Key themes include: 

• Ownership Across Sports: How Hunt balances leadership between the NFL and MLS, and what each league can learn from the other 
• The Global Opportunity: Why soccer continues to expand in the U.S., and how international dynamics are shaping the sport’s future
• Sustaining Success: Lessons from building a championship organization with the Kansas City Chiefs 
• Legacy and Responsibility: What it means to steward iconic franchises while evolving with the modern sports landscape 
• The Future of Football: Where the NFL and global soccer are headed—and how ownership will play a role in that trajectory 

It’s a thoughtful look at leadership from an owner operating at the intersection of tradition and transformation. 

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Key themes include: 

• The Art of Play-by-Play: How Buck prepares, adapts, and finds the right tone for major moments. 
• A Career in Broadcasting: Reflections on longevity, pressure, and evolving with the changing media landscape. 
• Storytelling on the Mic: Why context, pacing, and trust matter as much as the call itself. 
• Sports, Media, and Audience Expectations: How the job has changed as fans consume games and commentary differently than ever before. 
• Lessons from the Biggest Stages: Insights from a broadcaster who has spent decades at the center of major sports events. 

It’s an engaging and personal conversation with one of the most recognizable voices in sports. 

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Recorded on February 23, 2026, at SBJ’s National Sports Forum, the discussion highlights how firms like CAA are operating far beyond traditional representation by helping shape ownership structures, league investments, and strategic partnerships across the industry. 

During the conversation, Nuchow explores: 

• The Rise of Sports Private Equity: Why institutional capital is flowing into sports and what it means for teams, leagues, and investors. 
• CAA’s Expanding Role: How the agency advises ownership groups, investors, and global sports properties. 
• The Evolution of Representation: How modern agencies operate at the intersection of talent, media, capital, and strategy. 
• Global Opportunities: Where sports investment is growing and how international markets factor into the next wave of deals. 
• Lessons in Leadership: What it takes to navigate a rapidly evolving sports business landscape. 

It’s a sharp, strategic look at how the financial architecture of sports is changing and the executives helping shape that transformation.

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Throughout the conversation, Brodkin reflects on: 

• A Career Across Power Centers: Lessons from the NFL, Fox Sports, and Endeavor—and how those experiences shape her leadership today. 
• Boardroom to Broadcast: How rights negotiations, distribution strategy, and talent representation intersect in modern sports. 
• The Business of Basketball: The growth of women’s and men’s basketball and how agencies play a role in shaping the sport’s next chapter. 
• Leadership & Advocacy: Her work across nonprofit and foundation boards, including youth sports and community initiatives. 
• Navigating Change: How to lead through disruption while maintaining clarity of vision and purpose. 

It’s a compelling look at how one executive has influenced sports from multiple vantage points—league, media, agency, and governance. 

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Key themes include:

• Media Disruption: How changing consumer behavior, platforms, and technology are redefining sports media models.
• Versant’s Role: What Versant does, how it partners across the industry, and where Hong sees the greatest opportunity ahead.
• Leadership & Strategy: Hong’s approach to navigating uncertainty, building teams, and making long-term bets in a volatile market.
• Innovation at Scale: How data, distribution, and product thinking are reshaping how fans engage with sports content.
• What’s Next: A look at where sports media is headed—and what leaders should be paying attention to now.

It’s a forward-looking, practical discussion for anyone navigating disruption across sports, media, and technology.

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01:16 - Assessment of job 3 years in

04:17 - Post-House reality for NCAA

04:59 - NCAA would have been bankrupt

05:20 - Prop bets

07:58 - Commercial appeal of NCAA

10:29 - Growth sports around the country

11:06 - SCORE Act update

12:30 - Private equity caution

14:38 - Issues that keep Charlie Baker up at night

17:00 - Reaction to fans complaining about CFP

19:27 - Is college sports too professionalized?

22:40 - USOPC and NCAA relationship

23:57 - Sports Broadcasting Act changes

24:59 - Hope for changes 1 year from now

27:01 - Does Charlie Baker like the job?

28:48 Closing remarks

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• Owning a Legacy Franchise: What it means to lead a century-old team with a deeply rooted fan base and global profile. 
• Long-Term Vision: How the Cubs think about competitive windows, financial discipline, and sustainable success. 
• Business of Baseball: Ricketts’ perspective on league economics, media evolution, and the forces reshaping MLB. 
• Leadership & Governance: Lessons from navigating change, aligning stakeholders, and making decisions with generational impact. 
• Wrigley Field & the Fan Experience: How the Cubs continue to evolve their ballpark and surrounding ecosystem while honoring tradition. 

