The Pat McAfee Show Live | Monday May 4th 2026
YouTube · 4-rvPi7eIFc
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The Kentucky Derby's Golden Tempo, trained by Sher Dvo, delivered a historic win with record viewership.
- ❖The NBA playoffs saw multiple 3-1 series comebacks for the first time in history, challenging predictability.
- ❖NFL insider Adam Schefter predicts an AJ Brown trade to the New England Patriots by June, involving a future first-round pick.
- ❖Quarterback Brendan Sorsby is a 'real talent' and 'bonafide prospect' who could be a high pick in a potential NFL supplemental draft.
- ❖The Orlando Magic fired their coach after a first-round playoff exit, signaling high expectations for their young core.
- ❖Anthony Edwards is pushing to play just nine days after a severe knee hyperextension, showcasing an 'absolute Wolverine' mentality.
- ❖Joel Embiid's ability to play through numerous injuries makes the 76ers a 'true threat' in the NBA playoffs.
- ❖Jesse Cole's Savannah Bananas have grown from selling two tickets to filling 100,000-seat stadiums with 'gimmick baseball' and a 'fans first' approach.
- ❖LPGA star Nelly Korda emphasizes enjoying the moment and not 'reinventing the wheel' during tough seasons, crediting consistent team and simple advice.
- ❖Nelly Korda's top golf tips for amateurs include using an alignment stick on the range, practicing short game, and controlling swing speed rather than always 'gripping and ripping'.
Insights
1Kentucky Derby's Historic Golden Tempo Victory
Golden Tempo, trained by Sher Dvo (the first woman to train a Derby winner), secured a dramatic victory at the Kentucky Derby. The race saw record viewership of 19.5 million, highlighting a surge in interest for the event. The final stretch was a two-horse battle between Golden Tempo and Renegade, ridden by the Ortiz brothers, adding a compelling family rivalry narrative to the finish.
Golden Tempo, first ever woman trainer for a derby winner... 19.5 million viewers or whatever the case was. Huge, huge ratings for the Kentucky Derby... it would turn into a two-horse race between Golden Tempo... taking on Renegade, owned by Rapoli. Both jockeys, brothers. The Ortiz brothers are battling against each other.
2NBA Playoff Parity and Record 3-1 Comebacks
The NBA playoffs are showcasing unprecedented parity, with multiple 3-1 deficits being overcome in a single playoff round for the first time in league history. This challenges the season's earlier narrative of predictability, which was influenced by teams 'tanking' for lottery picks. The Pistons, led by Cade Cunningham, notably came back from a 3-1 deficit against Orlando.
With the Pistons and 76ers overcoming 3-1 deficits in a series, this marks the first time in NBA history there were multiple 3-1 comebacks in a single playoff round... The Pistons going damn bad... and then coming all the way back. Cade Cunningham basically putting the team on his shoulders.
3AJ Brown Trade Prediction to Patriots
NFL insider Adam Schefter predicts that AJ Brown will be traded to the New England Patriots by June. Brown's recent comments at a youth camp, telling kids 'I love you' and 'don't care what you hear,' are interpreted as a farewell message. The trade is expected to involve a future first-round draft pick, likely from 2028.
I still think it is on track. I still think it's going to happen. I still think it will involve a future one, likely a 2028 first round draft pick. I still think all these elements are in place and I still think that once we get to June that these two sides will get together and complete a trade that'll send AJ Brown to the New England Patriots.
4Brendan Sorsby's Supplemental Draft Potential
Quarterback Brendan Sorsby, facing potential ineligibility issues, is a 'real talent' and 'bonafide prospect' who could enter the NFL supplemental draft. If the league holds one (the last was in 2019), Sorsby is projected to be a high pick, potentially even a first-rounder, though a second-round pick is more likely given the strong quarterback class in the upcoming regular draft. His agent, Jeffrey Kesler, is known for winning complex cases.
If his eligibility is not restored... there's a real possibility that he will then try to enter the supplemental draft... I think that we would get a team that uses a high pick, a high pick on Brendan Sorsby... I absolutely think that once we get past round one... somebody put in for Sorsby at that point in time. That would not surprise me. And by the way, I wouldn't be floored if he went in the first round either.
5Savannah Bananas' 'Fans First' Business Model
Jesse Cole, founder of the Savannah Bananas, transformed a struggling college summer baseball team into a global phenomenon by prioritizing 'fans first' entertainment. Through 'Banana Ball' rules (e.g., two-hour time limit, no bunting, fans catching foul balls for outs), male cheerleaders, and non-stop performances, they create an immersive experience. This model has led to selling out 100,000-seat football stadiums and accumulating 4.2 million people on a waitlist, demonstrating the power of experiential marketing in sports.
Our goal was just to make baseball fun... we had a male cheerleading team, the manas, the dad bod cheerleading squad, the banana nanas, senior citizen dance team... we have to change the rules and create a new game... now playing in front of 3.4 million fans this year and 102,000 on Saturday... We obsess over the fan experience.
6Nelly Korda's Mental Approach to Golf and Comebacks
LPGA star Nelly Korda emphasizes a mindset of 'living my best life' and enjoying moments, which she believes correlates with her on-course performance. After a 'hard year' without wins following a seven-win season, she learned the importance of not 'reinventing the wheel' and trusting her consistent team (caddy, physio). Her father's simple advice, 'Just play golf. Find the ball, hit it again,' helps her maintain perspective and resilience through challenges.
Honestly, I just feel like I'm living my best life... I think that correlates to maybe my on-course play... I'm just kind of like I've said it many times. I'm like I'm I'm living my best life. Like I'm having so much fun on the golf course... I stayed with the same people on my team. I have the same caddy. I have the same physio... My dad always said growing up, he's like, 'Just play golf.' Like, you find the ball, you hit it again. You find the ball, you hit it again.
Bottom Line
The NBA's previous 'tanking' culture, where teams intentionally lost for high draft picks, paradoxically led to a more unpredictable and exciting playoff first round with multiple 3-1 comebacks.
This suggests that even strategies aimed at long-term rebuilding can inadvertently create short-term competitive drama, highlighting the inherent unpredictability and talent depth in professional sports.
Leagues could explore ways to incentivize competitive play throughout the regular season without completely eliminating the allure of high draft picks, perhaps through modified lottery systems or mid-season tournaments that reward performance.
The Savannah Bananas' success demonstrates that a 'fans first' approach, with entertainment-driven rule changes and constant interaction, can transform a traditional sport into a massive live event phenomenon, even for audiences not typically interested in the core sport.
This challenges the conventional wisdom that sports must adhere strictly to traditional rules and presentation to attract large audiences. Experiential value and continuous engagement can override purist objections.
Other traditional sports or niche entertainment industries could adopt similar 'fans first' models, experimenting with rule modifications, interactive elements, and non-stop entertainment to broaden their appeal and tap into new demographics, especially younger audiences seeking dynamic, immersive experiences.
Opportunities
Experiential Sports League Expansion
Create or acquire existing niche sports leagues and apply the 'Banana Ball' model: simplify rules for excitement, integrate non-stop entertainment (music, dancing, mascots), prioritize player-fan interaction, and market as a 'fans first' live event. Focus on collegiate or minor league sports with passionate local followings for initial growth.
Key Concepts
Fans First (Savannah Bananas)
Prioritizing the fan experience above all else, from pre-game entertainment and player interaction to rule changes designed for excitement. This model drives engagement and loyalty, turning a niche sport into a sold-out spectacle.
Don't Reinvent the Wheel (Nelly Korda)
When facing setbacks or 'bad' seasons, resist the urge to drastically change core strategies or team personnel. Instead, focus on consistent effort, trust in your established support system, and a positive mindset to work through challenges and return to form.
