The Profluence Pod 🌐

Rich Routman, Minute Media - The $50M College Shift

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 06:19:21 GMT

Rich Routman is the President of Minute Media, a global sports and culture content, publishing, and technology company. Returning to the Profluence Podcast as its first repeat guest, Rich brings decades of experience leading major media platforms, having previously served as CEO of The Sporting News and holding senior executive roles across digital sports publishing and distribution.

Minute Media operates a dual business model combining a direct-to-consumer editorial portfolio, which includes iconic brands like Sports Illustrated, The Players' Tribune, FanSided, and Mental Floss—with a robust B2B technology and video distribution infrastructure anchored by STN Video. This operational strategy balances owned-and-operated media environments with syndicated video highlight distribution for major leagues like the NFL, MLB, NBA, F1, NASCAR, and the PGA Tour.

In this episode, Rich evaluates the state of modern sports publishing. Rich breaks down how publishers can weather search engine algorithm changes by placing brands back at the center of their distribution strategy, the operational mechanics of creator-publisher collaborations, the strategic criteria for digital media M&A, and the rise of Connected TV (CTV) and FAST channels as the future of home-screen video consumption.

David Brickley, STN Digital | Building a Leading Digital Sports Agency

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 04:14:19 GMT

David Brickley is the CEO and Founder of STN Digital, a specialized social media and digital marketing agency serving professional sports franchises, leagues, media networks, and elite athletes. Drawing from an early career in sports broadcasting—including hosting live post-game shows for LakersNation, interviewing Kobe Bryant, and producing at Fox Sports Radio—David launched STN Digital in 2013 to bridge the gap between sports organizations and digital-native fanbases.

STN Digital architects and executes end-to-end digital strategies across major North American sports leagues (NFL, NBA, WNBA, NWSL) and corporate brands. The agency focuses on content creation, social performance optimization, and audience activation—specializing in high-profile "surge moments" such as Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever debut, NFL draft campaigns, and major team launches. STN Digital’s methodology treats organic social media as a top-of-funnel trust-building asset while converting digital engagement into sponsorable inventory and commercial revenue.

In this episode, David unpacks the evolution of sports digital media over the last decade. David breaks down how to reverse-engineer fan psychology, the operational mechanics of preparing for viral franchise milestones, the distinction between brand marketing and lower-funnel sales campaigns, and why Fortune 500 companies are shifting from traditional linear media buying to owned brand studios and live creator partnerships.

Randall Boe, Akin | Inside Sports Private Equity & Credit

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 03:50:36 GMT

Randall Boe is a Partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, where he leads the firm's Sports practice within the Entertainment, Sports & Media group. Bringing a career spanning technology law, professional sports operations, and executive leadership, Randall previously served as General Counsel at America Online (AOL) before joining Monumental Sports & Entertainment as Executive Vice President and General Counsel. In that role, he helped oversee a sports and real estate portfolio that included the Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Mystics (WNBA), and Capital One Arena.

Randall has operated across nearly every facet of the sports ecosystem, including serving as the CEO and Commissioner of the Arena Football League (AFL). His experience spans complex sports finance transactions, media rights distribution, venue monetization, and LP equity deals. At Akin Gump, Randall advises major institutional investors, leagues, and collegiate athletic programs navigating the modern sports landscape.

In this episode, Randall explores the rapid professionalization and institutionalization of sports. Randall details the structural shift from family-owned franchises to private equity and private credit, the business mechanics of college sports revenue-sharing under the House settlement, the future of media rights, and the operational challenges of building emerging sports leagues.

Sophia Whitesell,The Giving Game | Unlocking the True Value of Athlete Foundations

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 05:46:45 GMT

Sophia Whitesell is the Founder and CEO of The Giving Game, an athlete-led philanthropic media and publishing platform. Transitioning from a decade-long career as a registered nurse and hospital executive into the sports industry, Sophia created The Giving Game to bridge the operational, awareness, and storytelling gaps that often prevent high-profile athletes from scaling their charitable foundations.

The Giving Game operates as a media engine and publishing house dedicated to highlighting the human element of sports philanthropy. By enforcing a strict "no sports talk" rule during long-form interviews, the platform focuses entirely on the athlete’s personal origin story, community mission, and foundation goals. Each interview is paired with a multi-day digital campaign and an interactive children’s book publishing line designed to engage fans, demystify grassroots giving, and combat donor fatigue.

In this episode Sophia explores the business of athlete-driven nonprofits, navigating the "gatekeepers" within an athlete’s inner circle, and the operational differences between grassroots foundations and large legacy charities. Sophia breaks down how the platform activates fan bases without asking for direct dollars, her approach to elevating women’s sports foundations, and her plans for expanding into physical, community-driven experiences.

Podcast Chapters:

01:35 - Sophia’s Origin Story: Transitioning from Nursing to Sports
04:11 - The Operational Bottlenecks Facing Athlete Foundations
06:12 - What Is The Giving Game? Media Platform & Children's Book Publishing
08:54 - Navigating Gatekeepers & Decoding the Athlete’s Inner Circle
12:16 - The Interview Framework: Stripping Away "Sports Talk" for Human Stories
14:09 - Mental Health, Vulnerability, and Breaking Out of the "Athlete Box"
18:44 - Non-Monetary Philanthropy: Leveraging Influence over Capital
22:36 - Scaling The Giving Game Brand & Building Fan Base Trust
27:02 - Supporting Grassroots Nonprofits, Emerging Athletes, and Women's Sports
29:31 - The Future of In-Real-Life (IRL) Community Experiences & Wrap Up

Justin Jarman, Cool Factor Cryo | How Pro-Grade Recovery Is Changing Competitive Youth Sports

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 05:30:34 GMT

Justin Jarman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Cool Factor Cryo, a mobile and stationary athletic recovery company delivering elite recovery modalities to youth sports tournaments, endurance races, and collegiate programs. A career entrepreneur with experience spanning venture finance, CPG, and digital platforms, Justin partnered with former MLS professional soccer player Jack Stewart to bridge the gap between elite professional recovery infrastructure and grassroots athletics.

Cool Factor Cryo operates an asset-light, hybrid network consisting of custom mobile recovery vehicles, franchised units, and stationary "recovery pods" deployed directly on site at high-traffic sports complexes. Each unit offers an integrated athletic recovery circuit featuring whole-body cryotherapy chambers (reaching -180°F), red-light therapy, pneumatic compression boots, percussive massage, and zero-gravity lounge environments. By partnering with major brands like Therabody and Adidas, Cool Factor utilizes an experiential marketing model that subsidizes or eliminates recovery costs for families while unlocking data-capture channels across the youth sports "sideline economy."

In this episode Justin discusses the economics of mobile athletic recovery, scaling across mixed-use sports complexes, and porting elite national team recovery protocols to grassroots tournaments. Justin breaks down how Cool Factor optimizes tournament footprint monetization, navigates B2B brand sponsorships, and executes on its expansion roadmap across major US metropolitan markets.

#352: Ron Shimek, i9 Sports| Private Equity in Youth Sports

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 05:20:43 GMT

Ron Shimek is the President of i9 Sports, the nation’s multi-sport community youth sports franchise. Bringing over 25 years of leadership experience across the franchising sector—including extensive executive roles in hospitality and home services—Ron took the helm at i9 Sports in January 2024 to drive the company’s nationwide expansion, operational support, and franchise development strategy.

i9 Sports operates an asset-light, multi-sport franchise model designed as an alternative to hyper-competitive club sports. Serving youth ages 3 to 14 across over 300 locations, i9 Sports offers flag football, soccer, basketball, baseball, and volleyball through convenient, single-day weekend leagues. Supported by private equity partner Rourke Capital, the company relies on local Area Developers (ADs) who utilize municipal fields, public facilities, and volunteer coaching networks rather than heavy capital real estate investments.

In this episode of the Profluence Podcast, host Andrew Petcash sits down with Ron to discuss the business mechanics of youth sports franchising, the shift toward multi-sport participation, and strategies for avoiding early athletic burnout. Ron shares insights into i9 Sports' "Gains for the Girls" initiative, flag football’s rapid expansion ahead of high school and Olympic adoption, and how data-driven franchise operations drive sustained member retention across the US.

Podcast Chapters:

03:05 - The i9 Sports Business Model: Asset-Light Youth Sports Leagues

05:29 - Industry Growth Trends: Flag Football, Girls' Sports & Soccer

06:42 - Market Expansion Strategy & Site Selection Demographics

08:18 - Target Age Demographics & Single-Day League Structure

10:07 - Private Equity Partnering: Scaling with Rourke Capital

11:26 - Revenue Streams: Registration Fees, Royalties, and Merchandise

12:29 - Asset-Light vs. Facility Ownership: Leasing Fields and Facilities

15:22 - Multi-Sport Expansion & Competitive League Opportunities

18:13 - Personal Motivation: Youth Mental Health & Technology Off-Ramps

22:06 - Key Performance Indicators: NPS, Conversion, and Member Retention

24:15 - Multi-Sport Participation vs. Early Sport Specialization

25:45 - Where to Find i9 Sports & Wrap Up

#181: Seth Gruen & Jonathan Gluskin – Co-Founders of The Branded Agency | Sports Branding for the Digital Age

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 14:09:01 GMT

Founded in 2018, Branded is a modern communications agency disrupting traditional marketing by bringing a newsroom-style pace to brand strategy. With a focus on elevating brand presence across digital channels, Branded empowers its clients to increase visibility, drive influence, and achieve measurable results. Their approach has led clients to secure business exits, boost revenue, and establish industry leadership.

Seth Gruen and Jonathan Gluskin, co-founders of Branded, are pioneers in strategic brand building and business growth. Their vision centers around bold, results-driven campaigns tailored to unique business objectives, ensuring their clients stand out from the competition. From fundraising to legislative impact, Branded success stories span a diverse range of industries, establishing their reputation as industry disruptors.

Seth and Jonathan delve into their unique strategies, explore emerging trends in sports technology, and share insights into selecting clients who align with Branded’s mission for transformative growth.

Chapters:

(2:57) - Understanding the Scope of Services

(5:53) - Success Stories in Sports Tech

(8:52) - Data, AI, and the Future of Youth Sports

(12:07) - Balancing Agency Growth and Client Success

(15:49) - Navigating the Intersection of Sports and Technology

(18:20) - Growth Strategies for Sports Businesses

(21:30) - Identifying the Right Clients for Growth

(24:37) - Building a Brand: Best Strategies for Startups

(27:36) - Emerging Trends in Sports Technology

🏠 Website :https://thebranded.agency/

💼 LinkedIn:

Seth Gruen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-gruen-72848314

Jonathan Gluskin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jongluskin/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#13: Adam Breneman - Sports Media Entrepreneur | VP of NIL @ Mercury | From 5-star to coach to businessman | Challenges of building a media company | Athletes as entrepreneurs | Sports trends to watch

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 10:00:03 GMT

Adam Breneman is a quick riser in the sports media world. He is an entrepreneur, college football analyst, investor, speaker, and content creator.

Breneman was a 5-star football recruit that played at Penn State and UMass. He coached TEs at Arizona State for two years before jumping into the sports business world.

Adam Breneman is also a vice president at Mercury, an athlete-driven media company utilizing NIL across college athletics.

Chapters:

(00:45) Adam’s entrepreneurial drive

(02:40) How NIL would have impacted his football career

(05:10) What it’s like being a 5-star recruit

(08:20) Youngest college football coach in FBS

(12:20) VP of NIL at Mercury

(15:45) Challenges of building a media business

(20:35) Shift in how athletes are viewing off the field ventures

(24:45) Sports trends to watch in the future

(27:30) What does success for an athlete look like now?

Adam Breneman links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdamBreneman81

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adambreneman/

Website: https://adambreneman.xyz/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#131: Jeff Byers - Co-Founder, Momentous | Former NFL Player Building The Future of Human Performance

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 04:01:00 GMT

The Defense Department, 90% of NFL teams, and many high-level performers including Andrew Huberman use Momentous products.

Momentous offers high-quality nutritional and dietary supplements, researched and developed by leading scientific minds with rigorous quality control and independent third-party testing.

Jeff Byers played college football at USC and then spent several years in the NFL before diving into the business world head-first as an entrepreneur.

Chapters:

(01:30) Thoughts on NIL & college sports

(06:20) Transition from football to founder

(10:25) Marketing approach at Momentous

(14:30) Building advisory/ambassador boards

(16:30) Journey of Momentous

(21:50) Niche vs. broad-scale consumer products

(25:05) $32M growth equity round

(28:00) Trends to watch

Jeff Byers:

Momentous: https://www.livemomentous.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-byers-06726331/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#115: Jenna Kurath - Head of Comcast NBCU SportsTech | Accelerator Program, Selecting Startups, and Cohort #4

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 05:01:00 GMT

Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech finds, funds, and fast-tracks innovative startups from around the world to invest in and develop the next generation of technology to change the way we experience sports.

Jenna Kurath spent time in the PR and communications space before joining Comcast and helping to launch the sports accelerator.

Comcast SportsTech features partnerships with NBC Sports, Sky Sports, Comcast Spectacor, and Golf – alongside NASCAR and three US Olympic sports organizations.

Chapters:

(01:30) Comcast SportsTech overview

(05:00) Evolution of the accelerator

(08:25) Success stories

(10:35) Accelerator model

(13:00) Criteria they look for

(19:40) Challenges they commonly see

(24:00) Cohort #4

(27:45) Emerging areas

Jenna Kurath:

Website: https://www.comcastsportstech.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennakurath/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#151: Stephen Smith - CEO, Co-Founder Kitman Labs | Scaling Performance Intelligence Company

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Raising over $76M, Stephen Smith has taken Kitman Labs from an Irish sports data company to a global solution.

Kitman Labs was founded, pioneered, and powered by practitioners and data scientists consumed by the question of how to optimize human achievement.

Stephen Smith and Kitman Lab’s platform provides a holistic, unified view of the individual and the organization – making progress faster and more efficient.

Chapters:

(01:00) Kitman Labs

(02:45) Evolution of sports analytics

(04:50) Wearables

(06:20) Artificial Intelligence

(08:10) Next great data solutions

(09:45) Differentiating from competitors

(11:45) Framework to ask better questions

(16:00) Fundraising strategies

(18:50) Scaling B2B model

(22:20) Military & sports similarities

Stephen Smith:

Website: https://www.kitmanlabs.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensmithsports/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#146: Amit Golan - CEO, Co-Founder Minutely | Scaling Sports Tech Company

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Minutely works with the largest media properties in sports as a video optimization platform for digital publishers.

Amit Golan's background boasts a wide spectrum of talents having served as a special forces unit Commander to being a teacher, mentor, entrepreneur, and mentor at Google.

Minutely was founded in 2014 to drive video engagement and revolutionize the online video consumption process into a more financially rewarding and compelling content source.

Chapters:

(00:50) From B2C to B2B

(06:50) Special Forces background

(09:00) Why Israel tech is strong

(12:40) Building in sports as not a fan

(13:30) Minutely products

(20:50) Business model

(22:50) Future of media & AI

(29:10) Minutely’s growth plans

Amit Golan:

Minutely: https://minute.ly/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-golan-7b291042/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

*Disclaimer: Minutely is a portfolio company of Profluence Capital Holdings LLC in which the host is a partner.

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#149: Daniel Poneman - NIL & NBA Agent | Insights Building Top Boutique Representation Agency

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Before becoming an NBA agent and a trailblazer in shaping the college NIL space, Daniel Poneman spent over a decade as a scout and consultant for more than 300 Division I colleges, NBA teams, and international franchises.

Profiled in The New York Times and Sports Illustrated, Daniel rose from teenage scout to Chicago basketball mainstay.

Since then, Daniel Poneman has helped hundreds of young men from Chicago's most underserved neighborhoods receive college scholarships through the "Undiscovered" basketball showcase he founded in 2009.

Chapters:

(00:30) Daniel Poneman background

(01:25) Sports agent journey

(07:20) NIL ecosystem

(11:20) College sports landscape

(13:50) NIL collectives

(18:30) Market valuations

(23:00) Peak college salaries

(24:30) Private equity impact

(27:15) Future plans

Daniel Poneman:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-poneman-a1237920/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#126: Vaidhy Murti - CEO/Founder WIT Sports | Changing Dynamic of Digital Sports Activations

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Recently raising their Series A round, we discuss the changing dynamic of digital sports activations and how they’ve been able to help organizations get closer to their fans.

Vaidhy Murti has over a decade of experience developing production applications for high-growth, venture-backed startups, and Fortune 1000 companies

WIT Sports is a digital activation platform that helps professional sports teams in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLS elevate their marketing efforts while providing innovative, turnkey solutions designed to enhance brand partnerships.

Chapters:

(01:25) WIT overview + case studies

(05:35) Entrance into sports

(11:35) Leagues engaging fans

(14:15) Metrics to measure success

(16:55) Series A round growth plans

(19:15) Macro trends to watch

(21:15) Learnings building companies

(24:20) Dealing with rejection

Vaidhy Murti:

Website: https://www.witcontests.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaidhy-murti/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (June 1-11)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 04:01:36 GMT

(00:30) Business of Athletes - tons of athlete investments to catch up on

(05:30) NIL/College Sports - interesting news coming out of the NCAA

(10:15) Sports Business - all the stories that didn't get covered because of the LIV/PGA merger taking the headlines by storm

#124: James Giglio - CEO, Founder MVP Interactive | Going beyond the jumbotron

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 04:01:00 GMT

We dive deep into fan engagement, creating immersive experiences, and MVP Interactive + James Giglio’s new book Beyond the Jumbotron.

MVP Interactive is a creative technology company specializing in designing and producing immersive consumer experiences for the world’s largest brands.

Chapters:

(02:45) MVP Interactive background

(07:15) Defining a “fan”

(11:05) Future of fan engagement/AI

(15:05) Immersive tech examples

(21:30) Leveraging brand equity

(25:10) Insights on building in sports

(27:50) Changing marketing trends

James Giglio:

Website: https://mvp-interactive.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%A4-james-giglio-16a8715/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Computer Vision (And Its Impact on Sports) w/ Sportradar’s SVP of Automated Content Luka Pataky

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:01:00 GMT

Leading a team of 70+ artificial intelligence and computer vision experts, Luka Pataky has deep insights into where the space is headed.

Sportradar Group AG (NASDAQ: SRAD), founded in 2001, is a leading global sports technology company creating immersive experiences for sports fans and bettors.

Today’s conversation centers around the evolution of computer vision, sports, artificial intelligence, and deep learning.

Chapters:

(01:40) Journey in AI

(03:50) What is Sportradar?

(05:20) Evolution of computer vision

(09:40) AI vs CV vs ML vs DL

(12:30) What Luka gets goosebumps from

(17:25) Sports and artificial intelligence

(20:10) Challenges in computer vision

(22:25) Getting educated on AI

Luka Pataky:

Website: https://sportradar.com/?lang=en-us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luka-pataky/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (June 19-30)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 04:01:00 GMT

(02:00) Business of Athletes - Chris Paul, Aaron Rodgers, and Victor Wemby make moves

(06:10) NIL/College Sports - NCAA releases weird report and a partnership

(07:50) Sports Business - Ryan Reynolds buys F1 team, MLB goes to youth sports, and over $50M in fundraising for sports companies

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#221: Robert Thompson, Valhalla SC Arena - Reinventing Sports Entertainment

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Rob Thompson, the creator of Punch Bowl Social, is launching his next venture—Valhalla SC Arena. Designed to merge the energy of live sports with immersive technology and social experience, Valhalla marks a bold step into the future of sports entertainment.

Rob brings decades of experience in hospitality and experiential spaces, now applying that playbook to a new category: sports-driven social arenas. With the first public reveal of Valhalla SC Arena happening here, Rob shares his vision, the inspiration behind the concept, and how he plans to scale it into a cultural phenomenon.

From his evolution as a founder to the role of smart capital and community-building in sports, this episode captures the launch of something big.

Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Rob Thompson and Valhalla SC Arena 02:33 – The Evolution of Punch Bowl Social 04:48 – Identifying Market Opportunities 07:25 – The Concept of Valhalla SC Arena 10:07 – Target Demographics and Revenue Streams 12:31 – The Future of Sports Entertainment 14:55 – Scaling and Expansion Strategies 17:13 – The Role of Smart Capital in Sports

Robert Thompson

💼LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠

🐣 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash⁠

💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠

Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#214: Ryan Weldon, Founder of 13th Bridge Games Studio - Reimagining Sports Gaming

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Ryan Weldon, the founder of 13th Bridge Games Studio, is a life-long gamer and sports fanatic with an extensive background in marketing, sales, and management. He previously served in high-level roles at Bausch Health and Johnson & Johnson, overseeing multi-billion dollar transactions. Ryan also worked as a consultant for major brands like Nike, bringing his expertise in sports marketing and brand building to the table. His passion for both gaming and sports led him to create 13th Bridge Games Studio, a company focused on revolutionizing the sports gaming experience.

13th Bridge Games Studio’s flagship product, Run The Court, is an arcade-style basketball battler designed for mobile devices. The game allows players to engage in 1v1 and 2v2 tournaments, inspired by the excitement of March Madness. With this mobile-first approach, Ryan and his team are offering a fresh and engaging experience for the next generation of gamers, blending competitive basketball with the convenience of mobile play.

An interesting fact about 13th Bridge is that their game Run The Court not only captures the excitement of basketball tournaments but also includes a unique blend of real-life athletes and fictional elements, creating a dynamic experience that appeals to both sports fans and mobile gamers alike. As mobile gaming continues to rise in popularity, 13th Bridge is poised to make a significant impact in the world of sports gaming.

Chapters:

(1:09) - How 13th Bridge Came to Life

(4:34) - Trends in Mobile Gaming and Gen Z

(9:48) - The Evolution of March Madness and College Sports

(13:26) - Game and Athlete Affiliation: Blending Fiction with Real Life

(19:08) - Overcoming Challenges in the Gaming Industry

(23:13) - Community and Fan Engagement

Ryan Weldon:

🏠 Website: https://www.13thbridge.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanweldon/

Andrew Petcash: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#344: Joel Bar-El - Swish | Unicorn Founder’s Playbook: Raising $1B+ & Building Swish

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Joel Bar-El is a tech entrepreneur, co-founder, and CEO of Swish. Bar-El previously co-founded Trax, a retail computer vision platform that grew into a multi-billion-dollar unicorn after raising over $1 billion in primary and secondary capital. Drawing on his lifelong involvement in basketball as a player and Israeli league referee, Bar-El has now turned his attention to transforming sports technology through low-cost sensor integration.Swish turns standard basketball courts into smart courts using self-installed LiDAR and computer vision sensors mounted to the backboard. Instead of requiring personal wearables or expensive enterprise camera arrays, the system uses on-device facial recognition to track player biometric data directly on their mobile devices while recording ball trajectory, shot arc, release speed, and biomechanical analytics. Bar-El discusses the company’s B2B2C deployment strategy across schools, academies, and community centers, its inclusion in the NBA Launchpad program, and his design philosophy around global leaderboards, remote challenges, and real-world gamification. He also reflects on founder discipline, navigating venture capital, and the realities of scaling and exiting a tech unicorn.Podcast Chapters:02:18 Fundraising Insights and Authenticity04:07 Market Opportunity in Basketball Technology05:33 The Swish Experience: Player Identity and Performance08:41 Gamification and Real-World Participation10:20 B2B2C Approach and Future Consumer Market11:26 NBA Launchpad and Global Expansion13:25 Focus on Basketball: The Path Forward14:56 Creating a Global Basketball Community17:05 Player Behavior Insights from Initial Launch18:39 Global Market Differences in Sports Tech Adoption20:16 Democratization of Player Performance22:40 Leveraging Data for Player Development23:47 Future Plans and Funding for Swish

#342: Tim "Monk" Miller - The Strike Fighter League | The Business of Air Combat Esports

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 06:38:31 GMT

Former Marine Corps F-18 and F-5 pilot Tim "Monk" Miller spent nearly 25 years in the skies, graduating from Top Gun, commanding a fighter squadron, and serving as an instructor pilot. Following his military retirement and a transition through business school, Miller set out to capture the high-stakes intensity, process improvement, and raw skill of fighter aviation for a global audience. Drawing inspiration from top-tier flight simulators and modern esports, he founded the Strike Fighter League (SFL) to bridge the gap between physical aviation and digital competition.The Strike Fighter League operates as a high-octane crossover between Top Gun, F1, and the UFC, sportifying air combat through two core verticals: the Online Tournament Series (OTS) and the Live Professional Series (LPS). Designed to push human limits, SFL competitions range from global digital trials to full-motion, high-G simulator rigs equipped with flight suits, oxygen mask surrogates, and real-time algorithmic telemetry scoring. By standardizing aerial combat skill sets into data-driven equations, the league provides a transparent, accountable platform for virtual aviators, top-gun graduates, and sim enthusiasts to test their mettle.Tim "Monk" Miller explores the technology, structure, and vision behind the Strike Fighter League. Miller breaks down how the SFL leverages defense-grade spatial hardware and simulator environments like DCS, the potential for hardware-agnostic brick-and-mortar competition hubs, and how the league is creating new STEM pathways for the next generation. Podcast Chapters:01:15 - Meet Tim "Monk" Miller: From TOPGUN to Sports Founder 03:56 - Transitioning from Marine Corps Flight Suit to Civilian Entrepreneur07:36 - What is the Strike Fighter League? (Top Gun Meets UFC & F1) 08:37 - The Two Formats: Online Tournament Series vs. Live Professional Series 10:51 - Who Can Compete? Amateurs, Sim Savants & TOPGUN Graduates 13:38 - How Competition Works: Trials (Speed, Precision, Accuracy) 18:38 - Spectator Experience: Streaming Live on Twitch & YouTube 20:28 - Full Motion Rigs, Centrifuges & High-G Combat Hardware28:11 - Applying Military debriefing & B-School Theory to Raising Capital

#343: Jonah Lowenstein - Aurora | How AI Is Reimagining High-Performance Living

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 06:30:56 GMT

London-born entrepreneur Jonah Lowenstein, co-founder and CEO of Aurora, dropped out of the University of St. Andrews at age 19 during the COVID-19 pandemic to pursue his passion for hyper-performing living. After launching and scaling multiple ventures, Lowenstein teamed up with the founder of the world’s largest digital concierge to build Aurora, a 24/7 "lifestyle operating system" backed by over $10 million in venture funding and powered by a global team across London, New York, and Los Angeles.

Designed as an AI-enabled "global insider in your pocket," Aurora serves a high-performing community of professional athletes, premier founders, and family offices. The platform combines real-time human expertise with proactive AI agents that ingest biometric data from wearables like Whoop and Oura, scheduling personalized travel, high-end wellness access, and exclusive experiences in under a minute. By replacing fragmented, high-friction concierge services with a seamless digital interface, Aurora allows top performers to master the art of living without sacrificing health, relationships, or business performance.

Jonah Lowenstein explores the mechanics of high-performance living and how Aurora is building a new category of third-space membership. Lowenstein breaks down the strategic value of "life architecting," why Aurora relies on 60-minute intake interviews to train its AI, and how the company applies a strict "truth-seeking" culture.

Podcast Chapters:

03:39 The Concept of a Lifestyle Operating System

06:05 Understanding High Performance Living

09:17 Personalization in Service for High Performers

12:12 Building Trust with High Net Worth Clients

16:11 The Importance of Co-Founders and Team Dynamics

17:30 Diverse Approaches to Problem Solving

20:47 The Importance of Truth Seeking

22:06 Maintaining Discipline in Business

25:03 Experiencing Unique Opportunities

28:41 Future Vision for Aurora

31:36 Integrating Sports and Wellness

#329: Stanislas Marchand - How Rocapine Hit $6M ARR in 9 Months Re-Engineering Wellness Apps

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 05:22:58 GMT

Stanislas Marchand is the co-founder and CEO of Rocapine. He brings a sharp, growth-oriented perspective to consumer tech, having started his career in strategy consulting before entering mobile gaming at Voodoo, the publishing powerhouse behind hit titles with over 7 billion downloads. After years of mastering product mechanics and user retention in mobile entertainment, Stanislas realized he wanted to shift his focus from pure engagement toward long-term human impact, leading him to co-found Paris-based Rocapine alongside Jean-Gabriel Boinot-Tramoni and Sammy Teillet to redefine our relationship with technology.

Today, Stanislas is applying high-velocity growth frameworks to digital health and digital well-being. Rocapine is an AI-native wellness venture studio and publisher building consumer apps designed to "hold instead of hook", aligning business incentives with real user value rather than ad-driven screen addiction. By adapting the mobile gaming playbook to test hundreds of app concepts per year, implementing subscription models, and pairing AI automation with human design craft, Rocapine achieved $6M (€5.1M) in ARR within nine months of launch and recently secured an €11.2M ($13M) Series A led by Educapital.

Stanislas explores how tech can be engineered for human flourishing rather than brain rot. They unpack Rocapine’s internal mechanics for prototyping apps in less than a day, one hit reaching $1M ARR in just 16 days, the plan to scale to 400 apps tested per year, and the shift from attention metrics to 30-day value retention. Stanislas also shares his vision for reaching 40 million lives, building privacy-first encrypted wellness products, and what founders can learn about scaling consumer tech in an AI-driven era.

Podcast Chapters:

01:15 Stan's Journey: From Strategy Consulting to Wellness Apps

03:25 The Playbook for Rapid Growth and User Engagement

09:04 Iterative Model: Finding Product-Market Fit

12:48 Structuring the Venture Studio: App Studio vs. Publisher

15:55 Measuring Time Well Spent: Beyond Subscriptions

19:24 Leveraging AI for Personalization and Data Privacy

22:36 Governance and Security in App Development

25:58 Investor Insights: Traction vs. System

28:49 Exit Strategies and Long-Term Vision

332: Asna Khan, Fit match.ai - 3D Body Intelligence in Sports & Performance

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Asna Khan is the Head of Product at fitmatch.ai. Asna is an energetic, business-savvy product leader with over a decade of experience across product development, cross-functional strategy, analytics, and leadership in both large enterprise organizations and high-growth technology startups. Having built her expertise navigating complex ecosystems across operations, marketing, sales, and client relations, Asna now leads product strategy at fitmatch.ai, driving the expansion of 3D computer vision and body intelligence into retail, digital health, and elite athletic performance.Today, fitmatch.ai is unlocking scalable body data through its flagship 3D technology platform, QuadraScan. Using standard mobile devices without requiring expensive DEXA scans or specialized hardware, the platform captures high-fidelity anthropometrics, biomechanics, and DEXA-verified body composition in seconds. Originally pioneered in retail and 3D apparel design, fitmatch.ai is shifting how professional and youth sports organizations analyze athletes, moving beyond basic movement and jump metrics to provide objective baselines for bio-banding, maturation context, growth trajectories, and longitudinal physical change.Asna discusses fitmatch.ai’s transition from retail sizing to working directly with MLB and MLS organizations, how the platform safeguards athlete privacy by generating de-identified 3D avatars without storing photos or videos, and how integrating baseline body shape data empowers teams to better understand the physical foundation powering athletic performance.

#334: Amanda Gunville, ChampEra - Why Smart Women Feel Left Out of Football

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:20:56 GMT

Amanda Gunville is a football insider turned founder helping women understand American football with confidence, clarity, and connection. Amanda spent over twenty years working in and around professional American football, including collaborating alongside legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg, the real-life inspiration behind Jerry Maguire, whose iconic clients include Troy Aikman, Steve Young, Warren Moon, Ben Roethlisberger, and Patrick Mahomes.

After stepping away from the sport during a personal 2.5-year cancer journey, during which she authored a book now distributed across 45 cancer hospitals, Amanda returned to American football with a new perspective. She realized how many smart, capable women feel excluded or overwhelmed by the game, not due to a lack of interest or intelligence, but because football was never taught in an accessible, welcoming way. That insight inspired her to launch Champ Era and its flagship program, the Football Fluency Method, a confidence-driven sports education platform designed to guide women from confusion to clarity and from watching to truly understanding the game.

Amanda shares what elite sports environments teach about pressure, identity, and performance. Amanda shares how sports fluency fosters belonging and social connection, breaks down Champ Era's step-by-step educational model and university/high school partnerships, and discusses the rise of flag football, brand opportunities, and her multi-sport vision for the platform.

Podcast Chapters:

01:13 Amanda's Journey Through Cancer and Its Impact

05:47 Finding Purpose Through Adversity

11:12 Building Champera: A Platform for Football Fluency

16:09 Creating Confidence Through Consistent Learning

20:56 Engaging Women in Football: Strategies and Partnerships

23:05 Vision for the Future: Expanding Champera's Reach

26:28 The Role of Flag Football in Champera's Mission

28:51 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

#333: Paul Coggiola, LIFT Management - Scaling Sports Creators & Building Digital IP

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:41:41 GMT

Paul Coggiola is the President of Creator at LIFT Management. Born and raised in Plano, Texas, Paul grew up a passionate sports fan before starting his career in the trenches of sports ticket sales and team partnerships with the Houston Dynamo and the University of Texas at Austin. Moving to Los Angeles, Paul transitioned into entertainment, starting in the mailroom at CAA (Creative Artists Agency) and working with top-tier athletes, including UFC fighters, MLB players, and Shohei Ohtani upon his arrival in the U.S.Seeing the shifting digital landscape, Paul ventured into gaming and live streaming in 2018, joining esports organization Echo Fox and later representing premier Twitch streamers and YouTubers at United Talent Agency (UTA). At UTA, he spearheaded the launch of the agency's dedicated sports creator roster, bridging the gap between digital content creators and traditional sports media. Today, at LIFT Management, Paul leads the creator division to help talent scale their IP, build sustainable long-term brands, and navigate multi-platform opportunities beyond simple transactional brand deals.Paul Coggiola explores how creators and athletes are converging at global tentpole events like the World Cup. Paul breaks down why LIFT focuses on depth of engagement and 30-day value retention over vanity follower counts, how the firm identifies rising talent across platforms like YouTube and Twitch, and why human connection remains the irreplaceable element in an era of AI content tools. He also shares insights on creator-led IP, executive thought leadership, and what it takes to build a modern talent brand.

Podcast Chapters:

01:01 - Origin Story: From Texas Sports Fan to Ticket Sales in Houston & Austin
03:32 - Landing at CAA: Working with Shohei Ohtani & Traditional Athletes
04:47 - Crossing into Esports, Gaming & Twitch Live Streaming
05:54 - Building the Sports Creator Roster at UTA & Joining LIFT Management
09:15 - LIFT Creators Mission: Building Creator Brands & IP Beyond Dealmaking
13:34 - World Cup Reflection: Why Creators Stole the Spotlight from Athletes
16:06 - Sourcing Blue Ocean Talent: Moving Beyond Upstream Leaders
17:36 - The Role of AI in Creator Workflows & Preserving Human Connection
21:11 - Evaluating Creator Metrics: Why Video Views & Engagement Beat Followers
23:44 - The Emergence of B2B & LinkedIn Executive Creators

#340: Phil Andrew - CEO, USA Fencing | Scaling a Sports NGO

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 20:41:12 GMT

Former professional ice hockey executive turned sports administrator Phil Andrews has built a reputation as one of the most innovative leaders in the Olympic movement. After nearly a decade transforming USA Weightlifting as its CEO, Andrews took the helm at USA Fencing, bringing a growth-oriented, entrepreneurial approach to National Governing Bodies (NGBs). Known for his scrappy marketing tactics and operational modernization, Andrews specializes in taking niche sports, turning them into high-performing commercial entities, and preparing them for the global stage.USA Fencing serves as the official national governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of fencing across the United States. Operating at the intersection of grassroots participation and elite international competition, the organization oversees more than 400 sanctioned events annually, including massive national tournaments hosting tens of thousands of attendees. By implementing forward-thinking membership models, scalable digital broadcast infrastructure, and targeted brand partnerships, USA Fencing works to drive sport adoption from local grassroots clubs all the way to the Olympic podium.Phil Andrews explores the modern business of Olympic sports and NGB governance. Andrews outlines the unique mechanics of participatory sports media, highlighting how USA Fencing streams over 100 active strips simultaneously to serve its D2C audience.Podcast Chapters:04:26 Understanding National Governing Bodies in Sports09:53 The Role of Nonprofits in Sports13:25 Growing Membership and Engagement in Fencing19:22 Direct-to-Consumer Models in Sports26:58 Building Brand Partnerships and Revenue Streams33:46 Emerging Trends in the Sports World

#123: Rob Ponger - CEO, Perfect Game | Creating a “Flywheel” of Brands & Youth Baseball + Softball

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Perfect Game is the world’s largest youth baseball/softball platform and scouting service, producing over 8,600+ events, 300,000+ games, and showcases annually across the United States.

Rob Ponger became CEO in 2022, previously serving as a Senior Vice President at IMG.

To date, more than 1,650 players who have played in a Perfect Game event have made it to Major League Baseball.

Chapters:

(01:50) From IMG to Perfect Game

(04:15) Creating a flywheel of brands

(09:30) Downstream professionalization

(12:30) MLB players

(13:50) Baseball innovation for GenZ

(16:30) Women’s sports and softball

(18:00) Going younger & company size

(21:00) Future for Perfect Game

(23:35) NIL/Other trends

Rob Ponger:

Website: https://www.perfectgame.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-ponger-1534735/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#1 - CJ Watson, NBA Player Turned Angel Investor

Andrew Petcash — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 01:59:11 GMT

CJ Watson is a former NBA player turned angel investor, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist.

In this podcast, he talked about the transition from playing pro basketball to investing in over 20 companies.

You can check out his business profile here: https://profluence.com/athletes/cj-watson

.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:00) Transition from NBA to investing

(04:15) NIL changing the landscape

(08:00) Average day for CJ Watson

(09:00) Becoming an Author + Entrepreneur

(11:25) Angel Investing in over 20 companies

(16:40) What his portfolio looks like

(20:30) Future of athlete entrepreneurs

CJ Watson links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quietstorm_32

Website: https://cjpens.com/

.
Andrew Petcash links:

✉️ Newsletter: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#119: Mohit Pareek - Principal, Drake Star Partners | Sports Tech Report In-Depth Insights

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 04:01:00 GMT

We dive deep into Drake Star’s latest sports technology report which saw a total deal value of $37B in 2023.

Mohit Pareek is a media and tech investment banker who oversees Drake Star’s sports technology, media, and gaming reports.

We also cover investors to watch, significant strategic buyers, global investment trends, and the growing role of sovereign wealth funds and athlete investors in the sports industry.

Chapters:

(01:15) Drake Star and Mohit’s background

(07:25) Sports dealmaking in 2023

(09:50) M&A deals

(12:55) Outlook for 2024

(15:15) Investors to watch

(19:20) Buyers to watch

(24:00) Public companies

(26:45) Sovereign wealth & athlete investors

Mohit Pareek:

Website: https://www.drakestar.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohitpareek/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#68: Kevin Jones - CEO, Founder Blue Wire | Scaling a Sports Podcast Network

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 04:01:00 GMT

After getting fired from his sports radio job, Kevin Jones put his last $17,000 of savings to build Blue Wire.

Kevin Jones has over 12 years of experience in the sports industry as a beat reporter for the 49ers at KNBR, team reporter for the Cleveland Browns, and contributor to WUSA-TV in Washington D.C.

Blue Wire is a sports podcasting platform with over 500 shows under its umbrella. They have raised $12M in venture capital and are doing about $8M in revenue/year.

Chapters:

(01:40) Community Crowdfunding

(07:00) Founding story of Blue Wire

(09:40) Scaling the company

(15:20) Business model

(20:00) Trends in sports

(23:10) Criteria for podcasters

Kevin Jones:

Website: https://www.bluewirepods.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-jones-583a1226/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (May 15-21)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 22 May 2022 12:00:49 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:30 - Feel good stories: Pro Athletes go back and finish college

1:01 - NIL: Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher’s beef, NIL for Ohio high schoolers, first Nike athlete ambassadors, and more hypocrisy from college coaches

6:45 - Athlete Biz/Investments: Alex Rodriguez and Phil Mickelson stay active in the business world

8:56 - Sports Biz/Tech: Smart basketball, virtual hockey, DAOs in college athletics, and US soccer teams

Interesting Stat

This is wild:

Americans have wagered more than $125 billion on legal sports bets since legalization just four years ago.

Also…

NCAA's new federal tax records show it had $52.5 million in outside legal costs in FY21 (when the appeal of Alston to SCOTUS occurred).

Over the past 7 fiscal years, the NCAA has shown $304.5M in outside legal expenses and $69.1M in legal-cost recoveries.

Think of how many student-athlete scholarships could have been funded…

Short Passage of The Week

Every day I get up and I write from what is in my heart and I share it.

If I’m so attached to how you’re going to react to it or if I’m doing it the “right way” then I’m not focusing my effort on simply producing the best email that I can.Think about an apple tree for a minute. What does an apple tree do? It produces apples.

It doesn’t worry that some people don't like apples or what people use its apples for, it focuses 100 percent of its efforts on producing the best apples it can. Everything else is outside of its control. Today, be like an apple tree. Whatever it is that you have, share it with the world. Focus your attention on the process of what it is that you do. Take pride in your craftsmanship and work ethic. Let the results take care of themselves.

Passage by Steve Gilbert

Recommended Media

Interesting article by Grady Congleton on the future of youth sports.

I had no idea it’s a $19B industry (bigger than the NFL).

Tweet(s)

Great thread from former MLB pitcher Cory Gearrin about being called up from the minors to the big leagues. Lots of lessons packed in here.

Trae Young’s NIL advice for high school and college athletes.

Quote

“Intensity can be powerful, consistency can be transformational” - Legacy Builder

Thanks for taking the time to go through the Weekly Roundup.

I use it to keep myself in line and hopefully bring some value to you as well.

Peace,

-AP

Extra Credit

“Athlete” is just one side of the coin for many players these days.

They’re also entrepreneurs, investors, marketers, philanthropists, and so much more.

*If you are not on The Petcash Post email list, but would like to be added, please click here or email me at andrewpetcash05@gmail.com**If you have any comments/suggestions about the emails please let me know.***Feel free to forward these emails to anyone you think would like them.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.petcashpost.com

#298: Alec Boccanfuso & Charles LaRosa, Gabelli - Breaking Down the Sports Investment Landscape

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:10:40 GMT

Alec Boccanfuso and Charles LaRosa are part of the investment team at Gabelli Funds, where they focus on identifying opportunities across the evolving sports, media, and entertainment landscape. Alec specializes in communications services and technology, with a focus on interactive entertainment and outdoor leisure, while Charles leads the firm’s ETF initiatives, overseeing strategy, product development, and distribution.Together, they are helping shape one of the more innovative approaches to sports investing through the development of a Sports ETF—designed to give investors exposure to the broader sports ecosystem. Their work spans public markets, covering everything from teams and leagues to media rights, gaming, and live entertainment, offering a diversified way to participate in the growth of the industry.In this episode, they join the conversation to break down how the sports ecosystem is defined from an investment perspective, why ETFs are becoming an attractive vehicle for accessing sports assets, and where they see the biggest opportunities emerging globally. They also share insights on market trends, the role of live entertainment, and how investors should think about long-term value creation in sports.Podcast Chapters:02:30 Defining the Sports Ecosystem05:23 Investment Strategy and Portfolio Holdings07:46 The Appeal of ETFs in Sports Investment10:31 Market Trends and Future Opportunities13:33 Global Perspective on Sports Assets 16:05 Challenges and Rebuttals in Sports Investment 18:43 Long-term Vision and Market Dynamics 21:42 The Role of Live Entertainment in Sports 24:20 Conclusion and Future OutlookProfluence Sports:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Gabelli: 🏠 Website: https://www.gabelli.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/investgabelli/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/investgabelliThanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#189: Graham Leveston - Co-Founder of College Properties Group | World-Class Events for Athletes

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 08:01:00 GMT

Graham Leveston, Co-Founder of College Properties Group (CPG), is redefining athlete experiences through world-class event management and brand development. With over 25 years of leadership experience, Graham has earned recognition for his expertise in strategy, brand marketing, and operations.

During his 20+ years at Nike, Graham held senior roles in sales, licensing, marketing, and product development, managing $100M in annual revenue. At CPG, he brings this experience to life by creating unforgettable sports events. CPG operates over 80 elite camps and tournaments, partnering with top-tier academic institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. These events have helped over 1,000 athletes achieve their recruiting goals.

CPG is also known for initiatives like the Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMLCA) Game of the Week and the Girls High School Lacrosse National Championship, which draw national attention and elevate the youth sports ecosystem.

Chapters:

(2:56) - The Unique Structure of the NIL Tournament

(6:13) - Evolution and Scaling of Sports Camps

(9:02) - Navigating NCAA Compliance and Camp Operations

(12:00) - Lessons Learned from Yearly Events

(15:06) - Trends in NIL and Brand Engagement

(17:52) - Future Directions and New Initiatives

(20:55) - Information and Resources for Families Interested

Graham Leveston

🏠 Website: https://www.collegepropertiesgroup.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-leveston-2b552627/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#108: Dave Mirynech - CEO FanClub Sports Capital | Sports As An Uncorrelated Asset Class

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 05:01:00 GMT

FanClub Sports Capital is a syndication platform and registered investment advisor (RIA) that connects deals to private investors.

Before founding FanClub, Dave Mirynech spent several years across hockey analytics, venture capital, and blockchain technologies.

We talk about sports as an asset class, team valuations, crowdfunding, multi-club structures, and trends to keep an eye on.

Chapters:

(01:25) Background

(05:35) FanClub Sports Capital overview

(09:30) Liquidity in sports

(12:50) Sports as an asset class

(16:40) Crowdfunding

(20:40) Jobs Act

(23:15) Trends in sports investing

Dave Mirynech:

Website: https://fanclubsports.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mirynech-b20684120/?originalSubdomain=ca

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

Building a Digital Family Office For Athletes w/ Michael Haddix Jr, CEO & Co-Founder of Scout

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:25:00 GMT

Chris Paul, Zion Williamson, Jimmer Fredette, and a few other pro players are invested in Scout. Clients include Iowa, Texas A&M, G-League, Florida, Siena, Depaul, and others.

Scout is the first digital family office solution for athletes that combines financial education, wealth management, and tax preparation with a premium financial concierge service.

Michael Haddix Jr. previously spent time at Lazard, Goldman Sachs, and Wasserman. Scout has raised $4m to date.

Chapters:

(01:50) Inspiration behind Scout

(06:20) Digital financial app

(10:20) Business model

(13:50) Financial pitfalls of athletes

(16:50) Scout in the future

(20:10) Nugget of financial advice

Michael Haddix Jr:

Website: https://www.scoutftw.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhaddixjr/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#99: Ben Sherwood - CEO, Founder MOJO Sports | Acquisition by TeamSnap & Youth Sports Fragmentation

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 22:25:00 GMT

In this exclusive interview, we break down TeamSnap’s acquisition of MOJO Sports with their respective CEOs.

We cover the state of youth sports across the world, fragmentation across the space, and the commercialization of amateur athletics.

Ben Sherwood was previously the President of ABC News & Walt Disney Company before building the youth sports app, MOJO Sports.

Pete Frintzilas is the operating CEO of TeamSnap, coming from the PE firm Waud Capital.

Chapters:

(01:40) MOJO Sports & Ben Sherwood’s background

(03:10) TeamSnap acquires MOJO Sports

(05:00) Learnings from corporate to startup land

(07:10) State of youth sports

(12:40) Merging tech stacks and investors

(17:40) Fragmentation of amateur athletics

(23:15) Balancing commercialization with impact

(27:10) Youth sports trends to watch

Ben Sherwood:

Website: https://mojo.sport/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-sherwood-4944ba163/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#98: Mike Sutcliff - CEO, Co-Founder Mobeus | From Corporate to Sports Startups

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:35:00 GMT

After 30 years at Accenture, Mike Sutcliff has jumped into the sports entrepreneurship world co-founding 3 different companies.

We touch on advice from leaving the corporate world to be a startup entrepreneur and the nuance within sports, fitness, and media.

Mobeus is developing innovative media technologies including their new product called Airscreen. The tech allows you to watch sports in the background of your computer while still answering emails or working.

Chapters:

(01:25) From Accenture to entrepreneur

(06:15) Lessons from corporate to startup

(08:30) Mobeus

(12:45) Immersive tech

(18:30) Fan engagement

(23:15) Cool products to come

Mike Sutcliff:

Website: https://airscreentv.com/?profluence=&utm_source=profluence&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=airscreen&utm_id=sports

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesutcliff/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#140: Nicholas Kelland - CSO, Forever Network | Building Products on Top of Sports Media

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Recently closing out their $4M Series A round, Forever Network is adding more sports and new products and expanding to the United States.

Forever Network is a social-first sports media company that started as a basketball social media page in Australia.

in 2023, Nicholas Kelland joined Forever Network coming from the agency and marketing world.

Chapters:

(01:20) Forever Network origin story

(04:25) Monetization

(07:50) Expanding into US market

(10:00) New product

(15:10) Advantages of internal media

(18:05) Content to acquire customers

(22:20) Trends in sports media

Nicholas Kelland:

Website: https://www.forevernetwork.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-kelland-b59042146/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#216: John D’Orsay, CEO at EventConnect - Innovation in Youth Sports

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

John D’Orsay is the CEO of EventConnect, a leading technology platform transforming the way sports tournaments are managed. With over 20 years of experience in technology, data, and automation, John is dedicated to streamlining tournament operations through innovative digital solutions. EventConnect is redefining sports event management by integrating cutting-edge technology with unparalleled service. Their platform helps organizers scale efficiently, improve coordination, and enhance the overall tournament experience for athletes, coaches, and parents.As the youth sports industry evolves, John shares insights on capital raising, private equity's impact, AI-driven sports management, and the future of technology in sports events and education.

Chapters:

02:31 - The Evolution of Youth Sports and EventConnect

05:11 - Navigating the Startup Journey and Capital Raising

07:56 - Understanding the Product and Market Strategy

10:28 - The Impact of Private Equity on Youth Sports

13:11 - Future Trends in Youth Sports and EventConnect's Vision

15:56 - Leveraging AI and Data in Sports Management

18:28 - The Future of Youth Sports and Education

John D’Orsay:

🏠Website: https://eventconnectsports.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndorsay/?originalSubdomain=ca

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#94: Allen Broome - CEO MediaKind | RSNs, Streaming, D2C, and Where Sports Are Headed

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 05:01:00 GMT

MediaKind is an end-to-end video delivery solution that serves some of the largest media properties in the world.

After serving as the CTO for a few years, Allen Broome took over the CEO role at MediaKind in 2021. Previously he spent time as the VP of Cloud Engineering at Comcast.

Chapters:

(01:45) MediaKind & Allen’s background

(05:15) Leveraging AI + mathematics

(07:50) Streaming, RSNs, and D2C

(14:15) Cool video technologies

(20:10) Scaling into the future

(24:35) Sports trends

Allen Broome:

Website: https://www.mediakind.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenbroome/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#154: Rahat Kulshreshtha - Co-Founder, Quidich | Transforming Sports Broadcasts in India

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Quidich is revolutionizing the broadcasting experience having recently raised a Series A fundraising round with the company led by film entrepreneur Rahat Kulshreshtha.

Quidich Innovation Labs was originally an aerial filmmaking company that has since evolved into a global technology leader in sports broadcasting.

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Rahat Kulshreshtha is a founding member of the Drone Federation of India, where he currently serves as Chairperson, advocating for responsible drone usage in the country.

Chapters:

(01:10) Inspiration of Quidich

(04:00) Evolving from drones

(09:20) India sports market

(13:15) Next big sports in India

(15:50) Cricket’s global expansion

(19:00) Quidich future roadmap

(24:50) Advice for founders

Rahat Kulshreshtha:

Website: https://www.quidich.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahatkul/?originalSubdomain=in

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#207: Dan Banon & Tarryn Moss: Hudl & Balltime - The acquisition

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Balltime is the first-ever Volleyball AI platform, trusted by 3,800+ teams worldwide for their video and analytics needs. By fully automating stats and data collection, Balltime provides teams with instant access to crucial performance metrics like serve speed, attack height, jump trajectories, and 3D play visualization—empowering athletes and coaches with game-changing insights.Now, Hudl, a global leader in sports technology, has acquired Balltime, integrating its AI-driven analytics into Hudl’s comprehensive suite of volleyball solutions. Hudl already powers over 300,000 teams worldwide, offering tools to elevate performance, streamline operations, drive recruitment, and engage fans. In 2024 alone, Hudl provided data from nearly half a million volleyball matches, supporting over 40,000 high schools, clubs, colleges, and national teams.With Hudl now serving over 400,000 volleyball users in 79 countries, the impact of AI and real-time video analysis on coaching, scouting, and player development is bigger than ever. The combination of Hudl’s deep sports technology expertise and Balltime’s instant data processing capabilities is pushing volleyball into a new era of precision and innovation.Chapters:(01:23) - The Origin Story of Balltime(04:07) - Building a Community Around Volleyball(06:47) - Hudl’s Role in the Volleyball Market(08:57) - The Future of Volleyball & Technology Integration(11:51) - Understanding the Volleyball Community(15:18) - Navigating the Sports Tech Landscape(17:16) - The Acquisition Journey of Balltime(20:22) - Product Integration & User Experience(24:07) - Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Volleyball & HudlHudl & Balltime:🏠Website: https://www.balltime.com/; https://www.hudl.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-banon-498362a2/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarrynktietjen/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#144: Lance Dietz - Partner, KB Partners | Early-Stage Sports Investment Insights

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Lance Dietz is an investment partner who focuses on sports, collectibles, well-being, and gaming.

KB Partners raised a $100M+ fund to deploy capital into the early stages of sports.

Lance Dietz played college basketball at Army West Point, has an MBA from the University of Chicago, and joined KB Partners in 2018 as a principal before reaching partner status in 2021.

Chapters:

(01:15) Top trends in sports

(03:15) How to learn new verticals

(08:50) Talent entering industry

(11:40) How to get investors attention

(15:40) US vs international

(17:20) Characteristics of successful companies

(20:10) Evaluating emerging leagues

(22:30) Approach to AI startups

(27:45) Sports Tech insights

Lance Dietz:

KB Partners: https://kbpartners.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lancedietz/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#138: Ryan Silver - President, West Coast Elite | Building Youth Sports Company to Acquisition

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 28 May 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Acquired by 3STEP Sports, West Coast Elite is the largest basketball event operator on the West Coast with more than 100 events in 11 states.

WCE is the premier grassroots basketball program and is a member of the Under Armour Association, WCE teams play a national schedule.

