The Profluence Pod 🌐

Sandy Ogg is the CEO of Curve Sports, a company partnering with elite youth baseball organizations to help them scale through capital, operational support, and shared best practices. Before launching Curve Sports, Sandy spent decades leading and advising some of the world's most influential organizations, serving as an Operating Partner at Blackstone, Chief Human Resources Officer at Unilever, and Chairman of Nord Anglia Education, one of the largest premium education groups globally.

Rather than acquiring and rebranding youth sports organizations, Curve Sports partners with club owners, allowing them to retain their identity while gaining access to capital, operational expertise, and a nationwide network of elite operators. The company's long-term vision is to build a connected ecosystem of premier baseball organizations that creates better opportunities for athletes, families, and club leaders alike.

In this conversation, Sandy shares why youth sports represents one of the biggest untapped investment opportunities in sports, how Curve Sports is building a new model for consolidating travel baseball, why leadership matters more than financial engineering, and how the intersection of education, athletics, and long-term athlete development is shaping the future of youth sports.

Keith Zubchevich is the President and CEO of Conviva, where he leads the company at the intersection of agentic AI, real-time analytics, and digital customer experience. After nearly two decades with Conviva, including serving as Chief Strategy Officer, Keith has helped build one of the leading platforms for measuring how consumers actually experience digital products, enabling businesses to optimize performance, reduce friction, and improve outcomes at scale.Before joining Conviva, Keith held senior leadership roles at Riverbed Technology and Cisco. Throughout his career, he has focused on helping organizations use technology to make better decisions, improve customer experiences, and drive measurable business results. Today, he is one of the leading voices on how AI is transforming digital businesses and why measuring AI performance is becoming just as important as building it.Keith explains why today's AI agents are more like toddlers than trusted employees, why an 80% success rate is unacceptable for customer-facing AI, and how businesses should think about deploying, measuring, and improving agentic AI systems. He also shares insights on the future of digital experiences, the importance of real-time analytics, and what leaders need to understand as AI becomes embedded into every customer interaction.Podcast Chapters:00:59 Keith's Journey in Technology and Conviva02:22 The Importance of Measuring Experience in Streaming04:58 The Complexity of Live Event Streaming08:53 Navigating AI and Productivity in Business11:56 Quality of Experience and Fan Engagement14:33 Personalization through AI in Sports Viewing17:42 Structuring Data for AI Insights18:08 The Importance of Structured Data in AI20:20 Consumer Efficiency and the Future of AI23:43 Personal Experiences with AI26:22 Educating the Market on Agentic AI29:49 Continuous Learning and Personal Growth32:06 Lessons from Childhood and the Human Experience

JM Arseneau is a serial entrepreneur, operational leader, and Co-Founder of Winya, an AI platform helping sports organizations transform customer data into automated revenue-generating actions. With more than two decades of experience building and scaling technology companies, JM has successfully led multiple businesses through growth and acquisition while specializing in operations, artificial intelligence, and business performance.

Before launching Winya, JM served as Chief Operating Officer at Globalia, where he helped drive hyper-growth by building scalable operational systems, leading multidisciplinary teams, and integrating AI into business processes. His background spans software, RevOps, digital transformation, and enterprise technology, giving him a unique perspective on how organizations can turn strategy into execution.

In this conversation, JM shares why the next era of AI is shifting from collecting data to making intelligent decisions and taking action. He explains how Winya is helping sports teams automate revenue opportunities, strengthen fan engagement, and optimize operations across ticketing, sponsorships, retail, and entertainment districts. The discussion also covers entrepreneurship, building lasting co-founder relationships, lessons from multiple successful exits, and where agentic AI will create the biggest opportunities across the sports industry over the coming years.

Podcast Chapters:

02:34 Entrepreneurial Journey and Co-Founder Dynamics

05:20 The Shift from Data Collection to Execution

07:38 Introducing Winya: The Agentic AI Platform

10:23 Building AI Agents and Team Dynamics

13:08 Job Security and Workforce Transition in AI

15:39 The Spotlight Effect of AI on Performance

17:58 Navigating the AI Startup Landscape

20:38 Funding Strategies and Market Positioning

Rick Wolf is founder of DraftNation 2026 and one of the early architects of the modern fantasy sports industry. Rick’s career traces back to IBM, where he worked on some of the first online fantasy baseball systems before the internet era, helping build foundational products for ESPN and later playing a key role in the rise of SportsLine, which evolved into CBS Sports. Over the decades, he went on to help scale and shape the fantasy ecosystem through RotoWorld (now NBC Sports Edge), Fantasy Alarm, and his long-standing involvement in industry leadership and advocacy through the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association.Rick brings a rare, full-stack perspective on fantasy sports, combining technical roots, media evolution, and industry governance. From programming early stat-based games in the late 80s to helping define how fantasy was structured, regulated, and commercialized, he has been at the center of almost every major shift in the space. Today, he is channeling that experience into DraftNation 2026, a live, in-person fantasy draft experience taking place at Circa Las Vegas, designed to bring leagues back together physically and turn draft day into a shared cultural moment.Rick explore the massive evolution of fantasy sports, from niche hobby to a 60+ million player global behavior and how it has reshaped fan engagement, media consumption, and even athlete identity. They dive into the rise of AI in fantasy decision-making, the shift toward player-centric fandom, and why live, in-person drafts are making a comeback in a digital-first world. The episode also unpacks DraftNation 2026 and the broader vision of turning fantasy draft day into a national celebration of sport, community, and competition.

Podcast Chapters:

02:58 The Evolution of Fantasy Sports and Its Mainstream Acceptance

05:49 Draft Nation 2026: A New Era of Fantasy Drafting

08:51 The Role of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association

12:10 Diverse Fantasy Formats and Community Engagement

15:01 The Impact of AI on Fantasy Sports

18:06 Emerging Trends in Fantasy Sports and New Leagues

20:57 The Future of Fantasy Sports and Generational Engagement

22:47 Changing Fan Dynamics: Player vs. Team Loyalty

24:38 The Rise of Player-Led Business Ventures

25:55 Celebrating Fantasy Football: A New National Holiday

28:43 Inclusivity in Fantasy Sports Events

32:18 The Fun Side of Fantasy: Punishments and Traditions

Dan Cotaldi is the Founder and CEO of Groove, a footwear technology company reimagining how shoes fit by focusing on the part that matters most—the surface your foot actually stands on. Using AI-powered 3D foot scanning and proprietary surface optimization technology, Groove creates personalized insoles designed to improve comfort, stability, performance, and long-term foot health.

Before founding Groove, Dan was a Division I wrestler at Brown University, where he studied theoretical mathematics and poetry before beginning his career working alongside the founder and CEO of a Fortune 100 company. He later attended The Wharton School, where Groove was born through an innovation course and quickly gained momentum after winning the Penn Launch Award and securing Alabama Football as an early customer.

Today, Groove is trusted by professional athletes and organizations across the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, and collegiate athletics, while also partnering with leading medical institutions to make personalized footwear more accessible. By leveraging AI and over 30,000 data points captured through a simple iPhone scan, Groove is challenging the century-old approach to shoe sizing and bringing custom footwear technology to everyday consumers.

Podcast Chapters:

03:35 The Problem with Traditional Footwear

06:58 The Evolution of Custom Insoles

10:47 Groove's Unique Approach to Footwear

13:59 The Importance of Custom Insoles for Young Athletes

17:47 Consumer Behavior and Groove's Market Strategy

21:30 The Future of Footwear and Customization

26:10 How to Get Started with Groove

Philip Hover-Smoot is the Founder and CEO of Atlas Cup, the company building the world's first professional sport in space. Atlas Cup will feature satellites racing head-to-head in low Earth orbit, creating an entirely new category of sports, entertainment, and competition beyond our planet.Before launching Atlas Cup, Philip spent over a decade in the defense and space industries, leading satellite, launch, and space technology initiatives worth billions of dollars. As a former space company CEO and attorney specializing in space operations and regulation, he brings a rare combination of technical expertise, business leadership, and vision to one of the most ambitious sports ventures ever attempted.In this conversation, Philip shares why he believes sports are the next major application layer for the growing space economy, how satellite racing could become the Formula 1 of orbit, and what it takes to build a professional sports league where the competition takes place hundreds of miles above Earth. He also discusses the future of commercial space, AI-powered competition, media opportunities in orbit, and why the first human race in space could become the most-watched sporting event in history.Podcast Chapters:02:41 The Journey from Concept to Reality05:51 Understanding the Mechanics of Space Racing08:33 The Role of Technology and Teams in Space Racing11:26 The Future of Sports in Space23:29 Exploring the Structure of Space Sports24:00 The Human Connection to Space and Sports25:03 Creating Emotional Connectivity in Space Racing27:11 The Drama and Risks of Space Racing29:54 Navigating Compliance in Space Sports35:15 The Future of Global Space Racing38:07 The Rise of Application Layers in Space Sports38:58 Continuous Learning in a Changing Landscape

Milton Lee is a former NBA executive, sports technology CEO, investor, and board member whose career spans professional sports, technology, and finance. Most recently, he served as CEO of Keemotion, leading the company through significant growth, mergers and acquisitions, and ultimately its acquisition by Sportradar ahead of the company's NASDAQ IPO.

Prior to Keemotion, Milton held numerous leadership roles across the sports industry, including serving on the boards of the Brooklyn Nets, Barclays Center, and Onexim Sports & Entertainment. He also served as General Manager of the Brooklyn Nets' G-League affiliate and Chairman of the NBA G-League Basketball Rules Committee. With decades of experience operating at the highest levels of sports and technology, Milton brings a unique perspective on leadership, innovation, investing, and the future of the industry.

Milton shares lessons learned from building and scaling companies, what investors look for in founders, why grit remains one of the most important traits for long-term success, and how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are transforming the sports landscape. He also reflects on his journey from professional sports executive to technology CEO and investor, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders across the sports ecosystem.

Podcast Chapters:

01:04 Milton's Journey in Sports

03:04 Transition from Wall Street to Sports

04:39 Building Key Motion and Sports Tech

07:29 Networking and Alumni Influence

10:55 CEO Insights on Technology and Innovation

13:00 Guardrails Against Scope Creep

17:19 Emerging Trends in Sports Ownership

21:49 The Future of Football and Other Sports

25:07 Lifelong Participation in Sports

27:58 Investor Insights and Grit in Founders

Andy Sandler, Temerity Capital - The Art of Investing in Sports Teams Temerity Capital Partners is the Sandler family office and private investment company. Under the Temerity Capital umbrella is Temerity Baseball, which focuses on sports team ownership and real estate development. Temerity Baseball owns and operates three professional baseball teams: the Greensboro Grasshoppers, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, and Lexington Legends. They are also minority investors in the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Sandler Family recently got into women's sports with their investment in the Columbus Fury, a Major League Volleyball team. Andy Sandler is a senior partner at Mitchell Sandler, founder of Asurity Advisors, and leads Temerity Capital. Andy previously founded and led the Buckley Sandler law firm and Treliant Risk Advisors, which he sold in 2017.

Podcast Chapters:

02:33 Investment Philosophy and Community Impact

05:18 Transitioning Minor League Ownership

08:00 Community Building in Sports

09:43 The Role of Community in Sports Ownership

12:27 Real Estate Development and Sports

14:07 Utilizing Stadiums Beyond Game Days

19:50 Technology and Shared Services in Sports Ownership

23:53 The Centralized League Model vs. Community Ownership

29:02 Evaluating Team Culture and Leadership

33:01 The Rise of Women's Sports

35:56 Investment Insights and Lessons Learned

Mike Carney is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of OnDeck Partners, a sports business and investment company focused on elevating the fan experience and driving sustainable growth across the communities it serves. With a career spanning leadership roles in both Major League and Minor League Baseball, Mike has built a reputation for developing high-performing organizations, fostering strong cultures, and creating long-term value through sports.

Before launching OnDeck Partners, Mike served as EVP of Business Operations and Chief Revenue Officer for the Washington Nationals, where he led large teams across revenue, strategy, and operations. His leadership contributed to the organization's growth and success, including the Nationals' historic 2019 World Series Championship. Throughout his career, Mike has remained passionate about the unique role sports teams play as economic and cultural anchors within their communities.

At OnDeck Partners, Mike is helping reimagine the future of Minor League Baseball by investing in community-first clubs and creating new opportunities for fan engagement, live events, and local impact. In this conversation, he shares why Minor League Baseball remains one of the most compelling opportunities in sports today, how community serves as the foundation of every successful franchise, and why the future of sports ownership may be rooted in creating unforgettable local experiences.

Podcast Chapters:

02:30 The Importance of Community in Minor League Baseball

05:21 Why Minor League Baseball? A Unique Opportunity

07:59 Exploring the Teams: Visalia Rawhide and Montgomery Biscuits

10:31 Partnerships and Ownership Structures in Minor League Baseball

13:15 Business Models: Cash Flow and Long-Term Strategy

16:05 Multi-Club Ownership: Learning from Others

18:37 Revenue Streams in Minor League Baseball

21:30 Activating the Ballpark Beyond Baseball

24:21 Technology and AI in Minor League Operations

26:40 Trends to Watch in Sports and Fan Engagement

29:28 Looking Ahead: The Future of On Deck Partners

Evan Dabby is the CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer, one of the largest state soccer associations in the United States, serving more than 120,000 players annually. With over 25 years of experience across professional and grassroots soccer, Evan has played a key role in shaping the growth of the sport in America, from his time at Major League Soccer to leading youth soccer development throughout New Jersey.Before joining New Jersey Youth Soccer, Evan spent 15 seasons at Major League Soccer, overseeing major initiatives across event operations, competition management, team travel, sports medicine, venue operations, and league logistics. During a period of significant growth for MLS, he helped execute MLS Cup Finals, All-Star Games, and league-wide events while witnessing firsthand the evolution of soccer in the United States.Today, Evan leads New Jersey Youth Soccer's efforts to expand access, improve player development pathways, reduce barriers to participation, and strengthen the youth soccer ecosystem. Under his leadership, the organization has grown participation while maintaining affordable registration costs, expanding programs for underserved communities, and investing in coach education, player safety, and grassroots development.In this episode, Evan shares his perspective on the future of youth soccer in America, the challenges of pay-to-play, the importance of player retention and enjoyment, and how major events like the FIFA World Cup, Women's World Cup, and LA28 Olympics can accelerate the growth of the game. He also discusses the evolving youth soccer landscape, technology's role in player development, and why creating lifelong connections to sport matters far beyond the field.Podcast Chapters:02:27 The Evolution of Soccer in the U.S.05:15 Current Trends in Youth Soccer07:58 Stakeholders in Youth Soccer: A Complex Landscape10:40 New Jersey Youth Soccer: Mission and Impact13:21 The Role of Parents and Community in Youth Soccer15:52 Technology's Influence on Soccer Development18:33 Looking Ahead: Optimism and Challenges in Soccer21:12 The Buzz Around the World Cup24:07 Future Trends in Soccer: What to Watch For

Bobby Basham is a longtime executive with the Chicago Cubs, where he focuses on player development, innovation, and emerging technologies that help shape the future of baseball. With more than two decades of experience in the sport as both a player and front-office leader, Bobby has been at the forefront of integrating data, sports science, and technology into professional baseball operations.

In addition to his work with the Cubs, Bobby is the co-founder of Union Baseball Systems, a player development organization based in San Diego that supports athletes from youth baseball through the professional ranks. He is also an active advisor and investor in sports and technology companies, helping founders build solutions that improve athlete performance, health, and development.

Known for bridging the gap between sports, technology, and business, Bobby brings a unique perspective on innovation, leadership, and the future of the sports industry.

Chapters:

00:55 Bobby's Background and Experience in Baseball

03:47 Evaluating Technology and Innovation in Baseball

06:31 Balancing Tradition and Professionalism in Baseball

10:05 Insights on Founders and Technology Pitches

13:01 Understanding Organizational Pain Points

15:47 The Role of Athletes in Entrepreneurship

17:47 Cubs' Approach to Early-Stage Innovations

21:12 Future Opportunities in the Sports Industry

Kira Pritchard and Jon Solomon are leading voices in youth sports development and access, working to create healthier, more equitable pathways for young athletes through research, philanthropy, and community impact. Together, they recently collaborated on the State of Soccer in New York City & North Jersey report, an in-depth examination of the opportunities, challenges, and future of youth soccer in one of the most influential regions in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kira Pritchard serves as Program Director at The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, a New York City-based philanthropic organization focused on expanding access and opportunity through arts, education, health, and youth development initiatives. She helps lead the Fund’s Play to Thrive initiative, a $10 million multi-year effort designed to leverage youth sports as a vehicle for mental health, well-being, and community connection.Through partnerships with organizations such as Gotham FC, Street Soccer USA, South Bronx United, and City Parks Foundation, Kira works to increase access to quality sports experiences and address barriers facing young athletes, particularly girls and underserved communities.Jon Solomon is the Editorial Director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program and Project Play initiative, where he helps lead national efforts to increase youth sports participation and improve the quality of sports experiences for children across the United States. Through Project Play, Jon works alongside leagues, governing bodies, brands, municipalities, and community organizations to create more accessible, affordable, and youth-centered sports systems. His work includes research on youth participation trends, coaching development, athlete well-being, and the growing challenges surrounding the commercialization of youth sports.

Chapters:

01:10 The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund and Youth Sports

04:22 Research Insights on Youth Soccer Participation

07:55 Bridging Theory to Practice in Youth Sports

11:48 Commercialization and Corporate Partnerships in Youth Sports

14:18 Steering the Future of Youth Sports

18:25 Local Champions and Community Engagement

21:10 Leveraging Digital Communities for Youth Engagement

24:20 The World Cup Opportunity for Youth Soccer

28:05 The Future of Youth Sports Development

31:29 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts

Benjamin Grubbs is a media executive, investor, and operator focused on the intersection of the creator economy, digital media, sports, and consumer brands. As Managing Partner at Creator Capital, Ben works with founders, creators, and emerging companies shaping the future of content, commerce, and community-driven businesses.

Over the past two decades, Ben has held leadership roles across some of the world’s most influential media and technology companies, including YouTube, Google, Turner Broadcasting, Yahoo, and eBay. During his time at YouTube, Ben helped drive global creator partnerships and platform growth across international markets, witnessing firsthand the evolution of creators from hobbyists into scalable media businesses and global brands.

Throughout his career, Ben has worked across North America and Asia, helping scale media, commerce, and platform businesses globally while studying how communities form around content, creators, and fandom. His perspective on the future of sports media, social commerce, AI, and creator-driven businesses has made him a sought-after advisor, speaker, and investor across sports, technology, and entertainment.

Ben shares insights on the rise of the creator economy, the evolution of YouTube and digital media, the growth of creator-led sports brands like Good Good Golf, and how platforms such as TikTok, Roblox, Whatnot, and YouTube are reshaping fan engagement and commerce. 

Podcast Chapters: 

02:50 Ben Grubb's Journey in Media and Sports

05:18 The Rise of the Creator Economy

08:11 The Evolution of Sports Content on YouTube

10:47 Good Good Golf: A Case Study in Creator-Led Brands

13:21 Investment Insights in the Creator Economy

16:20 The Future of Sports Media and Community Engagement

19:11 Leveraging New Platforms for Sports Engagement

21:40 AI's Role in Content Creation and Community Management

27:35 Engagement Trends and Brand Strategy

29:20 Staying Sharp as an Investor

30:31 Learning from the Next Generation

31:48 Advice for Non-Traditional Creators

Jed Collins is a former NFL fullback, financial educator, and entrepreneur helping athletes build lasting success beyond the game. After being cut 13 times during his NFL career, Jed became the No. 1 rated fullback in the league through grit, resilience, and relentless consistency. Today, he is the founder of Money Vehicle, where he educates professional and collegiate athletes on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, personal branding, and long-term wealth creation.

Over the past 15+ years, Jed has worked with athletes across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and NWSL, teaching the language of money through an education-first approach. While earning his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation during his NFL offseasons, he discovered a passion for helping athletes prepare for life beyond sports, not as clients, but as business athletes. Through Money Vehicle, he now works with thousands of players and teams, helping them navigate investing, NIL opportunities, wealth management, and entrepreneurship.

Throughout his career, Jed has shared locker rooms and experiences with some of football’s biggest names, including Drew Brees, Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford, Andy Reid, and Kellen Moore. His perspective on resilience, mindset, and storytelling has made him a sought-after speaker and educator across sports and business communities.

An interesting fact: Jed began journaling during his NFL career as a way to process uncertainty, setbacks, and growth while fighting to stay in the league. Years later, those journals became the foundation for Fourth & Goal—a project designed to help the next generation of athletes and entrepreneurs capture their own stories before AI replaces authentic human experiences.

Podcast Chapters:

02:07 Redefining Failure and Grit

05:28 The Language of Money

06:50 Consistency in Athlete Development

10:27 Advice for Founders Working with Athletes

16:37 Navigating Chaos and Control

20:47 The Launch of Fourth and Goal

21:15 Building a Legacy Through Storytelling

22:23 Capturing Personal Experiences

24:37 The Role of Journaling in Personal Branding

25:57 Reflections on Past Experiences

27:10 The Cocktail Party Moment

28:28 Lessons from the Field

30:37 The Importance of Documenting Moments

31:21 Connecting the Dots of Experience

32:16 Identifying Patterns for Greatness

33:15 The Significance of Day 214

36:39 Creating Meaningful Human Moments

38:36 The Essence of Sport and Personal Growth

Ayden Syal is the Founder & CEO of MOGL, a leading athlete influencer marketing platform helping brands connect with more than 30,000 college athletes for sponsorships, endorsements, and digital campaigns. Founded in 2019 ahead of the NIL era, MOGL quickly became one of the first platforms built to streamline athlete-brand partnerships at scale, automating everything from campaign matching and contracts to disclosures and reporting.

Under Ayden’s leadership, MOGL has helped shape the evolving NIL landscape by giving brands direct access to athlete creators while helping athletes monetize their influence more efficiently. The platform now leverages AI agents, first-party athlete data, and paid social capabilities to help brands activate campaigns faster and deliver measurable ROI through athlete-driven marketing.

Before launching MOGL, Ayden worked in banking and private equity after graduating from the University of Notre Dame, where he first recognized the opportunity to connect athletes and brands in a more scalable and compliant way. What began as a side project built during the uncertainty of the pandemic evolved into one of the most recognized athlete marketing platforms in the NIL ecosystem.

Podcast Chapters:

01:18 Aidan's Journey and the Birth of MOGL

02:50 Navigating Chaos: Founding Mogul During Uncertainty

06:18 Raising Capital in a Blue Ocean Opportunity

09:11 Evolving the Business: Staying Ahead of Market Trends

14:00 Understanding the NIL Landscape

19:06 Expanding into High School Athletes and Future Markets

22:31 Engaging Alumni and Former Athletes

25:04 Future Trends in NIL and Private Equity

28:32 Memorable Campaigns and Insights on Non-Revenue Sports

31:24 Connecting with MOGL: Opportunities for Athletes and Brands

Brett Goldberg, co-founder of TickPick, and John Brennan, founder of AC Momento, break down how ticketing and fan engagement are evolving, and why the future of live events is about more than just the transaction.

Memento was acquired by TickPick in late 2025 and continues to operate as a standalone platform. Together, they’re building for millions of fans attending live events each year, combining transaction and emotional data to create a more complete fan ecosystem. More than 20 million tickets have already been transformed into Momentos.

Brett shares how TickPick disrupted the ticketing industry by prioritizing transparency with all-in pricing and building a platform designed to help fans make smarter purchasing decisions. Meanwhile, John dives into the origin of AC Momento, a platform built to capture and relive live event experiences, turning ticket stubs into rich, personalized digital memories.

From AI-driven ticket recommendations to post-event engagement and community-driven content, this highlights how platforms are beginning to serve fans before, during, and long after the event ends. They also unpack the strategic thinking behind TickPick’s acquisition of Memento, the power of combining transaction and emotional data, and how this unlocks a more holistic fan ecosystem. From World Cup-scale opportunities to everyday fandom, this episode dives into how technology, data, and storytelling are redefining the live event experience.

Podcast Chapters:

01:01 The Founding Stories of TickPick and Momento

05:39 The Evolution of Fandom and Ticketing

09:06 The Acquisition of Memento by TickPick

10:22 Understanding the Target Audience of Memento

13:07 Leveraging Fan Data for Enhanced Experiences

15:24 Insights on the Acquisition Process

17:47 Future Vision Beyond Ticketing

19:27 Industry Trends in Ticketing

21:05 Bridging Digital and Physical Experiences

24:30 Building a Community Around Live Events

28:29 Capitalizing on the World Cup Opportunity

31:14 The Future of Fandom

Jack Pfeiffer and Cole Rubin are the co-founders of FanFeed and are redefining how teams, leagues, and artists understand and engage their audiences.

Jack and Cole break down the fundamental shift from ticket buyers to verified attendees, and why owning first-party fan data is becoming one of the most valuable assets in sports and live entertainment. They share how FanFeed leverages camera roll data and AI to build a more authentic picture of fandom, unlocking hyper-personalized experiences, smarter ticketing, and more effective sponsorship strategies.

The conversation dives into the future of ticketing, where AI-powered recommendations replace endless browsing, and fans receive curated offers based on their behavior, preferences, and history. They also explore how emerging leagues, colleges, and smaller teams can use these tools to compete with larger organizations by building deeper, one-to-one relationships with their fans.

From NIL-driven opportunities in college sports to the evolution of sponsorship sales, and the blending of digital and physical fan experiences, this episode highlights how data, personalization, and technology are reshaping the entire live event ecosystem.

Podcast Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to FanFeed and Its Founders

06:21 Understanding FanFeed's Core Products

11:00 The Shift from Ticket Buying to Verified Attendance

17:31 The Impact of Verified Attendance on Brands and Sponsorships

24:46 Emerging Markets and Custom Solutions in Live Events

30:26 The Future of Fandom: Blending Digital and Physical Experiences

Ricardo Briceno is the CEO of GameFam, a leading metaverse gaming company helping global brands and sports properties connect with younger audiences through immersive digital experiences. With a career rooted in brand building at Procter & Gamble and Mattel, Ricardo has spent years mastering how to create meaningful engagement with consumers. At GameFam, he brings that expertise into the world of gaming, specifically Roblox, where he’s helping redefine how IP, entertainment, and sports intersect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

Ricardo breaks down how platforms like Roblox are reshaping fan engagement, why authenticity and scale are critical for brands entering the space, and how GameFam is working with major organizations like FIFA to build the future of sports fandom ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He shares insights into bridging digital and real-world experiences, the evolution of gaming as a social platform, and why the biggest opportunity isn’t immediate monetization, but long-term fan development. This episode is a deep dive into the next generation of sports consumption and the platforms defining it.

Podcast Chapters:

01:07 Ricardo's Journey and GameFam's Mission

04:05 Understanding Roblox: The Gaming Community Platform

07:52 Authenticity in Sports Engagement on Roblox

12:04 Bridging Digital and Real-Life Experiences

15:44 Monetization vs. Fandom: The Roblox Opportunity

19:23 Media Rights and Engagement in Roblox

21:24 The Evolution of Athletes and Creators on Roblox

24:00 The Human Experience on Roblox

25:22 GameFam's Plans for the World Cup

27:43 Engagement Strategies for Leagues and Clubs

29:08 How to Collaborate with GameFam

Joseph Graziano III, Li-Shen Lee, and Eric Herd are leaders at the intersection of sports, technology, and data, working together to redefine how teams, brands, and fans connect in a modern, global ecosystem. Joseph serves as Chief Commercial Officer at Pacers Sports & Entertainment, bringing experience from the NBA and WNBA in building global partnerships. Li-Shen is a Partner at Deloitte and leads Converge for Sports, focusing on data-driven solutions across industries. Eric is the Global Head of Sports and Emerging Products at Yieldmo, specializing in AI-powered advertising and fan engagement at scale.

At the center of this conversation is the launch of the Fieldhouse Media Network, a new platform designed to unlock Pacers Sports & Entertainment’s 75 million global fans. Announced in collaboration with Deloitte and Yieldmo, the platform combines Converge™ by Deloitte’s predictive fan intelligence, PS&E’s first-party data, and Yieldmo’s Ymax.ai ad engine to deliver targeted brand content across sports blogs, streaming platforms, and news sites meeting fans where they already are. Taking this conversation beyond the podcast, the initiative represents a major shift in how teams think about media, allowing PS&E to monetize fans outside Indiana, sell multiple brands per category, and prove measurable ROI at scale, effectively bridging the gap between national reach and team-level intimacy for the first time.

Together, they break down how this model transforms traditional sponsorships into data-driven, performance-based media opportunities. The discussion explores how teams can better understand and monetize the full fan ecosystem, not just those attending games, but the vast majority engaging digitally. From AI-powered personalization and global fan expansion to the rise of women’s and youth sports, this episode highlights how technology is reshaping the commercial future of sports and turning teams into true media platforms.

Podcast Chapters:

08:47 Innovative Partnerships and Market Expansion

12:41 Rethinking Sponsorship and Monetization Models

17:46 The Power of Fandom and Data-Driven Engagement

26:44 Future Trends in Sports and Youth Engagement

32:11 Connected TV and the Next Era of Fan Engagement

Jared Kleinstein is an entrepreneur, founder, and creative operator best known for building Fresh Tape Media and Gondola, two companies at the intersection of sports storytelling, digital media, and creator infrastructure. As the Founder of Fresh Tape Media, he leads a full-service creative production company working with major leagues, teams, and global brands to solve large-scale storytelling and content challenges across sports and entertainment.

He is also the founder of the Gondola Sports Summit, a flagship industry event now entering its third year of bringing together sports social, creative, and production professionals to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of sports media. The 2026 edition takes place May 18–20 at the Denver Art Museum in Denver, Colorado, and features a growing lineup of 2026 speakers and industry leaders shaping the future of sports media and creativity. The Summit is designed for social media managers, directors of creative, videographers, photographers, graphic designers, producers, copywriters, and strategists, offering hands-on opportunities to level up skills, collaborate with peers, and engage directly with leaders driving innovation in sports. It blends panels, networking, and immersive IRL experiences to strengthen the creative ecosystem across the industry.

Across both his companies, he explores how teams and brands are rethinking influencer strategy, building on-demand creative networks, and adapting to a fragmented but opportunity-rich media landscape. He also shares insights on how sports, technology, and real-world experiences are converging to reshape how content is made and consumed.

Podcast Chapters:

01:31 The Evolution of Fresh Tape and Gondola

03:57 Trends in Sports Content Creation

08:22 Expanding Influence in Collegiate and Youth Sports

10:36 The Rise of Live Shopping and Community Engagement

12:38 The Gondola Summit: Bringing Creatives Together

19:15 Balancing Multiple Ventures as an Entrepreneur

22:54 Staying Current in a Rapidly Changing Market

25:05 Future Trends in Creator Empowerment and Storytelling

Jared Kleinstein is an entrepreneur, founder, and creative operator best known for building Fresh Tape Media and Gondola, two companies at the intersection of sports storytelling, digital media, and creator infrastructure. As the Founder of Fresh Tape Media, he leads a full-service creative production company working with major leagues, teams, and global brands to solve large-scale storytelling and content challenges across sports and entertainment.He is also the founder of the Gondola Sports Summit, a flagship industry event now entering its third year of bringing together sports social, creative, and production professionals to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of sports media. The 2026 edition takes place May 18–20 at the Denver Art Museum in Denver, Colorado, and features a growing lineup of 2026 speakers and industry leaders shaping the future of sports media and creativity. The Summit is designed for social media managers, directors of creative, videographers, photographers, graphic designers, producers, copywriters, and strategists, offering hands-on opportunities to level up skills, collaborate with peers, and engage directly with leaders driving innovation in sports. It blends panels, networking, and immersive IRL experiences to strengthen the creative ecosystem across the industry.Across both his companies, he explores how teams and brands are rethinking influencer strategy, building on-demand creative networks, and adapting to a fragmented but opportunity-rich media landscape. He also shares insights on how sports, technology, and real-world experiences are converging to reshape how content is made and consumed.Podcast Chapters:01:31 The Evolution of Fresh Tape and Gondola03:57 Trends in Sports Content Creation08:22 Expanding Influence in Collegiate and Youth Sports10:36 The Rise of Live Shopping and Community Engagement12:38 The Gondola Summit: Bringing Creatives Together19:15 Balancing Multiple Ventures as an Entrepreneur22:54 Staying Current in a Rapidly Changing Market25:05 Future Trends in Creator Empowerment and Storytelling

Jared Kleinstein:

Get Gondola Sports Summit Tickets: https://sportssummit.gondola.cc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-kleinstein/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Tom Porricelli is a Partner and Head of Technology and Sports at Citrin Cooperman, where he has spent over 15 years helping founders, operators, and middle-market companies navigate growth, financial strategy, and long-term value creation. With a background as a collegiate athlete, Tom brings a unique blend of competitive mindset and technical expertise, bridging the gap between traditional accounting and the evolving sports business landscape. His work focuses on supporting founders at every stage, from early formation to exit; while helping them avoid common financial pitfalls and build sustainable businesses.

Citrin Cooperman is a leading advisory and accounting firm that has evolved far beyond traditional audit and tax services. The firm specializes in working with high-growth companies across industries, with a strong focus on the sports, media, and technology ecosystem. By taking a tailored, relationship-first approach, Citrin supports founders with strategic guidance around capital, tax optimization (including QSBS and R&D credits), and long-term planning, positioning itself as a true partner rather than just a service provider.

In this episode, Tom shares how sports has emerged as a powerful and under-institutionalized asset class, and why founders need more than a one-size-fits-all approach when building in this space. The conversation dives into the importance of community-driven growth, non-transactional relationship building, and how firms like Citrin are leveraging ecosystems like Profluence to better support innovators. Tom also breaks down key financial strategies every founder should understand, offering practical insights on capital decisions, tax advantages, and how to build with the right partners from day one.

Podcast Chapters:

02:40 The Evolution of Sports as an Asset Class

05:50 Building Relationships in the Sports Ecosystem

08:33 Leveraging Community for Growth

11:20 Innovative Approaches to Client Engagement

14:15 Advice for Founders on Financial Strategies

17:09 Looking Ahead: The Future of Sports and Accounting

Kevin McReynolds is the Founder & CEO of Overnght, a global streaming platform redefining how Olympic and underrepresented sports are distributed, consumed, and monetized. After seeing firsthand how elite athletes struggled with visibility and support outside of the Olympic spotlight, Kevin set out to build a solution that gives these sports—and their athletes—the attention they deserve year-round.

Through Overnght, Kevin is aggregating fragmented media rights across sports like water polo, rowing, and more, creating a centralized destination for fans, families, and communities worldwide. By combining innovative distribution, data-driven strategy, and a deep focus on athlete storytelling, Overnght is unlocking new revenue streams and building a more sustainable future for Olympic sports—especially as momentum builds toward the 2028 Summer Olympics.

In this episode, Kevin joins to break down the opportunity in overlooked sports, how he’s navigating complex rights landscapes, and why community, storytelling, and accessibility are at the core of his strategy. He also shares insights on athlete-driven growth, the role of emerging media models, and what it will take to elevate Olympic sports on a global scale.

Podcast Chapters:

01:02 The Inspiration Behind Overnght

03:11 Understanding the Overnght Platform

04:43 Challenges in the Olympic Sports Space

07:52 Acquisition Strategy for Sports Rights

10:06 Impact of the 2028 Olympics on Business

12:01 Leveraging the Sporting Ecosystem

14:32 Engaging Younger Audiences and Future Stars

20:04 Exploring Prediction Markets and Advertising

21:45 Content Strategy for Youth and Junior Sports

24:19 The Future of Sports as Media Brands

27:10 Aha Moments in Building Overnght

31:13 Looking Ahead to the 2028 Olympics

Steve Bellamy is founder of Tipti, creator of The Tennis Channel, and a lifelong pioneer in racket sports. From coaching world-class athletes to leading Kodak and now launching an entirely new sport, Steve shares the journey behind Tipti and why he believes it could reshape how the world plays and experiences racket sports.

Steve breaks down the origin story of Tipti—from a simple workaround at a junior tennis camp to a fast-growing global movement. He explains how the sport blends elements of tennis and badminton, why it thrives on existing pickleball infrastructure, and how it unlocks a more dynamic, engaging, and accessible playing experience. We also dive into his unique philosophy: building for the love of the game, not just financial outcomes.

Beyond the product, this conversation explores what it really takes to build a sport from the ground up. From assembling a high-value investor network to creating viral, shareable gameplay moments, Steve shares insights on scaling, storytelling, and why racket sports may be one of the most resilient opportunities in a rapidly changing, AI-driven world.

Podcast Chapters:

01:00 Steve's Journey in Racket Sports

03:42 The Concept and Development of Tipti

06:36 Educating Players and Clubs about Tipti

09:14 Steve's Vision for Racket Sports

12:40 Steve's Passion for Racket Sports

14:50 Leveraging Storytelling in Marketing Tipti

19:08 Building a Strong Investor Base

25:28 International Expansion and Infrastructure

Henrik Teisbæk, co-founder of Veo, joins the Profluence Sports Podcast to share how his company is transforming the way sports are captured, analyzed, and experienced around the world. What started as a simple idea—making it possible for everyday athletes to relive their moments—has grown into a global platform used by over 50,000 clubs across 100+ countries. Henrik breaks down how Veo’s portable camera and AI-powered software are democratizing access to video, turning every game into a source of insight, development, and lasting memories.

Diving deeper, Henrik explains the journey of building Veo from Denmark into a global sports tech leader, navigating the complexities of hardware, supply chain, and international expansion. He shares lessons on scaling across markets, building a product for multiple sports, and creating a system that serves both elite clubs and grassroots teams. From empowering coaches with better tools to unlocking data-driven development for athletes, Veo sits at the intersection of sports, technology, and accessibility.

This episode explores the bigger picture of where sports tech is headed—from AI-powered insights and automated video breakdowns to the growing importance of authentic, real-world experiences in an increasingly digital world. Henrik and Andrew discuss why youth sports remain one of the most important and underutilized ecosystems globally, and how platforms like Veo are shaping the future of participation, storytelling, and performance in sports.

Podcast Chapters:

02:11 The Evolution of Youth Sports Technology

08:15 Building a Global Company from Denmark

10:34 Understanding Customer Needs in Different Markets

14:14 Navigating Challenges in Product Development

18:21 Fundraising Journey and Investor Perspectives

21:05 The Role of AI in Sports Technology

24:29 Future Trends in Sports and Technology

Justin Hoveler, President of U.S. Sports Camps, has spent his life immersed in athletics, growing up in a family that helped pioneer the youth camp industry nearly 50 years ago. From playing multiple sports as a kid to competing in college and working across the sports ecosystem, Justin brings a deeply personal and professional perspective to youth development. His journey—from early exposure to camps to leading one of the most established platforms in the space—reflects a lifelong commitment to keeping sports accessible, impactful, and fun for the next generation.

Today, Justin leads U.S. Sports Camps under the broader Youth Enrichment Brands umbrella, working with top coaches and partners to deliver best-in-class camp experiences across the country and globally. The organization focuses on creating environments where kids can explore sports without pressure, develop skills, and build confidence. With a strong emphasis on multi-sport participation, local accessibility, and coach-led experiences, Justin and his team are navigating industry shifts—from rising costs and early specialization to NIL pressures and emerging sports like flag football—while staying rooted in their core mission: keeping kids engaged in sports through joy and discovery.

In this episode, Justin joins Profluence podcast to unpack the evolving youth sports landscape; from the importance of fun and experimentation to the realities of commercialization, cost, and participation decline. They explore how camps serve as a critical entry point for young athletes, the balance between innovation and fundamentals, and how organizations can better support coaches and parents alike. The conversation also dives into global expansion, emerging sports trends, and why the future of sports depends on creating positive, inclusive experiences that keep kids playing longer.

Richard Odell is a seasoned leader in education, arts, and sports development, with a career spanning institutions like IMG Academy, Spire Academy, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and the Chicago Academy for the Arts. With a unique background that bridges both the arts and athletics, Odell has spent decades shaping environments that prioritize holistic student growth and long-term success.

He is now the driving force behind Masters Academy International (MAI), a next-generation institution based in the Boston area that reimagines how young athletes are developed. MAI combines elite sports training, rigorous academics, personal development, and career preparation into one integrated model — giving students the opportunity to pursue both playing and non-playing careers in sports, from medicine to media.

In this episode, we dive into the future of education, the shortcomings of traditional school systems, and why a more personalized, real-world learning approach is critical. Odell shares insights from his experience at IMG and Spire, the vision behind MAI, and how this model could reshape both sports and education for the next generation.

Podcast Chapters:

00:59 The Birth of Masters Academy International (MAI)

07:31 Innovative Educational Structure at MAI

12:55 The Future of Education and Its Challenges

17:16 Bridging the Gap in Education

22:34 The Role of Confidence in Learning

30:03 The Vision for MAI and Its Impact

Alec Boccanfuso and Charles LaRosa are part of the investment team at Gabelli Funds, where they focus on identifying opportunities across the evolving sports, media, and entertainment landscape. Alec specializes in communications services and technology, with a focus on interactive entertainment and outdoor leisure, while Charles leads the firm’s ETF initiatives, overseeing strategy, product development, and distribution.Together, they are helping shape one of the more innovative approaches to sports investing through the development of a Sports ETF—designed to give investors exposure to the broader sports ecosystem. Their work spans public markets, covering everything from teams and leagues to media rights, gaming, and live entertainment, offering a diversified way to participate in the growth of the industry.In this episode, they join the conversation to break down how the sports ecosystem is defined from an investment perspective, why ETFs are becoming an attractive vehicle for accessing sports assets, and where they see the biggest opportunities emerging globally. They also share insights on market trends, the role of live entertainment, and how investors should think about long-term value creation in sports.Podcast Chapters:02:30 Defining the Sports Ecosystem05:23 Investment Strategy and Portfolio Holdings07:46 The Appeal of ETFs in Sports Investment10:31 Market Trends and Future Opportunities13:33 Global Perspective on Sports Assets 16:05 Challenges and Rebuttals in Sports Investment 18:43 Long-term Vision and Market Dynamics 21:42 The Role of Live Entertainment in Sports 24:20 Conclusion and Future OutlookProfluence Sports:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Gabelli: 🏠 Website: https://www.gabelli.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/investgabelli/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/investgabelliThanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Bobby Sharma is the Founder and Managing Partner of Bluestone Equity Partners, an institutional private equity firm focused on investing across the global sports, media, and entertainment ecosystem. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as one of the most experienced operators and investors in the industry, working across finance, strategy, league operations, and global sports development.

Before launching Bluestone, Sharma held leadership roles across several of the most influential organizations in sports. He served as Global Head of Basketball and Strategic Initiatives at IMG, where he helped expand sports businesses worldwide, developing leagues, academies, and media rights strategies across emerging markets including India, China, Brazil, and Africa. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly a decade helping build the NBA G League while working closely with the National Basketball Association on league operations, franchise development, and global strategy.

In this episode of the Profluence Sports Podcast, Bobby joins Andrew Petcash to discuss the evolution of sports as a global investment category, how private equity evaluates opportunities across leagues, media, and technology, and what founders should understand when building scalable businesses in the sports ecosystem.

Podcast Chapters:

02:27 Transitioning from Operations to Investment

04:50 The Role of Networking in Sports

07:11 Insights on Institutional Investment in Sports

10:07 Understanding the LP Perspective

12:33 The Complexity of Sports Investments

15:04 Emerging Trends in Sports and Entertainment

17:20 Investment Strategies and Portfolio Construction

19:54 Future of Sports Investments

22:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Joe Hollywood is the founder and host of one of the top sports collectibles shows on Whatnot, where he has built a massive community around live sports card breaking and memorabilia. What started as selling cards next to a hot water heater in his basement has grown into a full-scale operation with nearly 40 employees and live shows that attract thousands of collectors and fans. Through his platform, Joe has helped transform the sports collectibles experience into an interactive, community-driven form of live entertainment.Known for his high-energy broadcasts and deep knowledge of the collectibles market, Joe has become a leading voice in the world of sports cards and memorabilia. His shows feature rare pulls, major giveaways, and a loyal community of collectors who tune in daily. By combining live commerce, storytelling, and fan engagement, Joe has helped push sports collectibles into a new era of digital-first fandom.In this episode of the Profluence Sports Podcast, Joe joins Scott to share his journey into the collectibles world, the growth of card breaking, and how platforms like Whatnot are reshaping the sports memorabilia market. They discuss the rise of live commerce, the global expansion of the collectibles industry, and why community has become the most valuable asset in the space.Podcast Chapters:02:49 Understanding Card Breaking and Community Building05:21 The Evolution of Collectibles and Their Value08:22 The Intersection of Physical and Digital Collectibles11:21 Transitioning from Hobby to Business16:43 Building Community and Real-World Impact19:30 Bridging Digital Engagements to In-Person Experiences22:04 Building Connections and Community in Sports Memorabilia24:26 Nostalgia and Legacy in Sports28:04 The Mechanics of a Successful Memorabilia Business32:16 Emerging Trends in the Memorabilia Market36:19 Unforgettable Moments in Memorabilia Collecting

Fencing is one of the oldest Olympic sports — but until now, it has never had a true professional league. In this episode of the Profluence Sports Podcast, Andrew Petcash sits down with Miles Chamley-Watson, Olympic medalist and three-time Olympian, and Leo Rifkind, investor and co-founder of the World Fencing League, to discuss their mission to bring fencing into the modern sports landscape.

The conversation explores how the World Fencing League plans to transform fencing from a niche Olympic sport into a scalable global league. By introducing AI blade-tracking technology, evolving competition formats, and creating a clear economic pathway for athletes, the WFL aims to make fencing easier for fans to understand while providing professional opportunities for elite competitors.

Miles and Leo also share how they’re building the league from the ground up — from athlete recruitment and rule experimentation to media strategy and brand partnerships. With the WFL debut event set to launch in Los Angeles, the episode highlights the broader vision to bring fencing into the mainstream and create a new era for one of sport’s most historic disciplines.

Podcast Chapters:

02:29 The Evolution of Fencing and Technology

05:04 Understanding the Fencing Ecosystem

10:38 The Future of Fencing: Opportunities and Challenges

16:03 Innovations in Fencing: Rule Changes and Audience Engagement

21:32 Commercialization and Branding in Fencing

26:50 Looking Ahead: The Future of the World Fencing League

Miles and Leo:

Website: https://worldfencingleague.org/

Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-rifkind/

https://www.instagram.com/fencer/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/worldfencingleague/?hl=en

Andrew Spalter, Founder and CEO of East Goes Global, joins the show to break down what it actually takes to build and operate globally in sports, entertainment, and consumer brands. What began in 2018 as a focused effort to solve one of the most complex markets in the world has evolved into a fully integrated international operating partner. Spalter built East Goes Global by creating real in-market infrastructure where Western platforms don’t exist and surface-level localization fails, laying the groundwork for scalable global expansion.Under his leadership, East Goes Global has launched and managed more than 700 international channels, grown over 200 million followers, and driven over $100 million in commercial opportunities. The company now operates as an embedded extension of its partners’ teams, owning international execution across social, paid media, creators, partnerships, experiential activations, broadcast distribution, and monetization. Rather than fragmented regional efforts, Spalter has built a unified system that aligns strategy, execution, and measurement across markets.In this conversation, Spalter explains why global growth requires cultural fluency, operational rigor, and accountability; not just translation. He shares how teams, leagues, athletes, and major entertainment IP convert international demand into sustainable revenue, why most “global” strategies fall short, and how owning execution inside native platforms creates real long-term market presence.Podcast Chapters:01:17 Andrew's Journey from Music to Sports Marketing04:19 Identifying Opportunities in Global Markets07:40 Engagement Strategies with NBA Teams and Athletes11:30 The Role of Content Surrogacy in Marketing13:30 The Impact of AI on Sports Marketing15:45 Exploring Global Trends and Cultural Insights17:30 Common Mistakes in Global Expansion19:05 Staying Relevant in Diverse Markets20:29 Overlooked Revenue Opportunities in International Markets22:18 Selecting Clients and Building Partnerships23:48 Adopting Innovative Strategies in Emerging Markets25:16 Memorable Campaigns and Client Success Stories27:37 Parting Insights and Future Aspirations

Barrick Prince is founder of Creator Sports Network, a platform reshaping how live sports reach modern audiences. With a background spanning global television distribution, gaming, and leadership in sports content at Twitch, Barrick is focused on helping leagues, broadcasters, and creators rethink sports distribution for the digital era. Creator Sports Network enables creators to legally co-stream live sports by handling licensing, technology, and production infrastructure — opening a new distribution window designed to reach younger, digitally native fans.

The company’s model reflects a broader shift across the sports ecosystem: audiences are increasingly consuming games through personalities and communities rather than traditional broadcast channels, creating new monetization opportunities for leagues, advertisers, and media companies alike.

Barrick shares insights on how creator-led distribution is expanding globally, why emerging leagues are often early adopters, and how platforms like his are helping sports properties build fandom in an era defined by fragmented media and community-driven engagement.

Podcast Chapters:

02:39 Barrick Prince's Journey in Media and Sports

05:06 Impact of COVID-19 on Sports Consumption

07:59 The Future of Sports Broadcasting

10:41 Emerging Leagues and New Rights Windows

13:31 The Role of Creators in Sports Media

16:12 Monetization Strategies for Creators

19:07 The Global Reach of Creator Sports Network

21:42 The Future of Betting and Creator Engagement

24:28 Advice for Founders in Legacy Industries

Ricardo Marques, SVP of Marketing at Michelob Ultra, joins the show to unpack how one of the world’s most visible consumer brands approaches tent-pole sports moments. With 2026 packed full of global events, including the Winter Olympics and major international competitions, Marques shares how the brand built a year-long strategy centered on showing up alongside fans as they support Team USA.

In the conversation, he breaks down the thinking behind Michelob Ultra’s Olympics activation — from early-stage planning and athlete partnerships to immersive fan experiences like the Lake Placid celebration and the Ultra Summit in Park City. Marques explains how the team balances large-scale brand storytelling with real-time content, retail impact, and authentic athlete relationships, all while operating more like a newsroom than a traditional marketing department.

He also reflects on what defines success for a global sports campaign, how technology and live experiences are reshaping brand engagement, and why starting with a bold vision is critical when executing at Olympic scale. The discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at how modern brands integrate culture, sport, and entertainment to stay relevant with today’s fans.

Podcast Chapters:

02:39 Strategic Decisions Behind the Winter Olympics Activation

05:11 Authenticity in Athlete Partnerships

07:54 The Ultra Summit Experience

10:23 Defining Success in Major Activations

13:13 Future Strategies and Lessons Learned

Joe Caporoso has spent more than a decade helping shape one of the most recognizable digital sports media brands of the social era. Now serving as President of Team Whistle, he leads the company’s overall strategy, partnerships, and growth as it continues to expand its reach with global audiences. His journey from Division III football player to leading a major sports content studio reflects both the evolution of sports media and the rise of social-first storytelling.Over thirteen years with the company, Caporoso helped guide Team Whistle from an emerging digital publisher into a global content engine known for shows like No Days Off and Wife’d Up Mic’d Up. In his current role, he is focused on scaling the business while overseeing its integration into DAZN, aligning Whistle’s social expertise with one of the world’s fastest-growing sports media platforms.Joe shares insights on building brand-safe sports content for modern audiences, how engagement metrics and distribution strategies are evolving, and what it takes to stay relevant in an increasingly crowded content ecosystem. His perspective highlights how authenticity, consistency, and platform-native storytelling are shaping the future of sports media.Podcast Chapters:03:14 The Evolution of Social Media in Sports04:49 Whistle's Positive Content Strategy07:17 Relatable vs. Aspirational Content in Engagement09:04 Maintaining Authenticity in Content Production11:18 Evolving Metrics for Success in Content Creation14:01 Whistle's Role within DAZN and Market Positioning15:51 Capitalizing on Major Sporting Events18:40 Bridging Digital and Real-Life Experiences21:12 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Content Creation23:16 Staying Sharp in a Fast-Paced Industry25:02 Finding Balance in a Digital World26:27 What’s Next for Whistle Sports?27:59 Memorable Experiences in Content Creation

Rufus Hack has spent his career inside some of sport’s most influential institutions, from leadership roles connected to the Ryder Cup and the European Tour to now shaping the future of sport within Sony. As CEO of Sony Sports, Hack is focused on a new challenge: using data, technology, and entertainment platforms to redefine how global audiences engage with sport. His work centers on building a unified ecosystem that connects tracking, officiating, and fan experiences through companies like Hawk-Eye and Beyond Sports.

In the conversation, Hack outlines Sony’s ambition to position sports alongside divisions such as Sony Pictures, Sony Music, and PlayStation as a core pillar of its global entertainment strategy. He explains how advances in optical tracking, biomechanical data, and immersive digital environments are already reshaping officiating, athlete performance, and operations across leagues including the NBA and the NFL.

Hack also reflects on the broader transformation of sport — from always-on content and shifting fan expectations to the role technology plays in emerging leagues and grassroots participation. His perspective highlights how the convergence of data, gaming, and media could define the next era of sports consumption, making sport more interactive, accessible, and globally connected than ever before.

Podcast chapters: 

02:44 Sony Sports and Its Vision

05:28 Acquisitions and Growth Strategy

08:17 Integration and Post-Acquisition Strategy

11:05 Leveraging PlayStation for Sports Engagement

13:42 Emerging Sports and Technology Integration

16:38 Future of Sports Data and Youth Engagement

19:30 Fragmentation in Sports Consumption

22:17 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Rem de Rohan serves as a key growth driver for Aggregate Sports, bringing more than 15 years of senior-level experience in sports marketing and revenue strategy. As Chief Revenue Officer, he leads multiplatform partnership sales, new business development, and integrated partner marketing efforts, helping sports properties maximize value across sponsorship, media, and commercial platforms.Widely recognized for his expertise in building and monetizing the assets of U.S. Olympic National Governing Bodies, Rem de Rohan has delivered consistent double-digit annual revenue growth for his clients. His work spans property sales, media rights strategy, and global event commercialization, with a focus on unlocking untapped partnership opportunities and creating long-term enterprise value.Before joining Aggregate Sports in 2020, Rem de Rohan was a Vice President, equity partner, and head of media and property representation at Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment, where he worked with premier organizations including U.S. Ski & Snowboard, U.S. Figure Skating, and the Mexican National Soccer Team. He began his career at ESPN and ABC and is a graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.Podcast Chapters:02:49 Understanding the Olympic Movement and NGBs05:25 The Role of Brands in Olympic Sports08:29 Storylines for the Upcoming Winter Olympics10:52 The Structure of the Olympic Ecosystem13:48 Funding Challenges in U.S. Olympic Sports16:28 The Impact of Government Funding on Sports19:29 Successful Brand Campaigns in Olympic Sports22:11 Trends in Sports and the Future of Athlete Branding

Mitch Heath is a founding member of Teamworks and one of the key operators behind its growth into the leading operating system for elite sports organizations. Joining the company in 2010 while finishing his undergraduate degree at Duke, Mitch spent the 2010s helping scale Teamworks at the intersection of technology and sports, serving as both Chief Operating Officer and Chief Growth Officer as the company expanded across collegiate athletics, professional leagues, Olympic teams, and into the tactical sector.

In 2020, Mitch moved to Europe to help lead Teamworks’ global expansion. After navigating the challenges of the pandemic, he helped establish the platform across major international markets, making Madrid and London home while launching Teamworks with organizations in LaLiga and the Premier League. His experience building across cultures, leagues, and operating environments shaped Teamworks’ disciplined approach to adoption, product-market fit, and long-term partnerships.

Today, Mitch is back in the U.S., continuing to support Teamworks by coaching executives, advising clients globally, and leading the company’s Advisory Board. Outside of Teamworks, he works closely with founders and leadership teams as an advisor and board member, supporting high-growth companies, non-profits, and impact-driven organizations. His mission is simple: help high-potential leaders bring ambitious visions to life—while building companies the right way and taking care of the people behind them.

Podcast Chapters: 

01:08 Mitch Heath's Origin Story and Teamworks' Foundation

06:16 Navigating Product Market Fit and Expansion Strategy

09:48 Building vs. Buying: Strategic Decisions in Growth

15:59 Driving Adoption and User Engagement

23:54 Optimism in the Evolving Sports Industry

28:16 Future Trends and Opportunities in Sports

Dov Penzik is a category-defining operator in competitive socializing and sports entertainment, best known for helping build and scale iconic concepts including Bounce, Flight Club Darts, and Puttshack. In this conversation, Dov shares how years of experience blending technology, hospitality, and play led him to his latest venture: No Strings, a next-generation padel platform designed to unlock frequency, accessibility, and engagement through real-time, in-game technology.

Joined by Michael Madding, COO and Co-Founder of Lucra, the discussion explores how data, gamification, and digital competition are transforming recreational sports. Michael breaks down Lucra’s mission to digitize friendly competition and explains why padel is uniquely positioned to benefit from tech-enabled formats, tournaments, and pricing models that increase loyalty and lifetime value for operators and players alike.

Together, Dov and Michael unpack the rapid growth of padel in the U.S. and globally, the challenges of court supply, pricing pressure, and commoditization, and why differentiation through technology and experience design is critical. The conversation offers a rare look at how sports, entertainment, and data are converging to build scalable, modern platforms that turn participation into community, and venues into ecosystems.

Podcast Chapters:

• 00:57 Dov Penzik's Background in Competitive Socializing
• 09:30 The Growth of the Padel Market
• 14:40 Integrating Technology in Recreational Sports
• 20:43 Differentiation in the Padel Space
• 24:26 The Future of No Strings and Upcoming Innovations

Dov Penzik:

🏠 Website: https://no-strings.co/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dov-penzik-0aba8061/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Steve Kuhn is a sports entrepreneur and investor best known for helping build Major League Pickleball and for his conviction that sports remain one of the last great forces for human connection. After years in finance and investing, Steve turned his focus to sports as a cultural, economic, and social platform — drawn by its ability to bring people together across borders, beliefs, and generations. From pickleball’s rapid rise in Asia to the global expansion of participation sports, Steve’s career reflects a belief that sports are both a powerful asset class and a deeply human one.

Today, Steve is building SportsPredict, a free-to-play platform designed to measure and elevate the skill of sports prediction itself. Inspired by rating systems in chess and the success of Fantasy Premier League, SportsPredict introduces a global “SMART rating” that allows users to prove how accurate they are at forecasting sports outcomes — without gambling or financial risk. His vision is to create the world’s largest prediction game, helping millions (and eventually billions) of people develop better decision-making skills under uncertainty.

In this conversation, Steve shares how sports, data, psychology, and technology intersect — and why prediction literacy may become one of the most important skills of the next generation. From the growth of pickleball across Asia to the rise of prediction markets, and from storytelling in modern sports leagues to building new forms of interactive competition, Steve outlines a future where sports are not just watched, but understood, predicted, and experienced in entirely new ways.

Podcast Chapters:

03:55 The Global Rise of Pickleball

08:17 Sports Ecosystem in Asia

12:25 Innovations in Sports Technology

16:30 The Future of Sports Prediction

18:41 The Rise of Fantasy Sports

20:18 Understanding Prediction Markets

23:09 Innovative Business Models in Sports

27:35 The Future of Sports Prediction

31:18 Storytelling in Sports

Chris Weil is the Co-Founder and CEO of Horizon Sports & Experiences and one of the most influential executives in modern sports marketing. Prior to launching Horizon, Chris spent more than two decades as Chairman and CEO of Momentum Worldwide, leading the global agency through massive growth and helping redefine how brands connect with fans through live sports, entertainment, and experiential marketing.

At Horizon, Chris has returned to the private sector to build a next-generation sports and experiences platform designed for a post-COVID world. The firm operates across owned and represented IP, media rights, sponsorships, and brand strategy—anchored by a belief that live sports remain the most powerful driver of engaged audiences. From pickleball and women’s basketball to emerging leagues and global events, Chris shares how Horizon evaluates risk, invests capital, and builds scalable sports properties.

In this conversation, Chris offers a candid look at the evolution of live sports, the accelerating role of data and AI in decision-making, and the changing dynamics of college athletics, women’s sports, and global mega-events. His perspective reflects decades of leadership at the highest level—and a clear-eyed view of where sports, media, and brand partnerships are headed next.

Podcast Chapters:

01:48 The Evolution of Live Sports Post-COVID

04:53 Building IP in the Live Sports Space

07:26 The Rise of Women's Sports and Brand Engagement

09:33 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Collegiate Sports

15:25 The Future of Sports Marketing and AI Integration

21:53 Consumer Habits and the New Generation of Sports Fans

26:51 Capitalizing on Major Sporting Events

29:26 Balancing Growth and Opportunity in a Busy Market

Ryan Petkoff has spent more than two decades operating at the highest levels of professional sports,  helping build an NFL dynasty, shaping one of the most influential brands in global sport, and advising ownership groups navigating the modern sports landscape. His career spans deep operational leadership, strategic growth planning, and long-term brand building inside one of the most sophisticated organizations in the NFL.

Today, he partners with sports teams, startups, and legacy businesses to solve complex challenges spanning fan engagement, commercialization, and go-to-market execution. Petkoff works with only a select group of clients, allowing him to dive deeply into problems, build alongside founders, and operate as a hands-on strategic partner. His vantage point also includes meaningful time working with the Hunt Family — offering him rare insight into family office dynamics, sports investing, and multi-generational decision-making.

In this conversation, he breaks down the evolution of the sports marketplace, the rise of alternative investments, where youth sports and fan development are heading, and how he evaluates opportunities and relationships. His experience offers a unique blend of front-office expertise, investment perspective, and builder mentality — shaped by two decades inside one of the most respected operations in professional sports.

Podcast Chapters

01:13 Ryan Petkoff's Journey in Professional Sports

03:30 Market Evolution and Insights from the Hunt Family

05:54 Navigating Family Offices and Investment Strategies

09:28 The Rise of Alternative Investments in Sports

12:27 Opportunities in Youth Sports and Fan Engagement

15:21 Evaluating Projects and Building Relationships

18:06 Building Relationships for Future Success

Ryan Petkoff: 🏠 Website: https://www.petkoffstrategies.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-petkoff-5b0b397/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

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Ben Von Willer and Alberto Chaia, partners at McKinsey & Company and co-authors of McKinsey’s latest report on Latino sports fans, outline how one of the fastest-growing and most influential fan segments is reshaping the U.S. sports landscape. Their research highlights how Latino audiences are driving disproportionate growth across leagues, properties, and participation, while still being underserved in how teams and organizations engage them.They break down the distinct cultural, behavioral, and generational factors that differentiate Latino sports fandom — from youth participation trends and women’s sports momentum across LATAM to digital consumption patterns, purchasing power, and family-centered fan habits. Their insights reveal where major opportunities exist for rights holders, brands, and operators to build more authentic, long-term relationships with this expanding demographic.Von Willer and Chaia also explore broader industry implications, including the role of community-based programming, future fan pipelines, and the commercial upside as North America prepares for global events such as the 2026 World Cup. Their findings provide a data-backed blueprint for the next phase of growth in the sports industry.

Chapters:

• 01:00 Background on McKinsey’s Report
• 02:22 Growth of Latino Fan Segments
• 04:39 Cultural Drivers of Fandom
• 08:19 Youth Participation Trends
• 10:51 Women’s Sports Across LATAM
• 13:22 Digital Consumption Behaviors
• 15:22 Purchasing Power & Market Influence
• 17:24 Opportunities for Rights Holders
• 19:22 Community Engagement & Fan Pipelines
• 21:00 Future Industry Outlook
• 22:06 Impact of Global Events on North America

Phil Wallin, the founder of Diesel Optimization, has built one of the most respected performance ecosystems in modern sports. What started as a small training operation has evolved into a data-driven human performance engine trusted by MLB athletes, top collegiate programs, and high-performing executives. Phil’s path from the Midwest to launching Diesel in Tampa reflects a blend of discipline, experimentation, and a relentless pursuit of measurable improvement.

At Diesel, Phil has developed a methodology that merges biomechanics, strength and conditioning, recovery systems, and cutting-edge wearable tech into a unified performance model. His approach emphasizes individualization at scale—helping athletes understand not just how to train, but why their bodies respond the way they do. This philosophy has shaped Diesel into a hub for innovation, attracting athletes looking for precision-based development rather than one-size-fits-all programming.

In this episode, Phil breaks down the evolution of athlete data, how Diesel is expanding into youth and developmental pathways, and why performance training is shifting toward holistic, tech-enabled systems. He also shares the lessons that guided him as a founder—building trust, creating structure, and developing the “dog mentality” culture Diesel is known for.

Podcast Chapters:

01:13 Phil's Journey: From Coaching to Entrepreneurship

04:21 The Importance of Adaptation in Business

07:57 Integrating Technology in Athletic Training

13:49 Capturing Young Athletes: A New Approach

17:52 Scaling Diesel: Balancing Coaching and Business

22:12 Lessons from Elite Athletes: Discipline and Drive

25:49 Staying Sharp: Balance and Continuous Learning

Brooks Wiley is an Austin native and longtime operator in the rapid rise of pickleball as both a sport and commercial industry. After discovering the game in 2018, he immersed himself in its emerging business landscape—exploring equipment, facilities, and the early community driving the sport forward.

His work alongside Steve Kuhn led to the creation of DUPR and Major League Pickleball, where he helped shape early partnerships, recruit pro talent, and build the league structure during a period of intense growth and national attention. His experience spans league operations, team ownership strategy, media ambitions, and the financial realities of scaling a challenger sports property.

Wiley now leads strategic partnerships at PickleTile, focusing on the infrastructure and technology powering pickleball’s expansion. His perspective covers the full ecosystem—from sound-mitigating court solutions to the broader trends driving amateur and professional participation worldwide.

Podcast Chapters: 

02:37 Brooks Wiley's Journey into Pickleball

05:20 The Impact of COVID-19 on Pickleball

07:53 Building Major League Pickleball and Duper

10:26 Navigating League Growth and Structure

13:04 Media Strategy and Distribution in Pickleball

15:22 Infrastructure Opportunities in Pickleball

18:19 The Future of Pickleball and Padel

20:56 Global Expansion of Pickleball

23:33 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement