In the latest episode of Sporticast, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the week’s biggest sports business stories, including the upcoming NFL Draft.
Once a relatively mundane day during the NFL off-season, the draft was mushroom in a multi-day traveling circus. It’s one of several examples — such as the scouting grouping and the release of the annual calendar — that the world’s richest sports league produces major commercial opportunities outside of the regular season and playoffs. Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected in Detroit this week for the event, with teams selling new sponsorships for your own preliminary day activities.
More from Sportico.com
USC quarterback Caleb Williams is expected to be the No. 1 pick, selected by the Chicago Bears. While it’s unclear exactly what Williams will make on his rookie contract, it will be considerably less than what top picks made two decades ago. When Sam Bradford was drafted No. 1 in 2010, he signed a $78 million contract with $50 million guaranteed. Last year, top pick Bryce Young signed a $38 million contract with about $24.6 million guaranteed. The hosts talk about why that changed.
They also discuss some ways NIL opportunities have changed the way NFL prospects view the transition from college to the pros. Williams was making millions, honestly, at USC. He’ll make more in the NFL, of course, but the financial calculus for the NCAA’s biggest stars has certainly changed how they approach the draft. Sports lawyer Darren Heitner said on twitter Wednesday, he heard that more NFL players were opting out of the draft, largely because they are now used to getting paid for appearances. Williams, who does not have an agent, supposedly addressed the topic of obtaining equity in the team that drafts him, something that is not allowed by the NFL.
The hosts wrap up by talking more about New York Rangers rookie Matt Rempe. The 1.80 m forward, popular for his physical play, has the second best seller jersey among all first-year NHL players (second only to Connor Bedard). This is despite having scored just two goals this season.
(You can subscribe to Sporticast through Litter, Google, Spotify, YouTubeor wherever you get your podcasts.)
