Navigating Sports Business: Recent Episodes
AJ Maestas
Gain exclusive insight into the professional and personal worlds of high-level executives in sports and entertainment as we host top decision-makers in the industry to discuss emerging topics, their business, careers, and personal life stories. From collegiate conference commissioners to professional sports team executives and owners, to CMOs and leading marketers at global brands, Maestas takes listeners inside the lives of key people making a major impact on the sports and entertainment industry.
It's the 150th episode of Navigating Sports Business! We're joined by our client, Don Rovak, to discuss to the latest with Camden Yards and the Baltimore Orioles.
Don Rovak - CRO at the Baltimore Orioles - has helped modernize and grow the Orioles' commercial operation. He and Jeff Nelson discuss the Camden Yards renovation and how the definition of a great fan experience is always changing.
They also explore some of the recently announced premium partnerships, the keys to hiring great sales people, and how success on the field impacts the business side.
Timestamps:
- 1:20 - Differences working in NFL and MLB
- 3:15 - Responsibilities of the C-Suite
- 5:55 - Is hiring salespeople more difficult than ever?
- 12:00 - How the team's success impacts the CRO role
- 15:10 - Camden Yards Renovations
- 24:50 - Bringing non-baseball events to Camden Yards
- 28:15 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
AJ Maestas and Ally Corbin recap Navigate's fan friction study and Ally's presentation at the SBJ Brand Innovation Summit.
Fans remember the brands that provide a practical benefit, not just a logo. Ally shares key insights and the best practices we're seeing today.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=0dcdb8b6faede311663e63eb7feb10d3
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Where is the current version of the Protect College Sports Act lacking, and what needs to change? Amid ongoing leaks and revisions, AJ Maestas and Charles Rolston examine how the proposed legislation could shape the long-term health of college athletics and impact athletes, schools, and conferences. Can pooling media rights really double revenue? Navigate's analysis suggests otherwise. AJ breaks down where the projections fall short, the real ways the industry can professionalize, create stability and preserve what makes college sports special. Timestamps: * 0:35 - The latest on the Protect College Sports Act * 1:35 - The realignment provision * 6:10 - Downsides to collective media rights pooling * 8:45 - Should be focusing on NIL? * 14:10 - Key Takeaways * 15:20 - Predictions
Eddie Lewis - two-time World Cup player for the U.S. and founder of TOCA Soccer - on the two eureka moments that led to the creation of TOCA Social.
TOCA supports training for high-level athletes but also a fun soccer experience for the casual fan.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=8e379d9055c0772740f5bb58db0f35c8
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
For this year's brands-only workshop at SBJ BIS - Navigate's custom insights team conducted a robust study of sports fans and where they perceive friction points in the fan experience. Ally Corbin presented the findings along with Navigate's recommendations for brands looking to build relevance and affinity through sponsorship.
She joins AJ Maestas to discuss her presentation and other key learnings from the workshop.
We've created an interactive dashboard based on the study's data. You can filter by question or demographics, or use the AI-feature to chat directly with the data. You can view the dashboard, here: https://navigate-fan-friction-research.manus.space/
Timestamps:
- 0:30 - Navigate's Workshop at the SBJ Brand Innovation Summit
- 2:55 - Friction points in fandom
- 5:55 - Strategies for brands - relevance over impressions
- 9:15 - Session #2 - The Rising Cost of Sponsorship
- 12:40 - Tracking & attributing sponsorship
- 17:10 - Sponsorship growth rates
- 19:35 - Takeaway points from Ally's presentation
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
"Our primary brand value, the thing that people choose us for...is about fun and entertainment."
Radhika Duggal – CMO of Major League Soccer – on how MLS used consumer research, stakeholder feedback, and competitive analysis to define its brand.
She explains why creating a fun, inclusive experience is at the heart of the league's identity.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=0485ea629690be3624d73b7eee3a7873
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Eddie Lewis - Two-time World Cup player for the U.S. and founder of TOCA Soccer - is changing the way that young soccer players train, while simultaneously building soccer's answer to Topgolf. He shares how he balances both objectives domestically and his plans for international expansion.
Timestamps:
1:50 - TOCA's Elevator Pitch
5:55 - TOCA Soccer vs. TOCA Social
8:15 - Youth sports
12:55 - The infrastructure of American soccer
16:50 - MLS Partnership
18:40 - International expansion
22:00 - Lessons from playing soccer
28:55 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Ryan McCarthy — Board of Visitors Member at Virginia Tech — explains the power of athletics to bring positive global exposure to a university.
Smart investments in athletics have the potential for as much as $1B in ROI, and universities like Virginia Tech are wisely making those investments for the future.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=344ead289d120de9f56f07165421bb56
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Radhika Duggal - CMO of Major League Soccer - has an opportunity to ride the wave of soccer fandom in U.S. that is building around the FIFA World Cup. She explains how she works with marketers from all 30 MLS clubs to ensure they capitalize on this historic moment. For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
"Most clients want to push create something completely cutting edge."
Brian Mirakian - Senior Principal at Populous - on how they work with visionary team owners to push boundaries to bring something new to the marketplace with their venue designs.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=1f6000cb7657f36e212b6428ef8f9d3b
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Board members and university administrators are spending an increasing amount of time on athletics.
Ryan McCarthy — Board of Visitors Member at Virginia Tech — joined our podcast with insight on the goals of a university and the role that athletics plays in serving its broader mission.
As the former U.S. Secretary of the Army, Ryan has a unique perspective on leadership and navigating a diverse group of stakeholders.
Timestamps:
- 1:10 - Board members spending more and more time on athletics
- 4:25 - Navigate's engagement with Virginia Tech
- 8:20 - What does VT athletics look like in 2030?
- 12:25 - Ryan's Background as Secretary of the Army
- 16:50 - Advice for other universities
- 22:40 - Rapid Fire Questions
Show Notes:
- Our interview with Virginia Tech Athletic Director Whit Babcock: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=ae8d2b98dc149a023be6909fd08d9af4
- Book Rec: Team of Rivals, by Doris Kearns Goodwin
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
With the NBA accepting bids for NBA Europe, they get a chance to vet new owners and create new media inventory.
AJ and Charles break down some of the unseen benefits of expanding the NBA internationally.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=98f53bb4360c6b9e03e064694295d7c5
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
With the NBA accepting bids for NBA Europe, they get a chance to vet new owners and create new media inventory.
AJ and Charles break down some of the unseen benefits of expanding the NBA internationally.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=98f53bb4360c6b9e03e064694295d7c5
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Brian Mirakian - Senior Principal at Populous - discusses how architects and sports teams are designing multi-use stadiums with the future in mind.
Trends and interests evolve much faster than stadiums can be built, so flexibility is key.
Timestamps:
- 1:45 - Brian's role at Populous
- 6:00 - What owners are looking for in venue design
- 10:05 - Trends in development
- 13:55 - The Battery and Truist Park in Atlanta
- 18:25 - The rate of change in new venues
- 25:00 - AI in future planning
- 30:35 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
From our annual predictions episode, AJ and Charles explore whether or not the NFL will have a new media rights deal by this time next year.
The league already demands $12B annually and they are looking for a 50%-100% increase in their next deal. Will new and existing partners be able to write a big enough check?
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=f99b94e2b02b0387bb15267b517a2134
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
The NBA is officially taking bids and vetting investors for NBA Europe.
AJ and Charles discuss the value proposition for investors, the upside and risk for the NBA, and what this means for the global basketball ecosystem.
They also explore which other leagues should be considering international expansion, and what that looks like in practice.
Timestamps:
- 1:15 - NBA Europe & the global basketball ecosystem
- 4:15 - The impact on EuroLeague & existing leagues
- 13:40 - Investor concerns
- 15:50 - Basketball Africa League
- 21:05 - Promotion & relegation in an open league model
- 23:20 - Winners & losers
- 26:20 - Which league is next?
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Mike Dillon – CFO of the Pittsburgh Penguins – on the "triangle offense" of ticketing, marketing, & strategy that allows them to react to data models and test new initiatives throughout the season.
He cites the example of optimizing games with lower projected attendance by adding indoor fireworks shows - safely.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=af0e1988a4018fc3975cc40c75e865a2
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Katie Bynum Aznavorian — Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee — breaks down how Team USA built on the momentum of past Olympic Games at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.
That approach led to even greater growth in performance, fan sentiment, and engagement compared to the 2022 games.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=590521345cd7c04fc0d9ed1067b53532
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Sponsorship budgets often compete with digital and social advertising that offer clear, measurable conversion rates.
Rather than treating sponsorships like a pure media buy, experienced marketers understand the downstream impact on sales, employee morale, brand perception, and reach across markets.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=762f59b100fb41de395e620e77eea263
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Special predictions episode: AJ and Charles give their thoughts on the next 12-months in sports business.
What will be the price tag for Seattle Seahawks? Will the NBA expand? Will the NFL add an 18th game? How many private capital deals reach college athletics? We'll revisit these predictions next year to see what we got right and what surprised us.
Timestamps:
- 0:45 - The next NFL media deal & an 18th game
- 4:40 - Netflix's sports portfolio
- 7:40 - Will a tech company buy a team?
- 11:40 - World Cup
- 16:35 - Collegiate Athletics
- 21:30 - Private Capital
- 27:15 - NCAA Tournament Expansion
- 31:45 - Franchise sales
- 44:20 - MLB lockout
- 51:05 - NBA expansion
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Mike Dillon - CFO of the Pittsburgh Penguins - leads a duel role overseeing both finance and strategy for one of the most iconic franchises in the NHL. He and his team work closely with Navigate on advanced fan segmentation and custom research.
He discusses the things NHL teams do well from a revenue standpoint and where there is room for increased sophistication and growth. He also talks about maintaining positive momentum from major moments like the winter Olympics and the success of Heated Rivalry.
Timestamps:
1:15 - Mike's Background
6:30 - Achieving positive outcomes regardless of team success
12:30 - The Penguins outperforming expectations
15:35 - Hockey taking over the conversations
20:30 - Mike's dual role as CFO and head of strategy
23:20 - What hockey gets right
25:30 - Advanced fan segmentation
31:05 - NHL growth in the next decade
36:20 - Rapid Fire Questions
Mike's Pittsburgh Restaurant Recommendations:
- DiAnoia's Eatery
- Alla Famiglia
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
How are teams and leagues approaching partnerships with prediction markets?
Jeff and Charles are having frequent conversations with property clients around how to handle this emerging category. For most, the priorities are to monetize the category while respecting existing sports better partners.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=88ebc0133d153220edab58c5877f6f83
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
What is the most common mistake athletic departments are going to make as private capital enters college sports?
AJ and Charles give their thoughts:
1) How are you spending the money?
2) Are you maintaining optionality for the future?
3) Are incentives properly aligned?
Private equity is looking for a return on investment, so schools are going to need to optimize their revenues, and not use the funds to cover up short-term gaps.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=0274a79bbace9aa1eff963137011a31e
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Katie Bynum Aznavorian - Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee - dives into the metrics behind a very successful Milan Cortina games, and how she's able to pivot quickly to planning for LA28.
The USOPC has a funding model that's different from how all other peer nations pay for the athletes to participate in the Olympic Games. Receiving no money at all from federal sources, they rely on sponsorship, media, and philanthropic donations. They are forced to operate as an intelligent, profitable business, and Katie and her team continue to prove that the model works.
Timestamps:
1:10 - The success of Milan Cortina
7:30 - Katie's time at the games
9:50 - The funding model for USOPC
18:30 - Venue naming rights in LA28
20:25 - If you were to create the Olympic brand from scratch
24:35 - Making Team USA
28:20 - Do NCAA changes threaten the Olympic pipeline?
31:10 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
David Dunn – Founder of Athletes First – worked with Leigh Steinberg before separating to start his own agency. He shares the story of the legal battle that followed.
Dunn and Athletes First ultimately won on appeal, but he still faced an 18-month NFLPA suspension from negotiating contracts.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=706ad15465bd624d2f547436740fa742
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
If your sponsorship budget was about to be cut, what data would you cite to defend it?
AJ & Charles share insights & ROI data from Navigate's 20+ years of sponsorship consulting to explore why sponsorship works, how it compares to other marketing channels, and how to spend strategically to see true ROI.
Will you be at NSF in St. Louis? Make sure to say hi to Charles while you're in town. Get in touch at Charles@NVGT.com
Timestamps:
- 3:40 - Do sponsorships work?
- 7:00 - Brands that should steer clear of sponsorships
- 11:25 - Sponsorship is not purely a marketing investment
- 17:25 - Trends & growth
- 21:00 - Using sponsorship to reach a fragmented, global audience
- 22:30 - Predictions for the next 12-24 months
Revisit our podcast with T-Mobile's Amy Azzi: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=c2641669c5f08ef945885ff03fea24f1
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
AJ and Charles share sympathy for athletic directors and administrators who are trying to plan for the future while being pulled in a dozen different directions by forces largely beyond their control.
They discuss this "two timeline" issue of having to tackle the short-term problems while also battling increasing uncertainty about the future. This was part of a larger conversation about the path forward for college sports amid talks of super leagues, athlete employment, and other major shakeups.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=03ae512e3bd76f81902c00ae647b4017
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/ .
There's a 100% chance we're talking about prediction markets this week.
Jeff Nelson and Charles Rolston offer advice to sports marketers on the property side wondering how aggressively to pursue prediction market partnerships, if sports betting partners maintain exclusivity, and how changing regulation will complicate the signing of these deals.
Many leagues and clubs have already established partnerships with Polymarket, Kalshi, and other players in the prediction market space.
Timestamps:
- 3:40 - Are prediction markets the new crypto?
- 9:00 - Has the money dried up from traditional sports betting platforms?
- 12:45 - Deals that have already been signed
- 19:35 - What % of teams will have a prediction market partner in the next 12 months?
- 26:14 - Placing trades on the Swift-Kelce wedding
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Dan Porter – CEO of Overtime – explains why Overtime Elite teams aren't tied to local markets, saying "we are playing for the internet, not cities."
Regional affiliations don't necessarily lead to loyalty for new sports franchises, so their goal is to optimize the virality of their content to build passionate fanbases from all around the world.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=246a404d135fa7e04b1e6ce67a45706a
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Our hosts explain the main factors schools should be considering when deciding if a private capital investment makes sense for their athletic department, and if so how they should prepare for it.
For schools that decide to steer clear of such deals, they will still need to prepare for how massive influxes of cash will change their conference and college athletics as a whole.
Private equity or private capital firms are looking for reliable, and predictable revenue streams such as media rights, sponsorships, especially at schools with big brands which have been under commercialized.
Areas for fast and sustainable ROI include:
- Increasing headcount for revenue generation staff (sales and fundraising)
- Modernizing ticketing and CRM technology
- Changing incentive structures within the athletic department
Larger projects like mixed-use real estate development take more time and capital to institute, but have the potential for massive gains of their own.
In preparing for this episode, AJ and Charles spoke with private capital firms as well as conferences and athletic departments to uncover which themes and topics are top-of-mind at the moment.
Timestamps:
- 0:55 - What type of athletic department is attractive to investors?
- 3:15 - What does it mean to be PE-ready?
- 10:00 - Does winning solve all problems?
- 12:45 - Hypothetical: Where would you deploy capital?
- 18:00 - Why college has lagged behind pro sports
- 19:25 - FOMO for the schools that don't get on board
- 23:45 - Changing your financial trajectory in a single season
- 27:05 - Commons mistakes for athletic departments
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
What's the real ROI of firing your coach and paying an expensive buyout?
AJ Maestas and Charles Rolston break down the numbers behind the high-profile coaching buyouts we're seeing in college football, and the potential economic justifications for taking big risks.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=b8c86e42a9f3d7b6f2194bb9a89877e8
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
David Dunn - Founder of Athletes First - is one of the most successful NFL agents of all time. He gives an inside look at one of the sports industry's most fascinating and misunderstood professions.
David has represented the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Justin Herbert, Troy Aikman, and many more. He has signed the largest deal in NFL history 8 times! He has worked with 17 Hall of Famers, seven Super Bowl MVPs, eight Heisman Trophy winners, eight Walter Payton men of the year, and seven first overall picks.
Timestamps:
2:50 - Jerry Maguire
6:25 - David's origin and legal fight with the NFLPA and Leigh Steinberg
21:00 - Relationships with clients
28:15 - NIL & recruiting young athletes
35:30 - Rapid Fire Question
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jeb Terry – President and CEO of Cosm – tells the story of his first time experiencing an early prototype of a Cosm venue.
He explains the transportive nature of the "shared reality" experience.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=4830009f2315f99b926e22e26021574b
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
AJ Maestas and Charles Rolston are regularly advising conference commissioners, athletic directors, and other clients shaping the future of college athletics.
They share their POV on various paths forward including revenue sharing, super leagues, athlete employment, and more.
Timestamps:
- 0:30- Can athletic department budgets continue to rise?
- 4:30 - What would a college super league look like?
- 8:00 - How are ADs keeping track of the changes?
- 12:35 - 15:35 What does college athletics look like in ten years?
- 16:25 - Revenue sharing with athletes
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Who will win the bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery? Netflix announced an $82.7B deal for all of WBD's streaming + studio assets, but now Paramount is pursuing its own $108 billion takeover that will include cable and linear networks as well.
Charles Rolston and Umar Hussain break down the biggest story in media.
Timestamps:
- 0:50 - What do we know so far?
- 3:10 - 6:37 The difference between the Netflix and Paramount offers
- 6:35 - How does this impact sports rights holders?
- 12:20 - Netflix's goal
- 17:50 - Which deal should WBD take?
- 21:35 - Predictions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Donn Davis – Chairman and Founder of the Professional Fighters League – explains what the UFC's most recent media deal means exciting things for the PFL in their upcoming negotiations with partners.
UFC gets $25M per event, and PFL has ⅓ of the audience. Donn predicts they'll end up getting much more than the $1M/event they currently receive.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=cbd3d581cfc5eddf1236ad1d5520f1c1
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Navigating Sports Media:
Dan Porter - CEO of Overtime - runs one of the biggest content platforms for the younger generation of sports fans. Overtime doesn't compete for sports rights, but they have added 35,000 followers per day for over nine years.
They have also made two major bets: building out their own leagues for high school basketball and high school football. Dan explains how their decision to pay young athletes accelerated the implementation of NIL at the college level.
Dan talks about the importance of giving young people a platform on social media and beyond. Prior to Overtime, he was President of Teach for America, and helped create one of the most downloaded apps of all time in Draw Something. One of the Overtime athletes launched the "six-seven" phenomenon among kids and young people.
Timestamps:
- 1:15 - Dan's background
- 7:10 - Growing with the Overtime audience
- 10:55 - What could the NFL or NBA learn from Overtime?
- 13:55 - Playing for the internet, not cities
- 16:40 - Overtime Elite kickstarted NIL
- 18:55 - Content philosophy
- 22:40 - Building a platform for young people
- 25:40 - Expanding into sports beyond basketball
- 30:20 - Dan's leadership style
- 34:30 - Rapid Fire Questions
Restaurant Recommendation in Brooklyn: * Terre | Pasta & Natural Wine
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
AJ Maestas and Charles Rolston break down the ROI metrics behind the (seemingly) crazy trend of expensive coaching buyouts in college football. They explore the economic and political factors at play that lead to these decisions for athletic directors and university presidents.
The right coaching hire can yield an incremental $20M - $35M per year for a football program, so there's a lot to lose by keeping a losing coach on staff. However, would it make more sense to take the money you'd otherwise use for a buyout and invest it in NIL?
Drawing on Navigate's work advising ADs and presidents while these factors are being weighed, AJ and Charles dissect the economics and decision-making pressures driving this high-stakes trend.
