This week on Moneyballers, we break down the biggest trades from the 2025 NFL trade deadline — not by hype, but by financial impact. From the Jets’ franchise-shaking double move that sent Sauce Gardner to the Colts and Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys, to contender upgrades like Jaelan Phillips landing in Philly and Dre’Mont Jones joining the Ravens, we follow the money behind every deal.

You’ll hear how expansion-level contract commitments, cap gymnastics, and future draft picks quietly reshaped the league’s balance sheet. Who bought now, who cashed out for later, and what these trades reveal about each team’s long-term financial playbook — it’s all inside this deadline debrief. 🎧

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When an NFL team fires its coach, fans see drama — owners see a bill. Behind every midseason pink slip is a complex web of guarantees, offset clauses, and payouts that can stretch into the tens of millions. In this episode, Zach Quinn breaks down how NFL coaching contracts really work — from guaranteed salaries and “duty-to-mitigate” clauses to the ripple effects on staff, sponsors, and team finances. Using the Tennessee Titans’ recent firing of Brian Callahan as a case study, we unpack the economics of firing a coach before his contract ends, how teams try to limit losses through offsets, and why these buyouts are often quietly negotiated behind closed doors.

It’s a rare look into the business mechanics that shape the sideline carousel every season. If you like this kind of deep dive into how the NFL really operates, come find us on X, TikTok, and Instagram — all the links are in our bio. Ratings and reviews help more fans discover Moneyballers, a Life in the Stands production. We appreciate all the support!

Every Super Bowl win feels like the peak — but for owners and front offices, it’s really the launchpad. Winning multiplies everything: ticket prices, merchandise sales, sponsorship deals, even real estate value around the stadium. In this episode, Zach breaks down how dominance on the field becomes exponential growth off of it — and why dynasties like the Cowboys, Patriots, Steelers, and Chiefs are not just football success stories, but billion-dollar business models.

You’ll hear how each championship boosts a team’s valuation, how “halo effects” like jersey sales and sponsorship renewals ripple through balance sheets, and why front offices use their championship windows to invest in tech, fan experience, and infrastructure. It’s a full breakdown of the compounding effect of winning — how momentum turns into margin. Because in the NFL, every victory echoes in dollars.

Follow us on X, TikTok, and Instagram — all links are in our bio — and if you enjoy the show, please leave a rating and review. I’m Zach Quinn — and remember, the money tells the story. We appreciate all the support! 

The NFL isn’t just America’s game anymore — it’s becoming the world’s. From Munich to São Paulo to Madrid, the league’s global push is generating hundreds of millions in revenue, reshaping how football operates, and redefining what “home field” even means. In this episode of Moneyballers, we break down the NFL’s overseas expansion — why it’s happening, how much it costs, and which countries are emerging as the league’s next big frontiers.

We’ll dig into the Global Markets Program, which gives teams exclusive marketing rights in international territories, explore the staggering logistics behind staging games across continents, and examine the numbers that prove these aren’t just publicity stunts — they’re billion-dollar business moves. From Germany’s sold-out stadiums to Brazil’s record-breaking debut, the NFL’s global blueprint is already paying off — and could pave the way for the first-ever franchise outside the U.S. within the next decade.

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We have a very special guest on the show today - Kyle Shurtz of Avalaunch Media! Kyle takes on the NFL money machine from a marketing perspective and has tons of interesting tidbits to share. 

Kyle and Zach talk about the Dallas Cowboys and how Jerry Jones continues to win without the team needing to win themselves, how he would turn other franchises into media empires, and if Roger Goodell could apply the same strategy to the league as a whole. 

Explore Avalaunch Media: https://avalaunchmedia.com/

Check out Kyle's LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-shurtz-wild-bet-king/

If you like the content, please consider engaging with us on socials (X, TikTok, Instagram), all linked in our bio. Ratings and reviews are the best way to help the show grow, and we truly appreciate all the support!

What if the NFL didn’t stop at 32? What if, by 2030, there were 33 or even 34 teams? It sounds like fantasy, but the league is already studying what expansion might look like — and the price tag is staggering. In this episode, Zach breaks down the billion-dollar blueprint behind adding a new franchise: the expansion fees, the stadium politics, and the logistical puzzle of building an NFL team from scratch.

