Inside the Arena: A Seattle Sports Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: KOMO

KOMO News Senior Reporter Chris Daniels and KOMO Sports Director Niko Tamurian take you inside key sports and business issues in the greater Seattle area, covering the Seahawks, Mariners, Kraken, Storm, Sounders, Washington Huskies, and more. Conversations range from the impact of TV/Digital rights, lease agreements, off-field debates, NIL, realignment, the World Cup, and the return of the Seattle Sonics.

Kraken Head Coach Lane Lambert, and Mariners "Humpy" Heroics
Yesterday at 2:30 PM

In a jam-packed "Inside the Arena", Niko sits down with Kraken first year head coach Lane Lambert to talk about the NHL squad's season and what is different this year.

Plus, Niko also gets the behind-the-scenes story on the big win by "Humpy" that propelled the Mariners to victory in Game Five of the ALDS.

And Seattle Sports Commission President Beth Knox drops by to discuss the big event just around the corner.

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Seattle U's Shaney Fink of move to West Coast Conference
10/10/2025

Seattle University has been working for years to return the athletic programs to Division 1 and finally, the West Coast Conference. VP for Athletics Shaney Fink hops "Inside the Arena" to discuss the move and what it means for the Redhawks.

Plus, Niko fresh from a trip to Detroit highlights how it went and Chris shows us the new 2026 World Cup Ball.

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Seattle Kraken's Kendall Tyson on NHL data, trends, ticketing changes
10/02/2025

As the Mariners make headlines, the NHL's Seattle Kraken are launching season number Five!

Senior VP of Finance and Business Intelligence Kendall Tyson stops "Inside the Arena" to discuss the data-driven changes at games, and with ticketing and concessions. Plus, she offers a sneak peak into how those new glow-in-the-dark uniforms will be used this season.

Niko and Chris also talk at length about the M's, the playoffs, and the demise of ROOT Sports in "Four Corners"

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Mariners Playoffs, Sue Bird and the Rough and Tumble
09/26/2025

Niko has freshened up after two champagne celebrations inside the Mariners locker room, and talking about what it was like behind the scenes after the M's clinchers.

Plus, Chris and Niko talk about an upcoming event with Sue Bird and the exciting expansion of the "Rough and Tumble" sports bar, that shows every WNBA game, thanks to the ever increasing interest in women's sports.

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Seattle Sports Commission's Beth Knox on FIFA World Cup, Bids, Bananas & Boats
09/18/2025

The Seattle Sports Commission's Beth Knox stepped back "Inside the Arena" to give an update on the Savannah Bananas, future bids, and a big boat.

Plus, as always, Niko and Chris talk about what's good and bad off-the-field, off-the-court, and off-the-ice as we enter Apple Cup week.


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Author Michael-Shawn Dugar on Seahawks, his new book "The Franchise"
09/11/2025

Longtime Seattle Seahawks beat write Michael-Shawn Dugar has written a book "The Franchise: Seattle Seahawks: A Curated History of the Legion of Boom Era".

He steps Inside the Arena to discuss with Niko why he wrote it and told a few anecdotes about that era in Seattle Seahawks history.

There is also an update from the NBA on expansion and an investigation into Clippers owner and Seattle-native Steve Ballmer.

Chris and Niko talk about it all and what's good and bad away from the field in "Four Corners".

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Sonic Hall of Famer Spencer Haywood on Seattle, Supreme Court Fight
09/04/2025

Seattle Supersonic Legend Spencer Haywood steps "Inside the Arena" to talk about his legendary story that took him from the Mississippi fields to the US Supreme Court. Haywood talks about how it paved the way for LeBron, Kevin Durant, and others, plus reflects on his time in Seattle.

Niko and Chris also talk about the Sounders momentous victory and the fallout from the post-game spitting incident.

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Mariners GM Justin Hollander on trade deadline, Kemp update
08/28/2025

Mariners General Manager Justin Hollander talks with Niko Tamurian about the inner workings of the trade deadline and what it is like from a front office perspective.

