Jimmy Connors
Showing 1–2 of 2 transcripts.
- Milken Institute1h 2m
The Business of Sports (updated)
Todd Boehly, Jimmy Connors, Wayne Gretzky, Joseph Ravitch, Melinda Witmer, Jim Gray, Joe Ravitch
Guggenheim Partners acquired the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2.1 billion to operate as a global entertainment brand, while Time Warner Cable secured exclusive local media rights through a direct $10 billion agreement that bypasses traditional regional sports networks. Panelists including Todd Boley, Melinda Whitmer, Wayne Gretzky, and Jimmy Connors affirmed that live in-stadium events remain the premium product despite technological advancements in broadcast, citing superior fan engagement and physicality that home viewing cannot replicate. The discussion further highlighted that franchise valuations are driven by real estate potential and media scarcity rather than emotion, with experts predicting the inevitable return of an NFL team to Los Angeles and continued appreciation in major league sports assets.
- Milken Institute1h 2m
The Business of Sports
Jim Gray, Todd Boley, Melinda Whitmer, Wayne Gretzky, Jimmy Connors, Joe Ravitch
Industry leaders including Guggenheim Partners' Todd Boley and Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky convened to analyze the shifting economics of professional sports, where franchise valuations are increasingly driven by real estate and the strategic removal of Regional Sports Network middlemen. The panel highlighted a critical transition toward direct-to-consumer broadcasting models, exemplified by Time Warner Cable's $10 billion investment in Dodgers and Lakers rights, while maintaining that the unique energy of live stadium attendance remains irreplaceable by digital technology. Despite concerns over potential tech giant disruption, the consensus asserts that sports franchises will continue to leverage their status as non-substitutable entertainment anchors to sustain growth and justify rising consumer costs.