Sports Business Journal — Nov. 7, 2022

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FASHION FORWARD

‘Rock star’ architect David Manica brings a snazzy lifestyle, a bold
imagination and a new way of doing business to sports venue design

PAGES 18-21

LIV Golf executives Behind the scenes as Grand ambitions lead Fischer: What does
open up about its MLB managed a wet Sony’s purchase of Daniel Snyder really
drive for growth and wild World Series Beyond Sports have planned in D.C.?

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STATE OF PLAY

CASH ONLY

Average annual value of the Big 12’s new six-year,
$2.28 billion media rights deal with ESPN and Fox
that starts in 2025-26, an increase of $160 million 

over the current deal’s final years despite the
conference losing Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC.

Getty Images (2); Courtesy of HBO Rose Up HERE WE GO AGAIN

The Portland Thorns became the first NWSL team to win three league championships by beating The third iteration of the XFL announced its
the Kansas City Current 2-0 at Audi Field on Oct. 29. That bit of normalcy capped a turbulent eight team members, including new clubs in
season for the 10-year-old league, which saw Jessica Berman take over as commissioner in March
and the Yates Report detail years of sexual abuse of players by coaches in the league. The final, the Orlando Guardians, San Antonio
though, allowed the league to end on a positive note, as an average of 915,000 viewers watched the Brahmas and Vegas Vipers. 
match on CBS, the most ever for a game in league history.
THE METER
MONEY TALKS HERE WE GO AGAIN

The more we studied it, The Brooklyn Nets and the NBA got dragged
the more we realized it felt like into another drama involving point guard
the NFL did 20 years ago. Kyrie Irving, who openly supported an
antisemitic film, yet meaningful discipline
— ALEC SCHEINER, partner at RedBird Capital, on the growth potential of cricket from the team and league was lacking.

TAKING ATTENDANCE COMING ATTRACTIONS

86,215 “SAY HEY, WILLIE MAYS!,” 
a documentary about the baseball legend,
Fans at Wembley Stadium for Broncos-Jaguars on Oct. 30, debuts Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max
the most ever for an NFL game in London
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FORUM

Long view has levers that nobody was taking advantage of, and we saw, quite SBJ
KC Current winning honestly, a fear of investing. We have ambition and we are think- PODCASTS
on and off the field ing big. So, we put all those things together, and thought, ‘We’ve
got to get involved and figure out how to get a team in Kansas BUZZCAST
ABRAHAM A MONG THE MORE IMPRESSIVE new owners in City.’” Here’s what they have done right:
sports are Chris and Angie Long, who pur- Listen to Abe Madkour’s take
MADKOUR chased the Kansas City Current with Brit- ■ PUSHING SPONSORS: Chris expressed the frustration I hear on sports business stories of
tany Mahomes in December 2020, just 124 days before often from women’s properties: The corporate community is the day in Morning Buzzcast
PUBLISHER the team’s first match. If you haven’t paid attention resistant — but the Longs’ approach is a lesson for everyone. He — every day in Morning Buzz.
AND to this dynamic couple, you should. They are genuine, said their initial calls to K.C.-based companies went to a com-
EXECUTIVE successful business leaders who love sports, and have pany’s foundation or community relations department. “That The entire contents
EDITOR a mission to bring excellence to ownership. “Excel- was infuriating,” he said, still upset because it implied a char- of this magazine are
lence is something that Chris and I talk about a lot,” ity effort. “We fight like cats and dogs when anything like that copyrighted by Street &
Angie said last month at our Game Changers event, happens. But we realized you have to put action first; it can’t just Smith’s Sports Business
just days before their team lost in the NWSL cham- be words and tell people what we’re going to do. It’s got to be Journal 2022 with all rights
pionship game. “Everything we do is about striving actions. And then once there’s something tangible, they’ll get reserved. Street & Smith’s
for excellence.” The comment was such a rare, overt on board. And that’s what’s happened.” That led to having the is a registered trademark
statement, but the more you hear and watch the Longs, right facilities and infrastructure that gives partners opportuni- of Leaders Group Holdings
you see they aren’t looking for average. “If you hire ties to amplify their mission. LLC. Reproduction or use,
A people, they want to hang out with A-plus people,” without permission, of
Chris said. “If you hire B people, they want to hang ■ GETTING THE PRODUCT RIGHT: So many new owners underes- editorial or graphic content
out with C people. So, we’ve spent so much time find- timate how hard it is to win and the relentless work to get it right. in any manner is prohibited.
ing that A person and putting them in a position to The Longs learned their focus had to be on people and facilities. Street & Smith’s Sports
succeed. People that are habitual winners can think After finishing 3-14-7 in 2021, dead last, they reassessed. “The first Business Journal (ISSN-
at scale and understand what it means to have a win- thing we tackled in the offseason was getting the technical side 1098-5972) publishes up
ning culture.” of our staff right,” Angie said, and that saw an increase in person- to 49 print or digital issues
nel. “We have over 20 people focused on it, and that’s a lot.” It also each year, for $325 a year
After meeting at Princeton where she played rugby came down to spending on facilities, as the Longs will have in- by Street & Smith’s Sports
and he played basketball, the two worked at JP Mor- vested around $140 million in both a training center and a planned Business Journal, at 120
gan Chase and then launched Palmer Square in 2009, new stadium — the first for a women’s sports team — opening in West Morehead Street, Suite
which is based just outside Kansas City, and man- 2024. “Facilities matter so much,” she said. “Not only in sports, 310, Charlotte, NC 28202.
ages nearly $12 billion in assets. The two aren’t pe- but in everything in the [community] environment.” Chris cited In Canada $390 per year,
destrian investors, and they approached the NWSL how facility ownership sends a strong message to players and a includes GST and all other
with a critical lens. “Our whole life has been spent community: “How do you become world class and not be able to countries $504, includes
investing,” Chris said. “When we looked at women’s have that level of control and attention to detail? I just don’t know a one-year subscription
soccer, we saw low, low valuations, which we thought how you do it.” and expedited air delivery
were unwarranted. They continue to be way too low. (GST#139794580).
We saw a lot of low-hanging fruit around revenue The Longs’ blueprint is to focus on the product and invest in Periodicals postage paid at
facilities, which allow for product optimization. “The best athletes Charlotte, NC, and additional
in the world just want to get better and they want to win,” Angie mailing offices. Street &
said. “And we’re creating that environment, and the most success- Smith’s Sports Business
ful sports organizations all have their own training center.” Journal is a publication of
Leaders Group Holdings
Almost two years in, the duo have few regrets. “In our first year, LLC. Street & Smith’s Sports
I don’t think we had enough staff,” Angie said. “But I don’t know Business Journal is an equal
if there’s anything we could have done different about it.” Chris opportunity employer.
also didn’t have a long list. “We’ve had to operate at ludicrous
speed,” he said. “We’ve probably overspent in some cases because POSTMASTER:
we were so fearful of not doing it right and missing on excellence. Please send address
We may have messed up there, but that’s small in the scheme of changes to Street & Smith’s
what we’re trying to accomplish. I love the decisions we’ve made.” Sports Business Journal —
Subscriber Services, 120
I kept coming back to the Longs’ quiet, persistent quest for ex- W. Morehead St., Suite 310,
cellence — the excellence they talk about and strive for. This mo- Charlotte, NC 28202.
tivated couple sees both the big picture and the little details that If the Post Office alerts
really matter, and are demonstrating their vision with deeds, not us that your magazine is
just words. And people are noticing. As Angie said, “We’re creat- undeliverable, we have no
ing that environment where it’s so abundantly clear that Kansas further obligation unless we
City is the best place to be.” receive a corrected address
within 3 months.
Abraham Madkour can be reached at amadkour@
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THIS WEEK

OPINION. . . . . . . . . . 22 EVENTS MARKETING MEDIA LABOR TICKETING
CAREERS.. . . . . . . . . 23
FACES & PLACES.. 24 12 TURNING THE TIDE 13 THE LEFTON 14 PERSONALITY 15 INSIDE THE MOVES 17 NEW METHODS
CLOSING SHOT. . . . 26 REPORT DRIVEN
ESPN summit highlights The bold plan to expand Expanding open
Cover image by Carol Bliss opportunities and Official licensees learned Fox Sports shifts its strat- WME Sports’ representa- distribution channels
strategies for growth that nothing says winner egy for the World Series tion in the NBA, NFL and will help get tickets
and investment in like on-field champion- pregame show to suit its MLB came from the high- into fans’ hands, no
women’s sports. ship tees and caps. lineup of stars. est levels at Endeavor. matter where they shop.

By Chris Smith By Terry Lefton By John Ourand By Liz Mullen By Bret McCormick

4 | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022 WWW.SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM

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upfront

left: Dustin Johnson
finished the first
season with $35
million in earnings
across individual and
team competition.
right: LIV President
and COO Atul Khosla
said the property
is committed to
generating a return on
the huge investment
from its Saudi backers.

Going The Distance league and team sponsors as the start of their second season
LIV Golf calls its first season a beta test. Now it turns the approaches in February. Despite possessing what former presi-
focus on revenue generation, media deal. BY ERIC PRISBELL dent and ardent supporter Donald Trump called “unlimited
money,” LIV executives double down that it’s imperative they
O N THE EVE of the finale for LIV Golf ’s inaugural sea- start to tap into traditional revenue streams.
son — a team competition offering the largest purse
($50 million) of any golf event in history — much LIV says it has a long-term commitment from its Saudi back-
of the brain trust for the insurgent circuit sat around ers and is looking out five, seven and 10 years as it builds the
league. Still, “We wake up every morning with the pressure to
a table inside Trump Doral National Golf Club late last month deliver a return on investment,” said Atul Khosla, LIV’s president
and chief operating officer. “We need to deliver that and that is
contemplating a reporter’s question: How soon does their business what we are committed to doing.”

model need to start generating substantial revenue? As LIV expands to 14 events and increases purses from $255
to $405 million next year, an open question remains whether LIV
An opening act defined by disruption, opulence and contro- will find a foothold as a mainstream U.S. sports property and
attract a wider audience or merely continue to spend inordinate
versy ended with LIV still standing, still growing after confront- amounts of cash and chip away at the PGA Tour, one headlining
defection at a time. Or perhaps accomplish all of the above.
ing fierce headwinds from fracturing a traditionally conservative
“I’d have to say that we are really fortunate to have a long
industry and being bankrolled by the seemingly bottomless Saudi runway,” said Monica Fee, LIV’s senior vice president, global
head of partnerships. “Our investors have a long-term vision,
Arabian sovereign wealth fund. But after staging eight events, and there was no expectation to deliver revenue overnight. It
just wasn’t in the plan.”
attracting an increasingly talented stable of golfers, and spend-
But golf ’s most consequential year in memory ends as LIV enters
ing nearly $800 million for what they call a beta-test season with a pivotal period. Landing a media rights deal is mission critical for
the circuit so it can make its product more accessible to a wider
relatively little revenue to show from events, merchandise and Getty Images

some international broadcast deals, the goal posts now move.

Financial expectations rise as LIV officials remain bullish on

securing a much-needed media rights deal and signing the first

6 | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022 WWW.SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM

SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL

audience. LIV has been broadcast on ous” sponsors are “sitting on the side” The value of the league, and of each ers are 45 and under and half bring
more than two dozen networks inter- awaiting LIV’s media rights deal. “We team, will go up as the success gets partners and family members, many
nationally but in the U.S. consumers anticipate having a broadcast com- seen. So as you come out of 2023, I who have never been to a golf event
could only stream the event in Doral pany before we start the 2023 season,” think there’s going to be a heck of a before. They eye an opportunity to ex-
late last month on the tour’s website, he said. “We do know that a lot of lot more value in these teams.” pand the fan base. Troy Tutt has been
YouTube and DAZN. broadcasters looking at us are very hired as senior vice president of ticket-
bullish on what we are delivering.” Khosla expects roughly 25% of ing and hospitality to build out a full
Will Staeger, LIV’s chief media of- teams to change names and a higher ticketing sales platform.
ficer, said they remain in active con- LIV’s media division is working percentage that will change logos. And
versations with “multiple linear with industry consultants on media expect more new players added. It has A point of criticism is that LIV
networks” — he did not disclose spe- rights and the property is working been high times financially for those events are long on entertainment, short
cifics — and are highly optimistic that with agencies on sponsorships, but who defected from the PGA Tour. Per- on athletic competition because the
they will have a deal in place to grow would not identify them. haps no one benefited more than Phil players have earned so many dollars
viewership in the U.S. Mickelson, who signed a reported $200 up front. Asked his response to the
LIV saw its overall social media fol- million contract. perception that LIV stages exhibitions,
Any number of factors may give lowing across Facebook, Twitter and Staeger said, “Steph Curry, Lionel
networks pause, including limited Instagram climb from 144,000 in June “Where we (LIV) are today to where Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron
available broadcast windows and ex- to over 740,000 in November, according we were six, seven months ago and James are pretty competitive. They’ve
isting contracts ESPN, CBS and NBC to Zoomph. In comparison, the PGA people saying this is dead in the water,” got guaranteed contracts that far ex-
have with the PGA Tour. LIV’s con- Tour saw a climb from 9.1 million to Mickelson said, “and we’re past that ceed most athletes in our league. And
nection to the oppressive Saudi re- nearly 9.4 million. and here we are today, a force in the I’ll watch every single one of their
gime with its troubled human rights game that is not going away. It is pretty games, even if they’ve got 82 games.
record also hovers, although it’s a link Also central to LIV’s economic remarkable how far LIV Golf has come Our guys are the same out there. You
LIV has seen diminish of late in na- model is that their 12 teams — each in the last six, seven months. I don’t feel the chemistry and the competitive-
tional media coverage. comprising four golfers — will oper- think anybody can disagree with that.” ness that these guys have not just for
ate as individual franchises. LIV will themselves, but for the team.”
Whether LIV will fall short of a hold a 75% equity stake in each team, Fans are often overheard talking
traditional rights deal, and need to while each captain is guaranteed a about the large sums of money pocketed Uncertainty about long-term sus-
purchase its own time on a network, 25% stake. Teams hope to take advan- by players as they traverse a unique tainability persists. Nevertheless,
has been a source of speculation. tage of revenue streams with sponsor- golfing environment, one infused with Khosla said this year proved there is
Staeger said that while that’s not un- ships, prize money and merchandise. energy and thumping bass that serves “absolutely a demand” for the product.
common for early-stage endeavors, as an unofficial soundtrack. Attendance Khosla knows that he, Fee and Staeger
they are optimistic that they will not “I think you will start to see that — which is not disclosed — has report- were among the first employees hired
need to create that type of structure. next year,” Khosla said. Acknowledg- edly been modest and at times sparse. to jump-start Norman’s vision. Now
ing that there could be potential con- But executives are not concerned; Fee LIV has 120 full-time employees and
“There are no hangups whatsoever flicts initially with existing deals an points to the fact that 41% of ticket buy- three offices globally. It has 30 roles
with the networks we’re talking to,” individual golfer may have and new it is looking to fill in addition to teams
Staeger said. “They like the announce ones that emerge, Khosla said, “It’s hiring their respective staffs.
teams, the graphics, the team and in- not like ripping the Band-Aid right
dividual competition and the accessibil- off. You will see going into next year As questions over the business
ity. We have had eight events to perfect this transition time where deals are model linger, the disruption of the
the craft of telling our stories. Now we expiring, new deals are coming into status quo is undeniable.
are ready for a wider audience.” place where there will be similar
placement on maybe a percentage of Norman said discussions are under-
Khosla called it a fluid process as LIV the hats, the shirts or whatever, but way to land roughly seven new players,
is finalizing its schedule, which will not across the board. It’s a solid 12- to which he said will be top-20 caliber.
run from February through September, 18-month cycle where everything gets Norman said LIV players “feel like they
and networks do the same for theirs. set up to be uniform.” are liberated. And there are players
on the PGA Tour that we are speaking
Expect original programming to In terms of equity, Norman said he to today who want to be liberated,”
also be critical to its content strategy. has been approached by “individuals even amid significant recent tour
LIV remains in dialogue with produc- who expressed an interest in wanting changes to elevate events and purses.
ers from a variety of agencies in dif- to be involved with a team, either
ferent genres and has added a percentage-wise, or acquire a team. Khosla added, “What has been
programming strategists team to help achieved in eight months, regardless
shape content plans. of the noise, it is pretty unprecedented.
What this team has done, we’re incred-
LIV says it averaged 1.1 million ibly proud of what has occurred. And
views per day for its tournaments via I think we’re just getting started.”
YouTube and livgolf.com; the metric
does not include the 160-plus countries GUIDING LIV’S NEXT MOVES
LIV is present in through interna-
Getty Images tional broadcast deals. Fee said 53% MAJED AL SOROUR KERRY TAYLOR MATT GOODMAN
of its viewing audience was 45 or Managing director Chief marketing President
younger, metrics she believes make
LIV an attractive property for brands. GREG NORMAN officer of franchises
She said the reception from brands CEO & commissioner
globally has been positive as LIV has JOHN LOFFHAGEN MONICA FEE
moved to schedule introductory meet- ATUL KHOSLA Chief legal officer Global head
ings and host decision-makers at its President & COO of partnerships
events. TIM TAYLOR
WILL STAEGER Chief financial officer TROY TUTT
“Media rights will be a game chang- Chief media officer Senior VP,
er,” Fee said. “Then I think you’re JONATHAN GRELLA ticketing and
going to see us start to welcome cor- RON CROSS Chief communications hospitality
porate partners next season. I think Chief events officer
that will happen in stages.” officer

LIV CEO Greg Norman said “numer-

W W W . S P O R T S B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L . C O M NOVEMBER 7-13, 2022 | 7

UPFRONT

document that spans several hundred pages and

acts as a conversation starter for what may come

in a few months. Once the postseason arrives, the

league’s involvement with each series increases

through each round until “we’re full blast at the

World Series,” O’Gara said. Both the league

and club sides described the working re-

Four famous lationship as symbiotic.
Phillies alums “I talked to three [league staffers] and

joined Philadelphia they were like, ‘It’d be silly for us to come
in and dictate what you do. You’ve been
sports legends doing this for 81 games,’” said David Buck,
Julius Erving, Phillies executive vice president. “There’s
Bernie Parent, a lot of great collaboration.”
Mike Schmidt and
Brandon Graham

before Game 3. Such was the case ahead of Game 3 in

Philadelphia, starting with a 9 a.m. MLB

staff meeting concerning overall World

Series operations. O’Gara gave a report on

game presentation plans and pregame ceremonies

for all three games in the city. He then had wall-to-

wall meetings — including an 11 a.m. with the Pha-

natic (not in costume) about pregame ceremony

plans — before a key moment on the agenda at

1 p.m.: the pregame rehearsal, which served as a

dry run for the national anthem, soundcheck and

starting lineup introductions.

