SVG Launches ‘Follow the Money’ Podcast: Go Inside the Sports Media Biz with Sam McCleery and John Kosner

Kosner, a four-decade sports-media veteran, shares his forecast for the business

Welcome to the Sports Video Group’s new interview series, Follow the Money, designed to help SVG members and sponsors have a deeper understanding of the sports media rights, technology investment, and financial communities. Hosted by Sam McCleery, an Emmy-award-winning executive who worked for ESPN, Cablevision, Adidas, Prince Tennis, and Under Armour, each episode will feature experts in the sports innovation and investment community discussing a wide range of topics.

In a volatile entertainment business, what is the current state (and the future prospects) of live sports?

On the first episode of Follow the Money, host Sam McCleery is joined by John Kosner, a four-decade sports-media veteran and president of Kosner Media, where he advises leagues, technology companies, and investors on digital strategy, media valuations, and rights negotiations.

WATCH: Follow the Money, Episode 1 – John Kosner

One of the industry’s earliest digital pioneers, he played a central role in building ESPN into a global leader in streaming, editorial content, fantasy, and direct-to-consumer products during his 21 years at the company, earning multiple Sports Emmys, Online Journalism Awards, and repeated recognition from SportsBusiness Journal.

Today, Kosner works with organizations ranging from Apple and the USOPC to MLS, Opendorse, SponsorUnited, Videocites, and numerous early-stage sports-tech startups. He co-founded Micromanagement Ventures with the late David Stern, investing in breakthrough companies such as WHOOP, WSC Sports, Overtime, and others that have since been acquired.

Alongside longtime collaborator Ed Desser, he develops media-rights strategies, performs league and property valuations, and contributes regular analysis to Sports Business Journal, including the influential review that accompanied the NCAA’s External Gender Equity Report. He also writes on sports and gaming with J Moses and serves as an expert witness in major industry legal matters.

For future episodes of “Follow the Money” and to watch more original interviews from Sports Video Group, visit our free video platform, SVG PLAY.