Sports Management Podcast
Where top sports managers share experiences from and passion for the sports management industry.
info_outline
#249 Why Gen Z Is Struggling & How to Win in Sports Business | Scott Doyne
05/04/2026
#249 Why Gen Z Is Struggling & How to Win in Sports Business | Scott Doyne
Welcome to episode 249 of Sports Management Podcast. In today’s episode, we are joined by Scott Doyne, former Turner Sports executive, career coach, and author of Navigating the Quarter-Life Career Crisis. With decades of experience in sports media, tech, and leadership, Scott shares powerful insights on how young professionals can navigate today’s complex job market and build meaningful careers. In this episode, we spoke about: The real challenges Gen Z faces entering the workforce How networking should actually be done The importance of mentorship and mental wellbeing How AI is shaping the future of careers Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 00:38 Why Scott Wrote the Book 01:47 Are Gen Z Misunderstood? 02:57 Why It’s So Hard to Get a Job Today 03:45 Social Media & Career Pressure 04:54 Global Stress & Uncertainty 05:26 What Young Professionals Need Most 06:08 Why Networking Feels So Hard 07:29 How to Actually Start Networking 09:06 The Power of Mentorship 12:44 Why Sports Is Harder Than Other Industries 14:13 Managing Stress & Career Anxiety 17:22 Writing a Book: Behind the Scenes 21:22 Breaking Into Sports Media 23:49 Learning From Failure 30:46 AI & The Future of Careers SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40934235
info_outline
#248 Inside the Life of an NBA Agent | Kevin Bradbury on Contracts, NIL & Player Management
04/27/2026
#248 Inside the Life of an NBA Agent | Kevin Bradbury on Contracts, NIL & Player Management
Welcome to episode 248 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Kevin Bradbury, veteran NBA agent and Head of Basketball at Lyft Sports Management, with over two decades of experience and more than a billion dollars in contracts negotiated. In this episode, we spoke about: What it really means to be an NBA agent beyond contract negotiations How NIL has changed the landscape of athlete representation The importance of trust and relationships in building successful careers How agents support players both on and off the court Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & Role Overview 00:17 Life as an NBA Agent 01:25 NIL & Industry Evolution 02:38 What Agents Actually Do 04:08 Importance of Trust 05:45 Contract Negotiation Insights 08:27 Relationships in the NBA 08:57 Misconceptions About Agents 10:03 How Player Value Is Determined 12:11 Supporting Players Off the Court 13:48 Working with International Players 15:15 Global Talent & Recruitment 16:49 NIL & Player Branding 19:20 Power Shift in College Sports 33:00 Advice for Aspiring Agents SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40628800
info_outline
#247 The Secret to Building Successful Grassroots Sports Clubs | Geoff Wilson
04/20/2026
#247 The Secret to Building Successful Grassroots Sports Clubs | Geoff Wilson
Welcome to episode 247 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Geoff Wilson, sports consultant, former Irish FA executive, and author of the new book Leading a Grassroots Sports Club. In this episode, we spoke about: Why grassroots sport is the foundation of the entire sports ecosystem The biggest mistakes clubs make when building their structure How to create a strong culture and environment for young athletes Practical strategies for funding, growth and long-term sustainability Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Back & Background 01:06 Journey Across 104 Countries 02:51 Learning from Global Sports Cultures 05:03 Why Some Countries Excel 06:17 Why Geoff Wrote the Book 08:12 Biggest Grassroots Mistakes 10:03 Importance of Coaching 11:14 Parent Coaches & Development 13:29 Building Club Culture 16:03 Creating Long-Term Culture 17:51 Why Grassroots Matters 21:05 Funding & Revenue Strategies 25:07 Community & Fan Engagement 30:37 Writing the Book Process 38:41 Advice for Young Professionals SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40628745
info_outline
#246 The Business of Padel: Building an Ecosystem from Scratch | Emiliano Abramzon
04/13/2026
#246 The Business of Padel: Building an Ecosystem from Scratch | Emiliano Abramzon
Welcome to episode 246 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Emiliano Abramzon, founder and CEO of Racket360, a company building a full ecosystem around racket sports in the US - including clubs, leagues, events, and e-commerce platforms. In this episode, we spoke about: Building a sports ecosystem from scratch in a new market Why padel is growing rapidly in the US The challenges of infrastructure, real estate and scaling sports facilities Entrepreneurship, fundraising and lessons from building multiple companies Timestamps: 00:00 Building Racket360 Explained 00:20 The Four Companies Strategy 01:28 Racket X Growth Story 02:19 E-Commerce Scaling Fast 03:27 Why Everything Is Growing 04:49 Funding & Capital Strategy 05:58 Why Padel Is Growing Fast 07:23 Challenges of Building a New Sport 08:22 Why Padel Is Addictive 10:05 Competition from Other Sports 11:36 Infrastructure Challenges 13:40 Building an Ecosystem Strategy 14:46 Future of Padel in the US 16:39 Career Journey & Background 25:04 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40628680