Everything is carefully timed to ensure the in-

Always ready for the curveballs: stadium presentation is synced with the Fox broad-
cast. That’s why about 20 Phillies employees, at the
request of the league, were cast as stand-ins for

A behind-the-scenes look at MLB’s player introductions during the rehearsal.
World Series game preparation Still, there’s no way to completely avoid snafus.

Game 3 saw myriad examples, many due to the
weather-related postponement. Country music star
Tim McGraw was going to be featured during Game

4’s Stand Up To Cancer moment; McGraw’s father,

BRIAN O’GARA’S TOP PRIORITY is ballpark energy, on his ATV was what initially sparked his Phillies Tug, who closed out the Phillies’ first World Series

never moreso than at the World Series. The louder fandom when he was a kid. Tapping into that on title in 1980, battled brain cancer before his death

and more frenzied, the better. this stage would add another layer of authenticity in 2004 at age 59. But McGraw was only available

“We’re creating memories,” said O’Gara, who’s to the festivities. to attend on Tuesday, and because Stand Up To

been with the league for more than 30 years and is But despite all the meticulous planning, a few Cancer was affixed to Game 4, the league had to

in his seventh year as MLB’s vice pres- factors can never be controlled. Weather improvise. O’Gara delivered a placard to McGraw

ident of events and game presentation. BY ERIK BACHARACH — which pushed Game 3 from Monday when he was there for Game 3, and photos snapped
“That’s why our group works really hard to Tuesday, though Mill assured MLB he of McGraw with a placard that featured his father’s

to get all the details right.” wanted to come back the next day — is scribbled nickname were shown on the videoboard

Many of those details came together always one. Tragedy is another. later, while the singer also shared it on Twitter.

exactly as expected to create something special last Mill’s friend, Takeoff from the hip-hop trio Migos, In another example, Emilie Matson, MLB’s man-

week for three raucous games at Citizens Bank Park was fatally shot Tuesday at age 28. That afternoon, ager of global event experience, was unexpectedly

in Philadelphia. Take, for example, the ceremo- MLB received word Mill would not be attending called on to cue Phillies public address announcer

nial first pitch before Game 3 between the Phillies Game 3. With no natural replacement Dan Baker during pregame

and Houston Astros, the idea for which came from for such an authentic activation, the introductions.

the home team but got final approval by the league. league worked to tighten up parts of its “We’re creating “This job can sometimes
It featured four Philly champions — 76ers legend pregame schedule to replace the time be about jumping into differ-

Julius Erving, current Eagles linebacker Brandon that was alotted for Mill’s moment. memories. ent roles,” Matson said. “It
Graham, Flyers icon Bernie Parent and Baseball Flexibility is key when so many ele- That’s why our can be unpredictable.”
Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt — throwing to distin-
ments must come together at once. To There was yet another un-

guished Phillies alums. Fans adjacent to the visitor’s be as flexible as possible, MLB works group works predictable twist before
clubhouse, from which the four men emerged, were to be as prepared as possible. really hard Game 5, when the league got
visibly awestruck when they first popped out. to get all the word that Mill wanted to be
“We know that there’ll be challenges details right.” back in the fold for that eve-
Other ideas, though, can fall through. A surprise that come up when we host any large- ning’s festivities. That news,
appearance by Meek Mill ahead of Game 3, for ex- scale event,” said Jeremiah Yolkut, MLB however, didn’t come as
ample, no doubt would have brought the desired vice president of global events, who much as a surprise to
frenzy to Citizens Bank Park if not for something oversees O’Gara’s department in addi-

impossible to predict. tion to three other events-related depart- O’Gara, who felt the situa-

Right before pregame player introductions, the ments. “The key is, how do we react to tion earlier in the week was

Philadelphia-born rapper was going to emerge from those and make sure we have the right teams in handled well on both sides, creating an even stron-

the right field corner, microphone in hand, while place so if something comes up that surprises us, ger relationship with Mill. Getty Images

riding an ATV with the Phanatic to hype up the we can easily solve for it?” “Sometimes, you have to adjust, because anything

crowd. Mill had explained on a conference call with After the All-Star Game each summer, the league can happen,” O’Gara said. “And sometimes, things

MLB a few days prior that seeing the Philly mascot distributes to all 30 clubs its postseason manual, a work out.”

8 | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022 WWW.SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM

SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Some positive signs for younger demographic
among mixed results in recent MLB fan survey
N
INETEEN PERCENT of MLB fans under Compared to five years ago, are you more or less invested in your MLB fandom?
25 said they felt like they were a big-
ger fan of the sport than they were More invested Equally invested Less invested

five years ago, the biggest jump of any age Under 25 19% 38% 42%

group, according to a nationwide survey field-

ed Oct. 26-28 for Sports Business Journal by 25-34 16% 35% 49%

Civic Science. 35-54 13%

It is the latest sign of the sport’s slow growth 45% 42%

among the younger demographic. Overall par- 55+ 11%

ticipation in baseball in the United States has 50% 38%

BY DAVID increased more than 20% since 2,115 responses
2012, according to an SBJ analysis

BROUGHTON of Sports Fitness Industry Asso- How positive or negative do you think banning the shift will be for Major League Baseball?

ciation data. Forty-five percent of

baseball participants in 2021 were Very positive Somewhat positive Somewhat negative Very negative

age 6-12, the highest rate among the major sports.

The sport’s biggest area of growth since 2016 20% 32% 32% 16%

has come from 18- to 24-year-olds who play at 5,288 responses

least 13 times per year, as that demographic has

grown 30%.

The percentage of Americans who said they MLB teams will be allowed to place a 4-by-4-inch sponsor logo on their jerseys starting in 2023.
To what extent do you approve or disapprove of this move?
were “not at all” interested in MLB improved

from 61% during COVID — when interest in Strongly approve Somewhat disapprove Strongly disapprove

every major league sport declined — to its cur-

rent level of 56%, according to John Dick, Civic 12% 22% 21% 45%
Somewhat approve
Science CEO and founder. 2,130 responses

Pittsburgh-based Civic Science conducts

real-time polling and consumer insights for

some of sport’s biggest marketing partners, such MLB recently became the first pro sports league to partner with a CBD brand, Charlotte’s Web.
To what extent do you approve or disapprove of the move?
as Apple, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Bank of Amer-

ica and others. Respondents are not compen- Strongly approve Somewhat approve Somewhat disapprove Strongly disapprove

sated or provided other incentives in any way.

In contrast, nearly half of the respondents to 26% 24% 18% 32%

the survey age 25-34 indicated that they had 1,877 responses

become less of an MLB fan during a five-year

time period. Overall, 42% of fans said they were

less invested in baseball than they were five Which of the following is your biggest obstacle Which of the following is your preferred channel
to attending more MLB games? to watch Major League Baseball?
years ago while 15% said they were more in-
ESPN 24%
vested. Twenty percent said they had attended

a game in the past year. Cost 38%

In response to requests for comment, MLB

cited Luker on Sports’ September data that Change in my 25% Fox / FS1 28%
level of interest
shows that 59.1% of U.S. residents follow MLB

at least “somewhat,” an improvement of 2.3 Distance from 27% TBS 16%
favorite team
percentage points from one year ago. Interest

in Minor League Baseball increased from 32.7% I don’t like the Apple TV+ 6%
latest rule changes
to 36.2% during the same time period. MLB is 5%

second only to the NFL’s 68% level. My favorite team Peacock 4%
isn’t good
The Civic Science study, which included 5%

a range of 1,877 to 5,288 U.S.-based respondents, 1,877 responses Regional sports 22%
networks
depending on the question, showed that about

half of fans were in favor of rule changes imple- 2,034 responses

mented recently by the league, such as eliminat- When was the last time you attended
an MLB game?
ing the shift and adding more playoff games. Do you like MLB’s 12-team playoff format,
with a best-of-three Wild Card round?
The changes were put in place as a direct re- Within the past
three months
sult of multiple league-initiated surveys of MLB 9% Yes, it’s the best
format yet
fans over the past few years. Within the past 51%
year I preferred the 22%
MLB also became the first major league to 11% one-game Wild

name an official CBD partner, Charlotte’s Web, Card round

last month, and half of the league’s fans are 1-4 years ago 25%

OK with it. Fifty percent of respondents said I preferred when it
was just one Wild 27%
they “strongly” or “somewhat” approve of the 5+ years ago 55%
Card team
new revenue stream.

Source: Civic Science 2,457 responses 2,201 responses

W W W . S P O R T S B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L . C O M NOVEMBER 7-13, 2022 | 9

UPFRONT

ing Beyond Sports in 2014. With feedback from the

national federation in the Netherlands, they started

crafting virtual worlds for tactical analysis before

recognizing the product’s consumer appeal.

Beyond Sports has its roots in immersive worlds

and can create compelling 3D figures in AR and VR

but is not limited to those mediums. Its depictions

can be viewed on smartphones or websites or infused

into digital worlds like, for

Beyond Sports will example, Roblox or a game
bring its artifical on Sony PlayStation.
intelligence data
In the Netherlands, Be-
visualization capa-
bilities to create sim- yond Sports powers the
ulations for Sony’s Gameface app that enables
expanding sports interactive streaming of
business. Eredivisie matches. Fans

can customize features: sub-

stitute players for cartoons,

recreate the game on Mars, even superimpose their

own face on an athlete. When a Brazilian player

scored a goal, the highlight wasn’t available in his

native country, but a recreation rendered in Game-

Acquisition of Beyond Sports allows face was viewed more than 300,000 times across
social networks.
Sony to offer end-to-end options to “That was like an eye opener for the league here
clients for player data opportunities saying, ‘Wow, so we’re actually getting eyeballs from
Brazil now even though we don’t have broadcasting
rights being sold to that country,’” Schouten said.
“People are making their own clips and [executives]

can actually see what they like or don’t like, and that

SONY HAS REACHED AN AGREEMENT to acquire Beyond Sports, an experience and then publishing that behavior becomes really important because it’s the

artificial intelligence-based data visualization company special- through another platform (such as new generation they’re tapping into, which a lot of

izing in fan engagement. The Dutch tech company will join optical Pulselive’s). Sony now offers an end- leagues struggle to keep with them or actually engage

tracking provider Hawk-Eye and digital media platform Pulselive to-end solution for that workflow, en- with them in the first place.”

among Sony’s sports businesses. abling leagues, federations and Hack acknowledged that Sony hasn’t maximized

Beyond Sports can use player tracking data to create photoreal- broadcasters to do one-stop shopping the commercial potential of its raw material, the

istic simulations — some of which are used by pro sports clubs for partners. tracking data. The technology has been upgraded to

— but it has developed a particular niche in rendering graphical Terms of the deal were not disclosed, detect 29 points on the body, including limb move-

representations that target younger demographics of fans. except that Sony purchased 100% of ment and head direction, fueling new opportunities

For example, Beyond Sports animated highlights during the Beyond Sports’ shares. Beyond Sports for Beyond Sports to capture emotion and other

Nickelodeon broadcast of the NFL wild-card games the past two will remain data-agnostic and will still subtleties of the athletes.

seasons; that’s how the Teenage Mutant Ninja be compatible with other tracking data “Hawk-Eye has a privileged position where we ef-

BY JOE LEMIRE Turtles recreated precise formations and systems. fectively collect tracking data at a huge portion of
player movement. Beyond Sports also created the world’s biggest
“I fundamentally believe that that there is
block-shaped cartoons during NHL playoff a disconnect between sports supply and sports events, but actu-
games last June. demand amongst the younger generation. I ally, we haven’t his-
“We firmly believe that we’re experiencing a once-in-a-genera- don’t believe that the younger generation torically done a lot
tional shift in terms of how fans are consuming sports content, and downstream with that
there’s very much a move from this passive, lean-back, viewing data in terms of produc-

experience to much more lean-forward, interactive, immersive care any less about sports than we did or our tizing it to create
experiences,” said Rufus Hack, CEO of Sony’s sports businesses. parents did. And I just don’t think that we’ve value,” Hack added.
“And we believe that Beyond Sports is very much on the cutting been providing, as an industry, sport in the “Beyond Sports are in-
edge of some of those contextual trends and has the tools and the credibly complemen-

technologies to help the world’s top sports rights holders — our way that they want to consume sport.”  tary” in producing
clients — think about how they can drive new commercial oppor- appealing content for

tunities and also try new ways of engaging with fans.” RUFUS HACK, CEO of Sony sports businesses fans and brands.

Sony already works with 23 of the top 25 global sports rights Just as Sony Pictures,

holders, Hack said, and those trusted relationships led to conversa- “I fundamentally believe that that Sony Music and Sony Interactive Entertainment

tions about the next frontier of content creation. Around the same there is a disconnect between sports (inclusive of PlayStation) are all multibillion-dollar

time, Beyond Sports co-founders Sander Schouten and Nicolaas supply and demand amongst the young- subsidiaries, the sports businesses could be the par-

Westerhof independently wrote a short list of companies with whom er generation,” Hack added. “I don’t ent company’s next accelerant.

they could push their own business further. believe that the younger generation “Sony has grand ambitions in sport,” Hack said,

“The ink was not even dry,” Schouten said, when Sony — one of care any less about sports than we did adding: “Sports been identified as one of those enter-

the names on that list — reached out with interest. or our parents did. And just don’t think tainment genres where, at the moment, we’ve got Courtesy of Beyond Sports

“I think it all starts by knowing who you are, what you are and that we’ve been providing, as an indus- incredible businesses in Hawk-Eye and Pulselive,

what you’re good at,” said Schouten, the CEO. Added Westerhof, try, sport in the way that they want to but not at that scale. And so we are very interested

the CTO, “We think, with our tech, it’d be best for us, and we’d be consume sport.” in trying to drive acquisitive growth as well as or-

really good at, being a part of something much bigger.” Schouten worked in video streaming ganic growth through the Sony family to get to a big-

Beyond Sports sits in the middle of that sports media ecosystem, and Westerhof was a video analyst for ger scale, and Beyond Sports is almost the first step

ingesting tracking data (such as Hawk-Eye’s), imagining a new Dutch soccer power Ajax prior to start- on that stage.”

1 0 | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022 WWW.SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM

SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL

NASCAR seeks founding partners
for Chicago street-circuit race

WITH ITS FIRST STREET-CIRCUIT RACE set for next year, presence in the market. An obvious target, for ex- that over $1 million.

NASCAR is taking a nontraditional approach to cor- ample, would be McDonald’s, which is both based in Helping sell the packages are: Daryl Wolfe, NAS-

porate sponsorship for the race, with a founding Chicago and is in NASCAR with a sponsorship of CAR’s executive vice president and chief operations

partner model instead of a title sponsor Michael Jordan’s team, 23XI Racing. and sales officer; Jeff Wohlschlaeger, NASCAR’s vice

model, sources said. BY ADAM STERN The sponsors will each get a certain sec- president and chief sales officer; and Julie Giese,
The race weekend in Chicago will be July tion of the track that will be completely
president of the event.

1-2, 2023. It will include a NASCAR Cup branded in their colors and logos, like both NASCAR has opened an NASCAR
office in Chicago and expects is asking
Series race and Xfinity Series race along sides of the walls and any pedestrian to embed itself within the

a 2.2-mile circuit that runs across backdrops such as bridges. There will be no title sponsor of the race, roughly

Grant Park, Columbus Drive and Lake Shore Drive. similar to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship city by, among other things,

The street race will come during NASCAR’s 75th an- race, which has no title sponsor and divides its spon- making appearances at major $2 million
events there, such as the annually to
niversary season. sorship assets among NASCAR’s four premier part- Thanksgiving Day parade, in be a founding
the lead-up to next July.
Sources say that NASCAR has hit the market seek- ners: Busch Beer, Coca-Cola, Geico and Xfinity.

ing four founding partners, worthy roughly $2 million NASCAR gave its premier partners and its three

annually, including ad time with NBC Sports. The car manufacturers — Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota To bring its product to new partner of the
fans who are not apt to trav- event.
three-year commitments sought match up with how — first dibs on the opportunity to buy the packages el to far-flung tracks, NAS-

long NASCAR’s deal is with the city of Chicago to in Chicago and remains in talks with some of them,

hold the race. the person familiar with the matter said. CAR is starting to race in city

NASCAR has found a receptive audience to the For comparison, NASCAR pitched the entrances centers like the Los Angeles Coliseum this year and

pitches and is in active talks with a dozen brands, to its rebuilt Daytona track at $2 million to $2.5 mil- the Chicago event next year. The L.A. Coliseum race

according to a source close to the sanctioning body. lion annually over 10- and 15-year terms. The usual cost NASCAR several million dollars to stage, and

NASCAR is seeking out companies that either are race title sponsor deal in NASCAR is mid-to-high six NASCAR revealed for the first time last week to Crain’s

headquartered in the Chicago region or have a major figures, but a media package to go with it can take Chicago that the Chicago race will cost $50 million.

