The Sports Business Leaders Podcast

Driving ranges are evolving from simple practice facilities into interactive entertainment destinations, and iTarget Golf is helping lead that transformation. In this episode, Fred Guitton, Chief Revenue Officer of iTarget Golf, explains how the company's interactive LED targets and technology integrations help golf facilities increase revenue, extend operating hours, attract new customers, and create experiences that keep golfers coming back.

Fred also shares how iTarget Golf works with golf course operators to solve real business challenges rather than simply sell technology. We discuss the future of golf entertainment, why gamification is reshaping the industry, and how venue...

Bouker Pool, Managing Director at CTH Advisors, joins the Sports Business Leaders Podcast to discuss what it takes to build and scale sports businesses. Throughout his career, Bouker has helped organizations at critical inflection points turn product-market fit into sustainable growth by aligning strategy, operations, partnerships, and go-to-market execution. His experience spans professional sports, endurance events, media, and emerging technology, including leadership roles with USA Cycling, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, USA TODAY Sports Media Group, and the Colorado Avalanche.

In this episode, we discuss how founders know when they're ready to scale, why coachability is...

Steve Sanders, Chief Growth Officer at TPH Academy, joins the Sports Business Leaders Podcast to cover the growth of sports academies and how the youth sports landscape is changing. After serving as CEO of SPIRE Academy and working with organizations including IMG Academy, FC Barcelona's U.S. Academy, and Disney on Ice, Steve has built a career helping sports organizations grow through strategy, partnerships, and operations.

In this episode, we talk about the rise of academy-style education, how NIL is changing opportunities for youth athletes, why flexible academics are becoming more important than ever, and where technology...

Clive Mayhew is the Co-Founder and CEO of GOLF.AI. On this episode we cover how his company is building the world's leading AI platform for golf. With more than 150,000 golfers and thousands of golf courses on the platform, GOLF.AI is using artificial intelligence to improve everything from on-course decision-making and rules interpretation to tee time bookings, customer service, and course operations.

Clive shares lessons from a career spanning more than 25 years in technology, including his early days at Netscape, building and exiting multiple startups, and why he believes AI will fundamentally reshape every sport over...

Dr. China Jude has built one of the most accomplished leadership careers in sports, with executive roles spanning collegiate athletics, the NFL, USA Volleyball, and now the NBA G League.

As President of Business Operations for the Motor City Cruise, the Detroit Pistons' G League affiliate, she leads the organization's business strategy, revenue growth, corporate partnerships, ticket sales, fan engagement, and community impact. Her mission is to grow the Cruise brand, deepen its connection with the Detroit community, and create a best-in-class experience for fans and partners alike.

In this episode of the Sports Business...

The Armory is home to one of the world's fastest indoor tracks, the historic Millrose Games, and the National Track & Field Hall of Fame. But it's also a nonprofit that helps thousands of young people through education, fitness, and community programs.

In this episode, Jake sits down with Rita Finkel and Jonathan Schindel, Co-Presidents of The Armory Foundation, to discuss what it takes to operate one of the busiest track & field venues in the world. They talk about venue operations, fan experience, community impact, youth development, and how The Armory has become a destination for everyone from...

Flint Lane is the founder, CEO, and commissioner of Major League Table Tennis (MLTT). After spending more than two decades building Billtrust into a publicly traded company, Flint came out of retirement to launch the first professional table tennis league in the United States—a league that has quickly grown to 10 franchises, secured a national television partnership with CBS Sports, and attracted world-class athletes from around the globe.

Flint shares the lessons he brought from the software industry into sports, including why launching an MVP matters, how MLTT thinks about broadcast distribution, fan acquisition, sports betting, and mu...

What does it take to build one of the nation's premier community-based youth soccer clubs while staying true to your mission?

On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Jake Voorhees sits down with Michele Burns, President of Lower Merion Soccer Club (LMSC), a nonprofit organization serving more than 2,700 youth athletes annually with a player-first approach to development. Together, they discuss Michele's journey into youth sports leadership, how LMSC balances recreational and elite pathways, and why developing confident, resilient young people matters just as much as developing great soccer players.

