Sports Management Podcast
Where top sports managers share experiences from and passion for the sports management industry.
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#260 Why Kids Are Quitting Sports (And How We Fix It) | Evan Dabby
07/20/2026
#260 Why Kids Are Quitting Sports (And How We Fix It) | Evan Dabby
Welcome to episode 260 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Evan Dabby, CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer, one of the largest youth soccer organizations in the United States. With over 120,000 players, Evan shares how youth soccer is evolving, why player development should come before winning, and how the FIFA World Cup is creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the game across America. In this episode, we spoke about: How the FIFA World Cup is inspiring the next generation Why player development should come before winning The challenges of youth sports, parents and coaching Growing participation while making soccer more accessible Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome Evan Dabby 00:29 The World Cup Impact in New Jersey 03:20 Growing 120,000 Youth Players 05:50 Technology & Participation 08:20 Player-Centered Development 10:09 Advice from Tab Ramos 11:08 Parents on the Sidelines 15:12 Girls' Soccer Growth 18:52 Should Kids Specialize? 20:41 Coaching Better Players 21:35 Evan's Career Journey 23:23 The Power of Networking 26:45 Advice for Students 30:19 The Future of Youth Soccer Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
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#259 How Senda Helped Vózinha Become a World Cup Sensation
07/13/2026
#259 How Senda Helped Vózinha Become a World Cup Sensation
Welcome to episode 259of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Santiago Halty, Founder and CEO of Senda Athletics, one of the world's leading Fair Trade-certified football brands. From launching ethically manufactured footballs to seeing Senda products on football's biggest stage, Santiago shares the remarkable journey of building a purpose-driven sports brand while competing against industry giants. In this episode, we spoke about: Building a Fair Trade football brand from scratch Competing against Nike and adidas through niche innovation How Senda reached the FIFA World Cup Why purpose and performance can coexist in sports business The Vózinha story Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome Santiago Halty 00:19 The Vision Behind Senda 01:45 Why Fair Trade Matters 02:27 Competing Against Nike & adidas 03:42 Winning Through Futsal 04:45 Building a FIFA-Quality Ball 06:14 World Cup Success Story 08:02 Becoming the Official Match Ball 09:39 The Innovation Behind Senda Boots 12:21 The Story of Vózinha 18:14 Raising Investment for Growth 19:42 The Future of Senda 21:07 Becoming a Top 10 Football Brand 22:11 Messi's Last World Cup? 23:26 What's Next for Senda? Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
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#258 How Horse Racing Can Win 200 Million New Fans | Sam Houlding
07/06/2026
#258 How Horse Racing Can Win 200 Million New Fans | Sam Houlding
Welcome to episode 258of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Sam Houlding, Managing Director of B2B at Spotlight Sports Group. Sam has spent more than 16 years helping transform one of the world's leading sports media businesses while working at the intersection of sports media, technology, data, fan engagement and betting. In this episode, he explains why horse racing doesn't have an audience problem - it has an accessibility problem and how the sport can unlock millions of new fans. In this episode, we spoke about: Why horse racing has a potential audience of 200 million new fans How Formula One's growth offers lessons for every sport Why sports should prioritize fans before betting The importance of storytelling, data and digital experiences Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome Sam Houlding 00:15 Spotlight Sports Group Explained 01:55 The 200 Million Fan Opportunity 05:00 Why Racing Struggles to Grow 07:01 Accessibility Beats Awareness 10:24 Formula One's Winning Playbook 12:04 Betting vs Growing the Sport 14:03 Turning Data Into Fan Experiences 17:08 The Five Growth Priorities 19:07 Why Digital Comes First 21:21 The Future of Horse Racing 22:39 Sam's Career Journey 24:15 Lessons From Career Setbacks 26:06 Advice for Young Sports Professionals 27:36 Networking That Actually Works 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
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#257 How Great Footballers Are Really Developed | Arturo Hoyos
06/29/2026
#257 How Great Footballers Are Really Developed | Arturo Hoyos
Welcome to episode 257 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Arturo Hoyos, coach at Surf Soccer Club and founder of Elite IQ Football, where he specializes in developing elite youth football players through long-term athlete development and coach education. In this episode we discuss why development should always come before winning, how parents influence player success, what separates elite players from everyone else, and why mentality often matters more than talent. In this episode, we spoke about: • Why player development should always come before winning • The role parents play in youth football success • How elite football environments develop future professionals • Why mentality beats talent over the long term Timestamps 00:00 Welcome Arturo Hoyos 00:22 Inside Surf Soccer Club 01:14 Building Character Through Football 02:42 Managing Ambitious Parents 05:15 Development Before Winning 07:02 When Winning Starts to Matter 08:49 College & National Team Pathways 10:22 Following Players for Years 11:20 Private Coaching for Young Players 13:00 Can You Spot Future Stars? 16:18 The Growth of Football in America 20:25 Becoming a Licensed Coach 26:04 From Corporate Life to Football Coach 29:37 The Future of Coaching 31:11 Advice for Future Coaches 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
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#256 From Olympic Swimmer to Entrepreneur: Building a Sports Tourism Business | Ioannis Drymonakos
06/22/2026
#256 From Olympic Swimmer to Entrepreneur: Building a Sports Tourism Business | Ioannis Drymonakos
Welcome to episode 256 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Ioannis Drymonakos, former Olympic swimmer, European record holder, World Championship finalist, and founder of Swimming Cruise. Ioannis represented Greece at three Olympic Games, competed against legends like Michael Phelps, and became one of Greece's most successful swimmers before transitioning into entrepreneurship through sports tourism and wellness experiences in Greece. In this episode, we spoke about: • Competing at three Olympic Games and against Michael Phelps • The sacrifices and realities of elite swimming • Life after professional sport and becoming an entrepreneur • Building Swimming Cruise and the future of sports tourism TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:24 Discovering Swimming 02:17 The Road to the Olympics 04:19 Learning from Legends 06:12 The Hardest Part of Elite Sport 08:29 First Olympic Memories 10:32 Breaking a European Record 14:06 Career Highlight: World Championship Final 15:33 Dealing with Setbacks 17:07 Building Swimming Cruise 19:33 Why Poros Is Perfect 24:19 Lessons from Survivor 27:18 Open Water vs Pool Swimming 30:56 Coaching Amateur Swimmers 32:10 Growing a Sports Tourism Business Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
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#255 The Winning Mindset: Leadership, Resilience & Mental Performance | Sherry Levin
06/15/2026
#255 The Winning Mindset: Leadership, Resilience & Mental Performance | Sherry Levin
Welcome to episode 255 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Sherry Levin, leadership expert, speaker, author of Pregame: A Winning Mindset, former basketball coach, ESPN analyst, and resilience advocate. Over decades in sports, coaching, broadcasting, and leadership development, Sherry has helped athletes and professionals unlock the power of mindset, confidence, resilience, and personal growth. In this episode, we spoke about: • Why mindset may account for 70-80% of performance • Building resilience through failure and adversity • Leadership lessons from decades of coaching elite athletes • Practical tools for confidence, gratitude, and mental toughness TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 01:07 Why Sports Teach Life Skills 06:05 Becoming a Coach 08:37 Why Mindset Matters 10:10 Training Your Mindset 12:18 The Power of Gratitude 13:50 Mental Resets & Self-Talk 15:54 Building Confidence Through Positivity 17:39 Leadership Evolution 20:20 Demanding Without Demeaning 22:54 Resilience Through Failure 26:29 Writing Pregame: A Winning Mindset 32:16 Social Media & Mental Strength 35:12 Overcoming Cancer 40:41 Advice for Future Sports Leaders 44:11 Guest Recommendation & Closing 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
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#254 The Business of Volleyball: 800 Million Fans and Massive Growth Potential
06/08/2026
#254 The Business of Volleyball: 800 Million Fans and Massive Growth Potential
Welcome to episode 254 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Ugo Valensi, CEO of Volleyball World. Ugo has held leadership roles across sports, media, and commercial strategy, including senior positions in tennis, football, and global sports marketing. In this episode, he shares how Volleyball World is transforming one of the world's largest participation sports into a global commercial powerhouse. In this episode, we spoke about: • How Volleyball World is commercializing a sport with 800 million fans • The role of CVC Capital Partners in accelerating growth • Building athlete brands and fan engagement in volleyball • Future trends in sports media, OTT platforms, and content consumption TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Volleyball World 00:15 What Volleyball World Actually Does 01:24 Commercializing an 800 Million Fan Sport 03:26 Lessons from Tennis & Football 05:05 Athlete Storytelling & Docuseries 06:12 Indoor vs Beach Volleyball 08:09 Reinventing Beach Volleyball 08:23 Road to Los Angeles 2028 09:42 Volleyball's Biggest Growth Markets 11:38 Planning Events Years Ahead 13:05 Vision for the Next Five Years 14:33 The Future of Sports Consumption 16:25 Creating One Global Fan Narrative 17:20 Ugo's Career Journey 24:10 Networking & Career Advice 28:28 The Role of Private Equity in Sports Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media
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#253 Leading Football Through Controversy: FIFA, Equality & The Future of the Game | Lise Klaveness
06/01/2026
#253 Leading Football Through Controversy: FIFA, Equality & The Future of the Game | Lise Klaveness
Welcome to episode 253 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Lise Klaveness, President of the Norwegian Football Federation. In 2022, she became the first woman to lead the federation in its 120-year history and has since become one of the most influential voices in global football governance, equality and leadership. In this episode, we spoke about: Leading Norwegian football through major global controversies FIFA governance, World Cup hosting and human rights Building equality in football on and off the pitch Leadership, networking and career advice for future sports professionals Timestamps 00:00 First Female President 00:14 Why She Said No 02:17 The FIFA Speech 05:11 Principles vs Politics 07:47 World Cup Governance 10:59 Football & Human Rights 15:39 Should Sport Be Political? 16:48 World Cup Life Behind The Scenes 19:35 From Player To President 24:24 Becoming Technical Director 25:40 Breaking Glass Ceilings 29:18 Equality In Football 34:16 Advice For Future Leaders 35:37 The Value Of Hard Work 38:01 Khalida Popal's Incredible Story Lise Klaveness shares her remarkable journey from professional footballer and lawyer to becoming the first female President of the Norwegian Football Federation. The conversation explores FIFA governance, World Cup hosting, human rights, equality in football, leadership under pressure, and the responsibilities of sports organizations in modern society. Whether you work in sports business, football administration, coaching, governance or leadership, this episode provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of global football.
