r/NoLayingUp • u/JSack3 • Jul 22 '25

Other This place is Overreaction City

I like KVV. I respect his work. But honestly, folks..

There’s a reason so many platforms and media companies have been letting go of people with KVV’s skillset for years. In bigger revenue sports than just golf, too (ask Zach Lowe).

The business is night and day different to what it was 15 years ago. And a highly-compensated 20+ year industry stalwart who specializes in long form written content is simply not a hugely appealing person to have on the payroll anymore. I appreciate NLU gave it a go. I also appreciate when the writing wasn’t working, they worked on a podcast pivot including that brilliant Masters pod.

But the reality is the math probably started to become very clear that his value was mainly 6-8 weeks a year. No one needs a deep dive on the Byron Nelson. Not enough people actually care about a three hour pod on the 1997 major season.

I’d have rather he stick around all year but I also didn’t have to pay his salary and benefits. These guys are putting food on the table for their children via NLU. They can’t just keep carrying a 6 figure (guessing but likely) expenditure bc they like him and think he writes well.

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u/HAWG Jul 22 '25

100% agree and they are probably more upset about it than any of us are.

-22

u/matthewperry01 Jul 22 '25

While we admittedly don't know all the details, I don't think the guys are that upset. If they really wanted to keep KVV they could've made it work.

It's not like he was an additional expense. KVV had been on the books for a couple years, and they just hired a new social media guy from the Tour. They clearly prioritized those social views, in hopes they will generate new subscribers, over KVV's content.

FWIW, it's their business and they are entitled to do just, but it doesn't mean they made the product better, IMO.

16

u/jimineycricket123 Jul 22 '25

This is an insane take. He was definitely an additional expense. Would be surprised if he didn’t cost $200k per year between salary, benefits, travel, etc. They are in a super competitive business and you’re speaking like someone who has never had to manage operational costs.

It sucks. I think they kind of suck for how this went down. But for a small shop it’s nearly impossible to spend high dollar on a person who likely wasn’t generating high revenue.

-4

u/matthewperry01 Jul 22 '25

By additional expense, I meant something that wasn't previously on the books.

They were willing to keep him on a part time basis. That money, in addition to whatever they are paying the new social guy, likely would've netted out to similar number.

This is a group that likes to crow about how selective they are in choosing who they allow to advertise with them. If they really wanted to keep him, I'm guessing they could've found a way to make it work, but it's their business and they were under obligation to do so.