On the Fly by Playfly Sports: Recent Episodes
Playfly Sports
On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports brings together college sports experts to discuss trends, leadership and growth topics within the industry. Playfly Sports is one of the fastest growing sports marketing and media companies representing NBA, NHL and MLB teams plus college programs such as LSU, Michigan State, USC, and Auburn, and multiple high school state associations. Each college edition podcast is hosted by NACDA Hall of Famer, Gene DeFilippo. Additional editions of On The Fly will highlight key industry leaders in tech, professional, and high school athletics.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with DePaul University Senior Vice President & Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy.
In this 50-minute conversation, the trio discuss: - Why Facilities Still Matter - Building Market Presence to Fuel Growth - Relevancy Over Legacy - and more
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with Rutgers Director of Athletics Keli Zinn and Scarlet Knight Enterprises Chairman Oliver Luck.
In this 50-minute conversation, the four discuss: - A Pro Sports Approach to Revenue Generation - Managing Costs Through Structure - Building Regional Identity - and more
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with Clemson University Vice President and Director of Athletics Graham Neff. In this 50-minute conversation, the trio discuss connecting athletics, campus, and commerce, turning content into long-term loyalty, private capital with a donor-backed twist, and more.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with University of Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne. In this 50-minute conversation, the trio discuss the value of consolidated media rights, selling stadium tours and behind-the-scenes experiences, revoking scalpers to protect the everyday fan, and more.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with Tom Theodorakis, Director of Athletics at The United States Military Academy. In this 50-minute conversation, we discuss Army's unique proximity to leadership, unlocking Michie's non-gameday potential, defending a December institution, and more.
This discussion examines the rapidly expanding landscape of women's sports, highlighting a significant surge in viewership, attendance, and franchise valuations across both collegiate and professional levels. Despite these record-breaking metrics, the text identifies a major market inefficiency, noting that commercial investment and advertising spend continue to lag far behind actual fan engagement. The analysis emphasizes that the industry must stop treating women's sports as a monolithic category, as each league attracts distinct demographics with unique behaviors and purchasing power. Because women's sports fans display higher emotional connection and responsiveness to sponsors than traditional audiences, the report argues that the current undervaluation of media rights presents a prime opportunity for early investors. Ultimately, the sources advocate for a strategic shift toward nuanced, data-driven partnerships to fully capitalize on this burgeoning sector of the sports economy.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short's Sports Travel Logistics, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with St. John's University Vice President & Director of Athletics, Ed Kull.
In this 50-minute conversation, we discuss:
- The Benefits of Being MSG's Third Tenant
- Changing Donor Relationships
- Permeating Pop Culture
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short's Sports Travel Logistics, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down for a commercially-focused conversation with Pac-12 Conference Commissioner Teresa Gould.
In this 40-minute conversation, we touch on a differentiated conference-level revenue engine, agility as an asset, turning history into recurring income, and more.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short's Sports Travel Logistics, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with Mountain West Conference Commissioner Gloria Nevarez to discuss new revenue streams, roster churn, and the argument for private capital.
In this 40-minute conversation, we touch on reimaging headquarters as monetizable asset, the fight for relevance, balancing private capital and institutional control, and more.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short's Sports Travel Logistics, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with Weatherford Capital Founding Partner Drew Weatherford, IMG Academy CEO Brent Richard, and USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews to discuss the so-called "enrollment cliff" —a projected decline in college-age students that has started to materialize— and a solution to help navigate it.
In this 40-minute conversation, we touch on the perfect storm fueling the enrollment cliff, how more teams means more tuition—and why fencing leads the way, roster expansion as an admissions strategy, and more.
In this episode, Craig Sloan, Playfly CEO, sits down with Roger Bennett, founder and CEO of the Men in Blazers Media Network, to unpack the intersection of sport, culture, and fan engagement with the World Cup set to take center stage in the U.S. this year.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short's Sports Travel Logistics, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with West Virginia University President Michael Benson.
In this 40-minute conversation, we touch on The Correlation Between On-Field Success and Enrollment, All WVU Student Athletes Receiving In-State Tuition, Leveraging Content Creators to Expand an Institutions Reach, and more.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short's Sports Travel Logistics, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with The Ohio State University's Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director Ross Bjork.
In this 40-minute conversation, we touch on facilities still driving recruiting, creating an in-house NIL agency, delivering premium experiences in a historic venue, and more.
In today's saturated sports and entertainment landscape, attracting fans to live games is no longer driven by the game alone. To compete, venues and their surrounding districts must deliver something screens cannot: an intentionally designed, customized, end-to-end experience that feels worth the trip. Playfly Sports has identified a 45% blind spot in mixed-use developments: the difference between revenue generated from comparables-based (comp-based) commercial projections and the revenue these districts could generate if commercial strategy, fan intelligence, and sponsorship were integrated from the earliest stages of design. This report outlines why mixed-use districts must be designed as media platforms, not just physical spaces, how data-driven fan intelligence and valuation influence design, pricing, and partner demand, and why early commercial integration is no longer optional.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short's Sports Travel Logistics, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with Southern Methodist University Director of Athletics Damon Evans.