Timestamps:
- 0:45 - The ROI of firing your coach
- 5:00 - Spend on NIL or spend on a coach?
- 8:05 - Aligning AD incentives
- 16:40 - Legislation for everything ("good luck")
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jeb Terry - President and CEO of Cosm - explains "Shared Reality" and what their venues add to the sports fan experience.
Jeb describes Cosm as "the next best thing" to being at a live event, and gives a thorough breakdown of the business model that is in many ways similar to a traditional venue with tickets, concessions, and partnerships.
He also explains the strategy behind expansion and how they are selecting new markets both domestically and internationally.
Timestamps:
1:10 - Shared Reality
6:15 - Jeb's background as an NFL player
10:40 - Cosm partnerships
16:10 - Expansion strategy
22:45 - Key learnings
25:00 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Navigating Sports Media: Eric Ratchman – CRO of FanDuel Sports Network – on the challenges of emerging from bankruptcy with a sustainable plan for the future, and how they were ultimately able to find success.
He highlights the three-step process that his team employed, and the many stakeholders and creditors that had to be aligned in order to make it all work.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=63cc119c45b777bfe7a2c3d8eff870e5
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Donn Davis - Chairman and Founder of the Professional Fighters League - has a long history of successful investments both inside and outside of the sports industry.
He talks about the opportunity he saw in the MMA space, and why PFL has become such a valuable property as it looks to gain marketshare from UFC.
He also shares lessons from some of the most (and least) successful deals of his career.
Timestamps:
1:00 - The idea for PFL
5:20 - Donn's endgame with the PFL
6:45 - Bellator deal - what went right and what went wrong?
11:35 - Why Donn avoids esports investments
15:20 - Predictions for the future of media
21:05 - Is AI overvalued?
25:05 - UFC Media Deal
28:45 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Drew Weatherford – Founding Partner of Weatherford Capital – has a novel idea for how private equity can get involved in college sports. Beyond varsity sports, athletic departments can also drive value by investing in club sports as an extension of the lucrative youth sports model that already exists across the country.
Would parents be willing to pay thousands of dollars for their students to utilize high-level coaching and facilities? Drew thinks the answers is yes.
He also advocates for a change in the rule that bars universities from hosting multiple teams in the same sport across division I, II, and III.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=db8a3e0ab8b4fca316c1c8b46a8888ff
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Navigating Sports Media:
Eric Ratchman - CRO of FanDuel Sports Network - discussed the new era of the RSN model and how they're finding sustainable success after bankruptcy.
He argues that no other media company offers the same combination of local penetration and national scale, appealing to advertisers wishing for year-round content in a given market or those looking to make a deal across markets in one or more sports.
Timestamps:
1:40 - Eric's day-to-day
6:50 - Getting out of bankruptcy and the next 5-10 years
10:40 - DTC
13:00 - Sports betting and their relationship with FanDuel
15:10 - Integrating data with team partners
19:25 - Local reach and nationwide scale
25:45 - Media consolidation
33:45 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Less than 2 weeks ago, AJ Maestas and Charles Rolston broke down the news of a looming $2B deal for the Big Ten to take a massive infusion of cash from private capital.
A lot has happened since then, with the news that the conference will be closing a deal with an investment fund of the University of California pension system and establishing Big Ten Enterprises with the goal of optimizing conference-wide revenue.
What does this mean for schools, athletes, and fans? What are the low-hanging fruit assets that this new venture will look to monetize? Hear AJ's thoughts, or go back and listen to the full episode: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=53bbf14fbeabdd0f3890e0eb8b8c083f
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Drew Weatherford - Founding Partner of Weatherford Capital - discusses the role of private equity in college sports, including a less-discussed opportunity to invest in club sports.
The episode was recorded prior to the news of the Big Ten exploring a $2B private equity deal. You can hear AJ Maestas and Charles Rolston break that down in a bonus episode, here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=53bbf14fbeabdd0f3890e0eb8b8c083f
Timestamps:
- 2:00 - Drew’s FSU Background
- 19:25 - Pro sports people running athletic departments
- 25:00 - Private equity in college sports
- 31:05 - IMG Academy/Investing in Club Sports
- 37:00 - What is an athletic department worth?
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
The Big Ten is exploring $2B in private funding. In this episode, AJ Maestas, Founder of Navigate, sits down with Charles Rolston, Navigate's collegiate consulting expert, to break down what this means for the conference, the schools, and the entire college sports space.
- Will the deal actually close?
- How do Ohio State and Michigan factor in?
- Do 20-year plans make sense in collegiate athletics?
- What does ROI look like for this kind of deal?
AJ and Charles draw on their experience advising clients through private equity negotiations, realignment, and other transformational moments across college and pro sports.
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Haley Rosen – Founder & CEO of Just Women’s Sports – explains the relationship between athletes and the media. She is able to draw on her experience as an athlete and the friction she felt before ultimately launching a media platform of her own.
She sees the role of Just Women's Sports as building the fan base and ecosystem that will let women's sports continue to grow and thrive.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=008cfa2935a6703a02583dc6d3437d13
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Haley Rosen - Founder & CEO of Just Women's Sports - is no stranger to discussing trends in sports business, which is why she's such a great fit for our show. She offers an interesting perspective on the WNBA labor situation, the coverage of women's sports on traditional media platforms, and why she believes that women's sports will one day surpass men's sports in total popularity.
Timestamps:
2:00 - Origins of Just Women’s Sports
8:00 - Making content appeal to multiple generations
10:15 - Haley’s background as an athlete
25:00 - What’s next for women’s sports?
32:00 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Pat Dimon – Head of Front Office Sports Studios and Owner of A Frame Productions – shares the secret to a good sports docuseries.
Many of our clients on the property side have raised questions about how to optimize non-live content in a crowded ecosystem where everyone is trying to make the next Drive to Survive. Pat is the creator of Full Swing, and shares his tips to getting it right.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=1d7a16f12c31e434724e556fabd0b59c
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Tim Zulawski – President of AMB Sports & Entertainment – on the fan-friendly concessions strategy at Mercedez-Benz stadium and how it leads to higher fan satisfaction, increased merchandise sales, and creates "super advocates" for the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, and the stadium itself.
As they prepare to host major events like the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, and Final Four, their concession prices will not change.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=8414c1e30131e9e15dd33a38c05e3c4d
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Amber Cox – COO & GM of the Indiana Fever – on new WNBA fans buying season tickets or becoming passionate about the league after giving it a chance for the first time. Often, their first exposure comes from attending a game or tuning in to watch stars like Caitlin Clark.
She calls Caitlin Clark the "ultimate multiplier effect" for the WNBA, in amplifying the momentum that has been building for the a long time.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=390463d02dd14920ffbf164c4fb756f5
Amber's quote is very similar to Vince Kozar's POV on the WNBA easily retaining around once they give the league a chance, which he shared earlier this year on our show.
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Navigating Sports Media:
Pat Dimon - Head of Front Office Sports Studios and Owner of A Frame Productions - is one of the biggest names in the sports docuseries space. He joins Umar Hussain to discuss the the new joint venture with Front Office Sports, and why some sports docs cut through the clutter while others miss the mark.
He also gives his thoughts on where rightsholders should be investing in non-live content to help grow their brands.
Timestamps:
2:10 - Pat's background
5:35 - Why certain sports doc series work and others don't
8:45 - Full Swing
21:30 - Role Playing Exercise: Where should you invest resources in non-live content?
31:00 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
"If all progress in AI stopped tomorrow, it would still take five to 10 years for what we've got now to diffuse through the market."
Bruce Bassett - internationally renowned computer science expert & embedded AI strategist at Navigate - on the importance of building an AI-native culture within your organizations. It's not enough to chase the newest tools, or to build a custom AI agent. If the pace of improvement continues to be exponential, then you'll have to integrate AI into everything that you do.
The core question: how long do we expect AI improvement to maintain its current exponential trajectory?
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=c460dd05805825a94c1cba9a4201a65e
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Amber Cox - COO & GM of the Indiana Fever - stepped into her role at the dawn of the Caitlin Clark era - a moment that’s fueled unprecedented growth for both the Fever and the WNBA. But as Amber shares, that surge didn’t start with Caitlin; her arrival simply created a powerful “multiplier effect” on momentum that was already building.
Timestamps:
2:10 - Amber’s career in the WNBA
9:10 - Joining the Fever as Caitlin Clark is drafted
15:45 - Caitlin Clark’s multiplier effect
23:20 - Asking players to participate in marketing content
26:00 - Managing 2 roles (COO & GM)
28:20 - The attention on Caitlin Clark
33:05 - The facilities arms race in the WNBA
37:10 - Collaborating with the Pacers
46:50 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
"This is a business where you can lose having a superior product"
Robert Davari – CEO and Founder of Tixr – on the challenges of raising money in the crowded ticketing space. Investors are looking for emerging technologies, particularly in AI, and don't often have the patience to support a challenger brand like Tixr.
As an entrepreneur, Robert has always preferred bootstrapping his businesses and building slowly with a focus on creating the best possible product.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=d128b48b527134dadc3b2f4bafce4225
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Bruce Bassett is the Founder of Grai Labs, embedded AI strategist with Navigate, and is one the world's leading experts on Artificial Intelligence. With decades of experience in academia and practical AI applications, he applies his knowledge and beliefs to the sports industry, and gives tips for staying afloat in a tidal wave of AI innovation. Details: * 2:00 - AI in the Sports Industry * 6:15 - What should you be doing right now with AI? * 22:30 - Revolutionary tech beyond AI * 25:40 - Rapid Fire Questions
Notes: * Bruce's favorite depiction of AI in fiction: Robot & Frank
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
"Every Red Sox or every Bruins game is a theatrical hit."
Ahmed Darwish - Chief Marketing Officer at NESN - explains the importance of making games accessible to fans, and how NESN's continuity helps fans have a reliable options for watching their favorites teams.
Despite streaming reshaping the industry and new players emerging, sports continue to hold strong media value.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=26384a6a11beff0e3a5a84278a24a4f1
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jared Orton – President of the Savannah Bananas – on the origins of the Bananaland at Sea fan cruise, which the team is bringing back for another voyage in 2026.
The Savannah Bananas are known for providing the very best in fan engagement, and the creativity and detailed planning that went into the fan cruise are the perfect example.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=fc87122340fbf55d3eccd66e0094711a
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
"I believe in my alma mater LSU more than anybody will ever know"
Scott Woodward – Athletics Director at LSU – on his approach to coach hiring, and swinging for the fences to secure the very best available. No matter how well an AD operates on the business side, they are still judged by noteworthy hires they make. That's why alignment with your institution and stakeholders is key.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=73ba4b4bc47497339d91f6283bee4e37
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Robert Davari - CEO and Founder of Tixr - on how they are disrupting an industry by focusing on optimization, design, and building a better ticketing and ecommerce product.
Tixr recently announced its partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes, the first "big 5" team on their roster.
Timestamps:
- 1:40 - Tixr’s origins
- 8:50 - Ticketing technology
- 12:05 - San Jose Earthquakes Partnership
- 15:35 - Patience when building a company
- 20:05 - Competing with legacy players
- 24:10 - Secondary Ticketing
- 28:30 - Tixr Brands
- 31:00 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Vince Kozar – President of the Phoenix Mercury – talks about how they have no trouble retaining fans who watch a game live or on TV. Whether those fans initially come to see Caitlin Clark, a rival team, or are just skipping channels, once they see what the Mercury have to offer, they stick around.
He also talks about the broader mission of the organization and the work they are doing to increase sports participation among girls.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=779772e3b0843d82ff3d8ec6893b292f
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Navigating Sports Media: Ahmed Darwish - CMO at NESN - leads marketing for one of the most well-known and successful RSNs in the country. As business models shift across media, they are finding ways to reach more fans, including their DTC platform, NESN 360.
He also shares trends and predictions for NESN, for baseball, and for sports media in general.
Timestamps:
4:00 - DTC and Distribution
14:00 - Having multiple teams on the platform
16:15 - Marketing tactics
22:05 - Baseball predictions
26:15 - Ahmed’s career path
37:30 - Rapid Fire Questions
Book Recommendation:
- The Gene by Siddhartha Mukherjee
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Nic Barlage – CEO of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group – explains his strategy of pivoting more towards single-game tickets, despite most teams focusing on season ticket packages. Capping season tickets has helped the Cavs jump into the top third of the NBA in gate revenue.
He also discusses the Cavs Reward program and what makes it more effective than other loyalty programs in sports.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=72489191733141b7fb29046bc253b7f3
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Scott Woodward - Athletics Director at LSU - always seems to make the right coaching hire. He breaks down how finds the best candidates and shares other tips for succeeding as a high-level athletic department.
A man of many interests, he also discusses food, wine, literature, and advice for young people.
Timestamps:
2:15 - A lifelong LSU fan becoming AD
9:05 - Hiring the best coaches
19:20 - Livvy Dunne and building athlete brands
22:25 - Athletic departments creating commercial arms
26:15 - Crystal ball predictions
27:50 - Scott’s interests outside of athletics
35:20 - Rapid Fire Questions
Shownotes:
- The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
- War of Shadows
- Gino’s Restaurant
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jahm Najafi – Chairman and Partner at MSP Sports Capital and Head of the Najafi Companies – shares his excitement for the new X Games League that will be to action sports what Formula 1 is to motorsports.
Najafi is an investor in X Games as well as McLaren Racing and other sports properties.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=28d3e011473bfd6caad5a7be5a48e682
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Vince Kozar - President of the Phoenix Mercury - joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of the WNBA, his career journey with the franchise, and what’s next for the team following Diana Taurasi’s retirement. From front office shifts to player acquisitions, Vince shares insights into how the Mercury are navigating a transformative era.
Timestamps:
- 1:55 – Inside the Mercury’s active offseason moves
- 5:00 – Reflecting on Diana Taurasi’s retirement
- 15:00 – Vince Kozar’s path to team president
- 20:00 – Impact of new Suns/Mercury ownership
- 26:50 – Hosting the 2026 Women’s Final Four
- 29:20 - Differentiators for the Mercury
- 33:50 – Rapid Fire Questions
🎧 Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the WNBA’s most iconic franchises.
🔗 For more insights, follow us on LinkedIn or visit nvgt.com.
Jim Cochrane – Chief Business Officer at the Texas Rangers – and Jon Heidtke – Founder and Principal at Heidtke Sports Entertainment were featured on the very first episode of our Navigating Sports Media Series. In this highlight, Jon breaks down the unique distribution model that they created which combines regional distribution, OTA broadcast, and a direct-to-consumer option in order to reach as many Rangers fans as possible.
He shares how they were able to manage relationships with different partners throughout the process, and the hard work that went into creating Rangers Sports Network.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=94bf2e252950ffa46e031485ed9e76dc
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Nic Barlage - CEO of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group - on how their organization is maximizing a dominant season from the Cavs, all while managing a growing portfolio of other properties across sports and media.
He also breaks down their Cavs Rewards program, and what differentiates it from what other teams have tried before.
Details:
- 1:50 - What is Rock Entertainment Group?
- 10:05 - Dan Gilbert’s ISMs
- 16:35 - Other organizations to emulate
- 19:00 - Investing in new innovations
- 23:55 - The Cavs’ success
- 28:10 - Cavs Rewards
- 30:40 - Measuring business success in a 1-seed season
- 36:15 - Launching Rock Entertainment Sports Network
- 40:35 - Rapid Fire Questions
Nic's Cleveland Restaurant Recommendations:
- Olivia
- Dante
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Vincent Pierson and Curtis Walker – Co-Founders of The Black Sports Business Academy – discuss the business imperative behind building a diverse and equitable organization. In a time when DE&I practices are at risk, it's more crucial now than ever to understand the benefits.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=69b9d091a38903dbc0dcab91e256677f
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jahm Najafi - Chairman and Partner at MSP Sports Capital and Head of the Najafi Companies - is an investor in McLaren Racing, the X Games, and other major sports properties. He discusses some of his most significant investments and the philosophies that guide his decision-making.
Jahm's Book Recommendation: The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success
Details:
- 1:45 - Being an owner vs. a shareholder
- 3:25 - Investing in McLaren Racing
- 21:30 - The X Games investment
- 26:15 - What’s next?
- 30:20 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Lynn Holzman – VP of Women’s Basketball at the NCAA – on the NCAA's new media rights deal with ESPN and the opportunities it creates for fans of women's sports.
Embedded in the deal are storytelling opportunities that aim to promote women's basketball utilizing ESPN's platform.
While the NCAA men's basketball tournament is sold to network partners as a standalone package, women's basketball remains part of this larger agreement.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=e1208c0097bd387a03635525a3e5728a
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
In the first episode of our new "Navigating Sports Media" series, Navigate's Head of Media, Umar Hussain, hosts two guests who are leading the way in the regional broadcast space.
Staring down a new local media rights reality and with just 9 months of prep time, the Texas Rangers launched Rangers Sports Network and DTC offering in partnership with Victory+. With the ongoing disruption in cable and streaming, teams will need to get creative and ensure that their content (especially games) are accessible and attractive in-market for both existing and new fans.
Jim Cochrane - Chief Business Officer at the Texas Rangers - and Jon Heidtke - Founder and Principal at Heidtke Sports Entertainment - discuss how this new strategy has put the organization in the best possible position in this new media marketplace.
Details:
- 2:25 - Rangers Sports Network
- 12:50 - Content beyond live games
- 15:25 - The next 5 to 10 years
- 18:15 - Baseball’s TV product
- 28:05 - Rapid Fire Questions
- 36:55 - Umar’s POV on sports media
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Matt Dennington – Co-Chief Commercial Officer at McLaren Racing – on how the team's 2024 Constructors' Cup Championship ultimately hinged on 0.7 seconds during one critical pit stop. He explains how that difference is reflective of the team's Forever Forward mentality which pushes for high performance at every level of the organization.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=63a7a2d379877303044ce5fc20d536a7
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Vincent Pierson and Curtis Walker - Co-Founders of The Black Sports Business Academy - highlight how they're engaging with the HBCU family to provide programming and resources with the ultimate goal of improving equity in the sports industry.
If you'd like to help support their mission, or if you're a student interested in learning more, visit www.thebsba.com.
Details:
- 2:15 - The business case for DEI
- 6:30 - BSBA overview
- 16:00 - Networking advice
- 20:05 - The Yard
- 23:00 - The future of the BSBA
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Randy Freer - Media Expert, Former Hulu CEO, & CEO of the Freer Company - explains why we need to adopt updated metrics for measuring ratings. He shares the example of the NBA, which seems to be more popular than ever across media platforms, despite ratings concerns early in the season.
Listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/111-randy-freer-media-expert-former-hulu-ceo/id1544529117?i=1000686685297
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Lynn Holzman - VP of Women's Basketball at the NCAA - breaks down the excitement for this year's March Madness and the record-setting growth metrics surrounding women's basketball.
Lynn also discusses her time as a conference commissioner, her background as a student athlete, and addresses the continued inequity we face as an industry despite all of our progress.
Details:
- 1:40 - Lynn’s background as a basketball player
- 5:05 - The growth of women’s basketball
- 12:35 - The media value of the Women’s Basketball Championship
- 16:15 - Challenging issue for the NCAA
- 18:45 - Addressing gender inequity in sports
- 23:45 - Emerging trends
- 30:00 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Kimberly Bolt – CMO at the Washington Nationals – on marketing to fans who have recently moved to D.C. for work or school. They approach new fans with a two-pronged approach of excellent fan experience at Nationals Park, and brand storytelling that builds emotional connections between fans and players.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=95c5af8b8ff44aaf981512b046a1330e
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Navigate's own Marina Carpenter - Head of Ownership & C-Suite Strategy - talks about her previous roles leading major decisions for properties like the Arizona Coyotes and how she translates that experience when advising clients.
