The Sports Business Leaders Podcast

Zach Henderson has spent more than a decade helping some of the biggest organizations in sports grow revenue, holding leadership roles with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Nationals, Indianapolis Colts, and Comcast Spectacor before joining WolfCycle as Director of Client Success.In this episode, Zach shares lessons from leading sales teams across the NFL and MLB, what separates organizations that consistently grow revenue from those that don't, and how AI is transforming the way teams engage fans and drive ticket sales.We also discuss the importance of personalization, building a 360-degree view of the customer, adopting new technology, and why the best leaders focus on solving problems—not just identifying them.Whether you work for a team, league, or company selling into sports, this conversation is full of practical insights on sales, leadership, innovation, and the future of fan engagement.

Jeremy Goldberg, President of LeagueApps, joins the Sports Business Leaders Podcast to discuss how the company has grown into one of the leading technology platforms serving youth and local sports organizations. Since its founding in 2010, LeagueApps has helped power thousands of organizations, supports more than 80 professional sports teams, and processes billions of dollars in sports programming.In this conversation, Jeremy shares the entrepreneurial journey behind LeagueApps, how the company evolved from an adult sports startup into a leader in youth sports technology, and why staying close to customers has been one of its biggest competitive advantages. We also discuss the rapid professionalization of youth sports, the role of technology and AI, lessons from raising capital, and why mission-driven leadership continues to shape LeagueApps' long-term vision.Whether you're building a sports technology company, investing in youth sports, or simply interested in the future of the industry, this episode is packed with insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and creating lasting impact through sports.

Dr. Richard D. Myles Sr., Founder and Chairman of the Minor Football League (MFL), joins the Sports Business Leaders Podcast to share his vision for creating opportunities beyond the traditional football pipeline. After playing in the NFL, Dr. Myles launched the MFL in 1993 with a mission to develop athletes, future coaches, front office executives, and community leaders through what he calls the "Laboratory of Change."In this episode, Dr. Myles discusses the inspiration behind building the nation's only professional developmental football league, the challenges of turning a decades-long vision into reality, and why every athlete should prepare for life beyond the field. We also explore the changing landscape of college athletics, NIL, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the importance of persistence when building something that doesn't yet have a blueprint.Whether you're passionate about football, sports business, or entrepreneurship, this conversation offers valuable lessons on resilience, purpose, and creating lasting impact both on and off the field.

On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Han Park, Founder & CEO of Payment Labs.After spending more than 20 years helping build ESL Gaming into a billion-dollar business, Han founded Payment Labs to solve one of the biggest challenges in sports: moving money across borders quickly, securely, and compliantly. Today, Payment Labs powers payments in 180+ countries and works with organizations including X Games, Microsoft, SEGA, AVP, APP, and The Snow League.We discuss how sports organizations can modernize their payment infrastructure, why selling into teams requires a different go-to-market strategy, and the role relationships play in winning business across the sports industry.

Nate Thompson is the Founder of Catalyst Sports Ventures, Co-Founder of HTX Sports Tech, and creator of The Lab in Los Angeles, a new hub connecting founders, investors, executives, and athletes across the sports industry.With more than 20 years of experience spanning the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Guardians, Houston Astros, and collegiate athletics, Nate has built a career around connecting people, ideas, and opportunities. In this episode, he shares how his experience inside professional sports led him to build an ecosystem that helps startups grow, teams innovate, and investors identify emerging opportunities.We discuss the evolution of sports technology, why relationships remain one of the industry's greatest competitive advantages, what founders need to know when selling to teams and leagues, and how The Lab is creating a space where sports, business, and innovation come together. Nate also shares lessons from launching Major Level Creatives, HTX Sports Tech, and Catalyst Sports Ventures, along with his vision for the future of sports entrepreneurship.If you're building a sports startup, investing in sports technology, or looking to better understand how innovation reaches teams and leagues, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Kylee Renouf is the Director of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships at Signature Athletics, a company building one of the most comprehensive ecosystems in youth sports. What started with the #1 lacrosse ball has expanded into custom team gear, sports camps, media, strategic partnerships, and initiatives focused on making youth sports more accessible.In this episode, Kylee shares how Signature approaches marketing by educating and serving parents, coaches, and program directors before promoting products. She explains why trust has become one of the most valuable assets in today's content landscape, how strategic partnerships help reduce costs for youth sports organizations, and why the future belongs to companies that build connected ecosystems rather than standalone products.We also discuss the evolution of youth sports, building a brand through thought leadership, the importance of operational excellence behind great marketing, and Kylee's advice for entrepreneurs on testing ideas, failing fast, and continually improving.