In this 40-minute conversation, we touch on SMU's Second-Team Strategy, Breaking Down Silos and Positioning for Outside Capital, Fewer Tiers, More Donors, and more
In this episode, Craig Sloan, Playfly CEO, sits down with Christy Hedgpeth, Playfly Sports Properties President and Ben Price, General Manager of LSU Sports Properties to pull back the curtain on the landmark LSU–Woodside jersey patch deal. They break down how Playfly helped create and define a brand-new asset in college athletics, the strategy and challenges behind bringing it to life, and what this breakthrough means for the future of sponsorship and revenue innovation across the industry.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short's Sports Travel Logistics, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with Big Sky Conference Commissioner Tom Wistrcill. In this 40-minute conversation, we touch on owning the late-night window as a conference-level brand strategy, conference-wide jersey patches as a scaled commercial asset, collective bargaining as the only structural path to cost control, and more.
In this episode, Craig Sloan, Playfly CEO, introduces Chris Marinak, newly minted Playfly President. Marinak talks about what attracted him most about the opportunity at Playfly, how we plans to apply his experience, and where he sees the industry going in the future.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short's Sports Travel Logistics, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with Ivy League Executive Director Robin Harris. In this 40-minute conversation, we touch on structural strength in a volatile era, the Ivy's 'undertapped' revenue potential, converting engagement data into reach, durable rights economics, and more.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short's Sports Travel Logistics, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with The University of Kansas Director of Athletics and Vice Chancellor Travis Goff.
In this 40-minute conversation, we touch on pivoting away from donor extraction and toward diversified commercial fulfillment, reducing stadium capacity and increasing per-seat yield, building a year-round economic engine around a seasonal asset, and more.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short's Sports Travel Logistics, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with Wake Forest University Vice President and Director of Athletics John Currie. In this 40-minute conversation, we touch on the benefits of a 100-acre, $215mm mixed-use development project, meeting changing donor expectations, the ACC's new media rev-share model, and more.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short's Sports Travel Logistics, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with University of Pittsburgh Director of Athletics Allen Greene. In this 40-minute conversation, we touch on deepening relationships with donors and sponsors, the prospect of PE in college sports, Pitt's off-campus home, and more.
Zach Leonsis, President of Media & New Enterprises for Monumental Sports & Entertainment, joined Craig Sloan for an inside look at how one of the industry's most innovative organizations is redefining what it means to be a modern sports company. From MSE's $800M Capital One Arena renovation to a new streaming alliance with ViewLift, Zach shares how innovation, fan experience, and direct-to-consumer strategy are shaping the future of sports and entertainment.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short's Sports Travel Logistics, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with American Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti. In this 40-minute conversation, we touch on rebranding the American Conference, the launch of American Rise Ventures, expanding the college sports pie, and more.
In a sports ecosystem crowded with owned IP, events that differentiate themselves will create opportunities and enable operators to turn storytelling and fan passion into scalable revenue. The next three years will be defined by organizations that not only participate in owned IP events but own the narrative around them, and Playfly is already operating and monetizing in this space.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short's Sports Travel Logistics, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with University of Maryland Athletic Director Jim Smith. In this 40-minute conversation, we touch on Unlocking Revenue Growth, Professionalizing the Business, and Maximizing Income Earning Opportunities with Facilities and more.
Live local sports are entering a new era. While changing media distribution models are giving some advertisers cold feet, the value of local sports is unchanged. In fact, new distribution models, paired with technological innovations in live broadcasts, are creating a unique opportunity for advertisers to reach the most valuable audiences. At a time when ROI is difficult to achieve due to marketplace saturation, live local sports provide a unique opportunity to drive impact.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus –a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short’s Sports Travel Logistics– JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with Baylor University Vice President & Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades and Deputy AD & Chief Operating Officer Jovan Overshown.
In this 40-minute deep-dive conversation, Baylor Athletics’ leadership opens up on raising ticket prices, new premium spaces and experiences, finding new dollars and fans, and much more.
Short’s Sports Travel Logistics is the fastest-growing leader in collegiate athletics travel, trusted by over 110 athletic departments nationwide. We simplify every aspect of team travel—air charters, commercial air, buses, and hotels—delivering efficiency, compliance, and cost savings. Our promise, “Team Travel Made Easy,” is powered by innovative technology that provides unmatched reporting, data analytics, and transparency. With Short’s, athletic leaders gain measurable value, seamless coordination, and athlete-ready journeys that safeguard performance. By turning complex logistics into a competitive advantage, Short’s Travel has become the trusted choice for programs committed to winning on and off the field.
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Kit Hughes, Director of Athletics at the College of the Holy Cross. The conversation explores the tradition-rich history of Holy Cross athletics, the school’s recent competitive success, and the growth of the Patriot League with new football members. Hughes also discusses navigating challenges such as the transfer portal, NIL, and the House Settlement, while highlighting the unique opportunities Holy Cross offers through its academics, Worcester community, and engaged alumni network.
On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus sponsored by Short’s Sports Travel Logistics, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports, JohnWallStreet founder Corey Leff (making his BBOC debut) and Playfly Sports chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with University of Arizona Athletics Director Desireé Reed-Francois to discuss a wide-range of topics including fiscal discipline, AI integration, control and revenue capture, and more.
Julie Simmons, Co-Founder & Head of Operations and Rashid Ghazi, Co-Founder & President of Paragon Marketing Group, joined Craig Sloan for another insightful episode of Playmakers. Julie and Rash tell us what it means to be a playmaker in their own lives, and explain how innovation, at the heart of Paragon from its inception, guided them to join Playfly Sports; a promising alliance which is already starting to deliver.
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Christy Hedgpeth, President of Playfly Sports Properties. Christy takes us through her remarkable career, starting with her time in college basketball and her pivotal role in shaping the WNBA. She shares insights into her journey in sports leadership and the experiences that have shaped her career, leading her to her current role at Playfly.
Just as the BIG EAST prepared to announce its new 6-year digital media deal with ESPN, Val Ackerman, BIG EAST Commissioner, sat down with Mike Schreiber, Playfly Sports Founder and Chairman, for the first episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business On Campus podcast.
In this episode, Commissioner Ackerman shares her vision for the BIG EAST conference, weighing in on media rights and reaching digital audiences, the impact of revenue-sharing within BIG EAST schools as a result of the House Settlement, the unique Pitino coaches’ clash next season, and more.
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by President of Playfly Aspire, Gil Beverly. Gil shares his professional journey, beginning with his first job in healthcare and a subsequent transition into sports marketing. He reflects on his roles at ESPN, the NFL, and the Tennessee Titans, detailing his experiences and accomplishments in sports marketing and sales. Beverly discusses his recent position at Playfly Aspire, where he aims to continue to evolve the company from an outsourced ticketing firm to a premium hospitality and fan experience company. The conversation covers strategies for maximizing ticket sales, enhancing fan experience, leveraging rivalries, and adapting to market needs.
“Playfly FanScore: Modernizing the Business of College sports” presents a comprehensive overview of the challenges and necessary modernizations within college athletics. It argues that college athletic departments must adopt a corporate business and media company mindset to navigate financial pressures and evolving fan engagement. It highlights key areas for revenue maximization, including robust sales infrastructure, diversified revenue streams, and strategic innovation in sponsorships and ticketing. The report also emphasizes the importance of enhanced fan engagement through digital strategies, technology, and data utilization to build strong brands and increase commercial value in a rapidly changing landscape.
“Playfly FanScore: College Basketball Edition 2025” focuses on college basketball in 2024-25, offering insights into fan engagement, viewership, and attendance trends. It examines the demographics and dedication of college basketball fans, highlighting their regional distribution and emotional connection to the sport. The report also discusses viewing patterns for both men's and women's college basketball, detailing how on-court success influences university applications and offering strategies for marketing to fans through sponsorships and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
"Playfly FanScore: NHL Edition 2024," is a report from Playfly Insights, powered by Vision Insights, focusing on the National Hockey League (NHL) fandom. It highlights the NHL's growing popularity, revenue, and technological advancements such as digitally enhanced dasherboards and player tracking, which aim to enhance the fan experience. The report also identifies the unique characteristics of NHL fans, describing them as passionate, young, educated, affluent, and tech-savvy, with significant regional variations in their values.
“Playfly FanScore: NBA Edition 2024” offers a comprehensive examination of the NBA's fan base and its value. It highlights the league's distinctive cultural influence, global appeal, and diverse, younger audience.
"Playfly FanScore: College Football Edition 2023” examines the state of college football fandom in 2023, highlighting that fan sentiment is very positive and growing. It notes a 15% increase in viewership during the early 2023 season, attributing this to factors like marquee matchups, star players, the transfer portal, and conference realignment. The source also points out that college football attendance more than doubles NFL attendance and details how fan loyalty is deeply tied to geography. Furthermore, it explores brand sponsorship receptivity, indicating that Group of 5 conferences surprisingly outperform Power 5 conferences in this area, and discusses the generational awareness of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
“Playfly FanScore: MLB Edition 2023” focuses on the popularity and unique characteristics of Major League Baseball (MLB) fans in 2023. It aims to demonstrate that MLB is a highly popular sport with a devoted fanbase, often underestimated compared to other major sports leagues.
With less than 12 months to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we’re diving into what it will take for host cities and global brands to make the most of this generational opportunity.
Playfly Sports CEO Craig Sloan sits down with John Kristick, Co-Head of Playfly Sports Consulting and a global soccer veteran that has had a hand in every World Cup since 1994.
From city readiness and infrastructure to brand storytelling and fan engagement, this episode is packed with insights on how to activate locally and think globally.