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#252 Why Padel Clubs Succeed (And Why Others Fail) | CEO Patricio Misitrano
05/25/2026
#252 Why Padel Clubs Succeed (And Why Others Fail) | CEO Patricio Misitrano
Welcome to episode 252 of Sports Management Podcast. Today’s guest is Patricio Misitrano, CEO of Racket Social Club and a key figure behind Racket360, one of the most ambitious ecosystems in the rapidly growing racket sports industry. From club operations and events to e-commerce and league management, Patricio has spent decades helping grow racket sports across the United States. In this episode, we spoke about: The growth and future of padel in the United States Why community is the secret to successful clubs Building careers in the racket sports industry Networking, hiring and leadership lessons from sport Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Show 00:20 Inside the Racket360 Ecosystem 02:34 The State of Padel in America 04:10 Tracking Padel's Rapid Growth 06:15 Why Courts Alone Don't Work 07:00 Key Trends Shaping Padel 07:58 The Rise of Indoor Facilities 09:26 Community Is Everything 11:16 Building a Successful Club 15:48 Can the USA Become a Padel Powerhouse? 20:06 Growing Up with Padel in Argentina 22:00 From Coach to CEO 23:41 What Great Employers Look For 24:44 Careers Beyond Coaching 28:34 Networking That Opens Doors 30:46 The Ultimate Networking Expert Patricio Misitrano shares practical lessons on leadership, club operations, community building, hiring, networking and the future of padel in the United States. Whether you're a sports executive, coach, entrepreneur, student or racket sports enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the fastest-growing sectors in the sports industry.
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#251 The “Expedia for Racket Sports”: How Courts App Is Transforming Tennis, Padel & Pickleball | Daren Hornig
05/18/2026
#251 The “Expedia for Racket Sports”: How Courts App Is Transforming Tennis, Padel & Pickleball | Daren Hornig
Welcome to episode 251 of Sports Management Podcast. In today’s episode, we are joined by Daren Hornig, CEO of Courts App — a marketplace often described as the “Expedia for racket sports,” helping players find and book courts anytime, anywhere. In this episode, we spoke about: Building a two-sided marketplace for racket sports How AI is transforming sports facility access The explosive growth of pickleball and padel Why most sports careers aren’t what people expect Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Courts App 00:19 What Is the “Expedia for Racket Sports”? 01:12 The Problem: Unused Courts 02:17 Why Technology Was Missing in Racket Sports 03:36 AI Integration & ChatGPT Booking 04:24 AI Concierge “Hey Courtney” 05:19 Tech Background & Startup Lessons 06:56 Why He Entered Racket Sports 07:48 Marketplace Model Explained 08:31 Growth of Padel & Pickleball 09:17 Transition from Real Estate to Tech 10:53 Building the Right Startup Team 11:45 Challenges in a Fragmented Industry 14:58 AI, Free Time & Sports Growth 16:29 Dynamic Pricing & Increasing Participation 27:58 Why Working in Sports Isn’t What You Think 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
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#250 What Kobe Bryant Taught About Discipline, Consistency & Elite Performance | Alan Stein Jr.
05/11/2026
#250 What Kobe Bryant Taught About Discipline, Consistency & Elite Performance | Alan Stein Jr.
Welcome to episode 250 of Sports Management Podcast. In today’s episode, we are joined by Alan Stein Jr., who has spent over 15 years working with elite NBA athletes and is now a world-renowned keynote speaker and author. In this conversation, we dive deep into what truly separates elite performers from the rest and how those lessons apply far beyond sports. In this episode, we spoke about: The habits and mindset of elite performers Why discipline beats motivation every time How to perform under pressure How to apply sports lessons to business and leadership Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & Episode 250 Milestone 00:39 What Elite Athletes Teach About Performance 01:20 Mastering the Basics 02:03 Confidence vs Humility 03:18 Process Over Outcome 03:46 What Separates the Top 1% 04:34 Consistency as a Superpower 05:20 Discipline vs Feelings 06:09 Why Motivation Is Overrated 08:26 Performing Under Pressure 09:05 Pressure Is Self-Imposed 10:58 Visualization & Self-Talk 13:41 Being Okay With Losing 16:27 Sports Lessons Applied to Business 27:34 The “Next Play” Mindset 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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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