Raphael Gellar is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Forward Sports Group, a boutique football consultancy that advises North American investors, owners, players, coaches, and clubs across the global football ecosystem. Before entering the consulting world, Raphael spent nearly a decade as an internationally syndicated football journalist with work published by the BBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, FourFourTwo, AFP, and more.In this episode, Raphael shares what he's learned from helping investors evaluate and acquire European football clubs. We discuss why investing in Europe differs from American sports ownership, the biggest mistakes new owners make, how globalization is reshaping club ownership, and why understanding local culture is just as important as understanding financials. Raphael also explains how he helps match investors with the right opportunities based on their goals, values, and long-term vision.

Mike Hummel is the Founder and CEO of 1PRCT Labs, the company behind MPG, a clean sports fuel gummy designed to help athletes maintain focus, energy, and performance during long practices and competitions. A former seven-time school record holder at Texas A&M and a coach with more than 20 years of experience working with elite endurance athletes, Mike launched the company after seeing athletes consistently lose focus and performance as training sessions progressed.In this episode, Mike shares how his coaching background led him to identify a gap in the sports nutrition market and what he's learned building a consumer products company from the ground up. He discusses raising nearly $1 million in funding, validating products through grassroots tournament activations, and why listening to customers has shaped every stage of the business. Mike also offers practical advice for entrepreneurs selling to teams, clubs, and sports organizations, including the importance of leading with education, starting with pilot programs, and building credibility one relationship at a time.

Suzann Pettersen is a two-time major champion, former world No. 2, and one of the most accomplished golfers of her generation. After winning 21 professional tournaments and retiring with the iconic winning putt at the 2019 Solheim Cup, Pettersen has turned her focus to growing the business of women's sports as the founder of Voxa, a female-focused athlete management and marketing agency.In this episode, Suzann shares why she launched Voxa, how the agency is creating a more athlete-first approach to representation, and why she believes women's sports are entering a period of unprecedented growth. She also discusses lessons from leading Team Europe in the Solheim Cup, building a business after an elite playing career, the importance of community and leadership, and why now is the time for brands and investors to back women's sports.

Christian Henze is the Chief Strategy Officer at the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), where he has helped shape the league's growth since its early days. In this episode, Christian shares how the PLL has challenged traditional sports models through its touring format, player equity program, first-party fan data strategy, and recent transition to a city-based league. He also explains why community-building, fan engagement, and in-house technology have been central to the PLL's success, and offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs building businesses in sports. Whether you're interested in emerging leagues, sports innovation, or the future of fan experience, this conversation provides an inside look at how one of the fastest-growing leagues in professional sports is thinking differently.

Jes Wolfe is the CEO and Chairwoman of Rebel Girls, a global empowerment brand that has sold more than 13 million books, reached 50 million girls across 100+ countries, and expanded into podcasts, video, consumer products, and live experiences. She is also the Co-Founder and Chairwoman of League One Volleyball San Francisco, one of the newest franchises in the rapidly growing League One Volleyball (LOVB).In this episode, Jes shares her journey from banking and consulting to building multiple high-growth companies. She explains how she evaluates new business opportunities by identifying market size, white space, and commercial viability, and why those principles led her to invest in professional women's volleyball.We also discuss the future of women's sports, how the next generation of fans consumes content differently, why community and experience are becoming competitive advantages, and the importance of gathering customer data and iterating quickly when building a business from the ground up.Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or sports executive, this conversation offers valuable insights into brand building, innovation, and one of the fastest-growing sectors in sports.

Marques Colston, Super Bowl champion and the New Orleans Saints' all-time leading receiver, and Nick Edwards, former professional MMA fighter, entrepreneur, and Managing Partner of Champion Capital, are helping redefine how investors participate in the business of sports. Together, they co-founded Champion Venture Partners and launched the Champion Fund, an innovative investment platform designed to provide broader access to one of the fastest-growing asset classes in the world.In this episode, Marques and Nick share how their backgrounds as professional athletes shaped their approach to leadership, investing, and entrepreneurship. They discuss the philosophy of "Creating Separation," why they're focused on growth-stage sports businesses instead of traditional venture investing, and how they're identifying opportunities across teams, sports technology, media, consumer brands, and the broader sports ecosystem. They also explain why sports has become a year-round business and what founders and investors need to understand to build lasting success in the industry.