Topics include:
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Why 2026 will be the most commercially powerful World Cup ever
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How the Club World Cup serves as a “dress rehearsal”
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Why brands must build cultural relevance now
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And, More!
The House v. NCAA settlement has forever altered the landscape of college athletics — and in this episode of Playmakers, we dive headfirst into what that means for properties, brands, and the future of NIL. Playfly CE Craig Sloan sits down with Jon Bishop and Jason Frandi to break down how schools can adapt, how brands can authentically engage, and how Playfly is uniquely positioned to lead in this new era.
You’ll hear about:
- How the shift from donor-driven to brand-centric NIL changes the game
- What millions in new financial pressure means for athletic departments
- Brand success stories
- Real-world strategies schools are deploying with Playfly Max, and more!
Whether you’re on campus, in the boardroom, or building a brand, this conversation unpacks what it takes to thrive in the professionalization of college sports.
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Rob Thompson, Sports & Media executive who is the current commercial director of the Walter Camp Foundation. Rob discusses his extensive career that began as a football player at the University of New Haven, transitioned into coaching and recruiting, and led to significant roles within NFL Properties, Disney, and the Arena Football League. Rob shares insights on how he founded the East Coast Recruiting agency, contributed to the growth of flag football, and the creation of grassroots sports programming including the popular NFL “Play 60” campaign. The conversation also delves into the history and significance of Walter Camp's contributions to American football, as well as the ongoing efforts of the Walter Camp Foundation to honor young student-athlete innovators and entrepreneurs.
In this episode of Playmakers, Playfly Sports CEO Craig Sloan sits down with two of the company’s top commercial minds — Nick Cartan and Paul Asencio — for a candid conversation on what it really means to connect with sports fans. They challenge the outdated notion that simply buying into sports guarantees engagement, and instead focus on what it takes to create authentic, high-impact brand experiences. Nick shares how Playfly’s commercial strategy is helping brands move from passive exposure to intentional activation, while Paul reflects on his first 90 days at the company and why he believes Playfly is uniquely positioned in the marketplace. Together, they explore the role of local audiences, the evolution of partnership expectations, and how the sports industry must evolve to meet the moment.
In Episode 3 of Playmakers, titled “Certainty in the Uncertain,” Playfly Sports CEO Craig Sloan sits down with Chad Copher, SVP General Manager of Playfly Media, for a candid conversation about how brands can find clarity amid today’s fragmented media landscape. Chad shares his perspective on why local sports fans represent a powerful yet underleveraged opportunity for national advertisers, how live sports continues to serve as one of the last true reach vehicles, and the evolving role of streaming in media strategy. The episode also explores how Playfly Media is driving measurable impact through integrated campaigns and what brands need to rethink in 2025 to stay relevant and effective.
In our second episode, Craig Sloan, Playfly Sports CEO, sits down with Gregg Liebman, Head of Insights at Playfly Sports, to unpack the recent release of the Playfly FanScore: College Basketball Edition. Gregg breaks down the untapped marketing potential of the college basketball regular season, how brands can more effectively invest in the space, and some of the most surprising—and telling—insights uncovered in the report. Together, they explore how data is reshaping fan engagement strategies and opening up new opportunities across the collegiate sports ecosystem.
In our first Playmakers by Playfly Sports episode, Craig Sloan, Playfly Sports CEO sits down with Christy Hedgpeth, President of Playfly Sports Properties, to break down her personal journey in sports, leadership values, and the underlying foundation and reason behind the exponential growth of Playfly Sports Properties. She also provides an inside look on the challenges - and opportunities – that face college athletics today, and the secret to successfully navigating this constantly-evolving landscape.
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Paul Schlickmann, the Director of Athletics at Fairfield University. We two discuss Paul’s career journey to his current role, the trajectory and growth of Fairfield University both academically and athletically, being recognized as a Front Office Sports Best College Athletic Department of 2024, and more.
Host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Amy Folan, the Director of Athletics at Central Michigan University. They dive into Amy's career journey from a student-athlete at UConn to her current role at CMU. Amy shares her impactful experiences in compliance, fundraising, and the various leadership roles she assumed at institutions like Georgia and Texas. The discussion also covers the qualities she looked for in hiring CMU's new football coach, preparing for the upcoming House Settlement, the importance of innovation and community in her leadership approach, and more.
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Pat Kraft, the Director of Athletics at Penn State. They discuss the success of Penn State's football program, including their recent achievements and coaching hires. Pat also gives an in-depth look at the $700 million renovations for Beaver Stadium, the dominance of Penn State in collegiate wrestling, and the remarkable story of Katie Schumacher-Cawley and the women's volleyball team. They touch on challenges in the new era of college athletics and how everyone at Penn State, from administrators to coaches and student-athletes, are aligned for continued success. Pat emphasizes the importance of academics and a strong, united culture in achieving excellence in athletics.