Ryan Silver is the founder and CEO who previously ran a nightclub before creating West Coast Elite and Silver Waves Media.

Chapters:

(01:40) Starting youth sports club

(06:25) 3STEP acquisition

(08:25) West Coast Elite success

(09:30) Misconceptions of AAU

(11:45) Business model

(17:00) Shift in parents

(20:45) Men’s vs women’s AAU

(24:35) Trends to watch

Ryan Silver:

WCE: https://westcoastelitebasketball.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachryansilver/?hl=en

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#132: David Wurth - Founder, PLYR | Leveraging Media Platform to Build in Sports

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 01 May 2024 04:01:00 GMT

The "Redzone for Baseball", PLYR is aiming to revolutionize discovery, engagement, and interaction with sports through its players.

After spending a handful of years as a wealth advisor, David Wurth made the jump to entrepreneurship by interviewing successful executives, athletes, and business leaders.

CSQ is now an award-winning quarterly business and luxury lifestyle platform. PLYR was incubated from the platform.

Chapters:

(01:25) CSQ: Filling the Void in Media

(04:48) From Media to Advisory

(06:44) The Birth of PLYR

(15:40) Evolution of PLYR

(19:16) Learnings entering sports

(29:38) The Future of PLYR

David Wurth:

PLYR app: https://www.plyrapp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csuitemedia/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#160: Adam Azor - EVP Global Marketing, Sportradar | 1st Party Data & Marketing Insights

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 04:01:00 GMT

1st party data is reimagining the athletics landscape, and Adam Azor from Sportradar is at the forefront of it.

Sportradar is one of the world’s largest sports technology companies reimagining immersive experiences for sports fans and bettors.

Adam Azor is an integrated marketer with experience from global to local recently being promoted to EVP at Sportradar.

Chapters:

(00:20) Adam Azor and Sportradar intro

(02:15) Sportradar’s massive growth

(06:05) EVP Global Marketing role

(08:15) 1st-party data landscape

(14:00) Educating the market about “owning sports data”

(23:30) Hyper-personalized data and cookies

(27:00) Legal implications of 1st party data

(29:15) From top to bottom of the pyramid

(32:30) Sportradar’s partnership perspective

Adam Azor:

Website: https://sportradar.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamazor/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (Feb 20-Mar 5)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 09:00:02 GMT

(02:00) Business of Athletes:

- Giannis Antetokounmpo now owns two pros teams, Naomi Osaka invests in Ramen noodles and more athlete investment stories including NBA players putting money in canned-milk

(11:00) NIL/College Sports:

- the first-ever lifetime deal in NIL history (but is it legit?)

(14:10) Sports Business

- sports tech investing is picking back up including the first-ever VC-backed pickleball company and Alex Rodriguez taking on TicketMaster with his new company

Thanks for listening! Make sure to share with anyone who might garner value from this podcast.

#145: Shannon Terry - Founder On3 | Building & Exiting Sports Media Platforms

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 04:01:00 GMT

After successfully exiting Rivals (Yahoo) and 24/7 (CBS), Shannon Terry began building his third sports media platform in On3.

On3 is a top resource for college sports, recruiting, and NIL.

Shannon Terry and On3 are consistently in the news cycle thanks to their proprietary “NIL Valuation” system.

Chapters:

(03:40) Rivals

(06:00) 24/7 Sports

(10:45) On3 inception

(13:05) NIL valuations

(18:00) College sports utopia

(22:40) Future of the NCAA

(24:40) Women’s sports

(26:40) Shifting media world

(29:00) Future of On3

Shannon Terry:

On3: https://www.on3.com/

X: https://x.com/ShannonTerry

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#152: Gio Marcantoni - Founder Volo | Adult Social Sports Roll-Up

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In 9 markets and with millions in revenue per year, Gio Marcantoni is the founder of Volo Sports.

Started as a 16-person Bocce league in Baltimore in 2010, Volo Sports now has over 300,000 members nationally.

Similar to how youth sports clubs have been rolled up, Gio Marcantoni has taken a similar approach to adult social sports.

Chapters:

(00:30) Volo inception

(06:45) GTM strategy

(08:00) Business model

(10:00) Scaling internally

(12:50) Bootstrapping to start

(15:10) Adult social sports market

(18:25) Demographics

(20:30) Branding & marketing

(24:00) Diving all into an idea

(26:40) Acquisition strategy

(30:00+) Group Q/A for community members

Gio Marcantoni:

Website: https://www.volosports.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovanni-marcantoni-69a12828/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#238: Sam Porter Co-Owner Club Necaxa & Club Equidad - Global Perspective on Owning Sports Teams

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Sam Porter is building one of the most uniquely diversified sports ownership portfolios in the world. As co-owner of Club Necaxa (Liga MX), Club Equidad (Colombian First Division), and the Brooklyn Aces (Major League Pickleball), he’s betting on the global and generational growth of sport as both a cultural force and financial asset.

With previous leadership roles at DC United and Swansea City AFC, and now as a Senior Advisor to Apollo Global Management, Sam brings an unmatched operator’s lens to sports investment strategy. In this episode, he breaks down the real opportunities in emerging leagues, why Liga MX remains an overlooked powerhouse, and how storytelling will shape the next decade of fan engagement. From pickleball to fútbol, it’s a wide-ranging conversation on where the future of ownership is headed.

Chapters:

02:42 – Investment Strategies in Professional Sports

05:31 – Exploring Liga MX: A Hidden Gem

10:30 – The Colombian Soccer Landscape

16:14 – The Role of Storytelling in Sports

21:51 – Emerging Sports: The Rise of Pickleball

27:02 – Trends in Women’s Sports Investment

32:15 – International Growth and Fan Behavior

36:48 – Final Reflections on Ownership and Impact

Sam Porter: https://www.clubnecaxa.mx/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

#271: Dan McClory, Boustead & Company - Inside the Mind of a Global Investment Leader

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Daniel J. McClory is an international investor, investment banker, and venture philanthropist with decades of experience leading equity capital markets and M&A transactions across the globe. As Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Boustead & Company, Dan has built a global financial powerhouse with a presence spanning Singapore, the UK, Switzerland, Mauritius, Monaco, and Latin America. His work has helped companies list on major exchanges including NASDAQ, NYSE, and the London Stock Exchange — earning industry recognition with multiple “Deal of the Year” awards.Beyond finance, Dan brings a philanthropic vision to his work, serving on the boards of the USA Track & Field Foundation, Alder Foundation, and other organizations bridging sports, capital, and social impact. His listing of the world’s first foreign-funded, venture philanthropy-backed IPO on Brazil’s Bovespa Social Stock Exchange stands as a landmark in blending business with purpose.In this conversation, Dan shares insights into global finance, the evolution of SPACs, and the intersection of sports, investment, and culture — revealing how innovative funding models and bold leadership continue to shape the future of international business.

Podcast Chapters:

01:01 The Formation and Strategy of Brera

04:51 Going Public: The Advantages of IPOs

09:02 SPACs vs. Traditional IPOs

12:06 The Future of Brera and Soulmate

16:24 Understanding the Crypto and Sports Connection

22:36 Cultural Perspectives on Risk in Business

26:42 Emerging Trends in Sports and Investment

Dan McClory:

🏠 Website: https://www.boustead1828.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-mcclory/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#101: CJ Handron - CEO Diamond Kinetics | Exploring the Evolution of Sports Tech

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 05:01:00 GMT

In this episode, CJ Handron of Diamond Kinetics gives us a deep dive into the evolution of sports tech (since they were one of the first companies in the space over a decade ago).

Handron is an alumnus of the University of Pittsburgh entrepreneurship program and discusses the company's journey over the last decade, and its products aimed at the baseball and softball industry.

We also delve into the future of sports tech - with an emphasis on the use of AI and video in capturing detailed game data. CJ sheds light on some challenges of building Diamond Kinetics in a non-tech hub and how remote work has shifted this paradigm.

Chapters:

(00:21) The Journey of Building Diamond Kinetics

(04:00) The Role of University Entrepreneurial Programs

(07:50) Building a Tech Company in Pittsburgh

(11:41) The Evolution of Sports Tech

(16:50) The Future of Diamond Kinetics and Sports Tech

(23:20) Closing Thoughts and Future Trends in Sports

Diamond Kinetics:

Website: https://www.diamondkinetics.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-handron-7859159/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#148: Peter Simon - President, Simon Sports | Investing Across Different Sports Verticals

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Peter Simon runs the sports investment division for Simon Group Holdings, which was founded by his father Sam Simon.

Sam Simon is a legendary immigrant entrepreneur having launched Atlas Oil Co. in 1985 with a single delivery truck, and has built it into a multi-billion gallon-a-year fuel wholesaler with over 500 employees.

Formed in 2022, Simon Sports is a sports investment firm and management group that serves as an umbrella for Sam and his son Peter Simon’s sports ventures.

Peter Simon attended Wayne State University and is an avid sports fan cheering for most Detroit teams (and the Dallas Cowboys).

Chapters:

(00:35) Simon Group Holdings

(05:00) Current portfolio

(11:00) How they think about community

(12:30) Evaluating opportunities

(15:00) Private family capital

(16:40) What they look for

(19:00) Trends in sports

Peter Simon:

Website: https://simonsports.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simon-sports/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#150: Matt Wheeler - Co-Founder, SportsRecruits | Scaling Youth Sports Business to 8-Figures

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 04:01:00 GMT

A former college athlete, Matt Wheeler and his teammate started a sports recruiting platform in 2008 and have grown it substantially over the years.

SportsRecruits offers student-athletes a platform to handle their college search and recruiting process from end to end.

Using robust analytics around who is looking at your profile, video and academic information, SportsRecruits helps student-athletes and their families navigate a stressful and expensive process.

Chapters:

(00:45) SportsRecruits background

(02:25) Recruiting transformation

(06:00) Solving marketplace dynamic

(09:10) Navigating different sports

(11:00) Staying capital efficient

(15:30) Private equity in youth sports

(17:45) Competitive landscape

(20:30) Future of SportsRecruits

Matt Wheeler:

Website: https://sportsrecruits.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattkwheeler/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#91: Chris Bevilacqua - CEO, Co-Founder Simplebet | Microbetting and Sports Media

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 22:11:00 GMT

All-American wrestler to founding what would become CBS Sports Network and now running a micro betting company in Simplebet.

Simplebet is a B2B product development company using machine learning and automation to make every moment of every sporting event a betting opportunity.

Exploring the eerily similar worlds of sports media 20 years ago and sports betting today.

Chapters:

(02:20) Inspiration for Simplebet

(07:25) CBS Sports Network

(13:30) Favorite part of building a company

(16:15) Advice for young professionals

(19:30) Betr and Simplebet

(21:10) Merging of sports betting and media

Chris Bevilacqua:

Website: https://www.simplebet.io/

Profile: https://www.bhv-llc.com/leadership/chris.html

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#93: Sandeep Rajan - Founder & CEO Grandstand | Building a Sports Creator Econony App

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 05:01:00 GMT

Grandstand raised $2.75M to build out its creator economy/fan engagement platform.

Sandeep Rajan previously spent time as a product leader at both Dropbox and Patreon.

Grandstand arose from Sandeep’s deep passion for sports and helping creators monetize with their biggest fans.

Chapters:

(02:05) Consumer Tech background

(07:45) Grandstand overview

(10:15) Web3 paved the ground

(12:00) Women’s sports

(16:10) NIL deepened fan engagement

(18:30) Challenges building in sports

(22:50) Business model

(26:30) Trends to watch in sports

Sandeep Rajan:

Website: https://grandstand.io/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeepayyappan/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#85: Ben Keighran - CEO, Caffeine TV | Building Next-Generation of Live TV in Sports

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Prior to founding Caffeine, Ben Keighran sold Chomp Inc to Apple where he led the design of Apple TV for several years.

Caffeine TV has had several pivots over the years and the last one saw the platform go from 2 million to over 40 million active users.

On Caffeine TV you can watch free live broadcasts, highlights, and replays of sports.

Chapters:

(01:35) Original idea for Caffeine

(07:00) Driving millions of active users

(09:00) Sports media’s transitions

(13:50) GenZ and short form

(16:00) AI’s impact across content

(18:40) Trends in sports to watch

(20:20) Caffeine TVs next steps

Ben Keighran:

Website: https://www.caffeine.tv/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bkeighran/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#125: Ari Kaplan - Head of Evangelism Databricks | Deep Insights on Sports, AI, and Data Analytics

Andrew Petcash — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 04:01:00 GMT

“The Real Moneyball Guy”, the popular movie was partly based on Ari’s analytical and scouting experiences innovating Major League Baseball.

Ari Kaplan created and led the Chicago Cubs analytics department, head of evangelism at DataBricks, Caltech Alumni of the Decade, and Intel’s AI Board of Advisors.

DataBricks is one of the largest private companies in the world with over $1.6 billion in 2023 revenue.

Chapters:

(04:10) Exciting new sports tech

(07:35) Background in sports

(10:20) Evolution of analytics

(15:00) Machine vs human decision making

(20:00) Traditional AI vs Gen AI

(27:45) AGI

(29:00) Advice for building in sports

Ari Kaplan:

Website: https://www.databricks.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikaplan/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#92: Ludwig Sandgren - CEO & Founder GODSENT | Building and Owning a Professional Esports Team

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 05:01:00 GMT

GODSENT is a world-famous, Swedish esports organization with its legacy in the game Counter-Strike.

To create the team, Ludwig Sandgren left his job and sold his apartment to be able to pay player salaries and get GODSENT off the ground.

Super interesting conversation covering esports, the future of the sport, and founding + operating a team in the space.

Chapters:

(01:55) Journey to esports owner

(04:50) First steps to create a team

(06:50) Day to day operations

(08:40) Esports demographics/data

(13:15) Recruiting talented players

(17:00) Business model of esports club

(21:15) League structure

(23:00) Future of esports + trends

Ludwig Sandgren:

Website: https://www.godsent.gg/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ludwigsandgren/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (May 22-28)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 28 May 2023 04:01:35 GMT

(01:30) - Business of Athletes

• Tom Brady, Steph Curry, and Dirk Nowitzki with big moves

(03:40) - College Sports/NIL

• Opendorse stays active and collectives making moves and a sports betting report

(06:30) - Sports Business

• India continues to grow, Fanatics & DAZN get busy, and pickleball is getting funky

#228: John Albright Partner at Relay Ventures | Investing in the Future of Sports, Gaming, and Media

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 07 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Relay Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm backing exceptional founders at the intersection of SportsTech, gaming, and media. With deep roots across North America, Relay brings a hands-on approach that goes beyond capital—supporting entrepreneurs with strategic networks, operational expertise, and industry insight.

As a co-founder of the firm, John Albright focuses exclusively on the evolution of sports and its adjacent markets, including athlete performance, fan engagement, and digital media. From emerging leagues to transformative technologies, he shares perspectives on what’s driving the next era of innovation and how Relay Ventures evaluates founders, markets, and long-term opportunities.
03:04 Investment Strategies in Early-Stage Sports Tech
06:02 Evaluating Founders and Market Potential
09:01 The Donut of Sports: Connecting Teams and Solutions
11:48 Emerging Sports and Revenue Generation
14:50 Concerns in the Sports Investment Landscape
20:00 The Future of Sports Investments and Player 12
26:45 Closing Thoughts and Opportunities

John Albright🏠 Website:⁠ https://relay.vc/💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlalbright/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠🐣 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash⁠💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#130: Craig Winning - Managing Director BatBox USA | Scaling a Sportainment Concept Globally

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 21:31:45 GMT

With many years of experience in sportainment, Craig Winning is now taking on BatBox as they expand from Mexico to the United States.

BatBox is an innovative experiential concept that caters to the underserved baseball fan market, offering a playful way for fans to engage with baseball and each other and offer corporate and private simulator sales to clients.

Craig was previously at TOCA Social, Shorty’s, Punch Bowl Social, and has spent most of his career at the intersection of hospitality and entertainment.

Chapters:

(01:30) Hospitality background

(05:50) BatBox concept

(10:10) GTM from Mexico to the US

(11:55) Challenges with new concept

(13:55) Food/Beverage vs. Gameplay

(16:10) Blueprint to success

(19:00) Trends in eatertainment

(21:40) Importance of technology

(23:00) Concepts that could work

Craig Winning:

BatBox: https://www.batboxusa.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecraigwinning/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#102: Nick Riggall - Co Founder RugbyDAO | Building Community & Redefining Rugby's Next 200 Years

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 15:20:00 GMT

From grassroots to global impact, RugbyDAO is on a mission to reshape rugby for the next 200 years. It's a decentralized way to build community and operate across the ecosystem.

Nick Riggall is the OG and one of the original co-founders at RugbyDAO.

As we explore the intersection of sports and Web3, you’ll also pick up on some incredible insights about rugby – which has over 850 million fans worldwide.

Chapters:

00:01:47 - Building Community in Sports with DAOs

00:02:59 - The Founding of RugbyDAO

00:05:29 - Nick Riggall's Background and Entry into Web3

00:09:45 - Learning from Other Sports DAO Projects

00:11:45 - RugbyDAO's Mission

00:16:22 - The Future of Rugby

00:20:04 - Business Model

00:21:45 - Five-Year Vision

Nick Riggall:

Website: https://therugbydao.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickriggall/?originalSubdomain=uk

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#169: Adam Golomb – CEO, Primanti Brothers | The Future of Food, Sports, and Community

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Primanti Brothers, famous for its iconic French-fry-topped sandwiches, blends tradition with modern innovation to deliver a unique dining experience loved by generations.

Since 1933, the brand has expanded across multiple locations, driven by strong customer loyalty, creative marketing, and ongoing digital transformation.

At the helm is Adam Golomb, an award-winning marketing expert with over 20 years of experience. Recognized as one of the Most Influential Restaurant Executives, Adam leads the company’s growth, strategy, and community engagement.

Chapters:

(03:00) - The Unique Primanti Sandwich Experience

(06:02) - Marketing Strategy and Celebrity Endorsement

(08:51) - Enhancing the Sports Viewing Experience

(12:08) - Community Experience and Youth Sports

(14:54) - The role of a CEO and future vision

(17:53) - College Sports and NIL

Adam Golomb:

Website: https://primantibros.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamgolomb/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#133: Michael Dub - CEO, Founder Sweet Chameleon | The Future of Sports Collectibles are Phygital

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 07 May 2024 04:01:00 GMT

With high-end clients like the NBA and MLB, Sweet Chameleon is taking on phygital collectibles led by Michael Dub.

Sweet Chameleon lives at the intersection of the physical and digital worlds, leveraging additive manufacturing and blockchain technology to enable fans to create and customize physical and digital collectibles from individual creators and popular entertainment, sports, and gaming IP.

Michael Dub has 25+ years of experience working in leadership roles at large media organizations, startups, and as an owner of a digital marketing agency with a proven track record of growth and developing new revenue streams.

Chapters:

(01:35) The genesis of Sweet Chameleon

(03:05) Collectibles Market

(04:35) Phygital Products

(05:55) State of Sweet Chameleon

(08:40) Benefits to all stakeholders

(11:35) Business model

(14:15) Learnings from landing MLB & NBA

(16:00) Future of collectibles

Michael Dub:

Sweet Chameleon: https://www.sweetchameleon.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldub/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#282: Ryan Petkoff, Petkoff Strategies - Family Office Insights

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 01:10:56 GMT

Ryan Petkoff has spent more than two decades operating at the highest levels of professional sports, helping build an NFL dynasty, shaping one of the most influential brands in global sport, and advising ownership groups navigating the modern sports landscape. His career spans deep operational leadership, strategic growth planning, and long-term brand building inside one of the most sophisticated organizations in the NFL.

Today, he partners with sports teams, startups, and legacy businesses to solve complex challenges spanning fan engagement, commercialization, and go-to-market execution. Petkoff works with only a select group of clients, allowing him to dive deeply into problems, build alongside founders, and operate as a hands-on strategic partner. His vantage point also includes meaningful time working with the Hunt Family — offering him rare insight into family office dynamics, sports investing, and multi-generational decision-making.

In this conversation, he breaks down the evolution of the sports marketplace, the rise of alternative investments, where youth sports and fan development are heading, and how he evaluates opportunities and relationships. His experience offers a unique blend of front-office expertise, investment perspective, and builder mentality — shaped by two decades inside one of the most respected operations in professional sports.

Podcast Chapters

01:13 Ryan Petkoff's Journey in Professional Sports

03:30 Market Evolution and Insights from the Hunt Family

05:54 Navigating Family Offices and Investment Strategies

09:28 The Rise of Alternative Investments in Sports

12:27 Opportunities in Youth Sports and Fan Engagement

15:21 Evaluating Projects and Building Relationships

18:06 Building Relationships for Future Success

Ryan Petkoff: 🏠 Website: https://www.petkoffstrategies.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-petkoff-5b0b397/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#121: Santiago Halty - CEO, Founder Senda Athletics | Futsal and Building an Apparel Brand in Sports

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Futsal is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and Senda Athletics is at the forefront of it.

Senda Athletics is a head-to-toe soccer product line, including footwear, Fair Trade Certified balls, and custom team uniforms, focused on the rapidly growing 5-a-side and indoor soccer market.

The initial 5-a-side market is an estimated $5B with the opportunity to expand into the $14B broader soccer market. Popular soccer stars like Lionel Messi have been known to enjoy futsal.

Chapters:

(01:30) Senda Athletics overview

(04:15) Argentina & World Cup

(06:15) Engaging athletes as owners

(08:30) From 1 product to many

(12:30) Becoming Fair Trade Certified

(14:40) Distribution channels

(20:10) Soccer 3.0

(24:10) Trends to watch

Santiago Halty:

Website: https://sendaathletics.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-halty-9a764214/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#111: Jonathan Stern - CEO, Improbable Media | Building Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Media Arm

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 05:01:00 GMT

NBA Champion Giannis Antetokounmpo recently announced the launch of Improbable Media led by CEO Jonathan Stern and also ESPN personality Jay Williams.

Improbable Media will 'incubate and accelerate' content creation for talent and brands on top of producing their own movies, shows, and documentaries.

Jonathan Stern has spent most of his career in the media space after starting as an attorney. He has been involved in helping media arms pivot and has also produced many of your favorite shows and documentaries.

Chapters:

(02:05) Trends in sports media

(06:10) Improbable Media

(12:30) Pillars of the company

(16:40) Role as CEO

(19:00) From 0 to 1 in media

(24:35) What makes a good story?

(26:40) How to break into sports

Jonathan Stern:

Website: https://www.improbablemedia.com/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#225: Roger Ehrenberg, Eberg Capital | Investing in the Future of Sports and Entertainment

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Eberg Capital is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments across the sports entertainment ecosystem, including sports franchises, betting, media, and technology-driven experiences. Roger Ehrenberg brings decades of expertise from the tech and venture worlds to the evolving sports landscape, backing founders building the next generation of transformative companies.

By investing early in high-potential businesses, Eberg Capital aims to drive innovation where sports, media, and technology intersect. With a focus on founder quality, market size, and long-term impact, they are shaping the way fans engage with sports, betting, and entertainment across the globe.

00:00 Introduction to Eberg Capital
02:36 Challenges in Sports Investment
04:54 The Appeal of Early Stage Investments
07:37 Transitioning from Tech to Sports Investment
10:16 Understanding the Market Size in Sports
12:41 Factors Igniting Sports Investment
15:05 Exploring Investment Categories
17:21 Future Directions and Exciting Opportunities
20:03 The Importance of Founders in Investment
22:18 Conclusion and How to Connect with Eberg Capital

Roger Ehrenberg:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://www.ebergcapital.com/

💼LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rehrenberg/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠

🐣 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash⁠

💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠ Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#112: Establishing the United Basketball League: With Co-Founders Ricky Davis and Chris Allison

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 05:01:00 GMT

The United Basketball League (UBL) is a fan-owned league attempting to create a system similar to baseball (but in basketball) co-founded by former NBA player Ricky Davis and Chris Allison.

Chris Allison, experienced in the minor sports league space, provides insight into the planned structure of the league and its community-centric approach.

With a focus on encouraging continued involvement from retired players and fostering talent development, the UBL aims to fill a gap between the youth, college, and professional levels of basketball with Ricky Davis helping shape that.

Chapters:

(01:17) United Basketball League Vision

(01:51) Journey of Building the UBL

(03:46) State of Basketball Today

(06:26) UBL's Role in the Basketball Landscape

(09:53) Impact of Emerging Leagues

(13:51) First Season and Future Plans

(18:40) UBL's Community Engagement Strategy

(22:10) Personal Journey of Founders

(28:02) Closing Remarks and Where to Find More About UBL

United Basketball League:

Website: https://www.theubl.com/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#64: Luke Verbeek - CEO, Founder Homefans | AirBnB For Sports Experiences

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Homefans is experiencing massive MoM growth for their marketplace where fans can connect, plan, and book sports trips and experiences hosted by locals.

Luke Verbeek spent 1 year in the corporate world before jumping into entrepreneurship and founding HomeFans in 2014.

Homefans is currently focused on soccer in Europe and South America, but plans to expand to more sports and regions in the near future.

Chapters:

(01:25) Idea behind Homefans

(04:45) Finding his co-founder

(06:20) HomeFans overview

(13:30) AirBnB for sports model

(15:10) Marketplace learnings

(18:20) Expansion Roadmap

(21:15) Trends in sports experiences

Luke Verbeek:

Website: https://homefans.net/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-verbeek/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

$1M for College Athletes, US Army + Athletic Scholarships, and a New Pro Sports Owner

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 01 May 2022 11:15:39 GMT

Audio Timeline:

1:14 - Feel Good Sports Stories

4:32 - NIL Report

9:41 - Athlete Business/Investment Stories

14:34 - Sports Business/Tech Report

Interesting Stat

The NCAA makes over $1B in revenue a year and president Mark Emmert enjoyed a cushy $2.9M salary last year.

Interested in the NCAA’s full financial statements?

Check them out here:

Short Passage of The Week

The Art of ThrivingWhen we disconnect to reconnect as leaders and positive-difference makers, life becomes art, and the beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

* The art of using “no” as a complete sentence.

* The art of rediscovering yourself over, and over, and over again.

* The art of clearing your mind so that you can listen to your heart.

* The art of balancing empathy for others with empathy for yourself.

* The art of knowing when to speak, when to listen, and when to leave.

* The art of knowing when to pivot, when to pause, and when to persist.

Passage by Mitchell C. Clark, Keep It 100

Recommended Media

Came across a great interview by Adam Breneman and current Penn State QB Sean Clifford.

Really enjoyed the segment discussing Clifford’s new business venture and NIL developments.

That part starts at the 25:58 timestamp.

Tweet(s)

Interesting read on the “broken” college athletics system 👇

Who has YOUR best interest at heart?

Did you know there is a standard in the financial world called 'Fiduciary' that requires an advisor to act in a manner that is reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the client.

Most would question why this is NOT the case for all financial advisors or anyone dealing with a subject like money.

Anytime there is a chance the advisor can profit on a sale, they can NOT be acting as your Fiduciary because they have a conflict of interest.

As you look at advisors, the first question should be 'Why are you not a fiduciary?'

Quote

“There might not be 1000 ways to accomplish something, but there is almost always more than one way. Know what you want, and be flexible on how to get there.” - James Clear

Extra Credit

Serena Williams really is the 🐐

One day an athlete will retweet a Twitter thread I put out on them — looking forward to that day.

I appreciate you reading The Petcash Post on a consistent basis! Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help or if there’s something you think I should write about.

Peace,

-AP

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.petcashpost.com

#103: Robyn Duda - MD, Co-Founder RacquetX | Building The Homebase For ALL Racquet Sports

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 05:01:00 GMT

RacquetX looks to build the homebase for the multi-billion-dollar racquet sports industry as we dive deep into the business of events.

Robyn Duda is the co-founder and managing director of RacquetX. She has had a successful career across events and technology.

The first-ever RacquetX event will take place March 24-26 in Miami, Florida.

Chapters:

(02:00) RacquetX inception

(04:40) Inaugural event

(09:50) Elevating racquet sports

(11:20) Data & insights

(13:40) Badminton is bigger than soccer

(17:10) Innovations to watch

(21:50) Business of events

Robyn Duda:

Website: https://theracquetx.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynduda/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#331: David Wurth, PLYR - Modernizing Fan Engagement & Proximity-Driven Networking

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 05:44:35 GMT

David Wurth is the founder and CEO of PLYR and founder & publisher CSQ Magazine. David is a veteran entrepreneur and media innovator who built CSQ Media into an award-winning executive publishing, thought leadership, and high-level networking platform. Drawing from years of bringing business leaders and decision-makers together through CSQ Media and Wurth & Company, David turned his focus to sports technology to solve one of the biggest challenges facing modern leagues: engaging the next generation of sports fans.Today, David is revolutionizing fan engagement with PLYR, a sports technology platform designed to bridge the gap between player-centric fandom and live sports consumption. Recognizing that Gen Z and younger fans follow individual athletes and short-form digital moments over traditional teams or full broadcasts, PLYR captures player data through its proprietary "Player Graph." By sending real-time alerts and micro-moment notifications when players are live in action, PLYR seamlessly routes fans to live broadcasts, sports betting, and direct commerce opportunities like merchandise, tickets, and collectibles.

Podcast Chapters:

00:26 - Why In-Person Proximity Accelerates Sports Tech Business

2:13 - Navigating Category Expertise, VC & the Wildfire of NIL

3:52 - Capturing Next-Gen Fans: Following Players Over Teams

4:22 - How PLYR Monetizes Micro-Moments Across Broadcast, Betting & Commerce

4:50 - Building the "Player Graph" to Unify Siloed Athlete Data

#308: Jared Kleinstein, Gondola - The Creator Economy Behind Sports:

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Jared Kleinstein is an entrepreneur, founder, and creative operator best known for building Fresh Tape Media and Gondola, two companies at the intersection of sports storytelling, digital media, and creator infrastructure. As the Founder of Fresh Tape Media, he leads a full-service creative production company working with major leagues, teams, and global brands to solve large-scale storytelling and content challenges across sports and entertainment.He is also the founder of the Gondola Sports Summit, a flagship industry event now entering its third year of bringing together sports social, creative, and production professionals to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of sports media. The 2026 edition takes place May 18–20 at the Denver Art Museum in Denver, Colorado, and features a growing lineup of 2026 speakers and industry leaders shaping the future of sports media and creativity. The Summit is designed for social media managers, directors of creative, videographers, photographers, graphic designers, producers, copywriters, and strategists, offering hands-on opportunities to level up skills, collaborate with peers, and engage directly with leaders driving innovation in sports. It blends panels, networking, and immersive IRL experiences to strengthen the creative ecosystem across the industry.Across both his companies, he explores how teams and brands are rethinking influencer strategy, building on-demand creative networks, and adapting to a fragmented but opportunity-rich media landscape. He also shares insights on how sports, technology, and real-world experiences are converging to reshape how content is made and consumed.Podcast Chapters:01:31 The Evolution of Fresh Tape and Gondola03:57 Trends in Sports Content Creation08:22 Expanding Influence in Collegiate and Youth Sports10:36 The Rise of Live Shopping and Community Engagement12:38 The Gondola Summit: Bringing Creatives Together19:15 Balancing Multiple Ventures as an Entrepreneur22:54 Staying Current in a Rapidly Changing Market25:05 Future Trends in Creator Empowerment and Storytelling

Jared Kleinstein:

Get Gondola Sports Summit Tickets: https://sportssummit.gondola.cc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-kleinstein/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

#147: Chris Van Dusen - Partner, Solyco Capital | Entering Sports Investment World

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Chris Van Dusen is a Senior Partner at Solyco Capital, a vertically Integrated PE/VC, Action Services, Public & Private Wealth Investment Firm that delivers capital solutions for late-stage startup and growth companies.

Solyco Capital has made some of its first sports investments since its inception, showcasing the industry's appeal.

Chris Van Dusen was a former D1 baseball player and successful entrepreneur having sold multiple businesses before entering the investment world.

Chapters:

(01:20) Exiting 3 companies

(08:20) Solyco Capital

(11:50) Making first sports investments

(14:30) Going through their sports portfolio

(18:00) Artificial intelligence

(23:20) Advice on raising capital

(30:15) Mistakes he learned from

(32:15) Areas in sports to watch

(36:35+) Q/A session available for Profluence+ Community members

Chris Van Dusen:

Solyco Capital: https://www.solycocapital.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismvandusen/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#127: Evan Parker - CEO, Mantel | Building Community & Content around Collectibles in Sports

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 04:01:00 GMT

After the acquisition of The Athletic, Evan Parker joined Alexis Ohanian and Brett Montgomery to build Mantel.

Mantel is a community for collectors (starting in sports).

Before joining Mantel as the CEO, Evan Parker was the General Manager at The Athletic and Head of Content at NASCAR.

Chapters:

(01:50) Career in Sports

(03:00) Importance of Building Relationships

(05:05) How Leagues vs Media Brands View Content

(07:30) Collectibles and Mantel

(12:30) Starting in Niches

(14:20) From Corporate to Entrepreneurship

(17:50) Learnings from The Athletic acquisition

(20:10) Fundraising Insights

(21:50) Mantel Roadmap

(35:35) Trends to Watch

Evan Parker:

Mantel: https://www.onmantel.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evaneparker/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (April 10-16)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 04:01:17 GMT

(01:00) Business of Athletes - more investors in TMRW sports, Steph Curry on the big screen, and several players buying soccer teams

(04:15) NIL/College Sports - collectives merging, athletes "retiring, and plenty of other topics to discuss

(06:30) Sports Business - $65M in fundraising for a team management platform and other interesting developments

#293: Barrick Prince, Creator Sports Network - The Rise of Creator-Led Sports Media

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Barrick Prince is founder of Creator Sports Network, a platform reshaping how live sports reach modern audiences. With a background spanning global television distribution, gaming, and leadership in sports content at Twitch, Barrick is focused on helping leagues, broadcasters, and creators rethink sports distribution for the digital era. Creator Sports Network enables creators to legally co-stream live sports by handling licensing, technology, and production infrastructure — opening a new distribution window designed to reach younger, digitally native fans.

The company’s model reflects a broader shift across the sports ecosystem: audiences are increasingly consuming games through personalities and communities rather than traditional broadcast channels, creating new monetization opportunities for leagues, advertisers, and media companies alike.

Barrick shares insights on how creator-led distribution is expanding globally, why emerging leagues are often early adopters, and how platforms like his are helping sports properties build fandom in an era defined by fragmented media and community-driven engagement.

Podcast Chapters:

02:39 Barrick Prince's Journey in Media and Sports

05:06 Impact of COVID-19 on Sports Consumption

07:59 The Future of Sports Broadcasting

10:41 Emerging Leagues and New Rights Windows

13:31 The Role of Creators in Sports Media

16:12 Monetization Strategies for Creators

19:07 The Global Reach of Creator Sports Network

21:42 The Future of Betting and Creator Engagement

24:28 Advice for Founders in Legacy Industries

#72: James Kimball - Founder Novo Sports Group | From WWE to NIL Agency

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 04:01:00 GMT

James Kimball was at the forefront of the WWE’s groundbreaking college athlete NIL program and is now building his own agency.

Novo Sports Group is a management agency operating at the intersection of emerging athletes, talent, properties, & brands.

Chapters:

(02:40) Corporate to Entrepreneur

(05:30) WWE’s NIL program

(13:50) 5-6 figure deals

(15:30) Novo Sports Group

(20:20) Sports Agency Landscape

(26:40) Clientele (baseball + golf)

(32:30) Finding talent as an agent

(34:50) Trends in sports to watch

James Kimball:

Website: https://novosportsgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kimball-28b3ba22/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#192: Mike Buckley - 2X World Champion Sailor, CEO of U.S. SailGP Team | Transforming Sailing into a Global Phenomenon

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 09:12:26 GMT

SailGP was founded in 2019 by Oracle’s Larry Ellison and legendary sailor Sir Russell Coutts to bring the excitement of high-performance sailing to mainstream audiences. Known as "The F1 of the Water," SailGP features 10 national teams racing F50 foiling catamarans at speeds of up to 60 mph in stadium-style events near shorelines worldwide.

Mike Buckley, a two-time world champion sailor, is the CEO of the United States SailGP Team. Last year, he led the largest team acquisition in league history with co-owners Ryan McKillen and Margaret McKillen. Under their leadership, the U.S. SailGP Team has attracted a diverse group of investors, including Issa Rae, Deontay Wilder, Marc Lasry, and more.

In this episode, Mike discusses his journey from athlete to entrepreneur and how SailGP is redefining sailing as a media and entertainment platform. He shares insights on building a competitive team, navigating challenges, and the innovative strategies fueling SailGP's rapid growth. Don’t miss this exciting conversation about the future of sailing and sports entrepreneurship.

Chapters:

0:50 - Sailing Culture Shift: Making it Cool

2:50 - The Role of Athletes and Team Dynamics

6:11 - Marketing and Education: Growing the Audience

9:02 - Sailing vs. Other Sports: A Unique Perspective

12:10 - Building a Competitive Team: Strategies and Challenges

14:59 - Behind the Scenes: Organizational Structures and Community Engagement

17:56 - Team Development in Sailing

20:59 - The Future of Sailing

24:00 - Engaging with Fans: Social Media and Interaction

Mike Buckley:

🌐 Website: https://sailgp.com/

🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-buckley-aa947a1a9/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.Thanks for watching! Be sure to “subscribe” for the latest episodes.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (August 14-20)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 12:00:47 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:35 - Feel good stories

* A new Guinness World record and $125,000 scholarship donation.

1:55 - Business of Athletes

* Venus Williams’ superfood nutrition company, Happy Viking, revealed an array of new athlete investors including Megan Rapinoe, Michelle Wie, Serena Williams, Reilly Opelka, Isaiah Hartenstein, Collin Sexton, and Kevin Durant.

* Naomi Osaka’s company, KINLÒ, announced the signing of five college athlete ambassadors.

* In the same week that he signed a major second contract, Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson was sued for failing to appear at his youth football camp in May.

* NFL players Jalen Ramsey, Kevin Byard, and Derwin James have all invested in the National Cycling League, co-founded by their agent David Mulugheta.

* Ahead of the 2022 US Open, the USTA has announced that it will hand out over $60 million in prize money — the most in the history of the event and an increase from last year’s record $57.5 million.

10:50 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* Alabama football players racking in multiple $1M deals

* First of it’s kind deal in Mississippi

* BYU’s anticipated $20M NFT partnership

* Big Ten signs $1B/yr media deal (will the players touch it?)

17:40 - Future of Sports

* Of the 80 public schools across Chicago, there are less than 10 athletic trainers — this is causing a lot of problems.

* Sports data company, Sportradar, did $180B in Q2 revenue, a 66% increase over last year.

* ESPN and Little League have extended their media rights agreement, which was set at $7.5 million annually.

Interesting Stat

This is wild:

The mean number of injuries suffered per game in the NFL is approximately 4.9 times higher than the sum of those other leagues."

Teams don't want to pay for that kind of risk — which is why guaranteed contracts in the NFL are rare.

Short Passage of The Week

“I have never liked the word retirement. It doesn’t feel like a modern word to me.

I’ve been thinking of this as a transition, but I want to be sensitive about how I use that word, which means something very specific and important to a community of people.

Maybe the best word to describe what I’m up to is evolution.

I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me.”

Passage by Serena Williams

Recommended Media

The immense leverage superstar athletes have these days is insane (and will keep increasing)👇

Get Paid What You're Worth and Spend Less Than You Earn

It may sound simple, but many people struggle with this and need to be reminded.

Make sure you know what your job is worth in the marketplace — you can do this by conducting an evaluation of your skills, productivity, job tasks, contribution to the company, and the going rate, both inside and outside the company, for what you do.

Being underpaid even by $1,000 a year can have a significant cumulative effect over the course of your working life.

No matter how much or how little you're paid, you'll never get ahead if you spend more than you earn.

Often it's easier to spend less than it is to earn more, and a little cost-cutting effort in a number of areas can result in savings.

Quote

Thanks for tuning in today! Talk tomorrow.

Peace,

-AP

Extra Credit

Interesting article about the latest development in Johnson v. NCAA, which argues that college athletes ought to be classified as employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

#21: Vinit Bharara - CEO, Co-Founder Mojo | Building the first ever sports stock market | Raising $100M as a startup | How to find co-founders | Why now is the time to build in sports

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 10:30:21 GMT

Vinit Bharara is a successful entrepreneur having founded and sold multiple companies:

The Pit (acquired by Topps)
Diapers.com (acquired by Amazon)
Some Spider Studios (acquired by Vox Media)

Vin is business partners with the owners of the Minnesota Timberwolves (Marc Lore and MLB legend Alex Rodriguez).

You’ll enjoy this episode as we discuss Mojo and other sports + entrepreneurship topics.

Chapters:

(01:05) Vinit’s entrepreneurial background

(02:00) How do you find co-founders?

(04:15) Why now is the time to build in sports?

(06:30) Differences in raising $100M vs. typical seed round

(09:40) Backstory of Mojo (a stock market for athletes)

(11:50) Marketing tactics and CAC/LTV

(16:10) Expansion and future initiatives (micro betting/media)

(23:40) Insider trading and the rise of alternative asset platforms

(29:20) Sports trends to watch

Vinit Bharara links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vinitbharara

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinit-bharara-2302306/

Website: https://www.mojo.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#2: Jason Syversen - Founder of Sportsvisio, GP 10X VC | How AI will impact athletics | Generalists vs. Specialists | Why Now is the time to build in sports | Using AI to assist in scaling a business

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 10:30:59 GMT

Jason Syversen is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist who is now building an artificial intelligence (AI) company in sports.

Sportsvisio automatically captures highlights and stats from sporting events.

In this podcast, we talk about AI, why he decided to build a company in sports, the differences between founding/investing in companies, and the future of Sportsvisio.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:55) Why is now the time to build in sports?

(04:10) Background on Sportsvisio

(06:20) Overview of AI x Sports market

(09:55) How their AI software works

(13:45) Explaining AI to a 5-year-old

(20:15) Using AI to assist in business building

(22:10) How Jason hires the most intelligent people

(25:30) Sports video software market size

(29:15) Importance of CAC to LTV

(32:00) Generalists vs specialists

(35:00) Next 5 years for Jason and Sportsvisio

Jason Syversen links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jsyversen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsyversen/

CEO: https://sportsvisio.com/

GP: https://www.10xvp.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (October 9-15)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 11:59:58 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:00 - Feel good stories

* Amazing story from the Ironman World Championships, Cooper Kupp giving back in a major way, and Patriots owner Robert Kraft donating millions.

2:25 - Business of Athletes

* World Champion Fantasy, an online fantasy esports platform, announced JuJu Smith-Schuster is now an equity owner in the company.

* UBS announced the second season of "Front Office", a reality TV show that follows superstar athletes-turned-investors.

* TBE Enterprises announced on Tuesday that it's creating a $1 million winner-take-all 7 vs. 7 competition soccer event in 2023. Chris Paul is an investor.

* Tom Brady and Kim Clijsters will be buying an MLP Pickleball team.

* Patrick Willis, a former NFL great, announced the launch of Universe 52, a members-only NFT community where fans can interact with him and unlock access to exclusive perks.

* Former Super Bowl champion Ryan Nece announced that Next Play Capital raised $200 million for its third fund.

8:10 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* It pays to be the son of a famous athlete (two legacy names sign massive NIL deals)

* Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim has some strong words about NIL.

12:05 - Future of Sports

* NFT-based athlete investment platform FANtium announced a pre-seed round of $2 million. Fans can invest in an athlete's seasonal earnings, as well as in the career earnings of up-and-coming younger prospects.

* The BIG EAST Conference will release NFT tickets to attendees covering its 2022 Basketball Media Day. Fans attending MLB postseason games can receive commemorative NFT tickets that update 24 hours before the event.

* Puttshack, co-founded by the creators of Topgolf, just received $150 million in growth capital funding led by BlackRock. In 2023, they expect to expand to Dallas, Denver, Houston, Nashville, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Scottsdale.

* The MLB became the first major sports league in the US to enter an official contract with a CBD company.

Interesting Stat

This is wild…

Injuries across Europe's five major leagues rose by 20% last season and cost clubs $527 million, the first time this figure has eclipsed the half-a-billion mark. 🤯

*Injury cost is calculated by multiplying the daily cost of a player by the number of days they were unavailable.

Players under the age of 21 were especially affected, with their number of injuries rising tenfold in the last four years.

Yet, the increase in injury concerns isn't specific to soccer...

The NFLPA claims artificial turf leads to a 28% higher rate of non-contact injuries as compared to when playing on natural grass.

Short Passage of The Week:

Ask questions that are so big that only your life can answer them. One of the biggest lessons in life is being able to distinguish between the stories other people have created about you and the truth you come to know about yourself...

You begin to reject the scripts that other people wrote for you when you recognize that those words and actions do not align with your vision for your life. ― Dr. Thema Bryant, Homecoming

Recommended Media

If you haven’t watched the Redeem Team yet…tonight is the night.

Unbelievable documentary.

Tweet(s)

Kim Kardashian has created $1B companies.

Lebron James is creating a billion-dollar empire.

Mr. Beast got offered $1B for his YouTube channel (and turned it down).

Take a look at the power of athletes, entertainers, and creators. 👇

#201: Pete Nakos - College Sports Business Reporter covering NIL at On3 | The Business of College Sports & NIL

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Pete Nakos is a leading College Sports Business Reporter at On3 Sports, where he covers the evolving landscape of NIL, the transfer portal, and private equity's impact on college athletics.

On3 is a premier sports media and technology company dedicated to delivering trusted news, analysis, and data across youth, high school, and college sports. Since its launch in 2021, On3 has played a crucial role in educating fans, athletes, schools, and brands about the rapidly changing world of NIL and college athletics.

With years of experience covering college sports, Pete has developed a deep understanding of how NIL is reshaping the industry. He closely follows the power shifts in recruiting, the financial incentives driving decisions, and the role of private equity in shaping the future of college athletics. His insights help athletes, coaches, and industry leaders navigate this complex and ever-changing landscape.

Chapters:

(00:26) - Introduction to College Sports and NIL

(02:55) - Evolution of College Sports from 2019 to 2025

(05:40) - Navigating the Transfer Portal and NIL Deals

(08:34) - Key Stakeholders in College Sports

(11:09) - Challenges in the Current College Sports Landscape

(14:07) - Predictions and Insights(16:54) - The Future of College Sports and Player Eligibility

(19:48) - The Impact of Private Equity on NIL

(22:46) - The Role of Education in College Athletics

(28:28) - Advice for Aspiring Sports Media Professionals

Pete Nakos:

💼 On3 Sports: https://www.on3.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-nakos-542a16107/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Money Behind March Madness, $8B Sports Analytics, LSU x NFTs, and More

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 09:30:35 GMT

I want to personally welcome the 520+ new subscribers to The Petcash Post from this past week.

Every Sunday I do a weekly roundup that includes a short audio segment recapping the business of athletes sports stories that I didn’t have a chance to write about.

You’ll enjoy it — many others says it’s one of their favorite newsletters of the week.

Audio Timeline:

0:34 - A Stock Market, But For Betting on Athletes

1:32 - Players Holding Out of Spring Practice Due to Lack of NIL Deals

2:40 - The Business of March Madness

3:30 - Two Cool Basketball Stories (it’s growing fast internationally)

4:23 - Kyler Murray Donating $60,000

4:59 - The Sports Analytics Market To Reach $8B…But How?

5:47 - NFTs x LSU and A New NIL Market Report

6:50 - Drake Makes (and loses) Millions Betting on Sports

7:52 - A New $80,000 Gadget The NFL is Using

Interesting Stat

A whopping 78% of former NFL players go broke just 2 years after retirement.

This chart is pretty eye-opening (and shows the need for greater financial literacy across all demographics, age groups, and professions).

Short Passage of The Week

By Steve Gilbert

When people would come to me for advice, I would always worry that I had to come up with the "right" answer for them. But I realized that almost without fail, people don't expect us to have the answers for them. They come to us because they want to someone to listen to them and support them as they work through whatever the issue might be. When we are focused on listening to them (instead of being lost in our own heads trying to come up with the "right" answer for them) we can ask them questions that help them to see what the best path for them is. Today, focus less on trying to come up with the right answers for people and instead pose the right questions.

“The wise man doesn't give the right answers, he poses the right questions.”

Recommended Media

Good listen about where sports is headed and the technology behind it.

https://www.tenoneten.net/steve-ahern-kb-partners/

And then this video shows the 3D experiences fans will soon be getting for sports — it’s still in early stages of development.

Tweet(s)

Kyrie is playing chess, while everyone else is playing checkers (he’s also very generous):

For my investors - I think you’ll enjoy screenshotting this one 👇

What To Keep An Eye On This Week

* NCAA Tournament and How Companies Decide to Approach NIL

* an in-depth breakdown on the Business of March Madness will be released this week here on The Petcash Post (it’s eye-opening 👁 )

Quote

“Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” - Napoleon Hill

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Keep moving the needle forward.

-AP

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.petcashpost.com

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (July 24-31)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 12:00:56 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:35 - Feel good stories

* Former Laker makes a big donation and HBCU’s on the rise

4:08 - Business of Athletes

* Kevin Durant, Odell Beckham, Jared Goff, and Trae Young invested in fantasy sports app Underdog Fantasy’s $35M round.

* LIV Golf is raising its prize money next year to $405M, up from $225M. They are also offering equity in the teams to their players.

* Hall of Famers Mariano Rivera & Barry Larkin are bringing baseball to India and Pakistan through the United International Baseball League.

* Lebron James has made an investment in Canyon Bicycles $30M round.

* Sue Bird and Eli Manning have joined the ownership group of NWSL club NJ/NY Gotham FC, investing at a $40M valuation.

* Former NBA players Baron Davis, Ray Crockett, and Nick Van Exel are helping to launch a new investor club for professional athletes.

* Former Los Angeles Laker Metta World Peace (Ron Artest) is targeting a $1B investment fund for Artest Management Group.

* Kevin Durant invested in Stadium Live’s $10 million funding round to bring fantasy sports to a younger generation.

* The NFL is launching NFL+, its own streaming service starting at $4.99/month.

* The University of Wisconsin is paying its athletes $980/year for academic excellence, along with a bonus up to $25,000 for graduating

7:30 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* The rise of general manager’s in college sports

* Alabama and Fanatics partner in an interesting new deal

* A supposedly “unbiased” study on NIL is taking place

* Some cool deals from this past week

Interesting Stat

I didn’t come across any interesting stats this past week, so I asked the team over at Talkwalker if they had anything for me.

With college football 3 weeks away, they delivered some fan insights for us.

The green represents fans most optimistic about the upcoming season…

While Georgia and Alabama were the most talked about, the comments weren’t the most optimistic.

But it makes sense…

When you are the king of the hill, you’re going to be talked about even if some of the loudest comments come from haters.

Here’s some greater insight into the conversations taking place about Georgia football.

In just July, over 100,000 unique conversations about the Bulldogs took place.

When looking at the graph, you can see people from all over the world are talking about the Georgia Bulldogs — with a surprisingly high amount coming from England and South Korea).

Who said college football isn’t global?

Short Passage of The Week

Think of the best coach, teacher, or leader you ever had. What can you learn from them?

Think of the worst coach, teacher, or leader you ever had. What can you learn from them?

A coach is…

* a thought partner + a supporter

* a sounding board + an accountability ally

* an empathetic space for vulnerable emotions

* an objective perspective + a steady resource

* one’s biggest advocate and unwavering champion

“A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.”

Passage by Clint Hurdle

Tweet(s)

Former MLB pitcher Jacob Turner recently joined Twitter and released some heat👇

When thinking about monetary decisions, ask yourself “does that help create financial freedom or debt?”.

Quotes

I appreciate you tuning in today!

Close out the weekend strong — look forward to chatting again tomorrow.

Peace,

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with oth

#280: Phil Wallin, Diesel Optimization - The New Era of Human Performance

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:48:31 GMT

Phil Wallin, the founder of Diesel Optimization, has built one of the most respected performance ecosystems in modern sports. What started as a small training operation has evolved into a data-driven human performance engine trusted by MLB athletes, top collegiate programs, and high-performing executives. Phil’s path from the Midwest to launching Diesel in Tampa reflects a blend of discipline, experimentation, and a relentless pursuit of measurable improvement.

At Diesel, Phil has developed a methodology that merges biomechanics, strength and conditioning, recovery systems, and cutting-edge wearable tech into a unified performance model. His approach emphasizes individualization at scale—helping athletes understand not just how to train, but why their bodies respond the way they do. This philosophy has shaped Diesel into a hub for innovation, attracting athletes looking for precision-based development rather than one-size-fits-all programming.

In this episode, Phil breaks down the evolution of athlete data, how Diesel is expanding into youth and developmental pathways, and why performance training is shifting toward holistic, tech-enabled systems. He also shares the lessons that guided him as a founder—building trust, creating structure, and developing the “dog mentality” culture Diesel is known for.

Podcast Chapters:

01:13 Phil's Journey: From Coaching to Entrepreneurship

04:21 The Importance of Adaptation in Business

07:57 Integrating Technology in Athletic Training

13:49 Capturing Young Athletes: A New Approach

17:52 Scaling Diesel: Balancing Coaching and Business

22:12 Lessons from Elite Athletes: Discipline and Drive

25:49 Staying Sharp: Balance and Continuous Learning

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (November 20-26)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 13:01:08 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:40 - Feel good stories

* History has been made with the first Division 1 female athlete in baseball and a $10,000 half-court shot.

2:00 - Business of Athletes

* Jayson Tatum, Connor McDavid, and Mitch Marner are investing in the youth sports engagement app, TheProgram AI.

* Former UCLA Decathlete, David Bunevacz, has been sentenced to 17.5 years in prison for defrauding $35 million from investors.

* Kevin Love has invested in Aescape, which is developing fully automated massage therapy.

4:20 - College Sports/NIL

* Gallery Furniture, owned by sports superfan Jim "Mattress Mack" McInggvale, has contributed "a seven-figure" NIL deal with the University of Houston men's basketball program.

* The NIL fund at Ole Miss, Grove Collective, has reportedly topped over $10M in funding pledges. Auburn announced more than $12 million in NIL pledges.

* Robert Griffin III tweeted that Texas RB Bijan Robinson should stay one more year in college and ask for $6-7M.

7:50 - Future of Sports

* Unagi announced a $4M funding round with Binance Labs to further Ultimate Champions’ development, their web3 soccer game.

* SponsorUnited, a SaaS tool for sports sponsorships, has raised $35M from Spectrum Equity.