Lessons
- To improve your golf game, consistently use an alignment stick on the driving range to calibrate your aim, as eyes can change daily. This foundational step is crucial before focusing on swing mechanics.
- When facing professional setbacks, resist the urge to 'reinvent the wheel.' Instead, trust your established team and processes, focusing on consistent effort and a positive mindset rather than drastic changes.
- For aspiring entrepreneurs, embrace a 'fans first' or 'customer first' philosophy. Obsess over the customer experience, be willing to innovate with your core product (even if it means changing traditional rules), and build a culture where everyone is 'all in' on delivering entertainment and value.
The 'Fans First' Model for Sports Entertainment (Inspired by Savannah Bananas)
**Innovate the Game:** Identify aspects of the traditional game that slow down play or reduce excitement. Implement rule changes that prioritize speed, action, and dramatic moments (e.g., time limits, unique scoring, fan participation in play).
**Amplify Entertainment:** Integrate non-stop, diverse entertainment elements throughout the event, beyond the core competition. This includes live music, dancing, comedic acts, and unique character mascots to keep the audience engaged during downtime.
**Cultivate Player-Fan Interaction:** Encourage and facilitate direct interaction between players and fans before, during, and after games. Players should be active participants in the entertainment, signing autographs, taking photos, and engaging with the crowd.
**Obsess Over Experience:** Design the entire event from the fan's perspective, from ticket purchasing and arrival to concessions and post-game activities. Aim to create memorable, shareable moments at every touchpoint.
**Build a Visionary Culture:** Foster a team culture where every member, from front office to players, is committed to the 'fans first' mission. This requires belief in the vision, even when facing initial skepticism or financial hardship.
Notable Moments
Adam Schefter reveals he was 'miked up' for NFL Films' 'The Pick Is In' without prior notification, leading to backstage conversations being recorded.
This highlights the pervasive nature of media coverage in professional sports and the potential for unexpected transparency, even for seasoned insiders. It also shows the raw, unscripted intensity of draft day reporting.
Malik Willis's wildly inaccurate first pitch for the Miami Dolphins is compared to Patrick Mahomes' similar early struggles, sparking a debate on whether a bad first pitch is a 'sign of success'.
This lighthearted moment underscores the pressure athletes face in public appearances and the tendency for fans and media to overanalyze every detail. It also provides a humorous 'contrarian' take on what constitutes a good omen.
Nelly Korda shares her father's simple golf advice: 'Just play golf. Find the ball, hit it again.'
This offers a profound, yet simple, mental model for athletes and individuals facing challenges: break down complex problems into fundamental, repeatable actions and maintain a forward-looking perspective.
The hosts discuss the phenomenon of musicians like Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen selling out massive college football stadiums for concerts.
This illustrates the expanding use of sports venues for diverse entertainment, creating new revenue streams and community engagement opportunities beyond traditional sports events.
Quotes
"I still think it is on track. I still think it's going to happen. I still think it will involve a future one, likely a 2028 first round draft pick."
"If his eligibility is not restored... there's a real possibility that he will then try to enter the supplemental draft."
"This team has aspirations to contend. The problem is especially those three guys, Suggs, Van Carol, and Vagner have played about 20% of their games the last two to three years together and that is going to be an issue whether it's for Jamal Mosley or the next head coach."
"There is a flopping issue in our league and it kind of think deteriorates the product when you have to see so many free throws throughout the game."
"At first our goal was just to make baseball fun. We were a college summer baseball team when we started. So, and we only sold, you know, two tickets in our first three months."
"Honestly, I just feel like I'm living my best life. Uh, I think that correlates to maybe my oncourse play."
"My dad always said growing up, he's like, 'Just play golf.' Like, you find the ball, you hit it again. You find the ball, you hit it again."
"If you don't know where you're aiming on the range, there's no way that you know where you're aiming golf course."
Q&A
Recent Questions
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