Tom Richardson and I have been doing our sports business podcast at Columbia for nine years and have over 400 episodes logged, with the able assistance of a legion of student producers and the welcomed addition of cohosts Scott Rosner and LJ Holmgren over the years. We think that makes us the second longest running sports business podcast this side of Brian Berger’s Sports Business Radio…so what’s ahead for year ten? First let’s highlight three recent ones worth your time. For all of our episodes, click here.
Bringing Images to Life: Matt Hill, CEO of SPAT Media, to discuss how his company is revolutionizing digital imagery. SPAT Media transforms any image on the internet into an interactive, commerce-enabled asset, offering IP holders such as the NFL and MLS innovative ways to deepen fan engagement and monetize their content. Matt also reflects on his extensive career in the sports industry, including key roles at the NFL in communications and sponsorship, leading global marketing at Adidas, and driving business development at MLS. Great learnings.
Disruption in Media: Michael Dresner, digital media strategy and business development expert and veteran returned to speak with Tom about more disruption in the media business. Michael is the Founder of Forward Media Partners, was COO of CineSport, SVP Media, Sports and Entertainment Marketing at Digitas, and Vice President in various sponsorship and sales roles at the NBA. With Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson capturing millions of eyeballs on stream and socially, we dissect the current creator economy, where influencers are king and queen, and profit is priority. They also discuss how traditional broadcast media giants are now playing catch-up to OTT platforms. Listen in.
Rowing As One To Business Success: We love learning about the uniqueness and opportunities that established but niche sports brings. We catch up with Amanda Kraus, the CEO of US Rowing. Amanda details her career journey, and the development of Row New York as a juggernaut in the not for profit sports world. Amanda also talks about the progression of Olympic success of rowing from 2020 to 2024, and the successes she is proud of as a CEO, and the vision moving forward in a world where NGB’s are being really challenged to drive revenue with little support outside. She also talks about the structure of a National Governing Body, and the media partnerships they have developed to drive awareness. Also included is the importance of youth and collegiate rowing and the potential concerns of the changing landscape of collegiate sports on rowing. Amanda also talks about evolving technologies used for rowing, and the impact of the LA28 Olympics on US Rowing. Ride along and listen here.
Have ideas for guests in our 10th year, send em along!