* TeamSnap, a sports management software, has acquired LeagueSide, a youth sports sponsorship platform.

* Sports sponsorship analytics startup Trajektory raised a $4 million funding round led by investments from TechOperators, Bridge Ventures, gANGELS, and Mudita Capital Partners.

* Golf Guru raised $290,000 in pre-seed funding to continue developing its mental coaching app for golfers.

* Group Sport has entered into an agreement to purchase Spanish soccer club Getafe CF and plans on using a DAO to provide fans with more involvement.

Interesting Stat

There is roughly $23 billion worth of teams for sale across the world's five biggest sports leagues, per Sportico's latest valuations.

* 🏀 Phoenix Suns: $1.9B

* ⚾️ Los Angeles Angels: $2.5B

* ⚾️ Washington Nationals: $2.2B

* 🏒 Ottawa Senators: $655M

* 🏈 Washington Commanders: $4.8B

* ⚽️ Liverpool FC: $4.1B

* ⚽️ Manchester United: $7B

This data is a little outdated, but leagues are revenue-generating machines.

Short Passage of The Week:

Be proud of how you have handled these last 11 months:

* The silent battles you have fought.

* The moments you had to humble yourself.

* The times you have wiped your own tears.

* For quieting the noise and focusing on cultivating a life that feels nourishing.

Each day is a unique opportunity to celebrate our story, journey, strength, and resiliency.

As we embark on these final weeks of 2022, let’s take breaks, prioritize our peace, and allow ourselves to stop and start again.

Passage by Clint Hurdle

Recommended Media

I’ve been messing around with some videos on YouTube.

You’ll enjoy this Shaq one:

Make sure to give it a thumbs up and subscribe if you want to see smore videos in the future.

Business Jargon

Data is the new oil.

Every business should be tracking:

Internal Data:

This type of data comes from business transactions such as point-of-sales and customer records. It provides insight into how your enterprise operates and the financial condition of the o

#260: Scott Birnbaum, Booster - Reinventing Fundraising in Youth & College Sports

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:16:00 GMT

Scott Birnbaum is the co-founder and CEO of Booster, a platform reinventing fundraising for athletes and teams. With over 15 years of experience in PPC advertising and leadership roles at firms like System1, Demand Media, and Fullscreen, Scott brings a wealth of expertise in scaling operations, building high-performing teams, and driving digital growth. At Booster, he’s combining this background with his passion for sports to create a smarter, subscription-based fundraising model that eliminates the inefficiencies of traditional campaigns.

At Booster, the mission is clear: make fundraising effortless so athletes and coaches can focus on what really matters—development, performance, and community. Whether at the high school, junior college, or NCAA level, Booster empowers teams to generate consistent, recurring revenue without upfront costs or the constant reset of starting from zero each season. The platform also provides athletes with the tools to build their brands, connect with fans, and unlock new pathways for support as they move through different stages of their athletic careers.

Beyond the platform, Scott’s story is also one of leadership and adaptability. Having scaled System1 from 15 employees to IPO, he has firsthand experience building global teams, navigating transitions, and fostering cultures of collaboration and innovation. Now, with Booster, he’s applying those lessons to the youth and collegiate sports ecosystem—helping athletes and teams access resources that were previously out of reach.

Podcast Chapters:

02:40 The Evolution of Fundraising in High School Sports

05:37 Building Community Through Subscription Models

08:07 Navigating the High School Sports Landscape

10:52 Engagement Strategies for Sustaining Interest

13:45 Leveraging Corporate Partnerships for Growth

16:42 Market Penetration and Future Plans

19:19 The Importance of Youth Sports in Development

22:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Weekly Roundup: 7-Figure NIL Deal, The Crypto Bowl, and Other Hot Sports Topics

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 14:30:38 GMT

Tons of news this past week from NIL, the olympics, transgender legislation, and athletes as employees.

Audio Timeline:

0:07 - A college athlete set to make 6-7 figures from NIL next year

1:11 - Transgender NCAA ruling shows female athletes don’t matter

2:40 - The Olympics is struggling, but what’s up with Eileen Gu

3:43 - College athletes could soon be full-time employees & The SEC makes bank

4:48 - New NIL program giving back to walk-on athletes

5:16 - Multiple NIL collectives at one school…what could go wrong?

6:40 - Kansas NIL deal & the NFT sports company valued at $10.2B

8:32 - $2B in private equity for a sports team in 2021

9:09 - The “crypto bowl” and why sports gambling is out of control

Tweet(s)

Was going through my Twitter bookmarks and came back across this.

Good advice thread I think everyone should read (especially those of you in your 20’s or younger).

I also put out a thread on the business of the super bowl I think you’ll enjoy.

Short Passage of The Week

by Jon Gordon

She was an Uber driver who picked me up at the Dodgers practice a few years ago. I wasn't sure if I would find a ride to the airport but the second I pressed confirm pickup, the car was there with the door open. I never had that happen before.It was a nice car and I asked her why she drove. She said she had just lost her job and was supporting her two kids and husband who had also just lost his job. I could tell she was struggling and offered her some positive words about her family and future.

She asked what I did and when I told her, she said she loved those kinds of books and listened to inspirational messages.

I gave her my website and promised to send her a book if she emailed me. That Uber driver now works with me and our company. Her name is Marlo and she is thriving!It's a great example that life can change in a moment. You never know where your next opportunity or new great team member will come from.

You never know how your life can and will change from a meeting, an event, a call from an old friend, a chance encounter.

Life is not static, it's dynamic. It's always changing.

Good Read

The story of how Darious Williams made it to the Super Bowl.

Very inspiring and well written. I enjoyed this one.

Recommended Listening/Watching

Francis Ngganou and Joe Rogan.

Franis Ngganou is the reigning UFC heavyweight champion.

But it’s his story of how he got there that is fascinating.

Grit, determination, perseverance, and deportation 20+ times from Africa. This one is captivating and will reshape your thinking.

Listen on Spotify or watch some clips on YouTube.

What To Keep An Eye On This Week

The Super Bowl should be a fun one. I hope you’re enjoying it with family and friends.

More states are discussing their NIL rules and what it means for HS athletes in the upcoming week, along with their transgender legislation.

Quotes

“The secret of life is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.” - Paulo Coelho

“As long as we persevere and endure, we can get anything we want.” - Mike Tyson

As always, thanks for tuning in!

All of my work is free, but you can support me by subscribing here.

Big week ahead! Keep going.

-AP

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.petcashpost.com

#255: Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports - Scaling NFL FLAG & Youth Sports Opportunities

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Izell Reese is the CEO of RCX Sports, a youth-sports experiences business working with professional leagues, national governing bodies, and brands to reimagine accessibility and participation in sports. Under his leadership, RCX has become the official operating partner of NFL FLAG, NBA Jr. League, MLB Pitch, Hit & Run, and other grassroots programs that introduce millions of young athletes to sports each year.With a background as a former NFL player and now as one of the most influential executives in youth sports, Izell is dedicated to expanding opportunities for kids at every level. His vision emphasizes inclusion, character development, and pathways that connect community-based programs to high school, collegiate, and even professional opportunities. By aligning leagues, brands, and governing bodies around scalable, youth-first models, he’s helping to transform the future of sports participation in America.RCX Sports is not just about leagues—it’s about access, equity, and long-term growth. With initiatives that reduce barriers to entry and connect kids with positive experiences on and off the field, Reese is driving a movement to make sports a more inclusive and sustainable part of the youth experience.

Chapters:

01:28 – Izell’s Journey from NFL Player to Sports Executive 04:45 – Building RCX Sports into a National Leader

08:56 – Partnerships with the NFL, NBA, and MLB

12:19 – Expanding Access and Equity in Youth Sports

16:42 – Creating Pathways Beyond the Game

20:11 – The Role of Brands and Governing Bodies

23:37 – Scaling Grassroots Programs Nationwide

27:50 – The Future of Youth Sports Particip

Izell Reese:

🏠Website: https://rcxsports.com/

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izell-reese-2a597b11

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#305: Tom Porricelli, Citrin Cooperman - Why Founders Get Finance Wrong (And How to Fix It)

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:27:42 GMT

Tom Porricelli is a Partner and Head of Technology and Sports at Citrin Cooperman, where he has spent over 15 years helping founders, operators, and middle-market companies navigate growth, financial strategy, and long-term value creation. With a background as a collegiate athlete, Tom brings a unique blend of competitive mindset and technical expertise, bridging the gap between traditional accounting and the evolving sports business landscape. His work focuses on supporting founders at every stage, from early formation to exit; while helping them avoid common financial pitfalls and build sustainable businesses.

Citrin Cooperman is a leading advisory and accounting firm that has evolved far beyond traditional audit and tax services. The firm specializes in working with high-growth companies across industries, with a strong focus on the sports, media, and technology ecosystem. By taking a tailored, relationship-first approach, Citrin supports founders with strategic guidance around capital, tax optimization (including QSBS and R&D credits), and long-term planning, positioning itself as a true partner rather than just a service provider.

In this episode, Tom shares how sports has emerged as a powerful and under-institutionalized asset class, and why founders need more than a one-size-fits-all approach when building in this space. The conversation dives into the importance of community-driven growth, non-transactional relationship building, and how firms like Citrin are leveraging ecosystems like Profluence to better support innovators. Tom also breaks down key financial strategies every founder should understand, offering practical insights on capital decisions, tax advantages, and how to build with the right partners from day one.

Podcast Chapters:

02:40 The Evolution of Sports as an Asset Class

05:50 Building Relationships in the Sports Ecosystem

08:33 Leveraging Community for Growth

11:20 Innovative Approaches to Client Engagement

14:15 Advice for Founders on Financial Strategies

17:09 Looking Ahead: The Future of Sports and Accounting

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (March 13-19)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 09:00:08 GMT

(02:00) Name, Image, and Likeness

- Cavinder Twins talk about NIL, walk-ons sign a huge deal, and more around the first college venture firm

(06:55) Business of Athletes

- Aaron Rodger's nets a 100% return, women's soccer players, and more on athletes off the field

(10:30) Sports Business

- $50M Atlanta Hawks venture firm, AI video camera firm signs huge deal with China, and an innovative partnership the Orlando Magic just netted

#351: Nery Gomez, BlackSun Private Equity | Building a $1B+ Sports Ecosystem

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:22:54 GMT

Nery Gomez is the President and Co-Founder of Black Sun Private Equity, an alternative investment firm targeting the intersection of sports, entertainment media, technology, and capital markets. Bringing a background spanning investment banking, venture capital, and corporate strategy, Nery began his career managing deal flow and capital allocation in the Boston tech and banking ecosystems before helping launch Black Sun alongside CEO Atonn Muhammad. Black Sun Private Equity operates an ecosystem-driven investment model centered around the "fan economy." Rather than executing isolated financial engineering or short-term arbitrage flips, Black Sun deploys capital into interconnected assets—ranging from major franchise bids like bringing the Seattle SuperSonics back to the NBA and acquiring top-tier European soccer clubs, to establishing new sports properties like the World American Football League (WAFL) and Knockout Fights. Nery examines the structural evolution of sports private equity, long-term asset stewardship, and stadium-anchored commercial real estate. Nery details how Black Sun leverages a five-point business framework (Value Offering, Marketing, Sales, Value Delivery, and Finance) to turn sports franchises into self-sustaining commercial flywheels, while incorporating human performance, athlete wealth management, and community impact into core portfolio operations.Podcast Chapters:02:39 The Birth of Black Sun Private Equity05:19 Understanding the Fan Economy08:13 The Importance of Community and Stewardship10:56 The Confluence of Sports, Entertainment, and Technology13:56 Building a Sustainable Sports Ecosystem16:12 The Five-Point Business Model for Success22:48 The Importance of Customer Relationships23:39 Professionalism in Sports Management25:44 Creating a Fan-Centric Experience28:10 Human Performance and Athlete Care31:41 Understanding Risks in Sports Investments38:52 Long-Term Vision for Black Sun

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (December 11-17)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 09:30:17 GMT

Chapters:

(00:25) Feel Good Stories

(1:35) Business of Athletes

(7:00) NIL/College Sports

(10:25) Future of Sports

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (October 23-29)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 12:00:59 GMT

Audio Timeline:

1:40 - Business of Athletes

* Mitchell & Ness, a lifestyle athletic apparel company, announced its roster of investors — LeBron James, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Joel Embiid, Chris Paul, Odell Beckham Jr., and Devin Booker.

* Eli Manning’s PE firm, Brand Velocity Group, launched an innovative investment sports-focused vertical, Brand Velocity Group Sports (BVGS).

* NBA player Ben Simmons launched TrainingHub, a platform for amateur coaches in the sports creator economy.

* Patrick Mahomes has become the 2nd largest shareholder in American State Bank after a large investment this past week.

5:35 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* DexCom, a real-time continuous glucose monitoring for people with diabetes, announced the launch of Dexcom U, the first-ever NIL program designed to celebrate college athletes with diabetes.

* The NCAA released "clarifications" of its NIL policy. More info in the podcast.

8:30 - Future of Sports

* MSP Sports Capital announced it has acquired a majority interest in the Disney-owned network’s X Games.

* LIV Golf reportedly spent $784M in its first season.

Interesting Stat

Patrick Mahomes is an absolute legend.

At age 16, he opened his first bank account at American State Bank.

This past week, he became the second-largest shareholder in the company after buying a stake in the Texas-based bank.

One more thing though….

6 years after getting drafted into the MLB — he passed up the opportunity and instead became a minority owner in a baseball team (Kansas City Royals).

Short Passage of The Week:

The true leader in a group is rarely the person who talks the most.

* It’s usually the person who listens best.

* Listening is more than hearing what’s said. It’s noticing and surfacing what isn’t said.

Inviting dissenting views and amplifying quiet voices are acts of leadership.

Source: Adam Grant, Think Again

Feel-Good Story

There’s a lot of negativity in the world — which is why every Sunday I talk about a feel-good story in the podcast.

Well…

I’m going to put more emphasis on providing these stories as their own segments.

This week’s story is incredible 🙏🏽

Los Angeles athlete Zion Clark showed off his upper body strength by breaking the Guinness World Record for the “highest box jump with the hands” and “most diamond pushups” in three minutes.

Born without legs, he has “no excuses” tattooed across his back.

Here’s the video from Guinness World Records:

Tweet(s)

Usain Bolt the businessman.

Business Jargon

What is an angel investor?

Angels give support to start-ups at the initial moments and when (most) institutional investors are not prepared to back them. They may be families, friends, or former colleagues of the founders.

They usually invest when a company is trying to go from PowerPoint to reality.

💸 Check Size: $10K to $250K

⌛️ Holding Period: 8 to 10 years

💰 Target Return: >75% IRR or +10x

And here’s a fun fact for you…

The term "angel" came from the Broadway theatre when wealthy individuals gave money to help launch theatrical productions.

The term "angel investor" was first used in

Weekly Roundup: Lots of NCAA Developments, Olympics Struggling, and More

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 22:05:49 GMT

BIG news this past week that will impact athletes from high school to the olympics.

Audio Timeline:

0:15 - Why Olympic Sports Might Be in Trouble

2:14 - Interesting News Around NIL Collectives, Boosters, and Universities

3:28 - A Luxury Tax in College Sports and The Transfer Portal Issues

5:12 - College Players Might Be Getting Money For Jersey Sales

6:14 - The Transgender Bill That Could Change Female Sports Forever

7:54 - Greatest NIL Deal to Date?

8:54 - A Sports Tech Company Putting Human Jobs At Risk

10:10 - Why the Sports Tech Market is About to Triple In Size

11:03 - Two College Players Donating Money to Charities and Why Dabo Swinney is Against NIL

12:53 - The WNBA Raised A lot of Money. Here’s What They Should Do Next…

14:22 - A National Restaurant Chain Signed 1 Male and 1 Female From 6 Colleges to Major NIL Deals

Short Passage of The Week

by James Clear

3 Ideas From MeI."A simple rule for life and work:Don’t rush, but don’t wait.Thoughtful action."II."Your life is purchased by where you spend your attention."III.The Process:1) Decide what you want to achieve.2) Try different ways of achieving it until you find one that works for you.3) Do more of what works. Do less of what doesn’t.4) Don’t stop doing it until it stops working.5) Repeat.

Good thread on the journey of Fred VanFleet from Wichita State to a $90M NBA contract and multiple business investments.

The dude is a baller. Always has been.

Love to see players crushing it on and off the court!

#259: Konstantin Sonkin, i-BrainTech - Why Brain Training is the Next Frontier in Sports

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 05:22:14 GMT

Konstantin Sonkin is the CEO and co-founder of i-BrainTech, a company transforming how athletes train through the power of neurotechnology. With a background in neuroscience and years of research into brain-computer interfaces, Konstantin launched i-BrainTech to bring cognitive training into elite sports. The platform allows athletes to play video games using only their minds—strengthening focus, tactical decision-making, and mental resilience.At i-BrainTech, the mission goes beyond novelty—it’s about unlocking the brain as the next performance frontier. By partnering with top football clubs in LaLiga, Serie A, MLS, and the Premier League, the company has introduced brain training into professional locker rooms, proving its impact on precision, reaction speed, and recovery. This top-tier adoption has validated i-BrainTech as not just an R&D project, but as a critical tool for modern performance enhancement.Beyond sports, Konstantin’s journey highlights the challenges of building a neuroscience startup—from translating lab research into a scalable product, to navigating hardware, software, and clinical validation. i-BrainTech is now expanding into healthcare and education, opening doors for cognitive therapy, neurorehabilitation, and even mental skills training for youth athletes.With AI integration, improved accessibility, and new partnerships ahead, Konstantin and his team are proving that mental training will soon stand alongside physical training as a pillar of athletic development. And in the process, they’re redefining how the sports world thinks about the brain.Podcast Chapters:00:00 Introduction to i-BrainTech and Konstantin Sonkin02:18 How Brain-Computer Interfaces Work in Sports05:45 Partnerships with Elite Clubs in Europe and the U.S.09:10 Training Focus, Awareness, and Decision-Making12:27 Challenges of Bringing Neurotech to Market15:52 Expanding Beyond Sports: Healthcare and Education18:34 The Role of AI in Cognitive Training21:08 Future Vision: Making Brain Training MainstreamI

Konstantin Sonkin:

🏠Website: https://www.i-brain.tech/

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konstantin-sonkin

Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#120: Tito Machado & Scott Mendelssohn, DUPR executives | Building the backbone of pickleball ratings

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Coming off an $8M funding round, DUPR is going both downstream and horizontal in pickleball.

DUPR is a rating algorithm and app to find other pickleball players at your skill level. The score ranges from 2 to 8.

Tito Machado is the CEO and Scott Mendelssohn is the Head of Analytics.

Chapters:

(01:10) Entrance into pickleball

(04:45) Company overview

(06:30) Understanding the DUPR score

(09:50) Acquiring users

(12:05) Plan coming off $8M funding

(15:45) Building community & engagement

(20:00) DUPR collegiate championships

(24:20) International expansion

(29:55) Trends to watch in pickleball

DUPR:

Website: https://mydupr.com/

Tito LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilberto-tito-machado-19004670/

Scott LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-mendelssohn-44555150/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (Nov 27 - Dec 3)

Andrew Petcash — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 18:49:29 GMT

Audio Timeline:

1:55 - Feel good stories

Alabama and Auburn team up for a good cause and a $100,000 donation for scholarships.

4:08 - Business of Athletes

Alex Morgan invested in Soccer Post, a large soccer retailer and online site.
Mario Gotze participated in the $5.5M seed round of Secjur, a German compliance and information security company.
Rumors are swirling that Cristiano Ronaldo is considering a $207 million per year contract with the Saudi Arabian squad Al Nassr FC.

7:30 - Name, Image, and Likeness

Pack of Wolves NIL collective announced $25,000/year NIL deals for every scholarship football player at NC State.
Ohio State fans questioning NIL after CJ Stroud’s comments about the loss to Michigan not “defining” him.
Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang Entertainment has signed 25 college athletes to NIL deals.
Deion Sanders is expected to accept the coaching job at Colorado leaving HBCU Jackson State University.
Penn State NIL collective Success With Honor has launched a $2 million fundraising campaign backed by a $1 million matching donation.

10:30 - Future of Sports

CROSSNET, the world’s first four-square-volleyball-like net game, has announced an investment from JB Capital.
Fnatic, an esports team and performance brand, announced a strategic partnership and investment with Hivemind Capital, a crypto asset manager.
The Rossignol Group, a sustainable mountain sports equipment and apparel company, has announced a $50M plan through 2026.
NBA is now allowing sovereign and endowment funds to purchase stakes in teams.
Korean eSports company DRX has received an investment from Wemade.
NBC Sports Next has acquired Albatros Datenservice, a German company, and Digital Golf Solutions, a French company. Both are leading golf technology companies in Europe.
BeONE Sports, an athlete training technology company, has raised a pre-seed round of over $500,000.

#153: Justin Bass - Managing Director, MAI Capital | RIAs and Financial Advising for Athletes

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Justin Bass is a Managing Director in the Sports and Entertainment Group at MAI Capital, where he joined in 2022 and has worked with professional athletes and high-net-worth individuals/families for over 25 years.

MAI Capital Management, LLC is a full-service wealth manager for high-net-worth individuals and high-net-worth families; plus, a provider of targeted investment solutions for financial advisors and institutional investors.

Justin provides wealth management, investment advisory, family office, and legal services to high-net-worth individuals and families, with an emphasis on athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and sudden wealth.

Chapters:

(00:45) Justin’s sports finance background

(03:50) What is an RIA?

(05:50) Financial advising for athletes

(08:30) Common mistakes & challenges

(15:30) The team around athletes

(18:30) Landing new clients vs retaining existing

(22:30) Evolution of endorsement deals

(25:30) Advice for getting into sports

Justin Bass:

Website: https://mai.capital/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-bass-4a3a823/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#18: Tracy Deforge - CEO, Founder The Player’s Impact | Athletes as investors | 30-year career in sports | Females as athletes vs influencers | Creating communities | NILs impact on youth sports

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 10:30:45 GMT

Tracy Deforge is building The Player’s Impact, along with being on the board of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and USA Handball. A decorated sports leader, she has seen sports transform into a massive enterprise.

The Player’s Impact (TPI) is a group comprised of both active and retired professional athletes who come together as a collective to build relationships, get educated, and invest in private companies.

6 years since their inception, they’ve deployed over $17M in capital and had a huge return on their investment in DraftKings.

Chapters:

(01:30) The role of athlete influencers (and how players view it)

(04:40) Creation of The Player’s Impact and its shift over time

(07:50) NIL’s impact on female sports and youth athletics

(14:25) Missteps athletes make in business

(16:25) A shifting agency model in sports

(20:35) What are athletes looking for in investment opportunities?

(24:30) Rise in new sports leagues (and what makes them successful)

(26:40) Importance of athlete investors in sports leagues

(27:50) What kept Tracy in sports her whole career

(29:20) Where are sports headed and what trends to watch

Tracy Deforge links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracydeforge/

Website: https://www.theplayersimpact.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (February 6-19)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 10:30:24 GMT

(01:05) - Feel good stories

Figure skating star Yuna Kim has donated $100,000 to aid earthquake recovery efforts in Turkey and Syria.
Michael Jordan has donated $10M to Make-a-Wish.

(02:50) - Business of Athletes

Carmelo Anthony is co-launching a $750 million sports-focused private equity fund alongside former WWE executives.
Super Bowl champ, Travis Kelce, has become an investor/partner in Casa Azul Spirits alongside legendary beverage founder Lance Collins.
Tom Brady is jumping right into acting post-retirement with a performance in the comedy, 80 For Brady.
Penn State Quarterback Sean Clifford sold his agency, Limitless NIL, for multiple 7 figures to TEAM Group Holdings.

(06:15) - Name, Image, and Likeness

BrinxTV which owns the NIL House has acquired a stake in the NIL marketplace, Icon Source.
Athlete brand-building firm Firestarter announced a formal partnership with Pittsburgh-based sponsorship sales and consulting agency CohnCollab.
Ohio State’s two NIL collectives THE Foundation and The O Foundation are merging.
Former Oklahoma football coach, Bob Stoops, compared NIL to the ‘NFL Without Any Salary Cap
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a measure that will allow colleges and universities to help athletes get endorsement deals.

(10:30) - Future of Sports

Bluestone Capital announced an inaugural $300 million growth equity fund focused on the sports, media, and entertainment industries.
The sports tourism market is expected to grow USD $559.75 Billion between 2022 and 2027 at a CAGR of 12.88%.
Blockchain-based fantasy cricket platform, Sportiqo, has launched in India allowing users to invest or trade players, just like stocks.
The Premier League is close to agreeing on a six-year deal with video game giant Electronic Arts worth close to USD $603 million.
Stack Sports has acquired Meridix, a streaming platform for sports.
The WNBA and Athletes Unlimited are partnering to bring more women's basketball to fans.
AI content creation platform, ScorePlay, has received investments from APEX Capital and 35 Ventures. German soccer player Mario Götze is an angel investor.
PENN has acquired the remaining interest in Barstool Sports for approximately $388 million.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (December 4-10)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 10:30:08 GMT

(0:30) - Feel good stories

Dick’s Sporting Goods $150M in donations, Manny Pacquiao donated 100% of fight proceeds to charity, and the Boston Celtics gifting $155,000.

(1:50) - Business of Athletes

Nike is cutting ties with Kyrie Irving, he reportedly earned $8-12 million/year with the contract.
Ray Lewis, Emmanuel Acho, Baron Davis, and other athletes have invested in the $15M Series B round of MOON ULTRA, a consumer electronics company.
MLB teams have spent over $1 billion in player contracts so far this offseason.
Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe revealed “A Touch More”, the company will create scripted and unscripted programming.
Derek Jeter’s online card trading company, Arena Club, has raised $10M in Series A funding.
Serena Williams has launched Will Perform, a topical wellness company for athletes.

(6:10) - Name, Image, and Likeness

Opendorse, announced that it closed a $20 million fundraising round, including an investment from former NFL player Will Compton.
Texas A&M’s esports team recently revealed the school is negotiating with College Station to lease a new facility at Post Oak Mall.
On3, a college sports media company, announced the launch of the On3 Athlete Network where athletes can now sign into their profiles.
Prospex, an NFT trading platform for athletes and fans in NIL is now live in the market.

(10:00) - Future of Sports

Fanatics announced that it raised $700 million at a $31 billion valuation.
GameOn Technology, a conversational chat platform, closed a $35 million Series B funding round.
Zenkai Sports, a natural and sustainable performance apparel brand, closed a $1M funding round to fuel growth and product development.
KissCam, LLC received a U.S. patent for its “KissCam® Contest,” revolutionizing the traditional kiss cam live segment at sports games.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (October 16-22)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 11:30:53 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:35 - Feel good stories

* Giving back with a 50-mile run across the Grand Canyon.

4:08 - Business of Athletes

* Golf+, a VR golf platform raised a $6 million seed round with athlete investors including Tom Brady, Steph Curry, Mike Trout, and Rory McIlroy.

* Christiano Ronaldo was named the most marketable athlete in the world according to SportsPro, with Serena Williams in 2nd and Lewis Hamilton in 3rd.

* Sachin Tendulkar, one of India's most famous athletes, has become a strategic investor in the digital collectibles platform Rario.

* Kevin Durant bought an MLP pickleball team.

* Damian Lillard made his first tech investment in Kicks Crew, a digital sneaker platform.

* Lionel Messi announced the launch of his new venture firm, Play Time, alongside experienced venture capitalist Razmig Hovaghimian.

7:30 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* Division I schools can expect to receive further NCAA rules guidance related to name, image, and likeness activity as soon as next week

* Sad weekend at San Jose State due to an unfortunate electric scooter accident.

* Collegiate sport fan experience platform Mercury has raised $7.5 million in a seed round led by Multicoin Capital.

10:30 - Future of Sports

* Will Ventures raised $150 million for Fund II, they will continue to invest in seed-stage companies in the consumer, health, sports, and entertainment sectors.

* Next Play Capital, started by former Super Bowl champion Ryan Nece, has raised a $200M fund.

* NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made $63.9M for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. Adam Silver (NBA) made $10M, Rob Manfred (MLB) earned $17.5M, and Gary Bettman (NHL) earned ~$10M.

* EA Sports announced that it will be investing $11 million in women's soccer via its Starting XI Fund.

* The Clippers are launching the NBA's first direct-to-consumer streaming service called "ClipperVision," which will feature 74 games and cost $199.99 for the season.

* CoachMePlus, an enterprise-level digital fitness platform that helps coaches work with athletes to achieve their fitness and wellness goals, announced $1 million investment from angel groups.

Interesting Stat

This is wild…

NBA players paid $36M in fines last season (up from $6.9M the previous year).

That’s over $29,000/game — just including the regular season.

What’s to blame?

Well…NBA players make a lot of money (and sometimes the extra publicity from getting thrown out of a game is worth it). Basically a business expense at this point.

Short Passage of The Week:

* Hold the door for others and pick up trash that's not yours.

* Compliment people behind their backs and encourage people when they're down.

* Include people when they feel left out and hold yourself to a high standard.

* Share your life with people you love and admit when you are wrong.

* Celebrate others when they succeed and stand up for people that can't stand up for themselves.

* Have the courage to say no to things that could jeopardize your future.

* Realize doing the right things for the right reasons will never go out of style.

* Be a good person.

Source: Lewis Caralla, Georgia Tech's Strength Coach

Tweet(s)

Mario Götze is setting a great example for athletes (both on and off the field):

Business Jargon

Changing this sec

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (Oct 30-Nov 5)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 13:00:58 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:25 - Feel good stories

* Philadelphia Phillies $50,000 donation and UNC student-athletes raising money for the Children’s Hospital.

2:00 - Business of Athletes

* Potential Hall of Fame baseball player Jimmy Rollins is launching ScoutUS Pro, an app connecting athletes and scouts in one place.

* Steph Curry filed the trademark “CURRYVERSE’ with an intent to use it in the metaverse.

* Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s venture TMRW Sports has announced an array of high-level athlete investors:

5:30 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* Campus Ink announced a $2 million funding round to grow its NIL merch platform.

* INFLCR says transactions from collectives account for more than one-third of total payment volume to college athletes with an average pay of $1,257.

* Carlos Fuentes of the Denver Pioneers basketball team serves as their own in-house agent since he’s from Spain and can’t legally make NIL money.

* Data Vault Holdings, a metaverse data tool, announced they have started minting branded NFT tokens for colleges across the US.

9:45 - Future of Sports

* DICK’s Sporting Goods launched a $50M in-house investment fund, DSG Ventures, to invest in the future of sport and retail.

* The NBA has launched NBA equity, a private equity division to invest in startups.

* Amazon Prime Video has signed a multi-year deal with amateur basketball league Overtime Elite (OTE) for exclusive global streaming rights.

* The first-ever network to focus on female athletes, the Women’s Sports Network, launched this past week.

* Knights of Degen, a sports gaming community in Web3, has entered into an agreement to acquire the blockchain-based fantasy sports platform, LeagueDAO.

* The Minnesota Twins along with TechStars announced 10 startups for their next accelerator.

Interesting Stat

Americans don’t understand the popularity and money behind cricket…

At more than $1 billion a year, India’s top cricket league (The IPL) — which only has 10 teams — now generates annual broadcast revenues on par with top leagues like the NFL ($10B), England’s Premier League ($6.9B) and the NBA ($2.7B).

On a per-match basis, the IPL now ranks behind only the NFL.

Via: NYTimes

Short Passage of The Week:

3 ideas as you end and start your year: • You don't rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.• Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.• Decide the type of person you want to be. Prove it to yourself with small wins.

Tiny Changes, Remarkable ResultsSource: James Clear, Atomic Habits

Side Note:

People ‘steal’ my content all the time — and I usually let it slide as it’s flattering.

But this past weekend, I couldn’t hold my tongue.

This guy wrote a LinkedIn post bragging about how he got 700,000 impressions on a post he copied word for word from this newsletter.

I love that people think my work is good — but at least credit me.

And don’t people get kicked out of college for plagiarism? So why’s it fine on social media? Content can be a dirty game.

Business Jargon

It’s not always easy thinking long-term, but it’s required for the success you truly desire.

Build like the Romans 🏟️

The Colosseum in Rome is nearly 2000 years old. And for the most part, it’s still fairly intact.

The Romans designed things that were built to last and used concrete stronger than any we use today.

But when it co

#167: Patrick Talty - President, Indiana Sports Corp | Economic Impact of Sports Events

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Indiana Sports Corp is a driving force behind the biggest sports events in Indiana, including the BigTen Football Championship, Olympic Swimming Trials, and the 2026 NCAA Final Four.

The Indiana Sports Corp have led to over $4 billion in direct spending in the Indiana region since its inception.

Patrick Talty is an experienced C-level sports executive having worked for the WWE, U.S. Bank Stadium, and Global Spectrum before joining the ISC.

Chapters:

(00:40) Patrick Talty intro

(03:45) Understanding sports commissions

(05:55) Comparing cities

(09:05) Multi-purpose facilities

(12:10) Global events

(14:55) Emerging Sports

(17:50) Business model

(20:50) Economic impact

(23:45) Future trends to watch

Patrick Talty:

Website: https://www.indianasportscorp.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-talty-b43ba030/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#19: Sean Clifford - Founder Limitless NIL, Penn State QB | Creating, scaling, and exiting his agency while playing college football | Life of an athlete entrepreneur | Where NIL is headed

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 10:30:57 GMT

When NIL went live in July 2021, Sean Clifford didn’t just sign endorsement deals – he created an agency, Limitless NIL, to help other players maximize their name, image, and likeness.

Sean Clifford finished his career at Penn State as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in school history.

In early 2023, Limitless NIL was acquired in a multi-million dollar deal by TEAM Group Holdings.

Chapters:

(01:55) Artificial intelligence and ChatGPT

(04:30) Penn State, Rose Bowl, & his brother Liam Clifford

(07:55) Where college sports is headed + an inside look at NIL

(17:15) Creating, scaling, and exiting Limitless NIL

(26:00) What working with a college athlete looks like

(29:15) Learning curves from athlete to entrepreneur

(30:40) Athletes taking equity over endorsements

(33:20) Future initiatives for Sean Clifford and Limitless NIL

Sean Clifford links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seancliff14

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-clifford-79a064161/

Website: https://www.limitlessnil.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#193: Chase Richardson: CEO of Full Pull| Transforming Truck & Tractor Pulling in Mainstream Entertainment

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Full Pull Entertainment was founded in 2021 to transform the niche sport of truck and tractor pulling. Co-founded by Chase Richardson, a passionate entrepreneur, the company is reshaping the pulling experience with innovative fan engagement platforms, a cutting-edge content portal, and Real Money Gaming initiatives. Through partnerships with leading organizations in the pulling space, Full Pull is on a mission to bring this motorsport—rooted in rural American culture for over 75 years—to new, mainstream audiences.

Chase’s journey is a testament to blending entrepreneurial vision with a deep appreciation for niche sports. From the adrenaline-filled roar of engines to the cheers of loyal fans, truck and tractor pulling offers a unique experience. Under Chase's leadership, Full Pull is revolutionizing the sport with new ways for fans to connect, interact, and engage.

In this episode, Chase shares insights on his path to becoming a sports entrepreneur, the challenges of building a platform in a niche space, and how Full Pull is positioning the sport for long-term growth. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast or a budding entrepreneur, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about sports and fan engagement.

Chapters:

(2:28) - Understanding Track and Tractor Pulling

(5:29) - Chase's journey from Basketball to Pulling

(8:23) - The Media and Gaming Landscape of Pulling

(11:27) - Building a Streaming Platform for Pulling

(14:34) - Targeting new Audiences and Fans

(17:43) - The Impact of Legalizing Gambling and Niche Sports

(20:25) - Future Plans and Expansion Strategies

Chase Richardson

🏠 Website: https://www.fullpull.us/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-richardson-42ab68113/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: NIL, Business of Athletes and Sports (May 8-14)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 15 May 2022 12:00:41 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:24 - Feel good stories: Donating entire NBA salary, US Open qualifier

2:08 - NIL: $100K to not transfer, Ohio State RB, first Nike woman athlete, Is the transfer model sustainable?

6:24 - Business of Athletes: $250k in prize money, smart dumbbell investment, Tom Brady and Naomi Osaka

10:27 - Sports Biz/Tech: WNBA expansion, PGA competitor, $125B for sports betting, and FIFA + EA Sports

Interesting Stat

This is wild.

Without ever broadcasting a game, Tom Brady is set to make more than double Tony Romo’s current contract.

The money aside, it’s great to see athletes take on major roles within other professions upon retiring (if Brady ever decides to).

Short Passage of The Week

"The sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it's here is up to us. Journey wisely."

* Small steps, every day, will add up.

* Short-term discomfort for long-term peace.

* Pick your path: Work and burnout or work and rest.

* I am not what happens to me. I am what I choose to become.

* Don't get caught up on what could have been. If it should have been, it would have.

Passage by Alexandra Elle

Tweet(s)

Josh is an elite athlete and businessman (and someone I’ve learned a lot from).

Check out this thread where he breaks down his Wednesday and Sunday ritual.

Best quote from the thread:

“I don’t have to be number one. But every day I wake up, I’m gonna chase the dude who is.”

Here’s another post I enjoyed reading this past week:

Did you know…

Companies paying college athletes NIL deals are not required to withhold taxes, and will issue a tax statement reporting the gross income paid.

Thus, when a company agrees to pay an athlete $10,000 for sending out specified messages on social media, the athlete will receive a check for $10,000.

He/she is then required to report this income, and pay taxes.

The athlete can first deduct business expenses, such as agent commissions, from this income and pays tax on the net income.

Quote

I appreciate you reading The Petcash Post!

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and we’ll talk tomorrow.

Peace,

-AP

Extra Credit

This Shaq story is one my favorites

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.petcashpost.com

#323: Dan Cataldi, Founder & CEO of Groov - How AI Is Reinventing Footwear

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 05:27:19 GMT

Dan Cataldi is the Founder and CEO of Groov, a footwear technology company reimagining how shoes fit by focusing on the part that matters most—the surface your foot actually stands on. Using AI-powered 3D foot scanning and proprietary surface optimization technology, Groove creates personalized insoles designed to improve comfort, stability, performance, and long-term foot health.

Before founding Groov, Dan was a Division I wrestler at Brown University, where he studied theoretical mathematics and poetry before beginning his career working alongside the founder and CEO of a Fortune 100 company. He later attended The Wharton School, where Groove was born through an innovation course and quickly gained momentum after winning the Penn Launch Award and securing Alabama Football as an early customer.

Today, Groov is trusted by professional athletes and organizations across the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, and collegiate athletics, while also partnering with leading medical institutions to make personalized footwear more accessible. By leveraging AI and over 30,000 data points captured through a simple iPhone scan, Groov is challenging the century-old approach to shoe sizing and bringing custom footwear technology to everyday consumers.

Podcast Chapters:

03:35 The Problem with Traditional Footwear

06:58 The Evolution of Custom Insoles

10:47 Groov's Unique Approach to Footwear

13:59 The Importance of Custom Insoles for Young Athletes

17:47 Consumer Behavior and Groov's Market Strategy

21:30 The Future of Footwear and Customization

26:10 How to Get Started with Groov

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (June 5-11)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 12:00:28 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:31 - Feel good stories: Tom Brady and orange hair, Jim Harbaugh helping out Michigan employees

1:42 - Business of Athletes: Michael Strahan & Brady, NFL players and their Web 3 projects, $5M for smart fabric tech, Mike Vick, and $6M for the future of women’s sports

8:27 - NIL: A GM in college sports, Pringles’ new deal, Fanatics signs 200 college athletes, and several $100,000 car deals

13:09 - Sports Biz/Tech: Several athletes looking to buy sports teams, data analytics and sports betting, NBA tech accelerator, and LIV vs. The PGA Tour

Interesting Stat

This is wild…

Men’s tennis has been dominated by Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal for nearly my entire life.

* Serena Williams, age 40 (23 titles)

* Rafael Nadal, age 36 (22 titles)

* Novak Djokovic, age 35 (20 titles)

* Roger Federer, age 40 (20 titles)

It will be interesting to see how the tides change as they start to retire.

Short Passage of The Week

Build small habits. Make big plans.1) Keep your daily actions small. Strive to get 1% better every day.2) Keep your daily mindset big. Think about how you can play a bigger game.Start small, but never dream small.

Passage by James Clear

Another Interesting Stat

Surprisingly the number of kids not playing a sport is dropping.

I would have thought the chart would be going in the opposite direction.

Tweet(s)

Great thread from my friend Alex Banks who broke down VC and PE in an easy-to-understand way.

Leverage is a tool, but it can make you one too!

We have all seen the headlines stories where someone took $83 and became a millionaire by leveraging it out the door.

Debt is a tough topic because most of our relationship with it is negative, but debt is not the problem. Managing debt is the problem and taking on debt is the problem.

When you begin to use debt and leverage yourself, remember two key principles.

1. Take on as little debt as you can, NOT as much as you can.

2. Remember there is an opportunity cost to every debt decision, so know what you are giving up.

If you do not take on debt, you are giving up that opportunity. If you do take debt, you are giving up your short-term cash flow.

Quote

“An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that it’s going to launch you into something great” - Paolo Coelho

I appreciate you reading & listening to The Petcash Post today!

Have a nice rest of your day and we’ll talk tomorrow.

Peace,

-AP

Extra Credit

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.petcashpost.com

#254: Brent Richard & Drew Weatherford: Expanding College Sports with Project Add More Athletes"

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Brent Richard is the CEO of IMG Academy, the world leader in sports education, and Drew Weatherford is a Founding Partner at Weatherford Capital, a private investment firm focused on growth equity in rapidly growing technology and technology-enabled businesses with a business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-government (B2G) focus, as well as those operating in highly regulated industries. Together, they are leading Project Add More Athletes—an initiative to expand roster spots in college sports and create more opportunities for youth athletes to compete and develop at the next level.Across IMG Academy’s on-campus and online programs, its student-athletes fill roughly 25% of all college freshman roster spots annually, making it one of the most influential organizations in youth sports. Brent and Drew are advocating for structural changes in the NCAA system—such as bringing back JV teams, allowing multi-division programs in the same sport, and building participation-based models proven at IMG—to meet the growing demand from the 8 million high school athletes in the U.S., of whom only 500,000 currently get a roster spot.Project Add More Athletes is more than a policy push—it’s a movement to reimagine the pathway from youth to collegiate athletics. With strategic deregulation, universities could increase athlete participation, strengthen Olympic and non-revenue sports, and enhance the student experience—all while driving enrollment and community engagement.Chapters:01:36 – Understanding the Landscape of Youth Sports04:11 – Catalysts for Change in College Sports08:31 – Proposed Framework for Expanding Opportunities13:26 – Navigating Deregulation in College Sports17:34 – Vision for the Future of Youth Athletics20:24 – Introduction to Athlete Inclusion22:51 – Community Engagement and Feedback25:36 – Future Directions and Strategic Conversations

Brent Richard & Drew Weatherford: 🏠Website:💼 LinkedIn:

Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

2023 Sports Business Year in Review with Kirby Porter, Founder of New Game Labs

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 21:00:00 GMT

Reflecting on the trends and developments in sports business for the year 2023, the host speaks with Kirby Porter, the founder of New Game Labs.

Porter discusses the intersection of athletes and technology, the evolution of athlete investing, the importance of sports creators, and advancements in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules. She also talks about trends in the women's sports industry, global trends in sports, and the rise of emerging sports leagues.

Both express excitement for the continued growth and innovation in the sector as they move into 2024.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction and Recap of the Year

(01:29) Deep Dive into New Game Labs

(03:28) Discussion on Athlete Investors

(06:36) Exploring the Creator Economy

(10:47) Insights on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

(14:50) The Rise of Women's Sports

(18:34) Globalization of Sports

(21:43) Emerging Leagues and Downstream Movement

Kirby Porter:

Website: https://www.kirbyporter.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirbyporter

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (August 28-Sept 3)

Andrew Petcash — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 12:00:47 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:35 - Feel good stories

* Lacrosse player makes NFL roster and raising money for baseball disability

2:10 - Business of Athletes/Sports

* Tim Tebow is investing in a Jacksonville expansion franchise that will compete in The United Soccer League (USL).

* ALT Sports Data has completed its initial $1.5M Seed Round funding to expand its sports trading and consumer data operations.

* Nike has generated the highest amount of NFT sales amongst brands, bringing in over $183M.

* Yankee Global Enterprises will purchase a minority stake in defending Serie A champions AC Milan. Lebron James and Drake are part-owners through their partnership with Main Street Advisors.

* SeatGeek is now valued at over $1B after completing their $238M Series E led by Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, Accel, Arctos Sports Fund, and Wellington Management.

* Minor League baseball groups will now have an opportunity to unionize with the help of an MLBPA campaign launched in partnership with Advocates for Minor Leaguers.

* Predictive analytics company nVenue has received $1 million in new strategic funding from EBCI Holdings.

9:45 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* Pro athlete paying college athletes to promote himself (it’s strange)

* South Carolina’s innovative in-house NIL development

* Quarterback buys the entire team $500 suits

Interesting Stat

When Serena won her first US Open match...

* Tom Brady had not thrown his first Michigan TD pass.

* LeBron James had not made his high school debut.

* Gregg Popovich was 106th on the all-time wins list.

* Tim Duncan was the reigning NBA rookie of the year.

Short Passage of The Week:

This Month, I Will…

* Be honest with myself.

* Lean into the beauty of self-trust.

* Cultivate daily moments to experience joy.

* Release all habits that diminish my power.

* Let go of limiting beliefs that do not serve me.

Passage by The Daily Coach

Tweet(s)

Here’s a thought-provoker:

Personally, I agree that society will consume less alcohol going forward (but don’t think it will become as taboo as cigarettes).

Kids smoke vapes and e-cigarettes at an alarmingly high rate.

And alcohol consumption is less for two reasons:

* not as many blue-collar workers

* more marijuana use

Every generation has its vices — they evolve and show up in slightly different ways.

Financial Jargon

When it comes to money, we all have unique mindsets…

Iman Shumpert’s belief system is one many of us have (but maybe don’t realize) 👇

Takeaway:

I’m a firm believer in making “self-investments”.

If you’re able to spend $500/month on clothes…why not invest in your side hustle, business, or career skills?

If you have no problem dropping $20 on candy at the gas station…why not the new book or yoga class?

Investing in yourself is powerful (and has an extremely high ROI)!

Quote

“Resist the urge to obsessively compare your life journey — which you know intimately well, compared to other people’s highlight reels — which you see in passing.” - Michell C. Clark

Thanks for tuning in today!

Have an awesome Labor Day weekend — take some time to relax and clear your mind, you earned it.

We’ll talk again on Wednesday.

Peace,

-AP

Extra Credit

I had a great conversation with Merav Savir about the business of athletes and future of sports.

Infront Labs hosts one of Europe’s top sports podcasts so it was an honor to be includ

#30: Casey Schwab - CEO Altius Sports Partners | Placing general managers at Universities | NILs impact on pro sports | Evolution of NIL collectives | Full vision for college sports + needed tools

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 05:00:44 GMT

Prior to founding Altius Sports Partners, Casey Schwab was the VP of business & legal affairs at the NFLPA, where he helped lead the NIL program for all NFL players.

Altius Sports Partners is a unique advisory company in college sports led by business leaders providing solutions for NIL and all other major changes impacting college athletics.

We cover a handful of fascinating topics including paying college athletes, where NIL is headed, and Altius’ role in placing general managers at Universities.

Chapters:

(01:10) NIL's impact on professional sports

(06:25) Origin story of Altius Sports Partners

(12:05) Evolution of NIL collectives

(14:50) Shifting gaps of competition within NIL

(18:30) General managers and “athlete departments”

(24:00) Full vision for college sports

(26:15) Market size of NIL compared to the NFL

(31:25) Companies needed in NIL

Casey Schwab links:

Website: https://altiussportspartners.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/caseydschwab

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdschwab/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

Weekly Sports Roundup: Feb 13-19th

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 22:00:32 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:42 - Name, image, and likeness craziness

* 7 figure deals

* players transferring to make more $$$

* the NCAA intervening

* youth camps put on by college athletes

4:53 - Baseball’s 700% increase vs. the SPY 500

5:24 - How Saudi Arabia is trying to win the world of golf

6:21 - Wild world of sports gambling (revenue report + DraftKings story)

7:48 - Crypto is throwing money at sports: Here’s how much

8:50 - Athlete Investment News (pancake company + CBD oils + media company)

12:06 - Women’s sports are screwed: transgender + olympic sports developments

Tweet(s)

I really enjoyed this thread by Jared on the journey of Vijay Singh - Talk about overcoming obstacles!

The Steph Curry thread almost reached 1 million impressions. I plan to continue doing this series on Twitter featuring more of the top athlete investors.

Short Passage of The Week

by Tony Dungy

“The first step toward creating an improved future is developing the ability to envision it. Vision will ignite the fire of passion that fuels our commitment to do whatever it takes to achieve excellence.

Only vision allows us to transform dreams of greatness into the reality of achievement through human action. Vision has no boundaries and knows no limits.

Our vision is what we become in life.”

Good Read

Interesting article about what athletes are eating at the olympics.

I had no idea some of them bring their own food and was surprised to see what the most popular fast food selection has been this year.

You can check out the article here.

Recommended Show

Last Chance U.

I was talking to a college athlete last week who said they’ve never watched Last Chance U - it blew me away.

Not only is it entertaining, but it’s one of the best sports shows ever created because it gives a real look at what JUCO sports are like.

People see the glitz and glamor at SEC schools, but don’t know what many of those athletes had to sacrifice to get there.

Watch it here on Netflix or stream it illegally if that’s your vibe.

p.s. - The first 3 seasons are the best ones. Season 4 stinks. Basketball is decent.

What To Keep An Eye On This Week

The NBA has been toying around with the metaverse lately.

It will be interesting to see how it develops and is featured during NBA all-star weekend.

Right now this experience isn’t great…but in 5 years I’m sure it will be much improved.

Quotes

“Make sure your worst enemy doesn’t live between your own two ears” - Laird Hamilton

“Failure is only a temporary change in direction, to set you straight for your next success” - Denis Waitley

As always, thanks for tuning in!

All of my work is free, but you can support me by subscribing below.

Another week in the books, another great one ahead.

Best,

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.petcashpost.com

#314: Jed Collins - How Athletes Can Build Generational Wealth

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 26 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Jed Collins is a former NFL fullback, financial educator, and entrepreneur helping athletes build lasting success beyond the game. After being cut 13 times during his NFL career, Jed became the No. 1 rated fullback in the league through grit, resilience, and relentless consistency. Today, he is the founder of Money Vehicle, where he educates professional and collegiate athletes on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, personal branding, and long-term wealth creation.

Over the past 15+ years, Jed has worked with athletes across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and NWSL, teaching the language of money through an education-first approach. While earning his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation during his NFL offseasons, he discovered a passion for helping athletes prepare for life beyond sports, not as clients, but as business athletes. Through Money Vehicle, he now works with thousands of players and teams, helping them navigate investing, NIL opportunities, wealth management, and entrepreneurship.

Throughout his career, Jed has shared locker rooms and experiences with some of football’s biggest names, including Drew Brees, Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford, Andy Reid, and Kellen Moore. His perspective on resilience, mindset, and storytelling has made him a sought-after speaker and educator across sports and business communities.

An interesting fact: Jed began journaling during his NFL career as a way to process uncertainty, setbacks, and growth while fighting to stay in the league. Years later, those journals became the foundation for Fourth & Goal—a project designed to help the next generation of athletes and entrepreneurs capture their own stories before AI replaces authentic human experiences.

Podcast Chapters:

02:07 Redefining Failure and Grit

05:28 The Language of Money

06:50 Consistency in Athlete Development

10:27 Advice for Founders Working with Athletes

16:37 Navigating Chaos and Control

20:47 The Launch of Fourth and Goal

21:15 Building a Legacy Through Storytelling

22:23 Capturing Personal Experiences

24:37 The Role of Journaling in Personal Branding

25:57 Reflections on Past Experiences

27:10 The Cocktail Party Moment

28:28 Lessons from the Field

30:37 The Importance of Documenting Moments

31:21 Connecting the Dots of Experience

32:16 Identifying Patterns for Greatness

33:15 The Significance of Day 214

36:39 Creating Meaningful Human Moments

38:36 The Essence of Sport and Personal Growth

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (October 2-8)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 12:00:18 GMT

Audio Timeline:

1:20 - Feel good stories

* Joe Burrow is giving back in a big way and the cool story of a seventeen-year-old raising money for cancer.

3:20 - Business of Athletes

* Spanish athletes Pau Gasol, Rudy Fernandez, and Iker Casillas are investing in INDYA, a startup focused on improving the performance of athletes through technology and nutrition.

* Annika Sörenstam and Vijay Singh (retired pro golfers) are investors in wearable golf technology deWiz’s $4M Series B round.

6:00 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* SAXX underwear signs South Carolina football players to one of the most creative NIL deals we’ve seen up until this point.

* Mississippi State HC Mike Leach says players should be split between amateurs and professionals.

* An array of other cool deals — from Reese’s to a dog.

11:55 - Future of Sports

* onX announced an $87.4M Series B round to continue building their navigation and mapping technology for outdoor recreationists.

* Verse Gaming, a social gaming company hosting peer-2-peer fantasy contests in sports announced a pre-seed funding round of $585k.

* GAMURS, a leading esports and entertainment media network, announced it has closed a $12M Series A funding round co-led by Elysian Park and Cerro Capital.

* PredictionStrike, a marketplace for trading shares of athletes, announced a $3M seed round led by MaC Venture Capital.

* Basketball analytics startup ShotQuality has raised a $3.2M seed round co-led by KB Partners and TIA Ventures.

Interesting Stat

This is pretty wild:

Sports Sponsorship spending (in billions) from 2014-2024.

This is going to continue increasing, especially since the target market has increased now that college and high school sports are monetizable through name, image, and likeness (NIL).

Short Passage of The Week:

Brick by Brick, Day by Day

* Culture isn’t built in a day.

* Success isn’t built in a day.

* Mindset isn’t built in a day.

* Habits aren’t built in a day.

* Greatness isn’t built in a day.

* The foundation isn’t built in a day.

It’s built one day at a time. Keep showing up. Keep doing the work. Passage by Kevin DeShazo

Tweet(s)

Former MLB pitcher Jacob Turner put out an interesting thread regarding playoff baseball bonuses.

Sports = Business. Business = Money.

Therefore…

Sports = Money (never forget that).