You’ll learn how the economics really work — why it could cost $8–10 billion just to join the club, which cities and countries could realistically host the next team, and how the league would handle expansion drafts, media rights, and the delicate balance of parity. From San Antonio to London, Toronto to Berlin, every possible market has pros, cons, and major financial stakes. Because expansion isn’t just about football — it’s about control, growth, and global ambition.

Follow us on X, TikTok, and Instagram (links in our bio), leave a rating and review, and remember: the money always tells the story. We appreciate the support! 

Logos. Everywhere you look — on the field, in the stands, even in the Gatorade you drink. But behind every logo is a check, and behind every check is a billion-dollar business model. In this episode, Zach breaks down how sponsorships quietly bankroll the NFL — from naming rights that fetch $20 million a year to exclusive “official partner” deals that lock entire industries out of the game.

You’ll learn how the hierarchy of sponsorship works — league-wide versus team-level — and why “official” categories like apparel, betting, and streaming cost a fortune. We’ll talk about the brands reshaping modern football (Nike, FanDuel, Amazon), the science behind stadium naming rights, and how emerging tech and data deals are creating the next frontier of NFL monetization.

Because whether it’s the logo on a jersey, a stadium name, or the Gatorade cooler on the sideline — it’s not just branding. It’s business. Follow us on X, TikTok, and Instagram (links in our bio), and remember: the money always tells the story. We appreciate the support!

From black-and-white TVs to billion-dollar streaming rights, the NFL’s rise has always been powered by the screen. In this episode, Zach breaks down how the league turned television into its greatest revenue machine — starting with the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act that made national TV deals legal, through Monday Night Football’s prime-time revolution, Fox’s audacious 1994 coup, and today’s streaming arms race with Amazon, YouTube, and Netflix.

You’ll learn why networks overpay for NFL exclusivity, how the current $12 billion-per-year media split works, and what the next era of rights negotiations could look like. Because from CBS in the ’60s to Amazon in the 2020s, one truth has never changed — the money always tells the story.

Remember to check out our socials linked in the bio for X, TikTok, and Instagram. Leaving a rating and review is the most helpful and we appreciate the support!

When an NFL team unveils shiny renderings of its new billion-dollar home, the first question fans should ask is simple: who’s paying for it? In this episode, Zach Quinn digs into the business blueprint behind America’s football cathedrals — how public-private partnerships are structured, why cities agree to fund them, and what those cost splits really look like once the bonds, taxes, and naming rights come into play.

From the Tennessee Titans’ record-setting $2.1B stadium deal in Nashville to the Commanders’ new D.C. development and the Bears’ ambitious Arlington Heights plan, we break down which projects are thriving, which ones are stalled, and why voters in places like Kansas City are starting to push back. You’ll also hear what makes success stories like SoFi and Mercedes-Benz Stadium tick — and why the “right” deal often has less to do with football and more to do with real estate, leverage, and politics.

If you love getting behind the construction fence to see how the money really moves, follow us on X, TikTok, and Instagram (all linked in our bio) — and please drop a rating and review to help more fans discover the show. We appreciate the support!

Ever wonder how a team that loses half its free agents somehow walks into the draft with ten picks? That’s the NFL’s secret stock market at work — compensatory picks. In this week’s episode of Moneyballers, we’re breaking down one of the most misunderstood tools in roster building: what comp picks are, why the league created them, and how front offices have quietly turned them into goldmines.

We’ll take you back to the 1990s, when the salary cap and free agency collided, and show how the Final Numerical Value formula determines which teams get rewarded for losing players. You’ll learn why the 2017 rule change that made comp picks tradable changed everything, how front offices like the Ravens and 49ers have mastered the system, and which all-time greats — like Larry Allen and Hines Ward — were once just “extra” draft selections. From formulas and loopholes to case studies and future trends, this episode reveals how the NFL’s smartest teams turn losses into leverage. 

If you geek out over salary caps and draft charts like we do, come check us out on X, TikTok, and Instagram for more deep dives like this — and don’t forget to drop a rating and review. It helps other NFL number nerds find the show!

The Cincinnati Bengals have approximately 1/3 of their cap tied up in 3 players. 2 of which are star wide receivers. This has NEVER been done before. Is it becasue no team has had the kind of talent Cincinnati does, or because it's just plain stupid cap management? We'll dive into historical examples, recent comparisons, and some suggestions for the Bengals to even out their team. 

