founder and President Paul Rabil joins Alex Sherman to discuss the Premier Lacrosse League’s $100 million funding round, its path toward team ownership, and how the 2028 Olympics could accelerate lacrosse’s growth. The conversation covers media rights, player salaries, AI, youth development, women’s lacrosse, and what it takes to build a mainstream pro sports league. Episode Notes Premier Lacrosse League founder Paul Rabil sits down with Alex Sherman to break down the business strategy behind the PLL’s latest funding round and the league’s long-term plan to turn lacrosse into a larger professional sports property. Rabil explains why investors are increasingly interested in sports leagues, how the PLL’s single-entity C-corp model differs from traditional leagues, and why lacrosse’s return to the Olympics in 2028 could create a major growth window for the sport. The conversation explores how the PLL is thinking about team sales, local ownership, sponsorship, media rights, player compensation, and the challenge of converting casual sports fans into lacrosse fans. Rabil also discusses how the league uses social media, storytelling, youth development, women’s lacrosse, and AI to scale more efficiently while building a stronger foundation for the future. Topics discussed: Why sports leagues are attracting institutional investorsThe PLL’s $100 million funding round and investor pitchHow the PLL’s single-entity model supports future team salesPotential exit strategies for league investorsThe future of PLL expansion, local ownership, and home marketsPlayer salaries, marketing opportunities, and the path toward full-time pro lacrosseHow sponsorship, media rights, tickets, merchandise, and youth participation drive revenueThe impact of NIL on lacrosse and emerging sportsWhat it takes to create crossover stars in lacrosseLessons from Caitlin Clark, Tiger Woods, Conor McGregor, Michael Jordan, Tony Hawk, and Charlotte NorthWhy film, television, and documentary storytelling matter for emerging sportsHow PLL Play and PLL Assist connect youth lacrosse to the professional gameWhy the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could be a major moment for lacrosseHow the PLL is making broadcasts more accessible to new fansThe NHL as a growth comparison for professional lacrosseHow the PLL is using AI across creative, technical, and analytics functionsThe cultural perception of lacrosse and how access, women’s sports, and youth growth are changing the game Timestamps: 01:00 Paul Rabil explains the investor pitch behind the PLL’s new funding round 02:46 How the PLL’s single-entity C-corp model differs from traditional sports leagues 03:35 Why lacrosse’s return to the Olympics creates a strategic growth window 04:40 How investors could see returns through team sales and league growth 07:55 Rabil describes the current state of the PLL and future expansion goals 09:22 Player salaries, wage growth, and making professional lacrosse more sustainable 12:03 Why sponsorship is the PLL’s biggest revenue category 13:30 How NIL benefits lacrosse and other emerging sports 14:14 The challenge of creating the next crossover lacrosse star 17:21 Why sports documentaries and scripted storytelling can grow participation 18:31 How PLL Play and PLL Assist connect youth participation with the pro league 19:16 The importance of the 2028 Olympics for lacrosse and the PLL 20:44 How the PLL is trying to reach sports fans who are new to lacrosse 24:06 How the league is using AI to support content, analytics, and operations 25:07 Future innovations in broadcast production and fan engagement 27:00 Rabil addresses lacrosse’s cultural image and the importance of access 29:46 The growth of women’s lacrosse and the opportunity for the Women’s Lacrosse League Mentions and resources: Premier Lacrosse League: https://premierlacrosseleague.com Women’s Lacrosse League: https://premierlacrosseleague.com/wll PLL Play: https://premierlacrosseleague.com/play PLL Assist: https://premierlacrosseleague.com/assist ESPN: https://www.espn.com LA28 Olympic Games: https://la28.org Olympics: https://olympics.com MSG Sports: https://www.msgsports.com Arctos: https://www.arctospartners.com Ares Management: https://www.aresmgmt.com Apollo Global Management: https://www.apollo.com TKO Group: https://www.tko.com NWSL: https://www.nwslsoccer.com WNBA: https://www.wnba.com NHL: https://www.nhl.com Major League Soccer: https://www.mlssoccer.com League One Volleyball: https://www.lovb.com Netflix: https://www.netflix.com Chess.com: https://www.chess.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.com Nike: https://www.nike.com IBM: https://www.ibm.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    38 Min.
  • Rafael Nadal on Retirement, Rivalries and the Future of Tennis 6/25/26