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Michael Kelly, the Director of Athletics at the University of South Florida (USF), for an in-depth discussion about the developments and strategic initiatives happening at USF. Michael shares insights into the financial strategy behind funding the new football stadium, the importance of new revenue streams in the face of revenue-sharing models, adding lacrosse, and more.
Host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Matt Roan, Director of Athletics at James Madison University, for a wide ranging discussion about his career progression to his current role, the growth and transformation of JMU, and the strategic decisions that have positioned JMU to compete at a high level. Matt also talks about the advantages of having a legal background in athletics, the impact of collegiate athletics changes, and the supportive community at JMU.
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo interviews Josh Berlo, Director of Athletics at Denver University. They discuss Josh's career journey from the University of Massachusetts to his current role at Denver. Josh shares insights on building successful athletic programs, creating a culture of academic excellence, and navigating challenges unique to non-football institutions. They also highlight Denver's remarkable achievements, including multiple national championships across various sports.
In this episode of On The Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Craig Sloan, CEO of Playfly Sports, for an engaging conversation about Craig's career journey and the growth of Playfly Sports. Craig discusses his experiences from his early days after graduating from the University of Iowa to his current role and Playfly's strategic approach to maximizing sports revenue through media rights, technology, and fan engagement. He also shares insight into Playfly's expansion into international markets, his views on the evolving landscape of college athletics, and the importance of maintaining a strong work culture.
Tim Pernetti, Commissioner of the American Athletic Conference (AAC), joins host Gene DeFilippo for an in-depth discussion around the future of college athletics and the strategic directions for the conference. The conversation dives into Pernetti's experiences, the challenges of modern collegiate athletics, innovative strategies for the AAC, and the importance of alignment and coaching. Pernetti also shares insights into the upcoming bowl games, the evolving landscape of college sports, and the personal stories that have shaped his career.
*Disclaimer: This interview was recorded on December 3, 2024
BIG EAST Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Vince Nicastro joins Host Gene DeFilippo for an insightful conversation about his 30-year career in college athletics and the rebuilding of the BIG EAST Conference in 2013. The two also touch on conference and tournament expansion, streaming partnerships, the unique culture of the BIG EAST Tournament Men's Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden, and more.
Host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Jeramiah Dickey, Director of Athletics at Boise State University, for a wide ranging discussion about his career journey, his leadership and vision for Boise State Athletics, and transitioning from the Mountain West to the Pac-12. Dickey also shares insights on navigating the changing landscape of college athletics, including the implications of the House Case, NIL, and conference realignment.
Host Gene DeFilippo sits down with Chad Weiberg, the Director of Athletics at Oklahoma State University, who begins by recounting his rise from unpaid intern to his current leadership role. The discussion goes on to cover the challenges and strategic moves amidst Big 12 conference realignment and the departure of Oklahoma and Texas. Chad reflects on the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of 10 members of the OSU basketball family, including his brother, 23 years ago, and how the OSU community continues to "Remember the Ten." He also delves into the changing landscape of college football, including the future of the Bedlam rivalry, the recent College Football 'Super League' proposals and House Settlement, and the widening gap in media rights revenues. The episode concludes with insights on the broader implications of reforms and the adaptability required to navigate ongoing changes in college athletics.
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by ICF Senior Executive Coach, Author, Keynote Speaker, and CEO & Founder of ON Point Next Level Leadership, Pam Borton. Pam shares her journey from a high school basketball player in Ohio to becoming the Head Basketball Coach at the University of Vermont and the University of Minnesota, where she led teams to notable successes, including an NCAA Final Four, Elite Eight,and three straight Sweet Sixteen appearances. After retiring from coaching, Pam founded ON Point Next Level Leadership, a coaching platform for leaders and high performers. She discusses her experiences, from building winning team cultures to her transition into executive coaching. Pam also elaborates on her two books, 'On Point' and 'The Crooked Rim,' which offer insights into leadership, mindset, and resilience. The conversation also touches on the importance of celebrating wins, self-awareness, and adapting to evolving challenges in both sports and business.
Host Gene DeFilippo is joined again this week by Steve Hatchell, the President and CEO of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. The conversation delves into the comprehensive statistics around football, such as the growing number of colleges and high schools sponsoring the sport, and why it's important for post-graduate opportunities. The two discuss key NFF initiatives and events like the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy, the Campbell Trophy Summit, their Annual Awards Dinner, the criteria for Hall of Fame induction, and more in this continuation of our insightful discussion about the Good in the Game.
President and CEO of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Steve Hatchell, joins host Gene DeFilippo for an in-depth discussion about his incredible career and early days at the University of Colorado, NFF’s impact on both the amateur and college football landscape, the importance of promoting and protecting the good in the game, and their initiatives aimed at advancing the sport’s future. Stay tuned for the second installment of our discussion, coming out soon.
Tommy McClelland, Vice President & Director of Athletics at Rice, joins host Gene DeFilippo for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, mentorship, and the evolving landscape of college athletics. The two discuss his career ascension from being a walk-on student athlete at Northwestern State to his current position, the significance of NIL, Rice’s competitive positioning within the American Athletic Conference, and more.
Host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Bernadette McGlade, the Atlantic 10 Conference Commissioner, who shares her journey from a college basketball player at UNC to a coaching position at Georgia Tech and her eventual rise to commissioner. The conversation delves into challenges facing mid-major leagues like securing competitive basketball matchups, the evolution of college athletics amid the name, image, and likeness (NIL) rulings, thoughts on expanding the NCAA tournament structure, the impact of Title IX on women's sports, and more in this insightful discussion.
Michael Strickland, the ACC Senior Associate Commissioner for Football, joins host Gene DeFilippo for a comprehensive discussion on the complexities of scheduling to accommodate for the expansion of the ACC. The conversation offers an in-depth look at the strategic considerations behind creating a balanced and equitable football schedule that mitigates travel concerns for teams, ensures competitive equity, and caters to the needs of teams, student-athletes, fans, and broadcast partners.
Host Gene DeFilippo and Jeff Bourne, the Director of Athletics at James Madison University, engage in a wide-ranging conversation about JMU's transition to the Sun Belt Conference, the societal pressures on today's student-athletes in light of NIL policies, insights on the future of intercollegiate athletics, and more.
In this episode of On the Fly, Thorr Bjorn, the Director of Athletics at the University of Rhode Island, joins Gene to reflect on his 16+ year tenure at the URI and the key to his longevity. The two discuss the evolving landscape of NIL, the history and traditions of basketball in the Atlantic 10 conference, the significant investment in facilities improvements at URI, and more.
Stan Wilcox, the Executive Vice President for Regulatory Affairs at the NCAA, joins Gene DeFilippo for a comprehensive discussion around the NCAA's structure, legal challenges, the intersection of name, image, and likeness with transfer rules and recruiting regulations, and more.
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Chief of Staff & Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director at the University of Texas, Chris Plonsky, for a wide-ranging conversation about the growth of women's sports, the impact of moving to the SEC, NIL in college sports, and more.
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips for a wide-ranging conversation about the conference's decision to expand, realignment and so much more.
In the latest episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by North Carolina director of athletics, Bubba Cunningham, for a wide-ranging conversation on college athletics, UNC football and more.
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo sits down with Pat Manak, the CEO of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, for a conversation about the upcoming NACDA convention and all the things the association does to help athletics directors across the country.
Dave Clawson has spent the last nine years building Wake Forest into a respectable program in the ACC, including seven straight trips to bowl games. As he enters his 10th season at the helm of the Demon Deacons, he sits down with host Gene DeFilippo for a wide-ranging conversation on all the hot-button issues in college football today: from the transfer portal and NIL to scheduling and more.
What goes into changing conferences? In this episode of On the Fly, hear all the details and work that goes into making it happen. Host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Lisa Campos, director of athletics at the University of Texas at San Antonio, for a wide-ranging conversation, covering everything from multimedia rights to on-field football success.
Women's college sports are having a moment. Buoyed by incredible viewership numbers from the NCAA Tournament, and with the Women's College World Series on the horizon, there's more attention than ever. Patti Phillips is the CEO of Women Leaders in College Sports, and joins host Gene DeFilippo for a wide-ranging conversation about the impact of increased viewership, why athletic departments need to hire more women in leadership roles, and so much more.
In the latest edition of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Boston College Director of Athletics Blake James for a wide-ranging conversation, covering everything from building new facilities to contract extensions. What makes James a great fit at BC? And how did the apparel deal with New Balance come about? All that and more in this week's episode.
What goes into switching conferences? Chris Pezman knows that as well as anyone. The Houston Director of Athletics is going through the transition process now, moving from the AAC to the Big 12. In this episode, Pezman joins host Gene DeFilippo for a wide-ranging conversation about that process and more.
In the latest episode of On the Fly, FAU athletics director Brian White joins host Gene DeFilippo for a fun and insightful conversation about balancing life as an AD and a dad, why FAU is an up and coming hotspot, and what it was like growing up in a sports family.
In this episode of On the Fly, we take you inside the NCAA Tournament with senior vice president for basketball Dan Gavitt. How is the tournament field selected? How are host sites determined? All that and much more in this conversation with host Gene DeFilippo.
Have you ever wondered why the NFL Draft Combine exists, and what it's true purpose is? Or what about the Wonderlic Test? In this episode of On the Fly, NFL Hall of Famer and longtime GM for the Bills, Panthers and Colts Bill Polian joins host Gene DeFilippo to answer those questions and more.
"It's really important to have good people around you in your organization. There's no two ways about it. The people do make all the difference." For Butler director of athletics Barry Collier, his journey is all about the people. In the latest episode of On the Fly, Collier joins host Gene DeFilippo to go through his rise through the coaching ranks to administration, advice for younger administrators and more.
In this edition of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Dave Heeke, director of athletics at Arizona, for a wide-ranging conversation about hiring coaches, building programs and how his career journey has led him to where he is now.