Marina worked with three different ownership groups while at the Coyotes, worked on major legal and facilities projects including the sale of the franchise.
Details:
- 1:40 - Working for three different ownership groups
- 4:55 - Venue challenges
- 8:40 - Managing league-level relationships
- 10:30 - What do the best properties do well?
- 14:25 - Marina’s new role at Navigate
- 18:10 - Private equity in college sports
- 23:15 - Large-scale facilities project
- 25:45 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Quentin Paquelier - CMO of Club América - on the differences between the sports industries in Mexico and the United States and why both sides have a lot to learn from each other.
He claims that the passion of his fanbase, and Mexican soccer fans in general, is unmatched in the U.S. and elsewhere. For Club América, the passion becomes part of the product they're selling. Still, the success of their marketing waxes and wanes with on-field performance.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=283d4745d47cdf2bc56bc086c768f5d9
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Matt Dennington - Co-Chief Commercial Officer at McLaren Racing - says that winning the F1 Constructors' Championship in 2024 was just the beginning of the team's positive momentum. They are well-positioned on the grid with a fast car and two talented drivers, but they're also in an enviable position on the business side with strong partnerships and great people. Details: * 2:10 - Matt’s background * 6:40 - Joining a struggling McLaren Racing in 2016 * 12:30 - Liberty Media acquiring F1 * 14:30 - Drive to Survive * 16:00 - “Forever Forward” * 18:40 - Licensing and brand extensions * 22:40 - Women in F1 * 24:45 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Matthew Holt - Chief Executive Officer at IC360 - explains why the thousands of available prop bets during the Super Bowl are even more difficult to monitor and regulate than those we see during regular games.
The main difference is whether the prop is decided on the field of play, or whether it's something that can be known ahead of time, like the color of the winning team's gatorade or the duration of the national anthem.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=26b5af50fdc633e2edb4e7236f2139ad
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Randy Freer - Media Expert, Former Hulu CEO, & CEO of the Freer Company - shares his unique perspective on streaming, media fragmentation, the new NBA rights deal, and the viability of different models for viewing live sports.
He also discusses the changes he foresees for the next generation of sports fans and media consumers. In the past, it has been the “middle men” who have profited by purchasing live rights and selling advertising. Now, those arbitrage opportunities are becoming increasingly more complicated, and it’s the IP holders who have the most to gain from the changes.
Details:
- 4:10 - The new NBA media deal
- 6:00 - The modern media landscape
- 17:50 - UFC/Expanding property audiences
- 20:30 - Hulu, Venu, and Fubo
- 26:55 - Media fragmentation
- 35:45 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jared Orton – President of the Savannah Bananas – on the goal of offering affordable tickets to fans despite challenges with the secondary ticket market.
Fake tickets and price gouging are commonplace, and the Bananas are doing what they can to protect their fans and allow easier access to their games.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=fc87122340fbf55d3eccd66e0094711a
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Kimberly Bolt - CMO at the Washington Nationals - breaks down the art and science of marketing a Major League Baseball team.
She discusses D.C.'s unique identity as a transient city and how to market to those new fans as they move to town. She also shares what her team is doing to reach younger audiences including innovative influencer marketing strategies and a summer concert at the Nationals Park.
Details:
- 2:30 - Positive momentum for baseball
- 6:45 - Social/digital marketing
- 12:10 - Marketing to different types of fans
- 16:25 - Data and science vs. art in decision making
- 20:25 - Kim’s background
- 25:55 - The Nationals Brand
- 27:15 - Attracting fans that are new to D.C.
- 30:35 - Celebrating the team’s 20th anniversary
- 33:50 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jeremy Bloom – CEO of the X Games, Former NFL & Olympic Athlete, and the Founder of Integrate - tells the story of his legal battle with the NCAA. By accepting endorsements to fund his gold-medal skiing career, he forfeited his eligibility to play football at the University of Colorado. His story provides a vivid contrast to the current rules surrounding NIL in college sports. Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=8d889a2d7528fe6866c5b6f43a0aad77 For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Quentin Paquelier - CMO of Club América - leads marketing for the biggest soccer brand in North America. Their games average more viewers in the U.S. than any other soccer club in the world.
Quentin considers the U.S. to be a "second primary market" and explains the challenge of engaging with so many fans in different parts of Mexico, the U.S., and beyond, especially with the global spotlight of the World Cup coming up in 2026.
He also shares how their women's club on its own has more fans than most men's soccer teams.
Details:
- 2:25 - Quentin’s background
- 4:45 - The global stature of Club América
- 9:50 - Differences between sports business in Mexico and the U.S.
- 15:40 - Club América Femenil
- 22:35 - The 2026 World Cup
- 32:05 - Projecting the next 10 years of soccer
- 35:15 - Rapid Fire Questions
Quentin's Restaurant Recommendations:
- Plantasia
- Quintonil
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Eddie Hearn – Chairman of Matchroom Sport – on Katie Taylor's trailblazing rise to superstardom, and how she lifted the sport of women's boxing up with her.
Despite his early skepticism of the commercial viability of women's boxing, Hearn took a meeting with Taylor out of respect for what she'd already done for the sport at the amateur and Olympic levels. He was blown away by her passion and personality and signed her to headline a fight despite doubt from many critics. Of course, Taylor then went on to become one of the most famous (and highly-paid) fighters in the world.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=240464c943fbf730fa11d4a5f752b403
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jared Orton - President of the Savannah Bananas - shares the team's evolution from college summer baseball team to international entertainment sensation!
The mission has always been to make baseball fun. That has led to a tidal wave of ticket sales, merchandise, and new revenue streams like televised games and even a fan cruise. As they continue to scale, they are launching an entire league of Banana Ball teams that will compete in cities across the U.S. and beyond.
Details:
- 1:30 - The Origins of the Savannah Bananas
- 6:45 - Distinction from the Harlem Globetrotters
- 7:30 - The Globetrotters model at scale vs. having just one team
- 14:40 - The secondary ticket market
- 18:20 - Banana Ball on TV
- 21:00 - Recruiting talent
- 23:00 - Business operations
- 27:25 - The Fan Cruise
- 30:25 - Building out a league of Banana Ball teams
- 32:05 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Tim Zulawski – President of AMB Sports & Entertainment – explains how AMBSE collaborates with brand partners to solve their business problems. AMBSE's perspective: Ultimately it starts with sourcing partners that you know you can positively impact with the tools available to you. Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=8414c1e30131e9e15dd33a38c05e3c4d For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jeremy Bloom - Former NFL & Olympic Athlete, and the Founder of Integrate - discusses his public battle with the NCAA, his sister's underground poker game that spawned a Hollywood movie, and the lessons he learned in football and skiing that turned him into a successful founder. Jeremy also teases a major career announcement that will be coming the day after this episode's release! Details: * 2:45 - Reaching elite levels in two sports * 7:40 - Jeremy’s dispute with the NCAA * 15:45 - The NFL experience * 18:25 - Molly’s Game * 21:00 - Lessons from the transition from sports to business * 27:05 - What’s next for Jeremy? * 31:30 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Daniel Lamarre – Executive Vice-Chairman of the Board at Cirque du Soleil – tells the story of the chance meeting with The Beatles that led to a powerful artistic collaboration.
"There is no pitch. You're a creative force. We're a creative force. We're here to see if we can work together."
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=7692d2a2f75fc07daf409f2d40d29cd7
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Eddie Hearn - Chairman of Matchroom Sport - leads the only global boxing promotional company in the world. However, his empire expands beyond boxing to basketball, darts, snooker, gymnastics, and many other sports. He discusses his groundbreaking $1 Billion deal with DAZN that brought the biggest fights in the world to streaming, and his thoughts on YouTubers getting in the ring. Details: * 4:05 - Fan experience in professional darts * 5:20 - Lessons for life and business * 7:45 - Matchroom Boxing * 12:15 - YouTuber Boxers * 14:50 - Women’s Boxing * 18:55 - The largest boxing broadcasting deal in history with DAZN * 26:55 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Michael Alford – Vice President and Director of Athletics at Florida State – on the national brand that is FSU athletics, and how they're able to compete for market share with NFL teams, without having to follow the same regional restrictions. Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=d673c4611a03e742750bbd3c18d30857 For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Tim Zulawski - President of AMB Sports & Entertainment - manages a portfolio of properties that includes the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC, the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Atlanta Drive GC. He talks about how Atlanta United is using data to maximize the massive opportunity around soccer with the U.S. set to host the Men's FIFA World Cup in 2026. He also shares how drastically reducing concession prices, can actually increase both revenue and fan satisfaction. Details: * 1:35 - Staying with AMBSE for >20 years * 9:00 - AMBSE Ventures * 11:10 - Promoting events * 17:20 - Low prices on concessions * 22:00 - The 2026 World Cup * 28:35 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Umar Hussain – Head of Media at Navigate – on his experience negotiating multibillion dollar deals down to the smallest detail. He also talks about launching ESPN+ and the direct-to-consumer platform for NBA TV. Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=85a49c2005d45c7def8aca7dbc9d0504 For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Daniel Lamarre - Executive Vice-Chairman of the Board at Cirque du Soleil - on the origins of one of the world's most creative performances, the challenges they've overcome, including going from $1B in annual revenue to $0 overnight during the pandemic in 2020. He also discusses the meeting with Paul, George, and Ringo that led to Cirque's collaboration with the Beatles. Details: * 2:00 - Cirque’s origin * 6:00 - Taking the reigns * 8:10 - Working with The Beatles * 12:30 - The largest employer of former Olympians * 14:10 - Taking private equity financing * 15:30 - The crisis during the pandemic * 18:25 - Shifting into his current role * 20:40 - Continuing to push the envelope * 23:55 - The One Drop Foundation * 25:00 - Rapid Fire Questions
Shownotes: * One Drop Foundation * Ferreira Café
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Alex Martins – CEO of the Orlando Magic – on leading both the business and basketball sides of an organization. The mission statement for the Magic is "to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way." But due to the cyclical nature of the NBA, you have to be find ways to succeed as a business, even when the team is isn't competing for a championship. One area where the Magic has found success, is in group ticket sales, where they've led all NBA teams for nine consecutive seasons. Now that their young team is emerging as a threat in the Eastern Conference, the sky is the limit. Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=86be8dbe20a590a9ef9422581400fac8 For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Michael Alford - Vice President and Director of Athletics at Florida State - on the current and future challenges surrounding college sports. He discusses the role of analytics in projecting future revenue streams, and the possibility of private equity investment into athletic departments. Details: 3:55 - The role of analytics in collegiate athletics 6:35 - Pro sports vs. college sport 9:40 - Private Equity in college athletics 15:35 - Mixed-use development 18:05 - How to build a successful athletic department 21:30 - Performance-based incentives 29:40 - Rapid Fire Questions Books Recommendations: * Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson * Taking London
Tallahassee Restaurant Recommendations: * Blue Halo * Shell Oyster Bar
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Greg Sankey - Commissioner of the SEC - on balancing what’s best for his conference with the long-term goals of Division I at large.
He emphasizes the role of automatic March Madness bids as a key motivator for conferences wishing to maintain the current system.
His opinion is that the responsibility to guide college athletics into the next era doesn’t rest solely on the SEC and Big Ten.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=0412aa087274a120752cd355ef29f8ad
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Umar Hussain - Head of Media at Navigate - joins our second ever internal podcast. He shares stories from his previous roles at ESPN and the NBA, along with predictions for the next era of sports media.
He and Anne also discuss the biggest stories of the day including the NFL on Netflix and the NBA/WBD lawsuit.
Details:
1:50 - Umar’s background
11:35 - A new role at Navigate
14:35 - The value of live sports media rights
18:00 - Outlook on traditional broadcasters
20:40 - The biggest sports media stories
31:25 - Sports betting companies getting more involved in media rights?
34:10 - Rapid Fire Questions
Umar's Restaurant Rec: Le Great Outdoor
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
"We've always had to do things differently to be able to compete at the level that we want to compete, which is at the highest level."
Rob Mullens – Athletic Director at Oregon – on the move to the Big Ten and what it means for the Ducks' future.
Oregon athletics has become a global brand through years of creative planning and strategic investment. Still, they are an underdog in many ways compared to some of their new peers when it comes to resources. Mullens highlights the role of Phil Knight and Nike in authentically maximizing the incredible opportunity to join the Big Ten
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=491790ced6fe9fa794178bc0ed7f7c47
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Alex Martins - CEO of the Orlando Magic - discusses what it's like to oversee both the business and basketball operations of the organization.
He started with the Magic at the inception of the franchise in 1989, and has worked on some of the biggest project types in sports business, like the development of the Kia Center. He shares how the Magic maintain a partnership with Disney World to train their staff on providing best-in-class experiences for all of their fans.
Details:
- 3:00 - The launch of a new NBA franchise
- 6:00 - Building the Kia Center
- 10:55 - The path to being a team CEO
- 20:20 - Overseeing both the business and basketball sides
- 24:45 - Rapid Fire Questions
Restaurants:
- The Ravenous Pig
- Kadence
Books:
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
- Atomic Habits
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jeehae Lee – Founder & CEO of Sportsbox AI – on how leveraging the world's largest database of golf swing data unlocks new techniques for training and improving anyone's golf game. Her team can even predict how Bryson DeChambeau is going to play on a given day, using the data from hundreds of his warm up swings. Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=4a7dd8f42e57d619a6405627e65f9975 For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
For our 100th episode, we invited back one of our very first guests for an update on the conversation that he and AJ had in 2020.
Greg Sankey - Commissioner of the SEC - discusses what it's been like to lead his conference through arguably the most unpredictable era of college athletics. He shares his vision for the future, and how he's setting out to tackle the challenges in front of him.
Details:
- 2:30 - The current reality of collegiate athletics
- 19:35 - Unique organizational strategies
- 24:50 - Greg's dirt track racing fandom
- 27:30 - Objectives for the future
- 37:25 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Andrea Hopelain – GM & SVP of Publishing at EA SPORTS – on the groundbreaking NIL deal that led to the return of EA's College Football title after more than a decade.
She explains their motivations behind bringing the game back, and how they were able to work with student-athletes to create the ultimate college football experience for fans.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=c5d3037493dd0c05effdafbae702d11a
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Rob Mullens - Athletic Director at Oregon - discusses the move to the Big Ten, and the creative risks that have turned Oregon athletics into a national brand over the past 20+ years.
He also discusses the importance that Phil Knight has had to not just the program, but the university as a whole. If you missed our Phil Knight interview, you can listen to it here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=d0a972b133a5996e283c0bafed374775
Details:
- 2:20 - Pac-12 schools in the Big Ten
- 7:45 - How can others replicate Oregon’s success?
- 10:50 - The big duck and bold marketing
- 15:50 - The House settlement
- 22:25 - AJ’s predictions for the future of college sports
- 26:06 - Rapid Fire Questions
Links:
- Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
- The Oregon Duck in the river at Big Ten Media days
- Joey Harrington poster in NYC
- Rob’s favorite Oregon jerseys
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
"It's a matter of when, not if."
Ryan Engle – Founder and CEO of GOLF+ – explains why he's still bullish on VR, once headsets are able to make the critical shift from toy to tool.
Improvements in battery life and comfortability will play a role, along with additional use-cases and applications like GOLF+.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=bba2a2f59b34907eaa37b167a6d14a3e
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jeehae Lee - Founder & CEO of Sportsbox AI - talks about her background as an LGPA professional, and how Sportsbox is using the largest database of golf swing data ever collected, to revolutionize how players like Bryson Dechambeau are able to train.
Details:
- 4:30 - Jeehae’s career as a collegiate and LPGA golfer
- 10:15 - The evolution of golf training tech
- 11:45 - TopGolf
- 12:50 - Sportsbox AI
- 29:15 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jeff Longo & Patrick Stack – Co-Founders of Sports Biz Careers – on the impact that SBC has had on 2,500+ high school and college students in the first five years of operation.
They talk about growing the nonprofit organically, and how they were able to pivot as they went.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=5643a540d0e2952b6df92ac037ee8a41
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Andrea Hopelain - GM & SVP of Publishing at EA SPORTS - joins the show two days before the official release of EA College Football 25. She talks about the excitement surrounding the game, and everything her team is doing to maximize this moment. She also talks about EA's ability to manage complicated rights conversations, whether that's the $600 baseline NIL deal for each athlete featured in College Football 25, or managing the rebrand of their FIFA title to EA FC and the 300+ license holders featured in those games. Details: * 1:45 - Andrea’s Background * 3:25 - Her first roles at EA * 5:55 - EA College Football 25 * 13:00 - EA FC - Rebranding the FIFA IP * 14:30 - Gaming as a pathway to fandom * 18:55 - EA SPORTS FC Futures * 21:00 - Integrating across other forms of entertainment * 24:15 - Rapid Fire Questions
The 3 C's: * Be Creative * Be Confident * Be Candid
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Bob Thurman – Global VP, WIlson R&D & GM, Global Golf at Wilson – on what it means to work in the Wilson Innovation Center, creating exciting products for the world's top athletes.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=8e485144916bab88aa8154639c00f3d8
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Ryan Engle - Founder and CEO of Golf+ - on how his app is lowering the barriers to entry for golfers around the world. The VR golf game has grown from a putting simulator to a full 18 hole experience, and has partnerships with the PGA TOUR and Topgolf. 54% of users are non-golfers, and the average user is a decade younger than the average golfer.
Ryan also shares details about his background in tech and entrepreneurship in the early days of the App Store l. He thinks VR is yet to have its "iPhone moment" but that it's a question of when, not if.
Details:
- 3:05 - The Golf+ elevator pitch
- 9:45 - The origins of their TopGolf partnership
- 16:45 - Appealing to non-golfers
- 20:00 - PGA TOUR partnership
- 26:25 - Ryan’s tech background
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
J.J. Gottsch – CEO of the Austin Gamblers – explains how the Gamblers were able to cultivate a team mentality in a sport that has traditionally been an individual competition.
They debated bringing in a legendary coach like Mike Krzyzewski or Mike Tomlin, before ultimately deciding to bring in leaders from the Navy SEALs to train their riders to work together as a unit. He also talks about how other PBR teams have overcome that same problem, leading to success as a league, and ultimately to expansion.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=13726e34cf42ab2a01d2f2eea28db73a
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jeff Longo & Patrick Stack - Co-Founders of Sports Biz Careers - share the story of how they launched their non-profit five years ago, with the mission of changing the lives of underrepresented high school and college students through the sports business.
So far, they have directly supported over 2,500 students, with the support of more than 1,000 donors, 50 sponsors, and 800 individuals who have volunteered their time.
They share some highlights of their first five years, as well as some of the challenges of scaling a non-profit and how they've overcome them.
Details:
- 2:00 - Pat and Jeff’s Backgrounds
- 6:25 - The origins of SBC
- 12:00 - The rebrand from Sports Biz Camps
- 14:30 - Milestones after 5 years
- 19:25 - Looking 5 years ahead
- 24:20 - SBC Alumni Board
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Rich Franklin – VP of ONE Championship – on his transition from elite MMA fighter to executive, and how his mindset as an athlete has helped him succeed.
His current role involves working with sports commissions to pave the way for ONE to host events in those locations.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=dd737148b64032b84f53bedb88b0002c
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Bob Thurman - Global VP, WIlson R&D & GM, Global Golf at Wilson - shares the process behind designing and producing high-quality sporting goods, from the classics to the ground-breaking new technologies.
He gives our listeners a behind-the-scenes tour of Wilson's famous Innovation Center, including the file cabinet that contains the specs for personalized golf clubs for everyone from Michael Jordan to Gerald Ford.