We mentioned data from Spotrac and Over the Cap during this episode, so those two links are down below. If you enjoy the content, please leave us a rating or review because that really helps the show grow. We're also on X, TikTok, and Instragram, so come dive in even deeper on the crazy realities of the NFL business landscape with us!

https://www.spotrac.com/

https://overthecap.com/

We appreciate you listening and the support, and we'll see you next time!

The NFL used to be anti-gambling. Now, they're all in on this new market for monetization. On top of that, they're thinking about expansion in a myriad of ways: streaming, international markets, and more! How do these decisions get made, and what are the intended AND unintended consequences? Neil Schwartz joins the show to walk us through it!

Neil is the President of SBRnet, a research and data analytics company focused on the business of fandom. The company serves over 260 organizations seeking insights into sports fandom, consumer behavior, gambling trends, licensed merchandise sales, and sponsorship opportunities. He is also the founder of the annual Get in the Game Conference and hosts his own podcast, My First Job in Sports. 

SBRnet: https://sportsmarketanalytics.com/home.aspx 
Get in the Game Conference: https://getinthegameconference.net/GITG/Home.aspx 
My First Job in Sports Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-first-job-in-sports/id1582595426 

If you like the content, please consider engaging with us on X, TikTok, and Instagram, all linked in our show bio. Ratings and reviews are most helpful so we can reach more NFL nerds like you!

When you think of NFL business, it’s easy to picture the Dallas Cowboys at the top — the $10B empire that won’t stop growing. But what about the other end of the spectrum? Who’s at the bottom of the valuation rankings, and what does it really mean to be the “least valuable” team in a league where even last place is worth over $5 billion?

In this episode, Zach Quinn digs into the numbers, the markets, and the hidden forces shaping why teams like the Bengals, Jaguars, or Bills often land near the bottom of the list. From local revenue struggles to stadium deals, market size, brand power, and media exposure, you’ll learn how valuation is about much more than wins and losses. Even when the gap between first and last is measured in billions, the differences tell a story about the future of the NFL.

If you’re enjoying Moneyballers, come check us out on X, TikTok, and Instagram, all linked in our bio. Ratings and reviews are also the most helpful way to support the show!

Former BYU and New Orleans Saints Linebacker Sae Tautu joins Zach on MoneyBallers to share his journey from the gridiron to entrepreneurship. After battling injuries himself, Sae now operates Ortho Athlete, a performance and orthopedic recovery organization built to give athletes access to top-tier care, rehab, and prevention services. He also founded The Pursuit Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to closing gaps in medical access for athletes who often fall through the cracks.

Ortho Athlete: https://ortho-athlete.com/ 

The Pursuit Foundation: https://thepf.org/ 

In this conversation, we dive into the business of recovery in football: how NFL teams really handle injured players, the financial realities of treatment and settlements, and why access to proper care can completely reshape an athlete’s career. Sae also talks about building community support, mentorship, and a new surgical center in the works, while offering his perspective on what future NFL labor negotiations should address around player health.

Whether you’re an NFL fan, a young athlete chasing a scholarship, or someone curious about the business side of sports medicine, this episode gives you a candid look at where athlete care is headed — and how Ortho Athlete and The Pursuit Foundation are changing the game. Remember to check us out on X, TikTok, and Instagram! And ratings and reviews are the most helpful for us to reach more fans. Lots of special guests are coming up, so stay tuned!

The NFL’s practice squads might not get Sunday night highlights, but they’re the backbone of every roster. From undrafted rookies grinding for a shot to seasoned vets keeping their careers alive, practice squads are where opportunity meets survival. This episode of Moneyballers pulls back the curtain on how these squads work, who qualifies, and why they’ve quietly become one of the league’s most important tools for building depth.

We dive into the financials: how much practice squad players actually make, the differences between rookies and veterans, how game-day elevations boost their paychecks, and why teams treat these rosters like living insurance policies. Along the way, we highlight how the league’s most overlooked players help shape playoff runs, protect superstars, and sometimes rise from anonymity to steal the spotlight on Sundays.

If you’re into the hidden economics of football, this one’s for you. Check us out on X, TikTok, and Instagram for more behind-the-scenes breakdowns, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review—it helps us grow the show and keep bringing you the money side of the NFL.