Eric Spitz is the Founder and CEO of FanUp.ai, an AI-powered sports technology company helping professional sports teams, leagues, and rights holders unlock the hidden value of their fan data. After pioneering real-time player tracking technology with Trakus, Eric has spent decades building companies at the intersection of technology, media, retail, and data analytics.In this episode, Eric explains how FanUp.ai is creating the emerging category of Fan Asset Management, helping organizations transform dormant fan databases from operational cost centers into valuable revenue-generating assets. Drawing on proven retail loyalty strategies and AI-powered predictive analytics, FanUp enables teams to better understand fan behavior, increase lifetime customer value, and create more personalized experiences.Eric also shares lessons from building multiple successful companies, including how entrepreneurs can earn the trust of professional teams, identify problems worth solving, and position their products around business outcomes instead of features. We also discuss the future of AI in sports, why loyalty programs are still underutilized across professional sports, and how personalized fan experiences will reshape the industry over the next decade.Whether you're building a sports technology company, selling to teams and leagues, or interested in the future of fan engagement, this episode offers practical insights from one of the industry's most experienced entrepreneurs.

Susan Brazer is a global media, technology, and sports executive who has spent decades at the forefront of digital transformation. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles at Apple, Nokia, Virgin Mobile USA, and Showtime Networks, where she helped launch groundbreaking technologies and media platforms that reshaped how consumers access and engage with content. Today, Susan is the Founder and CEO of LionShare Media International and the creator of ThinAir, an AI-powered, mobile-first streaming platform designed to help teams, leagues, broadcasters, and collegiate athletic departments improve fan engagement, athlete monetization, and direct-to-fan media experiences.In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Susan shares her entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of sports media, and why she believes the future of fan engagement will be driven by AI, mobile-first experiences, and direct-to-fan platforms. She also discusses the challenges facing broadcasters and college athletics, lessons from building disruptive technology companies, and her advice for founders creating the next generation of sports innovation.

Artin Eskandari is the Co-Founder and CEO of TWLV, a clinically backed performance nutrition company built specifically for combat and hybrid athletes. Before launching TWLV, Artin built his career across startups, consumer brands, healthcare, and e-commerce, serving in leadership roles at companies including Pharmadrug International, MyTaag, DR. EMI ARPA SKIN, and 032c, while also investing in and advising high-growth businesses across Europe.In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Artin shares his entrepreneurial journey from founding and scaling startups to building TWLV alongside heavyweight boxing contender Agit Kabayel. He discusses the rapid growth of combat sports, the opportunity to create products designed specifically for fighters, and why authenticity, product quality, and strategic partnerships matter when building a consumer brand. Artin also offers valuable lessons for founders looking to break through crowded markets and create businesses that can stand the test of time.

Fran Dunphy is one of the most respected figures in college basketball and the winningest coach in Philadelphia Big 5 history. Across more than three decades as a head coach at Penn, Temple, and La Salle, he built a legacy defined not only by wins and NCAA Tournament appearances, but by leadership, humility, and service to others.In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Coach Dunphy shares lessons from his remarkable career, including overcoming insecurities as a first-time head coach, empowering assistant coaches and players through trust, and navigating the challenge of succeeding legendary coaches. He discusses the value of networking, mentorship, and giving back, while reflecting on the relationships that shaped his journey.Coach Dunphy also shares a powerful story involving Charles Barkley and a young leukemia patient, illustrating how small acts of generosity can leave a lasting impact. The conversation concludes with advice on work-life balance, mental health, and the importance of being fully present wherever your feet are planted.

John Davidson is the founder of Davidson Learning Company (DLC), a sports, gaming, and esports strategist who has helped brands, leagues, teams, and organizations better understand and engage with one of the world's fastest-growing audiences. With a background that spans professional skateboarding, esports, media, and partnership development, John has advised major brands including GameStop and PRG on how to build authentic connections within gaming communities.In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, John shares his journey into esports and explains why so many brands struggle to connect with gamers. He discusses how sports organizations, brands, and cities can create meaningful engagement through gaming, the growing opportunities in youth and scholastic esports, and why authenticity is critical when entering the space. John also offers practical advice for executives looking to leverage gaming as a fan engagement and revenue growth strategy while highlighting the long-term potential of one of the largest entertainment markets in the world.

Briana Candeub and Chelsea Lazar are leaders at Park Avenue Worldwide, a luxury ground transportation and logistics company that has evolved from a regional limousine service into a trusted partner for major sports, entertainment, and corporate organizations. With a fleet of more than 350 vehicles and a global transportation network, Park Avenue Worldwide provides transportation solutions for teams, venues, executives, and large-scale events across the world.In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Brianna and Chelsea share their journey in the family business, lessons learned from working in every aspect of the company, and how Park Avenue Worldwide built partnerships with organizations such as Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks, Philadelphia Phillies, and Comcast Spectacor. They also discuss the growing role of logistics in sports and entertainment, the importance of safety and vendor trust, emerging trends in sports tourism, and what it takes to deliver seamless transportation experiences for some of the industry's most demanding clients.