He also discusses his background in aerospace engineering and how it led him to his current career. As far as we know, he's the first guest on Navigating Sports Business to hold a patent (and he owns several)!
Details:
- 2:15 - Bob’s engineering background
- 6:00 - Wilson’s patents
- 13:50 - The R&D process
- 18:50 - Wilson Golf
- 19:45 - The Wilson Innovation Center
- 28:20 - Working with youth sports
- 30:05 - Rapid Fire Questions
Links:
- ARC'TERYX Brand
- Bob and Wilson's list of Patents
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Mike Buckley – Co-Owner & CEO of the United States SailGP Team – shares his excitement upcoming New York Sail Grand Prix, now less than a month away.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=bd72917e7532c2539a4ce4e7783f67b5
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
J.J. Gottsch - CEO of the Austin Gamblers - explains how he transitioned to running a Professional Bull Riders team after more than two and a half decades working in baseball.
The team-based model of PBR aligns more closely with other professional sports, so that new fans feel a familiar atmosphere despite many being previously unacquainted with bull riding.
Details:
- 1:40 - J.J.’s baseball background
- 11:25 - Moving to the Austin Gamblers
- 18:20 - The Ride docuseries
- 20:15 - Who are the bull riders?
- 22:15 - The team model
- 27:20 - The outlook for season 3
- 31:45 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
"We have the largest video and stats database in sports ever created."
Sameer Ahuja – President of GameChanger and SVP at DICK’S Sporting Goods – reveals plans for new video-based AI features that will allow fans and coaches to film games and have stats and data be automatically recorded.
He and Jeff Nelson also discuss the benefits of building this kind of feature in-house, and why data is the key to a successful AI model. With 40 million games logged in GameChanger, their dataset is unrivaled.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=21d0de0b7c3b0e9dff2212531f0d32a1
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Rich Franklin - VP of ONE Championship - describes his transition from elite MMA fighter to executive at Asia's largest sports property, and his role in ONE's expansion into the U.S.
A lot has changed since we published our interview ONE Founder Chatri Sityodtong, including their debut U.S. event last May. An important part of Rich's role is working with cities to get new events approved, including upcoming showcases in Denver and Atlanta.
Details:
3:15 - ONE Championship is not just an MMA company
5:35 - Last year’s U.S. debut in Denver
10:50 - Getting the rule set approved
12:20 - The Amazon Prime streaming deal
13:50 - Goals for the future
14:45 - Rich’s background in martial arts
21:00 - The shift from athlete to executive
27:55 - Rapid Fire Questions
Listen to our Chatri Sityodtong interview: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=00fc4b4c5f1a52e93d212ebc4391651b
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jen Spicher – CEO of Pro Volleyball Federation - on "converting the unconverted" and looking to attract new fans to the league.
She also explains their strategy on expansion, aiming for 10 teams in 2025, and as many as 20 by 2026. She says that she has conversations every day with someone interested in putting a franchise in a new market.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=3adf6a8e5fb4c4dc5d85085821b7881f
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Mike Buckley - Co-Owner & CEO of the United States SailGP Team - shares his excitement around the sport of sailing and the upcoming New York Sail Grand Prix.
As both an executive and a champion sailor himself, Mike has a unique perspective not shared by many other owners of professional teams.
His fellow investors in the U.S. team include include boxer Deontay Wilder; NFL players DeAndre Hopkins, Malik Jackson, and Roquan Smith, actress Issa Rae, and many other big names.
Details:
1:30 - Mike's experience with sailing
6:30 - The growth of SailGP
8:50 - SailGP's Climate Positive status
11:00 - The U.S. team
14:25 - The NYC race
17:25 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Meredith Batcheller – Head of Global Sports Marketing at Adobe – explains the tech integration behind their partnership with Major League Baseball. Using Adobe's technology, MLB is able to create customized messaging for fans entering ballparks. The partnership allows Adobe's marketing team to reach MLB's evolving fanbase. Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=124923b48ee30a1f41faf912f015cec9 For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Sameer Ahuja - President of GameChanger and SVP at DICK'S Sporting Goods - leads the largest youth sports video streaming platform in the country. More hours are streamed in a single year on GameChanger than have been played in the entire history of Major League Baseball.
As youth sports continues to become more sophisticated, GameChanger exists to fill a need for stats, video, and more. Sameer joins Jeff Nelson to explain the business model that has led to scalability and success.
Details:
2:00 - What is Gamechanger?
6:55 - The business model
14:59 - Surviving COVID without live events
17:15 - Sameer's background
24:55 - Future of youth sports
34:15 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Navigate's EVP of Consulting, Anne Ristau, discusses the role of private equity in sports, both at the professional and collegiate level.
She and Jeff Nelson emphasize the importance of innovation and increased capital as property valuations soar, while maintaining a focus on what's best for the fans.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=b728858b6e8d1d69cf8164e195eb5af2
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jen Spicher - CEO of the Pro Volleyball Federation - discusses the league's rapid ascent to national prominence, as well as the general rise of women's volleyball.
She and Anne Ristau also explore the work that Navigate did with Pro Volleyball Federation to help secure their media rights deal with CBS Sports.
Details:
1:35 - Jen's background as a student athlete
3:20 - Pro Volleyball Federation
8:00 - The rise of volleyball
10:10 - The future of the league
12:50 - Working with Navigate and CBS Sports
14:00 - The business model
22:25 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Matthew Holt – President of U.S. Integrity – shares the story of a boxing manager who is being investigated for placing a massive wager on his own client.
He explains how U.S. Integrity monitors nefarious activity in sports betting.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=26b5af50fdc633e2edb4e7236f2139ad
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Meredith Batcheller - Head of Global Sports Marketing at Adobe - explains the "why" behind some of their most exciting sports partnerships, including MLB and the NWSL.
She also shares how her experience on the agency side of the business, and her time as a student athlete, have prepared her for success in her current role.
Details:
6:30 - Experience on the agency, B2B, and B2C sides of our industry
13:45 - Adobe
21:00 - NWSL partnership
27:55 - The outlook for the rest of 2024
30:35 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Julie Roe Lach – Commissioner of the Horizon League – on how the House v. NCAA lawsuit is impacting her conference and the mid-major level of college athletics.
The Horizon League is not a named defendant in the case, limiting the information that she and her team receive. However, they still manage to keep their presidents and chancellors up-to-date on this lawsuit and others that have the potential to dramatically alter the state of college athletics.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=e9ec57108b66ff425cb53b8386dd24c2
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Whit Babcock – Director of Athletics at Virginia Tech – on the possibility of NFL-style contracts finding their way into college football, and why he thinks that future is not dissimilar from the present.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=ae8d2b98dc149a023be6909fd08d9af4
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
In our first ever internal podcast, Navigate's new EVP of Consulting, Anne Ristau, joins the show to discuss her time as Head of Sponsorships for Dell and how she is using that experience now in her new role.
Anne will also be joining Navigating Sports Business as a recurring host, so keep an eye out for future episodes featuring Anne on the other side of the desk as the one asking questions.
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Rick Schlesinger – President of Business Operations for the Milwaukee Brewers – explains why MLB expansion is more viable now than in years past due to the lessening importance of the size of a media market which opens up more cities as potential suitors for a new franchise.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=37dc5be7b4b34c9d20973b4605521420
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Matthew Holt - President of U.S. Integrity - on how he and his team monitor the sports betting landscape for suspicious activity.
As rule-breakers continue to develop new methods of gaming the system, U.S. Integrity is continuously developing and employing new technologies in order to keep up.
Every transaction, whether or mobile or in a physical casino, can be tracked by the sports book operator or by an independent integrity monitor like USI.
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Hear an excerpt from AJ Maestas' recent TED Talk on the benefit of sports fandom. You can find the full talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEm0XHOs_JI&t=8s For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Julie Roe Lach - Commissioner of the Horizon League - joins the show to discuss how the biggest stories in college sports (realignment, NIL, the House v. NCAA lawsuit, and others) impact the mid-major level and schools without football.
She and Jeff Nelson also discuss her role as the Chair of the Indiana Sports Commission Board of Directors and why that city is so all-in on hosting major sporting events.
Details:
- 3:00 - Realignment at the mid-major level
- 10:55 - House v. NCAA
- 14:15 - How would you change college athletics?
- 30:45 - The Horizon League’s brand refresh
- 32:35 - Indianapolis Sports Commission
- 37:00 - Rapid Fire Questions
Links:
- The Secret Game, by Scott Ellsworth
- The Generosity Factor, by Ken Blachard and S. Truett Cathy
- Previous Episode: Blake Lawrence - Opendorse
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Blake Lawrence – Co-Founder/CEO of Opendorse – gives us a crystal ball look into the next six years of NIL, collectives, and revenue sharing in college athletics. He predicts that athletes will receive a payout directly from the school or conference, but will not be classified as employees.
He suggests what the landscape will look like for his youngest brother, football prospect Brock Heath, and how his future school's administration, coach, and collective will all sit down to discuss terms prior to him committing.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=56317ddb47247d855e3576efd49f0fb3
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Phil Knight – Co-Founder & Chairman Emeritus at Nike – gives his solution to fix college sports. A bold idea for a three-tiered approach that separate football, basketball, and olympic sports.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=d0a972b133a5996e283c0bafed374775
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Phil Knight - Co-Founder & Chairman Emeritus at Nike - joins AJ Maestas for an exciting interview about branding, Oregon football, and their experience working together.
Phil is one of the biggest university benefactors in the country. His donations to Oregon athletics are well known, as he has helped transform the program into a perennial powerhouse across sports, but his efforts have also included helping to fund a new law school building, a new library, and a half-billion-dollar donation for the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact.
Details:
1:55 - “Air” movie
5:05 - Phil’s role in growing Oregon athletics
10:10 - The state of college athletics
16:10 - Oregon’s brand
18:05 - NIL and college apparel deals
25:15 - Phil’s legacy
27:10 - Keys to success in sports business
31:55 - Rapid Fire Questions
Links:
- Shoe Dog
- Revolution Commercial
- Phil watching LeBron break the scoring record
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Whit Babcock - Director of Athletics at Virginia Tech - on why donations to NIL collectives have a more immediate impact on winning than a longer-term project like a new facility.
He and Jeff Nelson also discuss the NCAA's proposal for a new subdivision and how schools would look to increase revenue to meet rising expenses.
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jim Delany – Former Commissioner of the Big Ten – on the challenges related to the current collegiate model. He discusses NIL and how any future system needs to ensure that payouts are made in compliance with Title IX.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=5a7928eec786137cdf7c90201ccd5dc7
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Rick Schlesinger - President of Business Operations for the Milwaukee Brewers - joins life-long Brewers fan Jeff Nelson to discuss the state of the team and their new long-term lease that runs through 2050. They also discuss the RSN situation in Major League Baseball, robot umpires, and how to overcome a "small market." Details: 1:45 - The Brewers/Cubs rivalry 4:00 - American Family Field renovations 10:40 - The sports media landscape 14:55 - Small market vs. large market 18:10 - Growing up a Brewers fan 21:45 - Sharing best practices with other teams 24:05 - Membership programs in sports 30:00 - MLB Expansion 32:30 - Robot umpires 34:55 - Rapid Fire Questions Rick’s Milwaukee restaurant recommendation - Carnevor (718 N Milwaukee St) For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Mat and Justin Ishbia – Governor and Alternate Governor of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury – on their ground-breaking decision to broadcast their games over-the-air for free. Additionally, they distributed 25,000 antennas to support their community and grow their fan base.
While the future of sports media remains uncertain, the Suns and Mercury have now established themselves as pioneers of the free-to-air model.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=f190d632d202df98428bbe02ec850084
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Blake Lawrence - Co-Founder/CEO of Opendorse - shares his unique perspective on the NIL marketplace and what the data tells us after 2+ years.
He also gets into the precarious relationship between athletic departments and collectives, and how forward-thinking ADs are prioritizing NIL dollars in order to ensure sustained success.
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jon Steinbrecher - Commissioner of the Mid-American Conference - on the origins of MACtion in November and why midweek football games do so much to drive exposure for the schools in the MAC.
He and AJ discuss the benefits that come with that exposure, such as recruiting advantages for coaches and increased brand awareness. They also highlight some of the challenges that midweek games create, particularly for campuses on game day.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast/?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=7975a5a8599641b461e1fa1039a24166
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Mat and Justin Ishbia - Governor and Alternate Governor of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury - on their philosophy for succeeding on and off the court. Mat believes they're ready to compete for an NBA championship with players like Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker, whom he calls the best player in the NBA. In just a short time as majority stakeholders of the teams, they've already made incredible investments with a focus on winning and fan engagement. For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Rick George – Athletic Director at the University of Colorado – highlights the importance of geography in the decision to join the Big 12, and whether or not Coach Prime had a say in that decision. He highlights having access to key markets for "fundraising and fan-raising."
The advantages of a broad reach impact recruiting, branding, and even enrollment for the broader student body. Therefore, having access to the state of Texas was an argument in favor of the Big 12. He also explains how, despite no longer having conference games against USC or UCLA, Colorado will still look to maintain a presence in California.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=7dd137310ff9a0d9b96a50cbf1bc998e
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jim Delany - Former Commissioner of the Big Ten - debates NIL, realignment, and the future of college sports. He and AJ discuss the factors that impact major decisions at the collegiate level, and set a reminder to have another conversation 5 years down the road.
Details:
1:55 - Life since retirement
3:45 - What makes a successful commissioner
12:05 - How would you lead college athletics?
21:45 - Jim’s time as a UNC basketball player
25:15 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
John Koller - Global CMO at HP - on the role of AI in sports marketing, and the areas where he sees near-term opportunities.
He predicts that creative campaigns will be personalized at scale using AI, especially as teams look to expand their reach beyond the U.S.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=85fc90b6be0f210a0393903888f9a8e8
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
John Koller - Global CMO at HP - leads marketing and sponsorship for one of the original Silicon Valley brands. His career path has taken him through some of the most innovative sides of our industry, including stops at Twitch, Hard Rock, and PlayStation. He joins Jeff Nelson to discuss how that varied experience is helping him now at HP, and what he envisions for the future of tech in sports.
Sports betting, AI, and gaming are some of the hottest topics in our industry, and John has first-hand experience with each of them.
Details:
2:45 - John’s role at HP
12:45 - John’s career journey
17:10 - Lessons from success
20:00 - The power of Twitch
27:30 - Sports betting and John’s time at Hard Rock
37:15 - AI in Sports
41:25 - Rapid Fire Questions
Book/Podcast Recommendations:
- Motley Fool Money (Podcast)
- Steve Jobs, by Walter Isaacson
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Charlie Hussey – Deputy Commissioner/COO at the SEC – discusses the history of realignment in the SEC, and compares the additions of Texas and Oklahoma to the other two waves of realignment that the conference has seen since the early '90s. Adding Arkansas and South Carolina in 1990 was driven by the desire to expand to 12 teams in order to host a championship football game between the newly formed 6-team divisions. Then Texas A&M and Missouri were inbound additions in 2012, having reached out to the conference to inquire about membership, but doing so separately. Texas and Oklahomas represented yet another variation, having approached SEC leadership as a package deal. Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=527f2c9ef9b136f48f476dd1f75488ec For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Charlie Hussey - Deputy Commissioner/COO at the SEC - on the evolution of college athletics, and how he feels about the state of the conference. He and Jeff Nelson discuss the continuous, regional footprint of the SEC despite adding Texas and Oklahoma, and why they're comfortable with the 16 schools they currently have, with national appeal. Details: 3:45 - The evolution of collegiate athletics 9:02 - Remaining a contiguous conference 10:55 - Growing up in SEC country 15:20 - Early years of Charlie’s career 18:30 - SEC Network 26:40 - The role of the NCAA 33:30 - Rapid Fire Questions Show Notes: * Greg Sankey Interview * Books: + The Education of a Lifetime by Robert Khayat + Smart Brevity by Jim VandeHei, Roy Schwartz, Mike Allen + Legacy: What The All Blacks Can Teach Us About The Business Of Life, by James Kerr + The Content Trap, by Bharat Anand
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Steve Lauletta – President of 23XI Racing – on the recent creativity that he's seen in NASCAR with events like the Chicago Street Race and the Clash at the Coliseum. He's optimistic about the future of the sport and the changes they've made to appeal to a broader audience. Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=b579cd3ecab3c669fbfe34e20801dfa0 For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Shawn Quill – National Sports Industry Leader at KPMG – on the importance of measuring your sponsorship portfolio to determine ROI. He also talks about finding deals that align with your brand's value, and give benefit to your partner beyond writing a check.
Listen to the full episode here:https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=3b0fad789156b8f3cd115d8cfbf6addc
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Stu Halberg – CEO of Logitix – on what actually drives ticket purchasing. The surprising takeaway is that price is not as critical as once thought, at least compared to factors like, quality of the teams or performers, timing, and availability of other events in the area.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=ad61f9ea4ac7f6133ed6fb6845d17296
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Steve Lauletta - President of 23XI Racing - details what it's like to build a NASCAR team from the ground up alongside Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.
He and AJ Maestas discuss the role of sponsorship in NASCAR and how it differs from other sports properties. They also touch on 23XI's unique positioning and their role in rejuvenating NASCAR's audience as they attract a more diverse audience to the sport.
Details:
1:35 - The 23XI Racing Story
7:05 - Sponsorship in NASCAR
11:20 - Building a more inclusive culture
18:55 - The future of NASCAR
22:55 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Kara Nortman – Founder of Angel City FC and Managing Partner of Monarch Collective – on the immense success that Angel City has seen so far, and what it means for the rest of the NWSL.
According to SBJ, Angel City FC accounted for 38% of NWSL total revenue in 2022. Kara shares best practices that she's seen internally and at other teams for building and sustaining a successful organization.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=12aff816962b1344181ea55048706a14
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
For the 75th episode of Navigating Sports Business, Shawn Quill - National Sports Industry Leader at KPMG - discusses KPMG's unique role in sports as both a brand sponsor, and as an agency, working with properties on tax consulting as well as other more niche business challenges.
Shawn also shares his thoughts on which sports and leagues make the most compelling targets for sponsors and private equity investors, including the NWSL and soccer in general. KPMG has a significant history of investing in women's sports, especially when it comes to women's golf and the LPGA.
Details
1:50 - KPMG’s role in sports
9:20 - Sponsorship decisions
16:30 - Shawn’s background
23:05 - KPMG’s investments in women’s sports
27:55 - Other investments in sports
32:00 - Private equity in sports
38:30 - Mistakes to avoid when pitching a partner
40:15- Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jim Kahler – Director of the Sport & Entertainment Management Program – Monte Ahuja College of Business – Cleveland State University – gives advice about where to invest sponsorship dollars. Hear his thoughts on pickle ball, soccer, rule changes in baseball, women's sports in general, and the collegiate landscape.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=30c7f8218e94d03796551ddbed2a1555
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Rick George - Athletic Director at the University of Colorado - talks realignment, the current state of college sports, and how the move to the Big 12 will help Colorado student athletes and the program in general.
He and AJ Maestas also discuss the hiring of Deion Sanders as Head Football Coach, and what it was like the have two monumental decisions impact the past 9 months of CU athletics.
Details:
2:30 - Coach Prime’s Impact on CU Athletics
7:10 - Rick’s high school basketball career
11:45 - Big 12 Move
20:15 - Future realignment
21:20 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Latasha Causey – President of Phoenix Raceway – Explains the emphasis that she and her team have placed on listening to fans and providing top-notch experiences. That strategy continues to pay off this year as they look ahead to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race in November, an event they hope to continue hosting in future years.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=e569f20c381035e46cea8c736e96c5c3
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Stu Halberg - CEO of Logitix - breaks down which technologies and emerging players are going to have the biggest impact on ticketing in the near future. He and Jeff Nelson also discuss the factors that influence ticket pricing, and what properties can do to ensure they're maximizing ticket revenue.
