How George Steinbrenner built the Yankee dynasty with Mike Vaccaro

George Steinbrenner didn’t just rebuild the New York Yankees — he changed how modern sports franchises are built. In this episode of The Program, Woj sits down with legendary New York columnist Mike Vaccaro, author of The Bosses of the Bronx, to unpack how Steinbrenner transformed the Yankees into the most powerful brand in sports. From signing Catfish Hunter and Reggie Jackson to reshaping free agency and television revenue, Steinbrenner’s approach created the blueprint for big-market dominance. Woj and Vaccaro explore: • How Steinbrenner recruited stars without always being the highest bidder • Why Reggie Jackson almost didn’t sign with the Yankees • The moment Steinbrenner realized he needed a farm system • The suspensions that accidentally built the Yankees dynasty • How the Yankees’ Core Four survived George’s impatience • Why modern owners can’t replicate Steinbrenner’s strategy today Mike Vaccaro’s new book The Bosses of the Bronx releases March 24. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more deep-dive interviews with the most influential figures in team building. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code WOJ for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility.

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