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NOVEMBER 7-13, 2022 | 1 1

UPFRONT

ESPNW summit spotlights opportunities, strategies for growth

WHILE LAST WEEK’s espnW Women + Kate Johnson laid president of brand strategy and
Sports Summit provided plenty of out how Google has content insights. In fact, ESPN’s
retrospectives on Title IX, which boosted women’s research found that 26% of female
marked its 50th anniversary in June, sports. sports fans became fans as adults,
and the establishment of equal pay in
women’s soccer, among other notable disrupt that compared to just 7% of men. “Fan

developments of cycle. She growth for women doesn’t end at

BY CHRIS SMITH the past year, the noted that an childhood, and for brands that offers

most resounding internal audit an amazing opportunity,” said Kelly.
theme of the three-
day event was the work still to be done. found Google’s There is perhaps no better example
Panelists at the event, held at the
luxurious Ojai Valley Inn, pointed to the sponsorships of that dynamic than Angel City FC.
challenge of how a lack of resources
behind women’s sports leads to lower and media Jess Smith, the club’s head of revenue,
viewership and fan engagement,
which then is used to justify a further spend had explained in a breakout session that
lack of investment. Meg Aronowitz,
ESPN vice president of production and often over- the team’s purpose-driven revenue
a member of this year’s SBJ Game
Changers class, said that increasingly looked wom- strategies — say, passing on 10% of
apparent fervor around women’s
sports may soon be the gateway to en’s sports, and sponsorship value to community-
commanding greater financial support
for live broadcasts. a resulting focused initiatives, or directing 1% of
“I believe if you take passion and
perspective, and you focus that lens get the resources, eventually that strategy established in 2020 laid out a ticket revenue to a players fund —
on women’s sports that don’t always passion will drive an audience,” said
Aronowitz. “It will drive viewership, plan to form long-term partnerships have made Angel City an appealing
and then you will eventually get the
resources to produce it at the highest and add 300 hours of women’s sports property beyond the field.
levels. I do believe we’re starting to see
that tide turn, and I think that is what’s coverage over three years. Google has “We’re not just a sports team, and no
happening right now.”
since kicked off a multiyear deal with women’s team is,” said Smith. “We’re
Kate Johnson, Google’s director of
global sports, media and entertain- the WNBA and ESPN, and it’s been really our own brand in sports and in
ment marketing, spoke at length
about how brands can likewise aim to behind an added 285 hours of pop culture, and that’s our super

women’s sports programming over power. It opens up an incredible

the last two years. amount of opportunity for bigger

That sort of investment presents a brands that have never done sponsor-

key opportunity for corporate partners, ship before, or for fans who have never

according to Flora Kelly, ESPN vice attended a sporting event.”

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1 2 | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022

SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL

THE INSIDERS

MARKETING AND SPONSORSHIP

A tradition started at the 1987 Series, nothing says
winner like on-field championship tees and caps

B Y THE TIME YOU READ THIS, the World Series authentic than those guys
will be decided, and New Era’s champion- wearing those tees and
ship caps and Fanatics T-shirts will have caps while throwing

been distributed to the victorious on the field at champagne.”

Minute Maid Park in Houston, today’s equivalent After that 1987 Twins

of the victory wreaths with which winners were championship, two Buf-

recognized at the ancient Olympics. falo companies did the

Victory apparel as a honors on field. New Era

sort of spoils of war for Cap and Trench Manu-

title teams has become as facturing tees were dis-

ingrained in sports as a tributed, but not as

winner’s scrum at game’s widely and not as eagerly

end or a Gatorade bath snapped up and worn by

for the winning coach. players on the field as

We’ve seen championship today. But there weren’t

T-shirt largesse for teams official on-the-field cele-

finishing on top at junior brations and trophy pre-

high tourneys. sentations then. Those

BY TERRY LEFTON In pro sports now, followed, along with the
every round of playoff immediate TV ads touting

advancement merits an- championship products,

other T-shirt. We couldn’t which have also been rou-

recall precisely when championship apparel be- tine; now there’s even of-

came mandated as a de rigueur prerequisite to ficial championship

championship champagne. Seemed like a good time parade caps and tees.

to find out. Georgia celebrates on the field in January in title gear, now a sports tradition. The Twins’ program

Certainly, there has been commemorative cham- was a smash. “We were

pionship apparel in sports forever, but feeding the ment of remembrances, even among those directly even a little bit surprised at how successful we were,”

surge in demand a title team creates, and building involved, is remarkable, and, in some cases, di- said former MLB Properties exec Frank Simio, now

enough supply to meet fans’ demand was a byprod- rectly conflicting. Still, as far as we’ve been able president of Fordham University’s Lincoln Center

uct of the sports licensing boom of the 1980s and to determine, MLB was first distributing champi- campus. “But its appeal became obvious, as every

’90s. Authenticating that apparel by getting it on onship apparel on field, spurred by the insatiable other league copied us. … We probably should have

the backs and heads of those enthusiastic athletes, demand for licensed products from the Twins “Home done it 10 or 20 years earlier, but we were getting

along with the concomitant TV exposure, was the Hanky” crowd from the 1987 World Series, in which ripped off [by counterfeiters] and sometimes the

move that made it genuine to fans and meaningful Minnesota won its first MLB championship. Even best ideas come from pressure like that.”

for retailers. before the series ended, licensed apparel demand Now that T-shirts and caps have become cham-

“We all had to get used to enormous swings be- was so enormous that licensees burned through pionship trophies in their own right, those who’ve

tween winning team markets from season to sea- the available supply of T-shirt “blanks” in the Twins’ actually done the on-field distribution have learned

son,” recalls former Logo Athletic President Tom blue, red and white uniform colors. A solution: al- a few rules that seem inviolate. One: During a blow-

Shine. “But all got expert fairly quickly. And we lowing licensees to sell pink MLB-licensed tees for out, players want the goods before the game is over.

all knew the counterfeiters Former NFL licensing czar Frank Vuono recalls

would be out there, so our making certain “arrangements” with NFL equip-
ment managers, so that players could wear cham-
“Its appeal became obvious, asproduct and the distribution
had to be better.” In some in- pionship merch on the sidelines during the fourth
quarter of Super Bowl blowouts — and those were
every other league copied us. …stances, Logo printed cham-
pionship tees for both teams the norm for many years. So, Dwight Clark and
others were spotted with championship T-shirts
We probably should have done itat the Super Bowl stadium on the sidelines during the 49ers’ thrashing of the
10 or 20 years earlier.” Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX. Steeg was doing his
itself.
“Things changed over the

years,” said Jim Steeg, the — Former MLB Properties exec Frank Simio best to police those same sidelines.

NFL’s “Super Bowl Czar” from Another maxim of championship locker rooms:

1979-2005, whose recollection of “at once” champi- the first time, which also sold out. Even before that, the higher the salary, the more they want glom.

onship merch dates to the 1987 Super Bowl XXI in then-MLB Properties chief Rick White coined a “We were dealing with a lot of millionaires in

Pasadena, but not on the field until 1996’s Super term that eventually became a most important part those rooms,” said Greg Sim, who worked in MLB

Bowl XXX game in Tempe, Ariz., since that was the of sports licensing’s vernacular: “if win” orders. licensing for more than 21 years and is now vice

first on-field presentation of the Vince Lombardi He first called it “if/when.” president of strategic accounts and partnerships

championship trophy. “The licensees and conces- “At a time before online sales that all seemed at OpSec Security. “I learned over the years, those

sionaires’ original goal was to sell out by game’s terribly advanced,” laughed White, now president were the ones that would do ANYTHING for an

Getty Images end,” explained Steeg. “We saw an opportunity to of the Atlantic League. “But obviously it’s grown extra T-shirt or cap.”

keep selling and you see how that’s developed over into something pretty meaningful, because there’s

the years.” no American sport that doesn’t do it, is there? For Terry Lefton can be reached

Anytime an oral history is attempted, the assort- consumers, and retailers, there’s nothing more at [email protected].

W W W . S P O R T S B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L . C O M NOVEMBER 7-13, 2022 | 1 3

THE INSIDERS

Kevin Burkhardt guides the discussion between Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, David Ortiz and Frank Thomas. and places players in position to succeed.
“We’d be foolish not to play into David’s big per-
SPORTS MEDIA
sona or play into Alex’s baseball acumen,” he said.
Big names and big personalities “The Jeter spot worked because these guys all have
drive Fox pregame show mutual respect for each other. It was lighthearted.
B EFORE GAME 3 of the World Series, Fox had It wasn’t serious.”
Derek Jeter on its pregame set, sitting be- didn’t break much new ground. It didn’t produce
tween his one-time AL East rival David a viral clip for social media that night. But the Shah-Rais used his experience with Fox’s college
segment offered a glimpse at how Fox approaches football studio show, which he also oversees, as an
example. Ortiz is an entertainer who knows base-
Ortiz and his one-time New York Yankees teammate its MLB pregame shows. It relies on instantly rec- ball well. On the football show, Urban Meyer is
much more analytical and explains the game in a
Alex Rodriguez. ognizable names and larger-than-life way that casual viewers can understand.

Jeter started by kidding Ortiz that personalities for fun, on-screen con- “If David Ortiz was on ‘Big Noon Kickoff,’ it’d be
a different show,” he said. “We can’t produce Urban
he should take off his World Series versations. Meyer the way we produce David Ortiz.”

ring for the segment, prompting laugh- The quick-witted Burkhardt serves Brad Zager, Fox Sports president of production
and operations and executive producer, made a
ter and loosening up the atmosphere as the show’s host and quietly takes point to highlight the passion that each MLB ana-
lyst has for the game, which he says offers a window
on the set in Philadelphia’s raucous on the role of an on-air producer, into the former players’ personalities that viewers
never saw when they were playing.
Citizens Bank Park. deftly keeping conversations from
Zager said this type of pregame show, with big,
The show’s host, Kevin Burkhardt, going sideways. Ortiz has the biggest bold personalities, is exactly how Fox wanted to
present baseball to its viewers.
then asked Jeter a lighthearted ques- personality on set and projects an aura
“That studio show — from pregame all the way
tion about the Hall of Fame shortstop’s of fun. through to them signing off on the postgame show
— is the studio show that baseball has always
thoughts about appearing on the show Rodriguez and Frank Thomas are needed,” Zager said. “It has the biggest names in
the sport — just huge personalities, unbelievably
next to Ortiz. BY JOHN OURAND instantly recognizable to baseball fans recognizable.”
“Who would have ever thought this,” and add to the celebrity aspect of the
The Jeter spot before Game 3 came about via a
Jeter said. “Back when we were playing, telecast. tie-in with Capital One, which is the presenting
sponsor of the World Series. Burkhardt asked Jeter
we thought we’d be sitting here next to Bardia Shah-Rais, the network’s one Capital One-related question during the seven-
minute segment, which took — all told — about 40
David Ortiz? I never thought I’d see the day.” vice president of production, likens it to being an seconds.

It was a relatively unremarkable segment. It NBA coach who shifts his strategy to suit his roster But the segment will be best remembered for the
genial conversation among some of baseball’s big-
gest retired stars.

Shah-Rais said Jeter arrived to the green room
around two hours before his segment to hang out
with everyone.

“That same atmosphere in the green room, that
easy conversation, also took place on the air, which
is really rare,” Shah-Rais said.

Rodriguez cited his long-standing relationships
with Ortiz and Thomas — going back a quarter
century, he said — as a reason why he feels com-
fortable on set.

“The main thing is trust, right?” Rodriguez said.
“We trust each other. We have a lot of fun. We laugh
with each other. That’s really important.”

John Ourand can be reached at jourand@sports-

businessjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @

Ourand_SBJ and read his weekly newsletter and

listen to his weekly podcast.

Fox: Playoffs a big hit have prioritized stolen bases more than Three of the World Series’ first four Fox Sports
before. games showed increases (including
FOX SPORTS EXECUTIVES are enthused by Wednesday night’s no-hitter), but the two
this year’s MLB playoffs — not by the “For me, this has been the most fun League Championship Series combined
ratings necessarily, but by the play on the October we’ve had in a really long time, and saw a 9% viewership drop, but one was a
field and the raucousness of the crowds. I think everybody needed it,” said Brad sweep and the other only went five games
Zager, Fox Sports president of production (a short series usually produces low
Baseball’s biggest stars are making the and operations and executive producer. viewership). A brighter spot was MLB
biggest plays. Starters are pitching deeper “Next year when the shift is eliminated, it’s seeing its highest Divisional Series
into games. And game strategy seems to going to be even better because you’re viewership in five years. — J.O.
going to see more offense.”

1 4 | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022 WWW.SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM

Presenting Sports Business Journal’s
fourth annual class of New Voices Under 30.

Bringing a new energy and spirit to the sports industry, these 30 individuals
under the age of 30 are recognized for their impact, accomplishments and potential.

They will be honored at an awards ceremony on Nov. 16 at Marquee New York.
For more information, visit www.sbjnewvoicesunder30.com.

4A JOE AIKEN 11A JAKE FALL 20A CIERA ROJAS ALSO IN THIS SECTION:
Creative Artists Agency HOROWITZ U.S. Tennis Association
160over90 3A About the
4A ADRIENE BUENO 22A THERESA SMITH Class of 2022
LinkedIn and 12A HALEY JURICK Proskauer
Baller Careers rEvolution 18A-19A
23A GIOVANNI
6A MATT CONLEY 12A RYAN KASOFF SOLAZZI Charities/causes supported
National Basketball Fox Sports Cancún FC /
Association Blue Crow Sports Group 20A What the industry
14A KATIE LACROIX needs to do better
6A RISHAV DASH Legends 24A BRYNN
Delaware North SUSSMAN 23A Favorite
15A KEITH MARSHALL National Hockey League books
7A AVERY DECKER The Players’ Lounge
CSM Sport & 25A AYDEN SYAL 28A Favorite
Entertainment 15A ZAYNE MOGL podcasts
MATULIS-
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GRAYSON Austin FC TISSENBAUM were young(er)
Octagon Sports Innovation Lab
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8A JAC GRIFFITHS Fenway Sports Group 26A DREW Class of 2022, please visit
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Hogan Lovells 26A TAJUAN WATSON SPONSOR PROVIDER
18A ASHLEY PICKLE National Basketball
9A KRISTEN Dave Campbell’s Association OFFICIAL HEALTH AND
JAIN-THUT Texas Football SAFETY PLANNING PARTNER
LeagueSide 28A JESSE WU
19A MATT ROGERS University of Southern
10A TIFFANY JEAN Nolan Partners California Athletics
HARRINGTON
Ilitch Sports and 29A TYLER ZIMMET
Entertainment Inner Circle Sports

Remember
THE MOMENTS

Congratulations to the New Voices Under 30
Class of 2022. Commemorate your achievement

with our unique recognition options.

To learn more, email [email protected]

SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL

ON THE JOB Would you encourage your kids (or AWAY FROM THE OFFICE What social media platform
future kids) to work in sports? do you engage with the most?
Would you hire your boss? YES Have you ever been kicked out of an (Respondents could select more
YES 27 event (playing, coaching, attending)? than one)
28 YES INSTAGRAM
N/A NO 4 17
1 NO
2 26 TIKTOK
I’D ENCOURAGE MY KIDS TO PURSUE 6
Would you take a job that required A CAREER IN WHATEVER THEY FIND Have you ever placed a mobile sports
you to live outside the U.S.? PASSION IN bet in a place other than Las Vegas? SNAPCHAT
YES YES 2
22 1 18
NO NO TWITTER
4 DID NOT ANSWER 12 10
DEPENDS / MAYBE 1
Have you ever invested in LINKEDIN
3 Have you ever coached a youth cryptocurrency or an NFT? 1
IN ANOTHER LIFE, I’D LOVE TO sports team? YES
YES 16 DID NOT ANSWER
1 14 NO 1
14
Have you ever been fired from a job? NO
NO 16
30

LIFESTYLE WHERE THEY WERE BORN

Were you a high school athlete? Do you generally sleep fewer than New York 6 Born outside the U.S.
YES 6 hours a night? California 4
29 YES Maryland (the most of any New Voices Under 30 class)
NO 6 Indiana 3
NO Ohio 2 India 1
1 23 Texas 2 Fano, Italy 1
SIX IS THE GOAL Connecticut 2 London, England 1
Were you a college athlete? Georgia 1 Okinawa, Japan 1
YES 1 New Jersey 1 Toronto, Ontario, Canada 1
15 North Carolina 1 Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1
NO Do you prefer a window or aisle 1 Wales, U.K. 1
15 seat on a plane?
WINDOW POLITICS
Do you meditate? 14
YES AISLE Would you ever run for public Who do you wish would run
14 16 office? for public office?
NO YES
15 Ebook or hard copy? 7 For the third year
DID NOT ANSWER EBOOK in a row,
6 NO MICHELLE
1 20 OBAMA
received
Are you a cable or satellite TV HARD COPY MAYBE/PROBABLY NOT, the most
subscriber? 22 BUT YOU NEVER KNOW! mentions
YES AUDIO BOOKS with
9 2
2 3
(fewest number in three years) DID NOT ANSWER
Do you subscribe to a music 1 Others receiving mentions:
NO service?
21 YES Are you a Republican, Democrat,
29 Independent or unaffiliated?
How many streaming services do DEMOCRAT
you subscribe to? (Apple Music 2, Spotify 26) 17
1-3
11 NO UNAFFILIATED MARK  STACY ABRAMS
1 6
CUBAN  JAYLEN BROWN
Getty Images (3) 4-6 Do you drive an electric car? DID NOT ANSWER
12 YES 4 2  STEVE CARELL

MORE THAN 6 1 INDEPENDENT  ANDREW LUCK
4 2
NO  JORDAN
TOO MANY 28 BIPARTISAN
2 1 DWAYNE PETERSON
NOT YET, BUT IN DECEMBER I WILL
I THINK ALL OF THEM 1 “THE  MICHAEL RUBIN
1
ROCK”  ADAM SILVER

JOHNSON  OPRAH

2 WINFREY

W W W . S P O R T S B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L . C O M NOVEMBER 7-13, 2022 | 3 A

NEW VOICES UNDER 30 GETTING TO KNOW JOE IN THE INDUSTRY

Executive, CAA Executive  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED  HOW THE PANDEMIC
Search, Creative Artists HELP: My older sister, Jo’nesha
Agency Aiken. She has played every role CHANGED MY CAREER
possible when I’ve needed her APPROACH: The conditions
As co-lead of CAA the most. She’s been my chef, we endured forced innovation
Executive Search’s my therapist, my tutor, my nurse, across the professional sports
Global Diversity Hiring and even my sparring partner landscape and created new
Practice, Joe Aiken plays when we boxed as kids. These commercial trends in the
a key role in building a days, I’m big bro, but I can industry, many of which are here
diverse talent pipeline always count on her to be there to stay. It served as a reminder
and advocating for their when I’m in need. She is truly that in many cases, to provide
inclusion at the decision- a woman with a bias toward commercial value, you have to
making table in sports action. be creative first.
business.  MY INSPIRATION: I’m deeply
inspired by my parents and  MOST REWARDING ABOUT
AGE: 29 my community. I grew up in a MY JOB: At CAA, I get to create
BORN: Savannah, Ga.; faith-based and values-driven opportunities for the world’s
raised on the Eastside household. My parents instilled best clients working alongside
of Atlanta the confidence in me to pursue several of the most talented
EDUCATION: a life of service and purpose. people in the sports industry —
Colgate University, B.A., I grew up on the Eastside of my teammates. As an executive
philosophy/writing Atlanta. It’s a community of recruiter, I am able to make an
and rhetoric resilient people who are masters impact on teams, leagues and
at making the most out of limited companies one leadership
resources. The skills and hustle placement at a time.
I learned growing up there are
invaluable for me in my career.  IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE … :
One of many Black executives
 WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING driving value for businesses
EVENT, I WANT … : Good beer, in the sports industry
great company, and a win for while playing a key role in
the home team. sponsoring the next generation
of leaders from my company
and community.