Details
2:15 - Overview of Logitix
9:50 - Dynamic pricing
14:15 - Stu’s background
23:55 - New technologies in ticketing (Blockchain & AI)
20:05 - Logitix’s value proposition
30:25 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Chris Davis – Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Vice President of Merchandising at New Balance – on what it means to be the "ultimate challenger brand" and the creative risks that his team is taking in order to achieve that lofty goal.
They embedded themselves in two major truths as a brand:
- If you’re standing still, you’re moving backwards. Stagnation is the death of all great brands.
- Your marketing has to be a reflection of your values as a brand.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=2aaad5c4a61042308303084d6820fcf8
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Chris Davis – Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Vice President of Merchandising at New Balance – on what it means to be the "ultimate challenger brand" and the creative risks that his team is taking in order to meet that lofty goal.
They embedded themselves in two major truths as a brand:
- If you’re standing still, you’re moving backwards. Stagnation is the death of all great brands.
- Your marketing has to be a reflection of your values as a brand.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=2aaad5c4a61042308303084d6820fcf8
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Kara Nortman - Founder of Angel City FC and Managing Partner of Monarch Collective - on how she, Natalie Portman, Julie Uhrman, and others founded Angel City FC and why she's optimistic about the future of the NWSL and women's sports in general.
Angel City accounted for 38.75% of all NWSL revenue in 2022 according to SBJ. Kara and Jeff Nelson discuss that figure and what it means for the long-term health of the NWSL. Kara details some of the ways that her team is collaborating with other clubs to increasing league-wide revenue.
Details
2:25 - Monarch Collective
7:10 - The rise of women’s sports
11:10 - The origins of Angel City FC
20:00 - ACFC’s success
36:30 - Rapid Fire Question
Listen to our 2021 interview with Angel City Co-Founder and President Julie Uhrman, here: https://nvgt.com/podcast/?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=a1a05a498047a2b1d4416ec005e29813
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
After overseeing back-to-back national championships in football, Josh Brooks – the Director of Athletics at University of Georgia – gives us an inside look at the day-to-day life of someone at the helm of a successful DI athletic department. In a job where you're always "on" it's important to keep the mentality that you're doing what you love.
He discusses the ways he finds balance with his family life, and how he keeps an open door policy with all employees and student athletes, despite his busy schedule.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=9e8231e2cdb3cc80d53850246fc1548c
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Jim Kahler - Director of the Sport & Entertainment Management Program - Monte Ahuja College of Business - Cleveland State University - has decades of sports business experience as CMO of the Cleveland Cavaliers, as well as in academia with 3 separate universities.
He offers a unique perspective on the state of the industry, and shares what he teaches his students to prepare them for a successful career in a continuously evolving industry.
Details
1:30 - Jim’s time as one of AJ’s mentors
4:15 - Ohio University
8:30 - Now at Cleveland State
12:15 - Returning to Cleveland after being CMO of the Cavaliers
16:50 - Advice for students breaking into sports
22:10 - Predictions for the sponsorship market
28:10 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Chris Pezman – Vice President for Athletics at the University of Houston – gives the collegiate athletics industry a 3 out of 10 when it comes to monetizing stadiums and other facilities. He and AJ Maestas discuss how we can improve in that regard.
Chris explains what can be done to maximize revenue with concerts and other events, and why in some cases, schools in smaller markets actually have an advantage.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=cf5646333e8806ec09f2b13fc92a198a
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Latasha Causey - President of Phoenix Raceway - discuses her transition from banking to the sports industry, and why she's so excited for the future of NASCAR.
She highlights the creative activations that she's coordinated to increase excitement around her races, attract younger fans to the sport, and maximize value for sponsors.
Details
- 4:40 - How Latasha got involved with NASCAR
- 6:50 - Diversity in NASCAR
- 10:50 - The Phoenix Raceway
- 13:35 - Attracting younger fans
- 19:35 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Joe Moglia - Former Head Football Coach at Coastal Carolina, also formerly CEO of TD Ameritrade - on the possibility of the Power 5 football programs divorcing themselves from the NCAA, and why he thinks that's the logical next step for college athletics.
He gives solutions for some of his plans' toughest challenges, including funding non-revenue sports if football dollars are no longer part of the same balance sheet.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=3682fa61d7126eb5380a36a103fbadf5
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Chris Davis - Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Vice President of Merchandising at New Balance - offers a great look into his philosophy for innovation and constant industry disruption. He explains how sports and culture have never been more intertwined than they are today, and what that means for brands like New Balance that are looking to establish themselves at that intersection.
Details
1:30 - Chris’s background
7:40 - Diverse perspectives
10:10 - The million dollar internship - Darius Bazley
12:30 - The ultimate challenger brand
21:25 - the 50-30-20 Strategy
30:25 - Recruiting athlete endorsers
37:20 - Marketing in baseball vs. other sports
43:55 - Recession-proofing
49:00 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Richard Lapchick – Director of The Institute for Diversity & Ethics in Sport (TIDES) and President of The Institute for Sport and Social Justice (ISSJ) – shares an incredible story about the power of sports, and his personal relationship with Nelson Mandela.
After being inaugurated as president of South Africa, Mandela chose to attend a soccer game, rather than the ongoing celebrations of his inauguration. He sat with Lapchick as his personal guest, and explained that he chose to attend the game in order to show appreciation for the sporting boycotts that helped free him from prison and supported his rise to the presidency.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=fe69ef5b370f9c8e6ae69e9cf2aebfcd
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Josh Brooks - the Director of Athletics at University of Georgia - sheds some light on the life of an SEC AD during an immensely successful period, including back-to-back national championships in football.
He details the highs and lows of the job, including the elation of victory, and then the reality that you are back to the grind within 24 hours. He also shares advice for the next generation of sports leaders hoping to one day sit in his chair.
Details
1:40 - What’s next after a national championship?
5:15 - A day in the life of an AD
17:30 - Josh’s career path
27:35 - Changes to collegiate athletics
36:40 - Rapid Fire Questions
Books:
- Unreasonable Hospitality
- The Creative Act: A Way of Being
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Terrell Jones - Head of Sports Strategic Partnerships at Flexpower - on how to be strategic with your endorsement budget with an economic recession looming, and how being smart with your money is crucial regardless of the situation.
He shares his preference for targeting up-and-coming athletes that "grow with the company," and gives some examples of deals he's seen go wrong due to the brand having insufficient information.
We know that in a recession, brands that continue or increase marketing spend, see a 2.5x increase in sales, compared to competitors who cut back. Learn more in our guide to recession-proofing your sponsorship strategy: https://nvgt.com/blog/recession-proofing-your-sponsorship-strategy-2023/
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast/?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=a6e9de81e68969273683f9a4960990ed
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Chris Pezman - Vice President for Athletics at the University of Houston - breaks down the transition to the Big 12, and the work that still needs to be done to compete at that level.
He and AJ also discuss his first stint at UH as captain of the football team, the unlikely story of how he got a new stadium built as one of his first ever facilities projects, and the legend of Mattress Mack.
Details:
2:15 - Houston’s transition to the Big 12
13:50 - Standing out in the Power Five
22:55 - Chris’s start at UH as the captain of the football team
29:25 - Optimizing facility revenue
34:00 - Rapid Fire Questions
Mattress Mack video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHPlVp2UfE8
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
What percent of a property's revenue will come from international sources in the year 2040? David Cipullo - Principal at Tigertail - believes the split will be close to 50/50.
He gives his playbook for planning and pursuing an international revenue strategy for major U.S. properties, and explains why sponsorship is only one piece of that puzzle.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=a5ef6413fc8618645b302e352140fc95
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Joe Moglia went from being an assistant football coach, to being the CEO of TD Ameritrade, and then back to DI football as the Head Coach at Coastal Carolina, before transitioning to his current role as Chair of Athletics and Executive Advisor to the President.
It's certainly an unorthodox career path, but Joe shares how his coaching experience made him a better businessman, and vice versa.
Details:
2:20 - Key issues in collegiate athletics
14:00 - Joe’s background
27:15 - Transitioning from Wall St back to coaching
36:20 - The highs and lows of football and business
39:15 - Transfer rules
43:15 - Conference realignment
48:00 - Rapid Fire Questions
Joe was in inspiration for one book, and has written 2 himself:
- 4th & Goal: One Man’s Quest to Recapture His Dream (Joe's biography): https://www.amazon.com/4th-Goal-Quest-Recapture-Dream/dp/B00E8V5YZ8
- The Perimeter Attack Offense: Key to Winning Football: https://www.amazon.com/Perimeter-Attack-Offense-Winning-Football/dp/0136572219
- Coach Yourself to Financial Success: Winning the Investment Game: https://www.amazon.com/Coach-Yourself-Success-Winning-Investment/dp/0471719846
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
In celebration of the new movie, Air, which tells the story of Sonny Vaccaro and Nike's recruiting of Michael Jordan, we're featuring Sonny telling part of that story on our podcast in 2021.
Sonny (played in the movie by Matt Damon), mentions Rob Strasser (Jason Bateman), and David Falk (Chris Messina), and details his strategy for recruiting not just Michael Jordan, but Kobe Bryant and LeBron James as well.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=2b610fe64ef86203d04d179f4fd5cb11
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Sandra Richards - Managing Director, Head of Global Sports & Entertainment at Morgan Stanley - discusses how her team's sponsorship strategy amplifies important messaging around financial education.
She and AJ also touch on the significance of athlete ownership in professional sports, Sandra's career path, and the children's book she authored.
2:20 - Sandra’s role at Morgan Stanley
3:50 - Athlete ownership of professional teams
5:20 - The Morgan Stanley brand & financial education
16:30 - Rice and Rocks: Sandra’s children’s book
19:50 - The Women Leaders in College Sports National Convention
24:30 - Rapid Fire Questions
Notes:
- Letter to yourself exercise: https://accidentallyretired.com/personal-growth/a-letter-from-my-80-year-old-self/1283
- Rice & Rocks (Sandra’s book)
- More on our panel with Sandra at last year's Women Leader in College Sports National Convention: https://nvgt.com/blog/women-leaders-national-convention/
- Patti Phillips Episode: https://nvgt.com/podcast/?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=fb3d97a78db245732ad28c3c6d784366
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
With the NWSL season kicking off, we're showcasing a highlight from our interview with Julie Uhrman, Co-Founder and President of Angel City FC.
Julie talks about the club's mission to serve the community while maintaining profitability. She explains how the availability of soccer-ready stadiums in Los Angeles, as well as the NWSL salary cap, allow them to meet this goal by managing expenses. She also emphasizes her approach to marketing, centered around the idea that modern fans cheer for "players first, teams second, and leagues third." Their marketing efforts are certainly working well, as ACFC played in front of a sold-out crowd during last week's season opener!
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast/?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=a1a05a498047a2b1d4416ec005e29813
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Richard Lapchick - Director of The Institute for Diversity & Ethics in Sport (TIDES) and President of The Institute for Sport and Social Justice (ISSJ) - shares lessons and stories from his career fighting against inequality in sports and beyond.
Richard's list of personal friends includes activists such as Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and many more.
Details:
2:00 - Richard’s background
7:15 - Richard’s lifetime of activism
11:30 - How sports can impact the world
19:30 - Diverse hiring processes
26:30 - What’s next for Richard?
29:30 - Rapid Fire Questions
Gloria Nevarez interview: https://nvgt.com/podcast/?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=d0edb5312963f715d1093ee6e69d4410
Invictus: https://www.amazon.com/Invictus-Ryan-Graudin/dp/031650307X
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
In recognition of March being Women's History Month, we are highlighting some accomplished women who have joined us on the podcast to revisit the conversation surrounding equity in our industry.
[00:05] Nina King - Vice President/Director of Athletics at Duke University - details the commitment to equity that is necessary for growing a successful athletic department, and the signs of progress she's seen at Duke and in previous roles.
[01:30] Amy Latimer - President of TD Garden - on the need to recognize more talented women in the hiring process. She explains why positive change will require the men that are currently in leadership positions to acknowledge the issues of inequality, and to understand the importance of diversity.
[02:27] Patti Phillips - Chief Executive Officer of Women Leaders in College Sports - explains the problems caused by unconscious bias in college athletics that largely stems from the dominance of football in the eyes of boosters and decision-makers. She also cites the common problem of schools wanting to hire from the very narrow candidate pool of former P5 ADs, rather than looking for qualified leaders in who have held other roles.
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Terrell Jones - Head of Sports Strategic Partnerships at Flexpower - has had a unique career in sports. He began as a strength coach for the San Francisco 49ers and has worked in athlete representation, and now on the brand side with Flexpower, a CBD and wellness brand founded in 2000.
He's worked directly with 12 NFL Hall of Famers, and brings that experience to Flexpower's sports marketing strategy.
Details:
2:35 - Terrell’s background
5:20 - CBD 101
10:25 - FlexPower’s history/overcoming racism
14:40 - Terrell’s time with the 49ers
20:10 - What does Terrell look for in a partnership?
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
With the Big East basketball tournaments tipping-off soon, and with March Madness around the corner, we are once again featuring the story of Conference Commissioner, Val Ackerman. She started in her role 10 years ago, after a wave of realignment left the conference in peril, with only 7 schools remaining from the old big east.
With no real staff in place, she was able to rebuild the Big East into what it is today. She credits the strength of their basketball programs, including Villanova's two national titles in 2016 and 2018.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=b6f6f477c06d60388fcefdcfca76bf83
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
"Control the content, control the distribution as much as you can, so you sort of control your own destiny."
Sam Kennedy – President & CEO of the Boston Red Sox and Chief Executive of Fenway Sports Management –on the future of RSNs and broadcast rights when it comes to the Red Sox and the other properties in Fenway's portfolio. Their NESN 360 product is a cutting edge DTC option for fans that serves as a complimentary addition to the traditional broadcast.
This was recorded in late 2022, before the recent Bally Sport bankruptcy that threatens to disrupt the current system in both the short and long term.
He also touches on the rule changes that will take effect in 2023 to increase viewer engagement around baseball regardless of the format.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=ed8da9fbbaa35719ee88cb960a5a04b6
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Following the news that Disney will be consolidating ESPN and ESPN+, we take a look back at our interview with Burke Magnus - President, Programming & Original Content at ESPN.
He shares his thoughts on current state of broadcasting, and the gradual transition to streaming. He also discusses using ESPN+ and other digital platforms to reach sports fans where they are, and to cover a wider range of events.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast/?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=362ffb9756766881128613a68f08047b
Read more about Disney's plans for the consolidation of ESPN here:https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2023/02/09/Media/disney-espn-standalone-unit-and-layoffs.aspx
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
In celebration of Black History Month, we're featuring three separate highlights from previous episodes that touch on Black history, DEI&B in sports, and where we as an industry still need to improve.
[0:05] Kevin Warren - former Commissioner of the Big Ten - on the Big Life Series that brought 100 student-athletes on a tour of Selma and Montgomery Alabama to learn about the historic demonstrations of 1965, in an effort to expand their education beyond the classroom.
[4:35] Keia Clarke - CEO of the New York Liberty - talks about being one of the only women of color leading a major professional team in the United States, and what her experience has been like in that role.
[7:45] Azania Andrews - former VP, Connections at Anheuser-Busch - shares the ways that a powerful brand like A-B can do to increase equity both internally and with the millions of customers and stakeholders that they impact on a daily basis.
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Kim Pegula - President & CEO of Pegula Sports & Entertainment and Co-Owner/President of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres - on the development project for a new stadium in Buffalo. She also discusses the team's plans to market to Toronto and Southern Ontario, part of their Designated Marketing Area (DMA).
She explains why the new stadium will have all of the modern amenities, while maintaining the feel and energy of their old home.
See a rendering of the new stadium, here: https://www.buffalobills.com/news/they-re-here-new-bills-stadium-renderings-unveiled
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=70d52197e647c25d67ac6b29f9a1961a
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Chatri Sityodtong – Founder & CEO of ONE – on the significance of ONE Championship's partnership with Amazon, and how it meshes with their broader global strategy. Their first U.S. event is less than 4 months away, and Chatri hopes to build up to 12 live events a year.
He also compares ONE to UFC, and explains ONE's impressive growth rate which has made them the world's largest martial arts organization in just 10 years.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=00fc4b4c5f1a52e93d212ebc4391651b
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
What are the traits of a successful athletic director?
Heather Lyke - Director of Athletics at the University of Pittsburgh - breaks it down and explains the importance of being in sync with university leadership, especially when it comes to taking risks and making big decisions.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=0df7438bdce26bada5cc4046451018da
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Amy Azzi – Senior Director of Sports Marketing and Sponsorships at T-Mobile – on how to prepare your brand portfolio for an economic downturn.
She explains why telecom services are necessities and are therefore well-positioned to weather the storm. Still, she and her team make sure they are smart with their sponsorship spend, and maintain a focus on measuring ROI.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=c2641669c5f08ef945885ff03fea24f1
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
David Cipullo - Principal at Tigertail - spent 14 years working around the world before returning to the U.S. to start his own firm. He draws from that experience to share with our listeners advice for international strategy in both sponsorship and media.
Details:
4:20 - David’s 14 years overseas
10:30 - Infront Sports & Media
15:45 - Selling international sponsorships
22:20 - David founds Tigertail
26:00 - International strategy
33:10 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Ben Abbott - Ph.D scientist and Assistant Professor of Ecosystem Ecology at Brigham Young University - explains the ways that the sports industry can help make a positive impact on the ecosystem.
He also highlights a notable study on the effects of air pollution on human performance that showed a decrease in batting average among baseball players in areas with poor air quality.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=a306ba42e4dfc90341e70cbaa5e6d13c
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Sam Kennedy - President & CEO of the Boston Red Sox and Chief Executive of Fenway Sports Management - on operating a team with a storied history and the challenges of meeting fan demand for a perennial World Series contender.
He and AJ discuss his career evolution from starting in a baseball front office to managing Fenway Sports Group's portfolio of properties including Liverpool FC, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. He also addresses rumors about a potential acquisition into the NFL or NBA.
Sam grew up a Red Sox fan, down the street from Fenway Park, and he was high school classmates with Theo Epstein. He shares with AJ how that friendship, along with mentorship from Larry Lucchino, led to them both having successful careers in baseball.
Details:
2:10 - Growing up near Fenway Park
8:50 - The Fenway Sports Group portfolio
14:55 - What’s next for FSG?
23:55 - MLB’s future (RSNs, rule changes, future of the game)
41:50 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
CEO of Women Leaders in College Sports, Patti Phillips, outlines how hiring practices have traditionally focused on the "Four Fs": facilities, fundraising, football, and finance, but in recent years the focus has narrowed in on football and fundraising, plus the addition of NIL experience as a main priority. Phillips shares what Women Leaders in College Sports is doing to help prepare women to lead in those areas, and develop a new class of qualified AD prospects.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=fb3d97a78db245732ad28c3c6d784366
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Chatri Sityodtong - Founder & CEO of ONE - explains the strategy and excitement around ONE Championship launching in the U.S. and what that means for U.S. fans of combat sports, and sports fans in general. Their first event in the States will be May 5, 2023 at 1STBANK Center near Denver.
ONE Championship generated 13.8B organic video views on social media in 2021, and has one of the largest global audiences of any sports property.
Chatri also shares his personal story, and how he went from living on $4 per day to his current role in one of the fastest growing organizations in sports, as well as the lessons he's learned throughout his 30 years of martial arts experience.
Details:
2:00 - ONE’s booming growth
11:20 - U.S. live events
26:00 - ONE Esports
29:05 - The Apprentice
32:35 - rags to riches
38:35 - Rapid Fire Questions
Tang Kai's homecoming with the ONE belt
Navigate Esports & Gaming Content
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Tom Stultz - Former President at JMI Sports, now Special Advisor to the CEO - on JMI's role in the shifting multimedia rights marketplace.
He explains how due to long-term contracts and the infrequency of MMR rights becoming available, we might not see as much of a shakeup in the space as many (including some of us at Navigate) are expecting.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=8bd53045acb99644c1019822d2b55e21
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Heather Lyke - Director of Athletics at the University of Pittsburgh - breaks down the current landscape in collegiate athletics. She explains why the ACC's combination of strong academics, as well as athletics, positions them to compete nationally despite the larger budgets found in the SEC and Big Ten.
Details:
- 4:10 - Heather’s experience as a student-athlete at the University of Michigan
- 8:30 - NCAA rule changes
- 19:00 - Heather’s time at Ohio State
- 27:40 - Rapid Fire Questions
References:
- What Got You Here Will Get You There
- Navigating Sports Business - Gene Smith
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Catie Griggs - President of Business Operations for the Seattle Mariners - shares her experience going undercover at games to gain insight into the fan experience. Griggs discusses the range of experiences available to fans at T-Mobile Park and the reasons for optimism surrounding the Mariners in 2023.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=eae566efb0ba3148ea2c7d6dd4415ea8
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Amy Azzi - Senior Director of Sports Marketing and Sponsorships at T-Mobile - describes the strategy behind the brand's sports sponsorship portfolio.
She and AJ also look forward to 2023 to discuss how T-Mobile will be in a strong position to succeed even in the face of a possible recession.
Details:
2:55 - T-Mobile’s portfolio growth
6:55 - Looking forward to 2023
19:50 - T-Mobile's MLB and Seattle Mariners partnerships
28:30 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
In this special edition of the Navigating Sports Business Podcast, we're bringing you the audio-recording of our esports and gaming webinar from October 26th, 2022.
Navigate's gaming expert, Ron Li, hosted a panel of executives across different areas of esports and gaming , to share best practices for sports industry leaders looking to create and maximize a gaming strategy.
The full webinar recording can be found here (Passcode: Gaming2023!): https://nvgt.zoom.us/rec/share/2zR6e2iNblFI_uz49so3ob-eLx7zrp6QvhWNd_kh_3Txpgq8Ow8B2I9HU6Y5GTDd.o35LVRlXNen--5jE
Also find a deeper dive in the numbers in our new eBook, Esports & Gaming: Decisions in 2023 & Beyond:
https://nvgt.com/blog/deep-dive-into-the-esports-gaming-world/
Panelists:
Sean Pate - Brand Communications Officer, Zenni Optical
Alyson Walker - Chief Commercial Officer, OverActive Media Group
Steve LaCroix - President, Wisdom Gaming
Matt Marcou - Former Commissioner of the Madden Championship Series
Details:
1:20 - Introductions
6:30 - The state of esports & gaming
15:10 - Gaming, not esports
21:20 - Gaming partnerships from the brand perspective
31:30 - Is the gaming business model sustainable?
39:00 - Publisher KPIs around esports
51:10 - Simulated sports (FIFA, Madden, 2K, F1, etc.)
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Mississippi State Head Football Coach, Mike Leach, shares an ambitious plan for a two-tiered college football system:
- Tier 1 = retain traditional amateurism, and student-athletes that play out their eligibility at one school receive a $150,000 bonus upon graduation.
- Tier 2 = full on professionalism, with players being drafted, traded, or cut. High school athletes would be able to choose which tier to enter.
This is a bold concept from a unique personality. Listen to the full episode to hear more about Coach Leach's plans for college football, including a 64-team CFP.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=026a19eb25ca6ea439a75e9009579b21
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Ben Abbott - Ph.D scientist and Assistant Professor of Ecosystem Ecology at BYU - joins the show for a special episode as he shares facts behind climate change, and how the sports industry is already being impacted.
As a close friend to AJ, they discuss what we can do as an industry, and as individuals to work towards a more sustainable future.
Details:
1:55 - Sports as a unifier
6:20 - What can be do to fight climate change?
15:45 - Climate Pledge Arena
21:05 - Stadiums and transportation impacting ecology
24:45 - More recommendations for sports
30:50 Rapid Fire Questions
References:
Electrify Everything, by Julian Bell
Short Circuiting Energy Policy, by Leah Stokes
Website: Skepticalscience.com
Joule article on economic impact of renewable energy
Joro - an app for tracking your carbon footprint
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Kevin Warren - Commissioner of the Big Ten - highlights the recent work of the Big Ten's Equality coalition.
This summer, the coalition's Big Life Series provided 100 student athletes with the chance to travel to Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, engaging in an educational opportunity to develop their breadth of experiences outside of sport.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=b85061c576629eb368517f53b165c619
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Patti Phillips - CEO of Women Leaders in College Sports - shares some interesting statistics on diversity in college sports, and what she and her organization are doing to improve those numbers.
She and AJ discuss the factors that lead to hiring decisions at the Athletic Director level, and the cultural biases that tend to impact those decisions.
Details
2:10 - Reasons for the lack of diversity in college athletics
16:05 - The hiring funnel
35:25 - Zone of Possibility, Patti’s TED Talk
39:35 - Rapid Fire Questions
Books:
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards
- Impact Player by Liz Wiseman
- High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard
- The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Studies:
- Orchestrating Impartiality: the Impact of “Blind” Auditions on Female Musicians
- Can Blind Hiring Improve Workplace Diversity?
Other Suggested Content:
- Patti's TEDx Talk: The Zone of Possibility
- Oprah's Super Soul Sunday
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Tom Stultz - Special Advisor to the CEO and former President at JMI Sports - breaks down the current MMR marketplace and how it will be impacted by changes to the structure of college sports, such as NIL and conference realignment.
He and AJ also discuss JMI's status as a privately held company, and why that's unique among their competitors.
Details:
7:30 - The future of JMI
20:30 - Tom’s background
31:30 - Changes to college athletics
33:55 - Rapid Fire Questions
Book Recommendations:
- The New York City Noon Prayer Meeting
- Burl
- The Church of Baseball
- Dreamland
- Dopesick
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Tom Stultz - Special Advisor to the CEO and former President at JMI Sports - breaks down the current MMR marketplace and how it will be impacted by changes to the structure of college sports, such as NIL and conference realignment.
He and AJ also discuss JMI's status as a privately held company, and why that's unique among their competitors.
Details:
7:30 - The future of JMI
20:30 - Tom’s background
31:30 - Changes to college athletics
33:55 - Rapid Fire Questions
Book Recommendations:
- The New York City Noon Prayer Meeting
- Burl
- The Church of Baseball
- Dreamland
- Dopesick
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
If the NBA decides to expand, Oak View Group will be ready with state of the art arenas in Seattle and Las Vegas. However, Tim Leiweke - Chairman & CEO of OVG - breaks down why the business plan in those cities doesn't rely on the NBA.
Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle is already home to the NHL's Kraken, and the WNBA's Storm. The new development in Las Vegas is designed to be the city's first true point of destination built around live entertainment, and will be profitable through concerts, UFC fights, and other events, whether or not it lands a full-time NBA tenant.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=9e7c1d2eaa20d5a4a8ad004e6839afa8
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
If the NBA decides to expand, Oak View Group will be ready with state of the art arenas in Seattle and Las Vegas. However, Tim Leiweke - Chairman & CEO of OVG - breaks down why the business plan in those cities doesn't rely on the NBA.
Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle is already home to the NHL's Kraken, and the WNBA's Storm. The new development in Las Vegas is designed to be the city's first true point of destination built around live entertainment, and will be profitable through concerts, UFC fights, and other events, whether or not it lands a full-time NBA tenant.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=9e7c1d2eaa20d5a4a8ad004e6839afa8
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Catie Griggs - President of Business Operations for the Seattle Mariners - joins the show for an insightful conversation about increasing the popularity of baseball among young fans. She and AJ discuss her time at Atlanta United, the exciting Mariners stars including Julio Rodriguez, and what the MLB All-Star game will mean for the city of Seattle in 2023.
Catie also shares how she went to T-Mobile Park incognito to observe the fan experience when she first joined the organization. AJ points out that Adrian Hanauer, Majority Owner of the Seattle Sounders, takes the same approach to undercover data-gathering, so it's a proven strategy in the Seattle sports market.
Details
1:40 - Catie’s Time at Atlanta United
3:35 - Going undercover at Mariners games
12:10 - The next generation of Baseball fans
14:10 - Catie’s background
17:55 - MLB All-Star Game coming to Seattle
23:15 - Future of the Mariners
27:35 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Catie Griggs - President of Business Operations for the Seattle Mariners - joins the show for an insightful conversation about increasing the popularity of baseball among young fans. She and AJ discuss her time at Atlanta United, the exciting Mariners stars including Julio Rodriguez, and what the MLB All-Star game will mean for the city of Seattle in 2023.
Catie also shares how she went to T-Mobile Park incognito to observe the fan experience when she first joined the organization. AJ points out that Adrian Hanauer, Majority Owner of the Seattle Sounders, takes the same approach to undercover data-gathering, so it's a proven strategy in the Seattle sports market.
Details
1:40 - Catie’s Time at Atlanta United
3:35 - Going undercover at Mariners games
12:10 - The next generation of Baseball fans
14:10 - Catie’s background
17:55 - MLB All-Star Game coming to Seattle
23:15 - Future of the Mariners
27:35 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
David Cutcliffe - Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Football Relations at the Southeastern Conference and college football veteran - shares his advice for aspiring athletic directors and the importance of the company you keep.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=026a19eb25ca6ea439a75e9009579b21
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
David Cutcliffe - Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Football Relations at the Southeastern Conference and college football veteran - shares his advice for aspiring athletic directors and the importance of the company you keep.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=026a19eb25ca6ea439a75e9009579b21
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Mike Leach - Head Football Coach at Mississippi State - caught up with AJ Maestas while on a bike ride around the Florida Keys. Coach Leach was previously at Texas Tech and Washington State and is known for his animated interviews and his pioneering of the air raid offense. He gives his take on the state of Division I athletics and breaks down his plan for a 64-team College Football Playoff.
He also shares a novel idea for a two-tiered system that would allow football recruits to chose between becoming traditional student athletes, or professionals that can be signed, traded, and cut by coaches.
Details
5:00 - Mike’s idea for a new college football system
11:50 - Relating to college players
16:10 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren joins the show with AJ Maestas to discuss the rapidly evolving collegiate landscape. He also shares lessons he's learned over the course of a 30-year career across law, professional sports, and now college athletics.
Details
3:45 - The state of college athletics
6:10 - The Big Life Series
11:10 - Changes to college athletics
20:00 - Kevin’s reputation in the press
22:30 - The professionalization of collegiate athletes
27:05 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
AJ's conversation with the late Roger Valdiserri: https://nvgt.com/podcast/?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=1b442ef51a297a93127e7ad32dba776a
Nina King - Vice President / Director of Athletics at Duke University - on the need for NIL regulation and what the future holds for college athletics.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=4361a573b41e714c7af1fc46ad073408
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Oak View Group CEO, Tim Leiweke, details some of his team's most exciting projects in the works. He and AJ discuss the new arena and entertainment district in Las Vegas, Moody Center in Austin, and plans for a dozen new arenas around the world.
Tim also shares the process that went into building Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, and the challenge of turning a historic landmark into a state of the art, carbon neutral arena.
Details:
3:30 - Tim’s brother, Tod Leiweke
6:30 - Building Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena)
13:00 - Climate Pledge Arena
30:10 - New OVG Projects (including Las Vegas)
51:40 - Dan Griffis and OVG Global Partnerships
58:15 - The entertainment industry’s impact on the climate
1:08:20 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
You can find AJ's interview with Tim's brother, Tod Leiweke here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=59f0ef14b6b667427c867918556676b7
Sarah Hirshland - CEO of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee - breaks down how new sports and events are chosen by the IOC Olympic Programme Commission.
Driven by the ultimate goal of creating the best value for the games, the potential additions are evaluated on factors like popularity, participation rates, universality, and gender equality.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=5f0408bba0cd6dfb12c6327825d3178b
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
David Cutcliffe - Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Football Relations at the SEC, and former Duke Head Football Coach - sat down with Jeff Nelson on this week's episode. He shares his experience under former Duke AD Kevin White, reminisces on the challenges he faced trying to lead the team to success, and shares his experience with Peyton, Eli, and the whole Manning family.
Details:
2:15 - The special assistant to the commissioner role
10:40 - David’s background
23:45 - the Manning family
29:40 - Leaving Ole Miss & Advice for working in college sports
36:05 - The challenges of succeeding at basketball school like Duke
46:50 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
David Cutcliffe - Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Football Relations at the SEC, and former Duke Head Football Coach - sat down with Jeff Nelson on this week's episode. He shares his experience under former Duke AD Kevin White, reminisces on the challenges he faced trying to lead the team to success, and shares his experience with Peyton, Eli, and the whole Manning family.
Details:
2:15 - The special assistant to the commissioner role
10:40 - David’s background
23:45 - the Manning family
29:40 - Leaving Ole Miss & Advice for working in college sports
36:05 - The challenges of succeeding at basketball school like Duke
46:50 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
In recognition of last night's MLB All-Star Game, we're showcasing this highlight from MLB Chief Strategy & Operations Officer, Chris Marinak, on how Gen Z is redefining sports fandom, particularly when it comes to baseball.
He mentions the league's Play Ball campaign, which brought the Capital One PLAY BALL PARK to LA for All-Star Week, and is aimed at increasing youth baseball participation of all kinds.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast/?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=2851a5f7dea5f6aea766ed8b766e71fd
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Nina King - Vice President and Director of Athletics at Duke University - joins AJ Maestas to discuss finding a successor to the legendary Coach K in her first year as AD. She explains why Jon Scheyer was the best choice, and how Duke basketball is poised for continued success with him coaching the men's team, and Kara Lawson coaching the women's team.
She also highlights the importance of Title IX, along with her thoughts on the future of college athletics.
Details:
1:35 - Title IX and diversity in college athletics
9:55 - Coach K
21:20 - The future of college athletics
33:05 - Sports Betting
36:40 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Christy Hedgpeth – President of Playfly Sports Properties – and Michael Schreiber – Founder & CEO of Playfly - discuss the opportunities they can create for partners, as the largest independent national sales organization in sports.
Michael highlights their deal with Take 5 that encompassed 11 unique sports markets across MLB, the NBA, the NFL, and college sports, all in a single transaction.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=75d40cc2a6596091177ebc3da0c9f441
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Sarah Hirshland - CEO of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee - joins AJ Maestas to discuss the three main priorities of the USOPC.
- Supporting their elite athletes holistically.
- Improving and growing inclusive sports culture.
- Growing the Olympics with a new generation of fans.
Sarah also serves on the IOC Olympic Programme Commission helping decide which sports and events are held in the Olympic Games.
Details:
2:00 - The role of the USOPC
13:20 - Doping in the Olympics
17:40 - Sports doc series
20:50 - LA28
27:30 - The top 3 priorities for the USOPC
28:50 - Gender equity in sports
32:35 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Abe Madkour - Publisher & Executive Editor at Sports Business Journal - shares 3 trends he's following in the sports industry.
1) The growth and excitement behind women's sports
2) The prominence of VC and private equity investment throughout the industry
3) Emerging sports such as Pickleball, Lacrosse, Volleyball, Softball, and others
- Paul Rabil & the PLL
- Athlete's Unlimited
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=e730a2ffff039537974accf4b7e4bf32
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Christy Hedgpeth - President of Playfly Sports Properties - and Michael Schreiber - Founder & CEO of Playfly - are the guests for our first ever double interview.
They discuss Playfly's role in the marketplace, and its position among the competition. Michael explains how their goal is to provide a national sales network, as well as best-in-class technology and innovation, to teams and clubs at the local level.
Christy provides further detail on how Playfly Sports Properties is advancing the MMR space for collegiate and high school clients.
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Details
1:35 - Breaking down Playfly Sports
18:00 - Christy’s background as a national champion
23:25 - Mike’s background at Hulu and beyond
30:00 - Differentiating Playfly from the competition
35:45 - What’s next
46:15 - Rapid Fire Questions
Our dear friend Roger Valdiserri passed away last week at the age of 95. Roger was a legend in our industry, serving as the Sports Information Director at Notre Dame for 3 decades. Throughout his career, he worked 22 men's basketball Final Fours, 2 Olympic Games, and even a World Cup. He was a part of 2 national championships in football under head coach Ara Parseghian.
We published a podcast with Roger back in January of 2021, and selected some of our favorite moments to include here in honor of such a renowned figure in the world of sports.
Our condolences are with the entire Valdiserri family at this time.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=1b442ef51a297a93127e7ad32dba776ahttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/roger-valdiserri-notre-dame/id1544529117?i=1000504498184
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Lorien Parry Luehrs - President & COO of HomeTown Ticketing - on the impact that digital ticketing can have on K-12 sports and events, beyond just the bottom line.
She talks about how Athletic Directors have so many objectives to tend to, and profit is rarely one of them. Therefore, making the transition to digital isn't about increasing revenue, but is about ease of access, improved data capabilities, security, and marketing.
Listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lorien-parry-luehrs-hometown-ticketing/id1544529117?i=1000560476378
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Abe Madkour - Publisher & Executive Editor at Sports Business Journal - joins the Navigating Sports Business podcast to discuss the state of the sports industry and his transition from journalist to editor.
He and AJ also highlight their favorite SBJ events throughout the year, and sports business trends they are keeping an eye on.
Details:
3:20 - Abe’s background
9:55 - The transition from journalist to publisher
12:05 - Competition in the sports business news world
16:35 - Balancing objectivity
22:30 - Sports Business Trends
35:30 - Abe picks some of the best organizations in sports
40:45 Rapid Fire Questions
- The Charlotte FC crowd singing the National Anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S09-E-OwxtI
- AJ's 2019 article on downward attendance in college athletics: https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/11/06/maestas-college-football-attendance-is-down-but-why-we-have-the-data-and-ideas-for-getting-fans-back-to-the-stadiums/
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Earl Santee - Senior Principal & Global Chair at Populous - on the evolution of sports venues from a seated experience to more of a personalized entertainment experience, and a community meeting place.
He and AJ also cover the importance of easy transit as a common friction point among fans, and as a key way that live sports needs to improve in order to compete with the ease of at-home entertainment.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=76aabd97d697699a6c7d7ac9e2e47eef
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Lorien Parry Luehrs - President & COO of HomeTown Ticketing - joins the show to discuss how digital ticketing is changing the game for high school sports and other community events. With 865M tickets sold each year, K-12 events (including sports and other events) account for 60% of ticket sales in the U.S. - pro sports sell about 200M for comparison.
HomeTown Ticketing is the market leader in digital ticketing for K-12 schools and colleges, and offers benefits beyond ticketing such as improved security, push notification marketing, and access to important game day data.
Together they dive into the digital ticketing space, and highlight the growth and impact HomeTown Ticketing is making in the space.
Details:
11:00 - COVID as an accelerant
12:55 - Lorien’s background
28:00 - HomeTown Ticketing
42:15 - The impact of technology on high school events
45:20 - Rapid Fire Questions
Books and TED Talks Mentioned:
- The Hard Things About Hard Things
- The Obstacle is the Way
- Brené Brown - The Power of Vulnerability
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
With the WNBA tipping off this week, we're showcasing a highlight from our interview with current client Keia Clarke, CEO of the New York Liberty. She breaks down how her team is working to share the unique story of each of their players, not just the stars.