    Rafael Nadal on Retirement, Rivalries and the Future of Tennis 6/25/26
    Jun 25 2026

    Rafael Nadal reflects on his Netflix documentary, early training in Mallorca, rivalry with Roger Federer, retirement, injuries and what comes next after one of tennis’s greatest careers. He also shares why Novak Djokovic’s numbers define the GOAT debate and what Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner would need to achieve to enter that conversation. Then, Alex speaks with CNBC’s Michael Ozanian about his upcoming Empires Valuations list.

    Episode Notes

    Rafael Nadal joins Alex Sherman for a wide-ranging conversation about his life, career, retirement and the new documentary chronicling his final chapter in professional tennis. The 22-time Grand Slam champion and 14-time French Open winner opens up about why he finally agreed to let cameras into his life, how his family and team adjusted to the documentary process, and why watching a film about himself is such a difficult experience. The conversation explores Nadal’s earliest days in Manacor, Mallorca, where his uncle Toni Nadal began coaching him as a child. Nadal explains how natural ability, hard work, family support and the right environment all shaped his path, while emphasizing that he always loved tennis, even through the most physically challenging periods of his career.

    Nadal also reflects on the contrast between his on-court intensity and his off-court personality, his famous routines and rituals, and the mental focus required to compete at the highest level. He discusses his legendary rivalry with Roger Federer, why their opposing styles made the matchup so special, and why he believes Novak Djokovic’s record makes him the greatest tennis player of all time by the numbers.

    The episode also covers Nadal’s retirement, the hip injury that ultimately ended his playing career, and why he feels confident there was nothing left in the tank. Looking ahead, Nadal shares his focus on expanding the Rafa Nadal Academy, growing his foundation, spending time on business projects, and why full-time coaching is not currently part of his life plan.

    Topics discussed:

    • Rafael Nadal’s Netflix documentary and why he finally agreed to participate
    • Growing up in Manacor, Mallorca and training with Toni Nadal
    • Winning regional junior tennis titles at a young age
    • Why Nadal always loved tennis despite injuries and pressure
    • The difference between Nadal’s competitive mindset and personal life
    • Nadal’s rivalry with Roger Federer and their contrasting styles
    • The purpose behind Nadal’s on-court routines and rituals
    • Retirement, injuries and the end of Nadal’s professional career
    • Life after tennis, including the Rafa Nadal Academy and foundation
    • Novak Djokovic, the GOAT debate and tennis records
    • Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and the future of men’s tennis
    • Nadal’s most meaningful tournament wins, including Roland Garros, Wimbledon 2008, Australian Open 2022 and the US Open

    Timestamps:

    01:39 Watching a documentary about his own life and career

    02:18 Nadal’s early childhood in Mallorca and first tennis memories

    04:04 Why he never hated tennis, even during difficult periods

    05:32 Life after fame and returning to his real life after retirement

    06:57 Roger Federer, elegance and what made their rivalry unique

    08:14 Nadal’s rituals, routines and focus during competition

    09:42 Retirement, injuries and why his career ended the way it did

    11:33 Why a comeback is not part of Nadal’s next chapter

    12:03 Rafa Nadal Academy, foundation work and business projects

    12:55 Whether Nadal would ever coach a player full time

    13:38 Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and the GOAT debate

    14:46 Nadal’s most meaningful career victories

    Mentioned in this episode:

