
Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience
The goal of Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is to share inspiring stories featuring the journeys of successful sports business professionals and to give you the strategies and know-how to help you further your career in sports!
Latest episodes

May 3, 2024 • 48min
J.A. Adande | Hall of Fame Sportswriter & SBC Instructor | Elevating the Game (EP.104)
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

Mar 29, 2024 • 49min
Justin Termine | Voice of NBA Today on SiriusXM NBA Radio | Path to Broadcasting Excellence (EP. 103)
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.

Mar 8, 2024 • 43min
Steve Jones Jr. | SBC Instructor, Podcast Host, & Former Player Development Assistant Coach for the Brooklyn Nets | Coaching, Coordination,
Today’s guest is SBC Instructor, Podcast Host, and Former Player Development Assistant Coach for the Brooklyn Nets, Steve Jones Jr.. Steve is the son of basketball legend Steve “Snapper” Jones and has been surrounded by basketball his entire life. For college Steve played basketball at Arizona State from 2005-08 and then transferred to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas where he played until 2010. In this episode, Riley and Steve discuss:Steve’s mindset when he didn’t get employed fresh out of collegeBeing thrown into a role right before the NBA seasonCoaching for the Brooklyn NetsWhat he plans to bring to the table this summer at SBC ImmersiveAfter his college career, Steve got his start in the sports industry with the Memphis Grizzlies in a Video Coordinator position where he gained a lot of experience, eventually reaching Head Video Coordinator. From Memphis, Steve then moved on to a position with the Brooklyn Nets as an Assistant Coach for Player Development. Fast forward to today, Steve is now the host of The Dunker Spot Podcast where he talks all things basketball with co-host, Nekias Duncan. Follow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookFollow Steve Jones Jr.: LinkedIn | Instagram | X | The Dunker PodcastFollow Riley Sager: LinkedIn | Instagram

Mar 1, 2024 • 55min
Steven Alves | SBC Instructor & NBA Front Office Insider Consultant: Analytical Approach in Basketball (EP. 101)
Join Steven Alves, NBA consultant, in an insightful discussion on analytical skills, NBA certification, and game analysis. Discover his journey in scouting, dedication to basketball, and challenges in the industry. Gain valuable advice for aspiring sports professionals and hear about the upcoming 2024 SBC Business of Basketball Immersive Experience.

Feb 23, 2024 • 2h 6min
How Teams Navigate the NBA Trade Deadline with Bobby Marks and Eric Pincus (EP 100)
This episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is from a previously recorded webinar on “How Teams Navigate the NBA Trade Deadline” hosted by Bobby Marks and Eric Pincus. Throughout the webinar, they discuss the ins and outs of the trade deadline, answer relevant questions from our live Q&A, and more!In this episode, Bobby and Eric discuss:The process of putting together a tradeTrade structure and permissible tradesThe impact of the new CBAExamples of current and past tradesBobby and Eric provide excellent insights on how front offices operate through one of the busiest times of the NBA Calendar.This webinar is an example of what students learn during the SBC Business of Basketball Immersive Experience. If you have any interest in attending the upcoming program taking place July 14-20, 2024 during the Las Vegas Summer, be sure to register as soon as possible as space is limited.Learn more: sportsbusinessclassroom.comFollow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookFollow Bobby Marks: LinkedIn | Instagram | TwitterFollow Eric Pincus: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

Feb 16, 2024 • 48min
Bobby Marks | ESPN NBA Front Office Insider | Trade Talk, Childhood Dreams, & Career Climbs (EP 99)
In this episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience, new series host Riley Sager is joined by SBC Lead Instructor, Bobby Marks. Marks is ESPN’s NBA Front Office Insider and in his new role with SBC, Bobby is enhancing SBC’s existing offerings including the upcoming SBC Business of Basketball Immersive Experience in Las Vegas, developing his "2023 CBA Updates" video-on-demand course, hosting webinars, providing educational resources and more.In this episode, Riley and Bobby discuss:Bobby's role as Lead Instructor for SBCCoverage of the 2023-24 NBA Trade DeadlineHow Bobby got his start in the sports industryWhat being ESPN’s NBA Office Insider entails2024 Business of Basketball Immersive ExperienceBobby provides commentary across all ESPN platforms including television, radio, and digital media. He has been an integral part of covering the NBA Draft, trade deadline, and free agency since he was hired in 2017. Marks started his professional career with the then-New Jersey Nets as an intern in 1995 and rose through the ranks, eventually garnering the title of Assistant GM in 2010. With the Nets, he was part of two Eastern Conference championship teams. A native of Little Falls, NJ, Marks graduated from Marist College in 1995 with a bachelor of arts in communications and was a member of the football team for three years.Follow SBC: LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookFollow Bobby Marks: LinkedIn | Twitter | InstagramFollow Riley Sager:LinkedIn | Instagram

Jul 21, 2023 • 40min
Brittni Donaldson | Atlanta Hawks | Communicating Analytics to Players (EP 98)
In the 4th and final installment of Howard Beck's Understanding Analytics Series, we have the privilege of sitting down with the accomplished Brittni Donaldson. Brittni is an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA, known for her expertise in basketball analytics. She rose to the NBA ranks after her playing career at Northern Iowa concluded. She has previously held coaching roles with the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors, contributing to the Raptors' 2019 NBA Finals victory. As a trailblazer, she became the youngest active Assistant Coach in the NBA at the age of 26 and the first female coaching hire for the Raptors, Pistons, and Hawks.Join us as we dive into Brittni's incredible journey, exploring how she arrived at her current position and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. From her time at StatsLLC to her a-ha moment along the way, Brittni shares valuable insights into her path.We'll dive into the role of advanced analytics and statistical information in the NBA and how players perceive and utilize these data-driven insights. Discover how Brittni effectively communicates with players, coaches, and executives, fostering a shared understanding that bridges the gap between data and on-court performance. Throughout the episode, we explore the types of questions players have, how Brittni supports athletes going through slumps, and the less-known data points that fans may overlook.Find out how organizational goals translate into data implementation, as Brittni sheds light on creating a supportive and secure environment for players to embrace analytical information. Moreover, Brittni shares her experiences adapting her approach in the ever-evolving industry and ensuring players feel comfortable "speaking the same language" as the data presented to them.As we conclude the episode, we discuss common misconceptions in the media and fan community about statistics, and whether teams have sufficient data to quantify quality defense.If you're intrigued by the intersection of basketball analytics, coaching, and player development, this episode is a must-listen. Gain exclusive insights from Brittni Donaldson, a trailblazer in the NBA coaching realm, and discover the art of effectively integrating data into the world of professional basketball.Don't miss this enlightening conversation on our podcast, where we bring you the voices shaping the future of sports!

Jun 27, 2023 • 47min
Ben Taylor | Author and Podcaster of Thinking Basketball | NBA Data and Analytics (EP 97)
In this episode of Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience “Professional Series,” host Howard Beck is joined by Ben Taylor, author of Thinking Basketball, host of the Thinking Basketball podcast. In this episode, Howard and Ben discuss:Defensive analyticsJoel Embiid vs. Nikola JokicWhere does Jokic rank defensNBAivelyBen is able to translate advanced analytics to the fans via his podcast. Ben continues to breakdown basketball analytics for fans on Youtube, Patreon, and Twitter. We are excited to have Ben share his knowledge and translate analytics to the common basketball fan.Follow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookFollow Howard Beck: LinkedIn | TwitterFollow Ben Taylor: Twitter | Website | Youtube | Patreon | Book

Jun 15, 2023 • 1h 9min
Cory Jez | On-Air Statistical Analyst | Data Never Lies (EP 96)
Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience “Professional Series” host Howard Beck is joined by Cory Jez, On Air Analyst for the Portland Trail Blazers. Cory worked as the first and only full-time on-air stats analyst for the team, joining every game broadcast and breaking down the game from a statistical perspective. Cory’s professional experience includes leading the Utah Jazz analytical department and Austin FC, consulting with PGA Tour golfers through his company TourIQ, and helping integrate data with different major sports leagues.In this episode Howard and Cory discuss:Cory’s goal as a broadcaster focusing on analyticsHow Cory translates numbers and stats to fansWhat is player tracking data?How organizations evaluate playersExplanation of reliable all-in-one stats and what they accomplishCory’s background in consulting with startups like Fanduel allowed him to bring a modern technology vision to pro sports. In 2016, Cory took a leading analytics role for the Utah Jazz, growing their department from 1 person to 4 and implementing technology within every aspect of the organization - working closely with the coaching staff, GMs and scouts. In 2020, Cory did the same thing for Austin FC, the newest expansion club within the MLS. Having twice designed and implemented full-scale infrastructure for pro teams gives Cory a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, data, and technology.

Jun 13, 2023 • 55min
Jackson Webber | Co-Founder of PinoyPlug | Making Connections (EP 95)
In this episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience “SBC Alumni Takeover” series, host Alicia Solomon is joined by the Co-founder of PinoyPlug, Jackson Webber. PinoyPlug is an entrepreneurial journey that Jackson and his partner started based on selling footwear and apparel to professional athletes. Jackson has had great personal shopping events at Super Bowl 57, NFL Combine sites, and the University of Washington. Jackson offers great insight into his entrepreneurial journey and how to successfully build relationships with professional athletes.In this episode, Alicia and Jackson discuss:Jackson’s background and how he got into reselling shoes and clothesThe details of Jackson’s business and how he stands out in the spaceHow Jackson got connected with professional athletesBiggest lessons Jackson has learned and what the future looks like for him and the businessJackson is currently a student-athlete at Vanguard University and interning at HallPass Media while balancing his business. We are excited to have Jackson join the SBC podcast and look forward to seeing him succeed in everything he is involved with.Follow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookFollow Alicia: LinkedIn | InstagramFollow PinoyPlug: InstagramFollow Jackson Webber: Instagram | LinkedIn