It’s an insightful conversation with one of sports’ most dynamic owners — offering perspective on how legacy organizations adapt, endure, and evolve. 

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Moderated by Sports Business Journal staff writer Chris Smith, the panel features:

• Mike McCarley, Founder & CEO of TMRW Sports and TGL
• Rosalyn Durant, Executive Vice President, Programming & Acquisitions at ESPN
• Don Cornwell, Co-Founder & CEO of Dynasty Equity and TMRW Sports investor
• Alexis Ohanian, Founder of Seven Seven Six and founding control owner of Los Angeles Golf Club

Together, they explore:

• The TGL Vision: Why this new format was created — and how it aims to modernize golf for today’s fan.
• Media & Distribution Strategy: How ESPN approached programming, storytelling, and audience development for a new league.
• Capital & Ownership: The role of strategic investors in building credibility, momentum, and long-term value.
• Season One Learnings: What worked, what surprised the group, and what they’d approach differently going forward.
• What’s Next: How TGL fits into the broader evolution of sports entertainment and next-generation fan engagement.

It’s a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how a new league comes to life — from idea to execution — told by the people who built it.

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Key themes from the conversation include: 

• Leadership & Ownership Philosophy: The values that guide Wilf’s approach to team ownership, governance, and decision-making over the long term. 
• Building a Global NFL Brand: How the Vikings are expanding their international footprint, including upcoming games in Dublin and London, and what global growth means for the league’s future. 
• Legacy & Long-Term Vision: Balancing competitive success with organizational stability, culture, and sustained impact.
• Community & Civic Responsibility: The role teams play beyond wins and losses, from local community engagement to international connection.
• Cross-Sport Perspective: Insights from a conversation between leaders operating at the intersection of global sport, business, and culture. 

This episode offers a rare window into how one NFL ownership group thinks about scale, stewardship, and the future of the game—at home and abroad. 

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• A Unified Sports Vision: How ownership across the NFL, MLS, and NBA fits into a broader mission driven by community, culture, and competitive success. 
• Leadership Philosophy: Their approach to hiring great people, supporting strong leaders, and maintaining organizational alignment during both highs and lows. 
• Community Responsibility: Why civic pride and long-term social investment are fundamental to their sports ventures. 
• Infrastructure & Legacy: How stadium development, fan experience, and city partnerships shape the future of their franchises.
• Owning in a New Era: What modern ownership requires, from patience to adaptability to purpose-driven strategy. 

This is an insightful and grounded look at how two leaders think about sports not simply as businesses, but as platforms for generational impact. 

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Recorded on October 2, 2025, at Leaders Week London, this discussion explores how Masters and his team are steering the league through a period of transformation—balancing commercial success with the long-term integrity of the game. 

Key discussion points include: 

• Global Growth: How the Premier League continues to strengthen its international influence and deepen fan engagement around the world. 
• Financial Sustainability & Competitive Balance: Insights into new regulatory approaches, investment models, and how the league maintains parity while attracting global talent. 
• Media Rights & Innovation: How evolving technology and viewing habits are reshaping the league’s broadcast and digital strategy. 
• Governance & Independence: Masters’ view on maintaining stability and credibility amid increasing scrutiny and proposed regulatory changes. 
• The Future of Football: His reflections on the league’s broader responsibility to the sport, from grassroots development to global representation. 

This conversation offers a rare look behind the business of football—from one of the game’s most influential executives—providing valuable lessons for anyone navigating growth, regulation, and innovation in global sport.

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Key discussion points include: 

• Global Growth Strategy: How the NFL is deepening its roots in Europe through international games, partnerships, and local fandom. 
• Media & Technology: The league’s evolving broadcast and digital strategy to reach the next generation of fans worldwide. 
• Player Health & Safety: Continued efforts to innovate equipment, protocols, and education to protect players at every level. 
• Leadership & Legacy: Goodell’s reflections on leading through change and building an enduring, global brand for the future. 

It’s a candid, forward-looking conversation with one of the most influential executives in world sport—offering lessons in leadership, growth, and global vision. 

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Ackerman — a pioneer in sports leadership and one of the most respected voices in college athletics — reflects on a career defined by innovation, advocacy, and resilience. From helping launch the WNBA as its first president to guiding the BIG EAST through a time of rapid change, Ackerman’s insights illuminate how leadership evolves in moments of transition.

Key themes include:

• College Sports in Flux: Ackerman’s perspective on the future of NCAA governance, revenue sharing, and why she believes Congress must help bring order to college athletics.
• Leadership Lessons: How she approaches decision-making, mentorship, and the challenge of staying grounded while leading through uncertainty.
• Women in Leadership: Reflections on her pioneering role at the WNBA and what progress still looks like for women across sports business and administration.
• The BIG EAST’s Future: How the conference is positioning itself in an era of consolidation, commercial pressure, and new opportunity.
• A Life in Sports: What drives her after decades of service to the game — and what legacy she hopes to leave behind.

It’s a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation that captures both the wisdom and candor of one of the most influential figures in modern sports.

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Recorded on September 17, 2025, at SBJ’s AXS DRIVE conference in Los Angeles, this discussion explores how Slusher — a longtime Nike executive who helped architect some of the brand’s biggest global partnerships — is now applying that experience to redefine how the Olympics engage fans, brands, and communities.

Key themes include: 

• Commercial Innovation: How LA28 is building a dynamic, data-driven sponsorship model for a new era of global sports marketing.
• Partnership Ecosystem: The vision for connecting brands to the Olympic and Paralympic movements through creativity, purpose, and long-term value.
• From Nike to LA28: Lessons Slusher brings from decades at Nike, and how those insights shape his approach to leadership and brand storytelling.
• Fan Engagement & Cultural Relevance: Why LA28 aims to make the Games as culturally connected as they are competitive.
• Legacy & Growth: What success looks like beyond 2028 — for Los Angeles, Team USA, and the broader Olympic ecosystem. 

It’s a fascinating look inside the commercial blueprint of one of the most anticipated events in global sports — and what it takes to translate the world’s biggest stage into lasting impact. 

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• Championship Business Model: How the Dodgers approach team building, fan engagement, and operations with a long-term vision. 
• Marketing & Partnerships: Rosen’s strategy for brand collaborations and keeping the Dodgers at the forefront of sports marketing. 
• Ballpark & Fan Experience: From stadium innovation to community initiatives, how Dodger Stadium continues to evolve as a world-class venue. 
• Global Reach: Expanding the Dodgers’ presence beyond Los Angeles and into international markets. 
• Leadership & Legacy: Reflections from Kasten and Rosen on what it takes to sustain success in one of the most competitive markets in sports. 

It’s an exclusive, wide-ranging look at how the Dodgers are building a championship brand for today and tomorrow. 

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With his trademark enthusiasm, Ballmer shares how he’s redefining what it means to be a sports owner, builder, and leader. The conversation explores:

• Intuit Dome Vision: How Ballmer is creating a state-of-the-art arena designed to transform the fan experience.
• Leadership Lessons: Insights from his years at Microsoft and how they influencerunning an NBA franchise.
• Innovation & Infrastructure: Why building new venues is about more than basketball—it’s about community, technology, and culture.
• The Power of Energy: Ballmer’s personal philosophy and how it drives his approach to business, sports, and life.

It’s a dynamic and insightful discussion with one of the most energetic and influential leaders in sports and business.

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Hobson, a nationally recognized financial executive and advocate for financial literacy, speaks candidly about how Ariel Investments approaches long-term value creation, why patience is critical in both markets and leadership, and how she’s worked to open doors for underrepresented groups in business. She also reflects on lessons from serving on the boards of major companies like JPMorgan Chase and Starbucks, and the importance of making investment decisions that align with values as well as returns. 

Leonsis, a longtime entrepreneur, sports owner, and investor, brings the perspective of a dealmaker who has navigated growth across technology, media, and sports. Together, their conversation touches on what makes partnerships endure, the responsibility of leaders to connect business with community impact, and how innovation is reshaping both finance and sports. 

This dialogue is both practical and inspiring—grounded in real-world lessons while offering a vision for how business and sports leaders can drive growth with purpose. 

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Rubin pulls back the curtain on the unprecedented growth of Fanatics, which now spans licensed merchandise, trading cards, collectibles, and sports betting. Along the way, he shares the mindset behind building what he describes as “the world’s leading digital sports platform,” and what it takes to keep scaling a business that has reshaped how fans interact with their teams and athletes. 

