Andrew Yaffe: Lessons from a new CEO on scaling Dude Perfect

In this episode of On Stage, Andrew Yaffe, CEO of Dude Perfect, joins Bret McCormick, Staff Reporter at Sports Business Journal, for a conversation about how one of the world's most recognizable creator brands is redefining sports fandom for a new generation. Recorded in June 2026 at SBJ's Brand Innovation Summit in Chicago, the discussion explores Dude Perfect's remarkable evolution—from five friends making trick-shot videos at Texas A&M to a global entertainment business with nearly 100 million followers, live tours, merchandise, premium brand partnerships, and a long-term vision that stretches far beyond social media.  Yaffe shares how the company is thinking about its next chapter, including:  Building a Lasting Brand: Why Dude Perfect hired its first CEO and how the company is evolving from a creator collective into a multi-platform sports and entertainment business.   Authenticity at Scale: How the founders have stayed true to their original mission of simply making content that's fun—even after 17 years of explosive growth.   Beyond Digital: The strategy behind expanding into live experiences, consumer products, media, and physical destinations that deepen fan engagement.   The Creator Economy: What traditional sports organizations can learn from digital-first brands about building community and reaching younger audiences.   Culture as Strategy: Why creativity, trust, and long-term thinking are the foundation of sustainable growth.   It's an insightful look at how one of sports entertainment's most innovative brands is turning internet success into an enduring business.  Sign up for SBJ 360, our free, daily newsletter. SBJ 360 delivers a concise, high-level overview of the most important stories shaping the sports industry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.