Josh Harris explains how the Philadelphia 76ers landed LeBron James and why superstar athletes, live sports and new stadium developments are reshaping the economics of professional teams. Then, WTA Chair Valerie Camillo discusses women’s tennis growth, player schedules, equal prize money and her vision for the WTA Finals.

Episode Notes

Josh Harris joins Michael Ozanian for an in-depth conversation about the rapidly changing business of professional sports, beginning with how LeBron James became a Philadelphia 76er.

Harris walks through the recruitment process after James opted out of his Lakers contract. What initially seemed like an unlikely possibility became a serious pursuit after Philadelphia strengthened its roster. Harris describes how the organization’s leadership and connections with James’ team helped the Sixers enter the conversation, while ultimately crediting James with choosing Philadelphia based on where he believed he could win and spend the final chapter of his career.

The impact was immediate. Harris says James energized Philadelphia, drove enormous ticket demand and created new sponsorship opportunities while changing the energy inside the organization.

The conversation expands into Harris’ broader sports and real-estate portfolio. He discusses multibillion-dollar arena and stadium developments involving the Sixers and Washington Commanders, along with surrounding restaurants, hotels, housing and entertainment. Harris argues that sports venues increasingly function as anchors for communities, economic development and live experiences.

He also discusses the Washington Commanders’ brand evolution, soaring franchise valuations, private equity, youth sports, NIL and why he does not believe sports team values are in a bubble.

Later, WTA Chair Valerie Camillo joins Alex Sherman for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of women’s tennis and the business strategy behind the WTA.

Drawing on her experience with the Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Nationals and NBA, Camillo explains why one of her biggest priorities is bringing a stronger fan-first mindset to professional tennis. She discusses the WTA’s global audience, its push for sustainable commercial growth and the continued pursuit of equal prize money.

Player scheduling is another major focus. Camillo says players have consistently raised concerns about the length and sustainability of the tennis calendar, including the number of tournaments they are required to play. She previews changes planned for the 2027 season and says more substantial calendar changes could follow in 2028.

Camillo also discusses Coco Gauff and the next generation of WTA stars, athlete advocacy, gender eligibility policies, pickleball, sports betting and prediction markets, maternity benefits, Serena Williams, AI and technology. She outlines an ambitious vision to make the WTA Finals the “Super Bowl of women’s sports.”

Topics discussed

• How the Sixers landed LeBron James
• LeBron’s impact on Philadelphia fans, ticket demand and sponsorships
• Stadium districts and mixed-use sports developments
• Rebuilding the Washington Commanders brand
• Rising sports franchise valuations and private equity
• Youth sports, NIL and future team acquisitions
• WTA growth strategy and fan engagement
• Equal prize money in women’s tennis
• Player workload and the 2027 WTA schedule
• Coco Gauff and emerging WTA stars
• Sports betting, prediction markets and integrity
• WTA maternity benefits
• Serena Williams, AI and athlete longevity
• The future of the WTA Finals

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