Podcast Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Episode: Covino & Rich - New Sports Rivalries
Release Date: June 20, 2025

Introduction: Live from Las Vegas

Timestamp: [03:23] - [05:07]

Covino and Rich kick off the episode live from the Circa Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas, broadcasting from the vibrant Stadium Swim event. They set an energetic tone, highlighting the live atmosphere and engaging with their co-host, Iowa Sam, and producer Danny G. The hosts emphasize the accessibility of their show through the new iHeartRadio app, encouraging listeners to tune in anytime.

Current NBA Finals and Emerging Rivalries

Timestamp: [05:07] - [09:03]

The main focus shifts to the ongoing NBA Finals, specifically discussing the Indiana Pacers' performance in Game 7 against their rivals. Covino remarks, "The Pacers looked strong yesterday and Halliburton even played that much. But he was impactful." [05:23]. Danny G highlights key moments, such as a critical steal and a "no-look pass" to Siakam, describing it as "insane. It was a poster moment." [05:53].

The conversation delves into the rarity of Game 7s in the NBA Finals, with Sam noting, "This is the first game seven in 10 years. 2016. So it's been a minute since we've seen a Game seven in the NBA Finals." [06:19]. They discuss the potential impact of key players like Halliburton on the series outcome, emphasizing his role in energizing the team despite any injuries.

The Evolution of Sports Rivalries

Timestamp: [07:16] - [11:47]

Covino and Sam explore the concept of new rivalries in sports, questioning whether emerging rivalries can rival or even surpass classic ones. Covino posits, "If you don't have a rival, you sort of suck because rivals push each other. And if no one's pushing you, you're probably not that good." [09:03]. They compare longstanding rivalries, such as the Yankees vs. Red Sox, with newer ones like the Dodgers vs. Padres, debating their potential to become defining matchups in their respective leagues.

Sam adds, "Early to say it's a rivalry, but they all start somewhere, right?" [07:41], suggesting that every rivalry has its genesis and can evolve over time. Covino agrees, stating, "There's room for new rivalries. The classic ones will always be classic, but there's room for new." [08:10].

Impact of Rivalries on Fan Engagement and Sports Business

Timestamp: [10:15] - [17:20]

The discussion broadens to the impact of rivalries on fan engagement and the sports business. Covino emphasizes the importance of genuine antagonism, saying, "Would you rather tune into a fight where people are buddy chummy or when they genuinely hate each other? It's more intriguing when they genuinely hate each other." [10:36]. This sentiment is echoed when discussing rivalries in the WNBA, particularly between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, highlighting how personal animosities can elevate the league's profile.

The hosts also touch upon the role of rivalries in sports gambling, with guest Derek Stevenson elaborating on how heated matchups drive betting activity and overall interest. Stevenson mentions, "Rivalries mean people have opinions, and when people have opinions, it means they like to put a couple bucks down." [27:56], underscoring the symbiotic relationship between competitive sports and the gambling industry.

Guest Segment: Derek Stevenson from Circa Casino

Timestamp: [24:24] - [36:15]

Derek Stevenson, the owner of Circa Hotel and Casino, joins Covino and Rich to discuss the intersection of sports rivalries and the casino business. Stevenson shares his journey in the casino industry, highlighting the success of Stadium Swim as a premier sports-viewing destination. He states, "I wanted to create a destination that people would fly to. I wanted to design something that I thought would be the best pool in history." [26:16].

Stevenson elaborates on how rivalries enhance the gambling experience, saying, "Rivalries push fan engagement, which in turn drives betting activity. It's good for the leagues, it's good for the team owners, it's good for the players, and it's good for fans." [27:56]. He also discusses the evolution of sports gambling from a taboo subject to a mainstream staple, particularly in Las Vegas.

During the segment, Stevenson shares insights into Circa Casino's offerings, including viewing parties for major events like the Super Bowl and March Madness, and the innovative Circa Survivor Pool contest, which engages fans through high-stakes betting without any rake taken from the pot.

Interactive Segment: Listener Call-Ins and Discussions

Timestamp: [42:30] - [45:50]

Covino and Sam invite listeners to call in and share their thoughts on the episode's central theme: new rivalries vs. classic rivalries.

• Tony from Virginia emphasizes city-based rivalries, saying, "Sometimes the best rivalries are between cities." [42:51].

• Jesse from Indiana discusses the Pacers vs. Knicks rivalry, highlighting its aggressive nature and historical context: "The Pacers kept that Pacers Knicks rivalry." [43:44].

The hosts and callers debate whether new rivalries like Dodgers vs. Padres can achieve the same intensity and fan investment as traditional matchups, concluding that while classic rivalries hold a special place, new ones bring fresh excitement and engagement to the sports landscape.

Conclusion: Bringing the Party to Listeners

Timestamp: [45:43] - [49:27]

Wrapping up the live segment, Covino and Sam continue to engage with their Las Vegas audience, sharing humorous anecdotes and interacting with party attendees, including Covino's parents. They reiterate the importance of rivalries in enhancing sports entertainment and tease upcoming segments, including a discussion on quarterbacks and a new interactive game for listeners.

The episode concludes with a series of sponsor messages, promoting various products and services, before transitioning back to live content.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Covino:

  • "If you don't have a rival, you sort of suck because rivals push each other." ([09:03])
  • "Every Muhammad Ali needs their Joe Frazier to push them further." ([10:00])

• Sam:

  • "This is the first game seven in 10 years." ([06:19])
  • "I feel like Covino's making the point that it could change." ([07:41])

• Danny G:

  • "The steal and that no look pass to Siakam was insane. It was a poster moment." ([05:53])

• Derek Stevenson:

  • "Rivalries mean people have opinions, and when people have opinions, it means they like to put a couple bucks down." ([27:56])

• Tony from Virginia:

  • "Sometimes the best rivalries are between cities." ([42:51])

Key Takeaways

1. Emerging Rivalries Enhance Engagement: New rivalries in sports, such as the Dodgers vs. Padres and Pacers vs. Knicks, inject fresh excitement and can potentially rival traditional matchups in intensity and fan investment.

2. Genuine Antagonism Drives Interest: Authentic rivalries where competitors genuinely dislike each other are more captivating for audiences compared to friendlier competitions.

3. Impact on Sports Business: Rivalries boost fan engagement, increase viewership, and drive sports gambling, benefiting leagues, teams, and ancillary businesses like casinos.

4. Adaptability of Classic Rivalries: While classic rivalries hold nostalgic value, the sports landscape is dynamic, allowing new rivalries to emerge and gain prominence, especially with effective marketing and heightened competition.

5. Role of Social Media and Events: Platforms like social media and live events at venues like Stadium Swim play a crucial role in fostering and highlighting rivalries, making them more accessible and engaging for fans.

This detailed summary encapsulates the dynamic discussions between Covino and Rich on the evolution and impact of new sports rivalries, enriched with guest insights and interactive listener engagement, all while maintaining an engaging narrative flow for those who haven't tuned into the episode.