She also talks about the team's talent and how they'll be able to capitalize on basketball success when it comes to the business side.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=74f86ab7111e99260206d7f845a8c9cb
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Earl Santee - Senior Principal & Global Chairman at Populous - is one of the most most well-known and respected stadium designers in the world. As a founder of Populous, he and his team pioneered practices that we take for granted today, like the "skybox" that led directly to the prevalence of luxury suites in modern stadiums.
He and AJ explore some of his favorite projects he's worked on, and discuss what rapidly-evolving technology means for the future of entertainment gathering spaces likes arenas and ballparks.
Details:
9:40 - Looking back
13:15 - The future of stadiums
24:55 - Food & beverage
31:20 - Collegiate Athletics
36:10 - Rapid Fire Questions
Books mentioned in the show:
Future Shock, by Alvin Toffler
The Algorithmic Leader by Mike Walsh
Age Power by Ken Dychtwald
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Gretchen Sheirr - President of Business Operations for the Houston Rockets - explains the evolution of digital ticketing best practices since she joined the organization two decades ago, and how her team was on the cutting edge.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=2ff005acc36817567fec4d871854d24d
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.
Keia Clarke - CEO of the New York Liberty - joins the show to discuss the bright future of the Liberty and the WNBA as a whole.
She shares with AJ Maestas her career path and how she made the transition from marketing to operations, and now to the role of CEO. They also touch on the Liberty's investment in custom market research and the work they're doing with Navigate.
Details:
2:15 - The $75M investment in the WNBA
4:50 - The Tsai Family
9:05 - Following in Keia’s footsteps
14:15 - DEI in Sports
17:45 - YES deal and the Liberty’s star power
28:10 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Bob Cialdini, the best-selling author of Influence shares the importance of using his Seven Principles of Persuasion ethically and authentically.
He also gives tips for negotiations, and explores the authority principle as it applies to pricing, and why you should never round your prices.
Listen to the full interview here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=f25c6273083e5871d732a8ac155034dc
Find Bob's books here: https://www.influenceatwork.com/
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Former Oregon AD - Pat Kilkenny- is a close friend and advisor to many leaders in college sports, including Phil Knight, Bob Bowlsby, and Larry Scott. He shares the lessons he learned as an entrepreneur and how he applied them at Oregon.
He and AJ Maestas discuss his transition to the world of college sports, and why he ultimately left Oregon. They also discuss Pat's relationship to Phil Knight, and the role that Nike and other large brands might play as NIL continues to evolve.
Details:
2:10 - Pat’s path the Oregon AD job
9:30 - NIL
15:40 - The Pac-12
22:40 - Nike and Apple’s role in college athletics
24:25 - Pat’s business background
27:15 - the Lucky Duck Foundation
33:10 - Pat’s childhood on a farm in Oregon
34:50 - Rapid Fire Questions
Learn more about the Lucky Duck Foundation at https://www.luckyduckfoundation.org/
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Gretchen Sheirr - President of Business Operations for the Houston Rockets - spent 20 seasons with the team before ascending to her current role in 2021.
Over that stretch, she pioneered new ticketing practices, and became one of our industry's leading experts on digital ticketing. She join AJ Maestas to discuss the lessons she's learned over the course of her career, some best practices for ticketing and venue management, and how we as an industry can improve when it comes to DE&I practices.
Details
1:30 - Gretchen’s career path/staying with the same organization
7:27 - Ticketing
11:40 - Rockets Owner, Tilman Fertitta
14:00 - Lessons from the COVID-19 experience
20:05 - DE&I in sports
24:05 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Dr. Robert Cialdini is is the author of the best-selling book, Influence, and is an expert on psychology and human behavior. His research spans sports fandom, business, and beyond. He and AJ Maestas discuss the 7 principles of persuasion:
- Reciprocity
- Scarcity
- Authority
- Consistency
- Liking
- Social Proof
- Unity
Bob shares how to use these principles to ethically inform and influence people in a business setting, including best practices for negotiation, price setting, and messaging.
Details
2:55 - What the sports industry can learn from experts like Bob
10:50 - The 7 Principles of Persuasion
21:05 - Using Bob’s work in Sports
28:05 - Bob’s research on sports fandom
Find Bob's books and his new course (coming Autumn 2022) here: https://www.influenceatwork.com/
Link to the research Bob mentioned: https://hbr.org/2021/12/need-a-favor-research-suggests-its-best-to-ask-in-person?ab=hero-subleft-3
Link to Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari: https://www.ynharari.com/book/sapiens-2/
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
George Kliavkoff - Commissioner of the Pac-12 - on the 3 main factors he's focusing on for the conference's upcoming media rights negotiations, with the current deal expiring in 2024.
- Revenue
- Broad Distribution
- Competitive Advantage
The current media rights deal expires in 2024, so these negotiations will be taking place soon.
Listen to the full interview from 2-2-22 here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=46682cf3db2b284481233d6d74e81438
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Georgia Tech Director of Athletics - Todd Stansbury - joins AJ Maestas to discuss trending topics in college athletics, the challenges of running a modern athletic department, the future of the NCAA, and more.
Details:
2:05 - Todd’s career path
17:10 - Changes to collegiate athletics
23:35 - The NCAA’s evolving role
32:20 - Fundraising at Georgia Tech
35:15 - Georgia Tech’s MMR deal with Legends
38:55 - Rapid Fire Questions
- More info on Radiochain - the startup founded by 3 Georgia Tech swimmers.
- Link to GTAA Ventures - the VC Fund for Georgia Tech Athletics
- Jenny Moore - the former Georgia Tech athlete who became a fighter pilot.
- Shane Kimbrough -astronaut and honorary Georgia Tech letterwinner
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Chris Overholt - President and CEO of OverActive Media - shares what traditional sports properties can learn from the rise of esports, and how they should be preparing their investments in the broader gaming world.
Conversely, he also gives his thoughts on what esports organizations can take from traditional properties as the industry continues to grow.
Listen to the full interview from 1-29-22 here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=690212cb878c08c37334f692caac25e6
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Mid-American Conference Commissioner, Jon Steinbrecher, gives us the G5 perspective on all of the hot topics we're seeing in college sports.
Jon has been a conference Commissioner since 1994, making him the second longest-tenured Commissioner at the FBS level. He has been in the room when major decisions have been made regarding NIL, the-time transfer exception, CFP expansion, and more. He and AJ Maestas discuss all of the above, as well as talking about what makes the MAC such a fun and unique conference.
Details
1:30 - The state of college athletics
9:15 - #MACtion & Fly the Flag
17:40 - NIL & the future of the NCAA
30:20 - Sports betting in college sports
36:15 - CFP Expansion
42:45 - Rapid Fire Questions
Check out MAC's Fly The Flag campaign.
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
In honor of Super Bowl LVI and Tom Brady's retirement, we're featuring a highlight from our interview with Justin Toman, Head of Sports Marketing for PepsiCo.
Justin highlights the brand's strategy around the Super Bowl and why they chose Pepsi as the sponsor of the halftime show rather than the other brands in their portfolio. He also shares the story of how he won the University of Michigan's Male Athlete of the Year award over Tom Brady in 1999.
Listen to the full interview released on 4-28-21 with AJ Maestas here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=70fb32b2f9f7d365e52223245852545d
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
George Kliavkoff - Commissioner of the Pac-12 - joins AJ Maestas to discuss the major trends in college athletics like CFP expansion, NIL, and potential football rule changes.
George talks about how his career outside of college athletics has prepared him for his new role, and what that transition has been like so far. He also explains why he's so optimistic about his conference's future.
Details:
1:28 - The transition from fan to commissioner
8:45 - CFP expansion and football rule changes
12:05 - NIL & broader changes to the NCAA
32:10 - Future of the Pac-12
44:30 - The Alliance (Pac-12, ACC, and Big 10)
50:00 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Ariel Kelman - Oracle's EVP & Chief Marketing Officer - on how he selected Red Bull Racing as a partner, and how he uses that partnership to showcase Oracle's technology.
Listen to the full interview released on 12-21-21 with Jeff Nelson here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=199f4dff26be0bba46c7db9b60685730
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Chris Overholt - President and CEO of OverActive Media - on the rise of esports and gaming, and what it means for the future of sports fandom.
Chris and AJ discuss how OAM's esports model reflects traditional sports properties that own and operate teams in multiple leagues. They also examine how brands can use esports to authentically reach younger generations.
Details:
2:00 Chris Overholt's background
6:30 OAM: A media company for the 21st century
19:40 How traditional sports properties reach an esports audience
23:45 The future of esports fandom
34:45 Crypto, gambling, and emerging trends
39:35 Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Gene Smith - Director of Athletics at Ohio State - shares his thoughts on expanding the CFP to 8 or 12 teams.
He highlights the opportunity that expansion would provide for teams that often don't have a realistic chance to make the top 4, while also acknowledging the risk of devaluing the lower level bowl games for fans - in the same way that the NCAA basketball tournament devalues conference tournaments.
Listen to the full interview released on 12-8-21 with AJ Maestas here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=d0c53ae36b6339643c529a0f6571effd
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Xavier Gutierrez - President, CEO, & Alternate Governor of the Arizona Coyotes - on his career path from finance, to politics, to the NHL. He shares his experience as the league's first Latino president, and how he plans to market the Coyotes to the Latino community.
He and AJ also discuss the team's commitment to Arizona, including their 2-billion dollar arena development plan in Tempe.
Details:
1:55 - Being the first Latino president in the NHL
9:55 - Xavier’s background in finance and politics
26:15 - The Coyotes and sports betting, given they own a casino
28:45 - Building a new arena
35:35 - The Coyotes commitment to Arizona
38:10 - Coyotes business practices
44:30 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Julie Uhrman - Co-Founder and President of Angel City FC - on launching the club in the crowded LA sports marketplace, and the vision that she and the team share that helps them stand out from the crowd.
Listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/julie-uhrman-angel-city-fc/id1544529117?i=1000542940127
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Oracle is one of the most respected brands in sports marketing. Ariel Kelman - EVP and Chief Marketing Officer - joins the show to highlight his strategy for utilizing sports sponsorships that tell a story.
He shares why Oracle's partnership with Red Bull Racing is a perfect platform to highlight the ways that their technology are utilized by the team. When meeting with potential partners, he always looks for tech-focused organizations that would be utilizing Oracle's services whether or not there was a sponsorship deal in place.
Details
2:20 - Red Bull Racing/F1
9:25 - Premier League
16:25 - Ariel’s background
27:00 - Transitioning during COVID-19
33:05 - How to make a deal with Oracle
35:30 - Metaverse
40:20 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Amiel Sawdaye - SVP & Assistant GM for the Arizona Diamondbacks - discusses how a team can enter a rebuilding phase without tanking for draft picks. He also talks about how his team can be competitive despite having roughly half the payroll of the other teams in the NL West.
Listen to the full interview here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amiel-sawdaye-arizona-diamondbacks/id1544529117?i=1000541332980
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Gene Smith has been Director of Athletics at Ohio State for 17 years. He joins the show with AJ Maestas to discuss the current state of college athletics, plus the impact that NIL and a possible CFP expansion will have on the landscape.
Gene also shares lessons he learned from his parents at a young age that helped him overcome adversity early in his career.
Details:
2:00 - Gene's career path
14:55 - Diversity in sports
26:00 - Changes in college sports
35:30 - CFP expansion
39:25 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Ryan DeVos - VP, Shareholder Engagement for the Orlando Magic - on the importance of keeping the Magic brand fresh and continuing to innovate while also paying homage to the team's history. He also touches on how a commitment to data and analytics is helping the team succeed from a business perspective.
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Julie Uhrman - Co-Founder & President of Angel City FC - joins Jeff Nelson to discuss the powerful mission behind the club, and the reasons why they're poised for success on and off the pitch.
Julie shares stories from her career, including the entrepreneurial drive that motivated her to buy and operate the campus laundry service while she was an undergrad at Washington University in St. Louis. She also talks about overcoming challenges like COVID-19 and the recent string of scandals across the NWSL.
Details:
1:45 - The founding of ACFC
11:35 - Julie’s background
18:45 - The impact of COVID-19
21:45 - Tips for hiring
28:15 - The crowded LA sports marketplace
30:40 - NWSL Scandal
35:05 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Peter Feigin - President of the Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum - on the experience of winning an NBA Championship, and what it means for the business side of the franchise. He also shares what it was like to plan events like the championship parade without feeling like he was jinxing his team's chances.
Listen to the full interview here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peter-feigin-milwaukee-bucks/id1544529117?i=1000538442989
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Amiel Sawdaye is the SVP & Assistant General Manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
He joins AJ Maestas for an in-person interview to discuss what goes on in an MLB front office, and the experiences and connections he collected early in his career that lead him to his current role.
Amiel also explains why he's optimistic about his club's future, despite having roughly half the payroll of the other teams in their division.
Details:
3:05 Amiel’s lifelong passion for baseball
18:15 - The importance of a strong farm system
28:25: Signing marketable players
34:20 - Attracting younger fans to baseball
37:15 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Green Bay Packers CEO & President, Mark Murphy on the team's unique perspective as a publicly owned sports franchise. He also gives his thoughts on why the NFL has maintained its status as the country's most popular league. At the time of publishing, the Packers are 7-1 and are leading the NFC North.
Listen to the full episode from March here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mark-murphy-green-bay-packers/id1544529117?i=1000514197920
Ryan DeVos joins Jeff Nelson to give us a behind-the-scenes look into the world of family business within professional sports.
As the VP, Shareholder Engagement for the Orlando Magic, and a member of the team's ownership family, they discuss how Ryan has grown up with the team, from a young fan to a leading executive, and all of his career stops along the way.
Details:
3:00 - The origin of the Orlando Magic
16:00 - Ryan’s career path
22:40 - Magic Gaming / Esports
29:30 - Innovating as a franchise
35:45 - COVID-19
43:00 - Rapid Fire questions
Ryan's Orlando Restaurant Recommendations:
Hillstone
Luke's Kitchen
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Greg Sankey - SEC Commissioner - on the conference's media deal with Disney and why money wasn't the main focus of the negotiations, despite the deal earning the SEC $300M per year for 15 football games and 8 basketball games.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/greg-sankey-sec/id1544529117?i=1000503316099
Peter Feigin - President of the Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum - joins the show with guest host, Jeff Nelson.
They discuss the aftermath of winning an NBA Championship, the plans for capitalizing on the momentum of the win, and how Giannis Antetokounmpo has impacted the team's international appeal.
Details:
1:40 - The NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks
9:30 - 13-year-old Peter’s dog-walking business
11:45 - Peter's journey to the Bucks
26:55 - The challenges of 2020
30:00 - The evolution of the Bucks
35:30 - Working with Adam Silver
38:25 - Career advice
40:00 - Hot topics in sports
43:30 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Gloria Nevarez - Commissioner of the West Coast Conference - on how the conference is integrating esports across all schools and the possibility of making it a varsity sport in the near future.
With the rising popularity of esports around the world, there's an opportunity to capture the attention of new fans that wouldn't ordinarily be watching college sports.
Listen to the full episode from March here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gloria-nevarez-west-coast-conference/id1544529117?i=1000512382754
Ishwara Glassman Chrein - President of Chicago Fire FC - met up with AJ Maestas at the SBJ Thought Leaders retreat in Lake Tahoe. They discuss her strategies for content creation and monetization and how behind-the-scenes access can improve fan engagement.
They also talk about Ishwara's résumé before joining the Fire, and how her background outside of sports has prepared her for her current role.
Details:
2:00 - Ishwara’s Background
2:45 - Creating and monetizing content
7:20 - Chicago Fire
13:05 - Women in professional sports
22:00 - The future of MLS
26:35 - Sponsorship and The Fire’s Success
30:00 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
MLB Chief Strategy & Operations Officer Chris Marinak on the recent and upcoming innovations that will increase fan engagement and monetize league content.
He touches on the MLB Film Room and Rally products which seek to revolutionize the way we watch highlights and the way we consume live baseball. He also paints a picture of the next evolution of MLB fandom and how his team is working to create a personalized experience for every fan.
Listen to the full interview here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chris-marinak-mlb/id1544529117?i=1000508482520
Former Pac-12 Commissioner - Larry Scott - on the success of the conference's media deal, and what he would have done differently regarding the launch of the Pac-12 Network.
The Tier 1 media deal he negotiated increased annual revenue 3x from the prior deal, and also introduced a new structure that shared revenue equally between schools.
The Pac-12 Network project was not originally launched with profit in mind, but rather focused on exposure. The recruiting advantage of that exposure directly impacted the Pac-12's success across multiple sports, especially women's basketball.
Listen to the full interview with AJ Maestas here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/larry-scott-pac-12/id1544529117?i=1000530266825
Tod Leiweke - CEO of the Seattle Kraken - on the success that the Kraken have seen before even playing an NHL game. He also touches on the process behind selecting the team name, the importance of building a diverse organization, and how sports can act as a unifying force in a difficult time.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tod-leiweke-seattle-kraken/id1544529117?i=1000511411432
Roger Valdiserri worked for the Notre Dame Athletics Department for 3 decades. Over the years, he witnessed some of the best games in college football history, and some of the greatest collegiate athletes of all time.
He shares how he got Joe Theisman's entire family to change the pronunciation of their last name to rhyme with Heisman, and some of his other favorite stories from his time at ND.
Listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/roger-valdiserri-notre-dame/id1544529117?i=1000504498184
Buffalo Bills and Sabres Co-Owner Kim Pegula is the only female president in both the NFL and NHL. She shares her experiences and her thoughts on women in sports and what the industry can do to continue improving diversity and inclusion efforts.
Listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kim-pegula-buffalo-bills-sabres/id1544529117?i=1000518023316
Will the XFL ever make a comeback?
In this highlight from our very first episode, Oliver Luck - former XFL Commissioner - explains what a potential competitor to the NFL or college football would need to get right in order to succeed.
He also shares some of his favorite innovations that the XFL made in terms of football, broadcasting, and the business model of a professional league.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oliver-luck-xfl-nfl-ncaa/id1544529117?i=1000502106835
With decades of experience working for Nike, Adidas, and later Reebok, Sonny Vaccaro is one of the most significant figures in the history of sports marketing.
His work played a large role in shaping the current marketing landscape in college athletics. Beyond that, his personal war with the NCAA, and his recruiting of Ed O'Bannon to the now famous Supreme Court case, had a direct impact on the implementation of NIL rule changes in 2021.
Details:
2:05 - Name, Image, Likeness
6:10 - Sonny & the NCAA
10:30 - Ed O’Bannon & the Supreme Court
13:35 - The future of college athletics
19:00 - Injustice - in sports and in history
27:40 - Sonny’s marketing gameplan
44:00 - Sonny’s legacy
There's a lot more to Sonny Vaccaro's story than we could fit into one podcast. Learn more in Sonny's documentary: Sole Man.
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Azania Andrews - VP, Connections at Anheuser-Busch - on how their organizational culture and their "bias to action" allow them to react quickly to trends and to build nationally lauded marketing campaigns in sometimes only a few hours.
Listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/azania-andrews-anheuser-busch/id1544529117?i=1000528841858
Episode recorded in June 2021, prior to the ending of Larry Scott's Commissioner term.
Larry Scott - Former Commissioner of the Pac-12 - joins the show to talk about his experience leading a Power 5 conference, including his biggest successes and greatest challenges from the past 12 years on the job.
He and AJ discuss the Pac-12 Network, the reality of NIL, and how we almost saw a Pac-16 super conference in 2010 with the potential additions of Big 12 powerhouses like Texas and Oklahoma.
