Highlight: Robert Davari - Tixr
Navigating Sports Business
"This is a business where you can lose having a superior product" Robert Davari – CEO and Founder of Tixr – on the challenges of raising money in the crowded ticketing space. Investors are looking for emerging technologies, particularly in AI, and don't often have the patience to support a challenger brand like Tixr. As an entrepreneur, Robert has always preferred bootstrapping his businesses and building slowly with a focus on creating the best possible product. Listen to the full episode here: For more insights, visit our or learn more...
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123. Bruce Bassett - AI Expert
Navigating Sports Business
Bruce Bassett is the Founder of Grai Labs, embedded AI strategist with Navigate, and is one the world's leading experts on Artificial Intelligence. With decades of experience in academia and practical AI applications, he applies his knowledge and beliefs to the sports industry, and gives tips for staying afloat in a tidal wave of AI innovation. Details: 2:00 - AI in the Sports Industry 6:15 - What should you be doing right now with AI? 22:30 - Revolutionary tech beyond AI 25:40 - Rapid Fire Questions Notes: Bruce's favorite depiction of AI in fiction: For more...
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Highlight: Ahmed Darwish - NESN
Navigating Sports Business
"Every Red Sox or every Bruins game is a theatrical hit." Ahmed Darwish - Chief Marketing Officer at NESN - explains the importance of making games accessible to fans, and how NESN's continuity helps fans have a reliable options for watching their favorites teams. Despite streaming reshaping the industry and new players emerging, sports continue to hold strong media value. Listen to the full episode here: For more insights, visit our or learn more about Navigate at .
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Highlight: Jared Orton - Savannah Bananas
Navigating Sports Business
Jared Orton – President of the Savannah Bananas – on the origins of the Bananaland at Sea fan cruise, which the team is bringing back for another voyage in 2026. The Savannah Bananas are known for providing the very best in fan engagement, and the creativity and detailed planning that went into the fan cruise are the perfect example. Listen to the full episode here: For more insights, visit our or learn more about Navigate at .
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Highlight: Scott Woodward - LSU
Navigating Sports Business
"I believe in my alma mater LSU more than anybody will ever know" Scott Woodward – Athletics Director at LSU – on his approach to coach hiring, and swinging for the fences to secure the very best available. No matter how well an AD operates on the business side, they are still judged by noteworthy hires they make. That's why alignment with your institution and stakeholders is key. Listen to the full episode here: For more insights, visit our or learn more about Navigate at .
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122. Robert Davari - Tixr
Navigating Sports Business
Robert Davari - CEO and Founder of Tixr - on how they are disrupting an industry by focusing on optimization, design, and building a better ticketing and ecommerce product. Tixr recently announced its partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes, the first "big 5" team on their roster. Timestamps: 1:40 - Tixr’s origins 8:50 - Ticketing technology 12:05 - San Jose Earthquakes Partnership 15:35 - Patience when building a company 20:05 - Competing with legacy players 24:10 - Secondary Ticketing 28:30 - Tixr Brands 31:00 - Rapid Fire Questions For more insights, visit...
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Highlight: Vince Kozar - Phoenix Mercury
Navigating Sports Business
Vince Kozar – President of the Phoenix Mercury – talks about how they have no trouble retaining fans who watch a game live or on TV. Whether those fans initially come to see Caitlin Clark, a rival team, or are just skipping channels, once they see what the Mercury have to offer, they stick around. He also talks about the broader mission of the organization and the work they are doing to increase sports participation among girls. Listen to the full episode here: For more insights, visit our or learn more about Navigate at .
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121. Ahmed Darwish - NESN
Navigating Sports Business
Navigating Sports Media: Ahmed Darwish - CMO at NESN - leads marketing for one of the most well-known and successful RSNs in the country. As business models shift across media, they are finding ways to reach more fans, including their DTC platform, NESN 360. He also shares trends and predictions for NESN, for baseball, and for sports media in general. Timestamps: 4:00 - DTC and Distribution 14:00 - Having multiple teams on the platform 16:15 - Marketing tactics 22:05 - Baseball predictions 26:15 - Ahmed’s career path 37:30 - Rapid Fire Questions Book Recommendation: by...
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Highlight: Nic Barlage - Cleveland Cavaliers & Rock Entertainment Group
Navigating Sports Business
Nic Barlage – CEO of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group – explains his strategy of pivoting more towards single-game tickets, despite most teams focusing on season ticket packages. Capping season tickets has helped the Cavs jump into the top third of the NBA in gate revenue. He also discusses the Cavs Reward program and what makes it more effective than other loyalty programs in sports. Listen to the full episode here: For more insights, visit our or learn more about Navigate at .
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120. Scott Woodward - LSU
Navigating Sports Business
Scott Woodward - Athletics Director at LSU - always seems to make the right coaching hire. He breaks down how finds the best candidates and shares other tips for succeeding as a high-level athletic department. A man of many interests, he also discusses food, wine, literature, and advice for young people. Timestamps: 2:15 - A lifelong LSU fan becoming AD 9:05 - Hiring the best coaches 19:20 - Livvy Dunne and building athlete brands 22:25 - Athletic departments creating commercial arms 26:15 - Crystal ball predictions 27:50 - Scott’s interests outside of athletics 35:20 - Rapid...
info_outlineJared Orton – President of the Savannah Bananas – on the origins of the Bananaland at Sea fan cruise, which the team is bringing back for another voyage in 2026.
The Savannah Bananas are known for providing the very best in fan engagement, and the creativity and detailed planning that went into the fan cruise are the perfect example.
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=fc87122340fbf55d3eccd66e0094711a
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.