Business Jargon

Let’s take a look at some of the unique ways to fund a startup.

Bootstrapping:

This is when startup founders invest their own money or get friends and family to invest in the business.

Bootstrapping gives business owners more room to experiment with the business and product since there’s no pressure to meet the expectations of investors.

Equity:

Refers to the percentage of ownership in a business.

VCs typically make investments in exchange for equity, a percentage of the company’s shares.

Crowdfunding:

Financing method where a group of individuals invests in your business. To run a successful crowdfunding campaign, you need to showcase your project to a large audience to convince them to invest.

Depending on the type of crowdfunding, investors may receive shares, interest, or products or services for their investment.

Quote

“If you feel like there’s something out there that you’re supposed to be doing, if you have a passio

#202: Joe Dunnigan - Founder & CEO, Alt Sports Data| Transforming Alternative Sports Betting Through Data & Technology

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

ALT Sports Data was founded in 2021 to revolutionize alternative sports betting through exclusive data rights, AI-driven trading models, and cutting-edge analytics. As CEO and Founder, Joe Dunnigan leads the company’s mission to provide sportsbooks with new betting markets while unlocking engagement, revenue, and fan growth for emerging sports leagues.

ALT Sports Data is tackling the supply and demand challenges that have limited profitability in the sports betting industry. By leveraging proprietary software, league partnerships, and a growing database of alternative sports, the company is creating new betting opportunities and tapping into an audience of over 83 million potential bettors in the U.S. and more than 1 billion globally.

Joe’s leadership draws from years of experience in corporate strategy, marketing, and the betting industry. His work is reshaping how sports properties and sportsbooks collaborate, offering fresh insights into data-driven decision-making, fan engagement, and the future of sports wagering.

Chapters:

(00:26) - The Genesis of ALT Sports Data

(02:39) - The Demand for Alternative Sports Betting

(04:25) - The Tech Stack Behind Sports Betting

(06:59) - Future Trends in Sports Betting

(08:50) - Emerging Sports and Market Opportunities

(11:23) - Balancing New and Derivative Sports

(13:39) - Affiliate Marketing in Sports Betting

(15:37) - Lessons from Corporate to Startup

(17:17) - Global Perspective on Sports Betting

(19:00) - Leveraging Data Across Sports

(21:25) - The Role of AI in Sports Data

(24:07) - Targeting New Sports Leagues

(25:58) - Structuring Partnerships with Leagues

Joe Dunnigan:

🏠 Website: https://altsportsdata.com

💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joedunnigan/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎧 Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts

#258: Amanda Calabrese, SEQUEL - Women’s Health Innovation, and Building a Sports-Backed Brand

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:21:25 GMT

Amanda is the co-founder of Sequel, a company reimagining women’s health products with athletes in mind. Alongside her co-founder Greta Meyer, she launched Sequel while at Stanford, driven by a frustration that period products hadn’t meaningfully changed in over 80 years. As former high-level athletes, both Amanda and Greta struggled to find a tampon they could rely on in competition—so they leaned on their engineering training to build the product they wished they had on game day. The result was Sequel’s patented spiral technology, designed to offer women more reliable, comfortable, and distraction-free performance.

At Sequel, the mission goes beyond just technology—it’s about impact and visibility. By partnering with top sports organizations like Stanford Athletics, the Indiana Fever, DC United, and Audi Field, Sequel has brought period products directly into stadiums and locker rooms, making history as the first tampon partner in NCAA athletics. Their approach combines top-down credibility with bottom-up storytelling—leveraging creator partnerships, social platforms, and founder-led storytelling to build trust, awareness, and a movement for better women’s health solutions.

Beyond the partnerships and the patented spiral design, Amanda’s story is also one of resilience and persistence. From navigating the challenges of FDA approval as a medical device, to securing early grants and funding from Stanford’s ecosystem, Sequel is a case study in founder-led innovation. And with more products and activations ahead, Amanda and Greta are proving that when you combine sports, engineering, and a mission to help women win, the impact goes far beyond the field.

Podcast Chapters:

02:34 Innovative Tampon Technology: The Sequel Spiral

05:32 Partnerships in Sports: Building Brand Awareness

08:25 The Importance of Creator Partnerships

11:02 Challenges in Developing a Medical Device

13:49 Funding Journey: From Grants to Equity

16:31 Design Thinking: Identifying Real Needs

19:16 Future Aspirations and Community Engagement

Amanda Calabrese: 🏠Website: https://www.trysequel.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acalabre/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#52: Agustin Rozadas - COO, Co-Founder OLIVER | Wearables to Moveables | FC Barcelona Partnership | Merging of Sports Tech, Data Analytics, & Artificial Intelligence |

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 04:01:26 GMT

OLIVER has raised over $1M and recently entered into a partnership agreement with FC Barcelona that also included an investment from the soccer conglomerate.

Agustin Rozadas started his professional career as a financial analyst at Accenture before building up Fligoo and then jumping into the sports technology founder seat.

OLIVER is a wearable tracking device that uploads deep insights onto their platform through a smart GPS providing key information to optimize performance, evolve talents, and prevent injuries.

This was an interesting conversation revolving around the evolution of wearables to moveables, the benefit of owning both the hardware and software + many other fascinating sports tech topics.

Chapters:

(01:20) Why now is the time for sports tech

(04:40) Overview of Oliver

(06:30) FC Barcelona partnership

(10:20) Revenue model + product solutions

(12:45) Importance of data analytics

(15:45) Oliver vs. Competitors

(19:50) Wearables to Moveables

(23:25) Applications to scouting/recruiting

(25:00) Future initiatives

(26:20) The 2026 World Cup impact

Agustin Rozadas:

Website: https://tryoliver.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agustin-rozadas-275b4328/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (November 13-19)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 13:00:24 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:35 - Feel good stories

* 6 marathons in 6 days, the nation's only team comprised entirely of deaf and hard of hearing players has made the NCAA tournament, and more.

3:05 - Business of Athletes

* Odell Beckham Jr. is suing Nike over $20M in damages.

* Virgil van Dijk is the newest investor in the wearable tech company Whoop.

* Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield are partnering to sell cannabis treats manufactured under Tyson’s newly formed brand house Carma Holdings.

* Nike has signed its first Esport athlete, Jian “Uzi” Zihao.

6:00 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* Syracuse booster Adam Weitsman plans to offer $1 million annually to one five-star football player and one five-star basketball player.

* Athlete Advantage just launched The 15 Club, Kentucky’s new NIL collective.

* Wichita State announces first-ever female-focused NIL athlete collective.

* Michigan's Hunter Dickinson is writing the letter S on his hand during games this season to draw attention to their attempt to advocate for a new business model in college sports.

09:20 - Future of Sports

* Nike is launching Swoosh, a Web 3.0-enabled platform that will allow people to design and own virtual creations.

* Pro Volleyball Federation launched this past week, and the indoor women’s volleyball league will take the court in February 2024.

* Sportradar has launched Sportradar Virtual Stadium, an AI and machine learning social engagement solution for sportsbook operators.

Interesting Stat

Lebron James could make over $50 million if Liverpool FC is successfully sold.

He also owns a stake in the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Penguins, and AC Milan.

Athletes are building business empires at a scale we’ve never seen before.

Short Passage of The Week:

This week I will…

* Run my own race.

* Treat people with kindness.

* Focus on today, not tomorrow.

* Be intentional with my self-talk.

* Practice self-discipline as an act of self-love.

By The Daily Coach

Sports Startup of The Week

I research, talk with, and see so many cool sports startups every day. It only feels right to start shining light on some of the ones I deem as interesting.

For the 1st edition, I’ll be touching on the European-based HomeFans.

HomeFans is creating a marketplace for fan-led sports experiences. (think of Airbnb for sports events).

So for example…

If you want to go see a soccer game in London, you can book an experience on their platform.

You get matched up with a host that will show you the ropes and give you an awesome experience you wouldn’t have had otherwise.

I think it’s an intriguing model that makes attending an event more memorable and allows hosts to earn some extra side money.

Network effects could certainly kick in.

Tweet(s)

The World Cup is kicking off today.

Here’s a quick snippet of the business behind it:

Business Jargon

Return on ad spend (ROAS) is a marketing metric measuring the revenue earned for every dollar spent on advertising.

For example, if you spend $1,000 on ads, and your revenue is $2,000, you calculate ROAS by dividing $2,000 by $1,000.

This gives you a ratio of 2:1 or 200%.

The more effective your campaign, the larger your ROAS and the more revenue you have earned for each advertising dollar spent.

Quote

“Compete with yourself and root for everybody else.” — Candice Millard

Weekly Roundup: Athlete X Sports Business Stories (April 10-16)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 09:00:31 GMT

The Petcash Post is a daily report that breaks down the business of athletes, sports, and NIL.

Join 24,435 others and get exclusive access to the newsletter 🔑 — it’s free!

Audio Timeline:

1:05 - Feel good stories: 102 Marathons in 102 days, Jrue Holiday

1:58 - NIL: Clemson, Robinhood, Kansas basketball, UCF

5:18 - Athlete Biz/Investments - James Harden, Drake, Floyd Mayweather X Antonio Brown, WNBA, and $25,000 to be under 365 pounds

8:35 - Sports Tech/Biz: Pickeball, Fifa+, Trace technology, USFL, NFL meets crypto and flag football

13:53 - Convo with Binghamton basketball’s Dan Petcash about NIL and endorsement deals at the Division 1 mid major level

Interesting Stat(s)

The average MLB franchise is now worth $2.31 billion, up 5% from 2021, according to Sportico's latest valuations.

The Yankees are valued at $7.01 billion, making them the most valuable team across all global sports leagues.

Another cool development:

University of Central Florida’s football team is putting QR codes on the back of their spring jerseys.

When scanned, it will direct you to the player’s bio on the UCF athletics website. Fans can then find links to a player’s social media profiles and stores to purchase their own player-branded merchandise.

It’s nice to see universities getting creative with NIL and assisting athletes with monetization.

Short Passage of The Week

You can’t spread your wings if you live in a cocoon. Most human beings find comfort living their lives in a protective cocoon of certainty. But in choosing risk-free existences, we pass up life-enriching challenges and adventures. Practicing these 3 lifestyle mindsets can help us maximize our time on Earth while making life more fulfilling and meaningful:Give yourself time ― You’re never too old to cultivate and live your dreams. You can follow your heart’s desire at any time.Live your own life ― Choosing a path in life to please others is usually not sustainable. Living in truth always sets us free. Listen to your inner voice and stay true to yourself.Stay present ― Life is the greatest teacher. Be conscious of the people and events around you. You can miss out on valuable experiences if you’re constantly thinking about the future. Immerse yourself in the present moment while challenging the status quo.Source: Ann Hiatt, Bet on Yourself

Recommended Media

I came across a great article by Vanderbilt women’s lacrosse player Cailin Bracken.

“A Letter to College Sports”

In this piece, she describes the dark side of college athletics (that most of the outside world doesn’t understand). I highly recommend that you take 5 minutes to read this — there are a ton of insightful thoughts.

Did you know that nearly 30% of female and 25% of male collegiate student-athletes report having anxiety?

Tweet(s)

I eat chicken basically everyday — so this thread was fascinating and also eye-opening for me 👀

I enjoyed this one from Josh as well 👇

The All Blacks are a fascinating case study of we > me in sports.

A recent survey from Everfi shows that 65% of the students left high school without ever taking a personal finance course.

According to the National Center on Education, 30% of high school students and 80% of college students work while they’re in school — and this doesn’t count playing a sport as a job (which we know it is).

The point being:

Not enough parents are talking to their kids about money.

Not enough schools are providing the proper resources and education.

And as a result, not enough young people know how to properly manage their money.

Quote

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (May 22-28)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 29 May 2022 11:58:41 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:42 - Feel good stories: 100 most influential athletes, athlete proposes to girlfriend thanks to NIL

1:28 - NIL: Breakdown of Lane Kiffin’s Statements and political NIL deal, USC $3M, and a 12 year old golfer gets a deal

6:48 - Business of Athletes: Serena Williams record deal, new fitness athlete investors, Travis Kelce, NFL ticket prices, and the most innovative sports teams

Interesting Stat

Top 25 Most Innovate Sports Franchises 2022

Soccer (10 teams), NBA (9), MLB (3), NFL (2), NHL (1)

Short Passage of The Week

It’s incredibly easy to overestimate the significance of a single decision, outcome, or event in the heat of the moment.

But you must remind yourself to take a deep breath when things don’t go your way.

Your results in the long run—good or bad—are always the byproduct of many small decisions, outcomes, and events over time.

The truth is we all fail sometimes.

The greater truth is that no single failure ever defines us.

Passage by Angel Chernoff

Recommended Media

This video will fire you up!!

Interview quotes with some of the best athletes to ever live (a lot of the clips are from early in their careers - super inspirational).

Tweet(s)

Put out this tweet on Tuesday — a few days later it was announced Lebron is making a documentary about the story.

We have all seen the market do what it has done over the past weeks, and lots of people have seen their investment gains turn to losses.

So how can you respond to an event like this? You can 'Harvest' it.

What this means is that you sell some of your investments at a loss and hold those losses to offset future gains.

While it is not the most enjoyable process, this idea of 'Tax-Loss Harvesting' is a way to turn the painstaking decline into a beneficial resource.

In the future when your Capital Gains are soaring, you will reduce your tax liability because of the losses you harvested today.

You can learn more here.

Quote

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”

I appreciate you reading/tuning in to The Petcash Post!

No post tomorrow, we’ll talk Wednesday.

Have a fantastic rest of your Memorial Day weekend.

Peace,

-AP

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.petcashpost.com

#79: Jon Anastas - CEO ClashTV | Merging Culture, Content, & Commerce in Sports

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Previously the CMO at LiveONE and ONE Championship, Jon Anastas jumped into the CEO seat at sports live-streaming startup ClashTV in 2023.

Jon is also the Chairman of the Board at AlphaGen Intelligence.

ClashTV is an interactive live-streaming content-first social platform that raised a seed round in 2020.

Chapters:

(01:35) Culture, content, & commerce

(03:20) Why ClashTV?

(09:30) GenZ sports to target

(12:45) Impact of sports on culture

(17:00) Tokenization + NIL in the future

(20:20) Business model

(24:00) AI is game-changing

Jon Anastas:

Website: https://www.clsh.tv/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathananastas/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#309: Joseph Graziano III, Li-Shen Lee, and Eric Herd, Fieldhouse Media Network - Unlocking 75M Fans

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 07 May 2026 05:14:51 GMT

Joseph Graziano III, Li-Shen Lee, and Eric Herd are leaders at the intersection of sports, technology, and data, working together to redefine how teams, brands, and fans connect in a modern, global ecosystem. Joseph serves as Chief Commercial Officer at Pacers Sports & Entertainment, bringing experience from the NBA and WNBA in building global partnerships. Li-Shen is a Partner at Deloitte and leads Converge for Sports, focusing on data-driven solutions across industries. Eric is the Global Head of Sports and Emerging Products at Yieldmo, specializing in AI-powered advertising and fan engagement at scale.

At the center of this conversation is the launch of the Fieldhouse Media Network, a new platform designed to unlock Pacers Sports & Entertainment’s 75 million global fans. Announced in collaboration with Deloitte and Yieldmo, the platform combines Converge™ by Deloitte’s predictive fan intelligence, PS&E’s first-party data, and Yieldmo’s Ymax.ai ad engine to deliver targeted brand content across sports blogs, streaming platforms, and news sites meeting fans where they already are. Taking this conversation beyond the podcast, the initiative represents a major shift in how teams think about media, allowing PS&E to monetize fans outside Indiana, sell multiple brands per category, and prove measurable ROI at scale, effectively bridging the gap between national reach and team-level intimacy for the first time.

Together, they break down how this model transforms traditional sponsorships into data-driven, performance-based media opportunities. The discussion explores how teams can better understand and monetize the full fan ecosystem, not just those attending games, but the vast majority engaging digitally. From AI-powered personalization and global fan expansion to the rise of women’s and youth sports, this episode highlights how technology is reshaping the commercial future of sports and turning teams into true media platforms.

Podcast Chapters:

08:47 Innovative Partnerships and Market Expansion

12:41 Rethinking Sponsorship and Monetization Models

17:46 The Power of Fandom and Data-Driven Engagement

26:44 Future Trends in Sports and Youth Engagement

32:11 Connected TV and the Next Era of Fan Engagement

#292: Ricardo Marques, Michelob Ultra - Inside the Olympic Playbook: How Michelob Ultra Activates Global Sports Moments

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Ricardo Marques, SVP of Marketing at Michelob Ultra, joins the show to unpack how one of the world’s most visible consumer brands approaches tent-pole sports moments. With 2026 packed full of global events, including the Winter Olympics and major international competitions, Marques shares how the brand built a year-long strategy centered on showing up alongside fans as they support Team USA.

In the conversation, he breaks down the thinking behind Michelob Ultra’s Olympics activation — from early-stage planning and athlete partnerships to immersive fan experiences like the Lake Placid celebration and the Ultra Summit in Park City. Marques explains how the team balances large-scale brand storytelling with real-time content, retail impact, and authentic athlete relationships, all while operating more like a newsroom than a traditional marketing department.

He also reflects on what defines success for a global sports campaign, how technology and live experiences are reshaping brand engagement, and why starting with a bold vision is critical when executing at Olympic scale. The discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at how modern brands integrate culture, sport, and entertainment to stay relevant with today’s fans.

Podcast Chapters:

02:39 Strategic Decisions Behind the Winter Olympics Activation

05:11 Authenticity in Athlete Partnerships

07:54 The Ultra Summit Experience

10:23 Defining Success in Major Activations

13:13 Future Strategies and Lessons Learned

#195: Brendan Doyle - President of US Sports Camps | Empowering Youth Through Sports Camps

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Brendan Doyle, President of US Sports Camps (USSC), has been at the forefront of youth sports in the USA for over 30 years. A seasoned leader with deep roots in the soccer industry, Brendan oversees the largest sports camp network in America and the licensed provider of Nike Sports Camps. Since 1975, USSC has been dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of athletics through high-quality sports education and skill enhancement programs.

Under Brendan’s leadership, USSC has expanded its impact by partnering with top coaches across the nation, providing essential operational and marketing support to deliver exceptional camp experiences. As part of Youth Enrichment Brands (YEB), Brendan also oversees initiatives in academic and creative enrichment, empowering kids through diverse programs like i9 Sports, Streamline Brands, and School of Rock.

In this episode, Brendan shares his journey in youth sports, insights into USSC’s operations and partnership model, and his vision for the future of youth enrichment. We also explore the evolving landscape of youth camps and how Brendan’s innovative approach is shaping the next generation of athletes.

Chapters:

(02:52) - Brendan's Journey in Youth Sports

(05:32) - Overview of US Sports Camps Operations

(08:21) - Partnership Model and Camp Management

(11:11) - Youth Enrichment Brands Portfolio

(14:03) - Evaluating and Onboarding New Partners

(16:46) - Changes in the Camp Space Over the Years

(19:57) - Future Plans and Expansion for US Sports Camps

Brendan Doyle:

🌐 Website: https://www.ussportscamps.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-doyle-a01a0551/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new episodes.

#277: Eddie Lewis & Erik Anderson, TOCA Soccer - The Global Soccer Experience Taking Over

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 03:30:06 GMT

TOCA is building the future of global soccer experiences — blending technology, training, community, and entertainment in a way the U.S. market has never seen before. In this episode, TOCA Founder Eddie Lewis and Executive Chairman Erik Anderson share how they are creating an ecosystem that develops better players, elevates fan culture, and makes high-quality soccer experiences accessible to everyone — from youth athletes to lifelong fans.

What started as a training innovation has evolved into a fast-growing global platform. TOCA now includes TOCA Training centers, TOCA Social entertainment venues, and proprietary technology that enables consistent, data-driven development at scale. Eddie and Erik break down how TOCA is “completing soccer” by delivering experiences across the entire player and fan journey — and why the model mirrors the explosive, community-driven growth seen in Topgolf.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, soccer participation exploding, and experiential entertainment reshaping the landscape, TOCA is positioned at the center of a once-in-a-generation moment. Eddie and Erik reveal the strategy behind their expansion, the power of experiential IP, and how TOCA plans to become the world’s leading soccer experience company.

Podcast Chapters:

02:40 What TOCA Is: Training, Tech & Social Experiences

05:55 The Origins: Eddie’s Vision and the First Machines

08:12 How TOCA Completes Soccer Across the Full Player Journey

11:28 Expanding Youth Soccer and Player Development

14:05 The Role of Technology in Consistent, Scalable Training

17:20 TOCA Social: Soccer’s Version of Topgolf

21:48 Building Experiences That Connect Fans, Players & Families

25:03 Creating IP: Why TOCA Is Betting Big on Social Venues

28:42 The Global Soccer Moment Ahead of 2026

32:11 Strategy, Scale & Global Expansion Opportunities

35:26 The Future: Making Soccer a Lifelong Experience

Eddie Lewis & Erik Anderson:

🏠 Website: https://www.toca.social/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewiseddie/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikanderson9/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

7 Athlete Billionaires, HS NIL x NFT's, Former NFL Players Starting A Company

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 12:00:38 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:50 - Feel Good Sports Stories: Mac Jones, Paige Bueckers, etc

1:56 - Business of Athletes: 7 Billionaires, Usain Bolt, etc

3:51 - NFL players start a company, Patrick Mahomes, Bills $850m stadium

6:12 - NIL (Callaway Golf, HBCU’s, HS legislation, Daymond John)

11:00 - Women’s Basketball and NCAA’s Mark Emmert

12:10 - Sports Tech: NFT’s + AR/VR + Gambling

Interesting Stat

In 2021, private equity firms doled out $51 billion on sports deals worldwide, with $3 billion buying minority stakes in teams, according to Pitchbook.

Short Passage of The Week

Duke head basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski left a copy of this poem in each of his player's lockers when he was coaching at Army West Point.

"If" by Rudyard Kipling:

If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too;If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies,Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;If you can dream—and not make dreams your master; If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;If you can meet with triumph and disaster And treat those two impostors just the same;If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,Or watch the things you gave your life to broken, And stoop and build ’em up with worn out tools;If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss;If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone,And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on”;If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with kings—nor lose the common touch;If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you; If all men count with you, but none too much;If you can fill the unforgiving minuteWith sixty seconds’ worth of distance run— Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

Recommended Media

Interesting article about paying college athletes.

Read the full white paper here:

https://www.arnoldventures.org/stories/the-tectonic-shift-below-the-march-madness-spectacle

Victoria Jackson (a sports historian at Arizona State) crushed this one!

Also, I try to focus on good news but this is wild….

Tweet(s)

NY Mets are the first MLB team to introduce facial recognition tickets. Not sure how I feel about this👇

Came across this one as well — great tips by Josh that applies to coaching, leading, and relationship building:

Did you know that there are two sides of FICA?

When a traditional employee looks at their payroll taxes, they will see a line item as FICA for an employee: 6.2% social security and 1.45% Medicare. Their company will pay the employer side of 7.65%.

However when you are an entrepreneur, you must pay both sides! So first thing you need to account for is 15.3% FICA taxes on the first checks you make.

What To Keep An Eye On This Week

* Post tomorrow right here about valuing how much college athletes are worth that you won’t want to miss

* MLB opening day on Thursday

* The Masters (golf) starts on Thursday

Isn’t kind of funny how when one sport ends (college basketball) we get two more immediately.

Quote

“Things change. You just have to always, consistently, try to figure out what’s driving you. And not because other people are watching or your family’s gonna judge you. You just have to be as

#335: Dean Braccia, Marquee CEO - Soccer AI Operating Systems & $6.5M Seed Scaling

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 05:47:22 GMT

Dean Braccia is the CEO and founder of Marquee, an AI-native operating system designed to transform how professional sports clubs handle recruitment, squad planning, and talent analysis. Dean brings a multi-exit entrepreneurial track record to the table, having previously built and exited an ad-tech company operating in the mobile user acquisition space. Beyond his software background, Dean is a diehard sports enthusiast and manager of the Israeli Arsenal fan community, a 7,000-member network where his passion for analyzing transfer window rumors, match tactics, and scouting data first sparked the blueprint for Marquee.

Frustrated by the disconnect in professional sports scouting—where clubs drown in three to ten siloed data sources and over 60% of player transfers fail, Dean and his team built Marquee to serve as an intelligent decision layer. Backed by $6.5 million in seed funding, Marquee leverages 12 proprietary AI and machine learning models to automate up to 75% of the recruitment workflow. The platform translates complex data points into contextual, natural-language insights, helping clubs evaluate physical, mental, and financial fit, simulate squad lineups, and streamline internal player development.

Podcast Chapters:

01:07 Dean's Journey and Passion for Sports

08:03 Understanding Marquee: The AI Native Operating System

14:11 Data Context and Club Integration

17:44 Governance and Security in Competitive Markets

21:34 Raising Capital: Insights for Founders

25:46 Future Vision and Market Adaptation

#336: Scott DeRue, Ironman Group - Scaling Endurance Sports, Travel Tailwinds, and $150M Economic Impact

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:09:27 GMT

Scott DeRue is the CEO of The Ironman Group, the world's largest organizer of participation sports. Prior to leading Ironman, Scott served as President of Equinox, where he oversaw luxury fitness operations, and spent years as Dean of the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. His career spans corporate executive leadership, higher education, and high-altitude mountaineering, including summitting Mount Everest and completing the Seven Summits, bringing a unique perspective on human performance, community-building, and experiential marketing to the global endurance sports landscape.The Ironman Group operates a massive portfolio of mass-participation endurance brands spanning triathlon, road running, trail running, and mountain biking. With over 230 events across more than 50 countries each year, the business reaches hundreds of thousands of athletes annually through flagship properties including Ironman, Ironman 70.3, the UTMB World Series, the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series, and the Epic Series. Under Scott’s leadership, the organization is capitalizing on major macro trends: the shift toward experience-based discretionary spending, surging investment in longevity and health, and the rise of global sports tourism.Scott explores how The Ironman Group manages a complex global supply chain of endurance events while deepening year-round consumer engagement. Scott details the economics behind race registrations, non-endemic corporate sponsorships, and municipal partnerships—highlighting flagship events like the Ironman World Championship, which generates up to $150M in local economic impact. Podcast Chapters:01:54 The Evolution of Fitness and Ironman’s Role07:56 Trends in Health, Wellness, and Experiences09:43 Building Community and Shared Identity15:46 Creating a Pipeline for Participation20:55 Business Model and Future Growth Strategies26:17 Professionalizing Endurance Sports31:17 The Elite Athletes of Ironman

#330: Dylan Zane, Velocity Capital Management - Inside Sports Private Equity

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 05:49:35 GMT

Dylan Zane is the Vice President at Velocity Capital Management. Dylan’s career path reflects a deep-rooted passion for bridging sports, media, and business. A Westchester native and lifelong New York Yankees fan, Dylan began his career in investment banking at Rothschild & Co.’s TMT group during a period of massive consolidation across sports media rights, sports betting, and digital IP. He went on to join Evolution Media Capital, the merchant banking arm of CAA, before becoming the first employee hire at Velocity Capital Management alongside Managing Partner David Abrams.

Today, Dylan works on sourcing, evaluating, and executing growth equity and buyout deals across the sports, media, and entertainment ecosystem. At Velocity Capital Management, Dylan focuses on specialized middle-market investments across intellectual property, business services, and technology. By leveraging a structured framework that targets businesses with strong community IP and operational scale, Dylan and the Velocity team provide strategic capital, operational support, and deep industry networks to build best-in-class assets across the broader sports landscape.

Dylan breaks down the evolving world of sports private equity and creator-led media. We discuss the democratization of content production, how investors evaluate management teams and operator alignment, and what founders need to understand when pitching private equity firms. Dylan also shares actionable advice on cold outreach, crafting clear deck messaging, and why the line between live events, entertainment, and sports fandom is disappearing faster than ever.

Podcast Chapters:

02:08 Dylan's Journey in Sports Investment

04:37 Understanding Velocity's Investment Strategy

07:10 The Importance of Management Alignment

09:19 Evaluating Investment Opportunities

12:08 Effective Communication with Investors

13:50 Challenges in Early-Stage Funding

14:57 Leveraging the Creator Economy

16:11 Exploring Food and Beverage Opportunities in Sports

#309: Joseph Graziano III, Li-Shen Lee, and Eric Heard, Fieldhouse Media Network

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 04 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT

He is also the founder of the Gondola Sports Summit, a flagship industry event now entering its third year of bringing together sports social, creative, and production professionals to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of sports media. The 2026 edition takes place May 18–20 at the Denver Art Museum in Denver, Colorado, and features a growing lineup of 2026 speakers and industry leaders shaping the future of sports media and creativity. The Summit is designed for social media managers, directors of creative, videographers, photographers, graphic designers, producers, copywriters, and strategists, offering hands-on opportunities to level up skills, collaborate with peers, and engage directly with leaders driving innovation in sports. It blends panels, networking, and immersive IRL experiences to strengthen the creative ecosystem across the industry.

Across both his companies, he explores how teams and brands are rethinking influencer strategy, building on-demand creative networks, and adapting to a fragmented but opportunity-rich media landscape. He also shares insights on how sports, technology, and real-world experiences are converging to reshape how content is made and consumed.

Podcast Chapters:

01:31 The Evolution of Fresh Tape and Gondola

03:57 Trends in Sports Content Creation

08:22 Expanding Influence in Collegiate and Youth Sports

10:36 The Rise of Live Shopping and Community Engagement

12:38 The Gondola Summit: Bringing Creatives Together

19:15 Balancing Multiple Ventures as an Entrepreneur

22:54 Staying Current in a Rapidly Changing Market

25:05 Future Trends in Creator Empowerment and Storytelling

#278: Raphael Eder, No Limits Tour - Reimagining Action Sports

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Raphael Eder is the Founder & CEO of the No Limits Tour (NLT), a new global sports and media venture redefining how action sports are built, owned, and experienced. Rooted in his lifelong connection to extreme environments, Eder created NLT to bring together the world’s top cliff divers and empower them as co-owners and co-creators of a new generation of sports IP. The tour blends world-class live events with cinematic, social-first storytelling — all designed to highlight the beauty of nature, culture, and elite performance.

Eder’s vision for NLT extends far beyond competition. He has architected a league model where athletes help shape governance, content, and long-term value creation, marking a shift toward athlete-driven sports properties. His approach includes identifying iconic natural locations for events, building a digital ecosystem optimized for Gen Z audiences, and structuring capital strategies to support the tour’s global ambitions. Under his leadership, NLT is emerging as one of the most innovative sports concepts of the decade.

Across the conversation, Eder reflects on the lessons learned while building a league from scratch, the complexities of operating at the intersection of sport and spectacle, and the long-term vision that guides NLT’s future expansion. His story highlights a blend of creativity, operational rigor, and entrepreneurial courage — all fueling the rise of a new frontier in action sports entertainment.

Podcast Chapters:

01:00 Rafael Eder's Journey to Extreme Sports

02:22 The Unique Approach of No Limits Tour

04:39 Building a New League in Cliff Diving

08:19 Identifying Locations for Events

10:51 Leveraging Digital Platforms for Growth

13:22 Selecting Participants for the Tour

15:22 Navigating Capital Markets for Funding

17:24 Vision for the Future of No Limits Tour

19:22 Unexpected Lessons in Building a League

21:00 Dream Locations for Future Events

22:06 Leadership and Mentorship in Sports

Raphael Eder:🏠 Website: https://nolimitstour.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaeleder/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#272: Matt Lederer, Comcast - The Strategy Behind Comcast’s Partnerships

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 21:38:06 GMT

Matt Lederer is the Vice President of Brand Partnerships & Engagement at Comcast, where he leads the strategy and execution behind a $90 million portfolio of partnerships that bring the Xfinity brand to life across sports, entertainment, gaming, and music. With over 20 years of experience in brand and experiential marketing, Matt has positioned Comcast at the center of culture and innovation—connecting technology with passion. Under his leadership, Comcast has developed one of the most dynamic partnership ecosystems in the industry, managing more than 8,000 events each year through its national Events Center of Excellence.

Throughout his career, Matt has led high-impact collaborations with some of the world’s biggest names and properties—spanning NASCAR, the NBA & WNBA, Team USA, and Unrivaled, as well as partnerships with Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, FaZe Clan, and AEG. His data-driven approach has transformed Comcast’s sponsorship model, producing a 200%+ marketing payback and setting new benchmarks for brand engagement.

An interesting fact: Matt began his career as a grassroots marketer before scaling to oversee Comcast’s entire national partnership strategy. His journey from field marketing to leading a global entertainment and sports portfolio reflects his unique ability to blend creativity with analytics, ensuring every fan experience delivers both emotion and measurable value.

Podcast Chapters:

02:53 Navigating Partnerships in Sports and Technology

05:52 Evaluating New Partnerships and Audience Engagement

09:00 The Role of Data in Partnership Decisions

12:00 Adapting to New Sports Trends and Experiences

14:59 The Evolution of Sponsorships and Athlete Engagement

17:58 The Future of Media Consumption and Live Experiences

20:59 The Impact of AI on Sports Sponsorships

24:02 Looking Ahead: Major Events and Consumer Behavior

Matt Lederer: 🏠 Website: comcastcorporation.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjlederer/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#273: Todd Smith, SFIA - Leading the Future of Sports & Fitness

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 06:19:54 GMT

Todd Smith is the President and CEO of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) — the leading global trade association for sports and fitness manufacturers, retailers, and marketers. SFIA stands as the #1 source for industry research, advocacy, and thought leadership, driving growth and participation across the global sports ecosystem. Through its data insights and policy influence, SFIA champions innovation, accessibility, and vitality within sports and fitness communities worldwide.As a seasoned executive, Todd brings extensive experience across business development, partnerships, sponsorship and media sales, government affairs, and marketing strategy. His leadership spans multiple sectors — including sports, entertainment, non-profit, and government — where he has consistently built high-performing teams and executed initiatives that connect brands, athletes, and communities. At SFIA, he leads the charge in shaping industry strategy, expanding partnerships, and promoting participation at every level of play.An interesting fact: beyond the boardroom, Todd is deeply passionate about the power of sports to inspire healthier, more connected lives — a belief rooted in his own lifelong involvement as both an athlete and advocate for youth sports access.Podcast Chapters: 03:03 Participation Trends in Sports and Fitness 05:52 The Role of External Events in Driving Participation 09:06 The Future of Sports Participation 11:58 Todd's Role and Responsibilities at SFIA 15:08 Advocacy and Initiatives for Youth Sports 18:06 Impact of Tariffs on Sports Equipment 20:51 Accessibility and Facilities for Youth Sports 24:01 Global Perspectives on Sports Development 26:50 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Todd Smith:🏠 Website: https://sfia.org/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddjsmith8/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#268: Christine Brown & Partners - The Legal Playbook Shaping the Future of College Sports

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 06:40:35 GMT

Christine Brown is the founder of Christine Brown & Partners, a law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of athletes, coaches, and institutions in the rapidly shifting landscape of college sports. With over thirty years of legal expertise, Christine focuses on core areas such as Title IX & gender equity, NIL disputes, athlete rights & advocacy, coaching employment issues, scholarship & financial aid, eligibility & compliance, and injury compensation & health coverage. Her firm is known for combining legal acumen with deep empathy, striving to “give clients clarity, confidence, and strength” in high-stakes disputes.

Christine explains the evolution and current challenges of Title IX, the impact of recent NCAA reforms, and how the world of college athletics is adapting to changes in NIL and professionalization. You’ll hear her take on unintended consequences for women’s and Olympic sports, legal blind spots for athletes and coaches, and why she believes we need federal oversight in place of the current NCAA structure. Christine has achieved a 90% win rate in cases against some of the largest colleges and universities while operating in one of the most complex and contentious areas of law

Chapters:

02:40 Christine Brown's Journey in Sports Law

05:09 The Effectiveness and Challenges of Title IX

07:52 Unintended Consequences of Recent NCAA Changes

10:24 Emerging Sports and Opportunities for Women

13:11 Blind Spots in NIL Understanding

15:28 The Need for Federal Oversight in College Sports

18:24 Proactive Steps for Athletes and Coaches

20:40 Staying Relevant in a Changing Sports Landscape

23:17 Embracing Opportunities in Sports

Christine Brown: 🏠 Website: https://www.christinebrownsportslaw.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-donahue-brown-a63530131/Scott Garber:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#256: Karim Kassam, Teamworks - AI-Driven Sports Analytics, and Building Winning Teams

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Karim Kassam is the Vice President of Product at Teamworks, the leading software platform transforming high-performance operations in sports, military, and public safety sectors. He joined Teamworks through its 2024 acquisition of Zelus Analytics, a premier sports intelligence platform. At Teamworks, Karim leverages his expertise in data science and analytics to integrate Zelus’ cutting-edge solutions into collegiate football, helping organizations unlock transformative insights and achieve peak performance.At Teamworks, Karim is focused on building unified, data-driven systems that empower teams to make smarter decisions, optimize operations, and develop athletes holistically. From predictive models to streamlined workflows, Teamworks Intelligence delivers tools that help organizations evaluate talent, construct rosters, and manage performance with precision. Karim’s work ensures that athletes and staff have the right insights and resources to prepare, compete, and excel.Beyond sports, Karim’s career is defined by a unique blend of academic rigor and practical innovation. Before joining Teamworks, he led data science initiatives for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Twins, and Jacksonville Jaguars, and served as a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Fun fact: Karim earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 2010, where he studied decision processes and emotion—an unusual but powerful lens for sports analytics.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to AI in Sports Analytics01:05 Karim Kassam's Background and Journey02:54 Evolution of Football Analytics04:40 Teamworks Intelligence and AI Innovations07:09 Challenges in College Football Scouting09:28 Key Metrics for Player Evaluation12:45 Comparative Analysis of Sports Analytics14:18 The Imperfection of Talent Identification16:53 The Role of Technology in Team Success18:23 Exciting Developments at Teamworks21:01 Integrating Diverse Solutions at Teamworks22:48 Future Acquisitions and Market StrategyKarim Kassam: 🏠Website: https://teamworks.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karim-kassam-a4369972/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#257: Ryan Silver on Attitude of Gratitude, Youth Sports Growth, and the Future of Events

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:03:31 GMT

Ryan Silver, President of Attitude of Gratitude, is a trailblazer in youth sports and event operations. With a vision rooted in appreciation and impact, he has built one of the fastest-growing event platforms in the country, spanning basketball, volleyball, soccer, golf, and more. Silver’s philosophy of gratitude—shaped by personal experiences—drives his mission to transform youth sports into not just competitions, but meaningful experiences that empower athletes, families, and communities.Under Silver’s leadership, Attitude of Gratitude has rapidly expanded to become a premier operator of over 200 annual basketball tournaments, with camps and showcases across multiple states. Recently acquired by Rocket Youth Brands, the company now stands at the forefront of the evolving youth sports industry. With private equity investment, a powerful partner ecosystem, and Silver’s deep operational expertise, the organization is poised to redefine the future of youth events, blending growth with lasting community impact.Beyond his impressive business achievements, Silver has a rare distinction: he is one of the very few entrepreneurs who has successfully built and sold multiple youth sports companies, including West Coast Elite. His journey highlights both the challenges and opportunities in the commercialization of youth sports—while keeping gratitude, service, and athlete empowerment at the heart of it all.Podcast Chapters:02:44 Growth and Expansion in Youth Sports05:21 The Business of Youth Sports: Insights and Challenges07:54 Rocket Youth Brands: A New Partnership10:22 The Future of Youth Sports and Private Equity13:07 NIL and Its Impact on College Sports15:44 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Ryan Silver: 🏠Website: https://attitudeofgratitude.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-silver-ba7a63293/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#239: Ed Moed, CEO of Hot Paper Lantern - Building Meaningful Sports Brands

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Ed Moed is helping redefine how sports brands grow—with clarity, creativity, and cultural relevance. As CEO of Hot Paper Lantern and its sports-focused division, Digital Sport, he’s leading a new wave of brand strategy that goes beyond hype to deliver trust, meaning, and results.Ed shares what today’s most successful sports organizations and startups get right about storytelling, how to avoid “shiny object syndrome,” and why internal culture is just as important as external messaging. From athlete-led brands to venture-backed sports tech, this conversation dives into how brand clarity can accelerate growth in one of the fastest-evolving industries on the planet.Chapters02:39 – The Evolution of HPL in Sports05:37 – Market Research and Identifying Opportunities07:59 – The Importance of Storytelling in Business10:54 – Navigating Challenges as a Startup13:30 – Internal vs External Storytelling16:04 – Building Trust and Culture in Organizations18:54 – Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome21:38 – Advice for Young Founders24:07 – Future Trends in Sports and Technology27:50 – Closing Thoughts on Communication & Legacy

Ed Moed:🏠 Website: https://www.hotpaperlantern.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-moed-31369a6

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

#212: Keith Stein, Founder of Women’s Pro Baseball League - Pioneering Women’s Baseball

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Keith Stein, CEO of the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball team, is making waves in sports by spearheading the return of professional women’s baseball — the first league of its kind in North America since the 1950s. The Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) is set to debut in 2025, with six teams playing in intimate ballparks and plans for a national broadcast deal.Keith’s journey into baseball was inspired by his collaboration with Justine Siegal, a trailblazer in the sport and the first woman to pitch to an MLB team and coach a professional men's team. Together, they’re driving a movement to create a long-overdue platform for women in baseball.The WPBL has already attracted over 800 of the world’s best players, drawing media coverage from CBS, The New York Times, and even Saturday Night Live — a testament to the league’s cultural impact and momentum.

Chapters: 1:13 - The Vision Behind the League

3:50 - Understanding the Game Structure

7:09 - Business Insights and Experiences

10:53 - Ownership Models and Strategies

16:12 - Real Estate and Infrastructure Needs

18:29 - Leveraging Celebrity Influence

22:12 - Compensation and Player Opportunities

24:49 - Personal Growth and Learning

Keith Stein:

Website: https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womensprobaseballleague/

Scott Garber

Website: https://profluence.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

#182: Daren Hornig – Principal of SPORTIME Pickleball | Building the Future of Pickleball Facilities

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

SPORTIME Pickleball LLC is transforming the pickleball landscape, combining state-of-the-art facilities with decades of expertise in racket sports. A joint venture between SPORTIME Clubs, the leading operator of racket sports facilities in the Northeast, and Hornig Capital Partners (HCP), the company plans to open more than a dozen dedicated pickleball centers by 2027, starting with its flagship location in Armonk, NY, in 2024. Daren Hornig, Principal of SPORTIME Pickleball and Managing Partner of HCP, is spearheading this ambitious project. With over 30 years of experience in real estate investment and development, Daren brings a unique perspective on scaling ventures and creating value in emerging markets. His leadership has been critical in turning SPORTIME Pickleball into a dominant player in the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. Chapters: (0:34) - Introduction to Pickleball and its Growth (6:04) - The Business Model of SPORTIME and Pickleball Facilities (12:03) - Market Positioning and Future Plans (18:05) - The Competitive Landscape of Pickleball (23:58) - Future Outlook

Daren Hornig: 🏠 Website: https://sportimepickleball.com/ https://hornigcapital.com/ 💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daren-w-hornig-03659316/ Andrew Petcash: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ Thanks for listening! Hit the follow button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#175: - Youth Sports Panel - Opportunities, Challenges, Future Insights

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:01:00 GMT

This month's panel was around Youth Sports - we delved into the opportunities, challenges, and future insights shaping the youth sports industry, which is projected to reach $69.4 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 9.20%. The panel discussed key issues such as rampant market fragmentation, high customer acquisition costs (CAC), limited monetization options, short time frames to capture athletes' attention, and an oversaturated market filled with both niche solutions and companies struggling to succeed.

The panel featured insights from Peter Frintzilas, CEO of TeamSnap, the largest youth sports tech company, and David Geaslen, founder of 3STEP Sports, which has acquired over 100 clubs and events. The discussion offered valuable perspectives on the current landscape and what lies ahead for youth sports.

Chapters:

(03:09) - The Landscape of Youth Sports Technology

(05:57) - Market Size and Growth Potential

(08:59) - Understanding Youth Segmentation

(11:49) - Investment Perspectives in Youth Sports

(14:54) - Challenges in Youth Sports Operations

(18:09) - The Role of Governing Bodies in Youth Sports

(20:57) - Promoting Multi-Sports Participation

(23:57) - Fragmentation and Accessibility Issues

(28:14) - Navigating the Youth Sports Landscape

(33:07) - The Role of Technology in Youth Sports

(37:54) - Future Trends in Youth Sports

(42:59) - Opportunities in Youth Sports

(48:10) - The Importance of Community and Collaboration

Peter Frintzilas, CEO of TeamSnap:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterfrintzilas/

David Geaslen, founder of 3STEP Sports:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-geaslen-96593350/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#171: Sukemasa Kabayama - Co-Founder, Uplift Labs | Revolutionizing Fitness with AI Technology

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Uplift Labs, co-founded by Sukemasa Kabayama, is breaking new ground in athlete performance and health using AI-powered movement analysis. Uplift's latest launch, the 'Uplift' app, uses a single iPhone camera to track and analyze user movements, making advanced technology previously reserved for professional athletes available to the everyday gym-goer.

The app provides personalized training programs through a generative AI coach, helping to enhance mobility and prevent injuries. With major backing from pro athletes like Renee Montgomery, Marc Gasol, and Seth Curry, Uplift aims to make AI-driven movement analysis accessible to all.

Sukemasa Kabayama, who formerly led Tesla Japan, combines his leadership experience with a passion for accessible sports technology, driving Uplift Labs’ impact in the fitness space. Uplift Labs is also kickstarting its next fundraising round starting October 1st, aiming to expand its innovative solutions further.

Chapters:

(01:40) - The Journey from Tech to Sports

(04:43) - Identifying Market Opportunities and Pivots

(08:20) - Building a Tech-Driven Solution for Sports

(11:28) - Navigating Remote Work and Team Cohesion

(13:22) - The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Sports

(18:05) - Launch of UPLIFT’s New Products

(21:45) - Future Trends in Sports Tech

Sukemasa Kabayama:

Website: https://www.uplift.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukemasa-kabayama/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#54: Courtney Jeffries - CEO, VRTL | Virtual Menus for Teams | Understanding Sports Fan Engagement | Business of Live Entertainment | Overview of Sports x AI, Web3, AR/VR

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Before jumping into the founder seat, Courtney Jeffries worked for the Oakland Raiders, MSG, and was the Chief Operating Officer of Satisfi Labs.

VRTL, Virtual, was previously known as Virtual Tables and participated in Techstars, Minnesota Twins program.

They are the first virtual fan engagement platform that delivers a live autograph experience combining both streaming and video chat functionality.

VRTL also have segmentation capabilities to scale the event to different tiers of fans, and full production support equipped with queue management and event execution.

Chapters:

(01:15) Rebranding to VRTL (from Virtual Tables)

(03:40) Idea for founding VRTL

(05:40) Web3’s impact

(06:35) Overview of VRTL

(10:25) What is a fan? Fan engagement?

(14:25) Business model overview

(18:35) NIL thoughts

(21:00) AR/VR integrations

(24:10) Sports x AI collision

(26:25) Community + trends to watch

Courtney Jeffries:

Website: https://www.vrtl.live/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-jeffries-8b53571a/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#45: Cole & Cody Hock - Founders of Up North Management | Creator-Led Businesses | Sports content creators | Building a talent agency & the future of it | How startups & brands can leverage creators

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 23 May 2023 04:01:34 GMT

Cole and Cody Hock are Forbes 30 under 30 co-founders with a background in the music and law industries which fueled their journey to creating Up North Management.

Up North is a diversified entertainment & media company specializing in talent management, brand building, creative content, and original business ventures.

They represent top content creators in the digital space division and incubate and launch creator-led brands in partnership with creators, such as Enjoy Basketball with Kenny Beecham.

Chapters:

(04:10) How they signed their first clients

(06:20) Different social media platforms + daily life of creators

(09:20) Operations of a talent agency

(11:00) Building a creator-led business

(16:30) Business model + where agency space is headed

(20:10) What are brands looking for?

(23:15) Advice for startups/brands looking to use creators

(25:00) Trends to watch in sports media

Cole Hock & Cody Hock:

Website: https://www.upnorthmgmt.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-hock-33961479/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-hock-2b80a696/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#33: Jake Hirabayashi - CEO, Co-Founder The Futures App | From pro athlete to entrepreneur | Building a sports tech app | Starting in one niche | B2B vs B2C | Digital trends to watch in athletics

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 01:07:16 GMT

Started by all former college & pro baseball players, The Futures App raised $2.65M to launch into the sports tech ecosystem.

The Futures App provides baseball players and coaches with an array of tools along with hosting the world's largest MLB drill database that features some of the game's biggest stars like Pete Alonso, Jazz Chisholm Jr, and Ryan Braun.

Prior to founding TFA, Jake Hirabayashi played college baseball at UCLA and spent some time in the Minnesota Twins minor league system.

Chapters:

(02:25) From pro athlete to entrepreneurship

(05:05) Why is now the time to build in sports?

(08:50) The Futures App overview

(09:35) Building B2B vs. B2C

(12:35) MLBPA partnership + shooting unique content

(16:35) Digital coaching ecosystem

(19:10) AI, machine learning, and sensors

(22:30) Trends to watch in sports

Jake Hirabayashi links:

Website: https://www.thefuturesapp.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jakehirabayashi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-hirabayashi-3585a2233/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (July 23-Aug 5)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 04:01:00 GMT

(01:20): Business of Athletes - KD invests in cycling, Zion Williamson is in trouble, and more

(06:00): NIL/College Sports - Pac12 is dying, Arch Manning deal, and interesting $5M collective agreement

(10:50): Sports Business - $70M VC fund, $1B Adidas x soccer team deal, and other important stories

#23: Peter Frintzilas - CEO TeamSnap | Commercialization of youth sports | Private equity vs. venture capital | NILs downstream impacts | B2B vs B2C in sports | Where sports tech is headed

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:00:08 GMT

TeamSnap is one of the largest sports technology companies in North America and Peter Frintzilas is leading the charge after Waud Capital purchased TeamSnap in 2020.

Founded in 2009, TeamSnap has over 24 million coaches, administrators, players, and parents that rely on their solutions for communication, scheduling, payment collection, registration, real-time game sharing, and more.

With NIL commercializing sports from top to bottom, TeamSnap is looking to capture the lag effect as it moves downstream.

Chapters:

(01:00) Private equity vs venture capital

(03:50) Role of an operating CEO

(07:15) Overcoming the challenges of building a company remotely

(09:40) Waud Capital’s interest in sports technology investments

(15:55) NIL and its impact on youth sports + LeagueSide acquisition

(17:30) B2B vs B2C in sports

(21:50) Youth sports market size & participation numbers

(25:45) Trends to watch in sports

Peter Frintzilas links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterfrintzilas/

Website: https://www.teamsnap.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (July 16-22)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 04:01:00 GMT

(00:10) Business of Athletes

(03:25) College Sports/NIL

(07:15) Sports Business

#5: Jacob Turner - MLB Player, Founder JL Strategic Wealth | The business of athletes | $5.5M contract at 18 years old | Every company is a media company | Money tips & advice

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 14:17:04 GMT

Jacob Turner was the 9th pick in the 2009 MLB draft and played professional baseball for over a decade. He is now building JL Strategic Wealth, a financial management firm for high-net-worth entrepreneurs and athletes. They work with several notable clients including MLB all-stars who made over 9 figures in earnings.

In this podcast, we talk about the business side of being an athlete, some cool stories from his playing days, why everyone should be posting content, and why the tax code is literally built for ownership to create wealth.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:00) Signing a $5.5M contract at 18 years old

(03:50) How’s he helping younger athletes today

(05:45) Traps to avoid when you fall into money + NIL

(09:05) His worst purchase as an athlete

(10:40) The rise of athletes as business moguls

(14:40) His biggest regret + advice on how we can ALL avoid it

(16:45) Every business is a media business (content arbitrage)

(21:00) Athletes as investors + why everyone should own equity

(24:25) Where sports are headed in the future
.
Jacob Turner links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSuddenWealth

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesuddenwealth/

Website: https://jlswealth.com/our-team/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (Jan 16-22)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMT

(00:30) Feel good stories

Sport Clips Haircuts held an event where they also donated $1.5M toward veterans' scholarships.
NBA forward Kyle Kuzma is donating $1 million to the YMCA in his hometown of Flint, Michigan.
The Green Bay Packers are donating $100,000 to provide 80 Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) to schools in Wisconsin.

(02:05) - Business of Athletes/Sports

Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter Usain Bolt is missing more than $12.7 million from an account with a Jamaican private investment firm.
Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment announced that it has purchased a major stake in Ripken Baseball.
Deal Box is launching a $125M venture arm, where they will look at “FunTech”, which includes action sports.
LIV Golf has finally found a home on American TV after striking a deal with the CW Network.
The Tennis Channel has deepened its partnership with Major League Pickleball and will now air the league's semifinal and finals.
Sports-focused NFT company Candy Digital announced a Series A extension funding round following reports Fanatics was selling of its 60% stake in Candy Digital.
EP Golf Ventures has invested in Sensible Weather, a climate risk technology company that has a partnership with the PGA.
Courtside Ventures has completed a $100M sports fund, their 3rd which includes athletes investors such as Larry Fitzgerald and Shaquille O’Neal.

(07:15) - Name, Image, and Likeness

Curastory is partnering with Tempus Ex Machina to allow Pac-12 players to post content on their social media platforms and earn 50% of the ad revenue they generate.
Penn State’s NIL collective, Success With Honor, has secured contracts with at least 1 athlete from all 31 varsity sports teams.
The College Athlete Protection Act was presented in California, which would require the state's college sports programs to share revenue with their athletes.

#176: Alex Bazzell, President of Unrivaled | Elevating Women’s Basketball: Innovation, Storytelling, and New Opportunities

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Unrivaled, led by President Alex and co-founded with WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, launches in Miami in January 2025. The league will showcase 30 top women athletes in an exciting 3v3 format, aiming to captivate basketball fans worldwide.

Alex also co-founded Through The Lens with Carmelo Anthony, a platform empowering athletes to build personal brands while retaining ownership. His work has supported athletes like Kyrie Irving and Candace Parker in expanding their influence.

With over nine years of experience coaching NBA and WNBA players and working directly with Kobe Bryant, Alex brings a passionate, mission-driven approach to advancing women’s sports.

