The Business Behind the Game

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jacqueline Kelly, a performance and wellness coach, founder of Kelly Performance & Wellness, and creator of the Unfragile program. Jacqueline works at the intersection of physical preparation, mental performance, and long-term athlete development, helping athletes build durability, resilience, and sustainable high performance. She is also joining Boston Legacy FC, a women’s professional football club.We dive into how performance and wellness are becoming essential pillars of athlete development, why resilience and sustainability matter just as much as talent and physical training, and how teams and organizations are beginning to invest more intentionally in holistic athlete support.Whether you’re an aspiring sports business professional, a coach, or an athlete looking to perform at a high level over the long run, this episode offers valuable insight into the evolving world of performance, wellness, and professional sports.

In this episode of The Business Behind the Game, I sit down with Eva Krchová — a former Czech national team runner and NCAA All-American who’s now building authentic connections between athletes, creators, and brands as a Brand Relations Manager at Mindzero.We dive into her journey from elite performance sport to storytelling and brand strategy, what it was like transitioning out of competition, and how the Boulder outdoor community shaped her next chapter. Eva shares how she approaches athlete relations, builds community-driven events, and why reinvention is key to staying fulfilled beyond sport.Whether you’re an athlete thinking about life after competition or someone interested in the intersection of sport, identity, and branding — this one’s for you.🎧 Topics covered:Life after elite competitionAthlete identity & career transitionsBrand building through authentic communityWorking with creators and startups in the sport/outdoor space🔗 Connect with Eva:LinkedIn:   / eva-krchova  Mindzero: https://mindzero.com

In today’s episode, I sit down with Pietra Sablic, Director of Girls Events at MADE Hoops, where she’s helping elevate girls’ basketball through elite events, community-building, and brand development.We dive into her journey in sports, the realities of working in youth basketball, and the massive rise in women’s basketball media coverage happening right now. Pietra offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at grassroots hoops and what the future of the women’s game could look like.🔥 Episode Highlights:• Pietra’s path into the sports industry — and what pushed her toward the business side of the game• Inside her role at MADE Hoops — how events are built, what her day looks like, and what drives her work• Building real relationships — tips on authentic networking in sports• The surge in women’s basketball media coverage — why it’s happening and what it means for athletes• Advice for breaking into sports business — and finding the right career directionHuge thanks to Pietra for joining the show and sharing her insights.Find her links below — and if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, like, and leave a review.I’m Kushagra — see you in the next episode of The Business Behind The Game.

In this episode of The Business Behind The Game, we sit down with Antwain Peay — COO of Baseline Sports, General Manager of the Yerevan Wolves, and founder of 3PA — to unpack his incredible journey from professional basketball player to a leader in the global sports business.Antwain shares insights on athlete representation, managing international talent, and how he's helping the next generation of players navigate their careers on and off the court. 🎙️ Topics Covered:Transitioning from athlete to agentRunning a sports agency (Baseline Sports)Managing a pro team overseasAdvice for aspiring sports professionalsInstagram: @agentantwainLinkedIn:   / antwain-peay-b9209647  👤 Guest: Antwain Peay▪ COO, Baseline Sports▪ GM, Yerevan Wolves▪ Founder, 3PA📲 Follow Antwain: 🎧 Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes convos with the leaders shaping the business of sports.

From underground to mainstream: Sports betting exploded from a $7.5 billion industry in 2022 to a projected $150 billion by 2030. We dissect how legalization reshaped leagues, fueled giants like FanDuel and DraftKings, and turned ‘vig’ fees into billions. But with ethical debates and fierce competition, is the house always winning? Dive into the bets, bucks, and battles.