info_outline
#245 Building Women’s Sport from Scratch: How Netball Is Creating the Future of Fandom | Claire Nelson
04/06/2026
#245 Building Women’s Sport from Scratch: How Netball Is Creating the Future of Fandom | Claire Nelson
Welcome to episode 245 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Claire Nelson, Managing Director of the Netball Super League. Claire is leading one of the most ambitious transformations in women’s sport - building a fully professional league, growing fandom, and redefining what a modern sports product looks like. In this episode, we spoke about: Building a women’s sport league without a men’s structure Turning participation into fandom Commercial partnerships and growing revenue Leadership, resilience, and driving change in sport Timestamps: 00:00 What Is the Netball Super League 00:16 Building Women’s Sport Without a Men’s Model 01:53 Turning Participation into Fandom 03:29 The Relaunch Strategy 06:19 Transforming the League Structure 07:44 New Clubs & Innovation 08:32 Creating a Fan Experience 10:52 Competing for Attention (Not Just Sports) 12:25 Digital Storytelling Strategy 13:22 Broadcast Strategy Explained 14:44 Commercial Partnerships Strategy 16:20 Aligning Brands with Purpose 18:42 Leadership Style & Vision 21:45 Biggest Challenges Behind the Scenes 26:54 Vision for the Next 5–10 Years Photo: Ben Lumley. SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40628640
info_outline
#244 How Elite Athletes Train Their Minds | Bryn Drescher
03/30/2026
#244 How Elite Athletes Train Their Minds | Bryn Drescher
Welcome to episode 244 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Bryn Drescher, a mental performance coach, speaker, and host of the Mental Advantage Podcast. Bryn works with elite athletes across multiple sports, helping them master the mental side of performance, handle pressure on game day, and build identities that extend beyond sport. In this episode, we spoke about: How athletes can perform under pressure on game day Building a strong identity beyond sport The role of visualization and routines in performance Mental performance coaching for individuals vs teams And more! Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:12 Why Competition Is Mental 2:18 Handling Life Outside Sport 4:30 Working Across Different Sports 6:39 Learning New Sports as a Coach 10:09 Mastering the Inner Game 12:11 Flow State Explained 13:38 Game Day Preparation 15:42 Pre-Game Routines 17:05 Visualization Techniques 18:22 Individual vs Team Coaching 23:13 Trust and Mental Coaching 26:20 Burnout in Athletes 34:29 Identity Beyond Sport 48:53 Measuring Mental Performance Results SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40496260
info_outline
#243 The Future of Sports Investing: How Fans Can Own a Piece of the Game | Parker Graham
03/26/2026
#243 The Future of Sports Investing: How Fans Can Own a Piece of the Game | Parker Graham
Welcome to episode 243 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Parker Graham, founder and CEO of Vestible, a platform aiming to open up sports investing to everyone - not just private equity and billionaires. From investing in athletes to unlocking opportunities in clubs and college sports, Parker is building what could become the “stock market of sports.” In this episode, we spoke about: The rise of sports as an investment asset class How fans can invest in teams and athletes The impact of NIL on college sports economics Why the future of sports ownership is changing Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:14 What is Vestible? 01:10 Investing in Athletes Explained 02:38 The Shift to College Sports 03:10 Why Fans Want to Invest 03:49 The Gap in Sports Investing 04:41 NIL Changed Everything 05:54 The Financial Pressure on Colleges 07:13 College vs Pro Debate 09:00 Why Athletes Should Get Paid 09:23 The Vision: Stock Market for Sports 10:30 US vs Europe Strategy 11:02 Key Challenges in Each Market 12:37 First Deals & Expansion Plans 14:23 Beyond Football: Future Sports 15:13 World Cup Opportunity 16:47 Gambling vs Investing Mindset 19:40 Parker’s Career Journey 21:56 How AI Is Changing Startups 24:51 Advice: Be Undeniable 28:23 Overperformance vs Entitlement 34:51 Startup Struggles & Near Failure 37:33 The Vision for Vestible 39:00 Outro SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40174640
info_outline
#242 How Padel Exploded in Pakistan: Building a 500-Court Sports Empire in 2 Years | Talal Shah
03/23/2026
#242 How Padel Exploded in Pakistan: Building a 500-Court Sports Empire in 2 Years | Talal Shah
Welcome to episode 242 of Sports Management Podcast. Today we dive into one of the fastest-growing sports stories in the world — how padel went from unknown to obsession in Pakistan in just a few years. Talal Shah, Co-Founder & CEO of Total Sports and Legends Arena, shares how he scaled from one facility to a nationwide movement transforming sports participation. In this episode, we spoke about: Building a sports facility empire from scratch Why padel exploded faster than cricket in Pakistan The business model behind pay-as-you-play sports Scaling from 1 to 11 venues in under 3 years Timestamps: 00:01 The vision behind Legends Arena 00:22 From construction to sports empire 01:34 Choosing which sports to build 02:43 Why padel changed everything 03:26 Courts booked 24 hours a day 05:21 Early operational mistakes 06:51 Pivoting from cricket to padel 08:09 Why padel beats cricket logistically 10:19 Making padel affordable for the masses 10:41 Sponsorship boom and brand demand 12:26 Hosting international tournaments 14:20 The coaching gap challenge 16:15 Scaling to 11 venues 17:34 Building a full sports ecosystem 24:35 Advice for future sports entrepreneurs SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40174530
info_outline
#241 The $2.3 Trillion Question: Can Purpose Save the Future of Sport? | Andrew Wisniewski
03/19/2026
#241 The $2.3 Trillion Question: Can Purpose Save the Future of Sport? | Andrew Wisniewski
Welcome to episode 241 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Andrew Wisniewski, Partner and Head of Activation at 17 Sport, the world’s purpose-first sports marketing agency. We explore how purpose is moving beyond CSR and becoming a commercial necessity in sport. In this episode, we spoke about: Why purpose is now a commercial risk factor in sport The untapped $5B Paralympic market How Adidas and Nike approach impact differently The future of women’s sport and LA28 legacy Time Stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:04 What “Purpose-First” Really Means 01:40 Athlete Representation & Investment in Sport 03:00 Avoiding Greenwashing & Sportswashing 04:31 The $5B Paralympic Opportunity 07:09 LA28 & Olympic Legacy Strategy 08:21 The $2.3T Sports Economy Risk 10:11 Why Reach Metrics Are Losing Power 12:35 Brand Trust & the Patagonia Effect 14:25 Designing Systemic Change in Sport 18:54 The Rapid Rise of Women’s Sport 21:20 The Future of Purpose-Led Partnerships 24:00 AI & Technology in Sport 26:23 Andrew’s Career Journey 31:45 US vs Europe Sports Marketing Differences 34:00 Outro SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40124355
info_outline
#240 World Cup 2026 & The Future of US Soccer | Erik Stover on Promotion, Identity & Building the New York Cosmos
03/16/2026
#240 World Cup 2026 & The Future of US Soccer | Erik Stover on Promotion, Identity & Building the New York Cosmos
Welcome to episode 240 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Erik Stover, CEO of the New York Cosmos and a leader with over 25 years of experience in U.S. soccer, including roles with the New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Arena. With World Cup 2026 approaching and promotion and relegation entering American professional soccer, the sport is at a historic turning point. In this episode, we spoke about: The impact of World Cup 2026 on U.S. soccer Why club identity matters more than ever Promotion and relegation in American sport Building the New York Cosmos as a true community club Time Stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Why 2026 Is a Critical Year for US Soccer 01:25 Can Soccer Compete with NFL & NBA? 03:01 How Important Is a Strong World Cup Run? 05:21 Grassroots vs Hype After the World Cup 07:14 Soccer vs American Sports Culture 09:09 The New York Cosmos Revival 10:01 Promotion & Relegation in the US 12:25 What “Community Club” Really Means 15:22 From Stadium Manager to Red Bulls CEO 16:28 Lessons from European Football 20:25 Why US Soccer Needs Stronger Rivalries 23:09 Bringing Thierry Henry to MLS 31:37 The Future Vision for the Cosmos 34:05 Commercial Growth vs Authenticity 35:00 Outro SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40124140
info_outline
#239 The $100M Sports Investment Thesis | Kyle Israel, Momentous Sports
03/12/2026
#239 The $100M Sports Investment Thesis | Kyle Israel, Momentous Sports
Welcome to episode 239 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Kyle Israel, co-founder of , a $100M fund investing at the intersection of sports and real estate. Kyle shares why his firm is focusing on middle-market teams instead of billion-dollar franchises, how mixed-use developments are reshaping club economics, and why women’s sports and secondary markets represent the next wave of growth. In this episode, we spoke about: The rise of middle-market sports valuations Blending team ownership with real estate development The growth of women’s sports investments The neuroscience behind athlete identity and transition Timestamps: 00:00 From Quarterback to Sports Investor 02:22 The $100M Sports Fund Explained 04:47 Why Avoid the Big Leagues 06:05 What Is an SPV 07:26 The Explosion of Women’s Sports Valuations 08:38 The Hardest Decision in Sports Real Estate 11:36 The 50+1 Rule and Europe Challenges 14:11 Why Secondary Markets Win 17:08 Lessons from Sporting JAX 19:54 The 3–5 Year Vision for Momentous 22:07 Athlete Identity and the Transition Struggle 29:59 The Neurochemistry of Retirement 33:12 Leadership Lessons from Sports 40:07 How to Stand Out in Sports Business 47:04 Why Networking Changes Everything SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40123675
info_outline
#238 Inside the Mind of Elite Athletes | Dr. Alicia Naser, Ph.D., BCBA-D
03/09/2026