Chapters:

(02:56) - The Vision Behind Unrivaled Basketball

(06:12) - The Impact of International Opportunities on Women’s Basketball

(09:01) - The State of Women’s Basketball and Future Prospects

(11:56) - Building Storylines and Character Development in Sports

(14:55) - Challenges and Insights on Building a New League

(17:59) - Innovative Approaches and Market Trends in Women’s Sports

Alex Bazzell:

Website: https://www.unrivaled.basketball/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-bazzell-35352090/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

#163: Ace Rodrigues - CEO, Founder Pickleball Kingdom | Franchising 300+ Pickleball Complexes

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 04:01:00 GMT

With over 300+ locations sold, Pickleball Kingdom is one of the fastest-growing franchises in sports.

Pickleball Kingdom is a holding company of pickleball facilities around the United States, serving players of all levels.

Ace Rodrigues is a serial entrepreneur jumping into the business of pickleball after first discovering the game a few years ago.

Chapters:

(02:00) Discovering pickleball

(05:45) Franchising model

(09:55) Navigating real estate

(12:35) Creating a player experience

(15:00) Building Pickleball Kingdom

(19:40) Future of pickleball

(24:40) Art of the game

(27:15) Roadmap at PK

Ace Rodrigues:

Website: https://pickleballkingdom.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ace-rodrigues-4907b7125/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#287: Jose Diaz, SMAC Entertainment - Managing Elite Talent & the Future of Athlete Brands

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Jose Diaz is the Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Communications at SMAC Entertainment, where he leads talent management, brand partnerships, content development, and media strategy. With more than a decade of experience across entertainment, sports, and consumer culture, Diaz plays a central role in shaping how modern athletes and personalities build enduring brands beyond the field.

At SMAC, Diaz works closely with high-profile talent to develop multi-platform initiatives spanning television, digital media, and branded ventures. His work sits at the intersection of storytelling, commerce, and culture—helping translate talent vision into scalable businesses and long-term partnerships while navigating an increasingly complex media landscape.

In this episode, Diaz shares insights into building athlete-driven IP, managing talent at the highest level, and how SMAC approaches content, partnerships, and growth in today’s sports and entertainment economy. A University of Southern California graduate, Diaz brings a strategic, operator’s perspective on what it takes to create relevance, longevity, and impact in modern sports media.

Podcast Chapters:

00:56 Jose's Journey: From Intern to EVP

03:33 The Evolution of Smack: Talent Management to Content Creation

07:58 Identifying Athletes Worth Investing In

11:25 Protecting the Athlete's Core Responsibilities

14:30 Navigating Brand Partnerships and Authenticity

19:32 The Rise of Flag Football and Deanna Flores

23:43 Leveraging Major Events for Talent Exposure

26:17 Building Community Around Athlete Brands

28:18 Memorable Projects and Impactful Moments

29:45 Staying Relevant in a Rapidly Changing Industry

Jose Diaz:

🏠 Website: https://www.smac-ent.com/

💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jdiaz021

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#285: Dov Penzik, No Strings - Reimagining Padel as Sports Entertainment

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Dov Penzik is a category-defining operator in competitive socializing and sports entertainment, best known for helping build and scale iconic concepts including Bounce, Flight Club Darts, and Puttshack. In this conversation, Dov shares how years of experience blending technology, hospitality, and play led him to his latest venture: No Strings, a next-generation padel platform designed to unlock frequency, accessibility, and engagement through real-time, in-game technology.

Joined by Michael Madding, COO and Co-Founder of Lucra, the discussion explores how data, gamification, and digital competition are transforming recreational sports. Michael breaks down Lucra’s mission to digitize friendly competition and explains why padel is uniquely positioned to benefit from tech-enabled formats, tournaments, and pricing models that increase loyalty and lifetime value for operators and players alike.

Together, Dov and Michael unpack the rapid growth of padel in the U.S. and globally, the challenges of court supply, pricing pressure, and commoditization, and why differentiation through technology and experience design is critical. The conversation offers a rare look at how sports, entertainment, and data are converging to build scalable, modern platforms that turn participation into community, and venues into ecosystems.

Podcast Chapters:

00:57 Dov Penzik's Background in Competitive Socializing
09:30 The Growth of the Padel Market
14:40 Integrating Technology in Recreational Sports
20:43 Differentiation in the Padel Space
24:26 The Future of No Strings and Upcoming Innovations

Dov Penzik:

🏠 Website: https://no-strings.co/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dov-penzik-0aba8061/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#218: Cory Heitz, PREP Athletics - Helping players to improve their college exposure

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Cory Heitz is the founder of PREP Athletics, a company dedicated to helping basketball players find the right-fitting prep schools. With over 15 years of experience coaching, scouting, and working with international and domestic athletes, Cory has placed players in over 55 prep schools across 35+ countries. His mission is to guide athletes through the complex prep school landscape, ensuring they maximize their exposure and opportunities for college recruitment.

PREP Athletics specializes in bridging the gap between athletes and prep schools, offering a pathway for players seeking better competition, academics, and overall development. Unlike traditional high schools or AAU programs, prep schools provide a structured environment to help athletes refine their skills and gain critical exposure to college programs.

Beyond basketball, Cory is also an entrepreneur and partner at Garrett LLC, where he focuses on brownfield redevelopment, commercial revitalization, and solar energy projects. His work in transforming contaminated industrial sites into thriving properties showcases his commitment to long-term growth—whether in sports or business.

Chapters:

06:01 - Cory Heitz's Journey to Founding Prep Athletics

11:56 - Understanding Prep Schools vs. Basketball Academies

17:55 - The Impact of NIL on Prep School Choices

20:12 - Incentive Models in Sports Contracts

23:19 - Innovative Ideas in Athlete Sponsorship

26:46 - The Evolution of Prep Schools

30:38 - Navigating the Prep School Landscape

34:55 - Business Opportunities in Prep Schools

Cory Heitz:

Website: https://prepathletics.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coryheitz/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#275: Dan Porter, Overtime - Redefining Sports for the Next Generation

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 06:53:47 GMT

Overtime is one of the most disruptive forces in modern sports — building new leagues, cultural IP, and storytelling for a generation raised on highlights, creators, and connection. Led by Dan Porter, Co-Founder and CEO, Overtime has evolved from a digital media pioneer into a global sports ecosystem operating OTE and OT Select (basketball), OT7 (football), and OTX (boxing) — engaging nearly 100 million fans across platforms.

Backed by top investors including Liberty Media, Andreessen Horowitz, Alexis Ohanian, Drake, and over 40 NBA and NFL players, Overtime’s mission is to reimagine how fans experience sports, how athletes grow their brands, and how culture drives community.

In this episode, Dan shares Overtime’s journey from content creation to league ownership, the power of Gen Z’s passion, and how storytelling, data, and innovation shape the future of sports. From NIL to AI to global fan engagement, this conversation explores what’s next for sports media and the new generation defining it.

Podcast Chapters:

01:09 The Evolution of Overtime: From Media to Elite Leagues
05:43 Lessons from COVID: Adapting to Change
09:05 Navigating the Landscape of Youth Sports and Capital Raising
09:41 Understanding the Audience: Gen Z and Their Interests
12:55 Cultural Insights: K-Pop, Demon Hunters, and Youth Engagement
16:14 Building a Community: Players, Creators, and Fans
18:50 Creating an Overtime Universe: Interconnected Stories
20:58 The Role of NIL in Athlete Development
23:47 Measuring ROI on Culture: Empowering Young Voices
28:08 Learning from the Margins: Insights from Small Creators
33:41 Kobe Bryant: A Lasting Impact and Lessons Learned

Dan Porter:

Website: https://itsovertime.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danporter/

#328: John WilliIs, Accelerate Sports Ventures - High School Sports the New College Sports?

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:25:11 GMT

John Willi is President of Accelerate Sports Ventures; John brings a uniquely holistic perspective to sports business, boasting a diverse career that spans every tier of the industry. From rolling up his sleeves as a young GM in minor league baseball and driving collegiate media rights at IMG College, to handling corporate partnerships for the New York Jets and advising World Cup host committees with Playfly, John has spent decades connecting with audiences from the grassroots to the global stage.

Today, John is leveraging that deep experience to scale Accelerate Holdings across the collegiate and high school sectors. While Accelerate's collegiate arms focus on NIL consultancy and alternative revenue generation, John leads Accelerate Media, a division dedicated to professionalizing the high school landscape. By executing regional market rollups, building premium broadcast networks like the Super Football Conference Network, and embedding revenue-share models that fund local scholarships, his team is unlocking a massive, historically fragmented market.

John unpacks the untapped potential of a high school sports industry that draws 500 million attendees annually. They dive into the strategy behind building localized, college-style media networks, how high schools are competing against the travel club circuit, and the mechanics of structuring deals through school district red tape. Finally, they discuss the critical responsibility of commercializing youth sports while protecting the amateur experience, highlighting the growing need for athlete education, mental health resources, and keeping the game fun.

Podcast Chapters:

02:39 John Willi’s Journey in Sports Management

05:19 Understanding Accelerate Media's Role in High School Sports

07:51 Strategic Approaches to High School Sports Media

10:42 The Impact of Club Sports on High School Athletics

13:16 Structuring Partnerships and Revenue Models

15:52 The Success of the Super Football Conference

18:54 Cross-Pollination of Opportunities within Accelerate

21:39 Future Trends in High School Sports Media

24:09 Challenges and Responsibilities in Youth Sports

26:48 Engaging Diverse Audiences in Sports Broadcasting

#324: Rick Wolf , DraftNation - Turning Draft Day into a National Holiday

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:03:00 GMT

Rick Wolf is founder of DraftNation 2026 and one of the early architects of the modern fantasy sports industry. Rick’s career traces back to IBM, where he worked on some of the first online fantasy baseball systems before the internet era, helping build foundational products for ESPN and later playing a key role in the rise of SportsLine, which evolved into CBS Sports. Over the decades, he went on to help scale and shape the fantasy ecosystem through RotoWorld (now NBC Sports Edge), Fantasy Alarm, and his long-standing involvement in industry leadership and advocacy through the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association.Rick brings a rare, full-stack perspective on fantasy sports, combining technical roots, media evolution, and industry governance. From programming early stat-based games in the late 80s to helping define how fantasy was structured, regulated, and commercialized, he has been at the center of almost every major shift in the space. Today, he is channeling that experience into DraftNation 2026, a live, in-person fantasy draft experience taking place at Circa Las Vegas, designed to bring leagues back together physically and turn draft day into a shared cultural moment.Rick explore the massive evolution of fantasy sports, from niche hobby to a 60+ million player global behavior and how it has reshaped fan engagement, media consumption, and even athlete identity. They dive into the rise of AI in fantasy decision-making, the shift toward player-centric fandom, and why live, in-person drafts are making a comeback in a digital-first world. The episode also unpacks DraftNation 2026 and the broader vision of turning fantasy draft day into a national celebration of sport, community, and competition.

Podcast Chapters:

02:58 The Evolution of Fantasy Sports and Its Mainstream Acceptance

05:49 Draft Nation 2026: A New Era of Fantasy Drafting

08:51 The Role of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association

12:10 Diverse Fantasy Formats and Community Engagement

15:01 The Impact of AI on Fantasy Sports

18:06 Emerging Trends in Fantasy Sports and New Leagues

20:57 The Future of Fantasy Sports and Generational Engagement

22:47 Changing Fan Dynamics: Player vs. Team Loyalty

24:38 The Rise of Player-Led Business Ventures

25:55 Celebrating Fantasy Football: A New National Holiday

28:43 Inclusivity in Fantasy Sports Events

32:18 The Fun Side of Fantasy: Punishments and Traditions

#318: Evan Dabby, New Jersey Youth Soccer - The World Cup Effect on U.S. Soccer

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:32:39 GMT

Evan Dabby is the CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer, one of the largest state soccer associations in the United States, serving more than 120,000 players annually. With over 25 years of experience across professional and grassroots soccer, Evan has played a key role in shaping the growth of the sport in America, from his time at Major League Soccer to leading youth soccer development throughout New Jersey.Before joining New Jersey Youth Soccer, Evan spent 15 seasons at Major League Soccer, overseeing major initiatives across event operations, competition management, team travel, sports medicine, venue operations, and league logistics. During a period of significant growth for MLS, he helped execute MLS Cup Finals, All-Star Games, and league-wide events while witnessing firsthand the evolution of soccer in the United States.Today, Evan leads New Jersey Youth Soccer's efforts to expand access, improve player development pathways, reduce barriers to participation, and strengthen the youth soccer ecosystem. Under his leadership, the organization has grown participation while maintaining affordable registration costs, expanding programs for underserved communities, and investing in coach education, player safety, and grassroots development.In this episode, Evan shares his perspective on the future of youth soccer in America, the challenges of pay-to-play, the importance of player retention and enjoyment, and how major events like the FIFA World Cup, Women's World Cup, and LA28 Olympics can accelerate the growth of the game. He also discusses the evolving youth soccer landscape, technology's role in player development, and why creating lifelong connections to sport matters far beyond the field.Podcast Chapters:02:27 The Evolution of Soccer in the U.S.05:15 Current Trends in Youth Soccer07:58 Stakeholders in Youth Soccer: A Complex Landscape10:40 New Jersey Youth Soccer: Mission and Impact13:21 The Role of Parents and Community in Youth Soccer15:52 Technology's Influence on Soccer Development18:33 Looking Ahead: Optimism and Challenges in Soccer21:12 The Buzz Around the World Cup24:07 Future Trends in Soccer: What to Watch For

#267: Peter Frintzilas, CEO of TeamSnap - Reshaping the Youth Sports Tech Industry

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 21:27:42 GMT

Peter Frintzilas is the Chief Executive Officer of TeamSnap. TeamSnap is the leading technology platform transforming how youth sports are organized, managed, and experienced. Serving millions of athletes, parents, coaches, and administrators worldwide, TeamSnap has become the go-to solution for simplifying scheduling, communication, registration, and payments in sports. By combining technology with community, the platform empowers organizations to focus less on logistics and more on what really matters—creating meaningful sports experiences.With more than 20 years of experience in technology, innovation, and leadership, Peter has a proven track record of scaling organizations and building strong teams. His background spans corporate strategy, product development, M&A, and go-to-market execution across disruptive technologies like cloud, mobile, data analytics, and AI. Now leading TeamSnap, Peter is driving the company’s vision to strengthen the youth sports ecosystem while creating value for players, families, and communities.Beyond his role as CEO, he’s also an active investor and advisor, passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs and supporting innovative companies. His career reflects a consistent theme—leveraging technology to enhance human connection, whether in business ecosystems or youth sports communities. This unique perspective makes him not just a tech leader, but also a champion of using innovation to create lasting social impact.

Chapters:

02:31 The Growth of Youth Sports Tech

05:07 Consolidation in the Sports Tech Industry

08:29 Programming and Technology Interplay

10:23 International Opportunities in Youth Sports

16:08 Investment Strategies in Youth Sports Tech

19:43 The Future of Youth Sports and Community Impact

Peter Frintzilas:

🏠 Website: https://www.teamsnap.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterfrintzilas/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#269: Mathew Focht, EMERGING - Building the Next Generation of Entertainment Destinations

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:14:02 GMT

Mathew D. Focht is the Founding Managing Partner of EMERGING, a growth equity and concept development firm helping best-in-class restaurant and entertainment operators scale nationally. With over 25 years of experience, Mathew has worked with hundreds of restaurant and entertainment founders and CEOs, guiding early-stage concepts and technology investments from inception to national recognition.

Mathew is the founder of EMERGING, Emerging Concepts, Consolidated Concepts, Acutely, and FB Insights. He has created operating companies focused on capital, real estate, supply chain, technology, and cost optimization. His portfolio includes prominent concepts such as Puttshack, F1 Arcade, Flight Club, Batbox, Blue Sushi, Federales, Silverspot Cinema, Pour House, City Works, Doc B’s, The PUB, Levity Live, Improv Comedy Club, Bar Louie, Cheesecake Factory, Brio, Bravo, Blue Martini, Hyde Park Steakhouse, Lucky Strike, and Houston’s.

Prior to founding EMERGING, Mathew served as Vice President and executive at RKF Retail Property Advisors, Sierra Advisors, Pyramid Companies, and Steiner & Associates, providing leasing, marketing, and consulting services to developers and emerging chains. He holds an MBA in Finance and Real Estate and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.

Podcast Chapters:

02:23 The Evolution of Experiential Social Entertainment

05:15 Data-Driven Approach to Scaling Concepts

08:02 Leveraging AI and Technology in Entertainment

12:00 Licensing, Avatars, and the Future of Guest Experiences

16:10 Growth Capital and Investment Strategy

20:05 Key Success Factors: Location, Team, Corporate, Technology

24:30 Sports Entertainment Districts and Global Expansion

29:35 Advice for Founders and Emerging Operators

33:21 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Mathew D. Focht:

🏠 Website:https://emerging.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-d-focht-89bb88b/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

#252: Mohit Pareek, Partner at Drake Star – Navigating Tech M&A and Global Investment Trends

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 04:59:19 GMT

Mohit Pareek, Partner at Drake Star, a FINRA-registered broker-dealer and global investment bank that focuses on tech and digital media. With over 500 transactions completed since 2003, Drake Star operates across key financial hubs including New York, London, Munich, and Dubai, serving high-growth sectors such as Software/SaaS, FinTech, Mobility, Consumer Tech, and Digital Media. Mohit brings a sharp perspective on deal-making, strategic exits, and how founders can position themselves for acquisition or investment in today’s competitive landscape.Drake Star’s unique strength lies in its global reach and deep sector expertise, enabling them to support founders from early-stage fundraising to multi-billion-dollar exits. Mohit has played a key role in leading cross-border transactions and advising fast-scaling tech companies, particularly in areas like HR Tech, Industrial Tech, and Sustainability. With capital markets evolving and innovation reshaping industries, Mohit shares actionable insights on navigating the complex world of tech M&A and what founders need to know to stand out.An interesting fact about Drake Star is that despite being a boutique firm, its global footprint and hands-on advisory model have earned it recognition as an award-winning investment bank, bridging the gap between high-growth companies and world-class investors across continents.Chapters: 01:00 – Introduction to Sports Tech and Investment Banking 02:23 – Market Overview: M&A Activity and Financing Trends 10:10 – Youth Sports: Investment Opportunities and Growth 16:24 – Capital Flow in Sports and Media Investments 21:37 – Public Market Recovery and Future Outlook

Mohit Pareek:

🏠Website: https://www.drakestar.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohitpareek/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

##248: Scott Goldman, Founder of AIQ+ - Mental Performance Meets AI

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Dr. Scott Goldman is a high performance and clinical psychologist with 25+ years of experience working with elite athletes and organizations in the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NCAA. His expertise extends across performance psychology, talent development, and organizational dynamics.

He’s also been a key advisor to the NCAA, co-authoring several mental health best practices and serving on its Mental Health Task Force. He holds fellow status with both the American Psychological Association and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, and has trained under Albert Ellis, creator of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy.

Dr. Goldman is the founder of AIQ+, a cutting-edge platform that combines decades of psychological insights with AI to assess and predict athletic intelligence. AIQ+ provides front offices, coaches, and players with instant, actionable data to improve talent acquisition, development, and performance. Designed to work alongside traditional evaluation tools, it helps teams identify trainability, mental agility, and decision-making under pressure—traits that often separate good athletes from great ones.

Chapters:

00:56 The Birth of AIQ: Merging Psychology and Sports
02:04 Understanding Athletic Intelligence Quotient (AIQ)
04:48 What Separates Good Athletes from Great Ones?
09:42 The Trainability of Mental Skills in Athletes
13:06 Misunderstandings in Athlete Cognitive Makeup
16:24 Using AIQ for Talent Selection and Development
20:11 Transferability of AIQ Beyond Sports
22:20 AIQ vs. Traditional Testing Methods
24:54 Leveraging AI and Data for Deeper Insights
28:07 The Future of AIQ and Its Expansion
31:43 Intelligent Athletes: Case Studies and Insights

Scott Goldman: 🏠Website: https://aiq.team/

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottgoldmanphd/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#246: Anthony Dittmann, founder OmegaBall - The Next Evolution of Soccer

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 03:24:59 GMT

Anthony Dittmann is a master of reimagining live sports. With over 25 years producing televised events for ESPN, the NFL, and NBC, he’s now channeling that expertise into the creation of an entirely new sport: OmegaBall. Combining innovation, speed, and spectacle, OmegaBall throws out traditional soccer rules in favor of a high-energy, three-team format built for the next generation of fans.

From the red carpet at the ESPYs to launching his own league, Anthony shares the story behind OmegaBall’s creation, how his background in event production helped bring it to life, and why he believes this could be the next big thing in global sports entertainment. OmegaBall is headed to the national stage with its biggest moment yet — the 2025 OmegaBall World Invitational airing live on ESPN2 from Disney’s Wide World of Sports on August 1st.

Chapters:

00:57 The Concept Behind Omega Ball

02:40 The Evolution of Omega Ball

05:40 Player Demographics and Recruitment

06:57 Business Model and Future Growth

09:36 Education and Market Awareness

12:40 Creating a Compelling TV Product

15:25 Reception from Traditional Soccer Community

17:29 Technology and Future Opportunities

Anthony Dittmann: 🏠Website: https://omegaball.com/💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-dittmann-a0037386/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#237: Andres Cantor, Founder of Fútbol de Primera | Elevating Soccer in the U.S. for Over 35 Years

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 07:01:00 GMT

For more than three decades, Andres has been at the center of soccer’s rise in the United States. As the founder and daily host of Fútbol de Primera—the country’s longest-running syndicated soccer radio network—he’s helped shape how millions of fans experience the game. With exclusive U.S. radio rights to all FIFA tournaments, his network will broadcast this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup, adding another milestone to its historic run.Beyond the mic, Andres is stepping into a new era: in 2025, he’ll serve as an English-language broadcaster for Turner Sports at the FIFA Club World Cup—marking a high-profile shift from decades of iconic Spanish-language calls on Telemundo and Univision. From the evolution of fútbol’s U.S. footprint to what’s next as the country prepares to host the 2026 Men’s World Cup and the expected 2031 Women’s World Cup, Andres offers an unmatched perspective on the game’s past, present, and future.Chapters01:00 – Countdown to the 2026 World Cup02:53 – The Business of Soccer Media06:02 – Navigating Dual Careers in Sports Media12:01 – Trends in Global Soccer23:55 – The Future of Soccer Formats

Andres Cantor: 🏠 Website: https://fdpradio.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andr%C3%A9s-cantor-82a492111/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

#174: - Tyrre Burks, Founder and CEO Player's Health | Protecting the Future of Youth Sports: Safety, Accessibility, and Players Health

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 07:01:00 GMT

Players Health, founded by Tyrre Burks, is transforming youth sports by creating safer, more accessible environments for athletes. Focused on injury prevention, risk management, and safety solutions, the company helps sports organizations provide a better experience for young athletes, ensuring their well-being both on and off the field.

Through initiatives like the Microgrant Campaign, Players Health has directly impacted youth sports by funding participation for underprivileged kids across the U.S. In 2022 alone, 75 children from 20 states received grants to cover the cost of playing sports. This initiative highlights the company's commitment to making sports accessible for all.

Tyrre Burks, a former football player, founded Players Health after his own struggles with injuries on the field. His firsthand experience drives his passion for athlete safety and inspired him to create a solution that bridges the gap between accessibility and protection in youth sports.

Chapters:

(03:11) - Transition from Athlete to Entrepreneur

(06:06) - The Impact of NIL on Athletes

(08:59) - Understanding Players Health and Its Mission

(11:49) - Insurance in Professional Sports

(14:54) - Navigating the College Sports Landscape

(18:09) - Youth Sports: Trends and Challenges

(20:57) - Future Trends in Sports and Insurance

Tyrre Burks

Website: https://www.playershealth.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyrreburks/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (March 20-26)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 04:01:51 GMT

(01:10) Business of Athletes

NFL QBs invest in women's sports and TMRW sports get more money from big-time athletes.

(3:45) NIL/College Sports

Strange NIL deal at Texas A&M + Charles Barkley sounds off on politicians about NIL.

(7:00) Business of Sports

More youth sports x entertainment companies raising big Series A rounds.

#316: Kira Pritchard and Jon Solomon - The Future of Soccer

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Kira Pritchard and Jon Solomon are leading voices in youth sports development and access, working to create healthier, more equitable pathways for young athletes through research, philanthropy, and community impact. Together, they recently collaborated on the State of Soccer in New York City & North Jersey report, an in-depth examination of the opportunities, challenges, and future of youth soccer in one of the most influential regions in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kira Pritchard serves as Program Director at The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, a New York City-based philanthropic organization focused on expanding access and opportunity through arts, education, health, and youth development initiatives. She helps lead the Fund’s Play to Thrive initiative, a $10 million multi-year effort designed to leverage youth sports as a vehicle for mental health, well-being, and community connection.Through partnerships with organizations such as Gotham FC, Street Soccer USA, South Bronx United, and City Parks Foundation, Kira works to increase access to quality sports experiences and address barriers facing young athletes, particularly girls and underserved communities.Jon Solomon is the Editorial Director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program and Project Play initiative, where he helps lead national efforts to increase youth sports participation and improve the quality of sports experiences for children across the United States. Through Project Play, Jon works alongside leagues, governing bodies, brands, municipalities, and community organizations to create more accessible, affordable, and youth-centered sports systems. His work includes research on youth participation trends, coaching development, athlete well-being, and the growing challenges surrounding the commercialization of youth sports.

Chapters:

01:10 The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund and Youth Sports

04:22 Research Insights on Youth Soccer Participation

07:55 Bridging Theory to Practice in Youth Sports

11:48 Commercialization and Corporate Partnerships in Youth Sports

14:18 Steering the Future of Youth Sports

18:25 Local Champions and Community Engagement

21:10 Leveraging Digital Communities for Youth Engagement

24:20 The World Cup Opportunity for Youth Soccer

28:05 The Future of Youth Sports Development

31:29 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts

#294: Andrew Spalter, East Goes Global: Unlocking Sports & Entertainment Markets Worldwide”

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:02:41 GMT

Andrew Spalter, Founder and CEO of East Goes Global, joins the show to break down what it actually takes to build and operate globally in sports, entertainment, and consumer brands. What began in 2018 as a focused effort to solve one of the most complex markets in the world has evolved into a fully integrated international operating partner. Spalter built East Goes Global by creating real in-market infrastructure where Western platforms don’t exist and surface-level localization fails, laying the groundwork for scalable global expansion.Under his leadership, East Goes Global has launched and managed more than 700 international channels, grown over 200 million followers, and driven over $100 million in commercial opportunities. The company now operates as an embedded extension of its partners’ teams, owning international execution across social, paid media, creators, partnerships, experiential activations, broadcast distribution, and monetization. Rather than fragmented regional efforts, Spalter has built a unified system that aligns strategy, execution, and measurement across markets.In this conversation, Spalter explains why global growth requires cultural fluency, operational rigor, and accountability; not just translation. He shares how teams, leagues, athletes, and major entertainment IP convert international demand into sustainable revenue, why most “global” strategies fall short, and how owning execution inside native platforms creates real long-term market presence.Podcast Chapters:01:17 Andrew's Journey from Music to Sports Marketing04:19 Identifying Opportunities in Global Markets07:40 Engagement Strategies with NBA Teams and Athletes11:30 The Role of Content Surrogacy in Marketing13:30 The Impact of AI on Sports Marketing15:45 Exploring Global Trends and Cultural Insights17:30 Common Mistakes in Global Expansion19:05 Staying Relevant in Diverse Markets20:29 Overlooked Revenue Opportunities in International Markets22:18 Selecting Clients and Building Partnerships23:48 Adopting Innovative Strategies in Emerging Markets25:16 Memorable Campaigns and Client Success Stories27:37 Parting Insights and Future Aspirations

#264: Steve Strawbridge, President & CEO of Pop Warner - Building the Future of Youth Football

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:15:43 GMT

Steve Strawbridge, President & CEO of Pop Warner, joins the show to discuss the legacy and future of one of America’s most iconic youth sports organizations. With a century of history behind it, Pop Warner has become the gold standard in youth football, cheerleading, and now flag football, helping millions of young athletes build character, confidence, and a lifelong love for sports.

Before leading Pop Warner, Steve spent over 20 years with the Philadelphia Eagles, building deep expertise in sponsorships, partnerships, and fan engagement. His career has been marked by growing brands, creating meaningful community connections, and expanding opportunities for athletes at every level. At Pop Warner, he’s using that experience to elevate the organization’s reach and impact, ensuring it continues to thrive in a changing sports landscape.

Fun fact: Pop Warner alumni include NFL legends like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Emmitt Smith—proof of the program’s role in shaping generations of elite athletes. Steve and his team continue to build on that tradition, blending grassroots development with a vision for the next 100 years of youth sports.

Podcast Chapters:

02:41 Steve Strawbridge's Journey in Sports Management

05:21 The Business of Football: Insights from the NFL

08:15 Assessing and Innovating at Pop Warner

11:19 The Role of Technology and Safety in Youth Sports

13:53 The Growth of Flag Football and Partnerships

16:35 Cheer and Dance: Expanding Pop Warner's Offerings

19:32 The Impact of Private Equity on Youth Sports

22:07 Future Goals for Pop Warner

#300: Justin Hoveler, President of U.S. Sports Camps - Building a Sports Empire Through Camps

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:21:53 GMT

Justin Hoveler, President of U.S. Sports Camps, has spent his life immersed in athletics, growing up in a family that helped pioneer the youth camp industry nearly 50 years ago. From playing multiple sports as a kid to competing in college and working across the sports ecosystem, Justin brings a deeply personal and professional perspective to youth development. His journey—from early exposure to camps to leading one of the most established platforms in the space—reflects a lifelong commitment to keeping sports accessible, impactful, and fun for the next generation.

Today, Justin leads U.S. Sports Camps under the broader Youth Enrichment Brands umbrella, working with top coaches and partners to deliver best-in-class camp experiences across the country and globally. The organization focuses on creating environments where kids can explore sports without pressure, develop skills, and build confidence. With a strong emphasis on multi-sport participation, local accessibility, and coach-led experiences, Justin and his team are navigating industry shifts—from rising costs and early specialization to NIL pressures and emerging sports like flag football—while staying rooted in their core mission: keeping kids engaged in sports through joy and discovery.

In this episode, Justin joins Profluence podcast to unpack the evolving youth sports landscape; from the importance of fun and experimentation to the realities of commercialization, cost, and participation decline. They explore how camps serve as a critical entry point for young athletes, the balance between innovation and fundamentals, and how organizations can better support coaches and parents alike. The conversation also dives into global expansion, emerging sports trends, and why the future of sports depends on creating positive, inclusive experiences that keep kids playing longer.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (September 11-17)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 12:01:36 GMT

Audio Timeline:

1:30 - Feel good stories

* Steph Curry donates 25 million meals and MJ’s financial literacy course

3:30 - Business of Athletes

* Former NBA star Pau Gasol has invested in Colvin, a flower marketplace based in Spain.

* Arena Club, a new sports card collecting platform co-founded by Derek Jeter, has officially launched.

* Perch, a weightlifting camera and data startup, has raised a $4M funding round that includes an investment from Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones.

* Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Kyle Rudolph, Ndamukong Suh, Rob Dyrdek, and Luke Kuechly have all invested in the $6.5M Series A round of sports nutrition company, Momentous.

* Chris Paul has invested in Umaro Foods, a Berkeley-based startup pioneering the use of red seaweed protein in plant-based meats.

8:50 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* One of the top collegiate golfers, David Puig, has forgone his senior season to join LIV golf.

* Scott Frost’s $16M buyout at Nebraska raises questions.

* Texas spent $600,000+ on football recruits (in just two weekends).

13:00 - Future of Sports

* Bridgestone Golf is partnering with LinksDAO to venture into the world of Web3.

* New York Times is bringing advertisements to The Athletic on top of its subscription model.

* Concussions among NFL players mandated to wear Guardian Cap equipment dropped by more than 50% this summer compared to the previous three-year average, according to data released Wednesday

* A LendingTree survey shows that 41% of us will spend money on sports this fall, at an average of $664 on average.

* Ares Management Corporation, a leading global alternative investment manager, announced that it has raised $3.7B of dedicated capital focused exclusively on investing in sports properties.

* Cerebro Sports, a basketball data analytics company, has received backing from Mark Cuban who led their pre-seed funding.

Interesting Stat

Last week, I featured where college football players come from — so let’s take a look at where college basketball players come from.

Of the 5,510 Division I men's college basketball players, 85% of them come from the United States.

California, Texas, and Georgia have produced the most D1 hoopers — and big cities like Houston, Chicago, LA, Baltimore, and New York City have the highest concentration.

Heading to the international scene…

Canada is the foreign country with the most players (146), ahead of Australia (66) and Nigeria (42).

All in all, basketball is a worldwide sport with the average D1 team having 2.3 players on their roster from a country other than the United States.

It makes me laugh when parents think their kid is going D1 just cause he scored 20 points in a high school game — you’re competing against the world for a spot, not just your local area.

Short Passage of The Week:

We often think we need a “perfect map of the future” to get started. What we actually need is “a general direction.”

* Big career decisions don’t come with a map, but all you need is a compass.

* The right next move is the one that brings you a step closer to living your core values.

* In an unpredictable world, you can’t make a master plan. You can only gauge whether you’re on a meaningful path.

Sourc

#296: Joe Hollywood, Whatnot - Inside the World of Sports Card Breaking

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:04:29 GMT

Joe Hollywood is the founder and host of one of the top sports collectibles shows on Whatnot, where he has built a massive community around live sports card breaking and memorabilia. What started as selling cards next to a hot water heater in his basement has grown into a full-scale operation with nearly 40 employees and live shows that attract thousands of collectors and fans. Through his platform, Joe has helped transform the sports collectibles experience into an interactive, community-driven form of live entertainment.Known for his high-energy broadcasts and deep knowledge of the collectibles market, Joe has become a leading voice in the world of sports cards and memorabilia. His shows feature rare pulls, major giveaways, and a loyal community of collectors who tune in daily. By combining live commerce, storytelling, and fan engagement, Joe has helped push sports collectibles into a new era of digital-first fandom.In this episode of the Profluence Sports Podcast, Joe joins Scott to share his journey into the collectibles world, the growth of card breaking, and how platforms like Whatnot are reshaping the sports memorabilia market. They discuss the rise of live commerce, the global expansion of the collectibles industry, and why community has become the most valuable asset in the space.Podcast Chapters:02:49 Understanding Card Breaking and Community Building05:21 The Evolution of Collectibles and Their Value08:22 The Intersection of Physical and Digital Collectibles11:21 Transitioning from Hobby to Business16:43 Building Community and Real-World Impact19:30 Bridging Digital Engagements to In-Person Experiences22:04 Building Connections and Community in Sports Memorabilia24:26 Nostalgia and Legacy in Sports28:04 The Mechanics of a Successful Memorabilia Business32:16 Emerging Trends in the Memorabilia Market36:19 Unforgettable Moments in Memorabilia Collecting

#190: Matt Joyce – Former MLB All-Star & Entrepreneur | From Pro Baseball to Business Success

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 17:00:00 GMT

Matt Joyce, a 17-year professional baseball player, made his mark in Major League Baseball with 14 seasons, most notably with the Tampa Bay Rays. A 2011 MLB All-Star, Matt earned a reputation as a consistent and versatile outfielder during his career from 2008 to 2021.

Now retired from professional baseball, Matt has seamlessly transitioned into the business world. He is the owner and operator of five F45 Training gyms across the Tampa Bay area, focused on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. Additionally, Matt is a partner in Guardian Baseball, an e-commerce brand providing accessible baseball equipment, and co-owner of the Empire League, an independent baseball league supporting rising talent. Beyond business, Matt serves as a broadcaster for Bally Sports, sharing his expertise with a broader audience.

With a proven history of success in sports industries and business, Matt is highly skilled in entrepreneurship, athlete development, fitness, marketing, and public speaking. In this episode, he discusses his journey from pro athlete to business leader, the importance of culture and community, and his approach to providing value and making an impact.

Chapters:
(1:00) - Intro to Matt Joyce and his story
(5:15) - Navigating life after baseball
(10:29) - The role of community and giving back
(15:30) - The importance of culture and community in sports and business
(18:50) - Learning to provide value to others

Matt Joyce
💼 LinkedIn: Matt Joyce

Andrew Petcash
🏠 Website: Profluence
🐣 Twitter: @andrewpetcash
💼 LinkedIn: Andrew Petcash

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#196: Sean Flaherty - CEO of Playeasy | Revolutionizing Sports Tourism

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Founded in 2018 to streamline the connection between sports events and host venues, Playeasy has grown into the leading sports tourism platform in the United States. Today, it connects over 300 cities, 14,000 sports facilities, 5,000 sports events, 20,000 restaurants and attractions, and 13,000 hotels.

Playeasy supports destinations, event operators, and visitors at every stage of the sports tourism life cycle—from event venue selection and visitor experiences to post-event economic impact reporting. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and AI, Playeasy is transforming how cities engage with travelers and redefining the sports tourism experience. Chapters: (01:04) - Sean’s Journey: From Football Player to Co-Founder of Playeasy (04:36) - Navigating Business Challenges During COVID (09:07) - The Evolution of Playeasy’s Business Model (13:59) - Understanding Sports Tourism and Its Economic Impact (18:55) - Leveraging AI for Enhanced Visitor Experiences (23:31) - Building Trust and Adoption in Technology (28:06) - Future Aspirations for Community Engagement Sean Flaherty 🏠 Website: https://www.playeasy.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-flaherty-2481044b/ Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/ Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#59: Brandon Harris - CEO, Founder Playmaker HQ | From Idea to $54M Acquisition by Better Collective

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 04:01:00 GMT

In July 2023, Better Collective acquired Playmaker HQ for up to $54M with $15M upfront.

Playmaker is a sports media platform, content machine, and emerging talent agency.

Brandon Harris is a long-time entrepreneur who has spent over a decade building in sports.

Chapters:

(01:20) Entrepreneurial path

(03:45) Overview of Playmaker

(05:20) Scaling to 70 employees

(08:00) Business lessons learned

(12:00) Better Collective acquisition

(17:00) Future plans post-buy

(19:00) Sports media trends to watch

(21:50) Advice for startups creating content

Brandon Harris:

Website: https://playmakerhq.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisnext/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#128: Jared Kleinstein - CEO/Founder Gondola & Fresh Tape Media | Insights on Sports Content + Social Media

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Before launching his own agency, Jared was Head of Sports at Twitter/Vine helping establish deep ties within the social media world.

Changing the way credit works for social content with Gondola and making creative content for sports leagues, teams, brands, and media companies with Fresh Tape Media.

Jared shares valuable insights into content creation, trends in social media, sports, highlighting the evolution of content, the impact of technology, and the future of content creation tools.

Chapters:

(01:20) Jared’s sports background

(05:35) Vine walked so TikTok could run

(07:15) Gondola and Fresh Tape Media

(14:30) Trends in social media

(17:30) Thoughts on AR/VR & content

(22:45) Future ideas

Jared Kleinstein:

Gondola: https://gondola.cc/

Fresh Tape Media: https://www.freshtapemedia.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-kleinstein/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#134: Troy Jones - CEO, Co-Founder StatusPRO | Sports Tech and XR Gaming + $20M Google Ventures Raise

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 13 May 2024 04:01:00 GMT

StatusPRO recently received $20m in funding including an investment from Google’s venture arm to transform training and gaming in sports.

StatusPRO is a sports technology company that combines data, XR, and real-life experiences to provide a revolutionary suite of training and gaming products.

Troy Jones is a former D1 quarterback who spent time at the NFLPA and Goldman Sachs before coming up with the StatusPRO idea and building alongside former NFL player Andrew Hawkins.

Chapters:

(01:20) Troy’s athlete and business background

(07:10) Scaling StatusPro learnings

(12:10) Getting Lamar Jackson involved

(14:30) Training vs. Gaming side of StatusPro

(16:50) AR/VR/XR state of the market

(19:55) Trends to watch in sports

(22:50) StatusPRO post-$20m raise

(26:00) Limiting social media

Troy Jones:

StatusPRO: https://www.status.pro/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-jones-jr-mba-582b60163/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#44: Evan Kirkham - CEO, Co-Founder Outlier | Sports betting super app | Law background benefits as a founder | 5-year PAPSA anniversary | Sports betting & tech trends | Pivoting a company

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 18 May 2023 04:01:58 GMT

Outlier raised over $3M to pivot their original idea and build the first-of-its-kind sports betting platform where sports fans can browse, analyze, and execute bets with confidence.

Evan Kirkham was previously a litigation attorney before jumping into the sports tech founder seat (which gives him a unique perspective on the market).

Recorded near the 5th anniversary of PAPSA, which legalized mobile sports betting in the US, this was a very insightful conversation as Outlier is attempting to build a sports betting super app.

Chapters:

(01:05) From attorney to sports tech founder

(04:00) Legalese and ChatGPT

(05:55) Pivot from Colorcast to Outlier

(12:15) Advice for founders pivoting a company

(14:05) Revenue model

(17:15) Acquiring and retaining customers

(20:20) Sports betting market overview

(24:55) Trends to watch in sports

Evan Kirkham:

Website: https://outlier.bet/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-kirkham-581b1220/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#22: Patrik Olsson - CEO, Co-Founder Spiideo | Sports Camera Race | Scaling a Niche B2B Product | Sports Tech Trends to Watch | Hardware vs Software | Where AI is headed

Andrew Petcash — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 00:02:27 GMT

AI video cameras/software is exploding across the globe and Patrik Olsson is at the forefront of it at Spiideo.

Patrik was previously a Vice President at Sony (where he helped pioneer Bluetooth technology).

You’ll enjoy this episode as we discuss AI, the evolution of sports cameras, and the growing sports tech industry.

Chapters:

(00:55) Pioneering Bluetooth technology (& difficulties with hardware products)

(04:50) Where the idea for Spiideo stemmed from

(07:50) Starting in niche markets

(10:40) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs & Patrik’s non-scalable trick

(11:50) Scaling Spiideo globally

(13:30) Competitive landscape Veo vs Spiideo vs Pixellot vs Hudl

(18:05) Rapid rise of artificial intelligence

(20:15) How sports tech is transforming the industry

(25:05) AI impacting sports (and the world)

Patrik Olsson links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podata

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/polsson/?originalSubdomain=se

Website: https://www.spiideo.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#37: Malaika Underwood - Interim CEO OneTeam Partners | Group licensing in college sports | Growing women’s sports | Unionizing college athletes | Innovation in sports & player’s associations

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 04:01:39 GMT

OneTeam Partners aligns with world-class player's associations and helps athletes maximize their name, image, and likeness rights by focusing on four key areas: group licensing, athlete marketing, content, and venture investing.

RedBird Partners sold 40% of their stake in OneTeam at a $1.9B valuation in 2022.

Malaika Underwood was previously a VP at the Brandr Group and IMG. She is also a member of the USA women’s baseball team.

Chapters:

(02:00) Malaika’s athletic background

(04:45) OneTeam’s initiatives in NIL

(10:10) Challenges of group licensing in college sports

(13:20) Overview of OneTeam Partners

(15:30) Setting up a player’s association in college

(19:50) New innovations OneTeam is looking at

(24:40) Growth of women’s sports

Malaika Underwood links:

Website: https://joinoneteam.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/oneteampartners

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malaika-underwood-11979b8/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

209: The Future of Racquet Sports: Investment, Innovation & Growth

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT

This month’s panel explored the rapidly evolving landscape of racquet sports, highlighting key investment trends, technological advancements, and the growing influence of community-driven initiatives. As racquet sports like padel, pickleball, and tennis continue to surge in popularity, industry leaders are shaping the future with innovative strategies and bold investments.

Key topics included the rise of padel and its investment potential, technological innovations in racquet sports, the role of community and social engagement, market trends, and the revitalization of sports infrastructure.

The panel featured insights from:
🎙️ CiCi Bellis – Former Professional Tennis Player
🎙️ Robyn Duda – Co-founder, RacquetX
🎙️ Marcus Jansson-Ryan – CEO, EEP Capital

Chapters:
6:02 - The Rise of Padel and Investment Opportunities
8:58 - Technological Advances in Racquet Sports
12:12 - Community and Social Aspects of Racquet Sports
14:52 - Market Trends and Brand Collaboration
21:15 - Public Access and Local Government Involvement
27:39 - Revitalizing Racquet Sports Infrastructure
33:09 - Exploring Emerging Racquet Sports
39:05 - Investment Trends in Racquet Sports
46:04 - Innovations in Racquet Sports Technology
48:06 - Global Perspectives on Racquet Sports Adoption

🔗 Connect with the Panelists:
CiCi Bellis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cici-bellis-750926182/
Robyn Duda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynduda/
Marcus Jansson-Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jansson-ryanmarcus/

🎙️ Hosts:
Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber
🏠 Website: https://profluence.com
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash
💼 LinkedIn: Andrew Petcash | Scott Garber

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to hit “follow” to stay updated on future podcasts.

The NCAA's New Rules, Facebook Entering NIL, and NBA Players Cheated Out of $5M

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 20:00:44 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:41 - NIL deal helps a mother see her son play for the first time

1:24 - Lebron’s oldest son signs his first endorsement deal

2:27 - Former NBA players get cheated out of their $5M investment

4:40 - New York sports betting update (billions exchanged)

5:22 - Jason Terry signs with unique 1-on-1 personal training company

6:14 - Stats behind college athletes in the olympics

6:57 - Two new NCAA rules: Marijuana and AAU basketball

8:36 - Two NIL stories: $10k baseball deal and Meta’s partnership

11:06 - Bill Belichick’s scholarship for HS athletes, Wave Sports x Antetokounmpo

Tweet(s)

Check this out. Some cool new tech out of baseball.

I put out a thread of statements made by Ukrainian and Russian athletes + how you can help support them.

Short Passage of The Week

“FOCUS”

Every moment of our lives is an opportunity to train our minds to focus.

* When you are working, lock in.

* When you're training, lock in.

* When you’re at dinner, lock in.

* When you’re listening to the feelings of a loved one, lock in.

* When you're meditating, lock in.

We only experience love, beauty, and things that are true in the present moment. If we don’t have the ability to be present and lock in long enough, we miss the important moments in life. The only moment is now, lock in. - Dr. Michael Gervais, High-Performance Psychologist

Recommended Show

“Jeen-Yuhs” - Kanye West’s New Documentary

This new doc is well-made and very inspirational. Although it is entertainer focused, anyone with plans to do big things in life will enjoy the hustle.

My main takeaways:

* dream big

* don’t let others define who you are

* stay loyal to those who are in your corner from day one

You can watch it here on Netflix.

Interesting Stat

Rate of Return Matters - Investing

The math of percentages shows that as losses get larger, the return necessary to recover to break-even increases at a much faster rate.

A loss of 10 percent necessitates an 11 percent gain to get back to even….

Increase that loss to 25 percent and it takes a 33 percent gain to get back to even.

If your returns average 5 percent per year after the loss, it can take almost 7 years to get back to even….

What To Keep An Eye On This Week

* The MLB lockout and its major monetary implications

* Increased sanctions against Russian national teams

* Conference tournaments for men’s and women’s NCAA basketball begin this week. March Madness is here! Expect to see new NIL deals come out before the dance begins.

Quote

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

March is here. 1/6 of 2022 is done.

Keep moving the needle forward.

-AP

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.petcashpost.com

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (August 21-27)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 12:00:38 GMT

Audio Timeline:

1:30 - Feel good stories

* An update on John Daly’s heartwarming donation and Kobe Bryant’s wife

3:15 - Business of Athletes

* Enhanced water company, Lemon Perfect, has brought on tennis star Sloane Stephens as an investor and ambassador.

* Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick is launching his co-founded NFT platform FanField this fall.

* The Player’s Impact, a venture capital firm for athletes, has launched its own internal communication system for the 190 members.

* Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy teamed up to create TMRW Sports, which is in partnership with the PGA tour for their new league, The TGL.

* Bill Ackman’s Prysym Capital invested $26M in Winners Alliance, a for-profit affiliate of the Professional Tennis Players Association designed to help professional tennis players pursue business opportunities

10:00 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* The first team-wide high school NIL deal

* Hooters makes a unique move in football

* A look at some interesting deals from this past week

15:05 - Future of Sports

* Smart training application, Perform, has raised $1.2M for its application which marries human coaching elements with intelligent features.

* The Dallas Cowboys are the first NFL team to generate over $1B in annual revenue and the first team to be assessed at an $8 billion valuation.

* Sport Buff, a live-streaming tool designed to create social games around video content, has raised $2.5M in seed funding.

* EA Sports and Learfield are teaming up for the LevelNext collegiate esports league, that holds a $150,000 cash prize for the Madden champion.

* Esports franchise Valhallan, announced its acquisition of the United Federation of Esports Athletes (UFEA) league

Interesting Stat

The mean number of injuries suffered per game in the NFL is approximately 4.9 times higher than the sum of other professional leagues.

Teams don't want to pay for that kind of risk any more than they have to.

Higher risk = lower guaranteed contracts.

Short Passage of The Week

* We can't change our past, but we can change our perspective.

* We can't change our past, but we can choose to learn from it.

* We can't change our past, but we can change our future.

"When one door closes another door opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us."

Passage by Clint Hurdle

Interesting thread right here:

It still blows my mind that Blockbuster had the chance to buy Netflix for only $50M and turned it down.

#339: Jonas Gundersen - CEO, Fusion Esports Group | MCO model in Esports

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 06:25:08 GMT

Former Counter-Strike professional turned tech executive Jonas Gundersen has built a career navigating high-growth, fast-changing industries. From quitting school at 16 to compete globally, to coaching poker, scaling SaaS startups in San Francisco, and taking Ninjas in Pyjamas public on the NASDAQ as COO, Jonas's journey reflects the modern operator's playbook. Today, as Founder and CEO of Fusion Esports Group, he is leveraging his background across competitive gaming and software to pioneer a new, sustainable investment model for the gaming ecosystem. Fusion Esports Group was created to solve the unit-economic breakdowns currently facing traditional esports. Rather than relying on fragile venture capital dynamics or massive cash burn, Fusion operates as a micro-private equity holding company focused on acquiring distressed or severely undervalued assets. A year ago, Fusion made waves by acquiring the legendary Danish organization Astralis—four-time World Champions in Counter-Strike—stabilizing the business to profitability and setting a precedent for disciplined operations in gaming culture.Jonas unpacks how the business of gaming is evolving and why consolidation is the future. They dive into Fusion’s Multi-Club Ownership (MCO) strategy, modeled after groups like Fenway Sports Group and City Football Group, and discuss how holding companies can acquire team brands, creator channels, and high-margin product offerings to convert fan attention into sustainable, $50M+ profitable enterprises.

Podcast Chapters:02:28 - From Professional Counter-Strike to Serial Builder

04:26 - Aging Out of Gaming Skills vs. Transitioning to Business

07:45 - The Micro-PE Playbook: Acquiring Distressed Gaming Assets

09:49 - Why Fusion Acquired 4x World Champions Astralis

12:38 - Understanding Astralis: Legacy, Roster, & Counter-Strike Ecosystem

15:25 - The Global Esports Circuit: Travel, Federations, & Viewership Scale

19:27 - The Multi-Club Ownership Model (FSG & City Football Group for Gaming)

22:22 - The Kylie Jenner Playbook: Turning Attention into $50M Products

26:05 - Where to Follow Jonas & Fusion Group

The LIV/PGA Tour Breakdown You've Been Waiting For

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 09:29:16 GMT

Happy Monday,

Decided to change it up for today’s post…

I got probably a dozen emails/DM’s over the weekend asking for a breakdown of the situation taking place in golf between LIV and the PGA Tour.

As I’m sure you can imagine, these in-depth breakdowns take a lot of time and research.

As I began to jot out some notes I realized it was going to be a really long article.

It made more sense to do these two things:

* Record a podcast breaking it down

* Provide you with some articles for further reading

I recorded the podcast alongside my friend Jared Doerfler who covers the business of golf at Perfect Putt.

You can listen to that above by:

* Clicking “Listen Now”

* If you prefer to listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify press “Open in Player” or “Listen On”

Here are the segments we covered with timestamps:

0:00 - Intro to LIV + recap of their 1st event

3:35 - Tarnishing the legacy of golfers?

6:40 - Current process from college to pro golf

10:15 - 250th NBA player vs. 250th PGA Tour player

13:35 - Would teams work in pro golf?

17:30 - Greg Norman and the Saudis

23:40 - The future of LIV golf

26:45 - Impact on endorsements

30:40 - NIL’s effect on amateur/college golf

Here are some articles I enjoyed reading on the topic:

LIV from London by Jack Raines

LIV Golf has money to blow by Liam Killingstad

PGL and LIV: A Business Breakdown by Jared Doerfler

Let’s get after it this week!

“Stay away from people who try to disparage your ambitions. Small minds will always do that, but great minds will give you a feeling that you can become great too.” — Mark Twain

Peace,

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.petcashpost.com

#226: Dave Checketts, Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital Fund | The Future of Global Sports Ownership

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

The Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital Fund is a newly launched $1.2B private equity fund focused on investing in sports franchises and related assets around the world. Led by longtime sports executive Dave Checketts and backed by the Eccles family of Utah, the fund aims to shape the next generation of global sports ownership, operations, and media engagement.

Dave Checketts has spent a lifetime in sports leadership—from serving as team president of the New York Knicks and Utah Jazz to founding the WNBA’s New York Liberty and MLS’ Real Salt Lake. He’s now a part-owner of multiple global franchises, including Burnley FC, and brings a strategic, long-term perspective to sports investing and private equity.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dave Checketts and His Journey in Sports03:25 Investments in Sports Teams and the Impact of Major Events08:32 The Future of Sports Leagues and Investment Strategies13:27 Valuations in Sports and the Role of Private Equity18:35 Challenges in College Sports and the Evolution of NIL21:44 The Disruption of Sports Television and Emerging Technologies

Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠🐣 Twitter:⁠ / andrewpetcash⁠ 💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#206: Brandon McCaghren - Founder of the Professional Grappling Federation | Revolutionizing Jiu-Jitsu

Andrew Petcash — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Brandon McCaghren is a pioneer in the Jiu-Jitsu world, being the first to introduce the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system in the Southeastern United States. A well-respected instructor and content creator, Brandon has built a significant online following, with over 150,000 subscribers on both YouTube and Instagram. His influence extends beyond coaching—he’s a color commentator for major Jiu-Jitsu promotions, including ADCC, EBI, and CJJ.