Details:
1:15 - Larry’s background
3:15 - Pac-12 Expansion
11:45 - TV deals & the Pac-12 Network
25:45 - Succeeding at Olympic sports AND football
33:05 - NIL
42:30 - What’s next for Larry Scott?
45:25 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Val Ackerman - Big East Commissioner - on why the name, image and likeness era is one of the most momentous junctures in NCAA history.
When student-athletes are selecting a school to attend, they look for the best personal fit in terms of coaching staff, facilities, playing time, academics, proximity to home, and now NIL opportunities.
Link to Full Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/val-ackerman-big-east/id1544529117?i=1000527346274
Anheuser-Busch is well-known for some of the most innovative and exciting activations, advertisements, and marketing campaigns in sports. As VP of Connections, Azania Andrews has a hand in creating all of it.
She explains how A-B is able to react quickly to trends that are relevant to consumers, how she helped make Michelob Ultra the #2 beer brand in the country, and why keeping fans connected at a local level will be more important than ever in a post-pandemic world.
Management Leaders for Tomorrow: https://mlt.org/
Details:
1:35 - Azania’s Background
5:50 - Diversity & Inclusion at A-B
11:30 - Beginning a new role at the start of a pandemic
15:50 - Reacting quickly as a brand
20:10 - Michelob Ultra is the #2 beer brand in the country
23:00 - Leveraging an influencer program
27:45 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
Matt Davis - Head of U.S. Sports Marketing at Anheuser-Busch - shares the biggest lessons he's learned about engaging sports fans, and why brands should aim to be part of the excitement surrounding the event, rather than a distraction. He also gives his advice for teams hoping to partner with Anheuser-Busch.
Jeff Adams Ad Example:
Link to full episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matt-davis-anheuser-busch/id1544529117?i=1000523902596
Val Ackerman was the founding President of the WNBA. Now she draws on her years of experience as a professional basketball player, executive, and journalist in her role as Commissioner of the Big East.
She joined the Big East in 2013 while the conference was reeling from the departure of 7 member schools. She discusses with AJ how her team overcame that challenge and compares the similarities to their most recent obstacle, the COVID-19 pandemic.
They also discuss the impact of NIL on college athletics, advice she took from NBA Commissioner David Stern, and the future of the WNBA.
Details:
1:55 - Val’s basketball career
5:00 - Title IX
12:45 - Launching the WNBA
18:25 - Big East
24:15 - NIL
35:40 - Rapid Fire Questions
Nick Kelly on the importance of getting access to decision-makers when pitching a brand like Anheuser-Busch, and why smaller properties should "stay local" when trying to make a deal happen.
Listen to the full episode here.
This week AJ interviews Nick Kelly - President of Charlotte FC and former VP of Partnerships, Beer Culture & Community at AB InBev.
They discuss what it has been like launching an MLS team during the COVID shutdown, the biggest lessons Nick learned in his transition from brand to property, and how soccer teams in the U.S. can engage with fans of international clubs.
Details:
1:55 - Transitioning from AB InBev to Charlotte FC
4:30 - Launching a new club during COVID-19
10:45 - Looking back to years on the brand side
17:50 - How to get a deal with AB InBev
22:00 - Nick’s perception of MLS
35:55 - The future of MLS
39:00 - Sports gambling
42:15 - Rapid Fire Questions
Burke Magnus - President of Programming and Original Content for ESPN - discusses why building a community of sports fans might actually be more important than the quality of sports content, and how a mobile-based co-viewing platform could be the next big innovation in broadcasting.
AJ Maestas details how international NBA fans who may never get the chance to attend a game in person could use augmented reality to enjoy courtside seats with their friends and family.
Listen to the full episode: Here
Matt Davis - Head of U.S. Sports Marketing at Anheuser-Busch - joins the show with guest host Jeff Nelson.
Matt shares what it was like to transition into a new role during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also discuss what makes A-B one of the largest and most successful brands in the sports industry, including their commitment to data and analytics, the importance of flexibility, and their process for staying ahead of new trends.
Details:
2:05 - Jeff and Matt enjoy an A-B beverage
2:50 - Matt’s new role as Head of U.S. Sports Marketing
8:10 - Surprises from the pandemic
13:00 - Matt’s Background
23:25 - Research and data in building strategy
30:45 - Changing trends in sports marketing
36:45 - Innovations from the pandemic that are here to stay
40:20 - Rapid Fire Questions
Phil Mickelson is changing the history of golf - at the age of 50 he won his sixth Major by claiming the 2021 PGA Championship title!
Phil's longtime agent and former college coach Steve Loy shares how he recruited Phil to play for him at Arizona State, and how their relationship has evolved over the past three decades. Phil is one of the highest earning athletes of all time, with career endorsements totaling around $750M.
You can listen to the full interview on Navigating Sports Business, and check out our YouTube channel for more highlights.
Listen to the full episode: Here
Burke Magnus is often the person who decides what sports content we get to see on TV in his role as EVP, Programming and Original Content for ESPN.
He and AJ discuss how he got to where he is today, what makes a good partner for ESPN, and why co-viewing might be the next big innovation in sports media.
Details:
1:45 - Burke’s background
8:40 - The future of the CFP
13:25 - COVID-19’s impact on ESPN
16:20 - The future of sports media
27:00 - UFC, NBA, and how properties succeed in 2021
30:35 - FAANG companies and sports
33:40 - Co-viewing in the future
39:55 - Sports betting
44:05 - Rapid Fire Questions
Justin Toman - Head of Sports Marketing for PepsiCo - discusses the factors he considers when planning a sponsorship campaign and selecting a partner.
You can listen to the full interview on Navigating Sports Business, and check out our YouTube channel for more highlights.
Listen to the full episode: Here
Ray Anderson - VP for University Athletics and Athletic Director at Arizona State University - has a résumé unlike most other athletic directors.
After finding success in the NFL as an agent and executive, he transitioned to the collegiate side in 2014. He and AJ discuss the differences between pro and collegiate sports, NIL, the Novus Innovation Corridor, and the $1 Million dollar donation that Ray and his wife gave to resurrect the men's tennis program at ASU.
Details:
1:35 - Navigating COVID
6:25 - Ray’s Background
9:40 - Transitioning to Collegiate Athletics
14:00 - Nontraditional Hiring at ASU
17:00 - Diversity in College Athletics
20:45 - Facilities
30:00 - NIL
35:30 - Ray’s $1M donation to ASU Tennis
38:33 - Pac-12 Commissioner Search
44:50 - Rapid Fire Questions
PepsiCo is one of the most active brands in the world for investing in sponsorships. This week, Justin Toman - Head of Sports Marketing - discusses the strategies behind some of Pepsi's most iconic activations, the importance of aligning sponsorships with business objectives, and what Justin looks for in a potential partner. He is also a former world-class gymnast who competed in the Olympic trials with a torn ACL.
Details:
1:50 - Justin’s Gymnastics Background
13:45 - Beating Tom Brady
16:15 - PepsiCo’s Collegiate Sponsorships
17:40 - A cameo from Justin’s daughter/The silver linings of COVID
19:30 - NIL
23:45 - PepsiCo’s Sponsorship Strategy
26:30 - LeBron James & Mtn Dew Rise
28:45 - Water brands driving revenue
31:05 - Aligning sponsorships with business objectives
36:00 - How to partner with PepsiCo
39:15 - Data and Insights
45:55 - Rapid Fire Questions
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page and learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/
When Kim Pegula - CEO and Owner of Pegula Sports & Entertainment - took on the role of President for both the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, she became the first female president in NFL and NHL history.
Kim and AJ talk about what it's like having a seat at the table for some of the most important conversations in professional sports. They also discuss the Bills' recent success, a possible new stadium in Buffalo, and her daughter Jessica's professional tennis career.
Details:
1:55 - The Bills’ Success in 2020-21
5:00 - A new stadium in Buffalo?
7:30 - Canadian Bills fans
12:40 - Hockey or Football?
15:05 - Other franchises
22:30 - How Kim met her husband Terry
26:30 - Kim’s childhood
34:00 - Jessica Pegula’s pro tennis career/ Kim’s family
38:05 - First female NFL & NHL president
45:40 - Rapid Fire Questions
Books Mentioned:
Talking to Strangers, by Malcom Gladwell
Think Again, by Adam Grant
No one knows more about the Pac-12 than Jon Wilner - journalist for Bay Area News Group whose Pac-12 Hotline column is syndicated throughout the West.
He and AJ discuss what happens behind-the-scenes when a conference is choosing a new commissioner, how NIL will change college sports as we know them, and the relative importance of exposure versus money when negotiating a media deal.
Jon is also a voter for AP Top 25 for football and basketball as well as the Heisman Trophy. He breaks down how his thought process differs from other voters.
Details:
2:20 - The state of the Pac-12
6:15 - AP Top 25 voting
11:10 - Pac-12 Commissioner search
22:30 - Future of the conference & NIL
35:40 - Rapid Fire questions
Amy Latimer is the President of TD Garden, home to the NHL's Boston Bruins and NBA's Boston Celtics. After successful seasons for both teams in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down live events, and pro sports venues were among the hardest hit.
On this week's episode, Amy joins AJ to discuss how she was able to overcome the challenges of 2020, and how TD Garden's business emerged from the shutdown stronger than ever. They elaborate on the future of live sports, including mobile betting in venues, and new forms of fan engagement.
Amy also highlights the innovations, mindset, and hard work that got her to this point in her career.
Details
1:50 - Adapting to COVID-19
6:30 - Innovations in facility management
13:20 - Mobile Betting
15:45 - Equality in sports
20:15 - Fan experience
22:20 - What’s next for Amy?
24:25 - Following in Amy’s footsteps
30:15 - Favorite memories from TD Garden
33:30 - Former athletes in the C-suite
36:10 - Rapid Fire questions
Revolutionizing the college sports media landscape and founding Host Communications was only the start of Jim Host’s story.
On this week’s episode he talks about his time as a DI pitcher, his start as a businessman, and what he learned in his run for Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky.
He also shares his thoughts on NIL and how student-athletes may be compensated in the near future.
Details:
3:05 - The keys to Jim’s success
9:45 - NIL
19:25 - Mentors and Kentucky legends
36:55 - Jim’s Legacy
Find Jim's Book here.
As an NFL player, DI Athletic Director, and now the President & CEO of the Green Bay Packers, Mark Murphy has experienced the sports industry from all sides.
His interview with guest host Jeff Nelson - Navigate President and lifelong Packers fan - explores a wide range of topics that include NFL labor relations, winning a Super Bowl, and appealing to the next generation of NFL fans.
Details:
3:30 - NFC Championship Game
6:45 - Mark’s career background
12:45 - Labor relations in the NFL
20:40 - Winning a Super Bowl
24:10 - What’s next for the Mark and the Packers?
24:55 - The impact of being a publicly owned team
28:20 - Changes due to COVID-19
30:00 - Sports betting
31:20 - The next generation of NFL fans
36:05 - Analytics
37:25 - Rapid Fire Questions
Andy Pierce, Special Advisor to Bruin Sports Capital, joins the show to discuss the role of private equity in the sports industry and how access to capital is shaping the landscape for 2021 and beyond.
Andy also shares some of the great stories from his 20+ years at IMG working alongside industry legends like Arnold Palmer and Mark McCormack.
Details:
1:30 - Andy’s background
11:15 - Private equity & investing in sports
29:15 - Arnold Palmer
34:15 - Current state of pro golf
37:25 - Rapid Fire questions
West Coast Conference Commissioner, Gloria Nevarez, joins the show to discuss the current state of college athletics and shares her thoughts on NIL, the one-time transfer rule, and why conferences and athletic departments tend to lag when it comes to racial and gender diversity.
Under Gloria's leadership, the WCC recently created the "Russell Rule," named after the legendary conference alum Bill Russell. The rule attempts to increase diversity by requiring athletic departments to include a member of a traditionally underrepresented community in the final hiring pool for all significant job searches including athletic director, senior administrator, head coach, and full-time assistant.
Details
1:25 - Current State of the WCC
3:00 - Esports
9:00 - One-Time Transfer Rule
16:40 - NIL
22:25 - The Russell Rule
33:35 - The PAC-12 Commissioner Opening
37:25 - Rapid Fire Questions
Click Here to learn more about Dr. Rick Hodes Medical Programs and help raise money for spinal surgeries for children in Ethiopia.
Tod Leiweke - CEO of the Seattle Kraken - is an accomplished sports executive with an impressive résumé and a compelling personal story. He has held leadership positions at the Seahawks, Sounders, Trail Blazers, Tampa Bay Sports & Entertainment, and the NFL. He is also a minority owner of the Seattle Sounders.
This week's episode features a great conversation about Tod's path from being a child in St. Louis to becoming a sports industry leader. He and AJ also discuss the excitement and challenges of launching a new NHL team, and the vision that Tod has for the Kraken.
Details
1:20 - Tod’s background
7:15 - Overcoming adversity
12:30 - Tod’s experience with the NFL
16:55 - Renovating Climate Pledge Arena
21:20 - The return of the Supersonics
24:00 - Launching the Kraken
35:45 - Rapid Fire Questions
Tod's Book Recommendation
Idea Man by Paul Allen
College athletics has experienced a turbulent period over the last 12 months. In that time, Steve Berkowitz - Sports Project Reporter for USA Today - has covered coaches' compensation, COVID-19, NIL, and more. He brings his unique perspective on the sports industry to this week's episode of Navigating Sports Business.
In this episode, Steve gives his outlook on the next few years of college sports, and how NIL fits into that equation. He and AJ also discuss journalism in the 21st century and the relationship between the speed and accuracy of reporting.
Details
2:15 - Steve’s Background
3:05 - Coaches’ Compensation
8:05 - The impact of social media on journalism
10:55 - The future of the NCAA
30:30 - NIL
43:40 - Rapid Fire Questions
Luke Bould, Director at Alacria, has been recognized as one of the top CMOs in Australia. He has had enormous success in bringing new generations of sports fans to cricket and soccer. He also played a role in Australia's successful bid to host the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023.
He and AJ discuss strategies for marketing to a younger audience, the impact that sports gambling will have on the American sports business, and how the U.S. may be on the path to becoming an even more crowded marketplace for sports content.
Details
1:25 - Luke’s Background
8:05 - Cricket Australia and the Big Bash
12:25- The Australian sports marketplace
20:33 - The next generation of sports fans
43:40 - Monetizing sports gambling
49:40 - About Alacria
51:45 - Rapid Fire Questions
Major League Baseball's Chris Marinak joins us this week. As Chief Operations & Strategy Officer, Chris shares with AJ how his team overcame the challenges of COVID-19, and how the solutions they found might impact the future of professional baseball.
Chris presents his thoughts on how cutting-edge technology can help MLB appeal to all fans, including a new generation of baseball enthusiasts.
Details:
2:30 - Innovating due to COVID
12:25 - The future of baseball
25:10 - Monetizing digital assets
33:35 - The next generation of baseball fans
38:45 - Chris’s background
Mike Haynes is an NFL Hall of Fame cornerback who played 14 years in the league with the Patriots and Raiders. He is a businessman, a cancer survivor, and an advocate for increased research on concussion safety.
AJ and Mike discuss the early days of his football career, diversity in sports, the transition from player to executive, and why Mike is set on living to 125-years-old.
Details:
2:05 - Mike’s Football Background
4:32 - Choosing ASU
7:10 - Race & Diversity in Sports
19:39 - Concussions and CTE
25:12 - The business side of sports
27:17 - Prostate cancer awareness
31:45 - Tips to live to 125 years old
Steve Loy is the longtime agent and business partner to golfer Phil Mickelson, one of the highest earning professional athletes of all time. Known by "Coach" to many, Loy began his relationship with Mickelson while recruiting him to play for his golf team at Arizona State.
His conversation with AJ includes a history of how he transitioned from coach to agent, his strategy for succeeding in business, and his opinions on the current state of professional golf.
Details
0:00 - Coach’s résumé
4:45 - Negotiating endorsement deals
12:55 - Recruiting Phil Mickelson
17:30 - Turning pro
23:30 - “Never invest in the business you’re in”
30:00 - Coach’s background
37:10 - How would you change the PGA?
The second part of AJ's conversation with the legendary sports agent to Michael Jordan and Stan Smith focuses on advice learned over the course of a successful career. Donald Dell also gives his takes on current events including COVID-19, and NIL in college athletics.
If you missed it, check out Part 1 for stories about Donald's work with Michael Jordan, Arthur Ashe, and Stan Smith.
Details:
0:00 - Life during COVID-19
3:40 - Advice from Donald
6:35 - Mark Murphy story
12:05 - Sports career advice
16:45 - NIL
21:40 - Donald’s legacy
Roger Valdiserri, Notre Dame legend, is one of the most influential people in the history of college athletics. He worked 21 men's basketball Final Fours, 2 Olympic games, and even a World Cup. He played a role in so many monumental moments in sports history from serving on the original Knight Commission to working behind the scenes of the film "Rudy."
He even convinced Joe Theismann to pronounce his last name "like Heisman." We are honored to have him on today's episode with AJ Maestas.
Details:
0:00 - Introductions
2:20 - The Story of Joe Theismann, “like Heisman”
4:00 - Notre Dame Legends
9:30 - Roger’s path to Notre Dame
16:45 - Kansas City Chiefs
23:00 - The Dream Team
29:40 - Name, Image, and Likeness
34:00 - Rudy
38:00 - Building a national brand
39:55 - More Notre Dame Legends
51:50 - Roger’s legacy
Donald Dell is one of the most impactful agents in the history of sport. As the founder of ProServ, his list of notable clients includes Arthur Ashe, Stan Smith, Patrick Ewing, and of course, Michael Jordan.
Donald and AJ discuss some of the largest and most important apparel deals ever, including Michael Jordan's first deal with Nike, and Stan Smith's contract in perpetuity with Adidas.
Details:
00:00 - Donald’s Background
6:40 - Arthur Ashe, Stan Smith, and the creation of ProServ
11:20 - Michael Jordan
30:50 - Negotiating Apparel Deals
Greg Sankey, Commissioner of the SEC, joins AJ Maestas on today's episode of Navigating Sports Business podcast. They discuss operating during COVID-19, the path to becoming commissioner, the future of collegiate athletics, and some great book recommendations.
Details:
00:00 - Commissioner Sankey's background
3:50 - Handling COVID in the SEC
17:20 - Book Recommendations
25:00 - Was playing football in 2020 the right decision?
31:10 - New SEC television deal with ABC
42:20 - The future of collegiate athletics
57:20 - Leadership and social justice
1:01:00 - Personal habits for success
Book Recommendations:
Leadership Strategy and Tactics, by Jocko Willink
The Life You Always Wanted, by John Ortberg
Be Quick But Don’t Hurry, by Andrew Hill
Book of Ecclesiastes, Old Testament
Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets, by Andy Stanley
Thinking in Bets, by Annie Duke
How Churchill Waged War, by Allen George Packwood
Philanthropic Organizations:
neverthirst
Compassion International
AJ Maestas met up with former NFL quarterback and longtime sports industry executive Oliver Luck on our first episode of Navigating Sports Business. They discuss the differences between collegiate and professional sports from a management perspective, the future of American football overseas, and the viability of new leagues hoping to rival the NFL.
Oliver Luck has been an executive in professional and college athletics for over 35 years. Most recently, he was the Commissioner of the XFL, the spring football league that kicked off in February of 2020.
Breakdown:
00:00: Introductions and Oliver’s football playing career
11:23: Oliver’s experience in Germany
22:00: Alternatives to the NCAA/NFL
27:10: Name, Image, and Likeness
40:20: XFL
49:10 Houston Sports Authority
58:30 Oliver’s time at NCAA HQ
1:08:00 Advice and personal stories