Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Covino & Rich - Make Room for Sports Spectacles
Release Date: June 18, 2025

Introduction to Sports Spectacles

In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Covino and Rich dive deep into the evolving landscape of sports, focusing on the rise of sports spectacles. They explore how non-traditional sporting events are capturing public attention and reshaping the way audiences engage with sports entertainment.

The Rise of Spectacle Sports

Covino and Rich begin by highlighting the increasing popularity of unique and entertaining sports events that diverge from mainstream athletics. They discuss events like the planned race between Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles and NFL star Tyreek Hill, which, despite its cancellation, exemplifies the growing trend of blending athletic prowess with showmanship.

Covino [08:05]: "When I say spectacles, I mean Jake Paul type of events. Yeah, like silly sporting events."

Rich [18:20]: "You could love all the things I just said, NBA, NFL, Major League Baseball, but still say, oh, I want to watch Jake Paul fight and watch the Savannah Bananas. Why can't you like all that stuff?"

Social Media and Viral Moments

The hosts emphasize the role of social media in amplifying these sports spectacles. Viral moments, such as the heated interactions between Noah Lyles and Tyreek Hill or the intense fights like Lance Stevenson vs. Dwight Howard, are dissected for their ability to draw massive online audiences.

Covino [09:40]: "There's a growing market for that. Because there's a lot of people in the world of social media and younger people that really like and enjoy this stuff because it's not that serious."

Rich [11:50]: "He's fighting Chavez Jr. Not this weekend, the next weekend...because it's fun, and there's room for that."

Entertainment Factor vs. Traditional Sports

Covino and Rich discuss the balance between maintaining the integrity of traditional sports and embracing the entertainment value of spectacle events. They argue that while mainstream sports remain the foundation of athletic entertainment, spectacles offer a refreshing and engaging alternative that attracts a broader audience.

Covino [12:20]: "It's mindless fun, but yet still sports. You could have company over, still have this on, not be glued to it. It's just background fun to watch."

Rich [17:30]: "They never replace real sports for me. But I don't see why you wouldn't find interest in Tyreek Hill."

Economic Implications and Market Potential

The episode delves into the economic aspects of sports spectacles, highlighting the lucrative opportunities they present. Covino points out that salary potentials for participants in such events could rival those of traditional sports, making them an attractive career path for athletes who may not fit into mainstream leagues.

Rich [14:07]: "The salaries of a Savannah Banana is close to $100,000. If that number goes up, all of a sudden, the interest level of some young ballplayers might change."

Covino [14:36]: "It's a great existence. You're having fun touring, women love you, kids love you, families are going to see you."

Case Studies: Savannah Bananas and Jake Paul

Covino and Rich use specific examples like the Savannah Bananas and Jake Paul's boxing matches to illustrate the impact of sports spectacles. They analyze how these events successfully blend athleticism with entertainment, creating memorable and shareable moments that resonate with diverse audiences.

Danny G [13:10]: "It's not just the Savannah Bananas that are entertaining. Bananas don't win every game. And they're not the only ones doing these tricks and silly things."

Rich [16:10]: "I want to adjust Jake Paul's quote and then believe it. If he said he's the best thing to happen to boxing since Mike Tyson."

Audience Engagement and Future Trends

The hosts explore how audience preferences are shifting towards more interactive and entertaining sports content. They predict that the future will see a greater integration of traditional sports with these spectacles, enhancing overall viewer engagement and expanding the sports entertainment industry.

Covino [20:09]: "There's a growing market for it because Jake Paul said something that there might be some truth to...People are tuning in for whatever reason because it's fun."

Rich [23:30]: "There's millions and millions of people on a waitlist to get in. And there's college stadiums all over the country trying to get their bid on. Hey, come play here."

Interactive Segment: "Quote Me" Game

To engage the live audience, Covino and Rich introduce the "Quote Me" game, where listeners guess which sports commentator or personality made specific statements. This interactive segment not only entertains but also reinforces the episode's themes by highlighting memorable quotes related to sports spectacles.

Quote Example [32:51]:
"If you hear this, somebody tells you I said it, you eat this one, you own it. Stop telling people that the WNBA is going to overtake the NBA. It's not. It never will."
Answer: Lavar Arrington [33:37]

Conclusion: Embracing the Spectacle

Covino and Rich conclude by reaffirming their belief in the coexistence of traditional sports and sports spectacles. They advocate for a more inclusive approach to sports entertainment, where both serious athletics and entertaining spectacles can thrive, catering to a wide array of audience preferences.

Rich [18:31]: "Why can't you love the NFL, Major League Baseball, the NBA, college football, and still watch a Jake Paul fight or the Savannah Bananas?"

Covino [18:31]: "There's room for both, but it's growing, whether you like it or not."

Key Takeaways

1. Growing Popularity of Spectacle Sports: Non-traditional sports events are gaining traction, especially among younger audiences and social media users.
2. Economic Opportunities: Spectacle sports present lucrative opportunities for athletes and event organizers, rivaling traditional sports salaries and revenues.
3. Entertainment Value: These events successfully blend athleticism with entertainment, making sports more accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience.
4. Future Integration: The future of sports entertainment lies in the harmonious integration of traditional sports with spectacles, enhancing overall engagement and diversity in the industry.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [08:05] Covino: "When I say spectacles, I mean Jake Paul type of events. Yeah, like silly sporting events."
• [18:20] Rich: "You could love all the things I just said, NBA, NFL, Major League Baseball, but still say, oh, I want to watch Jake Paul fight and watch the Savannah Bananas. Why can't you like all that stuff?"
• [14:07] Rich: "The salaries of a Savannah Banana is close to $100,000. If that number goes up, all of a sudden, the interest level of some young ballplayers might change."
• [20:09] Covino: "There's a growing market for it because Jake Paul said something that there might be some truth to...People are tuning in for whatever reason because it's fun."

Final Thoughts

Covino and Rich present a compelling case for the importance of sports spectacles in the modern sports entertainment landscape. By blending insightful analysis with entertaining discussions, they encourage listeners to appreciate the diverse forms of sports entertainment and anticipate future trends that will continue to shape the industry.

For those who missed the episode, be sure to listen to The Herd with Colin Cowherd on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.