Senior Creator Adriene Bueno has embraced her GETTING TO
Manager for entrepreneurial spirit by carving a KNOW ADRIENE
Athletes & Sports, content-creation niche at LinkedIn for
LinkedIn athletes and sports and founding Baller  GO-TO PERSON WHEN
Careers as a career coaching practice for I NEED HELP: My best
Founder, those seeking to enter sports business. friend and partner is my
Baller Careers go-to person because
he is my biggest fan, my
AGE: 28 personal motivational
coach, and someone I
BORN: San Jose can be 100% with 100%
of the time.
EDUCATION: UCLA, B.A.,
world arts and cultures  MY INSPIRATION:
My family inspires me
IN THE INDUSTRY because they push me
every day to be the best
 HOW THE PANDEMIC CHANGED MY CAREER APPROACH: “You create  BIGGEST SURPRISE WHEN I STARTED MY CAREER: The sports version of myself and CAA; David Pond
your own opportunities.” When the sports world stopped, it required industry is built on relationships. There are people who once hired support me through all
me to be creative and build a personal brand online that could help me as an intern at different sports teams, leagues, and agencies who the ups and downs of my
me in my job and career. As a result this has helped me identify are now my clients and partners. As the sports industry grows, we life, career and business.
countless partners, clients and even new jobs in sports! grow together too and I love that I get to experience this shift. I wouldn’t be here
 MOST REWARDING ABOUT MY JOB: At LinkedIn, I’m grateful I  HOW MY GENERATION IS CHANGING THE SPORTS INDUSTRY: Sports without them.
get to help athletes and sports creators create content and build business professionals under 30 have created massive change in
communities on the platform. At Baller Careers, I'm grateful I get to the industry by leaning into the digital/social worlds of sports and  WHEN I ATTEND A
help people who have struggled in their job search gain clarity and fandom further, and putting an even brighter spotlight on social
learn the skills to get hired in sports business. justice initiatives and DEI efforts that transcend sports. SPORTING EVENT, I WANT
… : More gluten-free food
options. In 2018, I was
diagnosed with celiac
and it has changed my
life completely including
what I eat, and I’d love
to see more inclusive
options for people with
food allergies.

4 A | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022 WWW.SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM

Congratulations to the
‘New Voices Under 30' Class of 2022!

Sincerely,
Your fans at MGM

NEW VOICES UNDER 30 GETTING TO KNOW MATT IN THE INDUSTRY

Senior Manager,  YEAR’S GREATEST  HOW THE PANDEMIC
Gaming and CHALLENGE: As a part of leading
Data Ventures our efforts to commercialize NBA CHANGED MY CAREER
National Basketball Tracking Data, I’ve had to build APPROACH: It taught me that
Association a comprehensive understanding things always tend to move
of the tech infrastructure and a little more quickly than you
Joining the NBA a operational processes that expect. We always forecast
year before legalized underpin production of NBA betting in the U.S. would be
sports wagering games. I find developing a mobile-first experience, and
became a reality, expertise in new areas of while the pandemic really
Matt Conley played our business to be the most accelerated that shift, I learned
a crucial role in the rewarding and challenging part you always have less time than
league’s first sports of my job, but it certainly gave you think to get things done.
betting partnerships, me a new appreciation for how
and his work on much complexity our operations  MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF
implementing and technology teams have to SPORTS BUSINESS: Because so
next-gen tracking manage throughout the season. many people are passionate
data will usher in a about the games, the sports
new line of business  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED industry has a unique ability to
for leagues. HELP: My mom. … There are draw in knowledge, expertise,
plenty of experts/smart people and talent from all other areas
AGE: 29 out there to give you the of the economy, from students
BORN: New York City information you need to make working on passion projects to
EDUCATION: Wesleyan a decision, but very few people former traders and investment
University, B.A., can help you understand what bankers to trillion-dollar
mathematics-economics you should value. technology firms.
 MY INSPIRATION: Bill Russell.
He embodied the values of  HOW MY GENERATION
selflessness, perseverance in the
face of injustice, and competitive IS CHANGING THE SPORTS
determination that inspire me to INDUSTRY: People my age and
do a little better each day. younger are accustomed to
their entertainment experiences
being customized and tailored
to their tastes and preferences.

Director II, With experience across media, agencies IN THE INDUSTRY
Business Insights and teams, Rishav Dash created a
and Analytics, web application for Pittsburgh Pirates  BIGGEST SURPRISE WHEN I STARTED
Delaware North corporate partners to see real-time MY CAREER: One of the biggest
asset performance and measurements. (pleasant) surprises for me was how
AGE: 29 He recently joined the business insights many different hats people can/
and analytics team at Delaware North. have to wear in their jobs. It can
BORN: India translate to a lot of opportunities for
growth across various verticals in the
EDUCATION: Birla Institute industry. It did for me.
of Technology and
Science (Pilani, India),  MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF SPORTS
Bachelor of Engineering BUSINESS: The fans. As we saw
Honors; University of throughout 2020 and parts of 2021,
Massachusetts Amherst, without fans in venues, an essential
M.S., sport management element of what makes sports
exciting was missing. It is impressive
 YEAR’S GREATEST CHALLENGE: GETTING TO KNOW RISHAV been a Liverpool supporter all my life, to see how sports organizations are NBA Photos; Courtesy of Rishav Dash
Growing into a new role that is a bit and the way he transformed an average growing to meet the ever-evolving
different than my previous experience. My parents. They help me take a step team into champions of England, “average fan” needs and keep them
It’s exciting to be involved in a new back and evaluate variables I’m missing Europe, and the world a couple of engaged.
segment of the sports industry and to because I’m too close to the action. seasons ago was very inspiring.
understand its importance to the overall  GAMER STATUS: I played FIFA on He’s instilled a sense of belief, pride,  HOW MY GENERATION IS CHANGING
business success of a sports property. PlayStation professionally back in the motivation, and desire that’s resonated THE SPORTS INDUSTRY: We’re trying to
day. Still play my fair share of FIFA. with Liverpool supporters worldwide. break barriers and change mindsets.
 GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED HELP:  MY INSPIRATION: Jurgen Klopp, We’re vocal about the sports industry
manager of Liverpool Football Club. I’ve needing to be much more inclusive
and are making intentional efforts
to drive change. We’re helping
spread awareness about all of the
opportunities within the sports
industry, not just the major leagues.
 IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE … : Able
to tell stories about having taken risks
(and hopefully succeeded).

6 A | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022 WWW.SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM

SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Director, Partner GETTING TO KNOW AVERY IN THE INDUSTRY
Development,
CSM Sport &  YEAR’S GREATEST  MOST REWARDING ABOUT MY
Entertainment CHALLENGE: Having one of my JOB: My hybrid role stretches
direct managers and mentors across both our brands
Employing a for the last five years depart and properties businesses.
creative and the agency, leaving big shoes Therefore, I’m challenged to
collaborative to fill, but in turn providing me approach the sports business
approach to with an opportunity to step ecosystem from many different
partnership into a larger, account lead vantage points on both sides of
negotiation at CSM, role. the aisle.
Avery Decker was
at the forefront of  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED  MOST EXCITING ASPECT
one of the biggest HELP: Our Chief Commercial OF SPORTS BUSINESS: The
deals in LPGA Officer Matt Grandis. I find our sports industry keeps pace
history, bringing philosophies around the right with the way business is done
on Epson as the way to do business and how and often is the vehicle to
title partner for the to conduct oneself in such a bring everything from brand
qualifying tour. relationship-driven profession campaigns to social justice
are very much aligned. initiatives to the forefront
AGE: 28  MY INSPIRATION: My of public discourse. It’s the
BORN: White Plains, N.Y. parents’ work ethic. My mom conduit to what’s next.
EDUCATION: Marist opened her first optical store
College, B.S., business when she was just 24 years  HOW MY GENERATION
administration, marketing old. At a young age, she
concentration, minor in perfectly blended passion, IS CHANGING THE SPORTS
sports communication long-term business prowess INDUSTRY: Millennials are the
and calculated risk-taking to last generation to have lived
W W W . S P O R T S B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L . C O M become an entrepreneur. in and remember the pre-
And most importantly, she smartphone/internet revolution,
loves what she (still) does. and therefore our understanding
and appreciation of the
 WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING convergence of digital and IRL
EVENT, I WANT … : Double experiences will continue to
ShackBurger and a beer. shape the consumption habits
of sport for years to come.

Zuly Beltre; Samuel Achirem Director, Marketing GETTING TO KNOW IN THE INDUSTRY
Strategy (Basketball), ALEXANDRA
Octagon  BIGGEST SURPRISE WHEN
 YEAR’S GREATEST
An emerging leader in talent CHALLENGE: Re-discovering I STARTED MY CAREER:
management and marketing, my “why” and having fun Honestly, I thought it would
Alexandra Grayson is the along the way. As the world be much easier to convince a
lead contact for the majority shifted toward more of a brand to work with an athlete
of Octagon’s 25-plus NBA return to pre-pandemic because of the athlete’s
clients for their marketing normalcy, the pace of work popularity within their sport,
and media partnerships. She exponentially increased but I quickly learned how
also co-founded the Octagon and, at most times, felt much more goes into selecting
HBCU Career Accelerator overwhelming. Reminding an athlete as part of a brand’s
program in 2021. myself to not lose sight of overall marketing strategy.
my goals, focusing on one
AGE: 26 obstacle at a time and giving  MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF
myself grace (and breaks!) SPORTS BUSINESS: Strategy.
BORN: Maryland when I need them is a Developing, executing,
constant practice every day. managing and evaluating
EDUCATION:  MY INSPIRATION: My family. a plan is what I find most
New York University, B.S., The older generation in exciting, whether it’s creating
economics, and B.F.A, my family worked through a brand marketing strategy for
dance so many unfavorable an athlete or quarterbacking
circumstances and obstacles operations for an event.
to provide for my generation.
It inspires me to never take  HOW MY GENERATION
for granted what I have and to
strive to help provide for the IS CHANGING THE SPORTS
generation after me. INDUSTRY: We challenge
everything (structures,
 WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING processes, traditions, etc.). Our
EVENT, I WANT … : Chicken willingness to take risks and
tenders, fries, and an ice-cold use our voices leads to more
ginger ale. innovation and progress with
a shared goal of creating a
more inclusive, equitable, and
healthy work environment.

NOVEMBER 7-13, 2022 | 7A

NEW VOICES UNDER 30

Associate, GETTING TO KNOW JAC
Architecture –
Designer, Populous  YEAR’S GREATEST CHALLENGE: This year has been exceptionally
busy in great ways. While a challenge, it’s a privilege to balance
From mixed-use a full and growing schedule working on exciting projects across
development to the the globe with life events across multiple time zones, like visiting
Buffalo Bills’ new friends and family overseas for memorable occasions.
stadium, Jac Griffiths  MY INSPIRATION: The streets of New York provide a constant
is driving innovation buzz and source of inspiration. Seeing such diverse lives come
and incorporating together and play out across the cityscape is an invigorating
sustainable design reminder of the meaning and importance of placemaking.
strategies, making
him a valuable part IN THE INDUSTRY
of Populous’ internal
sustainability group,  HOW THE PANDEMIC CHANGED MY CAREER APPROACH:
EcoPOP. Both during and post-pandemic, adaptability has been key.
We’ve had to adjust to new ways of working, and create new
AGE: 29 processes to deliver more, faster. A focus on how technology
and analytics can help us innovate, produce, and stay on top
BORN: Wales, U.K. of emerging trends has become more of a priority and area of
growth.
EDUCATION: University of  HOW MY GENERATION IS CHANGING THE SPORTS INDUSTRY:
Edinburgh, MA (Hons)/ Our generation is more demanding of the types of experiences
Architecture; University of on offer. With that, we have seen tremendous growth in
Greenwich, MArch (Hons)/ innovation in the fan experience and unprecedented access
Architecture and engagement with athletes. This generation is pushing
forward the potential of what a live sports product can be.
 IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE … : A leader at Populous, delivering
projects for our clients that not only continue to be at the
forefront of design excellence and experience, but push the
boundaries of what a venue can be.

Congrats, Jac! Jac Griffiths, Architectural Designer Populous
New Voices Under 30 Class of 2022
8 A | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022
WWW.SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM

SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL

CJ Harrington’s timing is perfect. Since GETTING TO KNOW CJ IN THE INDUSTRY
joining Hogan Lovells in January, his work
has included representing the Walton-Penner  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I  BIGGEST SURPRISE WHEN
acquisition of the Denver Broncos, CVS NEED HELP: In addition to I STARTED MY CAREER: I’m
Health’s sponsorship of the Washington Spirit asking mentors throughout surprised by how generous
and five MLB teams on player arbitration. the industry, I often go to my and supportive most people
family whenever I am making are. Starting a legal career can
Associate, a tough decision. My dad is a be daunting, but I’m grateful
Hogan Lovells strategic risk-taker. My mom to everyone who has been
AGE: 27 has superior judgment and willing to share their advice as I
BORN: Indianapolis keen discernment. My sister have tried to learn and grow as
EDUCATION: Washington is a therapist, and she does much as possible.
University in St. Louis, a great job at putting things
B.A., political science into perspective. I’m lucky to  MOST EXCITING ASPECT
and leadership and have such a diverse board of OF SPORTS BUSINESS: The
strategic management; advisers within my family. competition for fans’ time is
Stanford Law School,  GAMER STATUS: I’m nuts fascinating. Leagues and teams
J.D.; Stanford Graduate about FIFA. are battling to determine how
School of Business,  MY INSPIRATION: I am most they can increase the lifetime
Stanford Ignite Executive inspired by thoughtful leaders value of a fan and find new fans.
Education Program for who are eager to innovate. As Each organization has a different
Entrepreneurship I was growing up, my mom thesis regarding how they solve
told me not to criticize the that equation and it’s exciting to
Kristen Jain-Thut’s entrepreneurial mindset has fueled the growth status quo, but figure out ways see which strategies will win out.
of LeagueSide by demonstrating how brands like Chipotle, DirecTV to make it better. Leaders
and Opendoor can achieve their local marketing goals at scale, while who are willing to make bold  HOW MY GENERATION
giving back to communities through youth sports sponsorships. strides to make organizations,
leagues, and the world better IS CHANGING THE SPORTS
Vice President often must do so with more at INDUSTRY: My generation is
of Growth, stake. using new technologies and
LeagueSide markets to take advantage of
AGE: 28  WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING all of the new ways fans can
BORN: Troy, Ohio EVENT, I WANT … : To see how engage with sports.
EDUCATION: University fans impact the game.
of Michigan, B.S.;  IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE … :
Wake Forest University Helping my friends buy stakes
School of Business, in sports teams.
M.S., business
Arion Laws; Milan Brašanac FAMILY: Spouse, Jeevan GETTING TO KNOW IN THE INDUSTRY
Jain-Thut KRISTEN
 HOW THE PANDEMIC
W W W . S P O R T S B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L . C O M  YEAR’S GREATEST
CHALLENGE: Doing my CHANGED MY CAREER
own self-reflection to better APPROACH: The pandemic
understand what it is I want has put more pressure on our
out of my career, what path I ability to leverage technology
want to take, and what skills I to support the scalability
want and need to build to get and execution of in-person
there. … Personally, I moved experiences. Moving forward,
to a new city! It’s been a great I’m much more interested in
experience, but I’m still working sports tech and building and
to build my life and community scaling technology that brings
in a new place. This on top of sports to life for everyone.
working from home has been  BIGGEST SURPRISE WHEN I
challenging but also exciting at STARTED MY CAREER: Not so
the same time. much a surprise, but definitely a
big learning for me was learning
 GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED how to advocate for myself.
HELP: My husband, Jeevan.  MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF
He’s a great listener and coach. SPORTS BUSINESS: I love the
He doesn’t jump to conclusions, camaraderie and culture around
asks great questions that help sports and how it comes to life
me process situations, and in the sports business world.
doesn’t hesitate to share his  HOW MY GENERATION
perspective while still giving
me the space and autonomy to IS CHANGING THE SPORTS
make my own decision. INDUSTRY: Our generation is
bringing technology into the
 MY INSPIRATION: sports industry, introducing
Entrepreneurs inspire me the new ways for fans to engage, in
most. Starting a business/ a way we haven’t seen before.
enterprise takes guts. It’s risky,  IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE … :
volatile, and a lot of hard work. Running my own business.

NOVEMBER 7-13, 2022 | 9 A

NEW VOICES UNDER 30

Director, Described as a GETTING TO KNOW IN THE INDUSTRY
Corporate leader who isn't TIFFANY
Partnership afraid to shake  MOST REWARDING ABOUT
Activation – things up,  YEAR’S GREATEST MY JOB: Our organization is at
Detroit Tigers, Tiffany Jean CHALLENGE: I’ve learned that the center of the renaissance
Ilitch Sports and Harrington I can’t always control the pace that is happening in Detroit. In
Entertainment grew her and sometimes I must accept 5-10 years when Detroit is the
activation that something cannot or will new “It” city, I can say that I did
AGE: 28 team at Ilitch not happen on the timeline I’ve so much more than work for a
Sports and established. sports team. I am doing my part
BORN: Okinawa, Japan, Entertainment to put Detroit back on the map.
but raised on Long last year  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED
Island, N.Y. despite HELP: Personally, my boyfriend,  BIGGEST SURPRISE WHEN
lingering COVID Hunter, is truly my partner I STARTED MY CAREER: Your
EDUCATION: University impacts and in life and is always ready to “champion” is more valuable
of North Carolina at is committed to jump in when I need help. … than a “mentor.” A mentor
Chapel Hill, B.A., helping Detroit Professionally, … I’ve had the may give you advice and
media and journalism, become the unique opportunity to handpick answer your questions, but a
second major in new “It” city. my team over the past 18 champion sees your potential,
political science, months and I like to tell people even if you can’t quite see it
minor in philosophy, that I’ve proudly assembled my yet, and actively pushes you to
politics and economics own version of the Avengers — forge your own path.
each have their own strengths
but together, WE are a force to  HOW MY GENERATION
be reckoned with.
 MY INSPIRATION: In his Oscar IS CHANGING THE SPORTS
acceptance speech, Matthew INDUSTRY: My generation isn’t
McConaughey talked about afraid to DEMAND diverse
how he chases his hero, “me representation in the sports
in 10 years.” Personally, the industry. We are actively holding
concept of “me in 10 years” is organizations accountable
what inspires me the most. to foster more inclusive
environments and opportunities
for underrepresented groups.