    • Netflix documentary about Rafael Nadal
    • Rafa Nadal Academy
    • Rafa Nadal Foundation
    • Roland Garros
    • Wimbledon 2008
    • Australian Open 2022
    • US Open 2010 and 2013
    • Roger Federer
    • Novak Djokovic
    • Carlos Alcaraz
    • Jannik Sinner
    • Toni Nadal
    • David Ellison

    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    23 Min.
  • NBA Expansion, Media Rights and the Future of Basketball with Mark Tatum 6/18/26

    NBA Expansion, Media Rights and the Future of Basketball with Mark Tatum 6/18/26
    Jun 18 2026

    Episode Summary

    NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum joins Alex Sherman to discuss the league’s surging ratings, new media partnerships, international expansion plans, ticket accessibility, draft lottery changes, and how AI could shape officiating. The conversation offers a high-level look at where the NBA is headed across Europe, Africa, Seattle, Las Vegas, and beyond.

    Episode Notes

    NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum joins Alex Sherman for a wide-ranging conversation on the business, growth, and future of professional basketball. Tatum discusses why NBA ratings are climbing, how new media partners like NBC and Amazon are helping tell player stories, and why the league sees major long-term opportunities in Europe, Africa, and domestic expansion markets. The episode also covers the economics of NBA Finals ticket prices, the league’s approach to fan accessibility, the evolving draft lottery system, and how technology and AI may assist referees with calls in the future. Plus, sports professor Rick Horrow joins the podcast to talk this week in sports.

    Topics discussed:

    • Why NBA regular season and playoff ratings have surged
    • The impact of star players, competitive balance, and Finals viewership
    • How NBC, Amazon, ABC, and ESPN support NBA storytelling and distribution
    • President Donald Trump attending Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals Game 3
    • Jim Dolan, the New York Knicks, and the team’s Finals run
    • High NBA Finals ticket prices and secondary market dynamics
    • NBA Europe expansion plans and the target launch timeline
    • What the NBA is looking for in European ownership groups
    • Potential NBA Europe cities, investors, media partners, and competition model
    • Basketball Africa League growth, investor interest, and economic opportunity
    • Domestic NBA expansion discussions around Las Vegas and Seattle
    • Other possible future markets, including Mexico City and Vancouver
    • Draft lottery reform, anti-tanking incentives, and the proposed 3-2-1 system
    • Player availability, regular season length, and the role of the Emirates NBA Cup
    • AI and technology in officiating, including goaltending reviews

    Timestamps:

    01:43 New NBA media rights partners, NBC, Amazon, ABC, and ESPN
    02:35 President Trump attending Knicks-Spurs Finals Game 3
    03:46 Jim Dolan, the Knicks, and the team’s turnaround
    04:49 NBA Finals ticket prices and fan accessibility
    07:01 NBA Europe expansion plans and possible launch timing
    08:46 What makes a desirable NBA Europe owner
    09:36 How NBA Europe could interact with NBA teams
    11:50 NBA Africa investment opportunity and Basketball Africa League growth
    14:07 Media partner interest for NBA Europe
    15:10 Domestic expansion focus on Las Vegas and Seattle
    17:09 Draft lottery reform, anti-tanking, and competitive balance
    19:21 The ongoing Aspiration lawsuit process
    20:32 Regular season length, player availability, and the Emirates NBA Cup
    22:39 Potential NBA rule changes and competition committee priorities
    23:23 AI and technology in NBA officiating

    Mentioned in this episode:

    • NBA
    • NBA Finals
    • New York Knicks
    • San Antonio Spurs
    • NBC
    • Amazon
    • ABC
    • ESPN
    • Basketball Africa League
    • NBA Europe
    • FIBA
    • Emirates NBA Cup
    • Madison Square Garden
    • Garden of Dreams Foundation
    • Las Vegas
    • Seattle
    • Mexico City
    • Vancouver
    • Summer League
    • AI officiating technology


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    34 Min.
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