Pink's Bottom Line on Media, Money and Sports
Top items and takeaways of the week from the worlds of media, money and sports plus my NFL Conference Championship picks
Here are the top items and takeaways of the week from the worlds of media, money and sports plus my NFL Conference Championship picks.
MEDIA
Pink’s Bottom Line: Although business models of video streaming services are struggling, their popularity among viewers is growing, a trend that will only get stronger.
Sports Media Watch reported that an English Premier League (EPL) soccer match last weekend hit record viewership levels in the United States.
Pink’s Bottom Line: EPL viewership is now rivaling viewership of regular season games of traditional American sports, indicating that EPL rights, which are up for renewal in five years, will skyrocket by then.
Confider reported this week that ABC, owner of 538, might shutter or sell the sports, politics and economics data analytics publication.
Pink’s Bottom Line: Look for a big tech company or digital media company to swoop in and buy 538 for a bargain price in the next few months.
MONEY
Pink’s Bottom Line: If that trend continues, it could hasten a move to a four-day workweek in the United States.
Employee engagement slumped in 2022 compared to 2021, according to a survey from Gallup.
Pink’s Bottom Line: Notably, engagement of younger workers declined at a more rapid pace than older workers, suggesting a longer-term employee engagement problem is on the horizon.
Pink’s Bottom Line: Gas prices likely will move lower in the next few months as more supply hits the market and winter demand slows.
SPORTS
In the NFL, a number of starting quarterbacks will be on the market — either via trade or free agency — this offseason likely including Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers.
Pink’s Bottom Line: Garoppolo will have several suitors but the Carolina Panthers or New York Jets are the two most likely landing spots for him as the quarterback could quickly elevate either team thanks to their strong overall rosters.
Pink’s Bottom Line: Djokovic will win the tournament — and tie the record for most men’s majors — and begin a year of domination on the men’s tour where he will win three of this year’s Grand Slams.
Pink’s Bottom Line: As such, the NBA title is wide open this season, and an emerging young team like the Cleveland Cavaliers or the New Orleans Pelicans could make a surprisingly deep run in this year’s playoffs.
NFL Conference Championship Picks
AFC Title Game
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs (-1.5)
I’m sticking with the Chiefs, my preseason Super Bowl pick, despite the ankle injury to quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City will win outright and cover the spread.
NFC Title Game
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5)
Philadelphia has the most complete team in football and the Eagles will overwhelm the 49ers and their rookie quarterback, Brock Purdy. The Eagles will win outright by double digits and cover the spread.
Jeremy Pink consults for media, sports and tech companies around the world. He is the former CEO of private-equity backed Broadcast Sports International where he helped lead the company to a successful sale and exit during his tenure there. He is also a former CNBC television executive in New York, London and Singapore. He started his career as a sportswriter for two newspapers in Columbus, Ohio.
The information contained in this communication is strictly for general informational and entertainment purposes and is not meant to be construed as financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. This communication is not a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. I am not a financial advisor or offering professional advice of any kind. Users should not act upon the content or information found within this communication without first seeking professional advice appropriate for their individual situation. Decisions based on information contained in this communication are the sole responsibility of the user, and use of this communication and its contents constitutes an explicit understanding and acceptance of the foregoing disclaimers.
(Newsletter Editor: Karina Pink)