As the creator of the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF), Brandon is transforming Jiu-Jitsu into a structured league, bringing a new level of organization and entertainment to the sport. His mission is to blend professionalism with high-level grappling, creating a competitive ecosystem that appeals to both athletes and fans alike.

Beyond his impact on the competition scene, Brandon runs 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Decatur, an academy recognized as one of the best in the 10th Planet system. He’s also a sought-after seminar instructor, sharing his knowledge with practitioners worldwide.

Chapters:

(01:00) - The Birth of the Professional Grappling Federation

(08:12) - Storytelling in Combat Sports

(12:34) - The Global Expansion & Popularity of Jiu-Jitsu

(15:30) - Educating Newcomers to Jiu-Jitsu

(20:08) - The Pipeline of Jiu-Jitsu Athletes

(22:49) - Understanding the Family of Combat Sports

(24:54) - The Practicality of Jiu-Jitsu in Real Life

(26:46) - Future Trends & Opportunities in Jiu-Jitsu

Brandon McCaghren:

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-mccaghren-55568332/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr7VU0Cnef4AhQk7Pe_9nTA

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website:https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter:https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (Jan 23-29)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 10:00:09 GMT

Business of Athletes:

Firefly Recovery has raised $1M from a group of athlete investors including Olympic Volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings, and NFL players Shaq Thompson + Darren Waller.
Lebron James’ investment in pickleball drew over 4 billion eyeballs.
Former NBA star Carlos Boozer has partnered with The Campins Company to offer best-in-class real estate services to athletes, entertainers, and high-net-worth individuals.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker, real estate investor, entrepreneur, and now author, Devon Kennard, announced the release of his book: It All Adds Up.

Business of Sports (03:50)

Dragon Seats the leading manufacturer and provider of patented heated and cooling sports benches, is proud to announce its acquisition of Athletic Recovery Zone, a Florida-based manufacturer and provider of state-of-the-art air conditioning and heating sports bench technology.
Sapphire Sport, the sports investment arm of VC firm Sapphire Ventures focused on fitness, gaming, streaming and new media, has raised a second, oversubscribed $181 million fund with investments
Obbi Golf, a software that supports the management of golf clubs, announced a $1.54 million investment as the company turns one year old.
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and Amazon Web Services have launched SportsX, a new research and development program focused on advancing innovation in sports as it relates to team performance and fan experiences.
The NFLPA has participated in a $40 million financing round raised by Miach Orthopaedics, a medical technology company whose BEAR implant can heal ACL tears as an alternative to reconstructive surgery.
Oya Femtech Apparel, a black women-owned femtech apparel brand has a solution for this and has raised $1.3M in an oversubscribed pre-seed round.The Sixers Innovation Lab led the round,
Twitter is planning to run content sponsorship deals with more than three dozen news outlets, media companies, and sports leagues in the first half of this year

#95: Andy Mitchell - CEO, Lega Serie A USA | Taking Media Background to Sports Through U.S. Soccer Growth

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 05:01:00 GMT

With soccer growth ahead, Lega Serie A (Italy) launched a US division with Andy Mitchell leading the charge.

The Serie A Championship is the premier soccer division in Italy and is one of the world's elite soccer leagues.

Prior to Serie A, Andy Mitchell worked at CNN, Facebook, and Meta as the Head of Global Media Accounts.

Chapters:

(02:00) Media background

(04:45) CEO of Seria A USA

(08:15) 2026 World Cup

(10:25) Grassroots efforts

(12:00) US vs Italy soccer

(15:00) Relegation and promotion

(18:40) Media over the years

Andy Mitchell:

Website: https://www.legaseriea.it/it

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymitchell1/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#276: Jeff Snyder and Irvin Garduno, KlutchShots AI - Transforming Youth Sports Content with AI

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 05:33:29 GMT

KlutchShots AI is reshaping the future of youth sports by merging advanced computer vision, machine learning, and creative storytelling into an instant-highlight engine for the modern sports ecosystem. Founded by Jeff Snyder and Irvin Garduno, KlutchShots AI set out to solve one of the biggest pain points in youth sports: capturing meaningful moments without forcing parents to film every play.

What began as a powerful iPhone app that creates real-time, professional-quality highlights has expanded into a fully autonomous enterprise system capable of capturing entire tournaments — from MADE Hoops to GASO — and delivering cinematic reels at scale. Their AI doesn’t just record the game… it understands it, reframing, editing, and producing vertical social-ready clips instantly while preserving full horizontal footage for coaching and analysis.

In this episode, Jeff and Irvin break down the origin of KlutchShots AI, the massive opportunity in the $69B youth sports market, and how technology is transforming athlete storytelling. They discuss the rise of autonomous video capture, how teams and clubs are using AI to enhance player development and recruiting, and why this moment represents a major shift in sports media and fan engagement.

Chapters:

02:51 The Birth of KlutchShots AI

05:46 Defining AI in Sports

08:26 The Future of Video Capture in Sports

11:15 Enhancing Value for Teams and Clubs

13:57 Recruiting Applications and Market Needs

16:47 Creating a Culture of Innovation

19:37 The Role of Hardware in Video Capture

22:19 The Pulse of Youth Sports Events

25:14 Lessons Learned as Founders

27:56 Looking Ahead: The Future of KlutchShots AI

Jeff Snyder & Irvin Garduno:

🏠 Website: https://klutchshots.ai

💼 LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsnyder2891/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/irvin-garduno-2a5068380/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#194: Vasu Kulkarni - Founding Partner of Courtside Ventures | From Founder to VC: A Journey in Sports and Gaming

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Vasu Kulkarni, the self-proclaimed biggest basketball fan in the world, turned his passion for the game into a groundbreaking career. After playing on the JV Basketball squad at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also earned a BS in Engineering, Vasu founded Krossover, a sports analytics company that sold video and data tools to sports teams globally. Pioneering the industry, Vasu eventually sold Krossover to Stack Sports in 2017.

His entrepreneurial journey led him to found Courtside Ventures, a leading early-stage venture fund investing in tech and media companies at the intersection of sports, lifestyle, and gaming. Under his leadership, Courtside Ventures has become a trailblazer, backing innovative companies shaping the future of these spaces.

In this episode, Vasu shares his journey from founder to investor, insights on evaluating early-stage companies, and the evolving definition of sports investments. We also dive into his passions for sports memorabilia, independent watches, and pickup basketball on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, where he lives with his three cats: Swaggy, Bonsai, and Honkeyburger.

Chapters:

(01:08) - Vasu’s Journey from Engineer to Sports Entrepreneur

(04:40) - Transitioning to Venture Capital: Lessons from Krossover

(09:25) - Key Investment Insights: Market Size and Founder Qualities

(13:11) - Redefining Sports Investments: Tech, Media, and Gaming

(18:10) - Navigating Crypto and Web3 in the Sports World

(21:13) - Consumer Behavior: How Courtside Ventures Spots Trends

(24:03) - Emerging Leagues and Innovative Business Models

(29:40) - Future Directions for Courtside Ventures

Vasu Kulkarni:

🌐 Website: https://www.courtsidevc.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasudevkulkarni/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new episodes.

#284: Steve Kuhn, SportsPredic - How Sports Prediction Is Becoming a Skill

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Steve Kuhn is a sports entrepreneur and investor best known for helping build Major League Pickleball and for his conviction that sports remain one of the last great forces for human connection. After years in finance and investing, Steve turned his focus to sports as a cultural, economic, and social platform — drawn by its ability to bring people together across borders, beliefs, and generations. From pickleball’s rapid rise in Asia to the global expansion of participation sports, Steve’s career reflects a belief that sports are both a powerful asset class and a deeply human one.

Today, Steve is building SportsPredict, a free-to-play platform designed to measure and elevate the skill of sports prediction itself. Inspired by rating systems in chess and the success of Fantasy Premier League, SportsPredict introduces a global “SMART rating” that allows users to prove how accurate they are at forecasting sports outcomes — without gambling or financial risk. His vision is to create the world’s largest prediction game, helping millions (and eventually billions) of people develop better decision-making skills under uncertainty.

In this conversation, Steve shares how sports, data, psychology, and technology intersect — and why prediction literacy may become one of the most important skills of the next generation. From the growth of pickleball across Asia to the rise of prediction markets, and from storytelling in modern sports leagues to building new forms of interactive competition, Steve outlines a future where sports are not just watched, but understood, predicted, and experienced in entirely new ways.

Podcast Chapters:

03:55 The Global Rise of Pickleball

08:17 Sports Ecosystem in Asia

12:25 Innovations in Sports Technology

16:30 The Future of Sports Prediction

18:41 The Rise of Fantasy Sports

20:18 Understanding Prediction Markets

23:09 Innovative Business Models in Sports

27:35 The Future of Sports Prediction

31:18 Storytelling in Sports

#14: Matt Beyer - CEO, Co-Founder East Asia Super League (EASL) | Building a sports league from scratch | Future of basketball | Importance of media + fan engagement | Asian sports ecosystem

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 21:51:46 GMT

After several years of building a sports agency in China, Matt Beyer decided to start the East Asia Super League (EASL). It is the top basketball league in Asia, similar to the Champions League in European soccer.

The EASL combines the best Asian clubs and leagues with the goal of becoming one of the world’s top three professional basketball leagues by 2025.

Prior to building the EASL, Beyer spent time working for the NBA, as an agent, and in Chinese public relations. He speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese.

Chapters:

(01:30) Backstory of the EASL

(05:20) Differences in Asia vs American sports culture

(09:45) Raising $40M and surviving over the pandemic

(13:10) What does it take to build a successful sports league?

(16:40) EASL players/countries and the rise of Asian basketball

(24:05) Matt’s view on media as a sports league + Steve Nash partnership

(27:40) Westerner building the top Asian sports league

(30:50) Misconceptions the world has about China

(33:50) Fan engagement integrations with Huupe

(36:10) How to engage fans as a sports league

(37:40) Future of sports + EASL

Matt Beyer links:

Website: https://www.easl.basketball/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-beyer-93623517/?originalSubdomain=hk

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#188: Matt Kurowski - President of i9 Sports® | Redefining Youth Sports Excellence

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT

i9 Sports®, under the leadership of Matt Kurowski, is America’s leading multi-sport league provider, known for its innovative approach to youth sports. With programs for kids ages 3 to 14, i9 Sports emphasizes fun, convenience, and sportsmanship, helping children succeed in life through sports. The organization recently celebrated 5 million player registrations and was recognized as one of the Most Profitable Franchises of 2024.

Since its founding, i9 Sports has created leagues, camps, and clinics for popular sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Its unique focus on age-appropriate instruction and teaching sportsmanship values has garnered accolades, including a ranking on Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchises list and recognition as a Project Play Champion by the Aspen Institute for promoting multi-sport participation.

Matt Kurowski, President of i9 Sports®, brings decades of experience in marketing, franchising, and operations. Before joining i9 Sports in 2023, he held leadership roles at Franworth and Soccer Shots, where he helped shape franchise systems and operational excellence. As a former Senior Brand Manager at Under Armour, Matt combines his expertise with a passion for youth enrichment to drive i9 Sports’ growth and impact in communities nationwide.

(3:00) - Introduction to i9 Sports®
(6:07) - Addressing Youth Sports Dropout Rates
(11:50) - Franchising and Community Impact
(18:08) - Staying Relevant as a Leader
(24:12) - Insights on the Future of Youth Sports

🏠 Website: https://www.i9sports.com/
💼 LinkedIn: Matt Kurowski on LinkedIn

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (June 19-25)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 12:00:02 GMT

Audio Timeline:

1:05 - Business of Athletes: Title IX, Naomi Osaka’s agency, Black Owned Whiskey, Christiano Ronaldo’s crypto move, and bigger PGA Tour winnings

4:55 - NIL: Johnson v. NCAA update, Chet Holgrem speaks up, Ohio State vs. Texas NIL deals, and a major dating app NIL program

8:00 - Sports Biz/Tech: Innovations ahead of the Qatar World Cup, $40M for esports startup, and massive money headed towards sports betting

Interesting Stat

The San Antonio Spurs have unveiled their new jersey patch partner: Self.

But here’s what’s interesting…

As part of the deal, the Spurs will acquire an equity stake in the Austin-based financial tech firm.

Really innovative move that I think we’ll see more teams implement.

Short Passage of The Week

History is nothing if not a series of mankind conquering nature's limitations.

* The printing press allowed our knowledge to conquer death.

* Penicillin allowed our bodies to conquer infection.

* Fertilizers allowed our farms to conquer famine.

* Steam engines allowed our ships to conquer windless seas.

* Airplanes allowed us to conquer gravity and distant travel.

* Phones allowed us to conquer long-distance communication.

* Computers allowed us to conquer the spatial limitations of data storage.

Over time, these little miracles, these little breakthroughs, they compounded. Each generation built from the shoulders of their predecessors, beginning life on third base thanks to a triple hit by the generation before.

And innovation has accelerated as a result.

Every single thing that we take for granted today would be nothing short of a miracle to anyone who lived just 100 years ago.

Passage by Jack Raines

Interesting Stat #2

No recommended media this week so figured I would give you another interesting stat:

Before Title IX, 294,000 females were participating in high school sports nationwide and just 15% of NCAA athletes were women.

Today, those numbers are roughly 3.4 million and 46%, respectively.

Tweet(s)

This tweet really spoke to me👇

The comments are great as well:

* I liked this but it’s not the Universe, it’s your old you not allowing you to grow into your new you…so you self-sabotage to stay in your known realm.

* It also likes to send you enticing offers on the path to your desired state, to see how serious you are. These offers are one’s current state you would have taken on before the new intention.

Recessions hit those without a plan!

It is strange to think we will not even know if we are in a recession until the GDP numbers for Q2 come out, but all commentary and signs are pointing to this being a reality.

A recession means there have been two straight quarters of negative GDP growth, or in simpler terms, the market value of things has gone down and not up.

Recessions do not make things easier, but they are common.

At Money Vehicle we believe in ‘Be Average’ which means - what goes up must come down.

This can be scary, but if you have built a financial plan and have your cash management in order, then it can also be an opportunity.

We know nothing will always go up, this truth means there may be some opportunity for you to get into the market when it is down or to buy items you wanted when they are on sale this summer.

Quote

“In every walk with nature…one receives far more than he seeks” - John Muir

Thanks for reading/listening to the Petcash Post!

Interesting article coming tomorrow, and a great interview/article/resource being released on Wednesday.

Peace,

-AP

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus epi

The First Ever Weekly Roundup

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 18:56:30 GMT

I hope you’re having a great weekend (and are ready to watch some football).

With that said I have some good news!

Thanks to many requests and by popular demand, I have decided to add a weekly roundup to the agenda.

It’s going to continually mold and take its ultimate shape over the coming weeks.

Here’s what I envision it including:

* ten minute podcast covering the major news of the week

* NIL, sports tech, peak performers, athletes crushing business

* short reading passage

* realign, reflect, progress, become a peak performer

* some quotes/recommendations/insights

* set yourself up for success in the week ahead

Like I mentioned before, this will refine itself over time but I see it being a staple that you enjoy reading every week.

I plan on sending out the roundup on Sunday’s to recap the previous week and provide some inspiration for the week ahead.

And with that said, I present to you…

The 1st ever Petcash Post Weekly Roundup

Timeline for the audio:

0:00 - Intro

0:30 - Info on what The Petcash Post roundup will be + who I am

2:17 - Tom Brady is getting more involved in NIL post-retirement

3:11 - Former Pro-athlete goes back to college to play a different sports and is now signing NIL deals

4:40 - The ESPY’s of NIL College Sports

5:40 - The next Instagram (but for crypto) is spending billions on marketing in the sports world and with the most popular basketball player in the world

6:37 - Huge NIL news out of South Carolina

7:00 - The pay-to-play world of NIL collectives and signing HS athletes before they get to college

8:28 - New NIL data shows athletes aren’t making as much money as people originally thought

9:58 - The statistics behind Ohio State’s NIL deals (#1 in all categories across the nation) + their new in-house program helping athletes do more deals

11:34 - Two big NIL partnerships that went down this past week

12:33 - VR + Facebook + Sports + Dunk Contest

13:20 - Wrap up and the plan going forward

Reading Passage

by Mike Deegan

A mentor and friend recently posed an interesting question: What makes elite, elite? This question can take you in many different directions. Before you read any further, please take a few minutes and consider how you would answer.

To no one's surprise, I started this exercise considering high performers in sports and business.

In addition, the other lens I explored was thinking about serial winning organizations like Apple and Alabama football.

After reflecting on this question for a few days, here’s where I landed.

1. Genetic or Environmental Advantage

I believe it’s important to acknowledge that the best of the best usually have a great starting point.

For an easy example, the average height of an NBA basketball player in 2021 was a little over 6’6.

The odds are stacked against the person who aspires to play in the NBA who’s under 6-foot.

The same holds true with those who are elite in medicine or business. My hypothesis is they have a higher capacity to learn and retain than the average person.

Environmental advantages usually take some unpacking to understand.

A lot of great coaches grew up with parents who’ve coached. Discussions about leading and x’s and o’s were a part of their daily lives. It’s a built-in advantage.

2. Obsessed with Improvement

Once you are in certain spaces, it’s amazing how many people have these genetic or environmental gifts.

What I’ve observed from the best of the best is they have an insatiable desire to improve. For these rare people, taking an off-day is hard.

There’s a paranoia that others are getting better while they are not. Even if they aren’t concerned with the competition, the thought of not dis

#304: Kevin McReynolds, Overnght - The Future of Olympic Sports Media

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:46:53 GMT

Kevin McReynolds is the Founder & CEO of Overnght, a global streaming platform redefining how Olympic and underrepresented sports are distributed, consumed, and monetized. After seeing firsthand how elite athletes struggled with visibility and support outside of the Olympic spotlight, Kevin set out to build a solution that gives these sports—and their athletes—the attention they deserve year-round.

Through Overnght, Kevin is aggregating fragmented media rights across sports like water polo, rowing, and more, creating a centralized destination for fans, families, and communities worldwide. By combining innovative distribution, data-driven strategy, and a deep focus on athlete storytelling, Overnght is unlocking new revenue streams and building a more sustainable future for Olympic sports—especially as momentum builds toward the 2028 Summer Olympics.

In this episode, Kevin joins to break down the opportunity in overlooked sports, how he’s navigating complex rights landscapes, and why community, storytelling, and accessibility are at the core of his strategy. He also shares insights on athlete-driven growth, the role of emerging media models, and what it will take to elevate Olympic sports on a global scale.

Podcast Chapters:

01:02 The Inspiration Behind Overnght

03:11 Understanding the Overnght Platform

04:43 Challenges in the Olympic Sports Space

07:52 Acquisition Strategy for Sports Rights

10:06 Impact of the 2028 Olympics on Business

12:01 Leveraging the Sporting Ecosystem

14:32 Engaging Younger Audiences and Future Stars

20:04 Exploring Prediction Markets and Advertising

21:45 Content Strategy for Youth and Junior Sports

24:19 The Future of Sports as Media Brands

27:10 Aha Moments in Building Overnght

31:13 Looking Ahead to the 2028 Olympics

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (September 4-10)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 12:00:37 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:30 - Feel good stories

* $16M raised by pro quarterbacks, $3M for mental health services, and Planet Fitness’ initiative for teenagers.

2:45 - Business of Athletes

* Shaquille O’Neal is contemplating an investment in the NBL (Australia). He would join current NBA players Thaddeus Young and Khris Middleton.

* Nicklas Bendtner, a former soccer star for Arsenal F.C., recently launched his own esports company known as Prosapia Esport ApS.

* Luka Doncic is having some trademark trouble with the USPTO as his“LUKA DONCIC” failed to register due to similar trademarks not being owned by him.

* LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Tobias Harris are investing in Neutral Foods, a carbon-free nutrition company, alongside Mark Cuban and Bill Gates.

* Las Vegas Raiders QB Derek Carr has joined Oofos, an active recovery footwear brand, as an investor and ambassador.

* Tennis great Billie Jean King is helping to launch Trailblazer Venture Studio, a new accelerator supporting women-run businesses in sports and media.

9:30 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* Heach Coach Dabo Swinney has re-signed with Clemson for over $100M

* Purdue and Grambling State University offer school-wide NIL opportunities to enable all athletes in getting paid.

* An NFT-run basketball tournament helping high school basketball players get paid and also educated on web3.

14:20 - Future of Sports

* Venturerock launched a $75M sports tech venture investment company (VIC). Athlete investors include former Dutch soccer player Mark van Bommel and former New York Jets cornerback Bryson Keeton.

* Science in Sport, a premium performance nutrition brand, has secured $3.5M in additional funding.

* Sorare is teaming up with the NBA to serve as the official NFT fantasy partner and will debut a new fantasy offering for the 2022-23 season.

* The sports NFT market size is at $2.6B in 2022 and is forecasted to reach $41.6B by 2032.

* The Saudi National Development Fund (NDF) is adopting a program to finance the gaming and e-sports sector with $80M.

* New York Knicks named the most valuable NBA team by Forbes Magazine at $5.8B.

Interesting Stat

Here’s a map showing where most college football players come from:

To no surprise…

Southern California, Texas, and Florida are the hotbeds.

Perhaps a breakdown for a later date as this stuff fascinates me.

Short Passage of The Week:

Two things you get every day:

A chance, and a choice.

It is our responsibility to make the most of them today!

* Less phone, more reading.

* Less facts, more intuition.

* Less consuming, more creating.

* Less commotion, more solitude.

* Less talking, more listening.

* Less controlling, more sharing.

* Less judgment, more empathy.

How will we spend our 86,400 seconds today?

Passage by Clint Hurdle

Recommended Media

I enjoyed this piece by CJ Gustafson who is the founder and editor of Mostly Metrics.

It’s a free weekly newsletter about startup metrics and business models.

While I did a good bit of finance at Boston University, much of it slips out the backdoor. Always nice to stay sharp on the financial side of things.

I’m a firm believer in knowing a little bit about a lot of things. A “generalist” is a term that you might have heard thrown around before.

Tweet(s)

With school starting back up I thought this was an interesting thread for parents:<

#338: Rob Gough, World Jai Alai LeagueRebuilding a 100-Year-Old Legacy

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 06:19:06 GMT

Rob Gough is a serial entrepreneur, investor, actor, and high-profile sports asset collector known globally for his sharp eye for market inefficiencies. He made international headlines after purchasing a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card for a record-breaking $5.2 million—a trophy asset that has since quadrupled in valuation. With a career defined by successful exits across tech and retail, Rob’s overarching investment strategy centers on identifying undervalued, historic assets with massive growth potential before the broader market recognizes their true worth.His latest move is the acquisition of the World Jai Alai League, stepping into ownership just as professional jai alai celebrates its 100th anniversary in Miami. Rather than launching a new sport from scratch, Rob chose to acquire an established property that already possesses rich history, media distribution, and legal live wagering across 25+ states. Under his leadership, the league is replacing temporary team leases with a deliberately limited, permanent franchise model, transforming temporary slots into city-aligned teams backed by long-term strategic investors, upgraded commercial infrastructure, and modernized venue hospitality.In this episode,Rob unpacks the strategic playbook behind acquiring underdeveloped sports IP and building long-term equity. They discuss how pattern recognition in alternative assets applies to professional sports ownership, why buying an existing league with built-in gaming integrations beats starting from zero, and how Rob plans to elevate jai alai into a global media phenomenon through a "fans-first" entertainment model, celebrity partners, and an upcoming streaming reality series.Podcast Chapters:02:49 Rob Gough's Journey and Investment Background05:51 The Value of High Lie and Market Opportunities08:56 Building a Media Property and Fan Engagement11:59 Team Structure and Ownership Opportunities14:47 Embracing Miami Culture and Community Engagement17:51 Technology and Innovation in High Lie21:01 The Role of Gambling in Fan Engagement23:55 Player Development and Recruitment27:04 Creating Memorable Fan Experiences29:55 Looking Ahead: The Future of High Lie

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (Jan 30 - Feb 5)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 06:00:37 GMT

(00:50) - Feel good stories

College athlete donates $22,000 and Make-A-Wish is hosting an awesome Super Bowl event

(02:15) - Business of Athletes

The NFL salary cap is increasing from $208.2M to $224.8M for 2023.
Shinesty, a men's underwear company, signed a deal with Clemson basketball player Brevin Galloway after his “balls” video went viral.
Former NFL players Calvin Johnson Jr. and Rob Sims have launched their newest CBD product, Primitiv Performance.
Baseball star Shohei Ohtani has signed a massive endorsement deal with New Balance, other notable athletes include Kawhi Leonard, Zach Lavine, and Coco Gauff.

(05:45) - Name, Image, and Likeness

Boston College lacrosse midfielder Belle Smith signed a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Senné, a Boston-based real estate advisory and investment firm
Nick Saban turned down two recruits asking for over $1.3M in combined NIL deals “I’m not paying a kid a bunch of NIL money before he earns it.”
LSU announced “Bayou Traditions” and also named it the official collective of LSU athletics.

(10:00) - Future of Sports

The Premier League has acquired an equity stake in fantasy sports NFT platform Sorare as part of a new four-year deal.
Venturerock, a $75 million sports tech fund that launched last fall, has made its first major investment in POGR, an esports/metaverse product.
Generative AI text-to-video startup Recut has been accepted into Tennis Australia’s inaugural AO Startups incubator program.
Sports For All, a multi-sport tech-driven platform, has joined Khelo India Youth Games as a sponsor for the next five years investing Rs 12.5 crore ($3.5M).
Ballislife, a basketball and lifestyle media company started in 2005, has raised $2.7M in Series A funding led by London-based Oakvale Sports Investco.
All In Team Sports, a sports SaaS for youth team management, has now raised $1.55 million to date.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, NIL (May 1-7th)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 08 May 2022 12:00:41 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:35 - Feel Good Sports Story: Body Armor and Mamba Foundation

1:15 - NIL: NCAA rulings on collectives and sports betting, Deion Sanders, coolest deals of the week, and BC’s Zay Flowers offered $600k to transfer

7:39 - Athlete Biz/Investments: Devin Booker, new venture fund, generational wealth for athletes, NWSL gets KD and Kleiman

11:23 - Sports Biz/Tech: Betting funds to youth sports, Hooters, NFT companies continue to raise big bucks, and esports teams are booming

14:11 - Discussion on the mental health epidemic in college sports

Interesting Stat

The NCAA has released a dashboard highlighting transfer portal movement. (broken down by sport, month, and scholarship status)

Notable Figures:

* A whopping 33,009 D-I athletes entered the portal between Aug 1, 2019 and July 31, 2021.

* As of Jan. 10, 2022, 49% (16,270) had transferred to a new NCAA school, while 43% (14,293) remain in the portal and 7% (2,446) withdrew their names.

The 10 sports with the highest percentage of athletes who entered the portal during those two years...

Men's:

* Basketball: 31% have entered the portal (1,692 athletes)

* Baseball: 18% (2,126)

* FBS football: 16% (2,538)

* Soccer: 13% (755)

* Tennis: 13% (325)

* FCS football: 12% (1,546)

* Ice hockey: 12% (205)

* Lacrosse: 9% (321)

* Track & field: 8% (905)

* Wrestling: 8% (207)

Women's:

* Basketball: 22% (1,134)

* Beach volleyball: 15% (167)

* Tennis: 12% (340)

* Volleyball: 12% (650)

* Softball: 11% (764)

* Soccer: 11% (909)

* Ice hockey: 8% (63)

* Lacrosse: 8% (317)

* Golf: 7% (162)

* Track & field: 6% (864)

The transfer portal was launched in 2018 to help streamline the transfer process, but three recent changes — the COVID redshirt, one-time transfer rule, and NIL — have turned a school change into free agency.

Recommended Media

Interesting convo between Adam Breneman and Arizona Cardinals QB Trace McSorley this past weekend.

The 1:01:01 mark piqued my interest as they talk about NIL and what Trace is doing investment-wise.

Always cool to hear what really goes on within programs and not just noise from the outside.

Short Passage of The Week

Here are 7 traits of exceptional leaders we can incorporate into our own lives as teammates, colleagues, and leaders:

* Exceptional leaders are master storytellers.

* Exceptional leaders find opportunities to let others shine.

* Exceptional leaders seek advice and input from others.

* Exceptional leaders have their teams’ back during tough times.

* Exceptional leaders take accountability and know when to apologize.

* Exceptional leaders care while treating everyone with dignity and respect.

* Exceptional leaders express appreciation and give credit where credit is due.

Passage by Glen Leibowitz, CFO Consultant

Tweet(s)

The Power of Now is one of my favorite books of all time.

Great thread from Teddy breaking down what makes Navy SEALs elite👇

Inflation and interest rates are the best-understood financial concepts worldwide, but only 50% of adults know both.

Only 35%, in comparison, understand risk diversification. And roughly 45% of adults globally know about the concept of compound interest.

The bottom line: a large

#200: David Shapiro: President, North America at Pixellot | Transforming Sports with Automated Production

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 15:44:56 GMT

The Future of Sports Coverage is Here! Today's guest is David Shapiro, and we’re diving into how Pixellot has become the biggest sports production platform in the world! 🏟️ 40,000+ venues 📺 1.3 million games streamed per year 🔥 5,000 games produced simultaneously—all powered by AI! David Shapiro has spent nearly two decades shaping the youth sports industry. He was the CEO of Steel Sports and played a key role at Positive Coaching Alliance. Now, as President of U.S. Youth Division and Head of U.S. Sales at Pixellot, he is leading the charge in transforming how youth sports are captured, shared, and experienced. Pixellot uses AI-driven multi-camera systems to bring professional-grade video to youth sports. The company is making high-quality sports coverage more accessible, empowering teams, families, and coaches.From youth leagues to the pros, Pixellot is redefining sports broadcasting with cutting-edge automation. You don’t want to miss this one! Chapters: (01:09) - Introduction to Pixellot and David’s Story (02:44) - The Integration of Sports and Technology (05:45) - Understanding Automated Sports Production (08:09) - Trends in Video Capture and AI in Sports (11:02) - Emerging Sports and Market Opportunities (14:03) - Health, Wellness, and Player Analytics (16:44) - The Role of Video in Coaching and Player Development (19:40) - Future Innovations and Partnerships at Pixellot David Shapiro 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidnshapiro/ Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/
Thanks for listening! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

NCAA Paying Employees $0, Tom Brady, and Athletes Filing Taxes

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 12:00:40 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:00 - Housekeeping + Roundup Updates

0:38 - Two “Feel Good” Sports Stories

1:51 - NIL Updates: Urban Meyer & Adidas

2:45 - Daymond John on the NCAA, Archie Miller, and the NCPA

5:24 - Athletes making Business Moves: Ronaldo, Dybala, etc

7:01 - NFT’s, Betting, DAO’s and Sports Tech Developments

9:20 - NYC Athletes and the Wrap Up

Interesting Stat(s)

From 2011 to 2021, the minimum salary of a MLB player increased by $156,500.

The MLB collective bargaining agreement signed on 3/10/2022 increased the minimum salary for the 2022 baseball season by $129,500 (from $570,500 to $700,000).

The most Babe Ruth made in any one MLB season was $80,000 in 1931.

Shoutout to subscriber Scott Thompson for sending over these stats.

Here’s one more:

The New Hampshire Lottery reported that Tom Brady’s announcement that he will “unretire” has resulted in a 1,000% rise in total bets and a 2,900% increase in money bet on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win the 2023 Super Bowl.

Short Passage of The Week

If you want more passion and joy in your life right now, do something about it right now.Put your heart and soul into something!Not into “the next opportunity,” but the small opportunity right in front of you.Not into tomorrow’s work, but today’s work.Not into tomorrow’s workout, but today’s workout.Not into tomorrow’s relationships, but today’s relationships.I’m certain you have plenty in your life right now that’s worth living for. You have people and lots of little circumstances you’re taking for granted. You have an endless reservoir of untapped potential within you, just waiting.Stop waiting!There is no next opportunity, only the one you have at this moment.Put your heart and soul into what you’ve got right in front of you. Make it a habit!

By: Angel Chernoff

Recommended Media

Interesting article I read this past week involving 20 sports tech ideas.

https://smartseries.sportspromedia.com/features/sports-technology-investment-startups-apps-2021

The trends seem to be:

* Fan Engagement

* Advanced Analytics

* Athletic Performance

* Media/Content

Tweet(s)

Super interesting thread that could also have a major impact on college sports going forward👇

Came across this one as well — great tips by Sorin

Did you know that college athletes who make over $400 from NIL deals will need to file a tax return?

Some mistakenly assume that if they are under the standard deduction amount, they do not need to file. But that is only if they are an employee who receives a W2 form, which again, NIL athletes are not!

So if you earn more than $400, you will need to file a Form 1040 in April.

What To Keep An Eye On This Week

* Bigger endorsement deals for men’s and women’s basketball players as we head in to the Final Four

* More state legislation regarding transgender athletes

* News coming out of the NCAA or NCPA regarding paying college athletes

Quote

“Build bridges, maintain bridges, never burn bridges” - Aaron Eisman

I appreciate you reading my newsletter on a consistent basis — it means a lot as we’ve crossed over 24,000 subscribers, which is crazy! I still can’t believe it.

Have a nice rest of your Sunday!

Peace,

-AP

Extra Credit

Igoudala is at the forefront of NBA players getting involved in tech investments.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.petcashpost.com

#142: José Bautista - MLB All-Star Turned Investor & Team Owner

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 04:01:00 GMT

After 15 seasons in Major League Baseball, José Bautista has made the jump into entrepreneurship and investing.

He took a majority position in Marucci Sports and helped them to an exit and has also invested in outwear company Canada Goose.

José Bautista recently bought the majority position in a USL team, Las Vegas Lights FC.

Chapters:

(01:45) Owning a pro sports team

(05:45) Transition from athlete to investor

(08:15) Marucci Sports to exit

(11:30) Due diligence and evaluating deals

(14:15) MLB players vs other sports

(20:50) What stands out in founders

(22:45) Deals he’s looking at

(26:00) Baseball tech and robot-umpires

(32:10) Las Vegas Lights & USL

José Bautista:

X: https://x.com/joeybats19

Las Vegas Lights: https://www.lasvegaslightsfc.com/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#180: Tom Farrey - Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Founder| Shaping a Better Future for Youth Sports

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

The Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program, founded by Tom Farrey, aims to improve communities through accessible youth sports. Through its Project Play initiative, launched in 2013, the program connects leaders across sectors to address the rising costs, exclusion, and injuries in youth sports, mobilizing over $60 million in grants for community initiatives. Project Play’s campaigns, like #DontRETIREKid, have sparked global attention and action to keep kids engaged in healthy, accessible sports. Project Play creates system-level solutions by producing research, hosting the Project Play Summit, and offering resources like the Sport for All, Play for Life playbook. Its network of 20,000+ leaders, including 141 Project Play Champion organizations, collaborates on strategies to make sports more inclusive and impactful for all kids. Tom, a former ESPN journalist, has dedicated his career to reshaping youth sports. His reporting has won top awards and driven national conversations, and his book, Game On, catalyzed reform efforts across the sports ecosystem. With Project Play, Tom continues his mission to create a healthier, more equitable future for young athletes. Chapters: (2:52) - Landscape of Youth Sports and Private Equity (6:07) - The Role of Government in Youth Sports (8:52) - Data, AI, and the Future of Youth Sports (12:08) - Trends in Youth Sports Participation (15:09) - The Impact of Major Sporting Events (18:09) - Goals for Increasing Youth Sports Participation (20:50) - About the Aspen Institute and Future Initiatives Tom Farrey 🏠 Website: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/https://projectplay.org/ 💼 LinkedIn: / tomfarrey Andrew Petcash: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 🐣 Twitter: / andrewpetcash 💼 LinkedIn: / andrewpetcash

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#50: Ian Goldberg - CEO, Founder iSport360 | Youth Sports Landscape | NIL Moving Downstream | Private Equity & Commercialization of Youth Athletics | Monetization of Club & AAU Teams

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 04:01:33 GMT

Launched in 2017, iSport360 has raised ~$2M in capital to help youth sports coaches, players, and parents set goals, foster healthy team communication, and engage in a positive way. They also have a media arm with over 500,000 newsletter subscribers.

Ian is a father, coach, and entrepreneur who founded 3 companies before the age of 18 and helped his family's food distribution company for over 15 years before deciding to build Isport360.

Chapters:

(01:20) NBA Jr. Leadership Summit

(03:00) Ian’s journey

(04:45) Problems in youth sports

(07:00) Money + NIL moving downstream

(12:00) Overview of iSport360

(16:20) Private Equity entering youth sports

(20:35) Innovations needed in amateur athletics

(24:25) AAU + Club “tier” landscape

(26:50) Specialization or not?

Ian Goldberg:

Website: https://isport360.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-goldberg-ba99b18b/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

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📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the "follow" button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#261: Sandeep Hingorani, BallerTV - Why Youth Sports Streaming is Changing the Game

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:11:38 GMT

Sandeep Hingorani is the EVP and a founding team member of BallerTV, the leading live and on-demand streaming service for youth sports. Since its founding in 2016, BallerTV has grown into the go-to platform for families, athletes, and scouts, offering live streams, replays, and highlights of games that were once impossible to watch outside the gym. With a background as both an athlete and a parent, Sandeep has been at the forefront of building a company that ensures no family member ever has to miss a child’s game again.

At BallerTV, the mission goes beyond streaming—it’s about access, opportunity, and connection. By dramatically expanding the spectrum of youth sports coverage, BallerTV keeps families connected, provides athletes with valuable footage for recruiting, and creates new pathways for visibility across the youth sports ecosystem. The platform has also proven itself as a community builder, capturing the moments that matter most to families while helping athletes at every level showcase their skills to the world.

Beyond the platform, Sandeep’s story highlights the resilience required to navigate challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which reshaped the landscape of youth sports. Looking forward, BallerTV is doubling down on innovation—from advanced insights to expanded partnerships—ensuring that youth athletes have the exposure and opportunities they deserve.

Podcast Chapters:

05:03 BallerTV: Revolutionizing Youth Sports Broadcasting

10:47 Lessons from the Youth Sports Ecosystem

15:18 Navigating Challenges: The Impact of COVID-19

17:45 The Future of BallerTV: Beyond Live Streaming

21:58 The Role of Athletes in Shaping Youth Sports

29:28 Personal Connections: The Power of Community in Sports

Sandeep Hingorani:

🏠Website: https://www.ballertv.com/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (July 1-9)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 10 Jul 2022 12:00:16 GMT

Audio Timeline:

3:00 - Feel good stories

4:08 - Business of Athletes

* WNBA players Diani Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, and Sylvia Fowles are investing kid’s food brand Yumi.

* Jonathan Taylor is now involved with muscle data company Strive. He joined their $6M Series A round led by Future Communities Capital.

* Kylian Mbappe is investing in NFT-powered fantasy soccer platform SoRare.

7:30 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* Jaden Rashada’s $9.5M deal

* Paying college athletes

* Power 5 restructuring

10:30 - Future of Sports

* FanRally, a ticket subscription membership service, has raised $3 million in equity financing led by Capital One Ventures.

* KB Sports Partners have said they may invest over $200M in sports tech by 2025.

* NFLPA, acquired an equity stake in Sports Data Labs, who creates new fan engagement opportunities.

* Kairos Sports Tech, an Irish sports team and athlete scheduling software, has raised £500,000 ($611,000).

* Endeavor is buying sports betting platform OpenBet for $800M.

* ChromaWay, a blockchain technology company, has made a €2 million ($2.14 million) strategic investment in VRM, a sports-centric Web3 company.

* Sportlight, a startup that provides player-tracking insights for EPL clubs, has raised $4.75 million in funding.

Interesting Stat

Major League Eating is technically a professional sport so here we go:

Joey Chestnut has won 14/15 Hot Dog Eating competitions, with his only loss being in 2015 to Matt Stonie.

Why do I bring that up?

Because Matt Stonie has a YouTube channel where he posts videos of him devouring food.

His channel brings in roughly $6,000/day or $2,190,000/year.

The stats are somewhat interesting — but my main point is that thanks to the internet athletes have the ability to monetize at far greater scales than ever before.

Short Passage of The Week

It's a new month ― let's put down some things as we move through July.

* Being mean to yourself when you fall short.

* Not clearly communicating your needs.

* Deprioritizing yourself to win people over.

* Overcommitting to things you don't want to do.

* Emotionally draining friendships and relationships.

"When you ask for clarity and peace in your life, don't be surprised when you start shedding the people, places, and things that don't align with what you're asking for." Source: Alexandra Elle, How We Heal

Tweet(s)

A nice breakdown on how to approach a 10k:

Worth a read (especially if you approach it with no bias from the start)👇

Wanted to provide you with some interesting financial facts today, there’s enough gloom going around.

* The world’s first bank, Monte Dei Paschi Siena, was founded in 1472 and headquartered in Tuscany, Italy (it’s still around today).

* Until the Federal Reserve was created in 1908, individual banks were allowed to create their own money.

* The United States generates more than 20% of the world's GDP with about 4% of the world's population.

Quote

“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet” — Aristotle

In a rushed world, it’s important to fall in love with the process. I’m constantly reminding myself that it’s the person who loves walking that gets farther than the person who is trying to get to a destination.

Thanks for listening and reading The Petcash Post today!

Peace,

-AP

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, vis

#143: Mike Nicoll - Director, The Spoils | Exploring America’s Youth Basketball Industrial Complex

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Mike Nicoll is a former hooper turned award-winning filmmaker focused heavily on basketball's business side in his documentaries.

The Spoils penetrates a shadowy financial system: America’s youth basketball industrial complex. With unprecedented access to the money game that dominates the sport, the film unravels the raw capitalism of the American basketball machine.

Mike Nicoll has directed 3 feature films, best known for writing & directing "At All Costs" - a feature documentary acquired by Netflix in 2017.

Chapters:

(01:20) The Spoils

(07:20) Shocking revelations

(10:10) How the AAU system works

(13:05) Why travel basketball exists

(20:20) Reimagining the system

(26:55) Business of basketball

(35:20) Next films

Mike Nicoll:

Website: https://thespoilsmovie.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-nicoll/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

$8M NIL Deal, NFL QB's Cashing In, and St. Peter's vs. Kentucky Expenses

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 12:00:34 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:15 - St. Peter’s Vs Kentucky Basketball Expenses

0:58 - 8 Figure NIL Deal for a High School Athlete?

1:50 - NFL QB’s Making BIG Business Moves

3:43 - The Transgender Athlete Debate

5:20 - Business of Golf Getting Dicey

6:10 - A Sport For All (you and me included) with Big Payouts

7:10 - 3 Cool NIL Stories

Interesting Stat

StudyFinds reports 2,000 millennials participated in a survey on how they managed their money.

It found that the average young adult spends nearly 150 more hours a year scrolling through social media than monitoring their finances.

The survey also found that nearly half were unsure of the amount of money currently in their bank account (45%).

While that’s all worrying — NFL QB’s have their finances in check:

Short Passage of The Week

One day Albert Einstein wrote on the blackboard:9 x 1 = 9

9 x 2 = 18

9 x 3 = 27

9 x 4 = 36

9 x 5 = 459 x 6 = 54

9 x 7 = 63

9 x 8 = 72

9 x 9 = 81

9x10 = 91Suddenly, chaos erupted in the classroom because Einstein made a mistake. Obviously, the correct answer to 9 x 10 isn't 91. And all his students ridiculed him. Einstein waited for everyone to be silent and said:

“Despite the fact that I analyzed nine problems correctly, no one congratulated me. But when I made one mistake, everyone started laughing. This means that even if a person is successful, society will notice his slightest mistake. So, don't let criticism destroy your dreams. The only person who never makes a mistake is someone who does nothing.”

Recommended Media

This video shows a new hologram technology that will be coming to sports very soon. CBS sports recently bought one for conducting interviews.

Tweet(s)

Food for thought:

Simple financial advice — no need to overcomplicate things👇

What To Keep An Eye On This Week

* NIL deals from players who made the Sweet 16 in March Madness

* More NFL players signing lucrative contracts

Quote

“Results can only change when we change our consistent actions and make them habits” - Billy Cox

I appreciate you tuning in and reading my newsletter on a consistent basis — it means a lot as we approach 24,000 subs.

Have a nice rest of your Sunday!

Peace,

-AP

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.petcashpost.com

#229: Angella Goran Founder of Tap and Go & The Power Hour |Building a Global Movement for Sport Wellness

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 12 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Angella Goran is a lifelong athlete, former professional cyclist, and visionary behind The Power Hour — a global movement to get millions of people moving at the exact same time in a unified, measurable act of wellness. What started as a personal legacy project in honor of her father has grown into an international initiative backed by Strava, Snap Fitness, and Allegiant Stadium, aiming to break a Guinness World Record while promoting physical, mental, and financial wellbeing across the globe.With a deep background in sport, entrepreneurship, and social impact, Angella is setting a new standard for how we activate communities through movement. The Power Hour is about more than just fitness — it’s about collective energy, equitable access, and creating a ripple effect of health that touches every corner of society.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Angella Goran and Power Hour

02:47 The Genesis of Power Hour

05:37 Participation and Global Impact

08:41 Goals and Vision for Power Hour

11:26 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Angella Goran:

🏠Website: https://www.tapango.com/

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angella-g-b382369/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#191: Michael LaSalle - Partner at Shamrock Capital | Investing in the Future of Media, Sports, and Entertainment

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Shamrock Capital recently closed $1.6B for its sixth flagship fund and inaugural small cap fund to continue investing across sports media and entertainment. Shamrock Capital, with over 45 years of deep sector expertise, is a premier private equity firm specializing in media, entertainment, sports, content, communication, and education. Built on legendary roots and a reputation for excellence, Shamrock has cultivated lasting partnerships with creators, management teams, and entrepreneurs. The firm is committed to strategically investing in businesses that are poised to shape the future of their industries. Shamrock’s portfolio spans a variety of high-impact companies, from content creators and sports organizations to media platforms and marketing agencies.

With a 23-year track record, Shamrock Capital has consistently identified opportunities in high-growth sectors. Notable investments include Religion of Sports, FanDuel, and Excel Sports Management. The firm is also behind landmark deals with organizations such as The Lede Company, Ad Results Media, and Boardwalk Pictures. By leveraging decades of expertise and fostering innovation, Shamrock has positioned itself as a key player in driving transformation across its focus areas.

Michael LaSalle, a Partner and member of Shamrock’s Executive Committee, has been instrumental in guiding the firm’s investments and strategy. A veteran with over two decades of experience, Mike serves on the boards of several portfolio companies, including The Lede Company, Iyuno, and Linden. His background includes key roles in mergers and acquisitions at Putnam Lovell Securities and board leadership at Seven Arrows Elementary. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Mike also earned an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he was a Venture Fellow. His expertise and leadership continue to shape Shamrock’s contributions to the media, sports, and entertainment industries.

Chapters:

(2:58) - The Dynamic of Fundraising in Private Equity

(6:09) - Understanding Shamrock’s Structures and Strategies

(9:02) - Evolving Strategies in Media, Entertainment, and Sports

(12:08) - Identifying Opportunities in the Content Landscape

(15:06) - The Power of Talent in the Entertainment Industry

(18:04) - Navigating Exits and Investment Timelines

(21:07) - Current Trends in Media and Sports Investments

(23:48) - Advice for Aspiring Private Equity Professionals

(26:53) - Looking Ahead: Trends for 2025 and Beyond

Michael LaSalle

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellasalle/

🏢 Website: https://shamrockcap.com/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠

🐣 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash⁠

💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#166: Hank Leber - Co-Founder, League of Play | GenZ Tailored Sports League

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 04:01:00 GMT

League of Play is an innovative GenZ-focused sports league bridging the gap between creators and fans.

After a successful pilot event, League of Play is expanding into a season format with live-streamed competitions featuring top creators. Viewers vote on distractions that affect the gameplay.

Hank Leber is a serial entrepreneur from the ad agency world who founded Gigster before League of Play.

Chapters:

(01:05) Hank and League of Play backstory

(03:05) Rise of the creator economy

(06:15) Fundraising in this ecosystem

(12:40) Future of interactive viewing

(16:15) Understanding GenZ audience

(20:50) League of Play model

(25:45) Collabing with creators

(27:05) Finding YouTube talent

(29:30) Happy fans & creators

Hank Leber:

Website: https://leagueofplay.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hankleber/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#204: Alex Van Alen & John Pruellaget - FlingGolf is Making Golf More Fun & Accessible

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

FlingGolf is transforming golf—making it more active, more fun, and more accessible. Instead of using traditional golf clubs, players use the New Swarm FlingStick to hurl the ball, shaping every shot from tee to hole. The best part? You can play on any golf course, and over 2,000 courses in 37 countries have already embraced it.

The sport was created by Alex Van Alen, Founder & CEO of New Swarm Sports, who has spent his career promoting outdoor recreation and innovative sports experiences. His mission is to bring new energy to the game of golf and make it more inclusive.

Joining him is John Pruellage, President of New Swarm Sports, a seasoned entrepreneur with experience in business development and scaling startups. Formerly a CFO at Navic Networks (acquired by Microsoft) and Founder at Integral Reach (acquired by Tivo), John is now helping to expand FlingGolf worldwide—turning it into a competitive sport with its own league, community, and business model.

Chapters:

(01:50) - The Origin Story of FlingGolf

(06:00) - Building the Community and League

(09:29) - Developing Talent and Competition

(14:23) - Creating a Competitive Experience

(17:28) - The Culture and Attire of FlingGolf

(19:44) - Betting and Engagement in FlingGolf

(21:49) - FlingGolf Business Model

(28:53) - Challenges and Growth as a Founder

(33:35) - Future Plans for the League

Alex Van Alen & John Pruellage:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://flinggolf.com⁠

💼 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pruellage-43453b38/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-van-alen-40138410/⁠⁠

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠

💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/⁠

🎧 Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#205: Ruben Amaro Jr. - From MLB to Sluggball: Reinventing Baseball for a New Era

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

A Baseball Life: Player, GM, Coach, and Innovator

Few people have seen the game of baseball from as many angles as Ruben Amaro Jr.—big league player, general manager, coach, and now, co-founder of Sluggball, a brand-new take on the sport he’s dedicated his life to.

Baseball runs deep in Amaro’s family. His father, Ruben Amaro Sr., was a major leaguer, coach, and scout. After playing eight seasons in MLB, Amaro Jr. transitioned into front-office leadership, becoming GM of the Philadelphia Phillies, where he played a key role in their 2008 World Series championship and led them to another World Series appearance in 2009. He later moved into coaching with the Red Sox and Mets before stepping into broadcasting with NBC Sports and MLB Network.

Now, Amaro is launching Sluggball, a 4-vs-4 situational hitting challenge that removes running and fielding, putting the focus squarely on strategy, precision, and power. With games set to debut in minor league stadiums across multiple states, Sluggball is designed to keep the competitive spirit alive for baseball fans and former players alike.

In this episode, we dive into Amaro’s incredible baseball journey, the evolution of the game, and how Sluggball is introducing a fresh way to experience America’s pastime.

Chapters:

(01:27) - Ruben Amaro Jr.'s Baseball Journey

(04:26) - The Evolution of Baseball and Its Challenges

(06:36) - Introducing Sluggball: A New Baseball Experience

(13:13) - How to Get Involved with Sluggball

(15:11) - Technology Integrated with Sluggball

(18:54) - Event Structures and Spectator Experience

(22:03) - Future Aspirations and Community Engagement

Ruben Amaro Jr.:

🏠 Sluggball Website:https://playsluggball.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruben-amaro-jr-1a975b196/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website:https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

🎧 Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#51: Keith Blakely - CEO, Chairman OnCore Golf | Product innovation in sports | Mixing AI, analytics, and hardware | Building a golf entertainment center | Technologies coming to sports

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 04:01:50 GMT

OnCore Golf is innovating unique products including their Genius golf ball that has a GPS tracking device inside its hollow-core construction. The tracking device pairs with a phone app to help find the golf ball, plus provide data such as ball velocity, spin rate, spin direction, carry, and more.

Keith Blakely is the CEO and Chairman of the InVentures Group, a hybrid consulting firm, virtual incubator, and investment firm that is located in Buffalo, NY but services companies around the world.

Before taking a more active role at OnCore Golf, Keith spent 20+ years building Advanced Refractory Technologies up until its acquisition by Tyco International.

This was an incredible discussion around the future of golf, increased technological innovation entering sports, and OnCore’s unique business.

Chapters:

(01:15) PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger

(04:00) OnCore Golf overview

(11:20) Mixing analytics with products

(16:00) Building a golf entertainment center

(19:30) InVentures Group

(22:45) Technologies in sports that could use disruption

(25:10) Future initiatives

Keith Blakely:

Website: https://www.oncoregolf.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithblakely/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#198: Maxx Lepselter - President of Maxx MGMT | Empowering Athletes Beyond the Field

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Maxx MGMT, founded in 2018, is a boutique agency disrupting the athlete representation industry by offering tailored, off-the-field management services. From endorsements and marketing to lifestyle and business opportunities, Maxx MGMT connects its clients with global brands while helping them explore equity deals, real estate, and diversified partnerships. The agency’s mission is to provide 24/7 representation with a personable approach, empowering athletes to reach their full potential beyond the game.

Maxx Lepselter, the founder and president of Maxx MGMT, created the agency to address the shortcomings of traditional representation. Inspired by his father’s legacy and his deep understanding of the sports and entertainment industries, Maxx has built a reputation for integrity, innovation, and excellence. His focus on personalized client relationships and his ability to navigate the evolving sports marketing landscape have positioned Maxx MGMT as a trusted name in the industry.

In this episode, Maxx dives into his entrepreneurial journey, the rise of equity opportunities for athletes, and the trends shaping brand collaborations. He shares how Maxx MGMT has remained boutique while managing high-profile clients and global partnerships. Tune in for insights into the agency’s approach and advice for aspiring agents aiming to make a difference in sports management.

Chapters:(02:42) - The Founding of Maxx MGMT(05:25) - Navigating the Changing Sports Landscape(08:33) - Trends in Athlete Marketing and Brand Collaborations(11:10) - The Rise of Equity Opportunities for Athletes(14:10) - Developing Talent in a New Era(16:49) - Building Relationships in the Brand Ecosystem(19:33) - The Future of Maxx MGMT and Advice for Aspiring Agents

Maxx Lepselter

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxx-lepselter-9ba82998/

🏠 Website: https://www.maxxmgmt.co/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (July 1-15)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 04:01:00 GMT

(01:30) - Business of Athletes: Dwyane Wade, London Basketball Team, and athletes following passion investments

(10:40) - NIL: Senators making a statement, $15M Texas, and Livvy Dunne

(14:00) - Sports Business: Jay-Z, soccer, and acquisitions

#122: Brendan Winters - Co-Founder, Pro Skills Basketball | From One Summer Camp to National Youth Expansion

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Pro Skills Basketball is now in 20 cities across the United States with their innovative basketball training, coaching, and team membership model.

