The Sports Business Leaders Podcast

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.

Malcolm Lemmons is the founder of Vetted Sports, a premium platform and private membership network connecting sports investors and dealmakers.In this episode, Malcolm shares his journey from professional basketball player to building one of the most trusted voices in the sports business space. We dive into how he built credibility through consistent, high-value content, and how that foundation led to the creation of Vetted Sports.We also break down the evolution of sports as an asset class — including the rise of women’s sports, emerging leagues, and the growing role of athletes as creators and investors. Malcolm shares how Vetted Sports is expanding into a private network with curated events, co-investment opportunities, and direct access to deal flow.

Dave Spadaro is a prominent Philadelphia Eagles insider and media personality who has covered the team for nearly 30 years since 1997. As the team's official insider, he writes columns, hosts shows, and provides insights for PhiladelphiaEagles.com, acting as a key media ambassador. In this episode, Dave shares lessons from nearly 30 years with the organization, including adapting through the evolution of sports media, building trust with fans, staying relevant in a changing industry, and what separates championship organizations from the rest. He also reflects on the Eagles’ Super Bowl runs, leadership, versatility, and advice for anyone pursuing a career in sports.

Pat Colleluori, co-founder and Chief Development Officer of the Headstrong Foundation, shares the powerful story behind one of sports’ most mission-driven nonprofits. From his brother Nick’s battle with cancer to supporting 40,000+ families nationwide, this episode dives into purpose, community, and how athletics can drive real impact.

Michael Vardzell is the President of AithELITE  and a former Division I football player at University of Pittsburgh who is now building technology at the center of one of the biggest transformations in college sports.After playing at Pitt and coaching at Wofford College, Michael saw firsthand how difficult roster management, recruiting, compliance, NIL, and financial decision-making had become for athletic departments navigating the modern college sports landscape. That experience led him to launch AithELITE, an AI-powered data intelligence platform helping schools unify recruiting, roster, academic, financial, and performance data into one centralized system.In this episode, we break down how NIL, the transfer portal, and revenue sharing are forcing college programs to operate more like professional sports organizations, why athletic directors now need tools that resemble an NFL front office, and how technology can help coaches and administrators make smarter, faster decisions.Michael also shares lessons from building a sports tech startup in the college athletics ecosystem, why relationships and credibility matter in sports business, and how Aithelite has already scaled across 23 Division I football programs.

Raef Jackson is an investment professional and sports industry specialist currently serving as an Associate at Accelerate Ventures in London. His work focuses on deal origination and analysis within the sports and technology sectors

On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders podcast, we're bringing you a front-row seat to our April Philadelphia fireside chat featuring Sydney Couval, Principal at NewBound Venture Capital.NewBound is a consumer-centric, early-stage VC firm investing in the companies reshaping sports, media, and lifestyle — with a portfolio that includes TMRW Sports, StellarAlgo, and Greyson Clothiers. Sydney sits at the center of that work, leading sourcing and evaluation, partnering with founders on growth strategy and capital planning, and serving on the boards of Alice Mushrooms and Gratsi.Before NewBound, Sydney built a unique cross-disciplinary background spanning venture investing, deep tech, and advanced materials research — and she holds a degree in Physics from Northeastern University. In our conversation, we dig into how shifting consumer behavior is driving a systemic evolution in the modern economy, what NewBound looks for in early-stage founders, and what it really takes to build an authentic brand in sports and lifestyle today.

Sports Business Leaders returned to Boston for another exclusive, invite-only gathering of sports investors, executives, and growth-stage founders at the iconic Legacy Club.In this episode, we bring you highlights and insights from a powerhouse panel featuring:Jon Von Deylen, sharing his perspective on sports venture capital and where the smart money is movingAlexander Van Alen, on building a disruptive sports brand from the ground upHany K. Syed, on how technology is reshaping the way fans experience and consume sportsBen Stein, on the legal and deal-making landscape for sports investors and foundersWith more than 50 attendees in a curated private setting, the event brought together people actively investing capital, building companies, and shaping the future of the sports industry.Whether you're an investor looking for your next opportunity, a founder building in sports, or an executive navigating a rapidly evolving industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights and real conversations from inside the room.A special thank you to Paul Hastings for sponsoring the event and helping make the night possible.🎙️ Tune in, take notes, and if you weren’t in the room this time, hopefully we’ll see you at the next Sports Business Leaders event.

After 20+ years as a college soccer coach and Sports Management professor, Christian DeVries shifted his focus from winning to something bigger. That mindset shift became two ventures: VOLTA Sports, a leadership coaching platform for coaches, and AOS (Athlete of Significance), a framework that helps athletes understand their value extends far beyond the X's and O's.In this episode, Christian breaks down why the shift from "success and goal-oriented" to "significance focused" is the real competitive advantage — for athletes trying to earn a college roster spot, coaches trying to build lasting programs, and entrepreneurs trying to scale something that matters. His six-word philosophy captures it perfectly: satisfaction stifles, curiosity creates, consistency compounds.