NFL referees might not be household names, but they’re making six-figure salaries and competing for the biggest payday of their careers: a Super Bowl assignment. In this episode of Moneyballers, we break down exactly how much referees make, how playoff and Super Bowl bonuses work, and what it really takes to get chosen for the biggest stage in football.

We also go inside the replay booth — the hidden operation that reviews every call, challenge, and crucial moment. From the technology costs to the replay officials themselves, we’ll explore why the league pours so much money into accuracy, how mistakes can ripple into millions of dollars in lost trust, and where the future of officiating might be headed.

If you enjoy this kind of deep dive into the business of football, make sure to follow us on X, TikTok, and Instagram for clips, charts, and behind-the-scenes extras. And the best way you can support the show is by leaving us a rating and review — it helps other fans discover Moneyballers and keeps us bringing you the stories behind the NFL’s money machine.

The NFL doesn’t just own Sundays—it owns holidays, too. In this episode of Moneyballers, we’re breaking down which holidays the league values most when it comes to scheduling, TV rights, and revenue. From Thanksgiving’s historic triple-headers to Christmas Day’s growing influence, we’ll pull back the curtain on why certain dates carry more weight in the NFL’s financial playbook.

We’ll compare how games on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and even Halloween stack up against one another when it comes to viewership, advertising rates, and the league’s long-term strategy. You’ll hear why Thanksgiving remains the king, why Christmas is rapidly climbing in value, and how the NFL thinks about slotting games to maximize attention and dollars during the busiest times of the year.

If you’re enjoying Moneyballers, come check us out on X, TikTok, and Instagram for more behind-the-scenes NFL business breakdowns. And don’t forget to leave a rating and review—it’s the best way to help us grow and keep delivering the deep dives you love.

For decades, the second round of the NFL Draft came with a catch: you’d get drafted high enough to be a priority player, but not high enough to demand the kinds of guarantees first-rounders received. That changed this year. For the first time in league history, second-round picks pushed for — and got — fully guaranteed contracts. And the ripple effects could change how teams value every draft slot moving forward.

In this episode, Zach Quinn takes you inside the money game: how the rookie wage scale was designed to keep teams in control, why guarantees matter more than ever, and what this year’s second-round “holdout wave” means for the next CBA fight. From Sam Bradford’s infamous $78M rookie deal to Shedeur Sanders’ $40M slide into the fifth round, this is the story of how financial leverage at the draft table decides careers before a single snap is played.

If you like the content, please follow us on X, TikTok, and Instagram — and don’t forget, ratings and reviews on your podcast app are the single best way to support the show.

The NFL is back — and Week 1 isn’t just football, it’s big business. In this episode of Moneyballers, Zach breaks down why opening weekend is one of the league’s most valuable assets. From billion-dollar TV rights and record ad rates, to sky-high ticket sales and luxury suite revenue, to the explosion of legal sports betting, Week 1 is a financial machine like no other. We’ll also dive into how player contracts and roster guarantees hinge on being active for kickoff, why preseason money doesn’t come close to regular season dollars, and what this all means for the future of the NFL schedule and international expansion.

If you’ve ever wondered why networks spend billions to air these games — or why owners are pushing for 18 regular season contests — this episode lays it all out. And if you’re enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by leaving us a rating and review on your podcast app. It helps more fans find Moneyballers and keeps us breaking down the business of the NFL all season long. You can find us on X, TikTok, and Instagram, so come check us out!

NFL agents are some of the most powerful — and misunderstood — players in the business of football. In this episode of Moneyballers, Zach Quinn pulls back the curtain on how agents actually operate, from structuring contracts and playing hardball with owners to working within the rules of the NFLPA. We dive deep into why agents are crucial in CBA negotiations, why they often clash with teams, and how their strategies compare to those in the NBA and MLB. Along the way, we spotlight recent blockbuster deals — like T.J. Watt’s record-setting contract — to show how the system really works and why guaranteed money is still the NFL’s biggest battleground.

Whether you’re a diehard fan, a numbers geek, or just curious about what happens behind closed doors, this episode is all about understanding the power brokers who shape the modern NFL.

If you’re enjoying Moneyballers, please consider engaging with us on X, TikTok, and Instagram — and ratings and reviews are the most helpful way you can support the show.