Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show Episode: Hour 3 – Michael Ozanian, Mark Sanchez
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Host/Guests:

• Host: Dan Patrick
• Guests: Mark Sanchez (NFL and Fox analyst), Michael Kassin (CNBC Senior Sports Reporter)

1. Introduction

In the third hour of The Dan Patrick Show, Dan Patrick engages in an insightful discussion with NFL analyst Mark Sanchez and CNBC Senior Sports Reporter Michael Kassin. The primary focus revolves around the escalating valuations of NBA franchises, particularly the Los Angeles Lakers, and broader trends in sports team ownership and economics.

2. The Lakers Sale and Team Valuations

Discussion Highlights:

• Potential Sale of the Lakers:
  The conversation kicks off with the looming possibility of the Los Angeles Lakers being sold for $10 billion. Despite CNBC's valuation ranking the Lakers at $7 billion, the actual sale price dramatically exceeds this figure.

  Michael Kassin (05:33): "I take the $10 billion because I'm a bigger baseball fan than I am basketball fan."

  • Market Dynamics:
    Michael elaborates on the disconnect between traditional valuations and the actual market price, attributing it to the Lakers' iconic brand and strategic fit within larger sports empires.

    Michael Kassin (07:50): "The term that we always hear from our audience is that they feel seen."

• Comparative Valuations:

  • Dallas Cowboys: Valued at $12 billion, deemed the most valuable sports franchise in the U.S.
  • Boston Celtics: Sold for just over $6 billion, despite being one of the most storied franchises.
  • Golden State Warriors: Discussed in terms of ownership and arena economics.

  Michael Kassin (07:50): "Because the Celtics, Lakers, two big markets, the two teams with the most championships in NBA history... it's just a [something]..."

3. Insights into Sports Franchise Valuations

Key Points:

• Economic Factors:
  Traditional valuation methods like multiples of revenue are being overshadowed by brand value and strategic ownership considerations.

  Michael Kassin (07:50): "So it's just something that I think if you're Mark Walter and you're looking at this... it's just a something that I think if you're Mark Walter and you're looking at this and you're saying, look, I'm in LA, I got the Dodgers..."

• Ownership Tendencies:
  Modern sports team owners are building expansive sports empires, owning multiple teams across different leagues, thereby increasing the intrinsic value of each franchise.

  Michael Kassin (13:33): "And increasingly, I know I mentioned sports empires with Walter, but the trend is, what we're seeing is these investors that own teams continue to increase their stakes in multiple sports, in multiple leagues."

• Historical Context:
  Michael reflects on his experience since 1989, noting the exponential growth in team valuations contrary to earlier predictions.

  Michael Kassin (09:57): "I started valuing sports teams since 1989... I remember saying, you know, can this appreciation continue? And he said, no, no way. ... Yet, we've seen the exact opposite happen."

4. The Cowboys and Brand Power

Discussion Highlights:

• Brand Dominance:
  The Dallas Cowboys' valuation is highlighted as the pinnacle of sports franchise worth, powered by their brand, facilities, and global appeal.

  Michael Kassin (11:01): "Got to be the Dallas Cowboys. I valued them when we did the NFL at CNBC a year ago at 11 billion."

• Ownership and Facilities:
  The significance of owning associated facilities and ancillary revenue streams, as seen with the Cowboys owning the Cowboys Stadium, which adds to their overall value.

  Dan Patrick (14:35): "Have you ever seen the facility? ... There's a $10,000 indoor stadium there that the high school teams play."

5. Audience Interaction and Q&A

Notable Segment:

• Advice for Aspiring Broadcasters:
  A listener, Emilio from Vegas, seeks advice for his son aspiring to enter sports announcing after a knee injury ended his soccer career.

  Emilio (17:55): "My son, he's 17 and a half... he wants to get into announcing."

  Dan Patrick and Mark Sanchez's Response:

  • Emphasized the importance of gaining experience, whether through college programs or local opportunities.
  • Highlighted the non-linear career path in broadcasting, stressing persistence and skill development.

  Mark Sanchez (18:36): "If your son is doing something now, does he want to continue to explore that on the local level? Does he want to go to college to take broadcasting or journalism?"

  Dan Patrick (35:17): "There is no direct route because... it's a tough, tough, tough business."

6. NFL Discussion: Aaron Rodgers and Team Culture

Discussion Highlights:

• Aaron Rodgers' Potential Move:
  The panel discusses Aaron Rodgers' performance and his possible fit with the Pittsburgh Steelers, focusing on team culture and player production.

  Dan Patrick (26:48): "Shaquille O'Neal, you know, these different players that they brought, LeBron James... they're tough, hard-nosed, blue-collar and they're going to put you in good situations."

• Player Performance vs. Personality:
  The debate centers around valuing player performance over personal likability, with production seen as a primary factor in player acceptance within a team's culture.

  Mark Sanchez (31:13): "I think people have a problem with the person and not the player. ... The great equalizer is when you get on the field, what can you do?"

  Dan Patrick (31:50): "Production breeds tolerance. Winning cures warts."

7. Concluding Remarks

The episode wraps up with reflections on sports team valuations, the importance of brand and ownership strategies, and the intricate balance between player performance and team culture. The discussions underscore the evolving landscape of sports economics and the increasing complexities of sports management in today's market.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Michael Kassin on Tennis Team Valuations:

  "I started valuing sports teams since 1989... it's just a something that I think if you're Mark Walter..." (07:50)

• Dan Patrick on Player Development:

  "I have to tell your son, get as many reps as possible." (18:36)

• Mark Sanchez on Valuing Players:

  "The great equalizer is when you get on the field, what can you do?" (31:13)

• Michael Kassin on Dallas Cowboys' Value:

  "Got to be the Dallas Cowboys... as we've seen over the past year..." (11:01)

Key Takeaways

• Sports Team Valuations are Skyrocketing: Franchises like the Lakers are being sold for prices far exceeding traditional valuations due to their brand strength and strategic fit within larger ownership portfolios.

• Brand and Ownership Strategy are Crucial: The value of a sports team is not just in its immediate revenue but also in its brand, associated facilities, and how it fits into the owner's broader sports empire.

• Player Performance Can Override Personal Traits: In team dynamics, outstanding player performance is often prioritized over personal likability or cultural fit.

• Career Paths in Broadcasting are Non-Linear: Aspiring sports announcers should focus on gaining diverse experiences and skills, as there is no straightforward path to success in the industry.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the third hour of The Dan Patrick Show, providing valuable perspectives on the business of sports and career advice within the industry.