Brian Monihan spent nearly 40 years at the intersection of sports, media, and sponsorship, including 14 years as President and General Manager of NBC Sports Philadelphia. In that role, he oversaw media rights, team partnerships, and the network's evolution from a cable channel into a full multiplatform brand serving the Eagles, Flyers, Phillies, 76ers, and Wings.In this conversation, Brian shares what he learned navigating the business behind Philadelphia's biggest sports franchises, from rights negotiations and sponsorship strategy to leading a major regional network through one of the most disruptive periods in media history.

Robert Cohen is a strategic operator and investor with a career that spans global M&A, venture investing, and cutting-edge technology.Robert was part of the team that led the full buyout and transformation of AVG Technologies, helping scale the business internationally and ultimately take it public on the New York Stock Exchange. Since then, he’s invested in over 30 early-stage companies across the U.S., Israel, and Europe, while working closely with founders on everything from product and fundraising to partnerships and growth strategy.Today, he operates at the intersection of sports, media, and frontier technology. As Chief Business Officer at AR-51 and Managing Partner at Benson Oak Ventures, Robert is focused on bringing real-time 3D capture and immersive AR experiences into live events—reshaping how content is created, distributed, and monetized.In this conversation, we dive into Robert’s journey from scaling a public company to backing the next generation of founders, how to think about leverage in business, and why storytelling, structure, and strategic partnerships are the unlocks for growth. We also explore the future of sports and media through emerging technologies like AI, computer vision, and augmented reality—and what it takes to build in markets that are still being defined.

Mike Metcalf is a former NASCAR pit crew champion and has spent over 18 years mastering the art of speed, teamwork, and culture. As co-founder of DECK Leadership and co-author of 12 Second Culture, he helps organizations transform chaos into cohesion—turning toxic environments into spaces where people and performance thrive. His approach isn’t about moving faster for the sake of speed; it’s about moving together with trust, clarity, and purpose.Through powerful conversations, real-world insights, and practical strategies, this podcast challenges leaders to rethink how they build and sustain high-performing teams. Whether it’s through keynote stages, pit crew team-building experiences, workshops, or thought leadership, Mike shares what it truly takes to create a culture rooted in Diversity, Efficiency, Culture, and Kindness.

What does it take to build a $6 billion real estate empire from scratch — and then bet on a soccer team nobody believed in? Rob Buccini, co-founder and co-president of The Buccini/Pollin Group, joins Justin to tell the story of starting a company during an economic collapse, assembling a world-class team, and transforming underutilized urban land into assets that anchor entire communities. From his early days at the NYC Economic Development Corporation — where he worked on the Times Square-Disney redevelopment — to co-owning the Philadelphia Union and developing Subaru Park, Rob offers a rare look at how the worlds of real estate and professional sports have converged into one of the most exciting asset classes of our generation. He also gets practical: what founders should know before seeking capital, why adversity is the best business education, and why — after 30 years — the challenges never stop.

On this episode, we sit down with Michael Hutner, founder of SPiN (Sports Profile Network), a platform built to solve one of the biggest problems in youth and amateur sports: fragmentation.After spending over two decades in fintech and scaling Eze Software into a global business with 1,200 employees and over $300M in revenue, Michael made the leap into sports tech. The idea came from firsthand experience as a sports parent, constantly juggling multiple apps just to manage his kids’ schedules, teams, and communication.SPiN is his answer.Think of it as the LinkedIn for sports — a single platform where athletes, coaches, teams, and families can connect, manage their experience, and build a lifelong sports profile that follows them across every team, season, and level.Instead of replacing existing tools, SPiN integrates them, creating a unified ecosystem that simplifies operations for clubs while improving the experience for athletes and families.In this conversation, we get into Michael’s journey from leading a billion-dollar exit to starting from scratch again, what it actually takes to build in a crowded sports tech market, and why solving real problems — not just building features — is what separates companies that scale.We also dive into lessons from raising capital, building teams, and why grit, timing, and differentiation matter more than ever for founders.If you’re building in sports, thinking about product-market fit, or trying to understand where youth sports is headed, this is a must-listen.

David Gutstadt, CEO of Ballers Social Sports and founder of Fitler Club, joins the podcast to break down how he’s building a new category at the intersection of sports, hospitality, and community.With over 20 years of experience across hospitality, real estate, and finance, David started his career at Goldman Sachsand went on to lead hospitality advisory at Morgan Stanley before helping launch Equinox Hotels as a founding executive. That background shows up in how he approaches building and scaling premium, experience-driven businesses.We get into the origin of Fitler Club and Ballers, what gaps he saw in the market, and how he’s thinking about creating spaces that bring people together around sports and shared experiences.David also shares how Ballers raised over $30M from a mix of VCs, family offices, and athlete investors, what made the concept stand out, and how they balance unit economics with delivering a high-end brand.The conversation closes with practical insight on fundraising, including how to access family offices, navigate private equity, and the level of persistence it actually takes to get a deal done.If you’re building in sports, hospitality, or any experience-driven business, this is a great look at how to turn a concept into a scalable brand.