"We recruit student athletes that fit. And it's hard to define, but there is a fit up here in the mountains of North Carolina. It's not for everybody, but if you want to come get a world-class education and play for championships, this is a place people come and they come in with a chip on their shoulder and they play hard."
That's what Doug Gillin, Director of Athletics at Appalachian State, says about fit and culture at the school in Boone, N.C. In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo takes Gillin through his career journey and how App State has found success at the highest levels of athletics—and pulled off some memorable upsets in the process.
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo visits with Virginia Tech Director of Athletics Whit Babcock for a fun and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, his career journey, and more. What does Babcock look for when hiring coaches? Why do college athletics matter now more than ever? And what does he do to unwind? All that and more is on this newest episode of On the Fly.
What goes into preparing for a New Year's Six bowl game in the College Football Playoff era? Despite what so many people think, it's a year-round job. In this episode of On the Fly, Orange Bowl CEO Eric Poms joins host Gene DeFilippo to discuss that and more.
Brett Miller is the executive director of the Wasabi Fenway Bowl. After a couple of false starts due to Covid-19, the bowl is set for its inaugural game. What's gone into making it happen? Brett joins host Gene DeFilippo for a wide-ranging conversation about how the game started, how it's finally happening, and all the planning that's gone into making this game a reality.
Bill Hancock is the executive director of the College Football Playoff and has long been involved in college athletics postseason play. With the CFP expanding, Bill and host Gene DeFilippo discuss the logistical challenges of growing the playoff, the considerations being made to start an expanded playoff sooner rather than later, and so much more.
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Val Ackerman, Commissioner of the Big East Conference. Gene DeFilippo & Val talk about her incredible impact on both professional and collegiate basketball, Val's time as the President of the WNBA, and the role she played in the development of the Dream Team. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Marcus Blossom, McCormick Endowed Athletic Director at Creighton University. Gene Defilippo & Marcus talk about the many successes Marcus has seen so far in his career, the importance of Jesuit universities, and the four different areas of focus Marcus has when making decisions for his University. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Mark Jackson, Vice President & Director of Athletics at Villanova University. Gene Defilippo & Mark talk about the many different stops of Mark's impressive story, the importance of mentors and the impact they play throughout careers, and the incredible, well rounded athletic program Mark has led at Villanova. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Brent Jones, Director of Athletics at Troy University. Gene Defilippo & Brent talk about the realignment of the Sun Belt Conference and all the good that has come with it, the different factors that go into Brent's coach hiring process, and Brent speaks on some unique sponsorship opportunities Troy is exploring. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Arthur Johnson, Director of Athletics at Temple University. Gene DeFilippo & Arthur discuss his incredible career working with a variety of major programs, the challenges that come with being a Director of Athletics, and the impressive feat Arthur accomplished with the development of the Moody Center. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Terry Mohajir, Director of Athletics at the University of Central Florida. Gene DeFilippo & Terry discuss the challenges and benefits with the introduction of NIL deals, what Terry looks for when hiring new coaches, and what it took for him to get to the position he is in today. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Bill Polian, six time NFL Executive of the Year and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee. Gene Defilippo & Bill discuss the new struggles colleges are facing with the transfer portal and NIL, Bill gives his view on the four key indicators that continue to drive college sports forward, and the two reflect on conference realignment and where they think we are headed next. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Joe Parker, Director of Athletics at Colorado State University. Gene Defilippo & Joe discuss the impact of Colorado State's new football stadium, Joe speaks about great leaders he has learned from throughout his career, and they end the episode talking about the growing cost of keeping high level football programs together. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Jeramiah Dickey, Director of Athletics at Boise State. Gene Defilippo & Jeramiah discuss his quick rise to becoming an Athletic Director, Jeramiah talks about different mentors who have helped him along the way, and different ways Jeramiah deals with the high level of stress that comes with his job. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Stephanie Rempe, Executive Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer at LSU. Gene Defilipo & Stephanie discuss both of their incredible journey's working in athletics, Stephanie tells the audience some advice she wished she had at the start of her career, and they talk about the work ethic that is needed to have a fulfilling career in the sports industry. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Jay Wright, Former Villanova Basketball Head Coach and Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. Gene DeFilippo & Jay discuss the complications involved with the Transfer Portal and NIL deals, how his team's culture played a huge role in their success, and Jay tells us some amazing stories from his historic career. You won't want to miss this action-packed episode of On The Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: High School Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Mark Hicks, Managing Director of NCAA Enforcement. Chuck Schmidt & Mark discuss how their paths crossed throughout their careers, what to look for when choosing a college as a student, and Mark gives the listeners his take on the future of high school and collegiate sports. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Gloria Nevarez, Commissioner of the West Coast Conference. Gene Defilippo & Gloria discuss what they look for when hiring new people within organizations, how great leaders have impacted their careers, and the value of improving diversity within the sports industry. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Pat Hobbs, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Rutgers University. Gene DeFilippo & Pat discuss the challenges of taking over a young program, enjoying the journey while still being highly competitive, and how he got to the position he is in today. You won't want to miss this action-packed episode of On The Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Jennifer Cohen, Director of Athletics at the University of Washington. Gene DeFilippo & Jennifer discuss how to move up in the sports industry, Jennifers path to her current position at Washington, and the relationships she has built through the process. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Kevin Warren, Commissioner of The Big Ten Conference. Gene DeFilippo & Kevin discuss Kevin's incredible career, from the COO of the Vikings to his current role with the Big 10, the most rewarding aspects of his job, and Craig Sloan joins us to discuss the great relationship between Playfly and The Big 10 Conference. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Allen Greene, Director of Athletics at Auburn University. Gene DeFilippo & Allen discuss what it takes when finding the right coaching candidate, the changes Allen hopes to see in college athletics in the future, and Mike Schreiber joins us to discuss the great relationship between Playfly and Auburn University. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: High School Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Julian Tackett, Commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletics Association. Chuck Schmidt & Julian talk about the value of high school sports within communities, the rise in attendance across different sports in this last year, and some great pieces of advice for anyone looking to get involved in High School athletics. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Carla Williams, Director of Athletics at the University of Virginia. Gene DeFilippo & Carla discuss the high points over her career, Carla's path to the University of Virginia, and Mike Schreiber joins us to discuss the great relationship between Playfly and UVA. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Eddie Nuñez, Director of Athletics at the University of New Mexico. Gene DeFilippo & Eddie discuss career development, the struggles that came with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and some great moments they have enjoyed together. Along with that we have a special guest, Mike Schreiber, the CEO of Playfly Sports joining today's show. You won't want to miss this action packed episode of On the Fly!
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition presented by Playfly Sports welcomes Terry Tumey, Director of Athletics at Fresno State University. Gene DeFilippo & Terry discuss what is needed to work in the world of education, the joy that comes with seeing your students succeed, and other important lessons Terry has picked up throughout his career. You won't want to miss as Terry shares how he looks to leave his impact on Fresno State.
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Rick George, Athletic Director at The University of Colorado. Gene DeFilippo & Rick discuss his incredible career, the challenges that came with fundraising / building new athletic facilities, and what success really looks like when working in collegiate athletics. You won't want to miss as Rick shares how he looks to further engage with his student athletes / the student body as a whole.
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Sandy Barbour, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at Penn State. Gene DeFilippo & Sandy discuss her incredible career, the future of conference alignment, media rights in the college game, and even some unique stress relief tactics. You won't want to miss as Sandy gives her perspective on what it takes to be a successful Athletic Director in this ever changing environment.
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Heather Lyke, Athletic Director at the University of Pittsburgh. Gene DeFilippo & Heather cover a wide range of topics from Heather's mentors in her journey to Pitt, defying the naysayers, and even her playing days at the University of Michigan. You won't want to miss as Heather gives her unique perspective on the importance of people and family in the role of a high profile Athletic Director.
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Joe Castiglione, Athletic Director at the University of Oklahoma. Gene DeFilippo & Joe discuss innovations in collegiate athletics; past, present, and future. Joe, as one of the fathers of Sports Marketing, gives his insight as to how the industry has revolutionized over time and the importance gameday will always play in the fan experience. Later, Gene and Joe discuss the immensely critical dynamic of work life balance as an Athletic Director at a major program.
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Rob Mullens, Athletic Director at the University of Oregon. Gene DeFilippo & Rob cover a wide range of topics from Rob's path to Eugene, some of the influential folks throughout his journey, and the importance of making an impact both on campus and in the community. Also, you won't want to miss as Gene & Rob give an insider's perspective on hiring a coach at a premier program in the nation.
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes Boo Corrigan, Athletic Director at North Carolina State University. Gene DeFilippo & Boo talk about Boo's path to NC State, the world of college athletics in a global pandemic, and much more. Plus, some advice from Boo about how to find success in what you do, no matter what profession.
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes former Commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference John Swofford. John fills us in on what he has been up to since retiring from a legendary career in college athletics and gives his take on the current state of amateur athletics. Later, John talks about his journey to becoming the head man of one of the nations most prestigious conferences. What is it like being in your low 30s and finding yourself as a newly appointed Athletic Director with a roster of coaches the likes of Dean Smith & Mack Brown? John shares some insight on what his experience was working along side two coaching icons.
This episode of On The Fly: College Edition by Playfly Sports welcomes University of Nebraska’s Athletic Director, Bill Moos. Host Gene DeFilippo sits down with Bill as he discusses the career stops he has made on his way to Lincoln and what he has learned from his time in the office, and out of it. Hear about what it is like to be at the helm when trying to build a powerhouse athletic institution. Later, Bill shares a powerful message about how to approach your work, no matter the profession.
Founder of PlayFly Sports, Michael Schreiber, gives a look into what you can expect from Playfly Sports "On The Fly" Podcast, and how Playfly Sports is bringing an innovative, digitally enabled approach to the growing collegiate and high school multimedia rights industry.
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