Plus, Chris shares some insight from the sentencing of former Seattle Supersonic Shawn Kemp and why a Washington Senator and Congressman are teaming up to help UW and WSU.


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ITA Exclusive: The GOAT Sue Bird on Seattle, the Statue, and post-WNBA life
08/21/2025

In this edition of "Inside the Arena", the GOAT Sue Bird talks at length with KOMO Sports Director Niko Tamurian about returning to Seattle, and her new statue at Climate Pledge Arena. Plus, she talks about her post-WNBA life, new podcasts, and her love of Seattle.

As always, Niko and Chris talk about what's good and bad off-the-ice, off-the-court, and off-the field, plus talk about the announced sale of the Portland Trailblazers and whether it is connected to Seattle in the "Supersonic Minute".

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Best of ITA: WWE's Tiffany Stratton, Kenny Mayne, and Kraken Foundation
08/14/2025

Niko and Chris look back and "Inside the Arena" with a few highlights from the first season.

It includes Niko's chat with WWE Superstar and former college athlete Tiffany Stratton, former ESPN star and local personality Kenny Mayne talking about his movie "Wiffleball", plus a conversation with One Roof Foundation President Mari Horita about building the organization alongside the NHL's Kraken.

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Best of ITA: NBA's Vin Baker, Kraken's Tod Leiweke, and M's Julio
08/07/2025

Niko and Chris look back and inside the Arena with a few highlights from the first season.

It includes former Sonic Vin Baker talking about sobriety, and Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke discussing the life and legacy of the late founder David Bonderman. Niko also discusses Julio Rodriguez' foundation and what the Mariners star is attempting to do away from the field.

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Seattle Commission CEO Beth Knox on World Cup, future events
07/31/2025

Fresh off the Club World Cup, Seattle Sports Commission CEO Beth Knox enters the Arena to talk about the lessons learned and youth summer programs being offered by the SSC.

Plus, Niko and Chris talks about what's good and bad away from the field of play in "Four Corners", plus share the latest news nugget about the NBA and Seattle in the "Supersonic Minute".

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Inside the NHL Club Meetings in Seattle
07/24/2025

The NHL brought all 32 clubs to Seattle for the Club Business meetings, the first time the event has ever been held in the city.

NHL Executive Vice President Susan Cohig talked to Chris about what was shared internally, and the new frontier for the league. Chris also talked with Kraken Vice President Ali Daniels about what hosting the event meant for the franchise and the City.

As always, Niko and Chris highlight what is good and bad off-the-ice, off-the-field, and off-the-court in "Four Corners" and talked for a little bit longer than a "Supersonic Minute".<...


Expansion Talk! NBA and PWHL Seattle's GM Meghan Turner
07/18/2025

Lots of expansion talk in this episode of Inside the Arena!

Niko and Chris break down NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's comments at the NBA Board of Governors meeting and what it means for the return of the Sonics.

Plus, the Professional Women's Hockey League *is* expanding to Seattle. GM Meghan Turner stops by to talk about building the franchise, her military background, and when we could hear a team name.

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Niko is playing in the Seattle All Star Classic and Seawolves Update!
07/11/2025

Niko is playing in the Seattle Softball All-Star Classic! He talks with organizer Drew Dambreville about the event and his dual role as CEO of the Seattle Seawolves Major League Rugby Club.

Plus, Niko and Chris talk about what's good and bad away from the field of play in "Four Corners" and update the NBA expansion situation in the "Supersonic Minute."

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Former Seattle Sonic Desmond Mason on Art and "Lenny"
07/02/2025

Former Seattle Sonic Desmond Mason stops "Inside the Arena" to talk about his NBA journey that started in Seattle with a 'slam dunk' and also launched his second career as an Artist.

Plus, Niko and Chris talk about the big "Lenny" statue event this past week and as always, highlight what is good and bad away from the field in "Four Corners".

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What's next for Seattle Center, Memorial Stadium?
06/27/2025

Niko and Chris talk about the latest on the FIFA Club World Cup, and have a tidbit about NBA Expansion in the "Supersonic Minute."