The conversation touches on business metrics, the baseball uniform rollout controversy that made headlines in spring 2024, and lessons learned along the way about leadership, customer trust, and bold decision-making. 

For anyone interested in what it takes to grow a global sports business—and the human stories behind the headlines—this is a must-listen. 

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This episode of On Stage takes us deeper into the SBJ archives than ever before, revisiting a keynote interview from the 2016 Intercollegiate Athletics Forum with Paul Tagliabue, the longtime former commissioner of the National Football League. 

Tagliabue, who led the NFL from 1989 to 2006, oversaw one of the league’s most transformative eras: four expansion franchises, high-profile franchise relocations, and landmark decisions that reflected the NFL’s influence on culture and society—from postponing games after 9/11 to moving a Super Bowl over Arizona’s refusal to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, his impact continues to shape the sports landscape today. 

In conversation with SBJ’s Publisher and Executive Editor Abe Madkour, Tagliabue reflects on leadership, governance, social responsibility, and the business of sports during his time at the helm. Listening now, nearly a decade later, provides unique perspective: a reminder of how far the industry has come and how timeless lessons in integrity, vision, and adaptability remain. 

This is the beauty of On Stage: giving important conversations from SBJ’s archives new life, showing how they continue to inform the issues and debates of today. 

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Key themes include: 

• Trailblazing Ownership: What it means to be a female majority owner in a male-dominated space.
• Investing in Women’s Sports: Lessons from her time with the Red Stars and her ongoing role with the Chicago Sky.
• Philanthropy & Activism: How values-driven leadership influences business decisions and community engagement.
• Building Sustainable Franchises: Insights into long-term vision, governance, and fan connection across teams.

It’s a candid, wide-ranging conversation from a leader redefining what it means to win on and off the field. 

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Recorded on February 27, 2023, at the National Sports Forum in Los Angeles, this session offers a rare glimpse into how one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures became a driving force behind one of Major League Soccer’s most dynamic franchises.

Ferrell shares his origin story with LAFC—from being recruited as an owner to embracing the culture of the club—while Freedman pulls back the curtain on how the team has built one of the most passionate fan bases in American sports. Together, they discuss:

• Why Will joined the ownership group and what he’s learned about sports business.
• The rise of LAFC as both a soccer powerhouse and a cultural brand.
• The mix of humor and humility that Ferrell brings to the boardroom and the locker room.
• What other franchises can learn from LAFC’s community-driven growth model.

As Abe Madkour later noted in his SBJ column, the session blended humor with real insight—a conversation that was equal parts entertaining and illuminating.

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In this episode of On Stage, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred joins SBJ Senior Writer Joe Lemire for a candid conversation on the business, challenges, and opportunities shaping professional baseball. 

Recorded on April 22, 2025, at the CAA World Congress of Sports presented by Sports Business Journal, this keynote captures Manfred’s perspective just months before major headlines about MLB’s labor landscape and new national media rights negotiations. 

While the news cycle has since moved quickly—with fresh updates on his talks with players over the next labor agreement and signs of progress on a new media deal—this conversation offers an evergreen look at the commissioner’s leadership priorities and long-term vision for the league. 

Topics include: 

• Labor Relations: How MLB approaches dialogue with the players’ union and lessons from past negotiations. 
• Media and Distribution Strategy: MLB’s vision for its next rights deal and the role of direct-to-consumer streaming. 
• The Business of the Game: Expanding MLB’s global reach and deepening engagement with younger fans. 
• Competition and On-Field Innovation: Balancing tradition with changes that improve pace of play and overall fan experience. 
• Leadership at the Helm: What it takes to guide a century-old league in a rapidly evolving sports landscape. 

It’s a valuable snapshot of the commissioner’s thinking—one that’s as relevant today as when he stepped on stage. 

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In this episode of On Stage, Rich Paul—CEO of KLUTCH Sports Group and Head of Sports at United Talent Agency—joins Zach Leonsis, President of Media & New Enterprises at Monumental Sports & Entertainment, for a compelling one-on-one conversation that spans business, brand, representation, and long-term influence.

Recorded on October 29, 2024, at SBJ’s Dealmakers conference in Washington, D.C., this session came just as Paul and Leonsis announced a new partnership between KLUTCH and Monumental—aimed at unlocking new revenue streams and strategic collaborations as Monumental prepares to reimagine Capital One Arena.