Rob Kohn / Ilitch Holdings

1 0 A | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022 WWW.SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM

SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Senior Account At Endeavor’s 160over90, GETTING TO KNOW JAKE
Manager, Jake Fall Horowitz
160over90 distinguishes himself with an  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED
ability to predict where the HELP: My mom and dad for
AGE: 29 industry is going, effectively completely different reasons.
advising Anheuser-Busch My mom will give emotional,
BORN: New York City around its successful NFL from-the-gut advice, while
Draft activation, the Bud my dad will give logical, not
EDUCATION: Olin Light Perfect Draft. always what I want to hear,
Business School at but need to hear advice.
Washington University  MY INSPIRATION: My
in St. Louis, marketing, younger sisters and my
entrepreneurship, girlfriend, three very strong
business of sports women in my life. One sister
is 27 and every single thing
 HOW THE PANDEMIC CHANGED MY IN THE INDUSTRY  MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF SPORTS she does is driven by what
CAREER APPROACH: Everything we saw BUSINESS: It may sound cliché to say is good and what is right;
in the sports world was already evolving,  BIGGEST SURPRISE WHEN I STARTED no two days are alike, but it’s the truth. the other sister is 16 and a
then the pandemic put it into hyperdrive. MY CAREER: Hundreds of professional We work in the most watched, most constant reminder to not take
Instead of evolving with the times, you teams, plus leagues, plus brands, I was engaged with, most exciting reality show life too seriously and live in
had to be ahead to be relevant, and it surprised to see just how tight knit of a in the world, and to think we have the the moment; my girlfriend
shifted from being part of the evolution to fraternity the sports world truly is. I was ability to impact it makes it the greatest blends being an incredible
wanting to lead it and be at the forefront. given the advice while looking to break job in the world. listener with world-class
in, “small world, long life,” and every day advice, showing that you
it proves to be more and more true. can learn something from
someone in every room you
walk into.

 WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING
EVENT, I WANT … : Two ice-
cold Michelob Ultras and the
Knicks to win.

160over90 ADVERTISE IN OUR
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NOVEMBER 7-13, 2022 | 1 1 A
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DEADLINES BEGIN 11/21/2022
[email protected]

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NEW VOICES UNDER 30 GETTING TO KNOW HALEY IN THE INDUSTRY

Director, Client  YEAR’S GREATEST  HOW THE PANDEMIC
Development, CHALLENGE: Slowing down. … I
rEvolution have focused a lot this year on CHANGED MY CAREER
staying present, which begins APPROACH: I happened to
Described with sticking to a morning be working remotely already
as “fearless,” routine of meditation, journaling, prior to the pandemic, but
Haley Jurick and working out daily to start where I had to change my
has smashed each day grounded. approach was creating
revenue records relationships virtually in an
and exceeded sales  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED industry that runs on personal
goals first with HELP: My mom. My parents connection, ensuring
the National Sports had me at a very young age personality in video calls and
Forum and now and she’s always been my building know, like, and trust
with rEvolution, go-to person, both as a mother amongst individuals when
demonstrating and as a friend. She helps me you are not in-person.
her skill in building with advice, points out where
client relationships I can change my thinking,  HOW MY GENERATION
and leading teams. can be a true listener if I just
need to talk out the millions of IS CHANGING THE SPORTS
AGE: 29 thoughts I have daily, and most INDUSTRY: My generation and
BORN: Painesville, Ohio importantly, isn’t afraid to tell the one directly following is
EDUCATION: University of me when I’m wrong. changing this industry and
Mount Union, B.A., sport  MY INSPIRATION: I am others in the same ways —
business and marketing inspired by what the best finding ways to connect with
possible version of myself audiences more authentically
looks like. Keeping that person through social media/
in mind helps me focus and technology, creating work-
motivates me to continue to life balances, not accepting
wake up every day and create the way “things have always
habits now of a person that been done” and ensuring
I would envision my best the industry continues to
possible version would have. diversify.

 IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE … :
My own boss, a business owner.

Director, Ryan Kasoff helped transform Fox Sports’ college IN THE INDUSTRY
College programming strategy, prioritizing top football
Strategy, games in the noon ET broadcast window and  MOST REWARDING ABOUT MY JOB:
Fox shifting basketball on FS1 to Friday, with both moves I find creating more opportunities
Sports resulting in higher ratings and increased viewership. for fans to enjoy great sports on TV
is the most rewarding aspect of my
AGE: 29 job. Some college football fans don’t Peter Wiese / rEvolution; Frank Micelotta
like early start times for games no
BORN: Laguna matter when you schedule them, but
Hills, Calif. placing premier games at 12 p.m. ET
demonstrates a resounding benefit to
EDUCATION: the masses of fans.
University
of Michigan,  BIGGEST SURPRISE WHEN I
B.A., sport STARTED MY CAREER: The biggest
management; surprise was learning the value of
UCLA communication. Most early career
Anderson failures are often due to a lack of
School of proper communication. I made it a
Management, priority early on to focus on open lines
MBA of communication both internally and
externally, which in turn helped foster
GETTING TO KNOW RYAN great relationships.

 YEAR’S GREATEST CHALLENGE: My greatest challenge  GAMER STATUS: I’m an avid gamer and regularly play  MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF SPORTS
this year is continuously trying to improve. Fox Sports’ PlayStation 5. My favorite games are NBA2K, Madden, BUSINESS: The unpredictable nature
Big Noon Saturday became the most-watched TV and God of War. of sports (especially college sports)
window in all of college football in 2021, but I want to  MY INSPIRATION: My mother inspires me the most by is what I find most exciting in this
continue the growth and top our best year ever. encouraging me to pursue my passions. She has shown industry. Some days you get burned
 WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING EVENT, I WANT … : To feel me how hard work and dedication can pay off. by a blowout or get stuck in a
the energy of the crowd. weather delay, but other times you
strike gold and end up with a must-
see shocking upset.
 IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE … : A better
version of the person I am today.

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FOX SPORTS CONGRATULATES

RYAN KASOFF

DIRECTOR, COLLEGE STRATEGY

AND ALL OF THIS YEAR’S HONOREES
2022 SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL NEW VOICES UNDER 30

NEW VOICES UNDER 30

Senior Manager, GETTING TO KNOW KATIE
Global Partnerships
for Cirque du Soleil,  YEAR’S GREATEST CHALLENGE: My role has evolved quite a bit
Legends over the last year. For the last four years, I’ve worked on the strategy
side of the industry consulting across innovation and analytics for
Described as a a wide variety of properties within sports and entertainment. When
dual-threat 4Front was acquired by Legends in January of 2022, this brought
innovator, Katie a new set of incredible opportunities which has made for a really
LaCroix brought a exciting year. This fall, I will be joining the global partnerships team
mastery of analytics to be a part of our new Cirque du Soleil business and I couldn’t be
and strategy for more excited about this new challenge; shifting from developing
sports clients at revenue-generating strategies to actively taking these platforms to
Legends’ global tech brands as part of the go-to-market sales team.
division. Now she  WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING EVENT, I WANT … : To have fun and
guides Cirque du make memories with those that I’m with.
Soleil partnerships
with an art, heart and IN THE INDUSTRY
science mindset.
 MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF SPORTS BUSINESS: Sports and
AGE: 26 entertainment is unlike any other industry because it’s all about
these unique “can’t help but look” memorable moments — the
BORN: Fishers, Ind. last few seconds of a game-winning play or an awe-inspiring
performance at a show. It’s exciting to contribute to the business
EDUCATION: University of side of these experiences that have a such an emotional impact on
Iowa, BBA (double major) people.
marketing and business  HOW MY GENERATION IS CHANGING THE SPORTS INDUSTRY: In
analytics short, creativity and problem-solving. The timing of the pandemic
so early on in our careers has elevated the emphasis on these as
core skills for our generation to be successful in the industry. As a
result, we’ll help the industry become more adaptable and quick
to implement new strategies/ideas.

CONGRATULATIONS KATIE!

Sr. Manager, Legends is proud to celebrate Angie Bat
Global Partnerships our teammate Katie LaCroix on
being named to the 2022 Class
1 4 A | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022 of SBJ's New Voices Under 30.

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SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Co-Chief Executive GETTING TO KNOW KEITH
Officer, The Players’
Lounge  YEAR’S GREATEST CHALLENGE: The uncertainty of running a
startup that operates at the intersection of NIL and Web3, which
Leveraging the are both budding industries, has forced myself and The Players’
growth of NIL and Lounge to be agile and pivot frequently.
Web3 tech, former  WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING EVENT, I WANT … : To see a high
NFL player Keith level of competition.
Marshall aims to turn  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED HELP: I’ve been fortunate to find some
The Players’ Lounge great mentors, but my father is still the first person I call to help myself
into a startup get a pulse on a situation or problem I’m working through.
success, providing a  MY INSPIRATION: Opportunity. I understand what my parents and
platform for fans to parents’ parents went through to allow for the many opportunities
interact directly with I’ve had in life and feel a responsibility to pay that forward.
current and former
collegiate athletes. IN THE INDUSTRY

AGE: 28  HOW THE PANDEMIC CHANGED MY CAREER APPROACH: I spent the
pandemic going through an MBA program and didn't anticipate i’d
BORN: Raleigh end up working in the sports industry following graduation.
 MOST REWARDING ABOUT MY JOB: I always planned to transition
EDUCATION: University into the world of business following my playing career but never
of Georgia, BBA, finance; anticipated that business revolving around sports. The transition
Emory University Goizueta to the business side of sports has allowed me to stay connected to
Business School, MBA, what has always been a passion of mine.
strategy/finance  HOW MY GENERATION IS CHANGING THE SPORTS INDUSTRY: I’ve
been inspired by the number of athletes that are now participating
and taking ownership in the business side of sports. I believe the
rise of former athletes in positions of influence across ownership,
coaching and media serves to increase the power sports have as a
catalyst for representation and progress across cultures.
 IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE … : Healthy and doing something I’m
passionate about.

Senior Manager of Club Operations and Special Projects, IN THE INDUSTRY
and Special Assistant to the President and Sporting Director,
Austin FC  MOST REWARDING ABOUT
MY JOB: I have lived in Austin
The Players’ Lounge; Greg Fulks Among the first  YEAR’S GREATEST GETTING TO KNOW ZAYNE how I may be feeling, has been since 2005 and have played
25 staffers at CHALLENGE: For several years I a challenging, yet valuable soccer my whole life. Therefore,
Austin FC, Zayne have battled through complex several hours every week at exercise in balance and being involved in building my
Matulis-Thomajan chronic illness. Except for very the clinic receiving treatments, intentionality. hometown team’s first-ever
contributed critical few people whom I work most effectively becoming a part-  MY INSPIRATION: My mom is major league sports team (and
data analysis as an closely with, this is something time job for me. Therefore, who inspires me the most. … I especially as it is a soccer team)
intern during the I have kept silent in the office. reconciling my healing needs am who I am today because of from the ground up has been a
team’s then record- … it feels right to note that this with (1) fulfilling all of my work my mom and continue to strive dream first job after college.
setting season-ticket particular year of healing for / duties at Austin FC to the best to show up in the world in the
deposit campaign me has demanded that I spend of my ability and (2) showing up way she does.  HOW MY GENERATION
and now supports to work every day with energy
special projects and enthusiasm, regardless of IS CHANGING THE SPORTS
for ownership and INDUSTRY: I believe that this
business and soccer generation (1) is setting the
operations. foundations for the sports
industry to be accessible to
AGE: 24 more people (i.e. more women
and racial and ethnic minorities
BORN: New York to have a seat at the table)
and (2) is particularly mindful
EDUCATION: Harvard of the changing consumption
College, B.A., economics patterns of sports fans (e.g.
with the rise of social media)
and how that can change
strategy accordingly.

 IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE … :
Most importantly, happy and
healthy, but also continuing
to do work within the sports
industry that excites and
challenges me.

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NEW VOICES UNDER 30 GETTING TO KNOW PAUL IN THE INDUSTRY

Director of Strategy  YEAR’S GREATEST  MOST REWARDING ABOUT
and Growth, Fenway CHALLENGE: Maintaining a long- MY JOB: I am beyond grateful
Sports Group term view and remembering to for the opportunity to work
enjoy the ride. It is easy to get alongside and learn from all my
Fenway Sports caught up in emotions caused colleagues at FSG. The intellect,
Group relied on by the minute-by-minute nature passion and tremendous
the evaluation, of the job (especially depending character of those around me
guidance and on how any of the Red Sox, LFC, are what make our organization
negotiating skills or Penguins play on a given such a special place to work.
of Paul McCarthy day!), but I’ve found I am the
in its purchase of a most content when I focus on  BIGGEST SURPRISE WHEN I
minority share of the appreciating the moment. STARTED MY CAREER: Not all
SpringHill Company career paths are linear. While
and the acquisition  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I some professions have a
of the Pittsburgh NEED HELP: My mom. Her prescribed trajectory, there are
Penguins. advice is always grounded by many different avenues leading
compassion for others and to a job that you love.
AGE: 29 gratitude for each day. She
BORN: Milford, Conn. helps me maintain a positive  MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF
EDUCATION: Trinity perspective during difficult SPORTS BUSINESS: Shifting
College, B.S, economics moments. ownership philosophies and
 MY INSPIRATION: My family the influx of institutional
is my biggest inspiration. The capital is impacting how
countless sacrifices made by teams and leagues operate.
my parents provided me with Identifying and executing on
the opportunity to pursue new, innovative monetization
my dreams and my younger strategies that arise from
siblings motivate me to lead by the demand for return
example every day. All I want to on investment presents
do is make them proud! tremendous opportunities for
the entire sports industry.

CONGRATULATES

PAUL McCARTHY

ON BEING A NEW VOICES UNDER 30 HONOREE

What you have accomplished in such a
short time is remarkable and we are excited

to see what you will achieve in the future.
Thank you for the energy, selflessness and

passion you bring to FSG every day.

Billie Weiss / Boston Red Sox

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Manager, Corporate SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL
Partnerships, Major
League Baseball GETTING TO KNOW MIKE

Mike Niego  YEAR’S GREATEST CHALLENGE: Staying conscious of growing
has been on personal connections and relationships amid expanding job
the forefront of responsibilities.
compelling new  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED HELP: I always go back to a small
endeavors at MLB, circle of friends and mentors from my time at Brooklyn Sports &
leading sales efforts Entertainment that I’ve stayed close with and have come to trust
on all aspects of completely for help around anything work or career related.
the MLB at Field  WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING EVENT, I WANT … : To feel overly
of Dreams games welcomed through great customer service experiences.
in 2021 and 2022,
and spearheading IN THE INDUSTRY
the jersey patch
valuation efforts on  HOW THE PANDEMIC CHANGED MY CAREER APPROACH: It
behalf of all clubs. reaffirmed the need to be a person first-and-foremost within the
industry and to prioritize time with people you enjoy.
AGE: 28  BIGGEST SURPRISE WHEN I STARTED MY CAREER: The amount
of work that goes into an industry/product that from the outside
BORN: Hillsdale, N.J. looks like it should “sell itself.”
 MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF SPORTS BUSINESS: That with
EDUCATION: University of how quickly technology is becoming more powerful and
Connecticut, B.S., sport more accessible, at least one area of the traditional sports
management experience like ticketing, venue experiences, etc., will likely be
completely overhauled in the near future, and the domino-effect
opportunities that will be created as a result.
 HOW MY GENERATION IS CHANGING THE SPORTS INDUSTRY:
As fans/consumers, we’re pickier with our time and attention,
which I think will force the industry to continue finding
innovative ways to deliver the best in-person and viewing
experiences.

Mary DeCicco / MLB Photos via Getty Images

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NEW VOICES UNDER 30 GETTING TO KNOW IN THE INDUSTRY
ASHLEY
Ashley Pickle became the first woman to  HOW THE PANDEMIC
be hired as a full-time editorial staffer in the  YEAR’S GREATEST
60-year history of Dave Campbell's Texas CHALLENGE: I have taken on CHANGED MY CAREER
Football. She leads the livestreaming of multiple new roles within our APPROACH: The pandemic
over 1,500 high school sporting events a company and the hardest allowed me to see change as
year, along with an all-female football web challenge thus far has been to a beneficial aspect of having a
show/podcast, “Women Talking Football.” remember to give myself the career in sports. Having to be
same grace I give others when open to changing the way we
Executive Producer, it comes to learning a new role. did nearly all of our coverage …
Dave Campbell’s … Don’t let perfection be the forced an unbelievable amount
Texas Football / enemy of greatness. of creativity and flexibility in the
Dave Campbell’s face of pressure.
Texan Live  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED
AGE: 25 HELP: My father, Lance Pickle.  MOST REWARDING ABOUT MY
BORN: Llano, Texas He always provides the perfect JOB: We team up with a lot of
EDUCATION: University blend of logical reasonability high school A/V departments
of North Texas, B.A., mixed with encouragement to for our Dave Campbell’s
converged broadcast always let my voice be heard if Texan Live broadcast and
media I am in a place of conflict. seeing students get real-world
 MY INSPIRATION: The people experience and grow a passion
that inspire me the most are the for broadcasting is special.
little girls who come up to me
at sporting events and tell me  MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF
they want to be like me when SPORTS BUSINESS: You never
they grow up. This industry get bored, and it forces you to
can be tough, people on social constantly move outside your
media can be ruthless, but comfort zone.
knowing all the women who
are currently working in sports  IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE
are helping to pave a path for … : Seeing a true shift in the
these young girls is motivation way people view women in
to keep going. sports. The days of considering
women in sports as an anomaly
needs to end. We are here to
stay, get used to it.