#238 Inside the Mind of Elite Athletes | Dr. Alicia Naser, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Welcome to episode 238 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Dr. Alicia Naser, mental performance coach and founder of the Naser Institute for Behavioral Sport Psychology. She works with professional athletes, helping them optimize performance through behavioral science and mental training. In this episode, we spoke about: How behavioral science helps athletes perform at their best The biggest mental roadblocks for professional athletes How players handle pressure, social media and performance slumps Why identity and life after sport is crucial for athletes Timestamps 0:00 Mental Performance in Elite Sport 1:18 Dr. Alicia Naser Introduction 3:11 The Most Important Behavior for Athletes 5:21 Team vs Individual Sports Psychology 8:52 Control and Performance Mindset 10:11 Roger Federer & Performance Perspective 11:20 Djokovic on Emotional Recovery 12:56 Superstitions in Professional Sport 14:50 Henrik Lundqvist’s Routine 16:15 Assessing Underperformance 17:51 Biggest Mental Roadblocks 20:05 Social Media Pressure on Athletes 23:30 Building a Personal Brand Online 28:34 How She Started Working in Hockey 34:04 From Autism Research to Elite Sport SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40355675
info_outline
#237 High Performance, Female Health & the Future of Women’s Football | Dawn Scott
03/05/2026
#237 High Performance, Female Health & the Future of Women’s Football | Dawn Scott
Welcome to episode 237of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Dawn Scott, one of the most influential high performance leaders in women’s football. She has worked with England, led performance for the U.S. Women’s National Team during two World Cup wins and an Olympic gold, and now supports global development through FIFA. In this episode, we spoke about: What truly defines high performance and elite habits The female performance lens and why only 6% of research is female-specific Building world-class environments in women’s football The future of women’s sport and where the game is heading Time stamps: 00:00 High Performance Defined 01:13 Motivation vs Consistency 03:10 Entering Women’s Football in 2001 07:22 Then vs Now in Sports Science 09:28 Misinformation in Female Nutrition 13:00 The 6% Research Gap 14:33 Boots, ACL & Female Anatomy 16:43 Return to Play Postpartum 20:29 Building Performance Departments 23:21 England Highlights & Growth 26:09 Moving to the U.S. National Team 30:12 Olympic Gold & World Cup Wins 33:50 Investment & Staffing in Women’s Sport 37:28 The Future of Women’s Football 39:05 Advice for Young Professionals 40:00 Outro SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40123340
info_outline
#236 What 30 Years of Coaching Taught Me About Leadership | Mark Gottfried
03/02/2026
#236 What 30 Years of Coaching Taught Me About Leadership | Mark Gottfried
Welcome to episode 236 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Mark Gottfried, former college basketball head coach, NBA scout, and keynote speaker. With more than three decades of experience leading teams in high-pressure environments, Mark shares powerful lessons on leadership, grit, and what it really takes to succeed in sports and in life. In this episode, we spoke about: Building grit through resilience, consistency and courage Leadership lessons from 30+ years of coaching Talent evaluation beyond statistics Handling criticism and social media pressure in sports Timestamps: 00:00 The Power of Small Improvements 02:11 Lessons from 30 Years of Coaching 03:01 Playing Career to Coaching 04:01 Leadership Can Be Lonely 05:45 Learning from Losses 06:55 What Creates Grit 09:27 The 1% Improvement Mindset 11:26 Self-Honesty and Growth 13:23 Building Your A-Team 15:24 Leading with Clarity 18:53 Handling Criticism 22:52 NBA Scouting Experience 25:01 Evaluating Character 32:40 Sports Betting Risks 38:27 Life After Coaching SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40271580
info_outline
#235 Theo Dedes: Modern Football Leadership, Resilience & The Manager Mindset
02/26/2026
#235 Theo Dedes: Modern Football Leadership, Resilience & The Manager Mindset
Welcome to episode 235 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Theo Dedes, a UEFA Pro License coach who recently led TSG Hoffenheim’s women’s team in Germany. From growing up in Athens to coaching at the highest level in European football, Theo shares what modern leadership really looks like, why empathy beats authority in today’s game, and what it takes to survive - and thrive - in one of the most pressure-filled industries in the world. SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:40 The UEFA Pro License Explained 02:01 Eligible for Champions League 02:36 The Coach as Manager 04:33 The Loneliness of Leadership 05:49 Controlling the Uncontrollable 07:29 Managing Friction Inside the Squad 08:51 Handling Weekly Pressure 10:22 Being a Young Head Coach 12:31 Coaching as Brand & Identity 15:13 Greece vs Germany Leadership Styles 17:25 The Coaching Odyssey 19:50 Why Germany Felt Fair 21:17 Learning from Termination 31:15 Advice for Future Pro Coaches 33:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40122720
info_outline
#234 The NIL Revolution: Why Athlete Branding & Identity Will Define the Future of College Sports | Stephen Bienko
02/23/2026
#234 The NIL Revolution: Why Athlete Branding & Identity Will Define the Future of College Sports | Stephen Bienko
Welcome to episode 234 of Sports Management Podcast. College sports has changed forever. NIL is here, brands are everywhere, and student athletes are now entrepreneurs whether they like it or not. But are they actually prepared? Today I’m joined by Stephen Bienko, co-founder of 42U, former dual-sport athlete and life coach. We dive into: NIL Athlete identity Branding Why passion alone won’t prepare athletes for life after sport. And much more! SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. 00:00 Intro 00:28 What 42U Is Building in the NIL Era 02:03 Transferable Skills Beyond “Hardworking Athlete” 05:16 Athlete Identity & Overthinking Performance 08:45 NIL Should Have Existed Years Ago 10:35 Soft Skills vs Hard Skills in the AI Era 12:18 Why Identity Impacts Performance 14:21 Why Athletes Are Underprepared for NIL 17:37 Why Most NIL Partnerships Fail 20:33 Brand First, Deals Second 23:41 The Power of Athlete IP & Social Media 29:31 The Future of NIL and High School Athletes 32:59 Putting “Butts in Seats” Through Athlete Brands 39:44 The Decathlete Mindset in Business 49:18 Why Now Is the Best Time to Enter Sports 55:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40174490
info_outline
#233 Why the Future of Football & Sports Tech Is in Africa | Gloria Mariwa
02/19/2026
#233 Why the Future of Football & Sports Tech Is in Africa | Gloria Mariwa
Welcome to episode 233 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Gloria Mariwa - a footballer, professional freestyler, digital creator known as 14thgunner and founder of Wecheza. At just 19, she’s building the future of African women’s football at the intersection of sports, tech, and community. We spoke about: Why women’s sports shouldn’t copy the men’s model How sports tech must evolve Why investing in African women’s sports might be the smartest move you can make right now And much more! SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Building 14thgunner 04:30 Growing Women’s Football in Kenya 07:37 Why Women’s Sports Must Build Their Own Model 08:30 The Future of Sports Tech & AI 09:41 Creators vs Traditional Media 12:03 Why YouTube Could Win Sports Streaming 14:31 Copying the West? Or Building Africa’s Own Model 16:57 The Kenyan Sports Landscape 18:36 The Meaning Behind Wichesa 19:34 Grassroots Impact in Women’s Football 24:46 University or Startup Life? 26:48 Monetizing as a Young Creator 27:53 Advice for Young Sports Professionals 30:29 Redefining Sports Tech 32:23 Invest in African Women’s Sports Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40116435
info_outline
#232 Break Into Sports: Networking, Saying Yes & Building Your Own Sports Business | JP Lutz
02/16/2026
#232 Break Into Sports: Networking, Saying Yes & Building Your Own Sports Business | JP Lutz
Welcome to episode 232 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is JP Lutz - a former Philadelphia Eagles executive turned professor, entrepreneur, and cancer survivor. We spoke about: Breaking into the sports industry Why ‘luck’ is actually positioning The power of always saying yes How building relationships can define your entire career. And much more! This one is packed with practical advice for anyone who wants to work in sports and a powerful life lesson you won’t forget. SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 From Working Elevators to the NFL 04:25 Why You Must Say Yes Early in Your Career 06:24 Creating Your Own Luck in Sports 08:10 How to Network the Right Way 12:53 Do You Need a Degree to Work in Sports? 17:11 The Magic of Game Day 19:52 $5 an Hour and Moving Back Home 22:34 Transitioning from Pro Sports to Higher Ed 23:56 Starting a Sports Business from a Basement 25:27 Soft Skills That Actually Matter 29:19 A Cancer Diagnosis at 46 32:39 The Power of Being Proactive About Health 34:30 AI, Analytics & The Future of Sports Jobs 36:55 Why You Should Consider Entrepreneurship 41:45 Career Advice: Follow Your Heart and Say Yes Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40116285
info_outline
#231 Why Promotion & Relegation Will Transform US Soccer, Brett Johnson
02/12/2026
#231 Why Promotion & Relegation Will Transform US Soccer, Brett Johnson
Welcome to episode 231 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is one of the most ambitious football investors in the world. Brett Johnson is the founder of Benevolent Capital, owner of multiple football clubs including Phoenix Rising, Rhode Island FC, and part of the Ipswich Town ownership group. In this episode: Promotion and relegation in US soccer Why stadiums are the real asset How youth sports is the next big opportunity What it actually takes to build a sports empire from scratch. And much more! SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 From Analyst to Football Owner 00:20 Why Phoenix Needed a Team 01:17 The 1994 World Cup Thesis 02:06 Why the US Must Perform 03:39 Ipswich’s Back-to-Back Promotions 04:43 How to Run a Club Properly 05:26 Why Multi-Club Ownership Wins 06:44 Promotion/Relegation in the U.S. 09:02 Building a $140M Stadium 11:20 Creating a Fan Base from Scratch 14:01 Inside Benevolent Capital 15:32 Why Youth Sports Is the Next Goldmine 22:39 Advice for Sports Entrepreneurs 26:25 The Dark Days in Phoenix 28:13 Almost Losing Rhode Island Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40079985
info_outline
#230 Why Most Soccer Clubs Lose Money | Matt Driver
02/09/2026
#230 Why Most Soccer Clubs Lose Money | Matt Driver
Welcome to episode 230 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest has lived football from every angle - player, coach, owner, executive, and advisor. Matt Driver is the founder of Soccer Universities and Football Club Advisory Group, and he’s worked across Europe and the U.S. helping clubs move from survival mode to scalable success. In this episode, we talk about: Why most soccer clubs struggle financially What American sports get right that football often ignores How fan engagement, data, and commercial thinking will define the future of the game And much more! This is a masterclass in the business of football. SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 01:38 Why College Soccer Doesn’t Create Pros 03:18 The Wake-Up Call Playing La Liga Clubs 05:30 Creating Real Player Pathways 08:10 Why Most Clubs Are Structurally Broken 11:13 A Bulgarian Club Case Study 15:09 Why Vertical Silos Kill Clubs 16:41 What American Sports Get Right 18:30 Why Fans Jump Between Sports 20:08 Why “We’ve Always Done It This Way” Fails 26:21 Turning Fan Phones Into Revenue 30:23 Monetizing Club Assets 35:47 Why Fans Must Be Entertained 55:26 Career Advice for Sports Professionals 01:05:54 Why the USL Could Explode Next 01:10:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/40036065
info_outline
#229 Inside the IOC: How the Olympic Games Are Built Years Before the Torch Is Lit | Christian Klaue
02/05/2026
#229 Inside the IOC: How the Olympic Games Are Built Years Before the Torch Is Lit | Christian Klaue
Welcome to episode 229 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest has been at the center of that work for over a decade. Christian Klaue is Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at the International Olympic Committee. In this episode, we go behind the scenes of how the Olympic Games are planned, positioned, communicated, and ultimately delivered - from Milano Cortina to LA28 and beyond. If you’ve ever wondered how the biggest sporting event on earth actually comes together, this conversation is for you. SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 01:31 Life Inside the IOC Right Before the Games 02:45 What Olympic Communications Really Do 04:47 Why Positioning Matters More Than Reacting 05:06 Working on Multiple Olympic Games at Once 06:55 Why Milano Cortina 2026 Is Different 07:52 Legacy Beats New Construction 09:13 Avoiding Olympic “White Elephants” 10:12 Designing the Athlete Experience 11:22 Why the Olympic Torch Changes Everything 13:32 How the Torch Relay Really Works 15:21 The Power of Opening Ceremonies 20:09 Christian Klaue’s Career Journey 27:42 Leading Through Olympic Crises 41:51 Advice for a Career in Sports Communication 43:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/39964065
info_outline
#228 Why Women’s Football Is the Best Sports Investment of the Next Decade | John P. Reynal, CEO The Women’s Cup
02/02/2026
#228 Why Women’s Football Is the Best Sports Investment of the Next Decade | John P. Reynal, CEO The Women’s Cup
Welcome to episode 228 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is John P Reynal, the President & CEO of The Women’s Cup - one of the most ambitious global platforms in women’s football. John has spent his career building sports properties across continents and in this conversation, he makes a bold case: women’s football isn’t charity - it’s one of the most undervalued growth opportunities in sports. We spoke about: Why over-investing early matters How TV rights and valuations are lagging behind reality Why the next decade of women’s football could reshape the entire sports industry. His unconventional journey to and through the sports industry And much more! SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 02:21 Why women’s football is a massive investment opportunity 04:18 “Women’s football is a business” 04:50 What over-investing really looks like 06:53 Building a premium brand through experience 08:21 Fixing the production problem in women’s football 10:07 How media rights unlock real growth 11:09 Why the US women’s football model is different 13:30 The danger of women’s teams as afterthoughts 15:45 Rethinking how women’s football is marketed 21:58 Why investors are flooding into women’s football 23:00 From $1M to $150M franchise valuations 26:01 Latin America’s untapped audience power 31:01 The audience shift every club must prepare for 32:43 Why Brazil 2027 will change everything 45:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/39953090
info_outline
#227 Ultimate Hoops: Turning Rec Basketball Into a Pro Experience, Alan Arlt
01/26/2026
#227 Ultimate Hoops: Turning Rec Basketball Into a Pro Experience, Alan Arlt
Welcome to episode 227 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Alan Arlt, founder of Ultimate Hoops and co-founder of ARLT Consulting. Alan built a recreational basketball league into a highly-engaged sports product with stats, highlights, and experiences that made everyday players feel like pros and he sold it with an 18x return in under two years. In this episode, we spoke about: What makes a sports product truly ‘sticky’ How to scale without losing quality How AI is changing the future of participation sports. And much more! SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:58 Building “sticky” sports products with ARLT Consulting 02:16 From sports nerd to sports entrepreneur 02:59 The Ultimate Hoops idea (treat everyone like Kobe) 03:42 From 6 teams to 40 teams in under a year 03:42 Acquired by Lifetime Fitness (18 months in) 04:26 The Carmelo Anthony moment (“I think I’m done”) 05:11 The 18x return (and why he didn’t plan an exit) 05:58 The “sticky product” flywheel (daily engagement) 06:54 Passion vs practicality (unit economics matter) 08:22 The 2-step decision process (gut → diligence) 09:46 Why athlete partnerships are everything (B2A mindset) 11:51 AI changed everything (stats + highlights at scale) 13:28 How ARLT uses AI with clients today 14:18 Why this model works for every sport 15:06 The golden rule (people want to feel special) 15:45 The post-game interview that proved the concept 17:24 Why AI will create “1,000 Ultimate Hoops” 19:53 The mindset shift (leaving Discovery to take the leap) 21:36 Why side hustles are the new advantage 22:50 The biggest founder mistakes (too fast vs too slow) 24:10 Best advice for founders (just get started) 25:47 How to use AI without losing the human edge 27:07 Leadership style (do every job, stay in the weeds) 30:28 Hiring without a vacuum (team fit matters) 32:11 Scaling too fast (when it stopped feeling like Ultimate Hoops) 33:02 COVID shutdown (the hardest stretch) 35:25 Letting 85% of the team go (and rebuilding) 37:02 Guest recommendations (SportsVisio + AIM Sports Group) 39:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/39863020
info_outline
#226 How Sports Teams Should Use Data | Neil Schwartz, SBRnet
01/19/2026
#226 How Sports Teams Should Use Data | Neil Schwartz, SBRnet
Welcome to episode 226 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Neil Schwartz, President of SBRnet, one of the leading sports business data providers focused on fan behavior, monetization, and engagement. In this episode, we break down the difference between passive fans and active fans, why storytelling is the real skill behind data, and how teams can turn insights into revenue across tickets, merch, sports betting and more. Let’s get into it. SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:59 What sports teams can learn from Disney 01:50 What SBRnet does: business-side sports data 02:46 Doing data before data was cool 04:25 Data is now traded like oil + early pushback from execs 07:28 Black box data vs transparent methodology 08:44 “If you only use your own data, you repeat the same mistakes” 09:29 Data is like making soup 11:16 SWOT analysis as a decision framework 12:57 The hardest question: “Why?” 16:41 Cross-fandom + cross-category sponsorship strategy 19:31 Active vs passive engagement explained 21:07 Neil’s Dolphins example: passionate but passive fan behavior 22:49 Turning passive fans into active fans 25:08 Good data use is good storytelling 27:52 When teams reject data because of anecdotal bias 30:45 Privacy + anonymized data + integrity standards 35:14 Pandemic: removing live attendance questions to protect trend accuracy 37:15 AI fears + why people must stay in the decision-making equation 42:20 Career advice: internships + networking + better outreach emails 48:43 Sports gambling needs guardrails 52:31 Gambling growth plateau 53:19 Underage gambling problem 54:45 Guest recommendations 57:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/39774825
info_outline
#225 What Sports Teams Can Learn from Disney: Vance Morris on Fan Experience, Service & Pricing Power
01/12/2026
#225 What Sports Teams Can Learn from Disney: Vance Morris on Fan Experience, Service & Pricing Power
Welcome to episode 225 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Vance Morris, and in this episode we will uncover what sports teams can learn from Disney when it comes to service and fan experience. We spoke about: How Vance went from a security guard at a birth control factory to working for Disney Why he was a lousy employee Why his business charges 40% more than its competitors Taking the leap to starting his own business, and his wife getting sick 3 days later And much more! SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro: 02:21 From factory security guard to Disney 03:32 Experience design in boring moments 05:50 Engaging fans on non-game days 07:25 Linertainment explained 08:44 What teams can do between purchase & game day 11:18 Reaching younger fans with physical mail 13:01 On-stage vs off-stage mindset 15:26 Attention to detail & perceived value 17:30 Tellable moments & word of mouth 19:44 Systems create freedom 22:34 Cost of keeping vs acquiring fans 24:27 Why he charges 40% more 28:57 “The bar is set so low” 31:23 Service standards disconnect 33:29 Hiring for service mindset 38:19 Major career setback & resilience 40:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/39690000
info_outline
#224 How Women’s Football Really Grows: Ersel Aybasti on Agents, Structures & Sustainable Investment
01/05/2026
#224 How Women’s Football Really Grows: Ersel Aybasti on Agents, Structures & Sustainable Investment
Welcome to episode 224 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Ersel Aybasti – a licensed FIFA-agent, founder of Analysis SportAgents and the author of The Women’s Game: More Than Just a Game. Voices, Structures & Perspectives in Global Women’s Football We spoke about: Why he decided to write about the women’s game Why women’s football needs more systemic investment How he combines work as an agent, industrial engineer and book writing How agents can contribute to positive change in football And much more! SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 01:47 Why football alone wasn’t enough 03:38 Trust between player and agent 07:26 Holistic support beyond contracts 09:55 Becoming a licensed FIFA agent 12:58 Entering women’s football 15:45 Why the book was written 17:35 28 voices shaping the women’s game 21:41 Managing pressure, feedback & growth 27:31 Why women’s football needs structure 30:37 How agents can close the gender gap 31:49 Advice for young professionals 34:12 Long-term values over short-term wins 36:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/39606480