James Robinson from RRE Ventures joins the podcast to break down what investors are actually looking for in sports tech right now.We get into his path from the Boston Bruins and Octagon into venture, and how that operator perspective shapes how he evaluates companies today.RRE has been around for over 30 years and is one of the more established early-stage firms in the market, with over $2.5B in assets under management, 400+ portfolio companies, and 125+ exits. James shares why most founders get it wrong when pitching, the difference between solving a real pain point vs. building something “nice to have,” and how to stand out when reaching out to investors.We also talk about where sports is heading in 2026, from identity and payments to venue intelligence, and why the biggest opportunities aren’t in fan-facing products, but in the infrastructure powering the entire ecosystem.If you’re building in sports or thinking about raising capital, this is a practical conversation on what actually matters.

Mark Ventriglia, is a marketing leader who has helped shape go-to-market strategy at companies like Hudl and Catapult Sports.Mark has been behind products used by coaches and athletes at every level of the game, from high school programs to the pros. We get into what actually drives adoption in sports tech, and why most products miss the mark.We talk about how to build solutions that fit into a team’s workflow, why saving time is more valuable than adding features, and how Hudl was able to scale to nearly every high school football program in the country. Mark also shares the difference between selling to high school vs. professional teams, and what founders need to understand if they want to break through in a crowded market.This is a practical conversation for anyone building in sports, thinking about product-market fit, or trying to figure out how to create something teams will actually use.

Jesse Biddle is a General Partner at October Ventures. October Ventures is a professional athlete investment syndicate and fund, leveraging the power of athlete networks to accelerate the next generation of great businesses.Biddle is also a former professional baseball pitcher, World Series Champion (Atlanta Braves, 2021), and Nippon Professional Baseball Champion (Orix Buffaloes of Japan, 2022). Biddle was selected in the first round of the 2010 MLB draft by the Philadelphia Phillies out of high school. Biddle played Major League Baseball for the Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and Cincinnati Reds over his 14 year career.

Kyle Israel is the Co-Founder of Momentous Sports and Managing Partner of Sports & Entertainment at Magnolia Hill Partners.Kyle is building at the intersection of team ownership and real estate, and it’s one of the most interesting opportunities in sports right now.We spent a lot of time breaking down the idea behind Momentous. Instead of just investing in teams, they’re pairing team ownership with the stadium and the surrounding district. When you control both, it creates a flywheel that drives value across everything.We got into why owning the venue and surrounding real estate changes the economics of a team, how these mixed-use developments are making both teams and properties more valuable, and why there’s a huge opportunity in the “middle market” of sports outside the major leagues. We also talked about why live sports and in-person experiences are only becoming more important, even as everything moves more digital.Kyle’s story is also great. He went from playing quarterback at UCF to building in the world of institutional sports investing, and a lot of that came down to saying yes to opportunities and figuring things out along the way.One of the biggest takeaways for me was around relationships. Being intentional about building and maintaining your network over time is a real skill, and one that compounds.If you’re interested in where sports ownership is heading, or how real estate is becoming a bigger part of the equation, this is a great one.

Today’s guest is Brett Johnson, CEO of Benevolent Capital and one of the leading voices behind sports as an institutional asset class.Benevolent Capital, founded in 2005, operates as a family office investing across private equity, venture capital, real estate, and global sports—backing companies like Oura, Athletic Brewing, and multiple football clubs. Brett’s portfolio spans teams including Ipswich Town, Phoenix Rising, and Rhode Island FC.We dive into how Rhode Island FC launched its inaugural USL Championship season in 2024, anchored by a new 10,500-seat stadium and a broader mixed-use development in Pawtucket designed to drive long-term community and economic impact.This conversation breaks down why sports is evolving into a real estate, data, and infrastructure play—and what it actually takes to build in this space for the long term.

On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders podcast, we sat down with Michael Schreiber, founder and executive chairman of Playfly Sports, to discuss how he built one of the fastest-growing companies in the sports business ecosystem. Founded in 2020, Playfly Sports has quickly scaled into a major force across sports media, sponsorship, and fan engagement. Today, the company has 1,300+ employees, works with 2,000+ global brands, represents 200+ sports rights holders, and helps partners reach 85% of U.S. sports fans across high school, college, and professional sports.Mike shares his career journey from NBC, Hulu, Comcast, and Altice to launching Playfly, and how the company scaled rapidly through acquisitions and innovation during the pandemic. We also discuss the evolution of the sports sponsorship marketplace, why live sports deliver the most valuable audiences for brands, and where the industry is heading next.If you’re interested in sports media, sponsorship, entrepreneurship, and the future of fan-driven revenue, this is a great episode to check out.