 JOE AIKEN: I co-founded The Good of animal rescue organizations and LGBTQ+ organizations I support. Being devoted to helping people heal from Ishmael Johnson
Brother Project, an Atlanta-based actively foster dogs despite my inability a part of the community and growing topical steroid withdrawal, and (2)
nonprofit whose mission is to create to not get emotionally attached. up in an area that did not totally accept The UGLI (Unique, Gifted Loved and
educational and career opportunities for  ALEXANDRA GRAYSON: I serve on it, I hid my true self for a long time. Now, Individual) Foundation, an organization
youth in underserved communities by the Alvin Ailey Young Patrons board. I make sure to actively live my authentic that aims to put an end to bullying
giving them the resources they need to Growing up as a dancer, from the age self publicly for those who still feel they through a variety of programming.
get into college and providing them with of 7 all the way through college, the cannot and support organizations,  PAUL MCCARTHY: My younger sister
continued support once they get there. one overt fact is the arts, especially such as The Trevor Project, which is running the NYC Marathon this year
 ADRIENE BUENO: I am part of Sports Black and Brown artists, are severely provides crisis intervention and suicide and fundraising for The Memorial Sloan
& Entertainment Equity Network’s underfunded. prevention services for LGBTQ children Kettering Cancer Center Kids program.
Leadership team and serve as a board  CJ HARRINGTON: I am passionate under the age of 25. Her work as a pediatric ICU RN is
member. SEEN is a DEI-driven nonprofit about ending homelessness. I  RYAN KASOFF: I actively support inspiring. Donating to support cancer
dedicated to hosting memorable events serve meals to those experiencing advocating for more women’s sports research for these children in need is a
and creating opportunities for Black homelessness in Washington, D.C., programming on television. One of small gesture that pales in comparison
and Brown professionals in the industry. through my church on Sundays. my personal priorities in my role is to to the efforts of her and all health care
I help strategize and support DEI  TIFFANY JEAN HARRINGTON: I’m use our platform to amplify women’s professionals.
initiatives and hiring efforts for 2,000- passionate about working with college sports.  MIKE NIEGO: Animal rescue groups
plus minorities in the SEEN community. communities in Detroit to provide the  KATIE LACROIX: There are several like ASPCA and Labs4Rescue since
 MATT CONLEY: I’ve been focused resources and infrastructure necessary causes that are near to my heart; getting my dog, Riley, seven years ago
on supporting women’s rights access to create safe spaces where children supporting the fundraising efforts in from a group that saves dogs from kill
to reproductive health care. For the can play and learn. the fight against Alzheimer’s is one that shelters in over-populated areas.
most part, I provide financial support to  JAKE FALL HOROWITZ: BOSS: The is very close to me and my family in  ASHLEY PICKLE: I am an ambassador
Planned Parenthood and other similar Business Of Sports School, an amazing memory of my grandma who recently for The Sandlot Children’s Charity,
organizations, but I’ve also made calls school in New York City that teaches a passed away after a long battle with the which increases awareness and raises
and written emails to elected officials on high school curriculum through the lens disease. funds for kids who want to pursue
the topic. of sports and entertainment.  ZAYNE MATULIS-THOMAJAN: I athletic opportunities that have physical
 RISHAV DASH: WWF (World Wildlife  KRISTEN JAIN-THUT: Mental health primarily support (1) the International and intellectual disabilities.
Fund). association for depression. Topical Steroid Addiction Network  MATT ROGERS: St. Jude Children’s
 AVERY DECKER: I’m a major supporter  HALEY JURICK: There are a number of (ITSAN; itsan.org), a global organization Research Hospital, monetarily and

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SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Principal, A driving force in the executive search sector, IN THE INDUSTRY
Nolan Partners Matt Rogers built Nolan Partners’
onboarding and training  HOW THE PANDEMIC
AGE: 28 processes, leads recruiting
for the firm, mentors junior CHANGED MY CAREER
BORN: Dallas employees and served APPROACH: It changed the
as the “hub of the wheel” way I approach my job as I
EDUCATION: University across global business consult other people’s careers.
of Oklahoma, bachelor’s during the pandemic. Priorities for executives (work-
degree, marketing and life balance, family, etc.) have
sports management shifted immensely so it pushed
us to be more creative in the
FAMILY: Spouse, Breanna solutions we offer our clients.

 YEAR’S GREATEST CHALLENGE: GETTING TO KNOW MATT truly amaze me. She is the hardest  MOST REWARDING ABOUT MY
Training for the NYC Marathon, for sure. worker in any room she walks in. She JOB: It certainly is the feeling
I am one of very few that enjoy running,  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED HELP: juggles being a top performer at work of marrying great people with
but I never realized beforehand how I would say my best friend, John. He with volunteering regularly, keeping up great opportunities. The vast
taxing this training would be. Prioritizing always knows what to say and keeps it with friends and family, and being the majority of those we speak with
that with work, travel, and family has real, regardless of how hard it is to hear. best partner someone could ask for. She are not openly looking for a new
certainly been challenging.  MY INSPIRATION: My wife, Breanna. inspires me daily! job, so being able to present
Her work ethic, charisma, patience, and a life-changing opportunity to
drive (& many other A++ characteristics) someone and have that come to
reality is very rewarding.

 MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF
SPORTS BUSINESS: We work
in an industry that provides so
much emotional expression and
connectivity/belonging between
people of all backgrounds. In my
seat, I have the honor of placing
executives in positions that
further that beautiful agenda.

Excel Sports Management volunteering. regardless of family income.
 CIERA ROJAS: I support the Women’s  MOLLY TISSENBAUM: The Concussion
Sports Foundation and I enjoy getting Legacy Foundation. As a former athlete
involved with youth sports to pay it and 3x concussion survivor, the work
forward. they do to promote brain and mental
 THERESA SMITH: Immigration health is really important to me, and it’s
(refugee/asylum law). I have been why I pledged to donate my brain to the
passionate about this area of law since brain bank.
participating in a clinic at law school,  DREW WASHINGTON: I am a member
and I support the cause through my of Junior League San Francisco
pro bono work and involvement in an through which I’ve worked with
organization called KIND (Kids in Need Breakthrough San Francisco, a
of Defense). nonprofit that supports young people
 GIOVANNI SOLAZZI: I’m part of on the path to college.
FAIL! Inspiring Resilience, an MIT  TAJUAN WATSON: I am an active
organization that aims to de-stigmatize member of SEEN, where our purpose is
failure in academics and beyond. … We to bring together like-minded minorities
(Blue Crow Sports Group) are a partner and allies across the sports industry
of Rainbow Africa and have been to foster relationships and promote
developing several football-related personal and professional growth.
projects to help kids in Africa.  JESSE WU: I am an advocate for
 BRYNN SUSSMAN: I do my best to organizations that fight to end human
bring awareness to the mental health sex trafficking. After Hours Ministry
crisis by speaking to collegiate athletes and Dream Center are two main
as well as being one of the co-chairs organizations where I have donated
of the new Mental Health & Wellness time, money and collaboration to
Employee Resource Group at the nearing this end. As the digital world
NHL. I am also a member of NY Cares, evolves, it’s important to consider
volunteering my time with the elderly various avenues where children and
when available. minors are at risk to predators too. Thus,
 AYDEN SYAL: MOGL is a proud another organization I support is Safe
partner of Every Kid Sports and Against Online Sex Abuse (SOSA).
donates a portion of all of our  TYLER ZIMMET: I volunteer with
proceeds directly to the organization youth baseball programs in Harlem
to ensure that children have equal and donate to the New York Historical
access to youth athletic programming Society.

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NEW VOICES UNDER 30

Senior Manager, GETTING TO KNOW CIERA IN THE INDUSTRY
Partnership
Marketing, U.S.  YEAR’S GREATEST CHALLENGE:  HOW THE PANDEMIC
Tennis Association Practicing patience as I embrace
the constantly evolving new CHANGED MY CAREER
AGE: 29 normal. APPROACH: It provided time
for reflection that allowed
BORN: Mount Kisco, N.Y  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED me to refine priorities and
HELP: My younger sister, Emma, challenge my strategy mindset.
EDUCATION: New York is my confidant and always One successful outgrowth
University, B.S., sports listens no matter the subject. She was a new project — the
management is supportive and challenges USTA Innovation Program,
me at the same time. The two of a structured program to
With aspirations for a future us have always competed with foster innovation within the
CEO role, Ciera Rojas is squarely each other and I would not be organization. I was fortunate to
focused on innovation and who I am today without her! lead this program alongside my
collaboration at the USTA, helping  MY INSPIRATION: Everyone colleague, Mauricio Fischmann.
to lead a program that took in my family inspires me, and
employee-submitted ideas through my paternal grandfather,  MOST REWARDING ABOUT MY
a “Shark Tank”-like presentation to Dr. Gilberto Rojas, drives my JOB: I love working hand-in-
senior management for funding. ambitions. I never had the hand with our partners to bring
opportunity to meet the man their visions to life at the U.S.
that emigrated from Lima, Peru, Open. However, nothing beats
to New York, and became an closing a sponsorship deal.
accomplished general surgeon
who lived the American dream.  HOW MY GENERATION
His dream became a mantra for
my family — to always strive to IS CHANGING THE SPORTS
be the best and never settle for INDUSTRY: My generation
anything less. challenges the status quo,
and the sports industry is not
 WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING immune. … Fans now have
EVENT, I WANT … : The best options to watch their favorite
view of the court and to be teams with sports betting stats
surrounded by passionate fans. in companion to streaming from
mobile devices or by engaging
with the metaverse.

 JOE AIKEN: Increase the a catalyst for developing terms of equality.  MIKE NIEGO: Not losing space for everyone. Jen Pottheiser / USTA
hiring and exposure of a more equitable sports  KRISTEN JAIN-THUT: Not sight of the fan experience in  AYDEN SYAL: Monitoring,
diverse talent and ensure they business talent pipeline. just focusing on professional pursuit of revenue generation. policing, and educating
are set up for success when / collegiate sports. There  ASHLEY PICKLE: Making athletes on ways that they
placed in leadership roles.  ALEXANDRA GRAYSON: are a lot of opportunities sure there is diverse can be taken advantage of.
 ADRIENE BUENO: Providing Diversity, especially in more for the industry within local representation in every facet MOGL was created to give
salary transparency and positions of power. communities and local of the industry. There have athletes the tools they need
elevating more Black/Latinx/  JAC GRIFFITHS: Engaging community sports as well! been good strides taken but to never be taken advantage
Asian people and women of the next generation, and  HALEY JURICK: Welcoming we are nowhere near done of again.
color into roles at the senior/ a wider, more diverse work-life balance and forcing this change.
C-suite level and in game/ market, through equitable compensating people to their  MATT ROGERS: Continuing  MOLLY TISSENBAUM:
player operations. and sustainable measures. worth. to prioritize diversity in Investing in women’s sports.
 MATT CONLEY: Nurturing By embracing the local  RYAN KASOFF: Diversity recruiting, both in gender/
and promoting the collective community and re-thinking in hiring. The best teams ethnicity and perspective.  DREW WASHINGTON:
passion and creativity of our the venue as an outward- are made up of people with  CIERA ROJAS: Putting Placing and promoting
fans. looking, 365-day destination, different backgrounds and women and minorities in women and people of color
 RISHAV DASH: Rethinking teams and franchises have life experiences collaborating positions of leadership. We in influential, public-facing
recruiting and compensation, the potential to expand their as one. need to be the change that leadership positions.
especially at entry-level scope and impact. we want to see.  TAJUAN WATSON: Providing
positions. Unpaid internships  CJ HARRINGTON: Exposing  KEITH MARSHALL:  THERESA SMITH: Promoting access to prospective talent
and bare minimum pay levels young adults to all of the Supporting athletes in life women’s sports. who sit outside of major
for entry-level employees different careers they can after sport. networking pipelines.
limit the pool of candidates pursue within sports.  GIOVANNI SOLAZZI:  JESSE WU: Valuing
to only those who can  ZAYNE MATULIS- Including women. It sounds sports creatives (greater
“afford” to do so. As a result,  TIFFANY JEAN THOMAJAN: Continuing like rhetoric but it is true (not compensation, resources,
there are a lot of passionate HARRINGTON: Collaborating to welcome people from only women’s sports, but mental health/wellness,
and talented potential across teams and leagues underrepresented groups into women employees, especially balance in their time, etc.).
candidates who get left out. in an organization, like Pro the important conversations in Latin countries).  TYLER ZIMMET: Attracting
 AVERY DECKER: Being Sports Assembly. and leadership roles.  BRYNN SUSSMAN: Being the next generation of fans
 PAUL MCCARTHY: Diversity, inclusive and creating a safe in an ever-more-segmented
 JAKE FALL HOROWITZ: equity, and inclusion. entertainment market.
Putting actions to words in

2 0 A | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022 WWW.SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM

Congratulations, Ciera Rojas, on being selected
as one of Sports Business Journal’s

NEW VOICES UNDER 30
CLASS OF 2022
Your remarkable talent and unparalleled
commitment to excellence have not
only helped your voice to resonate,
but have also helped us to
raise the profile and prestige
of the US Open. We applaud
you and thank you for
all you do to help us
raise our game.

From your friends and colleagues

©2022 USTA. Photo credit: Jennifer Pottheiser/USTA.

NEW VOICES UNDER 30 GETTING TO KNOW IN THE INDUSTRY
THERESA
Associate,  MOST EXCITING ASPECT
Proskauer  YEAR’S GREATEST
CHALLENGE: Balancing my OF SPORTS BUSINESS:
Theresa Smith career with that of my fiancé’s Witnessing the development
has been on the (who is a fighter pilot with of new sports communities.
forefront of changes the U.S. Air Force), since we Whether via a league
in the industry, from often have conflicting work expansion to a new city, the
legalized sports commitments in different introduction of an innovative
betting to new parts of the world. This year, sports technology, or the
franchises in cities after learning that he will be rise of women’s sports, the
such as Seattle, stationed in England for a impact sports can have on
Nashville and Las couple years, we moved to a community never fails to
Vegas to a new London from the East Coast. amaze me in the way it brings
NFL team owner in Although this was overall people together and creates
Denver. a positive change … it was socioeconomic growth.
challenging to navigate the
AGE: 29 logistics of a transatlantic move.  HOW MY GENERATION
BORN: London  MY INSPIRATION: My pro
EDUCATION: Dartmouth bono clients, who are mostly IS CHANGING THE SPORTS
College, B.A., history/ immigrants looking for safe INDUSTRY: My generation is
government; Harvard refuge/asylum. I have had constantly evolving the way
Law School, J.D. the privilege of working with leagues and teams interact
incredibly resilient individuals with their fans, whether via
— often children — who have fan tokens, sports betting or
experienced some of the worst new streaming platforms.
trauma imaginable and yet are
able to keep pursuing their  IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE
dreams with a smile on their … : In a role that enables me
faces. to (1) advance the reach and
popularity of women’s sports
and (2) create opportunities
for women to break glass
ceilings in the sports industry.

The Sports Law Firm

Proskauer is proud to
congratulate our friend
and associate
Theresa A. Smith
and all of the other 2022
New Voices Under 30

Proskauer.com Proskauer Rose LLP | Eleven Times Square, New York, NY 10036-8299 | 212.969.3000 | Attorney Advertising Proskauer

| 2 2SABJ_NewN_VOoiVcesE_UMndBerE_3R0_2702-21_93.12, 52x60.252_V25.indd 1 W W W . S P O R T S B U S I N E1S0S/1J7/O20U22R3N:1A4:1L8.PCMO M

SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Vice President, GETTING TO KNOW IN THE INDUSTRY
Cancún FC / Blue GIOVANNI
Crow Sports Group  MOST EXCITING ASPECT
 YEAR’S GREATEST OF SPORTS BUSINESS: It’s all
“Thrives under CHALLENGE: The rebranding about passion and culture.
pressure” might be and launch of the new Never forget it. You want to
the best description logo of Cancún FC. It took make money and achieve
for Giovanni Solazzi, months of work. If you take in financial success but never
who worked on Blue consideration the final part of forget you are dealing with
Crow’s acquisition 2021, it was the last few months people’s feelings.
of Cancún FC of imposed “co-operation” with
and led the club’s the previous ownership before  HOW MY GENERATION
rebranding in Liga we fully took control of the
MX Expansion. team in January. It was the most IS CHANGING THE SPORTS
difficult time of my life. INDUSTRY: Oh boy. Tell me
AGE: 29 one millennial that watches
 WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING TV at home alone without
BORN: Fano, Italy EVENT, I WANT … : To have an checking his / her phones
incredible cultural experience every 20 minutes (not to
EDUCATION: Columbia and meet local fans. mention Gen Zs). It’s not
University, M.S., sports just about sports anymore,
management; University  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED it’s entertainment. You have
of Bologna Law School, HELP: Chuck Baker, my mentor, to earn millennials’ interest
J.D.; Harvard Law School, is one of the most successful — and if you have it, never
visiting researcher in sports people in the sports industry, take it for granted (or you are
law; University of California, a legendary attorney and, going to lose it!)
Irvine (exchange student) most importantly, a wonderful
human being.  IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE … :
 MY INSPIRATION: Marco Retired after we sell Cancún FC
Aurelio. He was the most for $500 million. Just kidding,
important person in the world, I would never retire. Maybe
the king of half of the world be the president/CEO of a big
known at the time, and still, he European team (Juventus,
was so humble and focused on Roma, AC Milan or Real
being a good human being. Madrid) or move to F1 and run
Ferrari. I’m Italian after all.

