SSAC

Moderator: Seth Walder Panelists: Brian Burke, Dean Oliver, Andrew Healy, Steve Weinman The entire idea of sports analytics is to drive better decisions through quantitative analysis. But as the field has become more advanced, it’s virtually impossible now to do the job without watching tape. In this panel, we’ll explore how football and basketball analytics professionals – both on pro teams and at ESPN – have learned to watch film, rely on film to further their understanding of the game, and use film to augment or even inspire their quantitative analysis. It turns out: nerds do watch the games – and they’re going to do it in this panel.

In this discussion, guests Steve Magness, an expert on mental toughness; Sian Leah Beilock, a cognitive scientist and president of Dartmouth; and Allison Feaster, VP at the Boston Celtics, dive into the psychology behind winning. They explore how athletes can build resilience and effective team dynamics while navigating pressure. Personal stories highlight failure as a stepping stone to success, and they discuss how storytelling and reframing negative experiences boost performance. The panel emphasizes the importance of communication, wellness, and adapting mindsets in overcoming challenges.

Moderator: John Hollinger Panelists: Shane Battier, Dean Oliver, Monte McNair, Ariana Andonian This panel will explore how NBA organizations have transformed through the integration of analytics into their decision-making processes. From drafting strategies and roster construction to player development and in-game tactics, panelists will examine the role of analytics in shaping team identity and success. The conversation will balance the front office’s perspective on long-term planning with the player-centric view of how data-driven strategies impact the on-court experience. Topics will include the use of advanced metrics for player evaluation, the integration of tracking data, the balance between data and basketball instincts, and the challenges of implementing analytics across departments.

Moderator: Jennifer Shahade Panelists: Nate Silver, Alexandra Botez, Xuan Liu Poker is a game of skill, strategy, and psychology—but how do players navigate the tension between mathematical precision and the unpredictable swings of variance? This panel explores the interplay between optimal game theory strategy and the mental resilience required to handle hot streaks and brutal downswings. Experts and poker content creators will discuss the impact of solvers, intuition, and behavioral psychology on decision-making at the highest levels. Whether you're a data-driven grinder or a feel-based player, this conversation will reveal what it takes to stay sharp in a game where both skill and mindset determine long-term success.

Moderator: Deepak Malhotra Panelists: Sue Bird, Evan Wasch, Mike Zarren, Daryl Morey Basketball has seen a dramatic shift in recent years, with the three-point shot dominating team strategies and reshaping how players approach the game. This panel will explore whether the NBA is at a “crisis” point due to this trend, drawing lessons from other sports that faced similar strategy convergence. Panelists will debate whether the league has reached peak three-point shooting volumes, how defenses have adapted, and whether this evolution has made the game less entertaining or overly repetitive. The discussion will also address potential solutions: Should leagues intervene with rule changes, or will the game naturally evolve as teams identify new inefficiencies? Join us for a lively debate on the future of basketball amidst the three-point era.

Moderator: Arda Öcal Panelists: Jeremy Rogalski, Meghan Chayka, Philippe Desaulniers Across all sports, analytics have become essential for shaping offseason decisions, such as draft preparation and player compensation. However, their impact extends far beyond that—data and analytics now play a critical role in guiding in-game decisions, helping coaches lead their teams to success. Join our panelists from across the hockey landscape as they discuss the evolution of on-ice decision-making driven by analytics. From line changes to innovative strategies, discover how coaches and front offices are redefining the game with data-driven approaches.

Join Carlos Pena, a 14-year MLB veteran and analyst, Jonathan Erlichman, the Rays' VP of analytics, and Michael Voltmer, Dodgers' Director of Strategy, as they dissect the impact of recent rule changes in MLB. They explore the evolution of data-driven strategies and the integration of AI for enhancing pitch recognition and player performance. Discover how teams adapt their game strategies amidst these shifts and the role of former players in front office innovations. The conversation is packed with insights on sustaining success in a fast-paced baseball environment.

Amy Reinhard, Lori Conkling, Harish Sarma, and Reagan Carey dive into the changing landscape of sports media. They discuss Netflix's foray into live sports, the exclusive rights of NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube, and TikTok's impact on fan engagement through platforms like SportsTok. The panelists explore innovative monetization strategies and share insights on the rising popularity of women's sports, highlighting major cultural shifts. They emphasize the need for streamlined content access as sports viewing becomes more fragmented.

Moderator: Alison Overholt Panelists: Evan Wasch, Dawn Aponte, Lisa Lazarus In efforts to create unique competition, the NBA recently debuted its in-season tournament, while the NFL consistently updates its rules to enhance game flow, safety, and competitiveness, while also expanding its global presence by hosting games in international markets, with the first NFL game in South America taking place in 2024. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is actively pushing for innovation to improve safety standards while the MLS is rapidly expanding, and using MLS Next Pro to test their latest innovations. Leagues continue to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs, desires and concerns of fans while maintaining the integrity of their sport and the fundamentals that fans love. This panel brings together executives from the NBA, NFL, MLS, and HISA to discuss how leagues are making the decisions that are driving their sports forward to raise the overall quality for both the fans and the participants. Through insightful analysis, this panel will explore the impacts of these changes on league operations, fan engagement, player dynamics, and the overall future trajectory of each respective league. #LeagueInnovations

Moderator: Brian Millman Panelists: Joe Marsh, Andrew Lilien, Doug Watson This panel seeks to dive into the dynamic relationship between brands and the esports industry, exploring the current landscape and future in 2024. In the world of esports, brands and esports organizations are presented with unique opportunities and challenges in establishing meaningful connections with the community. Our panel of experts from esports teams, agencies, game developers, and brand partners will discuss the current state of brand involvement in esports, examining what it takes to form impactful strategic partnerships. Panelists will offer insights into how esports organizations and brands can successfully collaborate in the esports ecosystem, from sponsorship activations to digital marketing innovations. #LevelUp