Jack Dempsey is the Strategic Partnerships and Development Manager at Laurel Springs School, the world's first accredited online private schools serving students across all 50 states and more than 70 countries. A lifelong entrepreneur, Jack spent more than a decade building and operating businesses before joining Laurel Springs, where he now works with student-athletes, performers, entrepreneurs, and families to create flexible educational pathways that support high-performance lifestyles.In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Jack shares his entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of online education, and why more elite athletes, performers, and young entrepreneurs are seeking alternatives to traditional schooling. He also discusses the difference between sponsorships and true partnerships, introduces his concept of "Acceptance Resistance," and shares valuable lessons on relationship-building, trust, and creating long-term value in business. Whether you're an entrepreneur, sports executive, parent, or athlete, this conversation offers practical insights on leadership, partnerships, and adapting to a rapidly changing world.

Topher Bates is the General Manager of Boxing at On Location, the premium hospitality and experiences division of TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of UFC, WWE, PBR, and other global sports and entertainment properties.In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Topher shares how On Location has become the leader in VIP ticketing, hospitality, and exclusive fan experiences across some of the world's biggest sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, Olympics, UFC, and WWE. He discusses the business behind premium experiences, building partnerships with major sports properties, launching TKO's new boxing division, and why success in sports business comes from treating your career like a long-term campaign built on relationships, trust, and consistent execution. 

Mike Lorenz is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of NGU Sports Lighting, LLC, an industry executive credited with pioneering the modern solid-state (LED) retrofit market for sports and entertainment venues. He has spent over a decade leading companies that design and implement high-efficiency arena and stadium illumination systems.In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Mike shares his journey from public accounting to building one of the companies that helped bring LED sports lighting into the mainstream, including projects at Super Bowl venues and major sports facilities across the country. He discusses the evolution of sports venue infrastructure, how lighting impacts fan experience and operations, and what entrepreneurs need to know about building trust and doing business with teams, venues, and sports organizations.

Tim McDermott is one of the most accomplished executives in professional sports, having held leadership positions across four major leagues—the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLS. As President of Philadelphia Union, Tim oversees all business and corporate operations for the club, including Subaru Park, the Philadelphia Union Academy, and Union II.Before joining the Union in 2016 and becoming Club President in 2019, Tim served as Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer for Philadelphia 76ers, Chief Marketing Officer for Philadelphia Eagles, and held senior marketing and sponsorship leadership roles with the Washington Capitals. Earlier in his career, he worked in football operations and sponsorships with the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Diego Chargers.A former college football player at Cornell University and MBA graduate of Harvard Business School, Tim has built a reputation for driving growth, innovation, and fan engagement at some of the most recognizable brands in sports. He also comes from a football family, as the brother of Sean McDermott. In this episode, Tim shares lessons from a career spent building winning organizations, leading through change, and helping shape the future of sports business.

Chris Murphy has spent more than two decades with the Golden State Warriors organization, rising from a ticket sales role to become Senior Vice President of Franchise Development for the Warriors and President of the Santa Cruz Warriors.In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Chris shares how the Santa Cruz Warriors have become one of the premier franchises in the NBA G League. He discusses the importance of ownership support, investing in people and facilities, and treating the G League as a critical extension of the Golden State Warriors organization rather than a standalone team.We also dive into the business side of player development, community engagement, fan experience, creative promotions, and the unique challenges of building a sports franchise in a smaller market. Chris provides valuable insights on organizational culture, franchise growth, and lessons learned from a 21-year career with one of the most successful organizations in professional sports.Whether you're interested in sports business, fan engagement, franchise operations, or the future of the NBA G League, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a winning organization on and off the court.

Jason Hershman, better known as The Sports CFO, built his career as the first finance hire at multiple startups that went on to achieve an IPO and major acquisitions, including a sports technology company that sold for more than $400 million.In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Jason shares his journey from working as a ball boy for the Philadelphia Eagles to becoming one of the leading finance operators in sports. As the founder of PointCFO, he helps sports startups, leagues, media companies, and investors raise capital, build financial infrastructure, and scale for growth.Jason discusses fundraising strategies, financial storytelling, lessons from multiple successful exits, and why he's bullish on youth sports, college athletics, AI, and the future of sports business.

Emiliano Abramzon is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and the co-founder of Nearpod, the interactive learning platform that was acquired by Renaissance Learning in a deal reportedly valued at approximately $650 million. Today, he is the co-founder and CEO of Racquet 360, a company building one of the most comprehensive padel and racquet sports ecosystems in the United States.In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Emiliano shares his journey from scaling a successful technology company to helping grow one of the fastest-growing sports categories in the world. He discusses why padel presents a massive opportunity in the U.S., the similarities between building a SaaS company and a sports business, and how Racquet 360 is creating value through facilities, leagues, events, distribution, and community-building.The conversation also explores customer acquisition, network effects, data-driven decision making, raising capital, building great teams, and the importance of collaboration across emerging sports ecosystems. Whether you're a founder, investor, or sports executive, this episode offers valuable insights on scaling businesses and building industries from the ground up.

Paul Rigault is CEO and co-founder of the DØDS Diving League, a next-generation global sports property built from the ground up for digital-first audiences. He brings more than 25 years of experience as an advertising and media executive, including serving as CEO of Publicis Norway.

Chris Freet is the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at ⁠WMT Digital⁠. On this episode, we discuss how teams, leagues, and entertainment organizations are rethinking fan engagement in the modern era.Chris shares insights from nearly two decades working inside college athletics before helping scale WMT Digital into one of the leading fan data and engagement platforms in sports. The conversation dives into first-party data, fan ownership, AI-driven personalization, loyalty programs, NIL-driven revenue shifts in college sports, and why organizations must stop optimizing only for attendance and start optimizing for “fan economics.”They also discuss how leading teams are building year-round fan relationships, the growing importance of data infrastructure, and what sports executives and entrepreneurs need to understand about the future of the industry.

Larry Meli is the President of the Delaware Blue Coats and longtime executive within the Philadelphia 76ers organization. Larry shares his career journey from working with the Philadelphia Eagles and Comcast Spectacor to leading the Blue Coats and helping shape one of the NBA G League’s premier franchises.The conversation explores the importance of relationship building, being a great teammate, and creating long-term trust throughout a career in sports. Larry also discusses building partnerships, developing talent within organizations, and the Blue Coats’ impact on the Wilmington community. The episode concludes with valuable insights for brands and companies looking to work with sports organizations, emphasizing creativity, authenticity, and customized partnership strategies.

Jason Bernstein is one of the most creative minds in sports media and content strategy. Currently leading partnership innovation and commercial strategy for the United Football League (UFL), Jason is helping shape how modern sports leagues think about content, sponsorship, fan engagement, and emerging technology.Before the UFL, Jason spent years at ESPN and The Walt Disney Company leading more than $2 billion in global media rights negotiations while building innovative content and marketing initiatives across some of the biggest platforms in sports. He has also worked closely with companies like Twitter and Sony to develop cutting-edge digital and content experiences.In this episode, we dive into the evolving business of sports media, the future of AI-powered fan engagement, how leagues create culturally relevant moments, and why entertainment value matters more than ever in today’s sports landscape. We also discuss Jason’s role in helping turn the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest into a nationally recognized television event and what sports properties can learn from creating memorable fan experiences.

Ryan Hawk is an author, keynote speaker, and the host of The Learning Leader Show, one of the world’s leading podcasts focused on leadership, performance, and personal growth. A former Division I quarterback at Ohio University and professional football player, Ryan has built a career helping leaders, teams, and organizations pursue excellence through discipline, consistency, and intentional growth.On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Ryan shares lessons learned from interviewing more than 700 elite performers, including insights from Jim Collins, Simon Sinek, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Alex Hormozi. The conversation dives into resilience, leadership, purpose, and the “100 shots a day” mindset required to sustain long-term success in sports, business, and life.We also discuss Ryan’s upcoming book, The Price of Becoming, and explore the daily habits, sacrifices, and standards that separate good from great.

Mitch Askenas joins the Sports Business Leaders Podcast to cover the future of streaming, fan engagement, and sports media infrastructure. As Executive Director and Head of Commercial for the Americas at Comcast Technology Solutions, Mitch works at the intersection of sports, technology, and media, helping leagues, teams, and broadcasters rethink how they engage and monetize fans in a rapidly changing landscape.The conversation dives into Comcast Technology Solutions’ work powering over 10,000 live sporting events annually, delivering 50 billion streams globally, and supporting some of the largest media and sports properties in the world, including the Super Bowl, Olympics, Formula 1, and World Cup. Mitch also shares how Comcast’s ownership of the Philadelphia Flyers creates a unique advantage when building technology products for sports organizations, including a discussion around the Flyers’ next-generation fan app and the importance of turning “ghost fans” into known fans through data and engagement.The episode also explores major trends shaping the future of sports business, including streaming disruption, direct-to-consumer engagement, generational loyalty, and why teams are increasingly focused on building deeper relationships with fans outside of traditional media rights models.

Mark Goddard joins the Sports Business Leaders Podcast to discuss how he built FIFA’s Transfer Matching System, one of the most impactful infrastructure platforms in global sports. The system transformed international soccer transfers from a process driven by fax machines and courier services into a real-time global platform capable of completing deals in as little as seven minutes.Mark shares lessons from operating at the intersection of sports, technology, governance, and billion-dollar markets, including how to drive adoption across powerful stakeholders, the difference between products and infrastructure, and why solving time-saving problems creates massive value.The conversation also explores the evolving NIL and college sports landscape, building sustainable sports systems, leadership, scaling teams, and the importance of aligning technology with real operational needs.