On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders podcast, we sat down with Dan Soviero, founder of Signature Athletics, to discuss his mission to get 10 million more kids playing youth sports by 2030.Dan shares how Signature Athletics is building a vertically integrated youth sports ecosystem across uniforms, media, and program operations to solve major industry challenges like rising costs, fragmentation, apparel supply issues, and burnout among program directors.We also discuss Dan’s entrepreneurial journey, Signature’s growth strategy, and the company’s recent fundraising as they work to build long-term infrastructure for the youth sports industry.

Greg Sampson, founder and CEO of Courtside Video Entertainment, joins the Sports Business Leaders Podcast to discuss how his company is transforming courtside real estate into a new revenue engine for sports teams.A computer engineer out of Howard University and former Intel supercomputer engineer, Greg has spent his career building products at the intersection of technology and sports. Courtside is his third sports tech startup and aims to unlock entirely new sponsorship inventory by embedding ultra-high-definition video technology directly into the courtside perimeter.In this episode, Greg shares the origin story behind the idea, the challenges of building technology that meets player safety and arena operations standards, and how teams could generate significant new sponsorship revenue without disrupting gameplay.We also discuss lessons for sports tech founders, how to work with leagues and arena operators, and why innovation around sponsorship and fan experience will continue to shape the economics of sports.

Evan Anders Magnusson, founder of Valor Vision, joins the Sports Business Leaders Podcast to break down how AI and 3D motion capture are transforming the way athletes train, recover, and stay on the field.As a former UVA rower and computer engineering student, Evan built Valor at the intersection of human performance and cutting-edge technology. Today, the platform turns a simple iPhone video into a full 3D biomechanical analysis, giving strength coaches, physical therapists, and performance staff instant insights into how athletes run, jump, and move.We dive into how Valor is replacing manual video analysis with automated, AI-driven assessments, why movement data is becoming core infrastructure for elite teams, and how organizations like LSU Football, Gonzaga Basketball, Austin FC, and Fulham FC are using the platform to reduce injury risk and optimize performance.This is a conversation about building technology for the highest levels of sport, turning complex biomechanics research into tools coaches actually use every day, and what the future of computer vision and athlete performance looks like.

Asna Khan, Head of Product at Fitmatch AI, joins the podcast to break down how a 3-second mobile scan is turning into one of the most powerful data engines in sports, health, and retail.We get into her move from corporate to startup, what it takes to build trust in computer vision and machine learning in the real world, and how Fitmatch is democratizing access to body data that was previously locked inside labs and expensive hardware.This is a conversation about product focus, building technology that actually changes decisions, and why the best products become infrastructure by integrating into existing workflows. We also dive into real use cases with MLS, MLB organizations, youth development, and the future of digital twins for athlete development and scouting.If you’re building in sports tech, AI, or any multi-vertical platform, this is a masterclass in what to build, when to build it, and how to make it stick.

Episode 58 of the SBL podcast featured Anthony Brock, VP of Business Strategy and Analytics at Comcast Spectacor. Hear from Anthony who breaks down how the Flyers are building a data-driven organization.We get into his path from entrepreneurship to the Pacers to Philadelphia, what it means to own the full data lifecycle, and how analytics touches everything from pricing and ticket strategy to mobile, personalization, and game-day experience.This is a conversation about turning data into real business decisions, maximizing attendance and revenue without losing the fan, and why the next wave of AI, VR, and real-time insights will be built around customer use cases, not hype.If you care about fan engagement, sports business ops, or building like an intrapreneur inside a major organization, this one is for you.

Greg Sacidor is the Director of Marketing Strategy for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Founder of the Martha League, a Philadelphia youth basketball program creating safe, inclusive spaces for the next generation.In this episode, Greg shares his journey from Philly sports radio to the Sixers, the mentorship that changed his career, and how a community-first mindset shapes the way he builds campaigns for one of the NBA’s premier brands.We break down the biggest trends in sports marketing — meeting fans where they are, second-screen and in-arena engagement, and why authentic storytelling is the real competitive advantage. Greg also takes us inside the award-winning Spirit of Small Business platform and how it turned into a long-term initiative supporting local businesses across the region.He closes with lessons for sports business professionals on leadership, innovation, investing in people, and thinking big in a rapidly changing industry.

Garnet Heraman brings three decades of experience as a founder, operator, and venture investor to a conversation that cuts through the noise of the startup and VC world.A 3× exited entrepreneur who built his career from a scholarship kid in New York to co-founding Aperture VC — one of the largest fintech funds led by diverse managers — Garnet shares what actually drives venture outcomes, what most founders misunderstand about fundraising, and why timing is often more important than the idea itself.We get into his framework for backing companies, including the rare “contrarian technocrat” profile, how great teams balance vision with execution, and what separates founders who can truly sell a market opportunity from those who can’t. He also explains how venture capital is becoming a barbell business, why most funds can’t compete in the LLM race, and where smaller, faster players can win in the AI era — particularly in vertical, highly regulated industries.The conversation moves beyond theory into real pattern recognition: spotting Uber-like ideas too early, betting on founders before the data exists, and knowing when not to take venture money at all.If you’re building in sports, fintech, or any emerging tech category, this episode is a masterclass in how investors think, how cycles actually work, and how to position your company for the next 3–5 years.

