CNBC Sport

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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Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia joins CNBC’s Alex Sherman to discuss rising NBA franchise valuations, concerns surrounding United Wholesale Mortgage’s finances, and his long-term vision for basketball ownership. Ishbia addresses speculation about his financial position, reflects on lessons from the Kevin Durant trade, and shares his plans for rebuilding the Suns, improving the fan experience, and transforming NBA All-Star Weekend.
Then, Alex speaks with Michael Osacky, president of Baseballintheattic.com about the growing collectables market.
Episode Notes
Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia joins CNBC’s Alex Sherman for a wide-ranging conversation about the business of professional sports, NBA franchise valuations, financial stability, and the challenges of building a championship-caliber basketball team.
Ishbia responds directly to questions about his financial position and United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), rejecting speculation that the mortgage company's performance could jeopardize his ownership of the Suns. He also discusses his growing ownership stake in the Suns and Mercury, explains why he believes the combined franchises could be worth $8 billion to $9 billion, and shares his philosophy on acquiring additional sports teams.
Beyond the financial headlines, Ishbia outlines his vision for the future of NBA and WNBA ownership. From affordable concessions and free over-the-air Suns broadcasts to potential changes to NBA All-Star Weekend, he explains why prioritizing fans, community engagement, and long-term success is central to his approach.
The conversation also explores Ishbia's evolving basketball strategy following the Kevin Durant trade, the importance of establishing a strong team culture, the future of the WNBA, and his expectations for the Phoenix Suns in a competitive Western Conference.

Key topics discussed
NBA ownership and expansion: Why Ishbia isn't pursuing a traditional sports empire, his involvement with the Chicago White Sox, and his perspective on potential NBA expansion into Las Vegas.
UWM finances and ownership stability: Ishbia addresses reports about loans, liquidity, margin-call risk, and the relationship between his mortgage business and basketball franchises.
Phoenix Suns and Mercury valuations: Why Ishbia believes the combined franchises are worth significantly more than his original $4 billion acquisition price.
Fan experience and innovation: How affordable concessions, free television broadcasts, arena enhancements, and other initiatives fit into Ishbia's ownership strategy.
NBA All-Star Weekend: Potential changes to the dunk contest, greater star participation, and ideas for new competitions.
WNBA growth and leadership: The search for a new WNBA commissioner, investment in women's basketball infrastructure, and the Phoenix Mercury's future.
Kevin Durant trade lessons: What Ishbia learned about team-building, leadership, culture, and the limits of assembling expensive superstar rosters.
Phoenix Suns expectations: The team's competitive identity, Devin Booker's leadership, and Ishbia's goals for playoff success.

Episode timestamps
Timestamps are relative to the start of the recorded interview.
01:32 — Ishbia's sports ownership philosophy and the Chicago White Sox investment
02:28 — United Wholesale Mortgage's financial performance and Suns ownership concerns
04:33 — Ishbia addresses loans, liquidity, and margin-call speculation
06:05 — Minority ownership transactions and the Suns' potential $8 billion to $9 billion valuation
07:57 — UWM's mortgage business outlook and purchase lending strategy
09:49 — Potential NBA expansion in Las Vegas and its impact on Phoenix Suns fans
10:45 — Affordable concessions, free broadcasts, and improving the fan experience
12:50 — Plans to revitalize NBA All-Star Weekend and the dunk contest
14:34 — The WNBA commissioner search and investment in women's basketball
15:51 — Isiah Thomas's relationship with Ishbia and basketball operations
16:27 — Lessons from the Kevin Durant trade and the Suns' new team culture
20:10 — Why Ishbia rejects NBA tanking and prioritizes winning
21:54 — Phoenix Suns season expectations, playoff goals, and Devin Booker's role

Notable insights
Ishbia emphasizes that financial success and franchise ownership stability are separate issues, asserting that UWM's performance does not threaten his basketball teams. He also argues that NBA franchises have substantial long-term growth potential as demand for professional sports ownership continues.
Reflecting on the Kevin Durant era, Ishbia acknowledges that acquiring elite talent without a clearly defined organizational identity was insufficient to produce championship success. His revised approach centers on what he calls the Suns DNA: players who demonstrate toughness, defensive commitment, work ethic, and alignment with the franchise's culture.
Ishbia also makes clear that he opposes intentional losing as a rebuilding strategy. Rather than embracing tanking, he wants the Suns to improve consistently, compete for playoff victories, and build around Devin Booker.

