The Playbook: Unplugged

Creating this podcast with Avery, Callie, and Abbie was not only a fun experience, but also one that really opened my eyes to how important these conversations are, especially when it comes to gender pay equity in sports. Even though we were all in different places for Easter, Zoom gave us the opportunity to collaborate in a way that felt natural and meaningful. It reminded me how powerful technology can be when used to bring people together for important conversations.What made this experience so special was the trust we had in one another. We each brought our own perspectives to the table, and there was a shared understanding that we could have honest, respectful conversations about a very real and often controversial issue. We touched on everything from how women’s sports can be a source of serious revenue to how athletes like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are helping to elevate visibility and change the narrative. We also discussed how NIL deals have created new and exciting opportunities for female collegiate athletes, helping to close some of the historical gaps in recognition and compensation.While we did experience a few minor hiccups with Avery’s internet, courtesy of some intense storms in Tuscaloosa, it honestly added to the joy of the experience. Nothing ever felt forced or overly polished, and that made our conversation feel even more genuine. At the heart of it, this podcast was about more than just debating what is right and wrong in our eyes. It was about shedding light on the real inequalities that still exist and creating space to imagine what equity could and should look like in the future of sports.

Recording this episode with my Aunt Ellie was incredibly special. Even though she lives all the way in Pennsylvania, she's always been my biggest supporter, never missing a single live stream of my games at Birmingham-Southern. Growing up, I admired her so much. She was the first person in our family to play a college sport, and when I chose my very first jersey number, I picked 21—the number she wore in college.What’s funny is that, even though I didn’t get to choose my number at BSC, I ended up with 10, which just so happened to be Ellie’s number all throughout her childhood. I hadn’t originally planned to record this episode with her, but once I realized we had the chance, I made a special trip home to make it happen. No one loves the game quite like Aunt Ellie — and getting to share this conversation with her was something I’ll never forget. In this episode of Playbook Perspective, I sit down with my Aunt Ellie for a candid conversation about the real challenges coaches face today — from managing team dynamics to navigating the ever-evolving world of sports technology during recruiting. We dive into hot topics like the impact of the transfer portal and how it's reshaping the college sports landscape. We also reflect on my own journey as a student-athlete at Birmingham-Southern College, and we wrap things up with a lighthearted chat about game-day superstitions. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or sports fan, this episode offers insight, laughs, and plenty of food for thought.

In this episode of Playbook Perspective, I explore how female broadcasters are reshaping sports media — from Doris Burke's NBA legacy to Maria Taylor’s rise in network television. These women are bringing fresh perspectives, deeper storytelling, and redefining what authority sounds like in sports. Tune in to hear how women are changing the game — one broadcast at a time.

Welcome to The Playbook Perspective! I'm Maile White and today we're diving into how technology is shaping the sports industry.From booking platforms that streamline ticketing and facility management to predictive analytics that enhance fan engagement, sports tech is evolving fast. Platforms like nVenue are revolutionizing the way we experience games—using real-time data to give broadcasters and fans deeper insights.With the sports management software market expected to reach $12.53 billion by 2026, teams and leagues are using tech to optimize operations, marketing, and cybersecurity. Whether it’s helping athletes secure brand deals or protecting fans from ticket scams, innovation is making sports more accessible and engaging.That’s it for today! Stay tuned for more on the business behind the game.https://www.nvenue.com/about