Navigating Sports Business

Charlie Hussey – Deputy Commissioner/COO at the SEC – discusses the history of realignment in the SEC, and compares the additions of Texas and Oklahoma to the other two waves of realignment that the conference has seen since the early '90s.       Adding Arkansas and South Carolina in 1990 was driven by the desire to expand to 12 teams in order to host a championship football game between the newly formed 6-team divisions. Then Texas A&M and Missouri were inbound additions in 2012, having reached out to the conference to inquire about membership, but doing so separately. Texas and Oklahomas represented yet another variation, having approached SEC leadership as a package deal.       Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=527f2c9ef9b136f48f476dd1f75488ec       For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Charlie Hussey - Deputy Commissioner/COO at the SEC - on the evolution of college athletics, and how he feels about the state of the conference.   He and Jeff Nelson discuss the continuous, regional footprint of the SEC despite adding Texas and Oklahoma, and why they're comfortable with the 16 schools they currently have, with national appeal.   Details: 3:45 - The evolution of collegiate athletics 9:02 - Remaining a contiguous conference 10:55 - Growing up in SEC country 15:20 - Early years of Charlie’s career 18:30 - SEC Network 26:40 - The role of the NCAA 33:30 - Rapid Fire Questions   Show Notes: Greg Sankey Interview Books: The Education of a Lifetime by Robert Khayat Smart Brevity by Jim VandeHei, Roy Schwartz, Mike Allen Legacy: What The All Blacks Can Teach Us About The Business Of Life, by James Kerr The Content Trap, by Bharat Anand   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Steve Lauletta – President of 23XI Racing – on the recent creativity that he's seen in NASCAR with events like the Chicago Street Race and the Clash at the Coliseum. He's optimistic about the future of the sport and the changes they've made to appeal to a broader audience.     Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=b579cd3ecab3c669fbfe34e20801dfa0     For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Shawn Quill – National Sports Industry Leader at KPMG – on the importance of measuring your sponsorship portfolio to determine ROI. He also talks about finding deals that align with your brand's value, and give benefit to your partner beyond writing a check.   Listen to the full episode here:https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=3b0fad789156b8f3cd115d8cfbf6addc   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Stu Halberg – CEO of Logitix – on what actually drives ticket purchasing. The surprising takeaway is that price is not as critical as once thought, at least compared to factors like, quality of the teams or performers, timing, and availability of other events in the area.   Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=ad61f9ea4ac7f6133ed6fb6845d17296   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Steve Lauletta - President of 23XI Racing - details what it's like to build a NASCAR team from the ground up alongside Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.   He and AJ Maestas discuss the role of sponsorship in NASCAR and how it differs from other sports properties. They also touch on 23XI's unique positioning and their role in rejuvenating NASCAR's audience as they attract a more diverse audience to the sport.   Details: 1:35 - The 23XI Racing Story 7:05 - Sponsorship in NASCAR  11:20 - Building a more inclusive culture 18:55 - The future of NASCAR 22:55 - Rapid Fire Questions   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.  

Kara Nortman – Founder of Angel City FC and Managing Partner of Monarch Collective – on the immense success that Angel City has seen so far, and what it means for the rest of the NWSL.   According to SBJ, Angel City FC accounted for 38% of NWSL total revenue in 2022. Kara shares best practices that she's seen internally and at other teams for building and sustaining a successful organization.   Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=12aff816962b1344181ea55048706a14   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

For the 75th episode of Navigating Sports Business, Shawn Quill - National Sports Industry Leader at KPMG - discusses KPMG's unique role in sports as both a brand sponsor, and as an agency, working with properties on tax consulting as well as other more niche business challenges.   Shawn also shares his thoughts on which sports and leagues make the most compelling targets for sponsors and private equity investors, including the NWSL and soccer in general. KPMG has a significant history of investing in women's sports, especially when it comes to women's golf and the LPGA.   Details 1:50 - KPMG’s role in sports 9:20 - Sponsorship decisions 16:30 - Shawn’s background 23:05 - KPMG’s investments in women’s sports 27:55 - Other investments in sports 32:00 - Private equity in sports 38:30 - Mistakes to avoid when pitching a partner 40:15- Rapid Fire Questions   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Jim Kahler – Director of the Sport & Entertainment Management Program – Monte Ahuja College of Business – Cleveland State University – gives advice about where to invest sponsorship dollars. Hear his thoughts on pickleball, soccer, rule changes in baseball, women's sports in general, and the collegiate landscape.   Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=30c7f8218e94d03796551ddbed2a1555   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Rick George - Athletic Director at the University of Colorado - talks realignment, the current state of college sports, and how the move to the Big 12 will help Colorado student athletes and the program in general.   He and AJ Maestas also discuss the hiring of Deion Sanders as Head Football Coach, and what it was like the have two monumental decisions impact the past 9 months of CU athletics.   Details: 2:30 - Coach Prime’s Impact on CU Athletics 7:10 - Rick’s high school basketball career 11:45 - Big 12 Move 20:15 - Future realignment 21:20 - Rapid Fire Questions   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.