Episode 138 |

DP & McGhee are fired up to welcome Michael Payne, the former head of marketing for the International Olympic Committee and author of the new book Fast Tracks and Dark Deals, for a deep dive into his 50-year journey through the global sports industry. Payne shares stories from the Olympic movement, his high-stakes work with Bernie Ecclestone at Formula 1, and encounters with sports business giants including past guests Rob Prazmark and Terence Burns.

Before his segment, the guys run through a lively mix of soccer, college football, and sponsorship headlines.

🎭 A FIFA Draw That Drew…Criticism
A breakdown of the widely panned made-for-TV FIFA Draw — plus more than one laugh at the Great One, Wayne Gretzky.

⚽ MLS Cup Delivers the Beautiful Game
A look at the Inter Miami vs. Vancouver Whitecaps clash and why it reaffirmed soccer’s timeless appeal.

🏈 College Football Playoff Frustration
David and Tim discuss the upcoming CFP and Notre Dame’s reasonable disappointment at being left out of the top 12, but question their decision to opt out of a bowl game appearance.

💼 Spotlight on Sponsorships
Quick hits on:

• PayPal’s new NFL partnership

• Toyota Gazoo Racing becoming new title partner of Haas F1, replacing DP's former employer, MoneyGram

• The first-ever college jersey patch sponsor

🏅 Michael Payne Joins the Show
Five decades of lessons from the man who helped build the modern Olympic commercial model — and later navigated the high-stakes world of Formula 1.

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Smart takes. Occasional nonsense. Always at the corner of Sports & Business.
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