Highlight: Will we Have a New NFL Media Deal by 2027?
Navigating Sports Business
From our annual predictions episode, AJ and Charles explore whether or not the NFL will have a new media rights deal by this time next year. The league already demands $12B annually and they are looking for a 50%-100% increase in their next deal. Will new and existing partners be able to write a big enough check? Listen to the full episode here: For more insights, visit our or learn more about Navigate at .
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143. NBA Europe
Navigating Sports Business
The NBA is officially taking bids and vetting investors for NBA Europe. AJ and Charles discuss the value proposition for investors, the upside and risk for the NBA, and what this means for the global basketball ecosystem. They also explore which other leagues should be considering international expansion, and what that looks like in practice. Timestamps: 1:15 - NBA Europe & the global basketball ecosystem 4:15 - The impact on EuroLeague & existing leagues 13:40 - Investor concerns 15:50 - Basketball Africa League 21:05 - Promotion & relegation in an open...
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Highlight: Mike Dillon - Pittsburgh Penguins
Navigating Sports Business
Mike Dillon – CFO of the Pittsburgh Penguins – on the "triangle offense" of ticketing, marketing, & strategy that allows them to react to data models and test new initiatives throughout the season. He cites the example of optimizing games with lower projected attendance by adding indoor fireworks shows - safely. Listen to the full episode here: For more insights, visit our or learn more about Navigate at .
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Highlight: USOPC - Katie Bynum Aznavorian
Navigating Sports Business
Katie Bynum Aznavorian — Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee — breaks down how Team USA built on the momentum of past Olympic Games at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. That approach led to even greater growth in performance, fan sentiment, and engagement compared to the 2022 games. Listen to the full episode here: For more insights, visit our or learn more about Navigate at .
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Highlight: Why Sponsorship Works
Navigating Sports Business
Sponsorship budgets often compete with digital and social advertising that offer clear, measurable conversion rates. Rather than treating sponsorships like a pure media buy, experienced marketers understand the downstream impact on sales, employee morale, brand perception, and reach across markets. Listen to the full episode here: For more insights, visit our or learn more about Navigate at .
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142. Special Predictions Episode
Navigating Sports Business
Special predictions episode: AJ and Charles give their thoughts on the next 12-months in sports business. What will be the price tag for Seattle Seahawks? Will the NBA expand? Will the NFL add an 18th game? How many private capital deals reach college athletics? We'll revisit these predictions next year to see what we got right and what surprised us. Timestamps: 0:45 - The next NFL media deal & an 18th game 4:40 - Netflix’s sports portfolio 7:40 - Will a tech company buy a team? 11:40 - World Cup 16:35 - Collegiate Athletics 21:30 - Private Capital 27:15 - NCAA Tournament...
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141. Mike Dillon - Pittsburgh Penguins
Navigating Sports Business
Mike Dillon - CFO of the Pittsburgh Penguins - leads a duel role overseeing both finance and strategy for one of the most iconic franchises in the NHL. He and his team work closely with Navigate on advanced fan segmentation and custom research. He discusses the things NHL teams do well from a revenue standpoint and where there is room for increased sophistication and growth. He also talks about maintaining positive momentum from major moments like the winter Olympics and the success of Heated Rivalry. Timestamps: 1:15 - Mike’s Background 6:30 - Achieving positive outcomes...
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Highlight: How Teams and Leagues Approach Prediction Market Partnerships
Navigating Sports Business
How are teams and leagues approaching partnerships with prediction markets? Jeff and Charles are having frequent conversations with property clients around how to handle this emerging category. For most, the priorities are to monetize the category while respecting existing sports better partners. Listen to the full episode here: For more insights, visit our or learn more about Navigate at .
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Highlight: Preparing for Private Capital in College Sports
Navigating Sports Business
What is the most common mistake athletic departments are going to make as private capital enters college sports? AJ and Charles give their thoughts: 1) How are you spending the money? 2) Are you maintaining optionality for the future? 3) Are incentives properly aligned? Private equity is looking for a return on investment, so schools are going to need to optimize their revenues, and not use the funds to cover up short-term gaps. Listen to the full episode here: For more insights, visit our or learn more about Navigate at .
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140. USOPC - Katie Bynum Aznavorian
Navigating Sports Business
Katie Bynum Aznavorian - Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee - dives into the metrics behind a very successful Milan Cortina games, and how she's able to pivot quickly to planning for LA28. The USOPC has a funding model that's different from how all other peer nations pay for the athletes to participate in the Olympic Games. Receiving no money at all from federal sources, they rely on sponsorship, media, and philanthropic donations. They are forced to operate as an intelligent, profitable business, and Katie and her team continue to...
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Greg Sankey, Commissioner of the SEC, joins AJ Maestas on today's episode of Navigating Sports Business podcast. They discuss operating during COVID-19, the path to becoming commissioner, the future of collegiate athletics, and some great book recommendations.
Details:
00:00 - Commissioner Sankey's background
3:50 - Handling COVID in the SEC
17:20 - Book Recommendations
25:00 - Was playing football in 2020 the right decision?
31:10 - New SEC television deal with ABC
42:20 - The future of collegiate athletics
57:20 - Leadership and social justice
1:01:00 - Personal habits for success
Book Recommendations:
Leadership Strategy and Tactics, by Jocko Willink
The Life You Always Wanted, by John Ortberg
Be Quick But Don’t Hurry, by Andrew Hill
Book of Ecclesiastes, Old Testament
Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets, by Andy Stanley
Thinking in Bets, by Annie Duke
How Churchill Waged War, by Allen George Packwood
Philanthropic Organizations: