NCAA Tournament BOOMING, NFL Draft Tweaked & MLB’s Big Netflix Move

On the latest episode of Deals & Deadlines, hosts Matt Chernoff and Hadley Engelhardt broke down why the business of sports continues to surge—from record NCAA Tournament ratings to evolving NFL and MLB strategies.

March Madness is once again delivering massive numbers, with the most-watched first round ever. Games averaged nearly 10 million viewers, with primetime hitting 12.5 million. Chernoff and Engelhardt pushed back on the idea that NIL and the transfer portal are hurting the sport, instead suggesting they may be helping power programs stack talent and create more compelling, high-level matchups.

In the NFL, the league continues to prioritize its television product. The first round of the draft will now feature 8-minute pick windows, cutting over an hour off the broadcast. While it could create pressure in trade scenarios, Engelhardt noted teams are typically prepared, and the streamlined format benefits both viewers and ad revenue. 

The duo also examined the growing buzz around a potential extension for Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. While Atlanta still has control through his rookie deal and fifth-year option, an early extension could help the team beat a rising running back market. However, as Engelhardt explained, it’s a calculated risk given the position’s short prime, making contract structure critical.

In Major League Baseball, the sport is leaning into streaming, with Opening Day featuring Yankees vs. Giants on Netflix. The league is also rolling out an automated ball-strike challenge system and dealing with ongoing local TV rights uncertainty—issues that directly impact team revenue and payroll flexibility.

New episodes of Deals & Deadlines drop every Wednesday. Fans can watch on the 680 The Fan YouTube channel or listen on all major podcast platforms.