Brendan Winters grew up the son of an NBA coach. He played college basketball at Davidson and then went on to play professionally overseas for 5 years before founding Pro Skills Basketball.

PSB has since grown into a nationwide club team organization with the mission to change the culture of youth basketball in the US.

Chapters:

(02:40) Davidson and Steph Curry

(03:30) Pro Skills Basketball inspiration

(08:40) Adding new markets

(10:45) From sports to entrepreneurship

(12:35) Building European-style clubs

(16:40) Pro Skills Basketball model

(18:20) Differences in markets

(22:10) Future initiatives

Brendan Winters:

Website: https://proskillsbasketball.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanwinters/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (August 7-13)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 12:01:01 GMT

Audio Timeline:

1:25 - Feel good stories

* Oscar Tshiebwe doing big things with his $2.5M of NIL money

2:20 - Business of Athletes

* Jake Paul raised $50M for his new micro betting platform Betr, athlete investors include Ezekiel Elliot, DeSean Jackson, Richard Sherman, Braxton Berrios, and Dez Bryant.

* Philadelphia Eagles’ running back Haason Reddick has joined R7 Energy Drink as an investor and brand ambassador.

* Looking like British Open winner Cam Smith will accept a $100M deal to join LIV Golf.

* The African Super League (soccer) is launching next August with over $100M in prize money between 24 teams.

* Pittsburgh Pirates 3rd baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes is opening a metaverse-based store with web3 blockchain platform HUMBL.

* Serena Williams announced her upcoming tennis retirement, along with leading a $5M Series A for the mental health and wellness company Wondermind.

9:05 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* $1B TV Deal

* Jim Harbaugh on getting athletes paid

* The very first college athlete investor

* $36,000 for every football and basketball player

14:30 - Future of Sports

* The hatmaker, New Era, closed a $700 million fundraising round led by ACON Investments — the NBA, NFL, and MLB also participated.

* Overtime completed a $100 million Series D, co-led by Liberty Media. Several investors doubled down including Jeff Bezos and Sapphire Sport.

* Ticketmaster has partnered with TikTok for selling tickets natively.

* 3STEP Sports, the nation’s largest youth sports event operator, has acquired Chicago based Sports Made Personal (SMP).

Interesting Stat

This is wild:

According to Echo Research, the average amount spent by sports fans each year is $725.

Sports are also pretty recession-proof — with 76% of respondents saying they wouldn’t change their spending on sports.

Short Passage of The Week

Which zone are you living in and leading from the most right now?

Zone 1: The Comfort Zone

* Feels safe and in control

Zone 2: The Fear Zone

* Affected by others’ opinions. Finds excuses instead of solutions. Self-doubt gets the best of most situations.

Zone 3: The Learning Zone

* Acquire new skills while extending beyond the comfort zone and dealing with challenges and problems.

Zone 4: The Growth Zone

* Set new goals and conquer objectives while living your dreams and finding a deeper purpose.

“You never change your life until you step out of your comfort zone; change begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

Passage by Roy T. Bennett

Tweet(s)

David Beckham with a masterclass on leverage and long-term thinking👇

According to the latest data, roughly 90% of startups fail.

Knowing what percentage of businesses fail and why they fail can help startup owners manage risks and ensure that their new business succeeds.

Key Statistics

* 20% of new businesses fail within the first two years.

* 45% of new business startups don’t survive the fifth year.

* 65% of new startups fail during the first ten years.

* 75% of American startups go out of business during the first 15 years.

Go defy the odds!

Quote

“Simple is the ultimate sophistication”

Thanks for taking the time to go through this today!

Enjoy the rest of your day and we’ll talk tomorrow.

Pea

#31: Ahmad Nassar - Exec. Director PTPA | Rise of team and women’s sports | Building OneTeam Partners to $1.9B | NIL’s impact on pro sports | Addressing mental health | Athletes understanding leverage

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 04:01:44 GMT

Before his current endeavor, Ahmad was the president of the NFL Players Inc. and the founding CEO of OneTeam Partners which was valued at $1.9 billion upon RedBird Capital selling its 40% stake in 2022.

Founded last year, the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) has made rapid strides in representing both men’s and women’s tennis players.

This was a fascinating conversation around players’ rights, men’s vs women’s sports, NIL seeping its way upstream, and much more.

Chapters:

(01:00) Rise of team sports vs individual sports

(02:30) Endorsements in tennis (and where it’s headed)

(08:00) Understanding leverage + athlete investors

(13:30) Impact of NIL on pro sports

(17:30) Ahmad’s career mission of helping athletes

(25:00) Mental Health x Sports

(30:30) Origin story of the PTPA

(35:20) Trends to watch in sports

Ahmad Nassar links:

Website: https://ptpaplayers.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ahmad4athletes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anassar/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (July 10-16)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 12:00:50 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:35 - Feel good stories

* $100k for cancer, Tony Parker, and Brussels’ $43M investment

2:25 - Business of Athletes/Sports

* Sportlight, an athlete tracking startup, has raised $4.7M in funding to expand its operations from European Soccer to the NBA.

* The NBA announced $10B in 2020-2021 revenue, while the NFL revealed $11.1B. Both are record-highs.

* Esports in China grew 14% despite tougher regulations. It is the largest single-country market in the world with $403.1 million in e-sports revenue in 2021.

* Gemini Sports Analytics, which has software to help interpret athlete data, raised a $1.5M seed round.

* Cipher Sports Technology, an Australian sports betting operator, has raised $5M to fuel international expansion.

* SCCG Venture Fund has opted to invest in Ronin Sport, which offers TV guides for live sports.

* CLUB, a play-and-earn digital soccer game, has secured its first major round of funding at $3.1M.

8:55 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* UCLA and the survival of non-revenue sports

* Top basketball prospect gets involved with an NFT marketplace

* Pennsylvania may soon allow NIL for high schoolers

* Fanatics’ major deal with Nike in college sports

* NIL meets the military

Interesting Stat

Not a fan of plateaus (as it means growth is stalling), and this is certainly an eye-opening one.

On average, Japanese folks are living 6 years longer than Americans at half the cost.

It makes you think…

Does wealth equal health in the US?

Short Passage of The Week

Commitment makes good things better and bad things worse. The more "all-in" you are on a good relationship, the better it becomes. The more you commit to a toxic relationship, the deeper you get trapped. The more you invest yourself in fulfilling work, the more your effort fuels you. The harder you work on a bad project or in an unsatisfying role, the more of a grind it becomes.

Passage by James Clear

Recommended Media

Was on the “Getting Off Course” podcast recently with Josh Waldron.

It was a great conversation covering many unique topics I think you’ll enjoy.

Tweet(s)

Touching short story you’ll enjoy👇

A ‘Bear Market’ is a period of at least 2 months when a broad market falls by 20 percent or more.

While this may sound daunting, it may be just the opportunity you as a young investor are looking for.

The market bleeding red and dropping is a sign of caution for those eyeing retirement, but for those with a time horizon, it should be a sign of opportunity.

Bear Markets are not an easy emotional ride, but when you can remove your emotions from the moment and think LONGER, you will see that a Bear Market is really a hunting ground.

A place where those who are patient will come back with a nice prize and maybe even a story.

Quote

“Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere.”

I appreciate you tuning in today!

Peace,

-AP

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.petcashpost.com

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (May 1-14)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 14 May 2023 04:01:59 GMT

(01:20) - Business of Athletes (JJ Watt, Aaron Rodgers, and more)

(06:15) - College Sports/NIL (betting scandals, new legislation, $300k to transfer, etc)

(10:25) - Sports Business (new AI partnerships, Betr acquisition, and politics mixing with athletes)

#303: The Event Reshaping Sports Tech: Inside Peak Conference with Chad Wilton

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:34:41 GMT

Chad Wilton is the visionary behind Peak Conference, one of the most anticipated new gatherings in the sports business world. As the inaugural event approaches, Chad shares the origin story behind Peak and why there was a massive gap in the U.S. for a true flagship event focused on sports tech and innovation.

Chad breaks down what attendees can expect in Las Vegas, from a fully immersive sports tech expo and global startup pitch competitions to world-class speakers, networking experiences, and unique activities like fighting robots and interactive showcases. More than just a conference, Peak is designed to unite founders, investors, and executives in one place to solve real industry problems and drive meaningful collaboration across the global sports ecosystem.

This conversation dives into the realities of building a large-scale event from scratch, the importance of community buy-in, and why in-person connection is more important than ever in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven world. Whether you're a startup founder, investor, or operator in sports, this episode is your inside look at the future of sports innovation—and why you need to be in the room.

Podcast Chapters:

02:36 The Vision Behind Peak Conference

05:40 Event Highlights and Expectations

08:17 Unexpected Learnings and Challenges

10:55 The Role of AI in Sports Tech

13:48 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Chad Wilton:

Get Peak Tickets: https://peakconf.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-wilton-67453530/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

#236: Keith Zubchevich, CEO of Conviva - Why Most AI Agents Fail in the Real World

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:09:14 GMT

Keith Zubchevich is the President and CEO of Conviva, where he leads the company at the intersection of agentic AI, real-time analytics, and digital customer experience. After nearly two decades with Conviva, including serving as Chief Strategy Officer, Keith has helped build one of the leading platforms for measuring how consumers actually experience digital products, enabling businesses to optimize performance, reduce friction, and improve outcomes at scale.Before joining Conviva, Keith held senior leadership roles at Riverbed Technology and Cisco. Throughout his career, he has focused on helping organizations use technology to make better decisions, improve customer experiences, and drive measurable business results. Today, he is one of the leading voices on how AI is transforming digital businesses and why measuring AI performance is becoming just as important as building it.Keith explains why today's AI agents are more like toddlers than trusted employees, why an 80% success rate is unacceptable for customer-facing AI, and how businesses should think about deploying, measuring, and improving agentic AI systems. He also shares insights on the future of digital experiences, the importance of real-time analytics, and what leaders need to understand as AI becomes embedded into every customer interaction.Podcast Chapters:00:59 Keith's Journey in Technology and Conviva02:22 The Importance of Measuring Experience in Streaming04:58 The Complexity of Live Event Streaming08:53 Navigating AI and Productivity in Business11:56 Quality of Experience and Fan Engagement14:33 Personalization through AI in Sports Viewing17:42 Structuring Data for AI Insights18:08 The Importance of Structured Data in AI20:20 Consumer Efficiency and the Future of AI23:43 Personal Experiences with AI26:22 Educating the Market on Agentic AI29:49 Continuous Learning and Personal Growth32:06 Lessons from Childhood and the Human Experience

#11: Brian Fagan - Founder Oncoor Sports | Creator economy overview | Deep dive on NIL collectives | Advice for entrepreneurs | Mental health with athletes | Major sports trends to watch

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 10:30:35 GMT

Brian Fagan is the founder of Oncoor Sports, a marketing agency for athletes, collectives, and brands. In 2021, it was acquired by a Utah-based group to help integrate NIL.

Oncoor currently has over 100 athletes, 50 brands, and 42 universities in its portfolio.

Brian Fagan also serves as the Head of Sales at the Playbook app, a creator platform for athletes, coaches, and fitness influencers.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:45) State of the creator economy

(06:05) Oncoor Sports and the Playbook App

(08:30) Advice for founders, entrepreneurs, and salesmen

(10:40) Explanation of NIL collectives

(18:20) Mental health and athletes

(20:40) Power of the BYU community

(23:15) Taysom Hill as a football player and businessman

(25:05) Rise of athlete entrepreneurs

(28:00) Operating model in college sports

(30:10) Where sports are headed

Brian Fagan links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bdfagan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandfagan/

Website: https://www.oncoormarketing.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#3: Nick Esayian - CEO of LIGHT Helmets | D2C & future of sports | NILs impact on equipment companies | Politics in helmets | Why protective headwear should be lighter | GTM for complex products

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 01:49:27 GMT

Nick Esayian is a repeat entrepreneur, founder, and former race car driver who is now building a protective headwear company, LIGHT Helmets, which believes “light” helmets are more protective than “heavy” helmets.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:40) Helmet space in sports + LIGHT Helmets

(06:35) Testing labs for football helmets (and NFL)

(10:55) Why should helmets be lighter (not heavier)?

(14:55) How big is the market for protective headwear?

(19:30) NIL - how are they using it to promote their product?

(24:55) Thoughts on giving equity to athletes (partner vs endorser)

(26:45) Aaron Rodgers helmet debacle at VICIS

(32:15) Balancing aesthetics vs. quality in equipment products

(35:20) GTM strategy for complex products (especially helmets)

(40:25) Where is sports headed in the future - D2C more invasive

Nicholas Esayian links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esayian/

Website: https://lighthelmets.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#4: Roy Daneman, Co-Founder Strikeco | Why Israel dominates sports tech | Lionel Messi vs. Maradona in Business | AI's impact on sports | If Esports will one day replace physical sports

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 16:52:22 GMT

Roy Daneman is a repeat entrepreneur who is now building an AI-infused sports training equipment company, Strikeco.

In this podcast, we talk about AI, why now is the time to build in sports, esports vs physical sports, Israel's success in sports technology, and his family's relationship with one of the greatest soccer players of all time...Diego Maradona.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:05) Why is Israel a top sports tech region in the world?

(04:40) Where sports technology is headed over the next 5 years

(05:30) Artificial Intelligence’s influence on sports

(06:40) Virtual "Coaching" in athletics (and the mirror analogy)

(09:15) Could esports overtake physical sports?

(12:15) Will trainers/coaches become fully digital over time?

(14:30) Relationship with Argentinan soccer legend Diego Maradona

(20:55) Star players like Lionel Messi and their influence on business

(24:20) Sports tech is what fitness was 3 years ago

Roy Daneman links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roydaneman/

Website: https://strikeco.io/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#10: Cole Peterson - DFO UAB Football | Business of college football | NIL’s impact on coaching | What director of football operations do | His quick rise in the coaching world | NFL vs FBS football

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 10:00:42 GMT

Cole Peterson is one of the youngest coaches/directors in all of Division 1 FBS football. At only 24 years old, he recently got hired by Trent Dilfer at the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB).

In this conversation, we talk about the business of college football, the rise of athlete entrepreneurs, the difficulties coaches are facing with NIL, and what life is like as a college football coach.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(03:00) Rise of UAB football over the last 10 years

(05:30) Importance of facilities in college sports

(07:00) NIL’s impact on college coaching

(11:10) Trent Dilfer the coach, player, and media personality

(15:00) Gaining extra media attention in college sports

(17:05) Importance of Operations in football

(20:15) Business of college football (budgets, etc)

(23:55) Minnesota Vikings Brian O’Neill story

(28:30) Difference between college and NFL coaching

Cole Peterson links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cole1Peterson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-peterson-0817141a6/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#34: Jonathan Ludwig - CEO, Co-Founder Fantium | Investing in athletes’ careers | Opportunities in web3 x sports | Angel invesing in Sorare | Future of tokenization

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 04:01:01 GMT

Jonathan is a repeat entrepreneur having founded and sold his first company INCENT Corporate Services.

He then spent the last few years as a web3 angel investor, including a gem in the NFT fantasy platform Sorare.

Jonathan jumped back into the founder seat in 2022 leading a $2M seed round for Fantium and recently announcing 3 big athletes utilizing their platform.

Fantium is a unique blockchain-based platform that allows fans to invest in the future careers of athletes.

Chapters:

(01:25) From founder to angel investor back to founder

(03:45) Spotting opportunities as an investor

(08:50) Possibilities of web3 x sports

(12:40) Origin story of Fantium

(15:40) Felix Mischker raising $52,000 on Fantium

(18:10) Who’s investing in these athletes?

(23:55) Raising $2M seed round at Fantium

(29:10) Starting in tennis and moving to other sports

(31:05) Trends to watch in sports

Jonathan Ludwig links:

Website: https://www.fantium.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FANtiumOfficial

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanludwig9b75a71223/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#9: Paul Anton - CEO, Co-Founder Huupe | AI x Basketball | First “smart” hoop | 8-Year entrepreneurial journey | China’s growing suburbs | Creating buzz with $0 in marketing spend | Futuristic Sports

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 10:25:47 GMT

Paul Anton is building Huupe, the world’s first smart basketball hoop - merging technology, gaming, and sports training.

Prior to Huupe, Anton built two companies (1 of which was acquired). Huupe recently raised $5M including investments from several NBA players such as Trevor Booker and Thaddeus Young.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:17) Paul Anton’s entrepreneur journey

(03:50) Why a smart basketball hoop?

(06:10) $3B basketball backboard market

(08:25) Creating a buzz with $0 in marketing

(11:05) China’s growing suburbs and basketball market

(13:58) Getting investors (including NBA players)

(15:30) Future of basketball

(17:10) What it takes to make a smart basketball hoop

(18:50) AI x sports

(21:10) Recruiting + NIL using Huupe

Paul Anton links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/manyyearstime

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-anton-384b0799/

Website: https://huupe.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#315: Benjamin Grubbs, Managing Partner at Creator Capital - Community is the Future of Sports Business

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 26 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Benjamin Grubbs is a media executive, investor, and operator focused on the intersection of the creator economy, digital media, sports, and consumer brands. As Managing Partner at Creator Capital, Ben works with founders, creators, and emerging companies shaping the future of content, commerce, and community-driven businesses.

Over the past two decades, Ben has held leadership roles across some of the world’s most influential media and technology companies, including YouTube, Google, Turner Broadcasting, Yahoo, and eBay. During his time at YouTube, Ben helped drive global creator partnerships and platform growth across international markets, witnessing firsthand the evolution of creators from hobbyists into scalable media businesses and global brands.

Throughout his career, Ben has worked across North America and Asia, helping scale media, commerce, and platform businesses globally while studying how communities form around content, creators, and fandom. His perspective on the future of sports media, social commerce, AI, and creator-driven businesses has made him a sought-after advisor, speaker, and investor across sports, technology, and entertainment.

Ben shares insights on the rise of the creator economy, the evolution of YouTube and digital media, the growth of creator-led sports brands like Good Good Golf, and how platforms such as TikTok, Roblox, Whatnot, and YouTube are reshaping fan engagement and commerce.

Podcast Chapters:

02:50 Ben Grubb's Journey in Media and Sports

05:18 The Rise of the Creator Economy

08:11 The Evolution of Sports Content on YouTube

10:47 Good Good Golf: A Case Study in Creator-Led Brands

13:21 Investment Insights in the Creator Economy

16:20 The Future of Sports Media and Community Engagement

19:11 Leveraging New Platforms for Sports Engagement

21:40 AI's Role in Content Creation and Community Management

27:35 Engagement Trends and Brand Strategy

29:20 Staying Sharp as an Investor

30:31 Learning from the Next Generation

31:48 Advice for Non-Traditional Creators

#75: Frank Michael Smith - Sports Content Creator & Entrepreneur | Billions of Views and Multiple Business Endeavors

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Frank Michael Smith tells his story of how he has built an audience of more than 3 million followers/subscribers and billions of views around sports and pop culture content.

Frank runs his multiple business endeavors through JUICE Productions, which includes a creative agency, sponsorships, games, and more.

A fascinating conversation on the state of social media, how to grow an audience, and the rise of creators to entrepreneurs.

Chapters:

(03:00) Backstory to sports content

(08:00) Starting TikTok in 2020

(10:00) Scaling from 1-person to a team

(16:45) State of social media platforms

(22:45) Frank’s ultimate vision

(25:20) Art & science of content creation

(28:30) Two pieces of advice

Frank Michael Smith:

Website: https://frankmichaelsmith.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank27/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frankmichaelsmith

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#63: Didier Occident - Founder Secure The Bag Financial Literacy | Building Blocks of Wealth & Flaws In Financial Education

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Didier Occident speaks to some of the most significant football programs in the world about financial literacy, wealth building, and maximizing earnings off the field.

Didier created Secure The Bag to present this to collegiate teams like Alabama, Washington, and Florida State.

He also founded Occident Wealth Management (under Northwestern Mutual) where he signed on more clients in 6 months than in the history of the division.

Chapters:

(01:20) Didier’s rollercoaster journey

(09:10) Financial literacy building blocks

(12:40) Impact of NIL

(16:30) Diversification

(19:40) Flaws in the education system

(23:35) Bridging wage gaps

Didier Occident:

Website: https://www.stbprogram.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/didieroccident/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#60: Joey Levy - CEO, Co-Founder Betr | World’s First Microbetting App & Sports Media Brand | Just Raised $35M Series A2 ($300M valuation)

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Betr recently completed a $35M Series A2 ($300M valuation) led by tech entrepreneur Joey Levy and influencer Jake Paul.

Betr is labeled as the world’s first microbetting app with a heavy focus on sports out of the gate.

Joey Levy has been building in the fantasy and sports betting space since 2014 while at Columbia University.

Chapters:

(01:20) Journey to Betr

(05:50) 19-year-old founder

(09:00) High-level overview

(13:00) Future of creator-led businesses

(16:15) Mixing media w/ microbetting

(23:15) 5-year vision for Betr

(26:15) Sports trends to watch

Joey Levy:

Website: https://www.betr.app/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-levy-5b4b00a0/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#116: Sameer Ahuja - President GameChanger, SVP Dick’s Sporting Goods | Youth Sports and Navigating The Space

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 05:01:00 GMT

GameChanger is a tech company (acquired by Dick’s Sporting Goods in 2016) whose mobile app and website provide scorekeeping, stats, video streaming, and recap stories to teams and connected fans at the local level.

Sameer Ahuja is a long-time entrepreneur with 20 years of experience as a Founder, CEO, or, COO of high-growth technology businesses from startup to late-stage in multiple industries. He co-founded an interactive sports attraction, founded a quant hedge fund, and built a fintech company.

GameChanger’s app is used in all 50 states, has a partnership with Major League Baseball, and more games are covered in two months on GameChanger than in the history of all American professional sports combined.

Chapters:

(01:40) Sameer’s entrance into sports

(03:10) GameChanger overview

(06:10) MLB partnership

(07:40) Adding new sports

(10:50) State of youth sports

(15:15) Take on NIL / Private Equity

(20:15) Seasonality in amateur sports

(22:25) Advice for building

Sameer Ahuja:

Website: https://gc.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sameerahuja/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#61: Tim Malik - CEO, Co-Founder Combat IQ | World’s First Computer Vision Data Analytics Company (dedicated to combat sports)

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Combat IQ is the world's first AI-powered data analytics company dedicated to combat sports using machine learning and computer vision.

Prior to founding Combat IQ, Tim Malik worked as a professional football scout in the Canadian Football League.

They raised a pre-seed round in late 2022 and completed Techstars in London. Combat IQ plans to expand outside of just combat sports in 2024.

Chapters:

(01:15) From scouting to machine learning

(03:10) Building out team (5 PhDs)

(06:00) Researching market

(08:00) Overview of Combat IQ

(11:40) “Easier” sports for computer vision

(12:50) Overcoming startup challenges

(16:00) Tech he’s watching (AI/ML)

(19:20) Pro sports trends

Tim Malik:

Website: https://www.combatiq.io/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timur-m-63397883/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#118: Antony Arena - CEO, Aura | Redefining Fan Engagement, Building in Sports, and Learnings from the Agency World

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:01:00 GMT

With over 60+ employees globally, the Aura platform is transforming traditional linear content experiences into an engaging, interactive, and immersive hyper-contextual environment by aggregating content, data, financial engagement, and communities.

Before Aura, Antony Arena served as the Chief Executive at Unbound, a group of digital and communications businesses specializing in cutting-edge technologies including AI, VR, and AR.

Aura is headquartered in Australia, with an office in London and soon one in New York City.

Chapters:

(01:45) Antony’s background

(04:30) Aura overview

(08:15) Why building in sports first

(10:50) Challenges for media/sports

(14:15) Scaling offices globally

(18:15) Verticals beyond sports

(19:30) Hiring & finding the right talent

(22:30) Learnings from agency business

(24:40) Keeping an eye on AI

Antony Arena:

Website: https://thisisaura.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ant-arena/?originalSubdomain=au

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#82: Jeron Smith - Co-Founder HEIR | Closing the Engagement Gap Between Athletes & Fans w/ Technology

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 04:01:00 GMT

HEIR raised $10.6M from Thrive Capital for their consumer-facing community platform for athletes to connect with fans — as well as other lines of business, including an entertainment studio, AI tech, and consumer products.

Prior to co-founding HEIR alongside Jeffrey Jordan and Daniel George, Jeron Smith was the CMO for Steph Curry’s brand and co-founder of Unanimous Media. He also worked at Nike and the White House.

HEIR recently released their newest AI product PersonaPro.

Chapters:

(01:30) College athlete to sports executive

(06:30) Endorsement to enterprise

(9:00) Creating community

(11:50) PersonaPro

(14:25) Creating fan engagement

(16:45) Web3 is the future

(22:15) Trends to watch in sports

Jeron Smith:

Website: https://www.heir.app/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeron-smith-7581819/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

$40M College Sports Donation, Big-Time Athlete Investments, and NIL Getting Wild

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 09:01:34 GMT

Not yet subscribed to The Petcash Post? Join 24,000+ others getting educated on the business of athletes, sports, and NIL — it’s free.

Audio Timeline:

0:44 - Feel good stories: Boston Marathon, grants for athletes with disabilities, Naomi Osaka’s new philanthropy

2:44 - NIL: $40m college donation, JR Smith and Cavinder twins sign new deals, Florida Gators = NILU, college free agency, and NBC sports

8:21 - Athlete Biz/Investments: Serena Williams, sports drinks, NFT’s, athletes taking equity + marketing fees, golfers getting active, and Moonpay

13:16 - Sports Biz/Tech: Cricket is big business, ad patches on uniforms, youth sports is getting a lot of funding, and new legislation in sports

Interesting Stat

A pitch clock has shortened Minor League Baseball games by 20 minutes, per ESPN, setting the stage for MLB to implement a clock next season.

MLB games were lasting an average of 3 hours, 10 minutes.

The good news? That's one minute shorter than last season.

The bad news? That's over one hour longer than a century ago — and 20 minutes longer than the average game as recently as 2005.

Short Passage of The Week

“Passion is what makes life interesting, what ignites our love and carries our friendships, stimulates our intellect, and pushes our limits.”-- Pat Tillman

On this day 18 years ago, Pat Tillman lost his life while serving his country in Afghanistan. I never had the privilege of meeting Pat and I don’t pretend to know him, but from a distance he is a role model for me. It’s not his play on the football field that I most admire, or even his decision to leave millions of dollars on the table to serve his country. Instead it’s the way he lived his life: with tremendous passion. Whatever he did he brought all of his being to it. He loved to read books and learn new things. He loved to challenge himself and others to be the best that they could be. And he was a deeply loyal husband and friend. People are drawn to those who approach life like that. Their passion lights us up on the inside and motivates us to be better. Today if you want to honor Pat Tillman, live with passion. Whatever you do today bring your whole being to it.

Laugh loudly, cry, be a great friend, stimulate your intellect, make a difference in someone’s life, push yourself to get better at something. I’m guessing Pat would appreciate that more than any platitudes or grand gestures. Win Your Day! Passage by Steve Gilbert

Tweet(s)

College programs enabling their athletes to profit will be at a major advantage in this new era of recruiting and college sports.

Former MLB player Cory Gearrin put out an interesting thread on the financial reality most professional athletes face👇

1) Fight rising inflation with rising income

Did you know in March of 2022 inflation rose 8.5%, the biggest rise in 12 months since the 80's!

This poses a huge financial question around how to prepare a plan for this type of event?

From professional athletes to recent college graduates, the best way to hedge inflation and protect your lifestyle in the future is by creating multiple streams of income.

In today's world of e-commerce and the gig economy there are endless ways to begin generating a new income stream and the money tip of the day is to start one.

Even if it is only $100 a month, the more legs you are standing on, the less likely the inflation wave will knock you over.

What To Keep An Eye On This Week

* Releasing an athlete investment thread on Antonio Brown Monday (4-25-22) at 9:10 EST on Twitter.

* More NIL developments coming out of spring football games.

Quote

“Don’t let the internet rush you. No one is posting their failures.” - Wesley Snipes

#106: Mike Shogren - CEO Prevent Biometrics | Managing Data/Product in Sports | Mouthguards & Concussion Tech

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:01:00 GMT

CEO Mike Shogren is the father of a young athlete who suffered a devastating concussion leading to years of symptoms that could’ve been easily diagnosed and treated with a better protocol in place.

While researching concussion treatment, Mike Shogren was introduced to Prevent Biometrics. He left his job, joined Prevent as the CEO, and set out to bring this technology to athletes and parents at every level of sports.

Prevent Biometrics has become an industry leader for head injury protocol in sports partnering with over 200 organizations, deploying 20,000+ impact-monitoring mouthguards, and leading the largest head impact study to date.

Chapters:

(02:15) Background in athlete safety

(04:05) Son’s injury

(06:15) Inception of Prevent Biometrics

(11:00) Understanding the product

(16:00) Top of the pyramid down with World Rugby

(19:45) Understanding governance in sports

(21:50) Balancing product, data, & creating systems

(25:20) Concussions in the future

Mike Shogren:

Website: https://preventbiometrics.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-shogren-18950/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#97: Kyle Pfaffenbach - Special Advisor LumosTech & Brooks Running | Optimizing Your Sleep & Limiting Jet Lag

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:01:00 GMT

Kyle Pfaffenbach is a high-end performance nutritionist, helping mostly athletes but also founders optimize their performance.

Plaffenbach has a B.S. and M.S. in exercise science from Colorado State University, along with a Ph.D. in nutrition from CSU.

LumosTech is an innovative sleep mask utilizing circadian rhythm studies to help improve sleep. They recently signed a deal with a WNBA team.

Chapters:

(01:40) Background to sports

(09:15) All things sleep

(15:10) Social jet lag

(18:30) Circadian Rhythm

(26:25) Daylight savings time

(28:15) Next big “performance” trends

(35:00) Focus on overall health

Kyle Pfaffenbach:

Website: https://lumos.tech/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylepfaff/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#77: Icon Source Founder Chase Garrett: Building an NIL Solution For Athletes & Brands Pre-NIL at Icon Source

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Prior to jumping into the founder seat, Chase Garrett was a professional motocross rider, marketing manager at Red Bull, and personal agent to athletes such as Reggie Bush and Kris Bryant.

Chase is currently the CEO of Icon Source, an influencer marketing company connecting brands with athletes in a secure & trusted marketplace to reach new opportunities.

Founded in 2018, Icon Source has continued to grow and is taking advantage of the new college NIL rules that went live in 2021.

Chapters:

(01:35) Background at Red Bull

(05:10) From agent to NIL company

(09:30) Scaling Icon Source

(11:35) Creating community

(14:00) State of NIL marketplaces

(16:45) Hot industries in brand marketing

(20:45) Where NCAA is headed?

(23:15) Trends to watch in sports

Chase Garrett:

Website: https://iconsource.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasegarrett/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#28: Jason Bergman - CEO, Co-Founder Marketpryce | First-of-the-first NIL brand deals | Transitioning business model | Team vs individual partnerships | How great companies are built | NILs Impact

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 04:01:09 GMT

Prior to raising over $3M to build out Marketpryce, CEO Jason Bergman was a sports agent and also worked in the athlete marketing sector.

Marketpryce is a branding solution that mixes products with services to assist athletes, brands, and universities in the NIL era.

NIL is taking off and Jason Bergman + Marketpryce is trying to be a front-runner in the race. With over 8,000 partnerships they’re on their way.

Chapters:

(01:30) What are you seeing in year two of NIL?

(07:40) Transition in the business model

(11:25) Why Jason jumped into the founder seat

(14:50) NIL’s impact on youth sports

(17:15) Differences in team vs individual brand deals

(19:45) First-of-the-first female NIL deal

(24:00) What makes a successful NIL campaign?

(28:40) How Jason Bergman as a founder keeps learning?

(30:50) Innovation coming to NIL we should watch for

Jason Bergman links:

Website: https://www.marketpryce.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bergmantweets

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-bergman/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (September 23-30)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 12:01:09 GMT

Audio Timeline:

1:25 - Feel good stories

* College athletes give back to the community thanks to their NIL money.

3:05 - Business of Athletes

* Lebron James, Kevin Love, and Draymond Green are the newest investors in pickleball through Major League Pickleball’s 16-team expansion.

* Chris Paul, Vernon Davis, and Jimmer Fredette are investing in Scout’s $2.6M seed round. The company helps users put together “investing starting packages”.

* Kevin Durant and Billie Jean King are the newest investors in League One Volleyball, a new women's pro league, which has raised a $16.75 million Series A round.

* Eli Manning (through his PE Firm Brand Velocity Group) has acquired uniform company SCORE. Carmelo Anthony, Nolan Arenado, DK Metcalf, and Klay Thompson are fellow athlete investors.

* Abby Wambach is distancing herself from concussion company Odyssey Health as Brett Favre is reportedly its biggest investor.

* Travis Kelce is investing in ZenWTR, other athlete investors include Aaron Rodgers, Richard Seymour, surfer Kelly Slater, and Tristan Thompson.

10:45 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* South Carolina women’s basketball players are set to receive $25,000 during this upcoming season thanks to a team-wide NIL deal.

* 5-star football recruit David Stone put out on Twitter that he can’t “be bought” during his recruiting process.

13:35 - Future of Sports

* InGame Sports, an Egyptian gaming and sports technology startup has secured over $1M in a pre-seed round spearheaded by Opener.

* Athletes Unlimited announced a $30M funding round to continue building out their women’s first athletic leagues. Four-time Olympian Angela Ruggiero, Philadelphia 76ers owner David Blitzer, and Kevin Durant's 35V are investors.

* Karate Combat, a prominent full-contact martial arts league, announced the decision to form a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) to transition its governance to fans and athletes.

* The American Cornhole League (ACL) is one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the world (challenging even pickleball). They have announced a strategic multi-year partnership with Legends agency.

* SIQ Basketball raised an additional $3M from 16 new investors. They make the world’s first smart basketball and are used by Overtime Elite.

Interesting Stat

This is wild:

High school sports in the United States with the most participants (and YoY change).

Participation is down among the 10 most popular boys and girls high school sports compared to the last full pre-pandemic school year.

Boys golf and girls volleyball are the only increases.

This chart doesn’t include Esports — but that is definitely growing as well.

Short Passage of The Week:

We rob ourselves of joy because of the storylines we create around our painful challenges in life, be they physical, financial, mental, emotional, or spiritual.

As we walk through the growth experiences of life's discomfort, we realize joy is right there in the midst of it all.

Passage by The Daily Coach

Recommended Media

Thanks to the 50+ people who have sent emails regarding business ideas in pickleball after my post on Friday.

It has garnered a ton of buzz and I am currently sorting through them to see if there are any opportunities that can benefit us all.

Tweet(s)

Figuring out what to message “busy” people is tough. This is a good br

#74: Mike Salvaris - Co-Founder Pro League Network | Building a Portfolio of Alternative Sports Properties

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Pro League Network's brands include SlapFIGHT Championship, World Putting League, CarJitsu, and the Pro Carrom Tour. They have an owned audience of over 500K subscribers/followers across their brands.

Pro League Network makes betable sports entertainment. They own a portfolio of brands and produce short-form, wagering-ready, and accessible live sports content for their partners to monetize (wagering operators, sponsors, media partners, etc).

Mike Salvaris spent most of his professional career in the legal, gaming, and sports betting world.

Chapters:

(01:25) Trends that led to PLN

(08:05) Defining what qualifies as a “sport”

(12:35) Talent scouting process

(14:15) Business model of Pro League Network

(16:10) Characteristics of successful leagues

(19:20) Scaling PLN

(24:00) Trends in sports betting + media

Mike Salvaris

Website: https://www.proleaguenetwork.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-salvaris-88b4921/

Andrew Petcash

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#105: Daniel Kirschner - CEO Greenfly | Lessons Scaling Across Sports & Benefits of Starting a Company in Athletics

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 05:01:00 GMT

Greenfly has been building in sports & media for ten years with 500+ major organizations as clients led by Daniel Kirschner.

Greenfly's short-form media software platform captures, collects, organizes & distributes videos & photos to drive fan engagement.

Daniel Kirschner spent most of his career in the legal space before jumping into entrepreneurship at Greenfly with two-time MLB All-Star Shawn Green.

Chapters:

(01:20) 10 years of building Greenfly

(03:45) Indications of PMF

(05:55) GenZ & Short-Form Content

(08:35) Expanding beyond sports & internationally

(13:15) Growth engines to scale faster

(16:00) Benefits of starting a company in sports

(19:10) Selling to teams vs leagues vs brands

(21:20) Trends in sports to watch

Daniel Kirschner:

Website: https://www.greenfly.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkirschner/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#27: Ben Reynolds - CEO, Co-Founder Spalk | Creating a global sports commentary company | Benefit of athlete investors | Expanding a brand worldwide | Trends to watch in sports media | AI and sports

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 04:01:39 GMT

In 2021, Ben Reynolds and Spalk raised a $3M Series A round which included several notable athlete investors and was headed by Greg Norman’s venture arm.

Spalk has developed a unique commentary software that allows you to listen to alternative sportscasters with options in over 50 different languages.

A native of New Zealand, it was fun to talk with Ben about turning a side project into a full-time business, scaling globally, and a bunch of other insightful topics around entrepreneurship, the future of sports, and Spalk.

Chapters:

(01:00) Global expansion of sports (and Netflix’s impact)

(03:15) Where the idea for Spalk stemmed from

(06:25) Scaling a company globally

(13:40) Differences in sports leagues around the world

(15:45) Artificial Intelligence’s influence

(22:00) Challenges + learnings of building a company

(24:00) Importance of athlete investors

(28:45) Spalk’s ultimate vision + sports trends to watch

Ben Reynolds links:

Website: https://www.spalk.tv/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/benreynoldsnz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benreynoldsnz/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#36: Jason Shatsky - CEO, Co-Founder TicketRev | First-ever reverse ticketing marketplace | Problems in the ticketing industry | The art of pitching | $1.1M seed round post accelerator

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 23:29:36 GMT

TicketRev just raised $1.1M as the first-ever reverse ticketing marketplace - modeled after shoe marketplaces like StockX and GOAT.

Jason Shatsky co-founded the company while in college at Babson University.

TicketRev went through the Techstars accelerator this last year and received an investment from the Minnesota Twins at the end.

Chapters:

(01:15) Building his first business as a teenager

(03:30) Overview of TicketRev

(06:00) Problems in the ticketing industry

(11:30) Web3 technology x tickets

(13:00) Competing against the conglomerates

(17:15) Value of university + accelerators

(20:00) How to sell a pitch

(23:35) Trends to watch in sports

Jason Shatsky links:

Website: https://www.ticketrev.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jshatsky

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonshatsky/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#47: Anand Rajaraman - Owner SF Unicorns, GP Rocketship.vc | Global cricket landscape | Owning a pro sports team | 2x exited founder and VC | Where sports tech is headed |

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 30 May 2023 04:01:49 GMT

Anand is a two-time exited founder, Junglee (acq. by Amazon) and Kosmix (acq. by Walmart) that is now a founding partner of rocketship.vc and owner a United States cricket team, the San Francisco Unicorns.

The San Francisco Unicorns will be one of the first 6 cricket teams in Major League Cricket.

This was a fascinating conversation with Anand Rajaraman on cricket, owning a pro sports team, sports tech, and entrepreneurship.

Chapters:

(01:35) Owning a pro sports team

(03:00) Differences in cricket across the world

(05:45) US cricket landscape

(08:50) Anand’s entrepreneurial journey

(12:30) Running a team vs. a company

(16:15) Growing sports tech ecosystem

(21:30) Web1, Web2, Web3

Anand Rajaraman:

Website: https://www.sfunicorns.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anandrajaraman/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#7: Porter Grieve - CEO, Co-Founder Mercury | Athlete-driven media | Reimagining the fan experience in sports | Blockchain technology and Web3’s impact | NIL and sports tech trends

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 08:30:51 GMT

Porter Grieve is building Mercury, a collegiate fan experience platform built on the bedrock of blockchain technology that uses athlete-driven media as its main marketing tool.

Prior to Mercury, Grieve spent several years at the soccer club, AS Roma.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(03:20) Creating fan experiences and Mercury’s agenda

(07:10) Merging the worlds of Web2 and Web3

(09:30) Where is blockchain technology headed?

(13:10) Communicating innovative tech to athletic departments

(15:00) Building a media company first, paid products second

(17:25) The power of owned media and AS Roma’s tricks

(22:30) Where is NIL headed over the next 5 years?

(25:30) How Porter raised $7.5M in a bad market

(28:35) Sports Tech trends over the next year

Porter Grieve links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/portergrieve

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/porter-g-9a4b8374/

Website: https://teammercury.io/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#104: Tyler Gates - GM Brightline Interactive, Chief Futurist Glimpse Group | Merging Immersive Tech & Sports

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:01:00 GMT

Reality is being redefined as immersive technology and sports are colliding at record rates.

Tyler Gates leads the charge at Brightline Interactive and is the Chief Futurist for the parent company, Glimpse Group ($VRAR).

In today’s episode, we dive deep into “fan engagement” and how Brightline Interactive is building the future to provide all stakeholders within sports with an amazing experience.

Chapters:

(02:25) Brightline Interactive

(05:30) Cool tech they've built in sports

(10:15) Pose with the pros

(14:15) Defining fan engagement

(20:50) AI and LLM’s

(25:20) Defining reality

(30:15) Social media and shopping

(34:00) Next horizon in sports tech

Tyler Gates:

Website: https://www.brightlineinteractive.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gatestyler/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#88: Manuel Lopo de Carvalho - CEO, DMG Ventures | Using Daily Mail’s Media Reach to Invest in Companies

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:01:00 GMT

DMG Ventures recently made two sports investments: F1 Arcade and a new Padel tournament called The Hexagon Cup.

DMG Ventures is the investment arm of media company, Daily Mail, they have deployed over $200 million into consumer companies.

Manuel Lopo de Carvalho co-founded DMG Ventures alongside Lord Rothermere in 2017, previously spending time consulting at McKinsey and banking at Goldman Sachs.

Chapters:

(01:25) From banking to VC

(03:00) DMG Ventures

(07:45) Value proposition

(12:05) Corporate venture capital

(14:00) Sports investments

(21:30) IPL, fantasy, & experiential

Manuel Lopo de Carvalho:

Website: https://www.dmgventures.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuel-lopo-de-carvalho-bbb6201

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#55: Bruce Buffer & Matt Whitteker - Co-Founders MILLIONS.co | Brand-Building 101 | ChatGPT Inclusions | Growth of UFC & Sport-Entertainment | AI Concerns + Opportunities

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Bruce Buffer is the legendary UFC announcer and Matt Whitteker is an exited unicorn founder at SaaS company Assent.

They came together to co-found the sports company MILLIONS, which raised a $10M Series A in 2021.

MILLIONS unites the sports world through a single social commerce platform allowing athletes, gyms, fans, and brands to connect and be brought together.

Chapters:

(01:20) Rise of sport-entertainment fights

(03:00) Growth of the UFC

(05:35) Brand-building 101

(07:30) Overview of MILLIONS

(12:35) Buffer’s favorite experiences

(14:50) ChatGPT athlete extension

(16:30) AI opportunities and concerns

(18:50) NIL & sports tech thoughts

(21:50) Where MILLIONS is going

Info:

Website: https://millions.co/

Bruce Buffer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-buffer-b36ba24/

Matt Whitteker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-whitteker-06596011/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#178: Jeff Spring, CEO & Tour Director of the Disc Golf Pro Tour | Expanding Professional Disc Golf Worldwide

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Disc golf is a fast-growing sport that combines the precision of golf with the skill of disc throwing. Played in parks, forests, and open spaces, players aim to reach a target basket in the fewest throws, offering an accessible and nature-connected experience for fans and players alike. The Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) leads the sport’s professional scene, organizing premier events that highlight top talent and engage a global audience.

In recent years, DGPT has expanded rapidly, with events across the U.S. and Europe, record-breaking viewership on ESPN and CBS Sports, and a streaming platform, Disc Golf Network. The Tour has seen over 150% growth in participation and continues to innovate in live broadcasting and fan experiences.

As CEO and Tour Director, Jeff Spring has been pivotal in DGPT's success. A seasoned sports event manager, Jeff transformed Vermont’s Smugglers’ Notch into a premier disc golf destination. Under his leadership, DGPT has become the Official Pro Tour of the PDGA, setting a high standard for the sport’s future.

Chapters:

(03:04) - The Structure of Disc Golf Pro Tour

(05:48) - Demographics and Accessibility of Disc Golf

(09:00) - Understanding the Game: Scoring and Equipment

(12:05) - Evolution of the Tour and Media Presence

(15:04) - Challenges and Opportunities in Growing the Sport

(17:56) - Future Trends and the Role of Technology

(20:54) - The Global Landscape of Disc Golf

Jeff Spring:

Website: https://www.dgpt.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-spring-5419b5a/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#58: Brian Woods - CEO, Founder Prep Super League (PSL) | Creating sports properties | NIL for high school sports | Downstream flow to youth sports | National high school football league

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Brian Woods is building another sports property, after previously selling The Spring League to Fox and creating the USFL.

Prep Super League is an elite, 11-on-11, spring football league for aspiring college football prospects seeking supplemental instruction, enhanced competition, and a less restrictive environment to pursue NIL deals.

Prep Super League is attempting to revolutionize the gap between high school and college football.

Chapters:

(01:25) Prep Super League opportunity

(05:15) Business model

(09:45) Unique gap in college sports

(14:20) Attracting the best players

(17:20) Downstream to youth sports

(19:00) Where NIL is headed

(24:35) Future of Prep Super League

Brian Woods:

Website: https://prepsuperleague.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sportsexecutive/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#297: Bobby Sharma, Bluestone Equity Partners - How Private Equity Is Transforming the Sports Industry

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 03:23:23 GMT

Bobby Sharma is the Founder and Managing Partner of Bluestone Equity Partners, an institutional private equity firm focused on investing across the global sports, media, and entertainment ecosystem. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as one of the most experienced operators and investors in the industry, working across finance, strategy, league operations, and global sports development.

Before launching Bluestone, Sharma held leadership roles across several of the most influential organizations in sports. He served as Global Head of Basketball and Strategic Initiatives at IMG, where he helped expand sports businesses worldwide, developing leagues, academies, and media rights strategies across emerging markets including India, China, Brazil, and Africa. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly a decade helping build the NBA G League while working closely with the National Basketball Association on league operations, franchise development, and global strategy.

In this episode of the Profluence Sports Podcast, Bobby joins Andrew Petcash to discuss the evolution of sports as a global investment category, how private equity evaluates opportunities across leagues, media, and technology, and what founders should understand when building scalable businesses in the sports ecosystem.

Podcast Chapters:

02:27 Transitioning from Operations to Investment

04:50 The Role of Networking in Sports

07:11 Insights on Institutional Investment in Sports

10:07 Understanding the LP Perspective

12:33 The Complexity of Sports Investments

15:04 Emerging Trends in Sports and Entertainment

17:20 Investment Strategies and Portfolio Construction

19:54 Future of Sports Investments

22:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Bitcoin Bonuses, College Athletes Selling NFT's, and Billionaire Sports Owners

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 13:00:46 GMT

Happy Sunday — I appreciate you tuning in!

A few housekeeping items: 🚨🚨

* On Friday, many of you received the email multiple times which was due to an error on Substack’s server…sorry about that it should be fixed

2. I created a brief, fully anonymous, nine question survey to help me better understand who you are. My goal is to better understand my readers, continue writing content relevant to you all, and partner with sponsors that you will actually care about. If you can take 32 seconds to fill out the survey below, I would really appreciate it.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Dyf87cKP_tKNxUZS4MdtFv6gUNE1JO45NJx7pWL2y_c/

Audio Timeline:

0:50 - Feel good stories: Millions donated, Nebraska, Ukraine

1:40 - NIL: Interesting partnership, collectives, NFT’s, and education

4:41 - Sports Biz: Tom Brady, Bitcoin bonuses, and a Web 3.0 soccer team

6:48 - Shady Deals: Brett Favre, Washington Commanders, and 76ers

8:56 - Sports Tech: Metaverse stadium, $12m analytics company

10:13 - Betting: Ontario, $800m, and Kansas City

11:30 - Wrap up + future developments

Interesting Stat

Only 15% of active managers beat the performance of the S&P 500 in 2021. Buying low cost index funds = less stress + more wealth.

This is wild:

The world's ten richest sports owners have a combined net worth of $353 billion, holding steady from a year ago despite rampant inflation and a volatile market.

Short Passage of The Week

Opening Day in baseball is special, but for me the season doesn’t really start until Day Two. Why? Because on Day One, everything is fresh and new. Fans (and media) who don't normally attend games are there for it. It’s easy to be excited. But on Day Two, the press box is emptier. The stadium usually is as well. It's when you begin to settle into the daily routine of what will be a six-month marathon. The beginning of a new goal, workout program, or business can be exciting like Opening Day, but in order to be successful you've got to keep at it even when the freshness has worn off. There will be good times and there will be struggles. But if regardless of the circumstances you show up every day with the mindset that you’re going to give the best with which you’re capable on that day, you'll be surprised at what you can accomplish. Win Your Day!Passage by Steve Gilbert

Recommended Media

I’ve been seeing more sports stadiums and schools put in this advanced AI security screener.

This is the future of security when heading into major sporting events.

I don’t know how I feel about it, but figured I would share.

Tweet(s)

Great thread breaking down Tim Grover and what he’s learned from working with some of the greatest basketball players of all-time:

This one was pretty eye-opening for me as well👇

Did you know that NIL athletes need to pay income tax in every state they work in?

This means that if you live in Michigan, but fly to New York for an appearance and get paid for it, you will owe income taxes to the state of New York.

The same is true for every state, besides the states that don’t have an income tax: (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming)

Quote

Snowboarder Shaun White’s Financial Advice:

“Let your money work for you rather than being out there trying to make moves. It doesn’t sound as enticing as this big elaborate plan to be financially stable, but it’s definitely proven through time.”

I appreciate you reading The Petcash Post on a consistent basis!<

#20: Adam Faris - Sports Creator, Co-Founder Dapper Life | Turning TikTok videos into a business | Life of a sports creator | Building to over 2.5 million followers

Andrew Petcash — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 01:00:00 GMT

Sitting on an audience of over 2.5M followers after graduating from Oregon, Adam Faris is thinking bigger than just content.

He is a co-founder of Dapper Life, which is the holding company of his various business endeavors all stemming from short-form content.

Sports creators are much more than video personalities behind the scenes.

Chapters:

(03:25) Some of Adam’s cool projects

(05:05) How he got started creating sports content

(08:00) Business behind influencers/creators

(14:40) Content creation for athletes (and Jon Seaton example)

(17:20) Tricks of successful content creators

(21:00) Creators Adam Faris looks up to

(23:20) Top platforms for content creation (YT vs TT vs IG vs etc)

(26:10) Future initiatives for Dapper Life & Adam

Adam Faris links:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adampfaris?lang=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adampfaris/

Website: https://www.teamdapper.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#12: Ishveen Jolly - CEO, Founder OpenSponsorship | Women’s sports ecosystem | Overview of India | Tips for scaling a company | Role of athlete investors + agencies | Sponsorships trends to watch

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 10:30:16 GMT

Ishveen Jolly is building OpenSponsorship, a two-sided global marketplace for sports sponsorship. Their platform makes it easy for brands to partner with athletes, teams, and events.

Ishveen Jolly has received numerous awards including Forbes 30 Under 30 and Inc. Top 100 Female Founder.

OpenSponsorship has several notable athlete investors including Serena Williams and Baron Davis.

Chapters:

(00:40) Experience as a female in the sports industry

(02:55) Advice for females looking to start a sports company

(04:00) Male athletes investing in female sports

(07:15) Inside look at collegiate women’s sports + NIL

(10:35) Her experience as a sports agent in India

(12:30) India’s sports ecosystem overview

(14:20) Importance of athlete investors

(17:45) Will the agency model be transformed?

(19:30) Overview of OpenSponsorship + new initiatives

(20:40) Key takeaway’s for scaling and hiring employees

(22:25) Web3’s influence (or lack of it)

(23:40) Sponsorship trends to watch

Ishveen Jolly links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IshveenAnand

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ishveenjolly/

Website: https://opensponsorship.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#15: David Anderson - CEO, Co-Founder BreakAway Data | Athlete biometric data | 6 year NFL journey | How data is impacting sports | Building a sports data company | NFTs x data algorithms

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 17:51:50 GMT

After playing in the NFL for 6 years and working in sports for nearly a decade, David Anderson decided to start his own venture, BreakAway Data.

BreakAway Data is a venture-backed data analytics platform with major deals across athletics including the NFLPA, UCLA, and other high-level sports properties.

They were named to SBJ’s 10 most innovative companies to watch.

Chapters:

(01:15) What is biometric data and how is it used?

(03:05) Playing in the NFL for 6 years and the rise of data analytics

(06:45) How athletes monetize their data + where it’s going

(11:20) Overview of BreakAway Data

(14:30) CBAs and their data approaches (NFLPA vs MLBPA vs NBAPA)

(17:20) How college sports and NIL tie into data

(22:15) Is it possible to collect too much performance data?

(25:00) Intersection of gambling and sports biometrics

(28:45) Habits that both elite athletes and entrepreneurs possess

(33:50) David Anderson + BreakAway Data’s future initiatives

David Anderson links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidAnderson89

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidanderson89/

Website: https://www.breakawaydata.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#8: Steven Farag - CEO, Founder Campus Ink | Entrepreneurship + NIL | Sports apparel business | How much money athletes are making | Getting Mark Cuban to Invest | Future of sports

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 08:30:09 GMT

Steven Farag is building Campus Ink, a merch platform at the center of NIL and college athletics.

In 2022, Campus Ink raised several million dollars (including an investment from Mark Cuban) and scaled to over 30 employees and 13 Universities.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:30) From creating merch to building Campus Ink

(02:35) How Steven got Mark Cuban to invest

(04:40) Experience being on the show “My First Million”

(06:30) Hardest thing about the apparel business

(09:20) NIL and his experience with making athletes money

(14:50) How Universities are handling NIL

(18:25) Myths in NIL and college sports

(20:00) Entrepreneurship through NIL

(24:45) Collectives and paying college athletes

(27:25) Initiatives for Campus Ink over the next year

(29:00) Where is the sports market headed in 2023

Steven Farag links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevenfarag

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faragsteven/

Website: https://campus.ink/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#158: John Stewart - CEO, Co-Founder Fastbreak AI | Transforming Sports Scheduling from Top to Bottom

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:30:00 GMT

Recently receiving investment from the NBA, NHL, and Profluence Capital, John Stewart is transforming sports at Fastbreak AI.

Fastbreak AI brings the power of world-class, sports scheduling optimization featuring a robust and intuitive user experience for league setup, defining scheduling goals, metric reporting, schedule modification, and distribution.

John Stewart sold his last company, MapAnything, to Salesforce in 2019.

Chapters:

(00:40) Building & exiting MapAnything

(04:00) Opportunity John saw in sports

(07:00) Fastbreak AI scheduling

(10:20) Downstream into youth sports

(12:00) Next products

(15:30) Advice on fundraising

(17:40) Bootstrapping vs venture capital

(20:40) Managing raised capital

(22:50) Having mainly engineers

(25:15) Macro trends in sports to watch

Fastbreak AI:

Website: https://fastbreak.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-stewart-3528a38/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

*Disclaimer: Profluence’s work is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should always do your own research and consult advisors on these subjects. Our work may feature entities in which Profluence Capital LP or the author has invested.

#78: Gary Goldberg - Founder SquadLocker | Scaling Sports Apparel Business & Next Frontiers of E-Commerce

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Third-generation textile entrepreneur Gary Goldberg is the founder of SquadLocker, which raised a $20M Series C in 2020.

SquadLocker is a custom apparel and gear software and fulfillment company transforming how sports organizations, schools, and businesses develop and distribute custom goods.

Gary Goldberg moved to the president role after bringing on George Overholster as the CEO in 2023. George is a former co-founder of VistaPrint and a founding member of Capital One credit cards.

Chapters:

(02:05) Millrat to SquadLocker

(08:00) Scaling businesses

(11:00) Meeting his first investor

(16:20) Next frontiers of e-commerce

(20:55) Evolution of sports

(25:25) Apparel trends

Gary Goldberg:

Website: https://www.squadlocker.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyctm/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#253: Samuel Westberg, Co-Founder & CEO of LaSource – Connecting Sports Tech, Media, and Rights Holders

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Samuel Westberg is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LaSource, a sports consulting agency helping sports tech companies, startups, and media organizations grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving industry. With a decade of experience in sports—beginning with a professional football team and moving into business development roles across sports tech and digital startups—Samuel has built an extensive global network of rights holders, broadcasters, media companies, and clubs. His unique perspective bridges the gap between innovation and the traditional sports ecosystem.

LaSource works with sports tech and SaaS companies to refine their business development and marketing strategies, enabling them to penetrate the European market and expand their client base. They also partner with sports and media organizations to anticipate industry shifts, develop forward-looking strategies, and drive revenue growth. By connecting technology providers with sports and entertainment stakeholders, LaSource helps shape the future of fan engagement, media rights, and digital innovation in sports.

An interesting fact about LaSource is their ability to merge top-tier consulting expertise with deep sector knowledge in data, digital technologies, and media rights—creating a unique platform where sports tech companies, media players, and rights holders can collaborate to accelerate growth and innovation.

Chapters:

02:38 – The Evolution of Sports Tech in Europe

05:22 – Navigating the Global Sports Tech Landscape

08:15 – The Role of VR and AR in Fan Engagement

10:53 – Youth Sports and Technology Trends

13:47 – Finding Innovative Technologies in Sports

16:37 – Building a Sustainable Sports Tech Agency

19:16 – Staying Informed in the Sports Tech Industry
Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#179: Will Bartholomew - CEO of D1 Sports Training | From Athlete to Entrepreneur: Will Bartholomew’s Journey to Building D1 Sports

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

D1 Sports Training was founded in 2001 by Will Bartholomew in Nashville, TN. Known for its elite, sports-based training, D1 has grown into one of the fastest-growing fitness companies with over 40 locations nationwide. It was recognized by Men’s Health as a TOP 30 Gym.

D1’s success is rooted in Will’s journey as a multi-sport All-State athlete and captain of Tennessee’s 1998 National Championship team. His leadership and passion for fitness helped D1 set new standards in the industry.

Will’s impact extends beyond business; he’s an active member of the Young Presidents' Organization and a family man. In this episode, he shares insights on his journey, the power of networking, and how his competitive mindset fueled D1’s growth into a multi-million-dollar brand.

Chapters:

(01:00) - Will’s Journey from Athlete to Entrepreneur

(3:41) - The Power of Networking and Build Connections

(6:15) - Building the Mindset of a Successful Entrepreneur

(8:38) - Scaling the Business: Lessons learned on the Field.

(12:03) - Training the Next Generation: D1’s Mission

(17:46) - The Power of Community and Influence

Will Bartholomew

Website: https://www.dgpt.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-spring-5419b5a/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#57: Antonio Cacorino - CEO, Co-Founder APEX Capital | Athlete Investing | Sports, Media, & Entertainment | Europe vs. US Landscape | Value-Add of Athlete Investors

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Led by Antonio Cacorino, APEX Capital, is bringing the athlete investment movement into Europe.

APEX focuses on investments in the sports, media, and entertainment industries.

Prior to bringing together athletes for a syndicate and fund, Antonio spent time in the finance industry at Welz, Leonteq, and BNP Paribas.

Chapters:

(01:30) Saudi money in sports

(05:30) APEX Capital origin story

(09:45) Athlete investing at scale

(11:40) European vs U.S. athletes

(13:50) Value add of player investors

(17:00) Building out the APEX team

(20:30) What are you looking for in companies?

(23:30) Trends to watch in sports

Antonio Cacorino:

Website: https://apex-cp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-cacorino/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#43: Loron Orris - Founding Partner Asia Sports Tech | Innovation waves in Asian sports | Building NBA Asia & IMAX Japan | Sports as an asset class | Overview of Asian sports ecosystem

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 16 May 2023 04:01:27 GMT

Asia Sports Tech is one of the leading business consulting and financial advisory firms in all of Asia.

Loron Orris has 30+ years of experience in sports including being the managing director of NBA Asia during its early days. He also teaches at the Chinese University of Hong Kong Business School.

Asia Sports Tech and Loron Orris believe in the future growth of Asian sports – which led to a great conversation.

Chapters:

(01:15) Journey to Asia

(06:00) Building NBA Asia and IMAX Japan

(09:50) Waves of innovation in sports

(13:50) Overview of Asia Sports Tech

(19:30) Sports globalization

(22:30) Challenges new entrants face in Asia

(26:35) Challenges of expanding beyond Asia

(30:25) Culture differences + trends to watch

Loron Orris:

Website: https://asiasportstech.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loronorris/?originalSubdomain=hk

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#240: LaVelle Juan, CEO & Co-Founder, Brag House - Empowering Gen Z Connections through gaming and sport

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 01:12:29 GMT

Brag House is reshaping the college gaming landscape by blending community, culture, and casual esports into one inclusive platform. Focused on the Gen Z experience, the platform empowers casual gamers to connect, compete, and grow—while giving brands an authentic way to engage a generation that values voice, identity, and experience over hype.

LaVelle Juan, CEO and Co-Founder, brings a rare mix of athlete-driven grit and entrepreneurial innovation to Brag House’s mission. In this episode, he shares the company’s community-first approach, how language and identity drive connection, and why gaming is one of the most powerful tools to understand—and engage—the next generation.

Chapters:

01:11 – LaVelle's Journey: From Athlete to Entrepreneur

04:41 – Building Brag House: The Intersection of Sports and Gaming

07:18 – Community-First Approach: Authentic Engagement with Gen Z

11:21 – Innovative Activation Strategies for User Acquisition

13:29 – The Power of Language and Community Identity

17:15 – Monetizing Community: Balancing Authenticity and Revenue

22:09 – Understanding Gen Z: Behavioral Insights and Market Trends

26:22 – Future Vision: Expanding Brag House's Impact

30:50 – Advice for Entrepreneurs: Lessons from the Journey

LaVelle Juan: 🏠Website: https://www.braghouse.com/💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavell-juan-bh/

Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

#311: Jack Pfeiffer and Cole Rubin, FanFeed - How FanFeed Is Turning Data Into Personalized Live Experiences

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 13 May 2026 16:04:13 GMT

Jack Pfeiffer and Cole Rubin are the co-founders of FanFeed and are redefining how teams, leagues, and artists understand and engage their audiences.

Jack and Cole break down the fundamental shift from ticket buyers to verified attendees, and why owning first-party fan data is becoming one of the most valuable assets in sports and live entertainment. They share how FanFeed leverages camera roll data and AI to build a more authentic picture of fandom, unlocking hyper-personalized experiences, smarter ticketing, and more effective sponsorship strategies.

The conversation dives into the future of ticketing, where AI-powered recommendations replace endless browsing, and fans receive curated offers based on their behavior, preferences, and history. They also explore how emerging leagues, colleges, and smaller teams can use these tools to compete with larger organizations by building deeper, one-to-one relationships with their fans.

From NIL-driven opportunities in college sports to the evolution of sponsorship sales, and the blending of digital and physical fan experiences, this episode highlights how data, personalization, and technology are reshaping the entire live event ecosystem.

Podcast Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to FanFeed and Its Founders

06:21 Understanding FanFeed's Core Products

11:00 The Shift from Ticket Buying to Verified Attendance

17:31 The Impact of Verified Attendance on Brands and Sponsorships

24:46 Emerging Markets and Custom Solutions in Live Events

30:26 The Future of Fandom: Blending Digital and Physical Experiences

#6: Ryan Girardot - CEO, Co-Founder Cerebro Sports | Importance of data in sports | Why Mark Cuban invested | Objective vs. Subjective scouting | Using SME’s + co-founders to build a business

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 12:00:50 GMT

Ryan Girardot is an exited founder now building in the youth basketball space. Cerebro Sports is a Mark Cuban company using data analytics to provide deep insights for the main entities in sports.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(03:00) Basketball data analytics & Cerebro Sports

(06:25) How he got Mark Cuban to invest

(08:35) Growth since Mark Cuban joined

(11:00) How to reach customers in youth sports

(14:50) Pro players that went unnoticed because of no data

(20:05) Applying their C-RAM score to all sports

(23:15) Using subject matter experts to grow a business

(26:05) Why Ryan believes in having many co-founders

(28:50) Where sports are headed in the future

Ryan Girardot links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rmgbuilds

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-girardot/

Website: https://www.cerebrosports.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#46: Michael Raymond - Founder Raymond Representation | NIL Agency Space | Building a Talent Management Business | Athlete Entrepreneurs | Boutique vs Big Agencies (pros & cons) | Favorite NIL Deals

Andrew Petcash — Fri, 26 May 2023 00:45:01 GMT

Michael Raymond is an up-and-coming talent agent currently representing professional basketball players, influencers, student-athletes for NIL, and E-sports teams.

Raymond Representation is a community-focused and innovative sports agency, specializing in NIL and Talent Management

If you’re interested in the agency world, NIL, or influencer marketing then this podcast fills all that and more.

Chapters:

(01:40) Journey to building a sports agency

(07:40) Scaling a sports agency

(10:50) Builders vs. leaders vs. sellers

(11:45) NIL & where it’s headed

(15:00) How the agency space is changing

(19:30) Favorite NIL Deals

(21:20) Trends to watch in sports

Michael Raymond:

Website: https://raymondrep.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Raymond_Rep

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymondrep/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#25: Paris Wallace - CEO, Co-Founder NCL (National Cycling League) | Sports leagues of the future | Athletes as owners | Aligning values in companies | Why now is the time to build in sports

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 17:35:57 GMT

With sports leagues changing and athletes embracing ownership, Paris Wallace saw the perfect opportunity to create the National Cycling League (NCL).

Prior to creating the NCL, Paris Wallace founded and sold two companies:

Ovia Health (Labcorp)
Good Start Genetics (Invitae)

The National Cycling League (NCL) is the first majority-minority and female professional sports league.

The NCL is aiming to build the professional sports league of the future – one that embraces technology, diverse ownership, gender equity, sustainability, and community investment.

Chapters:

(01:20) Founding and exiting two companies

(05:40) Why is now the time to build in sports

(08:05) Starting a league compared to a company

(10:20) Individual sports vs team sports

(12:15) Athlete investors in the NCL

(16:25) Generating eyeballs in a new league

(22:00) Building fandom and recruiting athletes

(24:10) Future of the NCL and sports

Paris Wallace links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/paris_wallace

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pariswallace/

Website: https://nclracing.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#290: Rufus Hack, CEO Sony Sports - Rufus Hack, CEO Sony Sports - Inside Sony’s Vision for the Future of Sport

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Rufus Hack has spent his career inside some of sport’s most influential institutions, from leadership roles connected to the Ryder Cup and the European Tour to now shaping the future of sport within Sony. As CEO of Sony Sports, Hack is focused on a new challenge: using data, technology, and entertainment platforms to redefine how global audiences engage with sport. His work centers on building a unified ecosystem that connects tracking, officiating, and fan experiences through companies like Hawk-Eye and Beyond Sports.

In the conversation, Hack outlines Sony’s ambition to position sports alongside divisions such as Sony Pictures, Sony Music, and PlayStation as a core pillar of its global entertainment strategy. He explains how advances in optical tracking, biomechanical data, and immersive digital environments are already reshaping officiating, athlete performance, and operations across leagues including the NBA and the NFL.

Hack also reflects on the broader transformation of sport — from always-on content and shifting fan expectations to the role technology plays in emerging leagues and grassroots participation. His perspective highlights how the convergence of data, gaming, and media could define the next era of sports consumption, making sport more interactive, accessible, and globally connected than ever before.

Podcast chapters:

02:44 Sony Sports and Its Vision

05:28 Acquisitions and Growth Strategy

08:17 Integration and Post-Acquisition Strategy

11:05 Leveraging PlayStation for Sports Engagement

13:42 Emerging Sports and Technology Integration

16:38 Future of Sports Data and Youth Engagement

19:30 Fragmentation in Sports Consumption

22:17 Conclusion and Future Outlook

#183: Adeel Yang - Co-founder & CEO of Dryvebox | Revolutionizing Golf with Accessible, Mobile Experiences

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Adeel Yang, MD, Co-founder and CEO of Dryvebox, is reshaping the game of golf by making it more accessible to everyone, regardless of age or skill level. Dryvebox is a unique mobile golf experience that brings the game directly to communities, allowing people to improve their swing, have fun, and engage with golf in new ways. Adeel is also the Co-founder and CEO of Medumo, a healthcare tech company acquired by Philips, and Co-founder of Picmonic, an education platform focused on visual storytelling that was acquired by TrueLearn.

Adeel shares his entrepreneurial journey, including the origins of Dryvebox and his previous ventures. He provides insights into the fundraising process for startups, navigating both B2B and B2C markets, and how technological advancements in golf simulators are changing the industry. We explore the future of off-course golf and Adeel’s vision for Dryvebox as well as trends in sports and community engagement.

Chapters:

(0:30) - The Genesis of Dryvebox

(2:45) - Adeel's Entrepreneurial Journey

(5:56) - Fundraising Insights for Startups

(9:01) - Navigating B2B and B2C Markets

(11:49) - The Golf Industry Landscape

(14:55) - Evolution of Off-Course Golf

(18:01) - Technological Advancements in Golf Simulators

(20:51) - Dryvebox’s Vision and Future Insights

(23:59) - Trends in Sports and Community Engagement

Adeel Yang:

🏠 Website: https://www.dryvebox.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeelyang

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#62: Ferran Prieto - CEO Gasol16 Ventures, Co-Founder Everest Talent Management | Building Athlete Business Empires

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Ferran is the CEO and Managing Director of Gasol16 Ventures, Pau Gasol's business and strategic investing vehicle.

Prieto also co-founded Everest Talent Management to help a variety of athletes to maximize their "off-the-field" impact and economic opportunities.

Working with athletes is a long-term, strategic approach to their non-playing activities that not only make a mark on their sport but also "stand out from the crowd" and prioritize their broader impact on their fan base and the world.

Chapters:

(01:15) Ferran’s journey into sports

(03:25) Building out Gasol16 Ventures

(08:30) Working with athletes

(12:10) Agents vs. business partners

(15:45) Future of athletes off the field

(18:30) American vs. European athletes

(21:40) Educating athletes

(26:10) Trends to watch in sports

Ferran Prieto:

Everest TM: https://www.everesttm.com/

Gasol16 Ventures: https://gasol16ventures.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-ferran-prieto-5b48802/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#41: Tinus Le Roux - CEO, Co-Founder CrowdIQ | Psychology of Fandom | AI & Large Language Models in Sports | From Cool Tech Product to Monetizable Asset | Privacy & Data Ethics | Understanding Crowds

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 09 May 2023 04:01:09 GMT

CrowdIQ has signed deals with over 25% of the NFL for its state-of-the-art computer vision to provide actionable insights on the composition and behavior of crowds.

FanCam was the initial product that led to the venture-backed CrowdIQ that is on the market today.

A fascinating conversation with Tinus Le Roux on his entrepreneurial journey, building a globally adopted sports tech product, and where AI is taking us.

Chapters:

(01:00) Optimizing yourself as an entrepreneur

(05:00) Journey to building CrowdIQ

(08:30) From South Africa to the US

(11:30) Psychology of fandom

(16:55) AI and LLM’s impact on sports

(21:55) Privacy and ethics with data

(24:15) Trends for in-person sports events

(27:50) Optimizing internal business processes

Tinus Le Roux links:

Website: https://crowdiq.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinusleroux/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#172: Amir Zonozi - CEO & Co-Founder, Zoomph | Sports Analytics: Elevating Brand Exposure and Future Trends

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Amir Zonozi, CEO of Zoomph, is revolutionizing how sports, entertainment, and esports measure sponsorship value and audience engagement. With advanced analytics and real-time viewership insights, Zoomph empowers teams, leagues, and brands to make informed decisions across broadcast and social channels, setting the standard for quality analytics.

Zoomph’s advanced features include industry-leading logo detection and rapid data delivery, trusted by major sports and entertainment partners. Their comprehensive analytics help clients understand audiences better and elevate partnership strategies.

Amir leads with a passion for sports tech and data-driven innovation. As a board member of Women in Sports Tech, he also advocates for diversity within the industry.

Chapters:

(02:56) - Understanding Brand Value Exposure in Sports

(06:09) - Evolution of Zoom’s Product and Services

(09:00) - The Role of Athletes, Fans and Entities

(12:02) - Analyzing Caitlin Clark’s Impact on Women’s Sports

(17:57) - The Future of Sports Media and Technology

(20:52) - Macro Trends in Sports Investments

(23:49) - The Role of AI in Sports

(27:13) - Community and Human Connections in Sports

Amir Zonozi:

Website: https://zoomph.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zonozi/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#17: Ben DiNucci - Pro QB, Founder of True Brvnd | Journey to the NFL | Inside look at pro athlete finances | Story behind True Brvnd & his other entrepreneurial ventures |

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 10:00:45 GMT

Ben DiNucci is a professional football player, playing 2.5 years for the Dallas Cowboys and now for the Seattle Sea Dragons in the XFL.

DiNucci is also a co-founder of True Brvnd, where they created the original upside-down Dallas hat.

Chapters:

(02:40) Becoming an NFL quarterback

(06:25) HBO Hardknocks

(08:15) Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Sea Dragons

(11:05) Typical day for a pro-QB (offseason vs in-season)

(13:45) Business and expenses of an NFL player

(17:40) Signing day bonus purchases + taxes

(21:05) Founding story of True Brvnd

(24:40) Expanding into new cities

(26:50) Athletes as entrepreneurs

(29:40) XFL back to the NFL

Ben DiNucci links:

Website: https://truebrvnd.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/B_DiNucci6

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bdinucci/?hl=en

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#56: Dan Rutstein - President Orange County SC (USL) | Soccer’s Extensive Growth | Running a Soccer Club | 2026 World Cup | Relegation Discussion | Dan’s Fascinating Career Path

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Soccer is growing at a rapid pace in the United States, and the USL is in a prime position prior to the 2026 World Cup on North American soil.

Orange County SC won the 2021 USL Championship Cup, which is the second tier of US soccer behind the MLS.

Before becoming president of OCSC, Dan Rutstein was a sports reporter, British Diplomat, AR entrepreneur, soccer referee, and whisky podcast host.

Chapters:

(01:50) Overview of the USL

(03:30) Impact of Lionel Messi on US Soccer

(05:50) Relegation discussion

(12:10) Dan’s fascinating career path

(15:40) Running a soccer club

(23:10) What OCSC looks for in sports tech

(25:30) Pro athletes buying USL teams

(27:30) Trends to watch in sports

Dan Rutstein:

Website: https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danrutstein/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#39: Mark Neifeld - CEO, Commissioner Sport Fishing Championship | PGA Tour for fishing | Creating a Sports League from scratch & monetizing it | Sports media rights landscape | The streaming wars

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 02 May 2023 04:01:59 GMT

In 2021 Mark Neifeld founded the Sport Fishing Championship - the most extensive saltwater fishing championship series in North America - where he serves as CEO & Commissioner of the international sports property.

Prior to SFC, Neifeld spent a decade in entrepreneurship and worked for the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys.

Fishing is one of the largest recreational sports activities in the world.

Chapters:

(01:05) SFC’s “The Catch” on CBS Sports

(05:20) Idea for Sport Fishing Championship

(12:00) Blueprint for creating a sports league

(15:20) Company building + operations + hiring

(18:15) Running a league vs. a company

(21:15) Monetizing a sports league

(26:00) Trends to watch in sports

Mark Neifeld links:

Website: https://sportfishingchampionship.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markeneifeld/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#24: Dugald Macdonald - CEO, Co-Founder Sportable | Creating moneyball for rugby | Mixing data, technology, and sports | Scaling a sports startup globally | Athlete performance analytics

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 22:18:38 GMT

A former rugby player himself, Dugald Macdonald wanted to connect the worlds of sport and data. He co-founded Sportable in 2015 alongside NASA engineer Dr. Peter Husemeyer.

Sportable specializes in designing and implementing cutting-edge data collection technology – enabling fans to see inside the play. They started by adding chips inside rugby balls and have expanded to additional verticals over the years.

8 years since its inception, Sportable is a global startup with over 70 employees.

Chapters:

(02:40) Creation story of Sportable

(07:15) Athletes and performance analytics

(12:30) Process from chip in the ball to the end user

(16:25) Challenges of scaling a global sports company

(18:05) Size of Sportable currently and the niche approach

(21:00) Sports trends to watch

Dugald Macdonald links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dugald-macdonald-29a4ab75/

Website: https://www.sportable.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#53: Fabien Paget - CEO, Co-Founder 17 Sport | World’s 1st Sports Impact Company | Intersection of Sports, Business, and Purpose | Creating Social Return on Investments

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 04:01:26 GMT

17 Sport is the world's first sports impact company, working at the intersection of sport, business, and purpose.

As a Certified B-Corp, 17 Sport’s mission is to educate, inspire and enable all stakeholders including athletes, brands, and properties to activate their purpose through sport and deliver positive financial, social, and environmental outcomes.

Before founding 17 Sport, Fabien ran his own sports talent agency working with elite athletes on impact initiatives including the legendary Serena Williams.

This was a unique convo focused on not just the business of sports, but the good that sports can bring to the world.

Chapters:

(01:25) Fabien’s career in sports

(05:30) Overview of 17 Sport

(09:10) What makes a B-Corporation

(10:40) 17 Sport x Adidas case study

(13:50) Balancing finances and purpose

(16:35) Social Return on Investment (SROI)

(18:00) Managing a global consulting company

(19:45) Trends to watch in sports

(23:00) Web3 outlook

Fabien Paget:

Website: https://www.17-sport.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabienpaget/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#42: Don White - CEO, Co-Founder Satisfi Labs | AI sports chatbot | Integrating large language models | Psychology of fans and ticketing | Concerns with ChatGPT | Commerce combos in sports

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 11 May 2023 04:01:15 GMT

Satisfi Labs raised a Series A last year to continue building their AI chatbot, which is conversational and understands tens of thousands of intents.

The data is categorized and specific for their over 200 clients (many being sports teams).

Don spent many years in sales including at Bloomberg before jumping into the sports tech world.

Chapters:

(01:15) Jumping full-time into AI chatbots

(03:55) Sports accelerators

(05:15) Learning sports business (without a background in it)

(09:00) AI & large language models

(11:45) Common questions sports fans ask

(16:10) ChatGPT concerns & problems

(18:45) AGI (and AI hallucinations)

(21:55) Trends to watch in sports - commerce combos

(24:45) Ultimate vision for Satisfi Labs

Don White links:

Website: https://satisfilabs.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-white-he-him-9a9bb69/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#32: Steve Scebelo - President NFL Players Inc | Verticals NFLPA is focusing on | Group licensing | NIL & pro sports | Massive growth in NFL licensing revenue

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 04:01:11 GMT

The NFL Players Inc is the 25th largest licensor in the world. Steve Scebelo took over in 2020 and has taken the company to record revenue numbers.

As the for-profit licensing and marketing business of the NFLPA, NFL Players Inc. represents the exclusive group player licensing rights of over 2,000 active NFL players through more than 80 licensees.

Prior to his current endeavor, Scebelo started REP Worldwide, which provided group licensing and brand management services to athlete-driven properties, and eventually formed into OneTeam Partners.

Chapters:

(01:15) The NFL Players Inc

(06:20) Artificial intelligence and Web3

(08:05) Gaps for entrepreneurs to build in

(10:30) Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce

(12:15) NIL helping ease NFLPA efforts

(15:55) Athletes % earnings from licensing

(20:10) Due diligence for licensee companies

(23:50) Steve’s journey to the NFLPA

(26:05) Where sports are headed

Steve Scebelo links:

Website: https://nflpa.com/about/players-inc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevescebelo/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#40: David Ortiz - CEO, Co-Founder SimWin Sports | Rise of digital sports | Bridging the AI & web3 education gap | Building in the sports metaverse | Expanding internationally and in new sports

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 04 May 2023 04:01:26 GMT

In the entrepreneur seat since 19 years old, David Ortiz is now building at the intersection of web3, AI, esports, and content with SimWin Sports.

The SimWin Sports League has several notable team owners including Jerry Rice, Magic Johnson, Marshall Faulk, and Lamelo Ball.

David Ortiz has also led blockbuster teams at large corporations like Microsoft, EA Sports, Sony, and Warner Brothers.

Chapters:

(01:10) Opportunity to build SimWin Sports

(02:35) Overview of SimWin

(03:40) AI + Web3 education gap

(09:40) Building a business out of the metaverse

(12:30) Team owners in the SimWin Sports League

(15:45) Expanding into international markets

(18:00) Trends to watch in sports

(22:00) Fads in technology + esports transformation

David Ortiz links:

Website: https://simwinsports.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ortiz-9b79a41/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#26: Blake Lawrence - CEO, Co-Founder Opendorse | All things NIL | Collectives & NCAA policies | Increase in brands endorsing athletes | How data transforms industries | Future of college sports

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:07:42 GMT

Opendorse is one of the largest companies in the NIL space and it all began with former Nebraska linebacker Blake Lawrence attempting to help just 1 athlete.

Today, Opendorse has over 100,000 athletes, 3,000 marketers, and 2,000 sports organizations. They have a lot of solutions under management, but at their core, they are a NIL deals platform for athletes, agents, and brands.

Blake Lawrence founded and sold Hurrdat Social Media agency before launching Opendorse alongside his co-founder, Adi Kunalic.

Opendorse has nearly 100 employees today and raised $40M in venture capital to help lead the charge across name, image, and likeness.

Chapters:

(01:25) NCAA’s first NIL infractions

(04:10) Increase in brand deals around March Madness

(08:30) Opendorse one decade later

(10:40) Data and the changing agency model

(14:10) NIL’s market size + potential

(20:50) Blake’s journey from athlete to entrepreneur

(25:40) Sports market breakdown + trends to watch

(29:55) General managers in NIL (& future of collectives)

(34:20) Opendorse’s current initiatives

Blake Lawrence links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Blake_Lawrence

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakealawrence/

Website: https://opendorse.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#38: Adam Fiske - CEO, Co-Founder Cipher Sports | Betting Landscape | Australian vs US market differences | Running a global company | Media-led ventures | Future of sports gambling

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 04:01:32 GMT

Last year, Cipher Sports raised a $5M Series A led at CEO by longtime sports media professional Adam Fiske.

Cipher Sports arms users with the ultimate combination of tools, content, and communities to make sports more bettable. They have four major brands under management including Dimers, Fantasy Insider, Stats Insider, and Convertr.

This is an in-depth conversation at the intersection of sports betting, media, and entrepreneurship.

Chapters:

(01:00) Why is now the time to build in sports?

(03:20) Merging two companies and 4 co-founders

(04:45) US vs. Australian market

(11:00) Advantages of running a global company

(13:20) Overview of Cipher Sports

(17:20) Building a media-first brand

(19:40) Machine learning and AI

(22:50) Sports betting market overview + trends

(31:05) Trends to watch in sports

Adam Fiske links:

Website: https://ciphersports.io/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajfiske

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-fiske-78980574/?originalSubdomain=au

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#35: Michael Schreck - CEO, Co-Founder CSMG | Conference realignment | College sports rights landscape | Esports growing at universities | Group licensing, NIL, collectives, and sponsorship insights

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 04:01:51 GMT

CSMG helps their collegiate partners understand & maximize marketplace value for media rights and sponsorships and provides managed solutions for NIL and group licensing for agencies, brands, institutions, and student-athletes.

They also run esportsU and host May Madness which is the collegiate video game equivalent of NCAA March Madness.

Michael Schreck co-founded CSMG in 2014 and is also an adjunct professor at Manhattanville College.

Chapters:

(01:40) Thoughts on NIL Valuation numbers

(03:40) Shift to team and collective brand deals

(05:20) Overview of CSMG

(08:30) Esports in the college landscape

(16:30) Conference realignment

(21:00) Separation in college conferences

(25:00) Opportunities in the college space

(29:40) Monetizing women’s sports better

(31:35) Thoughts on the future of AI

Michael Schreck links:

Website: https://collegiatesmg.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-schreck-732a9b3/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#48: Hugo Inglis - Olympic Athlete, Partner HIA | Connecting athletes with Charities | Competing in the Olympics | Good vs. average vs. bad charities | Rise of athlete communities

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 04:01:04 GMT

Hugo Inglis has participated in 3 Olympic games for New Zealand and is also building an exciting model around athletes + philanthropy.

High Impact Athletes (HIA) connects world-class athletes with world-class charities, where every dollar given can do the best possible.

This was a fascinating conversation about athletes doing good in the community, playing in the Olympics, and the power of athletes.

Chapters:

(01:25) Hugo’s Olympic journey

(05:20) Idea to build High Impact Athletes

(08:25) What makes a good charity?

(14:30) Rise of athlete communities

(16:35) Charities on the blockchain

(19:20) HIA’s business model

(21:40) Trends in sports

Hugo Inglis:

Website: https://www.highimpactathletes.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugo-inglis/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#29: Eddie Lewis - Founder TOCA Football | Impact of the 2026 World Cup | Soccer’s insane growth globally | Building a TopGolf for Soccer vertical | Journey from pro athlete to entrepreneur

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 05:00:30 GMT

Founded in 2016, TOCA Football has raised over $50M in venture capital and built an impressive conglomerate in the soccer/football space.

Prior to founding TOCA Football, Eddie Lewis was a professional soccer player for 14 years and played 82 games for the United States men’s national team.

We touch on several interesting topics today including the 2026 World Cup’s impact on American soccer and TOCA’s plans to become the TopGolf for soccer with its newest initiative.

Chapters:

(01:15) European vs. American Soccer

(06:20) Impact of the 2026 World Cup on US Soccer

(12:00) Journey from pro athlete to entrepreneur

(14:25) NIL’s effect on sports

(17:40) Web3, AI, and TopGolf for soccer at TOCA

(23:30) Learnings from raising $50M and entrepreneurship

(27:00) Value of athlete investors and Harry Kane

(29:15) Trends to watch in sports

Eddie Lewis links:

Website: https://www.tocafootball.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewiseddie/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#177: Nathan Bowen, Founder of TPH Academy | Empowering Student-Athletes for Lifelong Success

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 07:01:00 GMT

TPH Academy provides a focused environment for student-athletes to Study, Train, and Play to their fullest potential. Combining accredited academics with hands-on, sport-specific training, TPH Academy’s holistic approach develops student-athletes both on and off the field, preparing them for long-term success.

Since its founding, TPH Academy has consistently made an impact in the youth sports community, fostering student-athlete growth and achievement. TPH's innovative model ensures that student-athletes receive a balance of academic support and elite-level training, equipping them for future accomplishments in both sports and life.

Nathan Bowen, the Founder of TPH Academy, brings over 30 years of experience in coaching and leadership. An NCAA hockey alumnus and former team captain, Nathan’s commitment to holistic development stems from his own journey as a student-athlete, making him a dedicated advocate for youth sports.

Chapters:

(03:13) - The Ecosystem of TPH: Brands and Offerings

(06:07) - The Unique Education Model of TPH Academy

(08:56) - Daily Life of a TPH Student-Athlete

(12:08) - Success Stories and Impact of TPH

(14:58) - Trends in Sports Academies and Future Outlook

(18:11) - Growth Plan and Community Engagement

(20:56) - Find More About TPH

Nathan Bowen

Website: https://www.tphacademy.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-bowen-49681815/

Andrew Petcash

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (March 27-April 2)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 09:00:30 GMT

(00:35) Business of Athletes

Mike Trout and Tiger Woods team up for a golf course, a women's basketball coach makes an investment, and Steph Curry is going to be rich rich.

(04:35) NIL/College Sports

Mattress Mack's $75,000 deal for FAU basketball players and what league will shut down if the NCAA dissolves into athletes as employees.

(06:50) Business of Sports

A $100M women's fund and more innovative sports leagues pop up.

#69: Tom Waterhouse - Founder Waterhouse VC | Building a Sports Wagering Empire

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 04:01:00 GMT

In 2013, Tom Waterhouse (.com) was sold to William Hill Australia for a 20x plus exit.

WaterhouseVC invests in listed and unlisted businesses related to wagering and gaming. Whilst the Fund has a concentrated portfolio, the fund is diversified across both geography and market capitalization.

Tom Waterhouse comes from the fourth generation of the Waterhouse racing dynasty and is the grandson of one of the first official bookmakers in Australia

Chapters:

(01:20) Tom’s background

(04:50) Personal branding advantages

(08:50) From Australia to U.S. market

(15:05) Waterhouse VC

(18:10) Interesting sports tech solutions

(23:35) Trends to watch

Tom Waterhouse:

Website: https://tomwaterhouse.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-waterhouse-a2630132/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#270: Greg Hoffman, Beyond Your Limits - Building Iconic Brands Through Storytelling

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 07:00:01 GMT

Greg Hoffman is the founder of the brand advisory group Modern Arena, the former Chief Marketing Officer of Nike, and the bestselling author of Emotion by Design: Creative Leadership Lessons from a Life at Nike.

Now, Greg introduces Beyond Your Limits — a first-of-its-kind, seven-week masterclass created in partnership with the Business of Creativity. Designed for modern athletes, it's designed to help them build a powerful personal brand alongside their playing career.

Beyond Your Limits empowers athletes to express who they are, shape their story on their own terms, and unlock opportunities that extend far beyond the game.

Own your story. Own your future.

Chapter:

01:27 The Evolution of Athletes and Branding

05:06 Understanding Creativity in Branding

07:50 Building a Brand with Depth and Substance

11:25 Resources Behind Elite Athlete Branding

15:53 Introducing Beyond Your Limits

22:18 The Importance of Brand Evolution

26:35 Empowering Athletes and Organizations

31:17 Conclusion and Call to Action

Greg Hoffman:

🏠 Website: https://beyondyourlimitscourse.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-hoffman-1b196a25/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#113: Wayne Kimmel - Managing Partner SeventySix Capital | Evolution of Sports Tech Investing

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 05:01:00 GMT

SeventySix Capital is a VC firm that invests in innovative sports, media, and entertainment companies.

Wayne Kimmel is the managing partner of SeventySix Capital who has also authored the book Six Degrees of Wayne Kimmel.

This episode dives deep into the evolution of sports as an asset class, advice for entrepreneurs, and interesting areas to watch in the future.

Chapters:

(01:40) Entrance to sports tech

(04:20) Defining sports

(07:00) Sports betting evolution

(11:25) Downstream movement

(13:10) What the best founders do

(20:10) Using networks

(25:20) Equity in early stages

(28:00) Emerging areas to watch

(33:35) Sports as an asset

Wayne Kimmel:

Website: https://www.seventysixcapital.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waynekimmel/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#213: Max Ade, Co-Founder of Pickleheads - The Digital Home for Pickleball Players

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Max Ade, Co-Founder of Pickleheads, is leading the charge in solving one of the biggest challenges facing the fastest-growing sport in America — pickleball. With 36.5 million players and counting, the sport’s rapid rise has created a surge in court shortages, long wait times, and overwhelmed organizers.To tackle these issues, Max and his team built Pickleheads, a platform that helps players connect, find local games, and organize matches seamlessly. With over 377,200 members and a recent $2.5 million seed round, Pickleheads is scaling rapidly as the digital home for pickleball players.Whether you're a casual player or a dedicated competitor, Pickleheads is helping players nationwide find their community, improve their game, and stay connected to the sport they love.

Chapters:

2:30 - The Growth of Pickleball and Market Insights

5:00 - Building a Community and Customer Acquisition Strategy

7:42 - Understanding the Pickleball Market and Participation Trends

10:15 - The Social Aspect of Pickleball and Its Unique Appeal

12:53 - Navigating Growth and Capital Raising for Pickleball

15:44 - Adapting to Skill Levels and Player Needs

18:26 - Future Vision and Trends in Pickleball

20:45 - Learning from Other Sports and Companies

Max Ade:

🏠 Website: https://www.pickleheads.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adesome/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#135: Huck Sorock - Co-Founder Refr Sports | Understanding the Referee Market

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 15 May 2024 04:01:00 GMT

As a 23-year-old business owner and coming off a $500k fundraise, Huck Sorock is looking to transform the referee space.

The idea of Refr Sports stemmed a few years ago as Huck realized how much technology was growing in every category within sports but saw lots of improvement for the referee vertical.

Huck Sorock is a recent graduate of Colorado Boulder and grew up an athlete playing juniors hockey.

Chapters:

(01:00) Entrepreneurial journey

(04:50) Refr Sports

(08:55) Stats on referee market

(13:30) Acquiring customers

(15:30) Being a young founder

(18:00) Future of Refr Sports

(23:15) Trends in sports

(25:25) AI refs

Huck Sorock:

Website: https://refrsports.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huck-s-29841913a/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#302: Steve Bellamy, Tipti - The Future of Racket Sports Starts Here

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:57:48 GMT

Steve Bellamy is founder of Tipti, creator of The Tennis Channel, and a lifelong pioneer in racket sports. From coaching world-class athletes to leading Kodak and now launching an entirely new sport, Steve shares the journey behind Tipti and why he believes it could reshape how the world plays and experiences racket sports.

Steve breaks down the origin story of Tipti—from a simple workaround at a junior tennis camp to a fast-growing global movement. He explains how the sport blends elements of tennis and badminton, why it thrives on existing pickleball infrastructure, and how it unlocks a more dynamic, engaging, and accessible playing experience. We also dive into his unique philosophy: building for the love of the game, not just financial outcomes.

Beyond the product, this conversation explores what it really takes to build a sport from the ground up. From assembling a high-value investor network to creating viral, shareable gameplay moments, Steve shares insights on scaling, storytelling, and why racket sports may be one of the most resilient opportunities in a rapidly changing, AI-driven world.

Podcast Chapters:

01:00 Steve's Journey in Racket Sports

03:42 The Concept and Development of Tipti

06:36 Educating Players and Clubs about Tipti

09:14 Steve's Vision for Racket Sports

12:40 Steve's Passion for Racket Sports

14:50 Leveraging Storytelling in Marketing Tipti

19:08 Building a Strong Investor Base

25:28 International Expansion and Infrastructure

#337: Alexandre Dreyfus , Chiliz - How Chiliz Is Tokenizing Equity in Global Sports

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 05:37:38 GMT

Alexandre Dreyfus is the CEO and founder of Chiliz. With over 30 years as an internet entrepreneur, Alexandre shares how Chiliz built a global ecosystem connecting over 80 major sports properties, including Paris Saint-Germain, FC Barcelona, Manchester City, and top South American clubs, through fungible fan tokens and blockchain infrastructure.Alexandre unpacks the operational realities of scaling a sports-fintech platform over the last eight years. He addresses the key differences in regulatory landscapes between the US and the rest of the world, detail-sharing Chiliz's strategic $80M investment across major US leagues (NBA, NFL, MLS) and its ultimate pivot toward US collegiate sports. The conversation delves into Chiliz's new "SportsFi" strategy, transitioning from pure utility-based loyalty tokens to fractional ownership and social equity models.Alexandre also discusses how sports assets serve as an emotion-driven asset class resilient to AI disruption, the launch of Chiliz's initial college athletic partnerships that channel token revenue directly into NIL pools, and the company's "2030 Manifesto." Alexandre offers valuable insights for founders on maintaining discipline, remaining self-funded, navigating market shifts, and keeping brand integrity at the forefront when managing billion-dollar sports properties.Podcast Chapters:01:30 Alex Dreyfus's Background and Journey03:11 The Concept of Fan Tokens and Engagement04:20 Challenges in the US Market and Regulation04:58 The 2030 Vision and Evolving Product Suite07:37 Global Adoption vs. US Resistance10:31 Education and Community Engagement12:57 Transitioning to Ownership and Equity15:26 Chili's Chain and Its Unique Position17:56 The Future of Sports Teams as Financial Ecosystems20:42 Opportunities in Youth Sports and College Teams22:51 Market Challenges and Competition24:48 Funding Strategies and Future Growth27:11 Key Takeaways and Future Directions

#86: David Palmer - SailGP Team Owner & Founder FANVEST IO | Future of Ownership in Sports

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 04:01:00 GMT

The Fan-Owned SailGP Team by FANVEST IO provides a unique opportunity to become a team owner for as little as $5,000.

David Palmer is helping coordinate the new Bermuda-based SailGP team that is owned by 1,950 accredited investors. The team aims to be the 11th team in the league, projected to begin participating in races in 2024 during Season 5 of the Sail Grand Prix Series.

Through his various roles in a public hospitality company, David Palmer was instrumental in achieving a $2.85 billion go-private transaction with affiliates of Apollo Global Management.

Chapters:

(01:30) Hospitality background

(04:20) Fan ownership in sports

(08:40) DAOs

(15:15) SailGP fan-owned team

(18:40) FANVEST IO

(20:20) Athletes as investors

(25:30) Connecting with sports fans

David Palmer:

Website: https://fanvest.io/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

Padel: Fastest-Growing Sport (w/ CEO of San Diego Stingrays & Taktika Padel Ryan Redondo)

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 04:01:00 GMT

The sport of padel has exploded across Europe! Today we break down the business behind it and its expansion west.

Ryan Redondo is a former All-American tennis player who has spent his career in racquet sports. He is currently the CEO of Taktika Padel and also the San Diego Stingrays in the Pro Padel League.

Padel is a cross between tennis and squash originating in Mexico.

Chapters:

(03:25) What is padel?

(04:30) Taktika & San Diego Stingrays

(06:40) Global landscape (stats)

(08:55) Padel Leagues

(10:40) Learnings from pickleball

(14:30) Opportunities in padel

(19:10) History of padel

(21:40) Trends in sports

Go-To Padel Newsletter:

https://padel.beehiiv.com/

Ryan Redondo:

Website: https://www.taktikapadel.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-redondo-96226b61/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#224: Geetansh Sahni, Yashaa Global Capital - Investing in the Future of Sports & Gaming

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Geetansh Sahni is a venture capitalist at Yashaa Global Capital, a firm focused on investing in the future of sports, gaming, and performance. With a presence across Asia and support from elite athletes and experienced investors, Yashaa backs early-stage companies that are redefining the sports and media landscape.This conversation explores Yashaa’s investment thesis, geographic focus, and approach to evaluating opportunities in emerging markets. Sahni outlines how the team identifies founders, the qualities they look for, and how broader macro trends like youth sports and digital media are shaping their strategy.He also shares perspectives on the evolving role of capital in scaling new ventures and building sustainable ecosystems. The discussion highlights how sports and technology are converging to unlock new models for engagement, monetization, and growth.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Yashaa Global Capital

02:44 – Investment Thesis and Fund Structure

05:04 – Deployment Strategy and Deal Evaluation

05:58 – Sports and Media Influence

07:09 – Team Dynamics and Founders' Qualities

10:07 – Macro Trends in Sports Investment

12:43 – Youth Sports and Market Opportunities

15:19 – Conclusion and Future Outlook

Geetansh Sahni:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://daoneglobal.vc/

💼LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/geetanshsahni/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠

🐣 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash⁠

💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠ Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Ramsey Baker: State of Olympic Sports and National Governing Bodies (NGBs)

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Former Executive Director of U.S. Figure Skating Ramsey Baker dives deep into Olympic Sports, National Governing Bodies, the IOC, and the upcoming 2028 LA Summer Olympics.

Ramsey Baker is currently an SVP at Aggregate Sports.

Aggregate Sports works on behalf of a variety of sports properties, leagues, teams, and federations helping them to maximize their revenue while creating the greatest experience for their fans and supporters. From Property Sales to Property Consulting, from Media Rights to Naming Rights, our underlying approach remains the same

Chapters:

(01:45) Background at US Figure Skating

(03:45) College sports impact on the Olympics

(05:15) More countries winning medals

(10:35) Saudi’s impact

(12:50) NGBs in the US

(18:35) # of Sports and how the IOC adds them

(24:50) Behind the scenes of Olympics

(30:20) Hollywood writer strike impact

Ramsey Baker:

Website: https://aggregatesports.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramsey-baker-8725483/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#286: Jill Brabec, Nordic Combined USA - Saving an Olympic Sport

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Jill Brabec is the President of Nordic Combined USA and one of the leading voices shaping the future of one of the Olympics’ oldest — and most misunderstood — winter sports. Based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Jill brings a unique perspective as both a sports leader and a parent deeply embedded in the Nordic combined community, advocating for the long-term growth and survival of the discipline.

In this conversation, Jill breaks down what Nordic Combined truly is — a demanding blend of ski jumping and cross-country racing — and why it remains the only Winter Olympic sport without a women’s event. She shares how the sport has evolved globally, the rise of elite women competitors, and the high-stakes decision facing the IOC as the Olympic movement approaches the 2026 and 2030 Games.

Jill also reflects on leadership, funding challenges, athlete development, and what’s at risk if women’s Nordic Combined is not added to the Olympic program. From grassroots youth pipelines to global viewership and media strategy, this episode explores why the future of Nordic Combined — and its place in the Olympics — is at a critical turning point.

Podcast Chapters:

03:51 The Role of Nordic Combined USA
07:45 Challenges for Women's Nordic Combined
11:31 The Competitive Landscape of Nordic Combined
15:50 Youth Development and Future of the Sport
19:42 Personal Stories and Community Impact

Jill Brabec:

🏠 Website: https://www.nordiccombinedusa.org/about/mission

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-brabec-1b4b3241/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: andrewpetcash

Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#73: Ruari Bell - Founding Partner The Player’s Fund | Building An “Athlete-Fueled” Venture Fund

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 04:01:00 GMT

The Player’s Fund is the UK's first-ever “athlete-fueled” venture fund that aim to invest £40M with vehicle composed of athlete collectives including Chris Smalling, Carlos Boozer, Héctor Bellerín, and Serge Gnabry.

Ruari Bell is an ex-professional athlete himself who has built agencies and businesses including 4cast and the Bell Partnership.

The Player’s Fund is an outlet for athletes investing in the future of the digital consumer.

Chapters:

(01:25) Ex-athlete and entrepreneur backstory

(06:55) Merging athlete collectives

(10:00) Utilizing athlete value within a fund

(13:50) The Player’s Fund thesis

(15:05) Consumer trends to watch

(19:00) India opportunities

Ruari Bell:

Website: https://playersfund.vc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruaribell/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

Millions Spent on NIL, NCAA Athletes As Employees, and Crypto x NFT Sports Partnerships

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 19:00:32 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:38 - Big Companies Spending Millions on College Athletes

2:11 - Highest Paid Female Athletes + Most Googled Athletes

3:45 - How Much Money MLB Players Are Losing During The Lockout

4:46 - Former Athletes Talk About Poor Financial Decisions

6:30 - Russian Sports Sanctions, Fanatics, and NFT x NIL partnership

7:45 - Staggering Numbers Out of New York’s Sport Betting

8:38 - Cryptocurrency Sports Partnerships Report

9:41 - Why College Athletes Shouldn’t Want To Be Employees

11:08 - A College Athlete Receiving Equity On Top of NIL

Tweet(s)

Pretty cool segment here about the advanced analytics the New York Giants are using for the 2022 NFL Draft.

Check this out 👇

Short Passage of The Week

Essentials For Growth

* Proper rest + more learning

* Making time to build self-awareness

* Consistent honesty + building new habits

* Letting go of old stories + saying no to old patterns

* Believing that you can change + saying yes to supportive people

* Examining your emotional history + finding a practice to heal past pain

-By Yung Pueblo, in Clarity & Connection

Recommended Media

Very inspirational video right here.

What are your excuses?

Good Read

How NIL is Setting Athletes Up For Life

https://www.oregonlive.com/sports/2022/03/set-me-up-for-life-female-college-athletes-stash-nil-cash.html

Enjoyed this article that focuses primarily on female athletes and how they’re leveraging NIL deals to be successful post-sports.

What’s wild is some of them are even receiving equity in the companies they are promoting.

Interesting Stat

The S&P 500 index acts as a benchmark of the performance of the U.S. stock market overall.

The index has returned a historic annualized average return of around 10.5% since its 1957 inception through 2022.

Lebron James’ rookie contract earned him ~$400,000/month. If he invested 10% or $40,000 a month consistently in to the S&P 500 for the last 19 years it would be worth….

$29 million.

The power of compounding.

What To Keep An Eye On This Week

* More NIL deals for college basketball players as March Madness bids are clinched and what major companies get involved.

* The MLB and if they reach an agreement to end the lockout.

* Increased sanctions for the Russian sports world.

Quote

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

I’ll be by my phone the rest of the day, so if you want to strike up a chat feel to reply to this email or send me a DM on twitter @AndrewPetcash.

Keep moving the needle forward.

-AP

P.S.

Here’s a cool investment calculator to play around with:

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.petcashpost.com

#289: Rem de Rohan, CRO of Aggregate Sports | Inside $1 Billion in Sports Sponsorship Deals

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:51:02 GMT

Rem de Rohan serves as a key growth driver for Aggregate Sports, bringing more than 15 years of senior-level experience in sports marketing and revenue strategy. As Chief Revenue Officer, he leads multiplatform partnership sales, new business development, and integrated partner marketing efforts, helping sports properties maximize value across sponsorship, media, and commercial platforms.Widely recognized for his expertise in building and monetizing the assets of U.S. Olympic National Governing Bodies, Rem de Rohan has delivered consistent double-digit annual revenue growth for his clients. His work spans property sales, media rights strategy, and global event commercialization, with a focus on unlocking untapped partnership opportunities and creating long-term enterprise value.Before joining Aggregate Sports in 2020, Rem de Rohan was a Vice President, equity partner, and head of media and property representation at Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment, where he worked with premier organizations including U.S. Ski & Snowboard, U.S. Figure Skating, and the Mexican National Soccer Team. He began his career at ESPN and ABC and is a graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.Podcast Chapters:02:49 Understanding the Olympic Movement and NGBs05:25 The Role of Brands in Olympic Sports08:29 Storylines for the Upcoming Winter Olympics10:52 The Structure of the Olympic Ecosystem13:48 Funding Challenges in U.S. Olympic Sports16:28 The Impact of Government Funding on Sports19:29 Successful Brand Campaigns in Olympic Sports22:11 Trends in Sports and the Future of Athlete Branding

#350: Haniff Brown, FitMatch AI | The AI Body Intelligence in Youth Sports

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:00:11 GMT

Haniff Brown is the Founder and CEO of FitMatch AI, an AI-driven computer vision and body intelligence platform. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Haniff graduated with a mathematics degree from Williams College before spending years in Wall Street private equity, focusing heavily on discount retail, supply chains, and consumer apparel. Drawing on his background in quantitative analysis and operations, Haniff founded FitMatch to solve the global challenge of sizing, body metrics, and physical analytics without invasive hardware.FitMatch AI is a technology platform that turns standard smartphone and tablet photos into precise, non-invasive 3D body intelligence data. Utilizing proprietary computer vision algorithms, the platform delivers optical measurements, including limb lengths, circumferences, muscle mass estimates, and bone density approximations, without ever storing photos. Initially deployed across retail to tackle apparel returns, FitMatch AI has expanded into youth sports and healthcare as a core engine for body composition and longitudinal physical tracking.Haniff explains how computer vision is transforming youth sports scouting, athletic development, and injury prevention. Haniff breaks down the difference between chronological age and biological maturation, explaining how AI-driven body analytics, like sub-inch adult height prediction and growth-spurt forecasting, are helping organizations like MLS Next combat relative age bias, optimize player positioning, and democratize elite sports science for parents and coaches worldwide.

Podcast Chapters:

01:20 - Haniff's Journey: From Wall Street Private Equity to Tech Entrepreneurship

04:11 - Transitioning from Investor to Operator: Lessons from Private Equity

07:52 - Strategy & Scaling: Expanding Across Retail, Healthcare, and Sports

13:41 - Revolutionizing Youth Sports: Performance vs. Puberty (Relative Age Effect)

17:34 - Predicting Growth Spurts and Sub-Inch Adult Height with AI

23:08 - Data Privacy & Security: Protecting Youth Athlete Information

25:05 - The Future of FitMatch AI: Replacing DEXA Scans & Global Expansion

#16: Edward Fitzgibbon - Partner, Co-Founder Sports Rights Tech | India’s Sporting Ecosystem

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 01:28:55 GMT

With extensive global sporting knowledge and relationships, Edward helped found Sports Rights Tech.

In this episode, we talk about India’s macro and microeconomics in sports.

Sports Rights Tech is a specialist advisory business focused on optimizing Rights, Intellectual Property, and Technology in Sports and Entertainment.

Chapters:

(01:30) