Blake Lawrence - Co-Founder/CEO of Opendorse - shares his unique perspective on the NIL marketplace and what the data tells us after 2+ years.   He also gets into the precarious relationship between athletic departments and collectives, and how forward-thinking ADs are prioritizing NIL dollars in order to ensure sustained success.   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Jon Steinbrecher - Commissioner of the Mid-American Conference - on the origins of MACtion in November and why midweek football games do so much to drive exposure for the schools in the MAC.   He and AJ discuss the benefits that come with that exposure, such as recruiting advantages for coaches and increased brand awareness. They also highlight some of the challenges that midweek games create, particularly for campuses on game day.   Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast/?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=7975a5a8599641b461e1fa1039a24166   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Mat and Justin Ishbia - Governor and Alternate Governor of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury - on their philosophy for succeeding on and off the court. Mat believes they're ready to compete for an NBA championship with players like Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker, whom he calls the best player in the NBA.       In just a short time as majority stakeholders of the teams, they've already made incredible investments with a focus on winning and fan engagement.       For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Rick George – Athletic Director at the University of Colorado – highlights the importance of geography in the decision to join the Big 12, and whether or not Coach Prime had a say in that decision. He highlights having access to key markets for "fundraising and fan-raising."   The advantages of a broad reach impact recruiting, branding, and even enrollment for the broader student body. Therefore, having access to the state of Texas was an argument in favor of the Big 12. He also explains how, despite no longer having conference games against USC or UCLA, Colorado will still look to maintain a presence in California.   Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=7dd137310ff9a0d9b96a50cbf1bc998e   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Jim Delany - Former Commissioner of the Big Ten - debates NIL, realignment, and the future of college sports. He and AJ discuss the factors that impact major decisions at the collegiate level, and set a reminder to have another conversation 5 years down the road.   Details: 1:55 - Life since retirement 3:45 - What makes a successful commissioner 12:05 - How would you lead college athletics? 21:45 - Jim’s time as a UNC basketball player 25:15 - Rapid Fire Questions   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

John Koller - Global CMO at HP - on the role of AI in sports marketing, and the areas where he sees near-term opportunities.   He predicts that creative campaigns will be personalized at scale using AI, especially as teams look to expand their reach beyond the U.S.   Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=85fc90b6be0f210a0393903888f9a8e8   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

John Koller - Global CMO at HP - leads marketing and sponsorship for one of the original Silicon Valley brands. His career path has taken him through some of the most innovative sides of our industry, including stops at Twitch, Hard Rock, and PlayStation. He joins Jeff Nelson to discuss how that varied experience is helping him now at HP, and what he envisions for the future of tech in sports.   Sports betting, AI, and gaming are some of the hottest topics in our industry, and John has first-hand experience with each of them.   Details: 2:45 - John’s role at HP 12:45 - John’s career journey 17:10 - Lessons from success 20:00 - The power of Twitch 27:30 - Sports betting and John’s time at Hard Rock 37:15 - AI in Sports 41:25 - Rapid Fire Questions   Book/Podcast Recommendations: Motley Fool Money (Podcast) Steve Jobs, by Walter Isaacson   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Charlie Hussey – Deputy Commissioner/COO at the SEC – discusses the history of realignment in the SEC, and compares the additions of Texas and Oklahoma to the other two waves of realignment that the conference has seen since the early '90s.       Adding Arkansas and South Carolina in 1990 was driven by the desire to expand to 12 teams in order to host a championship football game between the newly formed 6-team divisions. Then Texas A&M and Missouri were inbound additions in 2012, having reached out to the conference to inquire about membership, but doing so separately. Texas and Oklahomas represented yet another variation, having approached SEC leadership as a package deal.       Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=527f2c9ef9b136f48f476dd1f75488ec       For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Charlie Hussey - Deputy Commissioner/COO at the SEC - on the evolution of college athletics, and how he feels about the state of the conference.   He and Jeff Nelson discuss the continuous, regional footprint of the SEC despite adding Texas and Oklahoma, and why they're comfortable with the 16 schools they currently have, with national appeal.   Details: 3:45 - The evolution of collegiate athletics 9:02 - Remaining a contiguous conference 10:55 - Growing up in SEC country 15:20 - Early years of Charlie’s career 18:30 - SEC Network 26:40 - The role of the NCAA 33:30 - Rapid Fire Questions   Show Notes: Greg Sankey InterviewBooks: The Education of a Lifetime by Robert KhayatSmart Brevity by Jim VandeHei, Roy Schwartz, Mike AllenLegacy: What The All Blacks Can Teach Us About The Business Of Life, by James KerrThe Content Trap, by Bharat Anand   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Steve Lauletta – President of 23XI Racing – on the recent creativity that he's seen in NASCAR with events like the Chicago Street Race and the Clash at the Coliseum. He's optimistic about the future of the sport and the changes they've made to appeal to a broader audience.     Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=b579cd3ecab3c669fbfe34e20801dfa0     For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Shawn Quill – National Sports Industry Leader at KPMG – on the importance of measuring your sponsorship portfolio to determine ROI. He also talks about finding deals that align with your brand's value, and give benefit to your partner beyond writing a check.   Listen to the full episode here:https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=3b0fad789156b8f3cd115d8cfbf6addc   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Stu Halberg – CEO of Logitix – on what actually drives ticket purchasing. The surprising takeaway is that price is not as critical as once thought, at least compared to factors like, quality of the teams or performers, timing, and availability of other events in the area.   Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=ad61f9ea4ac7f6133ed6fb6845d17296   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Steve Lauletta - President of 23XI Racing - details what it's like to build a NASCAR team from the ground up alongside Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.   He and AJ Maestas discuss the role of sponsorship in NASCAR and how it differs from other sports properties. They also touch on 23XI's unique positioning and their role in rejuvenating NASCAR's audience as they attract a more diverse audience to the sport.   Details: 1:35 - The 23XI Racing Story 7:05 - Sponsorship in NASCAR  11:20 - Building a more inclusive culture 18:55 - The future of NASCAR 22:55 - Rapid Fire Questions   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Kara Nortman – Founder of Angel City FC and Managing Partner of Monarch Collective – on the immense success that Angel City has seen so far, and what it means for the rest of the NWSL.   According to SBJ, Angel City FC accounted for 38% of NWSL total revenue in 2022. Kara shares best practices that she's seen internally and at other teams for building and sustaining a successful organization.   Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=12aff816962b1344181ea55048706a14   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

For the 75th episode of Navigating Sports Business, Shawn Quill - National Sports Industry Leader at KPMG - discusses KPMG's unique role in sports as both a brand sponsor, and as an agency, working with properties on tax consulting as well as other more niche business challenges.   Shawn also shares his thoughts on which sports and leagues make the most compelling targets for sponsors and private equity investors, including the NWSL and soccer in general. KPMG has a significant history of investing in women's sports, especially when it comes to women's golf and the LPGA.   Details 1:50 - KPMG’s role in sports 9:20 - Sponsorship decisions 16:30 - Shawn’s background 23:05 - KPMG’s investments in women’s sports 27:55 - Other investments in sports 32:00 - Private equity in sports 38:30 - Mistakes to avoid when pitching a partner 40:15- Rapid Fire Questions   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Jim Kahler – Director of the Sport & Entertainment Management Program – Monte Ahuja College of Business – Cleveland State University – gives advice about where to invest sponsorship dollars. Hear his thoughts on pickleball, soccer, rule changes in baseball, women's sports in general, and the collegiate landscape.   Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=30c7f8218e94d03796551ddbed2a1555   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Rick George - Athletic Director at the University of Colorado - talks realignment, the current state of college sports, and how the move to the Big 12 will help Colorado student athletes and the program in general.   He and AJ Maestas also discuss the hiring of Deion Sanders as Head Football Coach, and what it was like the have two monumental decisions impact the past 9 months of CU athletics.   Details: 2:30 - Coach Prime’s Impact on CU Athletics 7:10 - Rick’s high school basketball career 11:45 - Big 12 Move 20:15 - Future realignment 21:20 - Rapid Fire Questions   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Latasha Causey – President of Phoenix Raceway – Explains the emphasis that she and her team have placed on listening to fans and providing top-notch experiences. That strategy continues to pay off this year as they look ahead to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race in November, an event they hope to continue hosting in future years.   Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=e569f20c381035e46cea8c736e96c5c3   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Stu Halberg - CEO of Logitix - breaks down which technologies and emerging players are going to have the biggest impact on ticketing in the near future. He and Jeff Nelson also discuss the factors that influence ticket pricing, and what properties can do to ensure they're maximizing ticket revenue.   Details 2:15 - Overview of Logitix 9:50 - Dynamic pricing 14:15 - Stu’s background 23:55 - New technologies in ticketing (Blockchain & AI) 20:05 - Logitix’s value proposition 30:25 - Rapid Fire Questions   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Chris Davis – Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Vice President of Merchandising at New Balance – on what it means to be the "ultimate challenger brand" and the creative risks that his team is taking in order to achieve that lofty goal.   They embedded themselves in two major truths as a brand: If you’re standing still, you’re moving backwards. Stagnation is the death of all great brands.Your marketing has to be a reflection of your values as a brand.   Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=2aaad5c4a61042308303084d6820fcf8   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.