Barstool Sports CEO Erika Ayers returns to Strictly Business to discuss a big month for her company, which is set to be wholly acquired this month by casino operator Penn Entertainment. She addresses her brand's foray into sports betting and the many different activations Barstool has going at Sunday's Super Bowl. 

Barstool Sports CEO Erika Ayers returns to Strictly Business to discuss a big month for her company, which is set to be wholly acquired this month by casino operator Penn Entertainment. She addresses her brand's foray into sports betting and the many different activations Barstool has going at Sunday's Super Bowl.

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment.

Strictly Business

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment on Variety's weekly interview series.

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment on Variety's weekly interview series.

Variety's Strictly Business

Super Bowl Kicks Off Pivotal Time for Barstool Sports Head Coach Erika Ayers

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f1c2d6d1-47b9-442b-a5a1-afa20113f7f3/transcript

On today’s episode, Variety’s Jennifer Maas reports on Summer Game Fest, the gaming industry’s annual product showcase. Xbox and Paramount made news with strategic shifts and an executive appointment. Overall, Maas observes that the mood among insiders was better at this year’s event compared to last year, when the games sector was hit by layoffs and disappointing releases.

On today&rsquo;s episode, Variety&rsquo;s Jennifer Maas reports on <a href="https://variety.com/t/summer-game-fest/">Summer Game Fest, the gaming industry&rsquo;s annual product showcase</a>. Xbox and Paramount made news with strategic shifts and an executive appointment. Overall, Maas observes that the mood among insiders was better at this year&rsquo;s event compared to last year, when the games sector was hit by layoffs and disappointing releases.

Daily Variety -- 'GTA 6,' Xbox Exclusives, Paramount Revs Game Studio and More From Summer Game Fest

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/83be0a1c-8394-4d54-bcc6-b4640110453d/transcript

On today’s episode, Variety’s Brent Lang breaks down a busy weekend at the turnstiles as “Scary Movie” returned for its first installment in 13 years – and first in 25 years with a Wayans at the helm. And it was a truly scary weekend for Amazon MGM Studios’ “Masters of the Universe,” which stumbled in its opening weekend.

On today&rsquo;s episode, Variety&rsquo;s Brent Lang breaks down a <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/box-office-scary-movie-franchise-best-opening-masters-of-the-universe-flops-1236765638/">busy weekend at the turnstiles as &ldquo;Scary Movie&rdquo; </a>returned for its first installment in 13 years &ndash; and first in 25 years with a Wayans at the helm. And it was a truly scary weekend for Amazon MGM Studios&rsquo; &ldquo;Masters of the Universe,&rdquo; which stumbled in its opening weekend.

Daily Variety -- 'Scary Movie' Tops Box Office as 'Masters of the Universe' Stumbles

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/97d42a6e-ca02-407e-9300-b4630141d4f9/transcript

The proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is approaching completion, but concerns around debt, execution risk, and long-term industry volatility loom large. Naveen Sarma, sector lead for U.S. media and telecom at S&P Global, breaks down the opportunities and potential pitfalls ahead for the company, and he explains why S&P Global downgraded Paramount Skydance's credit rating after it clinched the WBD deal agreement.

The proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is approaching completion, but concerns around debt, execution risk, and long-term industry volatility loom large. Naveen Sarma, sector lead for U.S. media and telecom at S&amp;P Global, breaks down the opportunities and potential pitfalls ahead for the company, and he explains why <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/paramount-credit-rating-lower-junk-status-warner-bros-merger-1236754967/">S&amp;P Global downgraded Paramount Skydance's credit rating</a> after it clinched the WBD deal agreement.

Credit Risks: Top S&P Global Ratings Analyst Breaks Down the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f406965e-e2fc-41fb-aab7-b45f00e222bc/transcript

Super Bowl Kicks Off Pivotal Time for Barstool Sports Head Coach Erika Ayers

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