Matt Hong: Disruption and Opportunity - Media Reinvented · 28:26

In this episode of On Stage, Matt Hong, President of USA Sports at Versant, joins Abe Madkour, Publisher & Executive Editor of Sports Business Journal, for an insightful conversation on how the sports media landscape is being rebuilt in real time. Recorded on November 18, 2025, at SBJ’s Media Innovators in New York City, the discussion captures Hong at the center of a fast-evolving ecosystem. Versant operates at the intersection of content, technology, and distribution—helping shape how sports are produced, packaged, and consumed across platforms. Key themes include: - Media Disruption: How changing consumer behavior, platforms, and technology are redefining sports media models. - Versant’s Role: What Versant does, how it partners across the industry, and where Hong sees the greatest opportunity ahead. - Leadership & Strategy: Hong’s approach to navigating uncertainty, building teams, and making long-term bets in a volatile market. - Innovation at Scale: How data, distribution, and product thinking are reshaping how fans engage with sports content. - What’s Next: A look at where sports media is headed—and what leaders should be paying attention to now. It’s a forward-looking, practical discussion for anyone navigating disruption across sports, media, and technology. 🔔Subscribe to SBJ on YouTube: https://bit.ly/41bbXaV #sportsmedia #mediainnovators #usasports #versant 0:00 Introduction: The Future of Sports Media & Live Viewing 1:08 Why “USA Sports”? Branding the New Sports Division 2:23 Programming Portfolio & Digital Business Strategy 3:28 Transforming the Linear TV Business Model 4:29 Distribution, Households & Growth Beyond Pay TV 5:14 Investing in Marquee vs Growth Sports Properties 6:17 Versant Spin-Off & Relationship with NBCUniversal 7:47 NASCAR, Olympics & Programming Continuity Explained 9:10 Marketing, Staffing & Building USA Sports from NBC Sports 11:14 Launching a New Brand in a Fragmented Media Landscape 12:36 The Future of Golf Channel & Rights Partnerships 13:47 Studio Shows, Production & WNBA Investment 14:35 Streaming Strategy, Peacock & Authentication Models 15:04 Content Creators, Social Media & Off-Live Engagement 15:52 Leadership Day-to-Day During a Media Spin-Off 17:44 Why Matt Hong Took the Opportunity at Versant 18:32 Leagues as Media Companies & Equity Investment Trends 19:45 How Younger Audiences Watch Sports Today 21:11 Sports Rights Fees, Consolidation & Market Pressure 22:59 Cable Bundle Viability & Long-Term Outlook 23:27 Risks, Labor Issues & Industry Headwinds 25:17 Women’s Sports as a Growth Strategy 26:40 M&A Opportunities & Revenue Mix Evolution 27:01 Will USA Network Become a 24/7 Sports Channel? 27:42 Growing Reach from 60M to 120M Households 28:12 Diversity, Industry Gaps & Final Audience Questions 28:51 Closing Thoughts & Key Takeaways for Media Leaders

February 10, 2026