Plus, Chris talks at length with Seattle Center Director Marshall Foster about the groundbreaking on a new Memorial Stadium and future plans for the entire Seattle Center campus.

As always, Niko and Chris talk about what's good and bad away from the field of play in "Four Corners."

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Sounders GM Craig Waibel talks FIFA Club World Cup
06/23/2025

In this episode, Sounders FC GM Craig Waibel talks with Niko about the FIFA Club World Cup and the early returns from the franchise.

Plus, Chris points out one of the issues at Lumen Field for the first few matches and as always, Niko and Chris give an update on the potential return of the NBA to Seattle in the "Supersonic Minute".

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A New Era for the NHL's Kraken! New Coach, GM talk about plan
06/12/2025

The Seattle Kraken enter year FIVE with multiple questions on and off-the-ice. This week, the franchise introduced new Head Coach Lane Lambert and General Manager Jason Botterill in their first joint press conference, and then they sat down with KOMO Sports Director Niko Tamurian.

Chris and Niko talk about what they heard and what it could mean off-the-ice.

Plus, as always there is a "Supersonic Minute" and Niko and Chris talk about what's good and bad off-the-ice, off-the-court, and off-the-field in "Four Corners".

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Sonics great Vin Baker on Seattle, sobriety and Giannis
06/05/2025

We begin Season 2 with a Sonics legend Vin Baker. The four-time NBA All-Star talks about his time in the city, his struggles and how he found sobriety.

Baker has opened up a Recovery Center in Milwaukee and talks about his plans to do the same in Seattle. He also talks about working with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Plus, as always, Niko and Chris talk about what's good and bad away from the field of play in "Four Corners.”

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It is Episode 52! Gary Payton talks Sonics, NBA, SuperHawks
05/29/2025

It is Episode 52 of Inside the Arena!

Niko and Chris have been talking about all the stories off-the-ice, off-the-court, and off-the field for 52 Straight Weeks.

This week, Sonic Legend Gary Payton stops by KOMO to talk about his new ventures, the Sonics, NBA, and the Seattle SuperHawks.

Plus as always, they highlight what's good and what's bad around the local sports world in "Four Corners"

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Major League Cricket's Seattle Orcas: New Season, New Stadium?
05/22/2025

It is the dawn of a new season for Seattle's Major League Cricket franchise the Seattle Orcas.

Chris gets between the wickets talks at length with Orcas co-founder and former Microsoft executive Sanjay Parthasarathy about future plans and talks about a cricket-specific stadium in the Northwest.


Plus, as always Niko and Chris talks about what's good and bad away from the field of play in "Four Corners" and share a special note from UW and NBA great Nate Robinson in the "Supersonic Minute".

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Megan Rapinoe, NBA Blazers sale and Sonics Connection?
05/16/2025

Megan Rapinoe is back! and talking about her next chapter off the field. Niko talks at length with the iconic Seattle and US soccer legend.

Plus, Niko and Chris break down the announcement about the sale of the Portland Trail Blazers, and how it may impact the future of the Seattle Seahawks and the return of the Sonics. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver lays out a calendar again!

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Kraken Hockey Network's Patrick Brown and the Sundell Siblings
05/09/2025

The Kraken Hockey Network's Patrick Brown talks about building a broadcast from the ground up and how his off-the-ice crew plans for key moments in the game.

Plus, Niko talks with the "Sundell Siblings" - Serena and Jalen - about their unusual journey to the Seattle Storm and Seahawks.

Also, a shoutout to the son of a Seattle Supersonic who is now a head coach in the NBA in the "Supersonic Minute."

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Seattle gets a new professional hockey team!
05/01/2025

Big News off the ice! The PWHL has awarded Seattle an expansion franchise to begin in 2025.

Niko and Chris talk about the Professional Women's Hockey League and the announcement that gives Seattle the distinction of being the only city with three professional women's teams - in the WNBA, NWSL and now PWHL.

As always, they highlight the good and bad away from the sports action in "Four Corners" and the big announcements about new events coming to Seattle.

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Former NFL, USC QB Matt Leinart on NIL, College Sports and Draft
04/24/2025

Former NFL and USC Quarterback Matt Leinart drops "Inside the Arena" to talk about NIL, College Sports, the NFL Draft and his new podcast!