info_outline
#223 Win Monday: How Paul Epstein Built a Global Leadership Movement Around One Weekly Habit
12/29/2025
#223 Win Monday: How Paul Epstein Built a Global Leadership Movement Around One Weekly Habit
Welcome to episode 223 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Paul Epstein, a leadership coach, former sports executive and the creator of the Win Monday movement. Paul has worked with elite athletes, executives, and teams around the world, helping them build momentum through habits, identity, and purpose. In this episode, we unpack: Why Mondays matter more than any other day of the week How one simple action can change everything Which Monday changed Paul's life And much more! SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 The 98% Monday momentum statistic 02:17 What it actually means to “win Monday” 06:07 Gym analogy: commitment over motivation 07:47 “Commitment begins when motivation ends” 11:43 The hero dedication concept 17:55 The Monday that changed Paul’s life 24:52 Standards vs goals (win the long game) 33:44 Confidence formula: values × action 48:56 Vision of a global Win Monday movement 50:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/39542290
info_outline
#222 From Last-Round Pick to Pro Bowler: Blaine Bishop on Grit, Identity & Life After the NFL
12/22/2025
#222 From Last-Round Pick to Pro Bowler: Blaine Bishop on Grit, Identity & Life After the NFL
Welcome to episode 222 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Blaine Bishop – a former NFL player, 4-time pro bowler and a broadcasting host. We spoke about: Being drafted as an underdog Playing 10 seasons in the NFL Transitioning from the NFL to broadcasting Life lessons he learned from his mother And much more! SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to and start exploring today. Time stamps: 01:54 Drafted last & the chip on his shoulder 03:59 Why being doubted fueled his work ethic 05:51 Film study as a competitive advantage 09:15 “What do you have to lose?” mindset 14:24 First NFL start on Christmas Day 18:54 Super Bowl run & “team of destiny” 22:12 Making the Pro Bowl (unexpectedly) 25:00 Transition from NFL to broadcasting 28:16 Identity beyond being an athlete 36:04 Advice for young people entering sports Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/39487335
info_outline
#221 How Glasgow City FC Is Building the Future of Women’s Football | Stef McLoughlin
12/15/2025
#221 How Glasgow City FC Is Building the Future of Women’s Football | Stef McLoughlin
Welcome to episode 221 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Stef McLoughlin, Head of Commercial at Glasgow City FC, the most successful women’s football club in Scotland and one of the few elite clubs in Europe that is women-owned, women-led and fully independent. Get ready to learn about: Purpose-driven partnerships Building women’s sport differently Why copying the men’s game may be the biggest mistake women’s football can make And much more! Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:22 What makes Glasgow City FC different 01:27 Using football as a vehicle for social change 03:28 Why women’s clubs shouldn’t be absorbed by men’s teams 06:38 Purpose-driven partnerships explained 07:32 Dog-friendly stadiums & inclusive fan experiences 09:57 How Glasgow City avoids sportswashing 12:58 The “messy middle” of women’s football 14:48 Why comparing revenues to men’s football is a mistake 18:05 Building women-led commercial ecosystems 25:07 Entering football as an “angry feminist” 31:49 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/39401940
info_outline
#220 Olympic Power, Politics & the Future of Global Sport - Michael Payne
12/08/2025
#220 Olympic Power, Politics & the Future of Global Sport - Michael Payne
Welcome to episode 220 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest helped build the Olympic business model as we know it. Michael Payne is the former marketing director of the IOC, creator of the TOP sponsorship program, and widely regarded as the architect of modern sports marketing. In this episode, we explore 50 years of global sport power, politics, money, and what the next 50 years could look like. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:34 Why he wrote the book & invented sports marketing 03:16 FIFA had four employees 07:43 Cold War & saving the Olympics 10:17 Bernie Ecclestone vs Samaranch 13:16 Politics weaponizing sport 15:22 Sportswashing debate (China & Saudi) 23:33 Trump, the World Cup & LA28 29:38 His wild predictions for sport 31:46 Avatar stadiums 34:12 Tech vs the soul of sport 38:26 Sustainability & white elephants 48:35 Advice for young professionals 50:18 Business lesson: problems vs solutions 53:54 How great negotiators really work 59:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
/episode/index/show/sportsmanagementpodcast/id/39314535