Fernando Nuñez  JOE AIKEN:  CJ HARRINGTON:  HALEY JURICK:  PAUL MCCARTHY: Dumas and  DREW WASHINGTON:
“Transcendent Kingdom” “How Will You “The 7 Spiritual Any from the Harry “Pride & Prejudice” “Power Concedes
by Yaa Gyasi Measure Your Life?” by Laws of Success” by Potter series by Jane Austen Nothing” by
 ADRIENE BUENO: Clayton Christensen Deepak Chopra  MIKE NIEGO: Connie Rice
“Shoe Dog” by “The Power Of Now”  GIOVANNI SOLAZZI:
Phil Knight  TIFFANY JEAN  RYAN KASOFF: by Eckhart Tolle “Meditations” by  TAJUAN WATSON:
 MATT CONLEY: “Moneyball” by  ASHLEY PICKLE: Marco Aurelio; and “The Autobiography
“The Guns of August” HARRINGTON: Michael Lewis “Tuesdays with Morrie” “On the Shortness of of Malcolm X: As Told to
by Barbara Tuchman “The Secret” by by Mitch Albom Life” by Seneca Alex Haley” by Malcolm
 RISHAV DASH: Rhonda Byrne  KATIE LACROIX:  MATT ROGERS: X and Alex Haley
“The Godfather” “Balancing Acts” by “The Energy Bus” by  BRYNN SUSSMAN:  JESSE WU: “This Is
by Mario Puzo  JAKE FALL HOROWITZ: Daniel Lamarre Jon Gordon Harry Potter Not a T-Shirt: A Brand,
 AVERY DECKER: “Superforecasting:  CIERA ROJAS: a Culture, a Community
“Range” by The Art and Science  KEITH MARSHALL: “A Curious Mind” by  AYDEN SYAL: — a Life in Streetwear”
David Epstein of Prediction” by “The Sovereign Brian Grazer “Kitchen Confidential” by Bobby Hundreds
 ALEXANDRA Philip E. Tetlock and Individual” by James  THERESA SMITH: by Anthony Bourdain
GRAYSON: “City of Girls” Dan Gardner Dale Davidson and “The Count of Monte  TYLER ZIMMET:
by Elizabeth Gilbert William Rees-Mogg Cristo” by Alexandre  MOLLY TISSENBAUM: “The Count of Monte
 KRISTEN JAIN-THUT: “The Red Tent” by Anita Cristo” by Alexandre
“Cormoran Strike  ZAYNE MATULIS- Diamant, “Loonshots” Dumas
Series” by THOMAJAN: “Educated” by Safi Bahcall, or “Think
Robert Galbraith by Tara Westover Again” by Adam Grant

W W W . S P O R T S B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L . C O M NOVEMBER 7-13, 2022 | 2 3 A

NEW VOICES UNDER 30

Senior Manager, GETTING TO KNOW BRYNN
Entertainment and
Creative Content,  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED HELP: I can’t choose between
National Hockey my parents, so I’d have to say both my mother and father. They
League encourage me to make the best decision for me, without pushing
their own opinion.
One of the league’s  MY INSPIRATION: The passion to succeed inspires me the most.
key connectors to If nothing else, the pandemic taught us how short and fragile life
pop culture, Brynn is and reinforced to me to show up and give my best every day to
Sussman ensures reach my goals.
that the NHL is a  WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING EVENT, I WANT … : A hot dog!!!
brand celebrities
and musicians IN THE INDUSTRY
— from Charles
Barkley to Imagine  MOST REWARDING ABOUT MY JOB: Seeing your hard work come
Dragons — want to life in the form of an event or concert and experiencing the
to work with. reaction of fans in person is extremely rewarding.
 BIGGEST SURPRISE WHEN I STARTED MY CAREER: How much I
AGE: 29 enjoyed my colleagues! We naturally had so much in common,
that they quickly turned into friends.
BORN: Middletown, N.Y.  MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF SPORTS BUSINESS: That it so widely
affects so many people, from extreme fans to casual — you hear
EDUCATION: about the decisions made in your conference room at your local
State University of sports bar.
New York at Oneonta,  HOW MY GENERATION IS CHANGING THE SPORTS INDUSTRY: The
B.A., communications, way we watch sports, interact with athletes on social media and
minor in journalism dissect every aspect of the game — it changes everything from a
business perspective. It is constantly pushing us to rethink how
we do things and how we can make the viewing experience better
and more exciting.
 IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE … : The boss!

Congratulations to our teammate
Brynn Sussman for being named to
Sports Business Journal’s New Voices Under 30

© NHL 2022. All Rights Reserved. National Hockey League

2 4 A | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022 WWW.SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM

SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Ayden Syal conceived of MOGL GETTING TO KNOW AYDEN IN THE INDUSTRY
two years before college athletes
could monetize their name, image  YEAR’S GREATEST  HOW THE PANDEMIC
and likeness. His free-to-use CHALLENGE: As an
platform is now accessed by over entrepreneur working in CHANGED MY CAREER
4,000 NCAA athletes and 1,200 a brand-new industry and APPROACH: The pandemic
brands such as Meta, DoorDash, regulatory environment, actually was a catalyst for my
Allbirds and Applebee’s. it’s important to keep the career in sports. After writing
company focused on our the business plan for MOGL
Chief Executive core competencies and the in October of 2019, it wasn’t
Officer and differentiated value that we until the pandemic shifted the
Co-Founder, MOGL provide to athletes, brands, flexibility of work and allowed
and institutions because as the for work from home that I could
AGE: 27 industry continues to evolve truly build the business.
BORN: Calgary it can be easy to succumb to
EDUCATION: University “shooting at moving targets.”  BIGGEST SURPRISE WHEN I
of Notre Dame, BBA, STARTED MY CAREER: That a
managing consulting, and  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I career in banking was not my
B.A., sociology NEED HELP: My father. As calling. Ever since I was a child
an immigrant from western I had aspirations to wear a suit
Canada, he worked his way each day and work in finance
up through financial services in New York because it was
while raising a family far from all that I knew. After four years
his parents, siblings, and others. of doing that, I was burnt out,
The sacrifice that he made on overweight, and unhappy.
a daily basis while excelling in
a field traditionally reserved for  MOST EXCITING ASPECT
the highly educated, Ivy League OF SPORTS BUSINESS: That it
grads is a testament to his touches all industries: the arts,
willpower and resolve. advertising, finance, law, and
all others. The intersections
 WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING between sports and all other
EVENT, I WANT … : Great industries are innumerable
food and beer options and and it’s fascinating to identify
passionate fans. different ways to take
advantage of the overlaps.

Product Director, IN THE INDUSTRY
Sports Innovation
Lab  BIGGEST SURPRISE WHEN
I STARTED MY CAREER: How
AGE: 28 far women still have to go in
BORN: Toronto business to achieve equity. I’m
EDUCATION: Harvard very lucky to be at a company
University, B.A., sociology where most of the executive
team is women, but that’s not
MOGL; Peyton King An enthusiastic  YEAR’S GREATEST GETTING TO KNOW MOLLY a household where reading, universal.
supporter of CHALLENGE: Managing a curiosity, and a challenge were
data-driven growing team that includes HELP: It’s a toss-up between things that were admired, so the  MOST EXCITING ASPECT
decision-making, remote workers. I’m a big my parents and my brother. No feeling of finishing a book or OF SPORTS BUSINESS: The
Molly Tissenbaum’s believer in the power of one knows me better than they mastering a new skill inspires me respect it’s earning as a home
work on two collaboration, so managing do, so they’re often my go-to to continue learning. for innovative thinkers with a
industry-defining a team with an increasing when I have a problem (even command over technology,
data reports has workload is both exciting and if it is just to validate what I  WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING finance, and more.
moved the narrative challenging. thought was the solution to the EVENT, I WANT … : Great seats,
around women’s problem in the first place!). great company, great athletes,  HOW MY GENERATION
sports toward a  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED  MY INSPIRATION: Learning and a close game.
savvy business something new. I grew up in IS CHANGING THE SPORTS
venture delivering INDUSTRY: We’re changing
high ROI. what it means to be an athlete.
Athlete is a genderless
term, and my generation is
fighting hard to make that a
reality. It’s a really inspiring
thing to realize that the next
generation will grow up
with role models who are
“athletes,” regardless of their
gender.

 IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE … :
In charge of data and strategy
for a women’s sports league
or team.

W W W . S P O R T S B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L . C O M NOVEMBER 7-13, 2022 | 2 5 A

NEW VOICES UNDER 30 GETTING TO KNOW DREW IN THE INDUSTRY

Associate Attorney,  YEAR’S GREATEST  BIGGEST SURPRISE WHEN I
Winston & Strawn CHALLENGE: My biggest STARTED MY CAREER: How close-
challenge has been adjusting knit the sports industry is. From
At Winston & Strawn, to the remote nature of work my first college sports internship
Drew Washington and embracing it as the “new to my current role at Winston
has been on the normal.” I like to connect and & Strawn, I’ve consistently
front lines of lasting work with people in person. worked with sports-industry
changes in the legal Learning how to maintain professionals with whom I have
industry, fighting strong relationships with long-standing professional
for hard-won rights colleagues and others in my relationships.
for members of the professional network has been
the U.S. women’s an adjustment, especially from  MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF
national soccer different states and time zones. SPORTS BUSINESS: Seeing how a
team and collegiate big win can completely change
and professional  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED an industry and inspire others
athletes alike. HELP: My dad. He knows my outside of sports. Helping to
strengths and weaknesses and secure equal pay for the U.S.
AGE: 28 has been there every step of the women’s national soccer team
BORN: Pasadena, Calif. way throughout my career. He created a precedent that served
EDUCATION: New York knows how hard I’ve worked as an example for women
University, B.S., sports to get where I am today, knows everywhere — being a part of
management; University the mistakes I’ve made along that was so rewarding.
of California, Berkeley, the way, and knows my goals
School of Law, J.D. for the future as well.  HOW MY GENERATION
FAMILY: Spouse, Robert
Mohen  WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING IS CHANGING THE SPORTS
EVENT, I WANT … : To be in INDUSTRY: We’re challenging
the mix with the crowd. I the status quo. For instance,
want to talk to fans, I want to we’re seeing more women
experience the rollercoaster of represented in industry
emotions that a sporting event leadership roles than ever
takes you on, and I want to feel before, whether it be as
the electricity of the audience. coaches, agents, lawyers,
executives or in front offices.

Affiliate TaJuan GETTING TO KNOW IN THE INDUSTRY Gustavo Fernandez Photography; NBA Photos
Leagues Watson TAJUAN
Lead, advises  HOW THE PANDEMIC
On-Court the  YEAR’S GREATEST
and Brand CHALLENGE: Adjusting to a new CHANGED MY CAREER
Partnerships, WNBA, “normal” after navigating life APPROACH: It reaffirmed my
National G League, during the pandemic. Like many passion for a career in sports
Basketball NBA 2K of us, my work environment, because I saw, firsthand, that
Association League and lifestyle, and daily routine my work could positively
Basketball Africa were all impacted during that impact others.
AGE: 29 League in on-court time; now, I am locked-in on
elements and identifying habits that I want to  MOST REWARDING ABOUT
BORN: Annapolis, brand identities. continue (or stop) as we march MY JOB: Hitting on my
Md. He helped create a into an ever-changing world. response above, the most
powerful moment at rewarding aspect of my job
EDUCATION: the WNBA All-Star  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED is understanding that my
University of North Game in support HELP: My mother because she is final product is so tangible
Carolina at Chapel of Brittney Griner. always right! In all seriousness, to others. For better or for
Hill, B.S, business she seems to have the perfect worse, we have the unique
administration; response for any challenge, and opportunity to realize
second major in she tells me what I need to hear immediate feedback from
exercise and sport … not what I want to hear. athletes, teams and fans.
science, sport  MY INSPIRATION: My family,
administration 100%. I cannot count the  HOW MY GENERATION
concentration number of sacrifices they
have made for me to chase IS CHANGING THE SPORTS
my dreams, so I owe them the INDUSTRY: Ultimately, we are
world and that starts with me assessing what has been done
putting my best foot forward in before; asking questions to
any of my endeavors. uncover the “why”; and using
data plus intuition to innovate
 WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING intentionally.
EVENT, I WANT … : To enjoy it
as a pure fan separate from my  IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE …
day-to-day responsibilities. : Advancing opportunities for
young professionals to realize
their career aspirations and
interests.

2 6 A | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022 WWW.SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM

CONGRATULATIONS

MATT TAJUAN

CONLEY WATSON

Senior Manager, Affiliate Leagues Lead,
Gaming and Data Ventures, On-Court and Brand Partnerships,
National Basketball Association National Basketball Association

THE NBA CONGRATULATES MATT CONLEY, TAJUAN WATSON,
AND ALL THE NEW VOICES UNDER 30 HONOREES.

NEW VOICES UNDER 30 GETTING TO KNOW JESSE IN THE INDUSTRY

Art Director,  GO-TO PERSON WHEN I NEED  MOST REWARDING ABOUT
University of HELP: My wife, Joy, grounds MY JOB: Watching my staff and
Southern California, me. She not only propels team develop as creatives is
Athletics me to dream bigger, but she the most rewarding aspect to
also provides balance to my role. Additionally, giving
The creative mind my life. Something I admire light and a voice to Asian
behind USC’s brand most about Joy is that she sports creatives in the industry
style and design across steps up to support me in has also been a great joy.  
recruiting, facilities, all my professional goals,
uniforms, equipment entrepreneurial ambitions and  BIGGEST SURPRISE WHEN
and more, Jesse Wu personal plans.  I STARTED MY CAREER: I’m
aspires to be the diverse  MY INSPIRATION: My daughter, surprised at how small the sports
representation that Jayla, inspires me. She was born creative network is. It seems as if
artists working in sports almost an entire trimester early, everyone is one or two degrees
and entertainment can and she endured 70 days in the away from each other.
look up to. NICU. Jayla has been a fighter
from the very beginning. She  HOW MY GENERATION
AGE: 28 entered the world traumatically,
BORN: Maryland and although she’s been IS CHANGING THE SPORTS
EDUCATION: University through more than most her age, INDUSTRY: Our generation
of Maryland, College she is constantly filled with joy. places a heavy emphasis
Park, B.A, studio art She’s taken her first steps, she on humanizing college and
FAMILY: Spouse, Joy; eats and sleeps like a champion, professional athletes. Every
children, Jameson (2), loves her older brother, she athlete can have their own
Jayla (1) smiles back at anyone and brand, production company,
everyone, and she continues be a storyteller, etc. With social
to persevere and conquer media evolving, and with all
developmental milestones. She the ways content is created
is my miracle. … Children truly and consumed, athletes
are resilient, but my baby girl is are now seen as more than
genuinely brave.   entertainment.

 IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE
… : Leading an entire creative
department!

 JOE AIKEN:  HALEY JURICK:  CIERA ROJAS: USC Athletics
“The Brilliant Idiots” “The Mindset Mentor” “The Best One Yet”
with Charlamagne Tha with Rob Dial Jr.  THERESA SMITH:
God and Andrew Schulz  RYAN KASOFF: Any podcast related
 ADRIENE BUENO: “Shutdown Fullcast” to health and nutrition
“Joel Osteen Daily  KATIE LACROIX:  GIOVANNI SOLAZZI:
Podcast” “How I Built This”; “The Tim Ferriss Show”
 MATT CONLEY: “CMO Moves”;  BRYNN SUSSMAN:
“Odd Lots” with “Morning Toast” “Ten Percent Happier”
Joe Weisenthal and  KEITH MARSHALL:  AYDEN SYAL:
Tracy Alloway “All-In Podcast;” “The Shamrock”
 RISHAV DASH: “The Jordan B. with Pete Sampson
“The Red Agenda” Peterson Podcast;” and Matt Fortuna
 AVERY DECKER: “I Am Athlete;”  DREW WASHINGTON:
“Plain English” with “The Pivot” “Archetypes with
Derek Thompson  ZAYNE MATULIS- Meghan”
 ALEXANDRA GRAYSON:  TAJUAN WATSON:
“Unlocking Us” THOMAJAN: “The Pivot Podcast”
with Brené Brown “Tifo Football” (soccer); hosted by former NFL
 JAC GRIFFITHS: “Dissect” (music); players Ryan Clark,
“Americast BBC” “Crime Junkie” Fred Taylor, and
 CJ HARRINGTON: (true crime) Channing Crowder
“The Bill Simmons  MIKE NIEGO:  JESSE WU:
Podcast” “The Tim Ferriss Show” “Conan O’Brien Needs
 JAKE FALL HOROWITZ:  ASHLEY PICKLE: A Friend”, and “Thirty
“How I Built This” WTF: “Women Minutes with The Perrys”
 KRISTEN JAIN-THUT: Talking Football”  TYLER ZIMMET:
“You’re Wrong About”  MATT ROGERS: “Revisionist History”
with Sarah Marshall “BiggerPockets (Malcolm Gladwell)
Real Estate Podcast”

2 8 A | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022 WWW.SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM

Vice President, SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL
Inner Circle Sports
GETTING TO KNOW TYLER
Tyler Zimmet took
ownership of Inner  YEAR’S GREATEST CHALLENGE: Finding a way to represent AFC
Circle’s focus on Richmond.
sports betting  MY INSPIRATION: I was fortunate to grow up in Southern
and successfully California and get the chance to listen to Vin Scully every summer
originated and evening. I am inspired by his professionalism, integrity and
executed a capital commitment to excellence over his long tenure and strive to model
raise involving these traits throughout my career.
gaming executives  WHEN I ATTEND A SPORTING EVENT, I WANT … : A reason to come
and veteran sports back for more.
team leadership
for betting odds IN THE INDUSTRY
supplier Sports IQ.
 HOW THE PANDEMIC CHANGED MY CAREER APPROACH: I gained a
AGE: 29 huge appreciation for the value of building in-person relationships.
 BIGGEST SURPRISE WHEN I STARTED MY CAREER: Having the
BORN: Los Angeles ability to take an active role in transactions from Day 1 was a
thrilling and rewarding experience. I appreciated the opportunity
EDUCATION: Columbia to learn the ins-and-outs of a deal hands-on without having to first
University, B.A., watch from the sidelines.
economics and history  MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF SPORTS BUSINESS: It’s a highly
scrutinized industry that always needs to strike the right balance
of its legacy and traditions with the evolving times.
 HOW MY GENERATION IS CHANGING THE SPORTS INDUSTRY: Our
short attention spans require teams to attract (and recruit) their
fans utilizing as many stimulants as possible. Can I share a video
of this touchdown pass immediately? Is the food at the ballpark
Instagram-worthy? Can I place a bet in my seat?
 IN 10 YEARS, I HOPE TO BE … : Nominating a fellow colleague for
this same recognition whom I’ve been lucky enough to mentor.

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S

Tyler Zimmet

and all members of the
2022 New Voices Under 30 Class

who are helping to shape the
future of sports business.

W W W . S P O R T S B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L . C O M NOVEMBER 7-13, 2022 | 2 9 A

NEW VOICES UNDER 30

1 23456

7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

1 Joe Aiken 7 Jac Griffiths 13 Ryan Kasoff 19 Ashley Pickle 25 Ayden Syal
2 Adriene Bueno 8 CJ Harrington 14 Katie LaCroix 20 Matt Rogers 26 Molly Tissenbaum
3 Matt Conley 9 Tiffany Jean Harrington 15 Keith Marshall 21 Ciera Rojas 27 Drew Washington
4 Rishav Dash 10 Jake Fall Horowitz 16 Zayne Matulis-Thomajan 22 Theresa Smith 28 TaJuan Watson
5 Avery Decker 11 Kristen Jain-Thut 17 Paul McCarthy 23 Giovanni Solazzi 29 Jesse Wu
6 Alexandra Grayson 12 Haley Jurick 18 Mike Niego 24 Brynn Sussman 30 Tyler Zimmet

3 0 A | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022 WWW.SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM

MLS REPORT

MLB MIDSEASON REPORT

Through innovations moves, Major
League Baseball has surged past a spring
Buoyed by strong seasons fromtirtasinnienwgelsotcfrkaonucthiasneds atnwdonsineeansoewns of
facilities since 2017, Major League SocCceOr VboIDu-n1c9edrebsatcrkicitnioitnssfi.rst

COVID-free season since 2019.