Plus, Niko and Chris talk at length about the significant shakeup in the front office of the Seattle Kraken and what's good and bad this week, off-the-ice, off-the-court, and off-the-field in "Four Corners".


The pair also discuss the latest statements from NBA Commish Adam Silver about expansion in the "Supersonic Minute".

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Seattle Kraken Owner Sam Holloway on tickets, NHL season, and Sonics
04/17/2025

In this special episode, Seattle Kraken Owner Samantha Holloway sits down for a lengthy discussion about what is going on "Inside the Arena" and the near-term future of the franchise.


Holloway explains changes on the business side of the operation, with tickets, family and full-season deals, plus cheaper concessions! She also explains what she's thinking about when it comes to the NBA and the return of the Sonics.

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Tacoma Rainiers Broadcaster Rylee Pay on making history, M's prospects
#45
04/10/2025

New Tacoma Rainiers Broadcaster Rylee Pay steps Inside the Arena to talk about her groundbreaking role as a play-by-play voice for the Mariners' AAA affiliate.


Sports Director Niko Tamurian talks with Rylee about the new role, plus what she's seen in the region and with the M's top prospects.


In addition, per usual, Niko and Chris talk about what's good and bad off-the-court, off-the-ice, and off-the field in "Four Corners" and have a brief "Supersonic Minute".

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Seattle Storm to KOMO and What Did NBA's Adam Silver Say?
04/03/2025

BIG NEWS: The WNBA's Seattle Storm have signed a deal to broadcast games on KOMO TV and Seattle's CW.


Niko and Chris talk about why the deal is significant for the franchise and fans, and talk to co-owner Lisa Brummel and COO Rohre Titcomb.


Plus Niko and Chris break down what NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had to say about Seattle and expansion in an expanded "Supersonic Minute."

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Seattle Kraken in-game secrets & a supersized Supersonic Minute
03/27/2025

Niko and Chris talk at length about multiple NBA business developments and how they could impact a return of the Sonics to Seattle.


Plus, Chris sits down with the brains behind the production of the Seattle Kraken pre-game and in-game shows.


As always, Niko and Chris talk about what's good and bad this week off-the-ice, off-the-court, and off-the-field in "Four Corners."

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Kraken GM Ron Francis on trades, prospects and 2025
03/20/2025

Seattle Kraken General Manager Ron Francis drops "Inside the Arena" for the latest episode to explain the recent trade deadline moves, prospects and how he plans to leverage it all for next season.


In addition, Chris and Niko talk about the Kraken TV ratings and whether they've seen progress this season.


Plus, they remember Seattle Sonics Legends Gus Williams and Slick Watts in an expanded "Supersonic Minute."

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Future of MLS, a new Sounders Stadium, and NBA update
#41
03/13/2025

“Inside the Arena” goes in-depth on Major League Soccer and shares what could be a development in the return of the NBA to Seattle.

Niko talks with the creator of the Sounders “Salish Sea” kit and Chris highlights what was said recently by Sounders Owner Adrian Hanauer and President of Business Operations Hugh Weber about gameday attendance and a new Stadium in Renton.

Plus, Chris highlights the recent developments on the Boston Celtics and how that could impact the discussion about NBA expansion.

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Recapping Seattle Sports Star of the Year, plus Sonic Legend Gary Payton, and UW AD Pat Chun
#40
03/06/2025

In this edition of "Inside the Arena," Niko and Chris recap the 2025 Sports Star of the Year Awards.

Niko also shares conversations from the awards show with both NBA Hall of Famer and Sonics Legend Gary Payton and UW Athletic Director Pat Chun. Plus, Chris shares who he thinks should have won the Female Sports Star of the Year.

Chris and Niko also talk about a week that saw franchise-altering moves for both the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Kraken.

Per usual, there is also a "Supersonic Minute."

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One Roof Foundation's Mari Horita talks about philanthropy, Seattle Kraken, Memorial Stadium
#39
02/27/2025

In the latest episode of "Inside the Arena," Niko and Chris discuss the nexus of sports and philanthropy.