Related resources
Phoenix Suns — Official Website
Phoenix Mercury — Official Website
United Wholesale Mortgage
CNBC — Business and Financial News
NBA — Official Website
WNBA — Official Website


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Las Vegas Sands CEO and Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont joins CNBC's Contessa Brewer in Macao to discuss the NBA China Games, potential NBA expansion in Las Vegas, and plans for a new Mavericks arena and entertainment district in Dallas. Dumont also shares his outlook on Macao's gaming market, luxury tourism in Asia, and how live sports and entertainment are shaping the future of hospitality.
Episode Notes
Las Vegas Sands CEO and Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont sits down with CNBC's Contessa Brewer in Macao to discuss the intersection of professional basketball, casino gaming, luxury hospitality, and global tourism. With the NBA China Games bringing the Dallas Mavericks to Macao, Dumont explains how major sporting events can create lasting economic opportunities, attract international visitors, and strengthen community connections.
From the potential arrival of an NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas to ambitious plans for a new Dallas Mavericks arena, Dumont offers insight into the business strategy behind sports ownership and entertainment development. He also addresses Macao's evolving gaming economy, Las Vegas Sands' long-term investment philosophy, and the growing importance of luxury experiences across Asia.
Topics discussed include:
NBA China Games in Macao: Why bringing the Dallas Mavericks to Macao represents an important milestone for Las Vegas Sands, the NBA, and international basketball.
Basketball and community development: How Mavericks players, including Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving, are engaging with young athletes and promoting teamwork.
Macao gaming revenue and tourism diversification: Why Las Vegas Sands continues investing despite fluctuations in casino revenue and how entertainment, shopping, and sporting events support tourism.
Luxury hospitality in Asia: Dumont's outlook on long-term economic growth in China and other Asian markets, and the demand for premium travel experiences.
Formula 1 and live entertainment: How the Singapore Grand Prix, Sands' Ferrari partnership, and concerts help attract visitors to luxury resorts.
NBA expansion in Las Vegas: Why Dumont believes Las Vegas is a natural destination for an NBA franchise and how an arena could fit into the city's entertainment landscape.
Dallas Mavericks arena development: Early planning for a new arena and entertainment district, including the potential Valley View site and the distinction between Mavericks development and future Las Vegas Sands investments in Texas.
Prediction markets and sports betting: Dumont's perspective on prediction markets, fan engagement, and the different role of live hospitality experiences.
NBA franchise valuations: Why Dumont considers ownership of the Mavericks a long-term commitment to fans rather than simply a financial investment.
Episode timestamps:
06:27 — Patrick Dumont on hosting the NBA China Games in Macao with the Dallas Mavericks
07:33 — Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, and youth basketball development
08:33 — The economic and community impact of the NBA China Games
09:28 — Macao's gaming revenue, tourism growth, and economic diversification
10:55 — Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, and luxury hospitality strategy
11:46 — Competition in the luxury travel market and Asia's wealth creation
12:43 — Formula 1, Ferrari, concerts, and sports-driven tourism
13:38 — Las Vegas NBA expansion and the city's entertainment potential
14:34 — Arena development and the future of professional basketball in Las Vegas
15:36 — Dallas Mavericks plans for a new arena and entertainment district
16:50 — Prediction markets, sports betting, and the Texas gaming landscape
17:46 — Rising NBA franchise valuations and the Mavericks ownership philosophy
18:11 — How luxury hospitality could reshape the Mavericks fan experience
More about the organizations and events discussed:
Las Vegas Sands — Global resort and hospitality company operating major properties in Macao and Singapore.
Dallas Mavericks — Official website of the NBA franchise.
NBA — League news, international basketball initiatives, and team information.
Marina Bay Sands — Las Vegas Sands' integrated resort in Singapore.
Formula 1 — Official information about F1 racing, including the Singapore Grand Prix.
CNBC — Business and financial news covering gaming, travel, sports, and global markets.
Dumont emphasizes that the future of Las Vegas Sands depends on creating experiences that bring customers back, while his vision for the Dallas Mavericks focuses on building a world-class arena that combines basketball, entertainment, and exceptional hospitality.

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