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Why Sports Ownership Is Recession-Proof | George Pyne on Portfolio Players

George Pyne has built a career turning sports into serious business. As the founder of Bruin Capital and a former senior executive at both NASCAR and IMG, he’s helped drive some of the most pivotal investments, partnerships, and media transformations in the industry.

In this episode of Portfolio Players, presented by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley, Pyne explains why sports ownership is one of the most recession-proof assets, how leagues like MLB and UFC have adapted to thrive in a TV- and streaming-first era, and what NIL still needs to mature into a sustainable marketplace.

He also dives into the commercial boom of women’s sports, the parallels between modern sports and reality television, and why everyone—from private equity firms to casual fans—wants a piece of the action. From dealmaking to disruption, this is a front-row seat to how sports business really works.

Portfolio Players, which releases on Tuesdays, uncovers the strategies behind the deals, decisions, and dollar signs that define sports business. Whether it’s legendary athletes or rising investors, we break down the sponsorships, private equity plays, and entrepreneurial ventures shaping the industry. Catch the latest episode now on YouTube and across Front Office Sports platforms.

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