SBJ Atlas has compiled the data and
• Per-game average attendance wastnreenardlys btoacekntosuprree-ypoaundsetmayicolenvteolsp. of
• Four new league-level sponsors werethsiegniMnendL.oBv’satsiuocncseasnsdstleoarirensf.rom

• A new media deal with Apple highlighted a critical season for the league.

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IN-DEPTH REPORT

ANNOUNCING

SPORTS.

SMARTER.

Tech Week will assemble tech and sports business leaders
to celebrate, network and examine the most innovative
technologies pushing the industry forward.

MARCH 7-9, 2023 | NEW YORK, NY

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SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL

LABOR AND AGENTS Anthony Volpe, a top prospect in the Yankees orga-

Inside the moves to nization. It signed French soccer star Kylian Mbappe
build out WME Sports
earlier this year and established a production com-

pany for him.

The old model “was working well and continues to

work well,” Pyatt said. The new model “was an op-

portunity to find some of these superstar athletes at

a younger age. Instead of having to wait 15 years for

Luka Doncic’s career to be on the downswing, this

G ETTING WME SPORTS into the business of rep- is someone we can start with when he is 21 years old
resenting top athletes at the beginning of
their careers in the NFL, NBA and MLB for entertainment and other non-playing work. and grow with him as he grows. Or Joe Burrow on

“Before we set up our sports division under the the football side.”

WME brand, we had a thriving tennis business,” Both Pyatt and EXPANSION MODE

on-the-field and on-the- Brodkin said. “We still had a great golf division. Then Brodkin said they

court work was a plan we also represented — on the market- are “not done” hir- n November 2019: Bret Just
ing agents and add- and his team come to WME
hatched at the highest ing side — the Wayne Gretzkys of ing to the Sports from CAA Sports. His
businesses or sports clients include Geno Auriem-
levels of Endeavor al- the world and Matt Stafford and they are in now, but ma, Becky Hammon, Koby
declined to put a Altman and Chris Beard.
most four years ago. broadcasters — Terry Bradshaw.” number on it. WME
n October 2020: NFL agents
Endeavor CEO Ari WME was building out entertain- Brian Ayrault and Ben Renzin
join WME Sports as co-heads
Emanuel and President ment production companies for stars

Mark Shapiro met with Pyatt like LeBron James and former NFL
defensive end Michael Strahan.
WME Sports co-heads is not in hockey or of the football representation
soccer player on-ice business, bringing NFL clients
Karen Brodkin and “There was nothing wrong with or on-field represen- that include Joe Burrow,
tation. Asked about Justin Jefferson, Nick Chubb
Josh Pyatt in early 2019. our business. It was a great business and Nick Bosa.

BY LIZ MULLEN “We sat down with Ari and the work that we did for those n December 2020: WME
and Mark and made the Sports makes a strategic
clients was great,” Brodkin said. “But that, Pyatt said, investment in BDA Sports,
“We are always owned by premier NBA agent
strategic decision to get what we didn’t have was the young looking to add the

back into on-field and on- Brodkin rookie football players, the rookie
basketball players, where we could
court representation,” Brodkin said. “We knew that right mix of people. Bill Duffy. With the investment,
We are open to BDA and WME co-represent
was the missing piece in our ambition to represent really lean into our network and as we continue to every sport. We Luka Doncic, RJ Barrett,
don’t wake up and Deandre Ayton and more than
our clients holistically — from the beginning of their build out the Endeavor platform — speaking, books, 30 NBA clients.

careers through well past retirement.” equity and talent venture deals, social and digital

At that time, WME Sports had a golf practice and content strategy.” say, ‘That’s a sport n September 2021: MLB
we will never agents Jim Murray and
a leading tennis practice with clients like Venus and Starting in late November 2019, with the hire of touch.’ We are a Michael Stival join WME Sports
global company. from Excel Sports Manage-
Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic. It repre- powerful, but media-shy basketball coaches agent Hockey is a global ment to form WME Sports’
sport. Football- baseball group.
sented many star team sport athletes who were at Bret Just, WME Sports started changing its business slash-soccer is a
n January 2021: Powerful
the top of their careers or post-career for marketing, (see timeline). Within two years it added NFL and NFL agent Joel Segal joins
WME Sports from Sportfive,
MLB agents and took an equity

stake in prominent NBA agent

Bill Duffy’s BDA Sports. global sport. F1 is where he was CEO of the
an emerging global Americas and head of their
It hired NFL agents Brian sport.” football division. Segal
becomes a co-head of the
Ayrault and Ben Renzin, and William Morris football group alongside Renzin

later NFL agent Joel Segal, to and Ayrault and brings his team
and clients, which include Khalil
head its football practice. It hired Endeavor, the fore- Mack, Minkah Fitzpatrick and
runner to Endeav- Christian McCaffrey.
MLB agents Michael Stival and or, acquired IMG

Jim Murray from Excel Sports

Management. (Those MLB agent in 2014. IMG, found-

hirings, as reported, spurred a ed by the late Mark

lawsuit from Excel, which is now McCormack, was the first mega talent agency with

in the MLB Players Association star clients across sports. But by the time WME bought

arbitration system. WME offi- it, top team sports agents, including NFL agent Tom

cials wouldn’t comment on that.) Condon, MLB agent Casey Close and NHL agent Pat

Today, WME Sports has a strong Brisson had all left. (All three left in 2006 and 2007

NFL practice with clients includ- for Creative Artists Agency, which launched CAA

ing Bengals quarterback Joe Bur- Sports. Condon and Brisson are still there, while Close

row, Vikings wide receiver is a partner in Excel Sports Management.)

Justin Jefferson, Chargers de- “We’ve always taken the long view in building busi-

fensive end Khalil Mack and nesses for our clients,” Brodkin said. “Now that can

49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, start with a contract for a top draft pick and then

among others. NBA clients in- move into developing an entertainment, fashion,

Gutter Credit for all images goes here clude Mavericks star Luka Don- gaming and endorsement portfolio for that client, all

cic and Chet Holmgren, the No. under one roof,” she said.

2 pick in this year’s NBA Draft. Endeavor is a publicly traded company but Pyatt

It has a fledgling MLB practice, said this new strategy the agency is embarking on is

with clients such as Cubs out- not a stock play. “This is not something you are going

fielder Ian Happ and shortstop to see us do for three years and then downsize it,” he

said. “This a long-term play for us.”

WME Sports has focused on add- Liz Mullen can be reached at lmullen@sportsbusi-
ing talent such as Joe Burrow nessjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @SBJLizMullen.
early into their playing careers.

W W W . S P O R T S B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L . C O M NOVEMBER 7-13, 2022 | 1 5

THE INSIDERS

Snyder, with his wife Tanya, and the Commanders are the subject of six different investigations, including one by Congress. sell without a path to a control stake, ac-
cording to sources.
FOOTBALL
It is conceivable that Snyder still in-
Sale talk may not be the tends to fight any league action against
beginning of the end for him but is fully educating himself on his
Daniel Snyder in Washington options, should things get worse. Having
a sale price on the table can help inform
I N AN NFL SEASON that has been marked by an unsettled been his desire since he bought out the 40% interest held him of possible strategies — weighing
“Sunday Ticket” rights deal off the field and a sur- by Robert Rothman, Dwight Schar and Frederick Smith punishment against a concrete number.
prising decline in scoring on it, one of the most con- in March 2021, sources note. That transaction gave Sny- “Imagine if [Roman] Abramovich had
known two months earlier that he’d be
sistent storylines for the league has been the drama der 100% control of the team, but cost him $875 million, sanctioned, what would he have done?”
said one insider in reference to the Rus-
surrounding Washington Commanders which also required a $450 million debt sian oligarch who was forced by the U.K.
government to sell Premier League club
owner Daniel Snyder. The latest plot twist waiver from the league. Any designs he Chelsea FC last spring because of his ties
to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
came last week, when Snyder announced has on a new stadium to replace 25-year-old
Another insider said of Snyder, “This
he would formally entertain offers for the FedEx Field would require further debt. gives him maximum flexibility.”

team, a move which many observers have Snyder has retained Bank of America to Yet another source posits that this could
be a way for Snyder to choose his own
treated as the beginning of the end for the handle any potential offers. successor more easily than if he’s pun-
ished. Even if it’s a minority stake, it
embattled owner’s time in the NFL. In fact, These same insiders speculate that Sny- could include a path to majority control
that would ensure Snyder more influence
just considering a sale of a controlling stake der is allowing other conclusions to be over his legacy than fighting removal and
losing.
in the team he has owned since buying it drawn publicly because he thinks that the
Snyder could also be looking at the
for $800 million in 1999 is an extraordinary appearance of acquiescence may lower tem- overall market. With so many pro sports
assets already for sale — including an-
development for Snyder, and it marks the peratures in the owners’ room. Snyder and other D.C. team in the Washington Na-
tionals and the Phoenix Suns — he may
first indication that he may leave volun- BY BEN FISCHER the Commanders under his watch are the want to signal to possible buyers of those
tarily rather than be forced out by the league subject of at least six current investigations teams that they should keep their powder
dry for an NFL opening. Even if Snyder
in the wake of mounting legal and public — including from Congress, the NFL, three holds out hope of keeping the team, this
announcement thrusts the Commanders
relations problems. attorneys general and federal prosecutors into strategic discussions among the bil-
lionaire set.
NFL sources, however, suggest that it could also be — and he’s running out of allies. At the last NFL owners
A rumor that has been making the
just one more step by Snyder in a complex political dance meeting on Oct. 18, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay rounds suggests that Snyder has received
some private indication that the league-
with his fellow owners. Interviews with several league said that removing Snyder is something that “has to be commissioned Mary Jo White report into
sexual misconduct and other allegations
and sports finance insiders yielded other possible ex- given serious consideration.” Many other owners agree. at the franchise will be bad for him. So
he could be calculating that he needs to
planations for why this is happening, and what the next Another theory as to Snyder’s motivations: Economic start a sale process even if outwardly he
will still fight.
steps might be. conditions have compelled him to push for a minority Getty Images
Snyder’s isolation from other owners
One suggestion is that Snyder wants to find limited ownership transaction because he wants to lower his means very few people know his true in-
tentions. However, one senior league
partners to recapitalize his debt in hopes of financing a exposure to rising interest rates. But there’s a flip side source with close ties to several owners
said this is being interpreted as an inten-
new stadium, likely without public assistance. This has to that — a limited partner stake would be difficult to tion to sell a controlling stake, if not all
of it.

Any transaction involving Command-
ers equity would require a review by the
NFL Finance Committee, chaired by Kan-
sas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, and
approval from 24 of the 32 NFL owners.
No action on Snyder is expected before
the White report is issued, and a timeline
for that is unknown. A report from the
House Oversight Committee will come
before January.

Ben Fischer can be reached at bfischer@

sportsbusinessjournal.com and on Twitter

@BenFischerSBJ. Read his weekly SBJ

Football newsletter every Thursday.

1 6 | N OV E M B E R 7-13, 2022 WWW.SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM

SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL

FA C I L I T I E S A N D T I C K E T I N G

‘You need to fish where the fish are’
What’s next for open ticketing distribution as the practice becomes commonplace
O PEN TICKET DISTRIBUTION —
meeting sports fans wher- The NFL was the first league to move into digital open ticketing distribution in 2017. president of distributed commerce.
ever they are digitally to sell
Getty Images them tickets — is a high-tech take on emerge as open distribution continues on numerous ticketing platforms, Enter Amazon or Fanatics?
an old-time concept. Ticketmaster to evolve. Logitix recently signed a including secondary marketplaces.
used to put its retail ticket outlets in deal with StubHub International that When a ticket is sold on one site, the Many in sports ticketing feel that
the back of record stores, because will get more of Logitix’s North Amer- distribution company’s software open distribution could pave the way
that’s where the music fans were. ican sports clients’ tickets to foreign wipes it from the others instantly. for ecommerce giants like Amazon or
buyers, a valuable connection as Other teams are more openly engaging Fanatics to plug into a ticketing mar-
Digital open ticketing distribution major sports become more global. with ticket brokers. ketplace, enabling them to fold ticket
really kicked off around 2017 when the Open distribution could see team purchases into their customers’ nor-
NFL moved to an open marketplace, sponsors incorporated into selling “I guarantee you all teams are doing mal shopping experience. Amazon
allowing SeatGeek and StubHub to join tickets, too, as primary ticketing com- this in some shape or form,” said unsuccessfully tried to launch a pri-
panies recede into the background Adam Falkson, Pistons vice president, mary ticketing platform around 2015,
Ticketmaster and operate in some cases almost like business intelligence. “It just differs but open distribution would preclude
as official sec- white label software. on how involved and above board it from needing to build its own tick-
ondary ticket- they’re going to be about it.” eting system this time around.
ing providers. Not all ticketing players are fully
Five years on, committed to hands-off selling via Forty-something Pistons home games “You’ve already got the customers,
open distribu- competitors’ marketplaces, but “it’s creates roughly 800,000 tickets for the that’s what’s expensive,” said Hal-
tion is about inevitable and everybody knows it’s team to sell annually. Many of those berg. “TikTok, Amazon, anything that
maximizing inevitable and everybody is trying to tickets, whether season tickets or sin- has traffic is totally primed to link to
ticket sales re- build technology that won’t upset the gle-game sales, will change hands, and a ticket exchange.”
gardless of apple cart for them,” said TicketMan- fewer are doing so via the official tick-
where the ager CEO and co-founder Tony Knopp. eting partner’s marketplace. Ticketmaster seems hesitant about
collaborating with Amazon or Fanatics
BY BRET McCORMICK transactions “We’re really early but the tenor “Single-game ticket sales on Tick- on ticketing. Especially convoluted is
has changed so dramatically in ev- etmaster.com continue to shrink as the issue of which company would con-
happen. In- eryone realizing this is such an obvi- a share of a team’s total book of busi- trol the data involved in a transaction.
creasingly, that ous thing that has to happen,” said ness,” said Falkson. “So, you need to
means the competition’s marketplace. SeatGeek co-founder Russell D’Souza. fish where the fish are.” “We try to find the players that are
“The market drives what the sup- “Now, it just has to play out.” complementary to our client’s needs,
pliers have to react to,” said Derek The variety of platforms through as well as to our needs, in terms of
Palmer, Project Admission chief rev- Totally primed which ticket sales are made these days who we are most likely to partner
enue officer, who previously spent is growing all the time, too, whether with,” Armstrong said. “We may not
nearly 14 years at Tickets.com. “If It’s much clearer that open distribu- a physical pack of tickets from a partner with everyone in the world.”
people are going to be pushing to get tion has become a central part of many Costco store shelf, digitally through
their tickets through other channels, pro sports teams’ ticketing strategies, a Groupon offer or Facebook post, a Others are less hesitant, namely
eventually rights holders are going even if they don’t always want to finger tap on the Gametime, Vivid SeatGeek, which has evangelized for
to engage with where their fans are.” admit that. The Detroit Pistons were Seats, TikTok or Spotify apps, or even open ticketing distribution for at least
It’s become clear that teams and the only team out of roughly 15 to re- in a chat with an AI bot (like Satisfi six years.
ticketing companies can sell more spond to a Sports Business Journal Labs is doing through a Ticketmaster
tickets through open distribution, request for an interview on the topic. API integration). Alternate sources “I’d love to see larger technology
said Josh Baron, Project Admission The Pistons, whose official ticketing of selling tickets are especially valu- providers see this as a way to provide
vice president, business development. partner is Ticketmaster, use an un- able for teams as they traverse the more value to sports teams,” said
Selling more tickets overall offsets disclosed omnichannel distribution winning highs or losing lows of their D’Souza. “We’d love to have either
the fees that ticketing companies lose partner to simultaneously list tickets franchise lifecycles, said Dan Arm- [Fanatics or Amazon], or both, inte-
from not selling directly through their strong, Ticketmaster executive vice grated with our platform.”
official marketplace.
“Primaries love exclusivity; this is Fast-growing Fanatics recently an-
anti-exclusivity,” said Logitix CEO nounced a deal with TickPick that
Stu Halberg. “So, the value proposi- makes the secondary ticket market-
tion has to be so significant that place its official ticket partner. But
they’re willing to give that up.” that’s been the extent of Fanatics’
Open distribution’s growing impor- engagement with selling tickets.
tance poses some interesting ques- Asked recently at the CAA World
tions. Will (can?) other significant Congress of Sports about the com-
sports leagues and properties follow pany’s interest in the ticketing busi-
the NFL’s lead and shift to an open ness, Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin
marketplace? How will ticketing com- pointed to ticketing behemoth Live
panies further sophisticate and im- Nation, which just reported $4.4 bil-
prove open distribution? And what lion in revenue in Q2.
impact could open distribution have
on outside companies, like Amazon “That doesn’t inspire me to wanna
or Fanatics, and their views of the get into the business, but I think our
ticketing business’ viability? fans want tickets,” he said. “We don’t
New outlets and methods will need to do everything ourselves. What
we need to do is best satisfy our fans.”

Bret McCormick can be reached at

bmccormick@sportsbusinessjournal.

com. Follow him on Twitter @Bretjust1T.

W W W . S P O R T S B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L . C O M NOVEMBER 7-13, 2022 | 1 7

THE STORY

SHARP-
DRESSED
MANICA

Impeccable style, constant
culture curation: The
architect and small firm
create visions for venues
both inspirational and
emotionally engaging.

BY BRET McCORMICK

D AVID MANICA’S
cocktail lounge,
The Monarch,
was a dark, cool
oasis on a searing
summer day in Kansas City. The
white and champagne-colored
room, with a triptych of a mon-
arch butterfly spanning the back
wall and 1,500 small, white acryl-
ic butterflies hovering above the
rectangular bar, sat quiet and
nearly empty, far different from
the sports stadiums and arenas
that Manica and his namesake
sports architecture firm design.