Austin Kruger is building a sports media company for fans who are tired of being talked at.After years of writing about the Packers and watching the industry lean further into clickbait and recycled national narratives, he launched Sideliner to create something different. The model is simple but powerful: put real fans in the content, let them speak for their teams, and build a platform around authentic conversation instead of hot takes.Three months in, they have more than 3.5 million views, 120K+ engagements, a growing creator network, and multiple revenue streams all without spending on marketing.We talk about what it actually looks like to build an early-stage media company in real time. The grind of posting every day. Finding product-market fit through content. Why the best performing segments always include fans. And how partnerships with creators and in-person activations can turn a digital brand into a community.Austin also breaks down the long-term vision. A fan-driven version of College GameDay. Live event formats. A platform where the audience is part of the show, not just the comments section.This is a conversation about betting on an idea, building in public, and trying to evolve sports media without becoming a copy of what already exists.

Doug Holtzman is a 25+ year sports industry revenue leader who has generated more than $100M in sponsorship sales and now supports over 630 teams through his work at Sportsdigita.On the podcast, Doug takes us through his journey from sports management and early agency experience to becoming the youngest corporate sales executive in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints, with stops at the Tampa Bay Rays, Houston Rockets, and IMG along the way. He shares how those experiences shaped his philosophy on winning, leadership, and building long-term partnerships that actually drive revenue.We dive into what teams and leagues are really buying today: clear ROI, data-backed storytelling, and presentations that help decision-makers move faster and more confidently. Doug explains why self-awareness is a career superpower, how understanding your client’s pressures changes your close rate, and why founders need to sell transformation not features.The conversation also explores:• The evolution of sponsorship sales and revenue strategy across the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NCAA• How analytics and fan data translate into renewals and new business• What separates average sellers from elite revenue leaders• Crafting a brand story partners want to attach themselves to• Lessons from working across teams, agencies, and sports tech• Mentorship, leadership, and opening doors for the next generation in sports businessThis episode is a masterclass for founders, revenue leaders, and anyone building in sports who wants to understand how value is actually communicated, sold, and scaled.

On this episode, hear from Jason Aldridge, a veteran founder and executive with over 30 years of experience building and scaling emerging hardware and software technologies.Jason is the founder of Turf Tank, where he spent the last decade taking a bold idea from concept to global market leadership. What started as a simple question, “What if a robot could paint sports fields?” became a category-defining autonomous robotics platform with more than 6,000 robots operating worldwide on annual subscription, serving everyone from NFL and MLS teams to high schools, colleges, and municipal parks departments.Throughout the conversation, Jason breaks down what it takes to introduce robotics and automation into a traditionally manual industry. He shares how Turf Tank earned trust one customer at a time, why world-class service became just as important as product innovation, and how shifting from upfront hardware sales to a Robot-as-a-Service subscription model unlocked scalable growth.They also dive into the realities of scaling a hardware company, from supply chain and onboarding systems to managing thousands of annual subscriptions, navigating COVID, and building a global team of more than 200 employees.Jason closes by reflecting on his recent exit from Turf Tank and his next chapter, where he now works with founders, leaders, and organizations on strategy, execution, and long-term legacy building.This episode is packed with practical insight for founders, operators, and investors building in sports, robotics, automation, or any business where real innovation requires changing how work has been done for decades.

On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Justin Titchenell is joined by Danny Davis, Founder & CEO of Recon Sports, to break down how elite programs turn data chaos into competitive advantage.Danny shares his path from West Point and five years as a U.S. Army Field Artillery Officer to building a platform now used by Power Four programs across the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12.At Recon Sports, he replaces dozens of disconnected tools with a single unified system—integrating millions of data points to drive better decisions in recruiting, player development, and performance. The conversation also pulls lessons directly into entrepreneurship.You’ll hear:How military reconnaissance translates to sports and businessWhy too many tools slow teams down instead of helping themThe mindset difference between first-time and scaled foundersWhy seeking rejection accelerates product-market fitWhere real opportunity exists as sports tech consolidatesIf you’re building in sports or tech and care about clarity, speed, and execution, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Justin speaks with Sanj Singh, co-founder of Temple Orthobiologics, about why recovery is becoming one of the most important — and underserved — frontiers in sports and human performance.Sanj shares his journey from environmental biotech to pharmaceuticals and ultimately orthobiologics, explaining how Temple Orthobiologics was spun out of Temple Therapeutics to focus specifically on sports recovery. With injury rates rising across professional, collegiate, and women’s sports, Sanj breaks down why recovery isn’t just a medical challenge, but a major business opportunity.The conversation explores the science behind the body’s natural repair process, including the concept of the “shot clock”for tissue healing and why timing is critical for athletes looking to return to pre-injury performance. Sanj explains how advances in orthobiologics can reduce scar tissue, improve outcomes, and bring elite-level recovery solutions to everyday athletes — not just professionals.Beyond the science, Sanj shares lessons from building a biotech startup, including the importance of market and clinical validation before raising capital, pressure-testing assumptions through customer feedback, working with leading clinicians, and navigating the unpredictability of timing in entrepreneurship.

On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Justin Titchenell interviews Matt Driver, Managing Partner at The Football Club Advisory Group and CEO/Founder of Soccer Universities.With 40+ years in the professional game (including time as a former MLS coach and club operator across the U.S. and UK), Matt shares his “boot room to boardroom” approach to club restructuring, operational strategy, and sustainable growth—bridging on-field performance with commercial outcomes.We cover how he audits and turns around clubs, redesigns front offices, builds revenue engines (sponsorship, academies, ticketing, fan engagement), and helps ownership groups move from survival mode to scalable success—plus leadership lessons he’s applied from both football and high-stakes business.

On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, we’re joined by Tyler Fox and Nick Schell, co-founders of BTA Sports, an AI-powered sports analytics startup based in Philadelphia.What started as a casual fantasy football debate in Nick’s basement in August 2023 quickly evolved into a fast-growing platform built to bring transparency, probability, and data-driven thinking to sports betting and fantasy sports. Tyler and Nick share how their complementary backgrounds—Nick in finance and Tyler in AI and technology—shaped BTA’s unique approach: empowering users with clear insights rather than selling picks or taking deposits.We dive into:Why BTA Sports focuses on probability and risk analysis over gut feelingsHow financial planning concepts inspired features like their Risk Analyzer and Fantasy IQBuilding a 20-person, highly collaborative team across multiple countriesProtecting innovation with three provisional patentsLessons learned from finding product-market fit and focusing resources on what actually drives growthWhat’s next, including their upcoming MLB launch timed with Opening Day in MarchThe conversation is a candid look at early-stage sports tech entrepreneurship, culture building, and staying flexible while scaling in a rapidly evolving industry. A must-listen for sports entrepreneurs, operators, and anyone interested in how AI and data are reshaping betting and fantasy sports.

Episode 48 of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast features Ben Nichols, one of the most respected communications executives in global sport and the founder of Padel 22, the world’s first marketing and communications consultancy dedicated entirely to padel.Ben has led communications during some of the highest-stakes moments in international sport, including overseeing media relations at the World Anti-Doping Agency during the Russian doping scandal and helping reshape the global perception of the Commonwealth Games. Today, he applies those same leadership and storytelling principles to one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.In this episode, we discuss:How Ben identified the right moment to build a business in an emerging global sportWhy storytelling is a competitive advantage for founders raising capital and forming partnershipsThe business mechanics behind padel’s rapid growth across clubs, events, investors, and infrastructureHow community and culture are accelerating adoption beyond traditional sports audiencesThis episode provides tons of value for sports entrepreneurs, investors, and executives looking to understand how new sports ecosystems are built and how strong communication drives growth.

On episode 47 of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, we’re joined by Brian McDonough, Head of Growth for North America, and Vincent van Renesse, CEO of SciSports.SciSports has evolved from an early-stage football analytics startup into a global platform trusted by more than 100 football organizations worldwide. Vincent and Brian walk through the company’s journey, from refining its value proposition during a 2022 growth raise to its 2024 acquisition by the VANAD Group, which helped accelerate its long-term vision.We cover:How fundraising clarified SciSports’ positioning in a crowded sports tech marketThe challenges of adapting a European-built product for the U.S. soccer ecosystemBuilding trust with clubs, academies, and grassroots programsThe company’s expansion beyond B2B into tools for players, parents, and coachesA focused conversation on scaling sports technology, knowing when to pivot, and growing globally with purpose.

On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, we speak with Mohit Pareek, Partner at Drake Star and one of the most respected voices in global sports, media, and technology M&A.Mohit is a seasoned tech and digital media investment banker with more than 15 years of experience advising on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raises across sports, gaming, media, and entertainment. He is also the lead author of the widely followed Drake Star Global SportsTech Report, a must-read resource for founders, investors, and executives tracking deal activity, valuations, and emerging trends across the sports ecosystem.During the conversation, Mohit shares his journey from growing up in India in an entrepreneurial family to becoming an award-winning investment banker involved in 45+ M&A transactions. We dive into what Drake Star looks for when backing sports tech companies, the importance of founding teams and scalability, and how strategic partnerships can unlock the next phase of growth.We also explore where Mohit sees the sports industry heading next, including:Consolidation in performance data and sports technologyThe growing role of AI in fan engagement, media, and operationsWhy women’s sports may be the fastest-growing and most monetizable asset class in sportsHow private equity, family offices, and technology are reshaping team valuationsThis episode is packed with insights for sports founders, operators, and investors looking to understand how capital, technology, and strategy intersect in the modern sports economy.