The conversation also explores...

In this live Sports Business Leaders panel, we sit down with James Robinson, Investor at RRE Ventures, and Dominic DiFebo, President of the Disc Golf Pro Tour, to discuss how innovation is reshaping the sports industry.

The conversation explores what investors look for in emerging sports businesses, how new leagues attract fans and sponsors, the role of technology and media in driving growth, and why niche sports are creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

Whether you're building a sports startup, investing in the industry, or simply curious about where sports business is headed...

Zach Henderson has spent more than a decade helping some of the biggest organizations in sports grow revenue, holding leadership roles with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Nationals, Indianapolis Colts, and Comcast Spectacor before joining WolfCycle as Director of Client Success.

In this episode, Zach shares lessons from leading sales teams across the NFL and MLB, what separates organizations that consistently grow revenue from those that don't, and how AI is transforming the way teams engage fans and drive ticket sales.

We also discuss the importance of personalization, building a 360-degree view of the customer, adopting...

Jeremy Goldberg, President of LeagueApps, joins the Sports Business Leaders Podcast to discuss how the company has grown into one of the leading technology platforms serving youth and local sports organizations. Since its founding in 2010, LeagueApps has helped power thousands of organizations, supports more than 80 professional sports teams, and processes billions of dollars in sports programming.

In this conversation, Jeremy shares the entrepreneurial journey behind LeagueApps, how the company evolved from an adult sports startup into a leader in youth sports technology, and why staying close to customers has been one of its biggest competitive advantages. We...

Dr. Richard D. Myles Sr., Founder and Chairman of the Minor Football League (MFL), joins the Sports Business Leaders Podcast to share his vision for creating opportunities beyond the traditional football pipeline. After playing in the NFL, Dr. Myles launched the MFL in 1993 with a mission to develop athletes, future coaches, front office executives, and community leaders through what he calls the "Laboratory of Change."

In this episode, Dr. Myles discusses the inspiration behind building the nation's only professional developmental football league, the challenges of turning a decades-long vision into reality, and why every athlete should prepare...

On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Han Park, Founder & CEO of Payment Labs.

After spending more than 20 years helping build ESL Gaming into a billion-dollar business, Han founded Payment Labs to solve one of the biggest challenges in sports: moving money across borders quickly, securely, and compliantly. Today, Payment Labs powers payments in 180+ countries and works with organizations including X Games, Microsoft, SEGA, AVP, APP, and The Snow League.

We discuss how sports organizations can modernize their payment infrastructure, why selling into teams requires a different go-to-market strategy...

Nate Thompson is the Founder of Catalyst Sports Ventures, Co-Founder of HTX Sports Tech, and creator of The Lab in Los Angeles, a new hub connecting founders, investors, executives, and athletes across the sports industry.

With more than 20 years of experience spanning the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Guardians, Houston Astros, and collegiate athletics, Nate has built a career around connecting people, ideas, and opportunities. In this episode, he shares how his experience inside professional sports led him to build an ecosystem that helps startups grow, teams innovate, and investors identify emerging opportunities.

We discuss the evolution...

Kylee Renouf is the Director of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships at Signature Athletics, a company building one of the most comprehensive ecosystems in youth sports. What started with the #1 lacrosse ball has expanded into custom team gear, sports camps, media, strategic partnerships, and initiatives focused on making youth sports more accessible.

In this episode, Kylee shares how Signature approaches marketing by educating and serving parents, coaches, and program directors before promoting products. She explains why trust has become one of the most valuable assets in today's content landscape, how strategic partnerships help reduce costs for youth sports organizations...

Raphael Gellar is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Forward Sports Group, a boutique football consultancy that advises North American investors, owners, players, coaches, and clubs across the global football ecosystem. Before entering the consulting world, Raphael spent nearly a decade as an internationally syndicated football journalist with work published by the BBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, FourFourTwo, AFP, and more.