Chris has a conversation with Mari Horita, who is the executive director and president of the One Roof Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Seattle Kraken. Horita talks about how the foundation was started, why, and how it is different from what other professional sports franchises are doing across the country. Plus, she discusses the Memorial Stadium project, and "Seattle Kraken Day" later in the week.

As always, Niko and Chris talk about what's good away from...


Seattle Kraken’s Jessica Campbell, plus Seattle Sonics Shawn Kemp and Vin Baker Reunite!
#38
02/20/2025

In this edition of Inside the Arena, Niko and Chris focus on the past and the future.

Niko goes one-on-one with the first female NHL assistant coach Jessica Campbell, on breaking new ground and leading the Seattle Kraken’s young stars. Plus you’ll hear from Shawn Kemp and Vin Baker, once traded for each other, who were back in Seattle talking about their intertwined history, and how Vin is now helping others achieve sobriety.

Plus, as usual, Chris and Niko talk about what’s good and bad off-the-court, off-the-field, and off-the-ice in “Four Corners”, including t...


WWE Champion Tiffany Stratton talks about Seattle, rapid rise in wrestling
#37
02/13/2025

"Inside the Arena" takes a first step outside the ring with a big interview with the current WWE Champion.

Tiffany Stratton talks with Niko about her rapid rise in the industry, her past career as a gymnast, and her upcoming visit to Seattle.

In addition, Niko and Chris talk about what's good and bad in the world of sports business in "Four Corners" including the latest on the hockey dad who assaulted two teens at the Kraken Community Iceplex. Plus, as always, they share some updates on the potential return of the NBA to Seattle...


Millions for Seattle's Memorial Stadium, and Tacoma Dome's Future Plans
#36
02/06/2025

In this episode of "Inside the Arena," Niko and Chris talk about two big venues in the Puget Sound region: Memorial Stadium and the Tacoma Dome.

You'll hear about the new update on Memorial Stadium from Seattle School Superintendent Brent Jones, Seattle Kraken Owner Samantha Holloway and Seattle Center Director Marshall Foster.

Plus, Chris has a long conversation with Tacoma Dome Director Adam Cook on how the South Sound complex has been improved and is now booking events.

Niko and Chris also share what's good and bad off-the-court, off-the-ice, and off-the-field in "Four...


New WSU Coach Jimmy Rogers on 'blitzing' the state, NIL, and move to Pullman
#35
01/30/2025

In this week's edition of "Inside the Arena", new WSU Football Coach Jimmy Rogers joins Niko and Chris in-studio to talk about his decision to take the Cougar job, and expectations in Year One. Rogers discusses his time at South Dakota State University, and how it will translate in Pullman at a time when other schools may be offering more money to recruits. Plus, he gives Niko and Chris hints about his game plan for the 2025 season and whether he has found a favorite restaurant yet in the Palouse.

All that, plus Niko and Chris talk about...


UW Head Football Coach Jedd Fisch talks Year One in Big Ten, NCAA, and NIL
01/23/2025

In this edition of "Inside The Arena," Niko and Chris focus on Husky athletics.

Niko talked at length with UW Head Football Coach Jedd Fisch about adjusting the program during the NIL era and how he's trying to evolve amidst the changes in the NCAA.

As always, Chris and Niko talk about what's good and bad in the world of sports business, and philanthropy in "Four Corners" and the latest on the return of the NBA to Seattle in the "Supersonic Minute."

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Seattle Sports Commission's Beth Knox on "Sports Star of the Year" Awards
#33
01/16/2025

In this edition of "Inside The Arena," Niko and Chris look ahead to the biggest local sports event of the season: The Sports Star of the Year.

Niko talks to Beth Knox, president of the Seattle Sports Commission, about the planning for this year's event that will include former Seahawk great Marshawn Lynch, Kenny Mayne, and stars from professional and collegiate sports in a new venue!

As always, Chris and Niko talk about what's good and bad in the world of sports business, and philanthropy in "Four Corners" and the latest on the return of...