CNBC Sport

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 investors

The PLL’s $100 million funding round and investor pitch

How the PLL’s single-entity model supports future team sales

Potential exit strategies for league investors

The future of PLL expansion, local ownership, and home markets

Player salaries, marketing opportunities, and the path toward full-time pro lacrosse

How sponsorship, media rights, tickets, merchandise, and youth participation drive revenue

The impact of NIL on lacrosse and emerging sports

What it takes to create crossover stars in lacrosse

Lessons from Caitlin Clark, Tiger Woods, Conor McGregor, Michael Jordan, Tony Hawk, and Charlotte North

Why film, television, and documentary storytelling matter for emerging sports

How PLL Play and PLL Assist connect youth lacrosse to the professional game

Why the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could be a major moment for lacrosse

How the PLL is making broadcasts more accessible to new fans

The NHL as a growth comparison for professional lacrosse

How the PLL is using AI across creative, technical, and analytics functions

The 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

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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

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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

 

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MLS commissioner Don Garber breaks down why the 2026 World Cup is “rocket fuel” for Major League Soccer—and what metrics (attendance, media coverage, social growth, and player movement) will prove it. He also explains MLS 3.0, the league’s post-World Cup calendar shift, and what he’d change about the Apple TV model as MLS plans its next media rights chapter. Alex also speaks with Mark Trübenbacher, CEO of Stadium Growth Lighting.  They are the company in charge of preserving the grass on every World Cup pitch. 

Key topics and takeaways

How MLS plans to measure the World Cup effect: attendance lift, media coverage, social followers, fan engagement, and talent inflow after 2026

“This game on us”: why 22 MLS teams plan free tickets for the first match after the World Cup to convert new fans

What MLS 3.0 means: post-World Cup strategy, new calendar format, roster rule updates, and increased marketing/content distribution

Calendar realignment: moving toward the international calendar to better match transfer windows and global competition

Building a global league: brand ambitions, club valuations, and why MLS wants more than one globally recognized team

Life after Messi in Miami: why Garber believes Inter Miami can sustain global momentum beyond a single superstar

Apple TV partnership lessons: why MLS took the risk, what worked, and why the paid-subscription “experiment” didn’t fully land (yet)

Next media deal strategy: Garber’s case for multiple partners and why “streaming reach” can be misunderstood vs. linear reach

CBA priorities (expiring after the 2027 season): player access, biometrics/data, and how AI is becoming embedded across the business

Integrity and betting: prediction markets, risk controls, FIFA monitoring, and Garber’s mention of a deal with Polymarket

Succession planning: what Garber says about his contract through 2027 and the league’s ongoing search process

World Cup logistics and ticket pricing: why he expects concerns to fade once the tournament begins, and how FIFA executes at scale

Timestamps

24:08 World Cup 2026 as “rocket fuel” + how MLS will measure the impact

25:57 Why World Cups tend to create a pro-league “bump” (and what matters more long-term)

27:22 “This game on us” free-ticket push after the World Cup

27:53 What MLS 3.0 is and what changes after 2026

31:00 Calendar shift + transfer-window alignment

32:01 Valuations, global brand building, and competing with top European clubs

34:44 Agree/Disagree: fan growth and league competition

37:30 Apple TV deal, innovation, and the limits of the paywall model

39:27 Why the next MLS media deal may need multiple partners

41:03 CBA issues: player access, biometrics, and AI

43:20 Betting integrity, monitoring systems, and Polymarket

44:47 Garber on succession and his 2027 timeline

49:30 World Cup concerns: politics, logistics, and ticket pricing

51:36 FIFA operations at scale and why the in-stadium experience wins

Links & resources

Major League Soccer: https://www.mlssoccer.com/

MLS Season Pass (Apple TV): https://tv.apple.com/

U.S. Soccer: https://www.ussoccer.com/

FIFA: https://www.fifa.com/

Polymarket: https://polymarket.com/

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RCX Sports has been building a youth sports platform around pro-league partnerships—now it’s scaling with new investment. In this conversation, host Alex Sherman sits down with Eli Manning and RCX Sports CEO/founder Izell Reese to break down the acquisition by Brand Velocity Group (BVG), how the business works, and the bigger question: can private equity and “keep it affordable” youth sports actually coexist? 

They explain RCX’s model as a services-and-licensed-gear engine supporting local organizations like Parks & Recs and YMCAs, while licensing pro league branding for uniforms and equipment—what Reese describes as “Little League baseball meets fanatics.” 

Eli frames the investment thesis in human terms: access, life lessons, and grassroots community reach—plus the built-in fandom flywheel when kids play under real NFL team logos at a young age. 

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