On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders podcast, Justin is joined by Mark Moyer, founder of Win Again and creator of the Clubroom, a virtual community that has connected over 1,000 athletes and business professionals. Mark shares his journey from executive search and recruiting to coaching athletes, veterans, and executives through major career transitions, including the story of a retired hockey player who went from “dumb jock” to thriving on a trading desk in just a few weeks.Justin and Mark dive into the mindset shift that athletes must navigate after their playing days are over. They break down why so many former athletes underestimate their skills in leadership, communication, resilience, and handling adversity, and how those same traits are a superpower in entrepreneurship and business. Mark explains his core framework from his book *Win Again*, and why building a thoughtful network of “givers” instead of chasing transactional networking is the key to long-term success.Along the way, the conversation touches on identity loss after sport, the role of fitness and routine, how universities and leagues fall short in preparing athletes, and why a single genuine interaction can stick with someone for 30 years. If you are a current or former athlete, or you work with athletes who are figuring out what comes next, this episode is a playbook for turning your competitive mindset into your next elite career.

Sports Business Leaders welcomes data veteran and SBRNet president Neil Schwartz for a deep dive into how data, fandom, and storytelling are reshaping the sports industry. Justin and Jake sit down with Neil to unpack his journey buying SBRNet in 2019, growing it to over 250 university and commercial clients, and building one of the most robust annual studies of sports fandom in the market.Neil explains how fan behavior has shifted pre and post pandemic, why live attendance is starting to decelerate while streaming accelerates, and how that shift fuels sports gambling, fantasy, and even licensed merchandise sales. He breaks down why data literacy is now a core skill for anyone in sports, from students to executives, and why Excel, clear insights, and storytelling often matter more than fancy analytics tools. The conversation ranges from the Green Bay Packers and Eagles to F1 and Netflix’s Drive to Survive, the rise of influencer marketing, and crossover fandom that drives sponsorship value.Neil also shares actionable advice for young professionals on persistence, kindness, and building a career at the intersection of sports, business, and data. Throughout the episode, Neil returns to one central idea: data gives you the facts, but people and stories are what turn those facts into real decisions and long-term impact. Visit www.sportsbusinessleaders.com for more information about how to get involved.

This episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast features  Ishveen Jolly, founder and CEO of OpenSponsorship, the world’s largest marketplace connecting athletes and creators with brands.Ishveen shares her journey from Oxford University athlete and sports agent to building a platform that has completed 18,000+ deals, democratized over $50M in sponsorship value, and brought real data and transparency into a historically fragmented industry.We go deep into:How her background in netball, cricket, and sports representation shaped the idea for OpenSponsorshipWhy the sponsorship industry was overdue for a “LinkedIn” or “Airbnb”–style marketplaceHow her team built a services-enabled, tech-powered platform used by 12,000+ athletes across 160 sportsThe rise of creators and the shift toward all-in-one sponsorship solutionsWhat profitability really looks like in sports tech—and why it almost always takes longer than founders expectHow AI is reshaping efficiency, operations, and the future of sports marketingHer lessons on fundraising, working with HNW investors, and navigating the evolving expectations of brands and agenciesWe also talk about OpenSponsorship’s evolution beyond athlete deals—from NIL and influencers to unique brand activations (including a recent project featuring a Benjamin Franklin impersonator for the Philadelphia Airport).Ishveen offers candid insights on growth, team communication, internal efficiency, and embracing change in a marketing landscape that’s moving faster than ever.If you're a founder, investor, athlete, creator, or operator in sports, this episode is packed with practical wisdom on building a profitable platform, scaling a marketplace, and driving innovation inside a legacy industry.

On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders podcast, we’re joined by Max Rusakov and Calum Kuhn, co-founders of RevU, an AI-powered contract assistant built to help athletes finally understand what they’re signing.Max and Calum break down how NIL deals—most worth under $2,000—often contain hidden risks that athletes, agents, and even compliance offices miss. They explain how RevU simplifies the entire process with instant contract summaries, clause-level risk scoring, NCAA/FTC compliance checks, and deliverable tracking—all integrated directly into Gmail, Google Docs, Outlook, and Word.We cover:• Why most athletes are unprotected in NIL• How RevU translates legal jargon into clear, actionable terms• What they learned from Version 1 and why Version 2 is a major leap• The future of NIL tech and where RevU fits inIf you work with athletes, NIL deals, or sports tech, this conversation is packed with insight.

On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders podcast, Justin and Jake feature Rob Thompson, a 30-year sports industry innovator, entrepreneur, and educator. His career spans coaching, media, private equity, and grassroots sports development.Rob shares his journey from college football coaching to launching one of the first recruiting agencies. He went on to help build NFL Flag Football and Hoop It Up 3x3 Basketball into global movements. Rob also led the University of New Haven’s transition from Division II to Division I athletics.The conversation explores the power of storytelling, the preservation of sports history, and the mindset required to build lasting ventures. Rob discusses his current work with the Walter Camp Football Foundation, where he’s helping reimagine football’s origins through a new preseason bowl game in New Haven. The event honors the man who saved the sport in 1905.Together, Rob and Justin highlight key lessons for entrepreneurs:Understanding your industry’s roots strengthens your vision for the future.Storytelling drives business, community, and legacy.Persistence, coachability, and cash management matter more than hype.This episode is a masterclass in honoring tradition while innovating for the next generation of sports leaders.

