Hope this middle of November is treating you well. Some solid listens on Olympic glory, leadership tips running big organizations, and a solid update on the legal ramifications of everything from NIL to foreign investment in American sport. As always you can listen to all our episodes here.
No LAX of interest in lacrosse: We welcomed Marc Riccio, CEO of USA Lacrosse and a long time industry thought leader. Marc goes through his sports career, his successes in leadership with organizations like the Jets, and how it landed him at USA Lacrosse. He also explains the value of NGB’s, and developing the game of lacrosse in the US. Marc also speaks to international lacrosse, the business of it, and getting lacrosse into the Olympics. He talks about changes to his leadership style, the impact of rule changes, the indigenous roots of lacrosse and their successful history in lacrosse. He also talks about the growth of the game and participation. Listen in here.
NIL, NCAA and the legal issues ahead. We were joined by Carla Varriale-Barker, Shareholder at Segal McCambridge, and Lecturer at Columbia. Carla talks about the rights of publicity, and the legal issues with NIL. She also talks about the state of trademarks and IP. and speaks to how schools could try and claim rights to players that transfer and the antitrust concerns with that. Carla talks about the legal issues that the NCAA will deal with in the future and about foreign investment in American sport. She also talks about the challenges of deep fakes and legally protecting athletes, and the big impact of Artificial Intelligence on sports and sports law as a whole. A great primer for the days ahead.
Fencing To Gold. Lastly we were joined by Jackie Dubrovich, Gold Medalist in Fencing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Entrepreneur, and 2016 Columbia Graduate. Jackie speaks about her memories of Coach Michael Aufrichtig and making fencing a team sport, not individual. She talks about the process of qualifying for the Olympics, the experience and winning gold this past summer in Paris. Jackie expands on her long and successful fencing journey, how she got started, and how she became an elite fencer through all the hard work and effort put in, as well as the support of her family to give fencing one last shot in the Olympics. Now an entrepreneur, Jackie discusses about her new fencing club she and her fiance are opening and the value she hopes to bring to a suburban community through the sport. Jackie also talks about improving wearable tech in fencing and the importance of financial backing to fencing to help them continue their sport, and the challenges NIL still has to overcome in the sport. A fun and informative listen.
Ciao for now!
