Welcome back to another exciting episode of the SBC Audio Experience! This week, Riley Sager sits down with Devin Dismang, the Director of Digital & Content at X Games, to dive into his journey as a content creator and live event producer. With a career that includes working with iconic organizations like the Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Atlanta Falcons, Devin has mastered the art of storytelling for athletes and brands.Starting his career at just 16 years old, Devin has produced memorable content for major events, including the NBA Finals and NFL NFC Championship Game. Now, he’s focused on showcasing authentic athlete voices and building their personal brands through engaging digital strategies.In this episode, Devin shares:The unique skills he developed while transitioning between the NBA and NFL.How his experiences prepared him for leading digital content at X Games.The power of TikTok in sports storytelling and how he’s utilizing it to engage audiences for events like the Winter OlympicsHis approach to balancing athlete amplification and brand growthGet an insider’s perspective on crafting impactful content in the fast-paced world of sports, and learn how Devin’s creativity continues to push boundaries in digital storytelling.Follow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | X | FacebookFollow Riley Sager: LinkedIn | Instagram Follow Devin Dismang: LinkedIn | Instagram | X 

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the SBC Audio Experience! This week, Riley Sager sits down with Simon Cherin-Gordon, the NBA’s Manager of Social Content, to explore his journey and the creative strategies behind managing one of the most dynamic social media presences in sports. With a background in fine arts, photography, and writing, he’s brought a fresh perspective to the NBA’s digital strategy. Rising through the Social and Digital Content team, Simon now oversees the league’s nightly social media strategy across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, and BlueSky.In this episode, Simon shares:The pivotal moments from the SBC Immersive Experience that helped transform his careerManaging social media channels for a global brand and tackling the challenges of keeping content fresh while maintaining consistencyTips for aspiring professionals to stand out in the competitive world of content creation.Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Simon and his team engage millions of fans worldwide, even during the off-season, and what he’s most excited about as he continues to innovate in his role.Tune in for actionable insights, inspiration, and a deep dive into the art of social media in sports!

Welcome back to another episode of the SBC Audio Experience! We’re thrilled to feature Zion Atwater, a talented Video Production Intern with the Utah Jazz  & Utah Hockey Club, and a rising star in the sports media industry. A proud VSL alum, Zion graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a B.A. in Media Production and a B.S. in Strategic Communication. This summer, she expanded her expertise by working with HallPass Media at Jalen Brunson’s Charity Golf Tournament, collaborating with fellow VSL alumni to create compelling content. Now with the Utah Jazz, Zion is using her skills to produce engaging content for the team and further her career in sports media.In this episode, Riley & Zion discuss:Her experience working with Coach Prime at CU Athletics and how it shaped her content production skillsThe valuable lessons she learned working behind the scenes at NBA Summer LeagueHer current role with the Utah Jazz and how she's advancing in the fieldZion’s passion for sports media, coupled with her ability to thrive under pressure and think creatively, makes her a standout in the industry. Tune in to hear about her inspiring journey, her tips for building a standout portfolio, and the importance of networking and mentorship in shaping a successful career.

Welcome back to the SBC Audio Experience! Today, we're excited to feature #SBCAlumni Erica Brunson, a Client & Marketing Services professional at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Erica graduated from Villanova University in 2023 with a degree in Communications and a minor in Education. During her time at Villanova, she gained valuable experience interning with the Dallas Mavericks' social media team in 2022, where she honed her skills in digital strategy and fan engagement.In this episode, host Riley Sager sits down with Erica to discuss:What sparked her interest in the business side of sportsThe unique elements that set SBC Immersive apart from other sports programsHer involvement with her family's Second Round Foundation and the incredible projects she's learning from and contributing toHer top advice for those aiming to break into the sports industryAfter participating in the SBC 2023 Immersive in Las Vegas, Erica's passion for sports business led her to secure a full-time role at CAA in June 2024. Beyond her professional endeavors, Erica is actively involved the Second Round Foundation, which aims to empower young individuals to achieve their full potential regardless of their background.We’re thrilled to have Erica join us as she shares her journey from Villanova to CAA, insights from her time as an SBC alum, and how she balances her growing career with her commitment to charitable work.Follow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | X | FacebookFollow Riley Sager: LinkedIn | Instagram Follow Erica Brunson: LinkedIn | Instagram

Welcome back to another episode of the SBC Audio Experience! Today, we are excited to feature Joel Garcia, a dynamic VSL Alumni and the Director of Player Development for the Westchester Knicks. Joel's journey in the sports world is a testament to his passion and commitment to player growth and team success. Born in New York, his basketball journey began at South Kent High School and continued at Southern University in Louisiana, where he also pursued his passion for art, earning a degree in Art History.In this episode, Riley & Joel discuss: Joel’s transition from playing basketball to focusing on the business side of the sport, and what led him to pursue a career in player development.Building trust with his players and navigating the balance between on-court mentorship and off-court guidanceHow Joel is working toward his future career goals todayIn his role, Joel focuses on ensuring player development by working closely with players on the court and analyzing game film. Joel has seamlessly transitioned into a vital role where he focuses on developing talent and fostering a winning culture. With an eye for talent and a strategic approach to player development, he is dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential both on and off the court. Tune in to hear Joel’s inspiring journey and valuable insights on navigating a career in sports, building trust with players, and how his past experiences continue to shape his future.Follow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | X | FacebookFollow Riley Sager: LinkedIn | Instagram Follow Joel Garcia: Instagram

Welcome to episode 107 of Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience. In today’s episode, alumni host Riley Sager, sits down with 2024 SBC Alumni Mohamed Haji. A remarkable 23-year-old SBC Alumni from Bahrain who is making a major impact in the sports world by blending basketball with cutting-edge technology. Mohamed’s journey is truly inspiring—from starting out as a player to now playing a key role in the executive management of the Bahrain Basketball National Team, Mohamed’s journey is one of hard work, dedication, and continuous self-improvement.In this episode, Riley and Mohamed discuss:How growing up in Bahrain influenced Mohamed’s aspirations to work in sports management and technology, and the unique challenges he faced in the basketball scene there.Mohamed’s approach to building strong relationships with coaches, and how those relationships evolved when he transitioned to an administrative role.The impact of technology on the future of basketball, both in Bahrain and globally, and Mohamed’s efforts to integrate new innovations into the sport.In just two and a half years, Mohamed has helped the national team rise from 108th to 67th in the world rankings, all while working closely with the team’s chairman to develop innovative strategies that merge sports and technology. Mohamed’s passion for raising Bahrain's flag high and advancing the sport of basketball through technology is a testament to his dedication and vision. In today’s episode, Mohamed shares his journey, his ambitions, and how he’s breaking barriers in the sports industry. Stay tuned—you won’t want to miss this conversation!

This episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is from a previously recorded webinar on “Rookie/Veteran Extensions & Final Roster Decisions” hosted by Bobby Marks (SBC Lead Instructor & ESPN Front Office Insider ), Eric Pincus (SBC Instructor, Salary Cap Strategist & Writer for Bleacher Report) and Steven Alves (SBC Instructor). Throughout the webinar our hosts discuss the NBA's recent October 21, 2024 deadline for Rookie/Veteran Extensions and final roster submissions ahead of the 2024-25 NBA Season.Bobby, Eric and Steven dive deep on the following:Extension RulesPlayers of the 2021 NBA Draft class that signed a Rookie ExtensionPlayers that signed a Veteran ExtensionKey roster decisionsQ&A session with webinar attendeesThis webinar is an example of what students learn during the SBC Business of Basketball Immersive Experience. If you have any interest in taking part in our next program this upcoming Summer, be sure to join our Early Interest List. Early interest list registrants get the first opportunity to register for a program with limited capacity that will sell out. Sign up for the Business of Basketball Immersive Experience taking place in July 2025 during the Las Vegas Summer League.Follow SBC: LinkedIn |Instagram |X |FacebookFollow Bobby Marks: LinkedIn | Instagram | XFollow Eric Pincus: LinkedIn |Instagram |XFollow Steven Alves: LinkedIn | Instagram | XFor more information, visit sportsbusinessclassroom.com

In today’s episode of the Sports Business Audio Experience, we’re thrilled to sit down with Valentina Mattioli, Travel Operations Project Manager for the Paris 2024 Olympics & Paralympics. Valentina's journey in sports has been nothing short of inspiring, with a background that spans multiple countries and cultures. She graduated from CIELS University with a bachelor’s degree in Translation & Interpretation, as well as Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations. Thanks to two prestigious scholarships, Valentina gained valuable experience studying abroad, which has shaped her approach to global event management.In this insightful conversation, host Riley Sager and Valentina cover a range of topics, including:The critical skills Valentina developed during her time with FIBA, and how those have influenced her careerExpert advice on building trust and cultivating meaningful relationships with potential employers and colleaguesHer most significant operational takeaways from managing large-scale sporting events like the OlympicsValentina's love for sports, especially basketball, has been the driving force behind her career. She began her professional journey as an intern at FIBA while still completing her university studies. Over the course of three years, she became an integral part of FIBA's global basketball operations, managing logistics and contributing to the success of major international events. Throughout the episode, she shares stories of her experiences on the ground and reflects on the challenges and rewards of working in such high-stakes environments. Whether you're looking to break into the sports industry or just fascinated by the behind-the-scenes of global sports events, this episode is packed with valuable insights from one of the industry's rising stars.

In this special episode of the SBC Audio Experience, host Riley Sager sits down with Hall of Fame Sportswriter J.A. Adande, who was recently added to the lineup of instructors for the 2024 Sports Business Classroom Business of Basketball Immersive Experience, set to take place from July 14-20 during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.In this episode, Riley and J.A. discuss:J.A.’s biggest surprise when he entered the sports industryAdvice for SBC students in an ever-changing industry What to expect at this year’s Immersive Experience in Las VegasWhat J.A. suggests students should do when putting together a portfolioCurrently serving as the Director of Sports Journalism at Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, Adande has covered a multitude of prestigious events including the Olympic Games, Wimbledon, Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, and the NBA Finals. Adande is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Journalism. His dedication to mentorship and education underscores his commitment to fostering the next generation of sports industry leaders.Don't miss out on this engaging discussion about the intersection of sports journalism and the basketball industry, and how J.A. Adande's insights will undoubtedly enrich the Business of Basketball Immersive Experience.Learn more: sportsbusinessclassroom.com

Join host Riley Sager as he chats with Justin Termine, the voice of NBA Today on SiriusXM NBA Radio, about his journey in the broadcasting world. They discuss Justin's path to success, the impact of technology in sports media, and the importance of passion and dedication. Tune in for insights on building relationships, embracing podcasting vs. traditional TV, and navigating the competitive sports business industry.