Sports Media Predictions for 2026

Episode 576 of the Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch features Sports Business Journal media writer Austin Karp and Sports Media Watch founder and editor Jon Lewis. In this podcast, we offer our sports media predictions for 2026; why we think the World Cup will draw record numbers but not have a long-lasting impact on soccer in the United States; the short-term future of MLB on TV and streaming; viewership for the Milan-Cortina Olympics; what happens with Turner Sports properties; whether Pat McAfee's star and leverage grows or declines in 2026; if Netflix's sports podcast strategy be successful; does the WNBA season start on time; if Caitlin Clark can still be a viewership unicorn; the takeaway of the 2026 World Cup and more. You can subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more.