Welcome back to The Varsity, my twice-weekly private email about the egos, deals, and personalities that define the sports media business. Thanks to everyone who sent attaboys and notes of encouragement regarding my new Marchand-free podcast, The Varsity, launching on August 28. Early episodes will feature long-form interviews with three of my favorite protégés: Peyton Manning, whom I taught how to call an audible; ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, who still calls me for Bristol restaurant recommendations; and Cathy Engelbert, who has long been a devotee of my 1-2-2 half-court trap defense.

It may be late August, but as Tim Walz says, we’ll sleep when we’re dead. I have a jam-packed issue tonight featuring NFL news, Beantown rumors, and Venu dish.

Let’s jump right in…

🏈 At deadline: I noticed today that YouTube is making Sunday Ticket available via the Apple App Store, but was shocked by the price. Consumers who sign up through the YouTube app on their iPhone or iPad will pay $679.99 annually. If they want to bundle NFL Sunday Ticket with NFL RedZone, it will cost $739.99 annually. Those prices via YouTube TV are $379 and $419, respectively.

I reached out to the NFL to see what was going on, and this was the league’s response...