Today's Sports Business Leaders podcast features David Ricca, CEO of Vamos Venture Group. Hear from David about how purpose, community, and capital are reshaping the global sports landscape.David shares his journey from professional soccer to venture capital. He offers insights on youth soccer development, sports investment strategies, and the growing importance of mentorship and collaboration in the sports ecosystem.The discussion explores the rise of community-focused clubs like those in the USL. It also highlights the role of venture capital in advancing social impact initiatives and how strategic partnerships can drive long-term growth across sports, tech, and education.This episode provides valuable lessons for founders, investors, and leaders looking to align business success with purpose and positive impact in sports.

Episode 39 of the SBL podcast featured Zubin Teherani, the co-founder of LeagueSide, to unpack his decade-long journey building one of the most impactful companies in youth sports technology.Zubin and his team built LeagueSide into the leading youth sports sponsorship marketplace, linking brands like Verizon, Uber, Visa, Chipotle, and Hilton with thousands of local leagues. Under his leadership, the company:• Enabled 12 million+ kids to play youth sports• Scaled to eight figures of ARR, nearly doubling four years in a row while remaining profitable• Raised $4 million from funds, founders, and pro athletes• Was ultimately acquired by TeamSnap, a PE-backed SaaS and fintech platformFollowing the acquisition, Zubin led product marketing, go-to-market strategy, and sales enablement for TeamSnap’s brands business before transitioning into advising and investing.In this conversation, he shares what it takes to scale a marketplace, build strong client relationships, and navigate the emotional and strategic challenges of selling a company. From his “land and expand” growth approach to his lessons on leadership and culture, Zubin offers a transparent look at startup growth and life after acquisition.Tune in to hear how Zubin turned vision into execution — and what founders can learn from his journey across sports, technology, and entrepreneurship.

On episode 38 of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Justin Titchenell interviewed Vince Quinn, Co-Founder and Creative Director of SBX Productions, to unpack how business owners can turn podcasts into powerful marketing tools that build authority and drive growth.Before launching SBX, Vince spent nearly a decade at 94WIP and CBS Sports Radio, where he worked alongside Angelo Cataldi on The Morning Team and hosted The Vince Quinn Show, syndicated across more than 300 stations in the U.S. and Canada. From producing comedy segments to leading national broadcasts, Vince built a career at the heart of sports talk radio before making the leap into podcasting.Vince explains why he left traditional radio for a more stable, fulfilling path — and how the lessons he learned behind the mic now help founders and executives build podcasts that sell, not just entertain. He breaks down the biggest mistakes business owners make when starting a show, the importance of aligning content with business goals, and how to build real relationships through consistent, purposeful storytelling.From hilarious behind-the-scenes stories about Wing Bowl and getting egged live on TV during the Eagles’ 2017 playoff run to tactical advice on production tools like Riverside, this conversation provides actionable insight.Today, through SBX Productions, Vince helps brands develop podcast strategies that drive leads, simplify engagement, and turn content into measurable growth.If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast to elevate your business, this episode is the perfect place to start.

Description:On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Justin sits down with Bryan Fetzer — former NCAA coach, entrepreneur, broadcaster, and co-founder of PsyOptimal Sports — to explore what it truly takes to build great teams and enduring cultures in both sports and business.Bryan reflects on his 23-year journey coaching college track and field before transitioning into entrepreneurship. He shares how his experiences working with elite athletes and leading programs to nine NCAA Top-10 finishes shaped his approach to leadership and mental performance. Now through PsyOptimal Sports, Bryan helps athletes, coaches, and executives strengthen resilience and understand the intangibles that drive success.The conversation dives deep into:The transition from college coaching to entrepreneurship and how Bryan found purpose beyond the field.The power of assessments in recruiting and team-building — understanding “who” someone is before focusing on “what” they do.Leadership lessons on culture, communication, and connecting with the next generation of athletes.Four principles for success that have guided Bryan’s life and career: get better every day, be grateful, treat others well, and focus on who truly matters.From high-performance coaching to data-driven culture building, Bryan offers timeless lessons for anyone leading teams, managing people, or striving to make a lasting impact in sports and business.

This episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast features Joel Steele — entrepreneur, financial advisor, author of Life Switch, and part of the ownership groups for the Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League) and Rhode Island FC (2024 USL Eastern Conference Champions).Joel opens up about his journey from early setbacks to building a successful financial firm and investing in professional sports. He shares what he has learned from championship cultures, the role of passion and purpose in lasting success, and why resilience matters in both business and life.It’s a conversation filled with lessons for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone chasing big goals in sports and beyond.