In this episode, Raphael shares what he's learned from helping investors evaluate and acquire European football clubs. We discuss why investing in Europe differs from American sports ownership, the biggest mistakes new owners...

Mike Hummel is the Founder and CEO of 1PRCT Labs, the company behind MPG, a clean sports fuel gummy designed to help athletes maintain focus, energy, and performance during long practices and competitions. A former seven-time school record holder at Texas A&M and a coach with more than 20 years of experience working with elite endurance athletes, Mike launched the company after seeing athletes consistently lose focus and performance as training sessions progressed.

In this episode, Mike shares how his coaching background led him to identify a gap in the sports nutrition market and what he's learned...

Suzann Pettersen is a two-time major champion, former world No. 2, and one of the most accomplished golfers of her generation. After winning 21 professional tournaments and retiring with the iconic winning putt at the 2019 Solheim Cup, Pettersen has turned her focus to growing the business of women's sports as the founder of Voxa, a female-focused athlete management and marketing agency.

In this episode, Suzann shares why she launched Voxa, how the agency is creating a more athlete-first approach to representation, and why she believes women's sports are entering a period of unprecedented growth. She also discusses lessons from...

Christian Henze is the Chief Strategy Officer at the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), where he has helped shape the league's growth since its early days. In this episode, Christian shares how the PLL has challenged traditional sports models through its touring format, player equity program, first-party fan data strategy, and recent transition to a city-based league. He also explains why community-building, fan engagement, and in-house technology have been central to the PLL's success, and offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs building businesses in sports. Whether you're interested in emerging leagues, sports innovation, or the future of fan experience, this conversation...

Jes Wolfe is the CEO and Chairwoman of Rebel Girls, a global empowerment brand that has sold more than 13 million books, reached 50 million girls across 100+ countries, and expanded into podcasts, video, consumer products, and live experiences. She is also the Co-Founder and Chairwoman of League One Volleyball San Francisco, one of the newest franchises in the rapidly growing League One Volleyball (LOVB).

In this episode, Jes shares her journey from banking and consulting to building multiple high-growth companies. She explains how she evaluates new business opportunities by identifying market size, white space, and commercial viability, and why...

Marques Colston, Super Bowl champion and the New Orleans Saints' all-time leading receiver, and Nick Edwards, former professional MMA fighter, entrepreneur, and Managing Partner of Champion Capital, are helping redefine how investors participate in the business of sports. Together, they co-founded Champion Venture Partners and launched the Champion Fund, an innovative investment platform designed to provide broader access to one of the fastest-growing asset classes in the world.

In this episode, Marques and Nick share how their backgrounds as professional athletes shaped their approach to leadership, investing, and entrepreneurship. They discuss the philosophy of "Creating Separation," why...

Eric Spitz is the Founder and CEO of FanUp.ai, an AI-powered sports technology company helping professional sports teams, leagues, and rights holders unlock the hidden value of their fan data. After pioneering real-time player tracking technology with Trakus, Eric has spent decades building companies at the intersection of technology, media, retail, and data analytics.

In this episode, Eric explains how FanUp.ai is creating the emerging category of Fan Asset Management, helping organizations transform dormant fan databases from operational cost centers into valuable revenue-generating assets. Drawing on proven retail loyalty strategies and AI-powered predictive analytics, FanUp...

Susan Brazer is a global media, technology, and sports executive who has spent decades at the forefront of digital transformation. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles at Apple, Nokia, Virgin Mobile USA, and Showtime Networks, where she helped launch groundbreaking technologies and media platforms that reshaped how consumers access and engage with content. Today, Susan is the Founder and CEO of LionShare Media International and the creator of ThinAir, an AI-powered, mobile-first streaming platform designed to help teams, leagues, broadcasters, and collegiate athletic departments improve fan engagement, athlete monetization, and direct-to-fan media experiences.

In this...

Artin Eskandari is the Co-Founder and CEO of TWLV, a clinically backed performance nutrition company built specifically for combat and hybrid athletes. Before launching TWLV, Artin built his career across startups, consumer brands, healthcare, and e-commerce, serving in leadership roles at companies including Pharmadrug International, MyTaag, DR. EMI ARPA SKIN, and 032c, while also investing in and advising high-growth businesses across Europe.

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Artin shares his entrepreneurial journey from founding and scaling startups to building TWLV alongside heavyweight boxing contender Agit Kabayel. He discusses the rapid growth of combat...

Fran Dunphy is one of the most respected figures in college basketball and the winningest coach in Philadelphia Big 5 history. Across more than three decades as a head coach at Penn, Temple, and La Salle, he built a legacy defined not only by wins and NCAA Tournament appearances, but by leadership, humility, and service to others.

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Coach Dunphy shares lessons from his remarkable career, including overcoming insecurities as a first-time head coach, empowering assistant coaches and players through trust, and navigating the challenge of succeeding legendary coaches. He...

John Davidson is the founder of Davidson Learning Company (DLC), a sports, gaming, and esports strategist who has helped brands, leagues, teams, and organizations better understand and engage with one of the world's fastest-growing audiences. With a background that spans professional skateboarding, esports, media, and partnership development, John has advised major brands including GameStop and PRG on how to build authentic connections within gaming communities.

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, John shares his journey into esports and explains why so many brands struggle to connect with gamers. He discusses how sports organizations, brands...

Briana Candeub and Chelsea Lazar are leaders at Park Avenue Worldwide, a luxury ground transportation and logistics company that has evolved from a regional limousine service into a trusted partner for major sports, entertainment, and corporate organizations. With a fleet of more than 350 vehicles and a global transportation network, Park Avenue Worldwide provides transportation solutions for teams, venues, executives, and large-scale events across the world.

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Brianna and Chelsea share their journey in the family business, lessons learned from working in every aspect of the company, and how Park...

Jack Dempsey is the Strategic Partnerships and Development Manager at Laurel Springs School, the world's first accredited online private schools serving students across all 50 states and more than 70 countries. A lifelong entrepreneur, Jack spent more than a decade building and operating businesses before joining Laurel Springs, where he now works with student-athletes, performers, entrepreneurs, and families to create flexible educational pathways that support high-performance lifestyles.

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Jack shares his entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of online education, and why more elite athletes, performers, and young entrepreneurs are seeking alternatives to...

Topher Bates is the General Manager of Boxing at On Location, the premium hospitality and experiences division of TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of UFC, WWE, PBR, and other global sports and entertainment properties.

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Topher shares how On Location has become the leader in VIP ticketing, hospitality, and exclusive fan experiences across some of the world's biggest sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, Olympics, UFC, and WWE. He discusses the business behind premium experiences, building partnerships with major sports properties, launching TKO's new boxing...

Mike Lorenz is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of NGU Sports Lighting, LLC, an industry executive credited with pioneering the modern solid-state (LED) retrofit market for sports and entertainment venues. He has spent over a decade leading companies that design and implement high-efficiency arena and stadium illumination systems.

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Mike shares his journey from public accounting to building one of the companies that helped bring LED sports lighting into the mainstream, including projects at Super Bowl venues and major sports facilities across the country. He discusses the evolution...

Tim McDermott is one of the most accomplished executives in professional sports, having held leadership positions across four major leagues—the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLS. As President of Philadelphia Union, Tim oversees all business and corporate operations for the club, including Subaru Park, the Philadelphia Union Academy, and Union II.

Before joining the Union in 2016 and becoming Club President in 2019, Tim served as Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer for Philadelphia 76ers, Chief Marketing Officer for Philadelphia Eagles, and held senior marketing and sponsorship leadership roles with the Washington Capitals. Earlier in his career, he worked in fo...

Chris Murphy has spent more than two decades with the Golden State Warriors organization, rising from a ticket sales role to become Senior Vice President of Franchise Development for the Warriors and President of the Santa Cruz Warriors.

