SBJ Morning Buzzcast: April 1, 2026

The April 1, 2026, episode of the SBJ Morning Buzzcast, hosted by Abe Madcor, delivers a comprehensive roundup of key sports business developments. The show opens with a sponsor message from Mortenson highlighting their track record in delivering sports venues on time and on budget. Major topics include the NBA’s strong early response to its Europe league initiative, with over 120 potential investors submitting non-binding bids, many exceeding $500 million, signaling robust financial enthusiasm for the 2028 16-team league. The NFL’s strategic moves are also spotlighted, including the Jacksonville Jaguars’ temporary relocation to Orlando’s Camping World Stadium for the 2027 season during renovations, and the high-profile inclusion of both the Seahawks and Patriots in HBO’s Hard Knocks series—marking a shift in the NFL’s content strategy to revitalize the franchise. On the stadium front, the Chicago Bears are nearing a decision on their long-stalled stadium plans, with Arlington Heights and Hammond, Indiana as leading candidates. The episode also highlights growing momentum in women’s sports, particularly with the Big 12 and Big South Conferences launching women’s flag football as varsity sports, and strong attendance growth in the PWHL, which has seen average attendance rise over 25% year-over-year. The NWSL’s recent leadership hires—Brian Kelly as CCO and Rachel Epstein as CMO—underscore a strategic push to build institutional depth and revenue capacity. The episode closes with a reminder to register for the upcoming CAA World Congress of Sports in Los Angeles.