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The Bill Simmons Podcast

Derek Thompson on the American Sports Plutocracy, the NBA’s 2016 Black Swan Event, and the WNBA’s Growing Pains

August 21, 2026·1h 40m

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Derek Thompson to discuss the finances of sports and the developing story of Mark Walter's Lakers sale. Then, they discuss the 2016 NBA cap spike before ending with their WNBA theories. (0:00) Intro (2:10) American sports plutocracy and Mark Walter (42:28) 2016 NBA cap spike (01:05:39) WNBA growing pains Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Derek Thompson Producers: Chia Hao Tat and Eduardo Ocampo The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming.

Derek Thompson on the American Sports Plutocracy, the NBA’s 2016 Black Swan Event, and the WNBA’s Growing Pains — The Bill Simmons Podcast · Podtracker