Episode Summary
Executive Summary: This transcript is a promotional introduction to Bloomberg Podcasts’ The Deal, hosted by Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly. It frames the show as a weekly exploration of how sports and money intersect, highlighting conversations with athletes, executives, and entrepreneurs about negotiations, business strategy, and deal-making behind pro sports.
Main Topics: Podcast promotion and brand positioning (Priority: 5/5): Jill Weisenthal introduces The Deal as another Bloomberg Podcasts show and directs listeners to the trailer and platforms where it can be heard. Sports and money intersection (Priority: 5/5): The show’s core premise is that professional sports involve a major layer of negotiation, ownership, and business strategy beyond the game itself. Host credibility and format (Priority: 4/5): Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly position themselves as guides to this world, combining athlete experience with business journalism. Guest lineup and expertise (Priority: 4/5): The trailer teases high-profile guests from sports, business, and investing, signaling a broad discussion of deal-making across industries. Learning from elite careers (Priority: 3/5): Several guest quotes suggest the show explores how top performers think about business, ownership, competition, and leverage. Multi-platform distribution (Priority: 2/5): Listeners are encouraged to follow or watch the show across podcast apps and Bloomberg video channels.
Key Arguments: The Deal focuses on the business side of sports, showing that major athletic careers are also shaped by deals and negotiations. Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly are presented as credible hosts because they combine sports experience with business/media expertise. The show’s value proposition is access to high-profile guests who can discuss strategy, ownership, competition, and investment from first-hand experience. The podcast is meant for listeners interested in both sports narratives and financial/business decision-making. Bloomberg is using cross-promotion and multi-platform distribution to build awareness for the new season.
Data Points: Podcast host count: 2 - The Deal is hosted by Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly. Past guests mentioned: 4+ - Jill Weisenthal cites Serena Williams, Stephen A. Smith, Derek Jeter, and more. Upcoming guest examples: 5 - The trailer names Billie Jean King, Jay Williams, Paul Rabel, Adena Friedman, and David Rubenstein. Season status: new season out now - The promo says the new season of The Deal is available now. Distribution platforms mentioned: 4 - Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Bloomberg Originals, and Bloomberg TV are all referenced.
Pivotal Quotes: "behind the game, there's always the deal" — Jill Weisenthal: Defines the show’s central premise that sports are deeply tied to business and negotiation. "What should I learn? What should I do? I said, learn the business." — Billie Jean King: Illustrates the kind of practical, business-focused insight the show aims to surface from guests. "You're an asset, but how do you become the principal?" — Jay Williams: Captures the show’s interest in athlete-to-owner transitions and business ownership.
Implications: The show targets listeners who want sports stories with business depth, and it positions Bloomberg as a home for high-level conversations about ownership, investment, and deal-making in athletics.
About Odd Lots
Bloomberg's Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway analyze the weird patterns, the complex issues and the newest market crazes. Join the conversation every Tuesday and Thursday for interviews with the most interesting minds in finance, economics and markets.