In this conversation, Paul shares hard-earned wisdom from a career spent building one of the most influential firms in sports—and shaping how athletes think about ownership, leverage, and impact.

Highlights include:

• The Rise of KLUTCH: How Paul built a platform grounded in trust, truth, and cultural relevance.
• Navigating Power & Partnership: What it takes to stay independent while scaling with purpose.
• Modern Representation: Why being an agent today means managing media, brand, and opportunity all at once.
• Long-Game Thinking: Paul’s take on influence, equity, and the difference between relevance and legacy.
• Real Talk: How the business works behind closed doors—and why he’s playing chess, not checkers.

Candid, sharp, and evergreen—this is required listening for anyone shaping the future of sports, media, and entertainment.

Please find link to attached Rich Paul introduction video here: https://youtu.be/QrP5v1rY26A

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This conversation took place December 11, 2024, at the SBJ Intercollegiate Athletics Forum in Las Vegas, during a pivotal moment in Baker’s presidency. At the time, the industry was bracing for major shifts in governance, athlete compensation, and long-term sustainability.

Since then, the updates have continued at a rapid pace: the NCAA’s proposed House settlement, revenue-sharing discussions, and deeper questions around the power dynamics between conferences and national leadership have all been in the headlines. And yet, this conversation remains deeply relevant and provides important perspective from Baker.

Topics include:

• Reimagining the NCAA: How Baker sees the organization evolving amid pressure for reform.
• Conference Realignment & Governance: Balancing institutional autonomy with national cohesion.
• Student-Athlete Opportunity & Oversight: What’s working, what’s broken, and what’s at stake.
• Federal Legislation & Legal Strategy: Why Baker continues to call for Congressional involvement.
• Leadership in Transition: What it takes to guide an institution under pressure from every side.

In light of everything that’s happened since this conversation took place, Baker’s comments offer both a snapshot and a lens—a valuable perspective on how we got here, and where the NCAA might go next.

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In this special episode of On Stage, two extraordinary leaders—General Mark Milley, the recently retired Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Ted Leonsis, Founder and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment—sit down for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, culture, and service. 

Recorded on October 30, 2024, at SBJ’s Dealmakers conference in Washington, D.C., this fireside chat explores what it means to lead during times of transformation—whether you're guiding a nation’s military or a multibillion-dollar sports and media empire. 

Topics include: 

• The Mindset of Service: What business can learn from military leadership and accountability. 
• Culture and Cohesion: Building organizations that are values-driven and mission-focused. 
• Decision-Making Under Pressure: Lessons from global conflict and billion-dollar business moments. 
• Patriotism and Purpose: Why service—military or civic—still matters in today’s fractured world. 
• Shared Responsibility: How sports, media, and government all play a role in shaping the future. 

It’s a rare and candid discussion between two leaders who’ve spent decades making consequential decisions—at the highest levels of two very different arenas. 

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Recorded on May 20, 2025, at SBJ’s 4se event in New York City, the conversation traces Falk’s role in redefining what it means to represent an athlete—not just on the court, but across culture, commerce, and entertainment. 

Falk, who famously represented Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing, and many more, shares: 

• The Air Jordan Origin Story: How a revolutionary approach to marketing turned a rookie deal into a global brand. 
• Agent as Architect: Why the most successful agents don’t just negotiate—they help build enduring platforms and partnerships. 
• Cultural Relevance: The fusion of sports, fashion, and music, and what it takes for an athlete to shape culture beyond the game. 
• Leadership Lessons: What he’s learned from four decades working at the intersection of sports, media, and influence. 

It’s a one-of-a-kind conversation with a one-of-a-kind operator—part oral history, part masterclass in what it takes to build icons. 

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In this episode of On Stage, Sports Business Journal’s Publisher and Executive Editor Abe Madkour sits down with SMAC Entertainment’s dynamic co-founders—Michael Strahan and Constance Schwartz-Morini—for a masterclass in athlete-driven media and brand building. 

Recorded on May 20, 2025, at SBJ’s 4se event in New York City, this wide-ranging conversation covers the origin story behind SMAC, how the former NFL star and the veteran media executive built a business that blends storytelling with strategy, and the secret to unlocking multi-platform success.

Topics include:

• The SMAC Playbook: How the duo built a platform that champions authenticity, from Coach Prime to the upcoming Madden film. 
• Strahan’s Evolution: From Super Bowl champion to Emmy-winning host, entrepreneur, and prospective NFL team investor. 
• Media Disruption: How SMAC is reshaping the rules of traditional sports and entertainment storytelling. 
• Brand Building: What it really means to be a multi-hyphenate—and how to scale that vision with purpose. 
• Creative Partnership: Reflections on years of working together and how their complementary strengths built a company that’s redefining modern influence. 

From Sunday football to weekday primetime, SMAC is proving there's more than one way to win—as long as the story is real.

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In this episode of On Stage, Sports Business Journal’s Publisher and Executive Editor Abe Madkour sits down with the three siblings leading the most valuable sports franchise in the world—the Dallas Cowboys. 

Recorded on September 17, 2024, at SBJ’s AXS DRIVE event in Frisco, Texas, this rare joint appearance features Charlotte Jones (Chief Brand Officer), Jerry Jones Jr. (Chief Sales & Marketing Officer), and Stephen Jones (Chief Operating Officer) in an open, insightful—and often humorous—conversation about brand leadership, family legacy, and building a business that goes far beyond game day. 

Together, they discuss: 

• The Cowboys Brand Philosophy: How consistency, culture, and big picture planning keeps “America’s Team” commercially successful. 
• Family Governance in Sports: Lessons from decades of collaboration and how they divide roles across football and business operations. 
• Leadership Through Change: How the Cowboys have adapted to evolving fan behavior, media, and sponsorship trends. 
• Stadium and Venue Strategy: AT&T Stadium’s global status—and what’s next for the Cowboys’ physical and digital presence. 
• Legacy and Longevity: What it means to uphold a multi-generational vision while continually evolving. 

Getting all three Jones siblings on stage together is rare—and the energy, humor, and candor they bring to this conversation is both entertaining and insightful.

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In this episode of On Stage, Olympic gold medalist and action sports icon Shaun White joins Sports Business Journal staff writer Chris Smith for a strategic conversation that took place on May 21, 2025, at SBJ’s 4se event in New York City.

White shares his vision behind The Snow League, a new venture designed to bring structure, visibility, and commercial potential to competitive snowboarding—while capturing a broader, global audience. Blending his experience as a world-class athlete with lessons from brand-building and entrepreneurship, White covers:

• The Genesis of The Snow League: Why he created it and how it fills a gap in the winter sports ecosystem.
• Athlete Empowerment & Event Design: Reimagining competition formats, travel, and athlete schedules to prioritize sustainability, fan engagement, and fairness.
• Brand Building & Cultural Influence: How White views storytelling, content, and creator partnerships as central to growing snowboarding’s mainstream appeal.
• Long-Term Vision and Investments: How he’s positioning The Snow League as a platform for the next generation and additional investments he’s been making in sports.

It’s a future-focused, candid conversation with one of the most recognizable names in sports—now shaping his next legacy as a league builder and business visionary.

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Bettman—recently nominated for SBJ’s Executive of the Year award—shares how the NHL is modernizing its business and leaning into technology to shape the league’s next era. In a conversation spanning strategy, innovation, and tradition, Bettman discusses: 

Revenue Growth & Fan Engagement: How the league is tracking toward $7 billion in projected revenue and what’s driving hockey’s expanding global reach. 

Technology & Data Innovation: The evolution of puck and player tracking, and how data is transforming coaching, broadcasting, and fan experience. 

Media & Streaming Strategy: Bettman’s take on digital consumption, partnerships, and balancing national exposure with local market access. 

Future of the Draft: His thoughts on the NHL Draft and how it’s going to be evolving moving forward. 

Leadership & Legacy: Reflections on his 30+ year tenure and how he continues to evolve the NHL for the modern fan. 

It’s a wide-ranging, insightful conversation with one of the most enduring and effective leaders in sports. 

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A core architect of the NBA’s growth strategy, Brooks offers an inside look at how the league is evolving its global and domestic business in a rapidly shifting sports landscape. She discusses:

Fan-Centric Innovation: How the NBA is prioritizing personalized and seamless experiences, both in-arena and digitally, to meet the expectations of modern fans.

International Expansion: The NBA’s ongoing efforts to localize its brand and programming abroad, building on the global momentum of its core product.

The Role of Technology: How innovation is reshaping the league’s media strategy, data use, and direct-to-consumer efforts.

TMBO: Reflections on the legacy of Team Marketing & Business Operations (TMBO), founded by David Stern, and its role in supporting team performance across markets.

Leadership Perspective: Brooks’ insights on what it takes to lead innovation inside one of the world’s most dynamic sports brands.

This conversation is a strategic roadmap for anyone interested in how major leagues like the NBA are evolving to stay ahead—both at home and around the world.

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Silver, one of the most influential figures in global sports, shares his perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the NBA’s future. Myers—who served as General Manager of the Golden State Warriors, leading them to four NBA championships and earning two NBA Executive of the Year honors—brings a unique perspective from the front office to the broadcast booth.

They cover:

Media Rights & Broadcasting: Silver discusses how local NBA games are “trapped” by outdated cable deals and the future of direct-to-consumer viewing as the league looks to unlock new digital revenue streams.

Ownership & Valuations: Insights on how shifting ownership dynamics and soaring franchise valuations are changing the league’s economic landscape.

CBA & Player Relations: Silver addresses the evolving labor landscape, collective bargaining challenges, and how the league balances players’ needs with business imperatives.

Vision for the NBA: From international growth to fan engagement, Silver shares his vision for how the NBA will stay ahead in a rapidly changing sports and entertainment ecosystem.

This engaging, thought-provoking conversation between two respected voices in the game reveals how the NBA is navigating some of its biggest strategic challenges—and what’s next for basketball’s biggest stage.

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Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in college athletics, Sankey dives into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the NCAA and beyond:

• College Football Playoff (CFP) Format: Sankey offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing discussions and why there’s no final model in place yet.
• NIL: He unpacks the evolution of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and why a national clearinghouse could help restore trust and transparency.
• Congressional Involvement & Liability Protection: Sankey discusses why national standards matter, his thoughts on antitrust exemptions, and what real reform could look like.
• Media Rights & Conference Expansion: His perspective on how these forces are reshaping the SEC and college sports as a whole.
• Student-Athlete Welfare: How the conference balances commercial imperatives with the well-being and development of student-athletes.
• Vision for the Future: Sankey shares his thoughts on the next chapter for college sports, what’s working, and what still needs to be addressed.

This conversation— which took place in front of a packed ballroom of sports leaders—provides great insights from the frontlines of the college sports evolution.

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Bob and Jimmy delve into a range of topics, including:

• Bob's journey from a local weatherman to the helm of Disney.
• The synergy between live sports and storytelling in modern entertainment.
• How Bob has approached the intersection of innovation and IP
• Disney's evolving streaming strategy and its implications for the future.
• Bob's recent investment in Angel City FC, led by his wife, Willow Bay.
• A personal anecdote about why naming his son after a childhood sports idol was reconsidered upon joining Disney 

This candid and insightful conversation provides valuable perspectives for professionals in sports, business, and media. Tune in to gain firsthand insights from two industry leaders with a shared history and a forward-looking vision.

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Welcome to SBJ Spotlight as we focus on two of the biggest NFL stories today. The fallout from the Brian Flores lawsuit and the Washington football team changing its nickname. I'm Reginald Walker joined by SBJ football writer, Ben Fischer. And Ben let's start with Brian Flores. That news broke on Tuesday afternoon. What's been the league response to the Brian Flores lawsuit? And what's he maybe trying to accomplish with this lawsuit?

Ben Fischer:

Well, first of all, it should come as no surprise to anybody that this is immediately took everything else off the plate in the NFL. There's a lot going on. There's a Super Bowl coming up. But since four o'clock Tuesday, nobody's talked about anything else.

            There are particularly scandalous details in the Flores complaint about his allegation that Steven Ross was encouraging him to tank in 2019. And that Bill Belichick accidentally congratulated the wrong person, and that's how he found out that the Giants interview was a sham. I mean, those things lend fuel to the fire, but the reason the fire is burning so brightly right now is that he has brought to the fore something that people around the league have been saying for a long time about the misapplication of the Rooney rule and the bad faith that so many teams seem to be engaging in, in terms of minority hiring at the coach and GM position.

            And I think there's a track record of this sort of thing happening, too, where there's something that everyone sort of talks about and believes to be true, but it's always really ephemeral, and it's hard to get your hands around the concept that nobody wants to speak out of turn unless they offend potential new employers or the league.

            But what Flores has done by putting a name to these complaints and by willing to step out and be the poster child of what everyone's been talking about for 20 years. He gives everyone else permission to talk about it. So yes, it's a scandalous complaint. And yes, we all sort of digest the news like we do in a big story.

            But now instantly the hiring practices of the 32 NFL teams is in the cross hairs conversationally in a way that has not been in a long, long time. So just by filing this complaint, he's made a lot of progress. And just in bringing these issues to bear in a more concrete way than it'd been in a long time. And I think he'll tell you, that's part of his goal. He wants to win the legal dispute. But he wants to just force this subject in a way that it's hard to, without something like a lawsuit.

Reginald Walker:

Now, the league released a statement vehemently denying some of these allegations as it related to the league itself. And then some of the teams that were named in the suit also did the same thing, releasing those statements. How do you think the league's going to handle this in terms of moving forward? Is this going to be potentially something drawn out or what do you think their next sort of step is in this process?

Ben Fischer:

Well, I think the league's in a bit of a tough spot rhetorically here. Because yes, they're going to fight the lawsuit and do everything that any responsible organization does when you're sued in court. But their own executives have essentially acknowledged some sort of problem in hiring as it relates to how black and other minority candidates are hired. Their own executive vice president, Troy Vincent has said repeatedly that there is a problem to be solved here.

            So for the NFL to come out yesterday and so aggressively deny all claims, deny any merit to what Flores is saying was interesting because I don't know how tenable that is. To me, the more likely long term path is to acknowledge general problems while denying these specifics in court and fighting the lawsuit.

            So I'm not sure where they go from here. Their PR messaging for years now has been, yes, we need to get better. On the other hand, they can't just acknowledge that everything Florida said was true or they'd have a major legal problem on their hands. So not clear at all to me where they go from here.

Reginald Walker:

Obviously the timing of this is always going to be something that sort of gets discussed happens on the same day, obviously that the Denver Broncos are officially up for sale. I think it'll be interesting to watch what the potential ownership groups or potential buyers of that team look like and how much that's influence going forward. 

Speaking of change at the top in the National Football League, the Washington Football Team announces a new nickname. They're now the Washington Commanders. So what's your immediate reaction, just you Ben obviously. And then what have you sort of heard from different teams or people around the league?

Ben Fischer:

My immediate reaction is that I don't know if it's a touchdown, but I think they converted a third down and five here. I don't think there's any obvious flaw with the new name. They kept the color scheme. They refreshed the burgundy and gold a little bit. It looks a little different. But I think most people say that the former nickname aside, they love those uniforms. That look, I think it's a winner for them and they didn't get rid of that while still managing to sort of update it a little bit.

            And Commanders. Yeah. maybe it's a little generic. It's not the Kraken, I don't think. In terms of an immediate hook. But I do agree with team president Jason Wright, who said it's got weight in meaning that's appropriate for a franchise that's 90 years old and that it embodies the of values of service and leadership in the DC area. And I can see that Commanders could work anywhere. But if you've ever lived in the DMV, you know somebody whose job title is commander one way or the other, between the massive military presence and all the various parts of the government. So it's got some local resonance. Maybe it's a little boring. But they didn't screw it up, I don't think either.

            In terms of broader reaction, it's been pretty negative. I think this team is going to be, what's the opposite of benefit of the doubt? Dan Snyder in Washington had made it so pretty much, no matter what they do short of hoist as Lombardi trophy, there's going to have a lot of haters on it. And they've earned that to be clear.

            The reaction right now is sort of underwhelming. The presentation on this today show didn't seem especially buttoned up or ambitious, but I think it's really unfair to criticize a nickname half an hour after you've seen it. I mean, is the Washington national as a creative nickname? I'm not even sure what a national is, but they build a relationship with their fans. They won a world series with that name. Nobody thinks twice about it now.

            So you make your team name. The Commanders, get their act together and don't have any more front office shenanigans and win a division or a conference or a Superbowl here at some point in the next 10 years, everyone will love it. I think for now, it's fine. Like I said, they didn't get the touchdown, but I think they did keep the drive alive.

Reginald Walker:

It's interesting you say that Ben, that they sort of kept the drive alive. Third and five, which is considered by most teams, a manageable third down. So they managed this changed pretty well. Ben Fischer, thanks for joining us on SBJ Spotlight.

Ben Fischer:

Anytime. 

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