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Chris shares how the Santa Cruz Warriors have become one of the premier franchises in the NBA G League. He discusses the importance of ownership support, investing in people and facilities, and treating the G League as a critical extension of the Golden State Warriors organization rather than a standalone...

Jason Hershman, better known as The Sports CFO, built his career as the first finance hire at multiple startups that went on to achieve an IPO and major acquisitions, including a sports technology company that sold for more than $400 million.

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Jason shares his journey from working as a ball boy for the Philadelphia Eagles to becoming one of the leading finance operators in sports. As the founder of PointCFO, he helps sports startups, leagues, media companies, and investors raise capital, build financial infrastructure, and scale for growth.

Emiliano Abramzon is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and the co-founder of Nearpod, the interactive learning platform that was acquired by Renaissance Learning in a deal reportedly valued at approximately $650 million. Today, he is the co-founder and CEO of Racquet 360, a company building one of the most comprehensive padel and racquet sports ecosystems in the United States.

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Emiliano shares his journey from scaling a successful technology company to helping grow one of the fastest-growing sports categories in the world. He discusses why padel presents a massive opportunity in the...

Paul Rigault is CEO and co-founder of the DØDS Diving League, a next-generation global sports property built from the ground up for digital-first audiences. He brings more than 25 years of experience as an advertising and media executive, including serving as CEO of Publicis Norway.

Chris Freet is the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at ⁠WMT Digital⁠. On this episode, we discuss how teams, leagues, and entertainment organizations are rethinking fan engagement in the modern era.

Chris shares insights from nearly two decades working inside college athletics before helping scale WMT Digital into one of the leading fan data and engagement platforms in sports. The conversation dives into first-party data, fan ownership, AI-driven personalization, loyalty programs, NIL-driven revenue shifts in college sports, and why organizations must stop optimizing only for attendance and start optimizing for “fan economics.”

They also dis...

Larry Meli is the President of the Delaware Blue Coats and longtime executive within the Philadelphia 76ers organization. Larry shares his career journey from working with the Philadelphia Eagles and Comcast Spectacor to leading the Blue Coats and helping shape one of the NBA G League’s premier franchises.

The conversation explores the importance of relationship building, being a great teammate, and creating long-term trust throughout a career in sports. Larry also discusses building partnerships, developing talent within organizations, and the Blue Coats’ impact on the Wilmington community. The episode concludes with valuable insights for brands and comp...

Jason Bernstein is one of the most creative minds in sports media and content strategy. Currently leading partnership innovation and commercial strategy for the United Football League (UFL), Jason is helping shape how modern sports leagues think about content, sponsorship, fan engagement, and emerging technology.

Before the UFL, Jason spent years at ESPN and The Walt Disney Company leading more than $2 billion in global media rights negotiations while building innovative content and marketing initiatives across some of the biggest platforms in sports. He has also worked closely with companies like Twitter and Sony to develop cutting-edge digital...

Ryan Hawk is an author, keynote speaker, and the host of The Learning Leader Show, one of the world’s leading podcasts focused on leadership, performance, and personal growth. A former Division I quarterback at Ohio University and professional football player, Ryan has built a career helping leaders, teams, and organizations pursue excellence through discipline, consistency, and intentional growth.

On this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Ryan shares lessons learned from interviewing more than 700 elite performers, including insights from Jim Collins, Simon Sinek, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Alex Hormozi. The conversation dives into resilience, leadership, purpose, an...

Mitch Askenas joins the Sports Business Leaders Podcast to cover the future of streaming, fan engagement, and sports media infrastructure. As Executive Director and Head of Commercial for the Americas at Comcast Technology Solutions, Mitch works at the intersection of sports, technology, and media, helping leagues, teams, and broadcasters rethink how they engage and monetize fans in a rapidly changing landscape.

The conversation dives into Comcast Technology Solutions’ work powering over 10,000 live sporting events annually, delivering 50 billion streams globally, and supporting some of the largest media and sports properties in the world, including the Super Bowl, Olympics, Fo...