In this special 100th episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, co-founders Justin Titchenell and Jake Voorhees break down the evolution of Sports Business Leaders from a small Philadelphia meetup into a growing national connections platform for the sports industry.The conversation covers the early days of SBL, lessons learned from building a community, and how the business has evolved through events, podcasting, partnerships, and relationship-building across sports.Justin and Jake also explain SBL’s growing focus on becoming “sports business brokers” by helping connect vetted service providers with teams, leagues, and sports properties. They share stories from the journey, including the first meetup with only three attendees, partnerships formed through the network, and why they believe sports remains one of the most defensible and relationship-driven industries in the world.The episode also explores the future of sports business, the rise of sports as an asset class, youth sports growth, live experiences, and why community and in-person connection still matter more than ever.

Adrian Tracy joins the Sports Business Leaders podcast to share his journey from winning a Super Bowl with the New York Giants to building a purpose-driven life after football. Adrian reflects on his NFL and CFL career, the challenges of identity and transition after sports, and how faith, discipline, and community helped shape his next chapter.The conversation dives into servant leadership, mentorship through MDD Elite, investing in sports technology, and what it takes to create meaningful impact beyond the game. Adrian also shares lessons from elite locker rooms, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why “small wins lead to big victories” in both sports and business.

Jack Liechtung is the Co-Founder and CEO of Canopy. On this episode we discuss how the company is building the infrastructure layer for the future of collegiate athletics. Canopy partners directly with universities to help drive athlete visibility, scalable storytelling, and meaningful NIL opportunities across Olympic and non-revenue sports.Jack also shares insights from his background across sports, media, entertainment, and law, discussing the evolving NIL landscape, the growing commercialization of college athletics, and why schools need stronger operational support to navigate the next era of college sports.

Matt Wolff is the founder of Ticket Time Machine. On this episode we discuss how he’s bringing physical keepsakes back to sports and live events in a digital-first world. Matt shares the story behind the company’s creation after attending a Marlins no-hitter in 2017 and realizing fans still craved memorable ticket collectibles tied to emotional moments.The conversation dives into fan psychology, building relationships with teams like the Florida Panthers, lessons learned from launching a company during COVID-19, and the importance of flexibility, persistence, and simply getting started as an entrepreneur. Matt also shares advice for companies looking to work with sports teams and explains why creating memorable fan experiences is ultimately about making people feel something.

Sean Hanrahan is a former Senior Vice President of Sports Brand Solutions for Disney Advertising and a longtime ESPN executive who has spent more than two decades shaping sponsorships, storytelling, and brand partnerships across sports media.Sean shares insights on the evolution of sports media, the rise of streaming, sports betting, AI-driven fan experiences, and how brands can create meaningful connections with fans beyond traditional advertising. We also discuss the future of fan engagement, women’s sports, creator-driven content, and what founders need to understand when trying to partner with teams, leagues, and media companies.A great conversation on sports media, sponsorship innovation, and where the sports industry is heading next.

Shawn Tilger is the President of GF Sports & Entertainment and one of the most accomplished operators in the sports and live entertainment industry. With more than 30 years of experience, Shawn has helped shape organizations at the highest levels of sports, from his early days promoting the Harlem Globetrotters to serving as Executive Vice President and COO of the Philadelphia Flyers and Comcast Spectacor. During his time in Philadelphia, he led major revenue growth initiatives, helped drive consecutive home sellout streaks, played a key role in bringing professional box lacrosse back to the city with the Philadelphia Wings, and spearheaded the launch of Gritty, one of the most recognizable mascots in global sports.Now leading the private equity-backed GF Sports & Entertainment, Shawn oversees a growing portfolio that includes the Dallas Open, Atlanta Open, Ottawa Black Bears, and World Long Drive. In this conversation, Shawn shares lessons on building enterprise value in sports, evaluating scalable opportunities, managing capital with discipline, and thinking beyond single events to create long-term sports and entertainment ecosystems. He also offers practical advice for entrepreneurs, operators, and investors looking to grow sustainable businesses in the sports industry.

Dr. Kim Quigley and Dr. Brenda McBride of OnRise join the Sports Business Leaders podcast to discuss how they are reshaping athlete mental health and wellness. OnRise is a telehealth platform built specifically for high-performance athletes, now supporting 40+ organizations across 11 sports, including partnerships with Inter Miami, the Premier Women's Hockey League, Premier Lacrosse League, Athletes Unlimited, Major League Rugby, and multiple player associations.In this episode, Kim and Brenda break down the realities of mental health in sports, why privacy and trust matter for athletes, and how OnRise’s wraparound model combines peer support, therapy, psychiatry, nutrition, and wellness care into one coordinated system. They also share insights on building relationships with teams and leagues, supporting athletes beyond performance, and why accessible care is becoming one of the most important investments in modern sports.

Ken Spangenberg is the Chief Sales Officer at AWRE Sports. On today's podcast we discuss the company’s rapid rise in the baseball and softball technology space.Ken shares his journey from college baseball coach at Arcadia University to helping scale AWRE Sports from zero camera installations to more than 4,500 cameras deployed across 80 locations in just four years. The conversation covers AWRE's partnerships with Major League Baseball, USA Baseball, and more than 700 college and high school programs.We also dive into building authentic customer relationships, why AWRE chose to focus specifically on baseball and softball instead of every sport, the future of AI and video technology in player development, and what it takes to win business with teams, leagues, and major sports organizations.Ken also shares insights on scaling without paid advertising, creating products coaches actually use, and how technology can help democratize recruiting and player exposure across baseball.

Kelsey Nicole Nelson joins the Sports Business Leaders Podcast to share her journey from aspiring sports journalist to building a powerful personal brand and media business at the intersection of sports, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. As an award-winning broadcaster, professor, entrepreneur, and founder of the “Listen In With KNN” podcast network, Kelsey has become one of the most influential voices in sports media today.In this conversation, Kelsey discusses the importance of creating your own opportunities, building ownership in your career, and adapting to the rapidly evolving sports media landscape. She shares lessons on entrepreneurship, personal branding, journalism ethics, content creation, AI, and why authenticity remains one of the most valuable assets in today’s digital world.From her work with major platforms like Peacock, NBC Sports, SiriusXM, and FOX Sports Radio to launching her own businesses and teaching the next generation of sports media professionals at George Washington University, Kelsey offers valuable insights for anyone looking to build a meaningful career in sports, media, and business.

On this special live episode of the Sports Business Leaders podcast, we hosted a panel discussion in Philadelphia focused on pro team innovation and fan engagement featuring Dave Spadaro of the Philadelphia Eagles, Ciara Pierce from NFL Films, and Joel Steele from Rhode Island FC.For more than 30 years, Dave Spadaro has helped shape the connection between the Eagles and their fans, giving Birds faithful behind-the-scenes access that few organizations can match. Alongside Dave, Ciara Pierce shared insights from one of the most influential storytelling brands in sports media at NFL Films, while Joel Steele discussed the opportunities and challenges of building fan engagement for a growing club in Rhode Island FC and the USL.The conversation explored how teams, leagues, and media organizations are adapting to changing fan behavior, building community, creating content, and thinking differently about engagement in today’s sports landscape.Big thank you to Dave, Ciara, and Joel for joining us, and to everyone who attended our first-ever live panel at an SBL Philly event.

FlyHouse is redefining the intersection of private aviation, sports tourism, and luxury travel. In this episode, we sit down with Jack Lambert, CEO of FlyHouse, to discuss how the company has rapidly grown into one of the most innovative brands in private aviation since launching in 2021.FlyHouse operates as a technology-enabled luxury aviation platform that delivers end-to-end travel experiences for premium sports fans, combining private flights, accommodations, and exclusive event access into one seamless experience. The company’s “asset-light” model allows FlyHouse to partner with aircraft operators across the country while leveraging technology and scale to create greater efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in private aviation.Jack shares insights on scaling the business from 13 to more than 220 employees, building strategic partnerships with organizations like the New York Jets, LIV Golf, and ESPN College GameDay, and why private aviation and sports experiences are becoming increasingly connected. We also discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, customer experience, and the importance of FlyHouse’s core pillars: safety, service, and transparency.From data-driven personalization to the future of luxury sports travel, this conversation provides a fascinating look into how FlyHouse is building a modern aviation and lifestyle brand for today’s premier traveler.

Jake Hanson, COO of ⁠Guardian Sports⁠, joins the Sports Business Leaders Podcast to discuss how the company grew from a family-run startup into one of the fastest-growing sports safety brands in the industry. Guardian Sports now provides protective equipment to more than 500,000 athletes while partnering with organizations including the NFL, CFL, NCAA programs, and the PLL.In this episode, Jake shares his entrepreneurial background, lessons learned scaling a growth-stage company, and how Guardian Sports approached one of the toughest challenges in sports: changing the culture around player safety in football. The conversation explores the evolution of Guardian Caps, why the company positioned safety as a “longevity” benefit for athletes, and how working from the professional level down helped drive adoption across football.Justin and Jake also discuss innovation in sports, product-market fit, leadership during rapid growth, and why the best organizations view athlete health as a competitive advantage. Jake closes the episode with advice for entrepreneurs and sports business leaders on staying hungry, solving meaningful problems, and continuing to improve the athlete experience.

Vasu Kulkarni is the founding partner of Courtside Ventures, an early-stage venture firm with over $200 million in assets under management and more than 100 investments across sports, gaming, collectibles, wellness, and media. Courtside’s investor base has included legends like Michael Jordan as an LP. Vasu shares his journey from walking onto the basketball team at the University of Pennsylvania to founding Krossover, one of the earliest sports analytics platforms used by over 10,000 teams globally before its acquisition in 2017. He also discusses launching Courtside Ventures alongside Dan Gilbert, making early investments in companies like StockX and The Athletic, and what founders need to understand before raising venture capital.The conversation dives into the realities of building in sports tech, the evolving venture landscape, AI’s impact on investing, and why Vasu believes sports, health, and entertainment will remain enduring industries for decades to come

Dominyck Bullard, Founder & CEO of Athletiverse, joined the Sports Business Leaders podcast to discuss the intersection of sports, content, branding, entrepreneurship, and NIL.Originally a standout baseball player from Las Vegas, Dom shifted his focus from athletics to entrepreneurship after a medical crisis altered his playing career. While studying Business Analytics at the University of San Diego, he launched Athletiverse, which has grown from a college sports content account into a fast-growing sports marketing and media company working across NIL, athlete partnerships, digital strategy, and brand development.Dom also leads digital strategy for Momentous, a sports real estate investment platform, and has become known for his insights around sports business, creator-led media, and the evolving NIL ecosystem. Through Athletiverse, his work has helped generate over 1.5 billion social media impressions while focusing on opportunities for the “other 99%” of athletes beyond the superstar tier.The conversation explores the future of fan engagement, fundraising in sports, athlete-driven media, YouTube strategy, and why personal branding has become a major advantage for entrepreneurs and operators in the sports industry.

On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Justin sits down with Brent Peus Jr., Founder & CEO of Skybox, a media-driven growth platform focused on the sports economy. Brent shares his journey from playing quarterback at Stanford University to working in Silicon Valley and venture capital before launching Skybox in 2025.The conversation dives into the rise of private equity and institutional capital in sports, the growing importance of niche media, and why relationships remain the foundation of the sports industry. Brent also discusses building Under the Number, his sports business podcast and newsletter, along with lessons for entrepreneurs looking to break into the sports ecosystem through targeted networking, writing, and creating value-driven content.

Scott Heyes is the founder and CEO of First Contact Advisory and CFO of Sports Where I Am. This episode covers sports entrepreneurship, cross-border expansion, and the growing opportunities in the global sports industry. Drawing from more than 30 years of experience across institutional banking, venture capital, and international finance, Scott shares practical advice for founders looking to enter the U.S. market and scale successfully. The conversation explores why early-stage entrepreneurs should focus on solving real customer problems before raising capital, the importance of testing products with coaches, teams, and universities, and how intentional networking can unlock opportunities in sports tech, AI, travel, and performance. Scott also breaks down the rapid growth of sports travel and fan experiences through his work with Sports Where I Am, highlighting how global leagues like the NFL are creating massive international demand for live sports experiences. Scott closes the episode with valuable insights for international founders building relationships in the American sports business ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of clear messaging, confidence, and understanding cultural differences when doing business in the U.S.

Mark Dvoroznak, CEO and co-founder of BASE Sports Group, joined the Sports Business Leaders Podcast to discuss building a data-driven sponsorship company focused on the massive youth sports ecosystem.BASE Sports Group has quickly become a leader in youth sports sponsorships, helping brands like Papa John’s, PRIME Hydration, DUDE Wipes, the U.S. Army, and Floyd’s Barbershop connect with families across more than 300 events, 26 sports, and 40+ states. Through its tech-enabled platform and nationwide network, BASE reaches over 25 million consumers in the youth and amateur sports market.In this episode, Mark shares the story behind BASE’s rapid growth, the evolution of sponsorship sales in youth sports, and how brands are using data, onsite activations, and community engagement to drive measurable ROI. The conversation also covers fundraising, scaling a sports business, profitability, private equity entering youth sports, and where the industry is headed next.

Roger Loughney, Chairman of IK Start USA, joined the Sports Business Leaders podcast to discuss the group’s vision for revitalizing one of Norway’s historic football clubs. Roger shared his entrepreneurial journey, his connection to the club through former coach Mick Priest, and how his lifelong passion for soccer helped shape his approach to leadership and investment in sports.The conversation explored IK Start’s recent promotion, the investment strategy behind the club’s momentum, and the importance of curiosity, relationships, and long-term thinking in sports ownership. Roger also discussed plans surrounding stadium development, youth academy innovation, player development, and how IK Start USA is working to grow the club’s presence and fanbase in the United States while honoring the club’s legacy in Kristiansand, Norway.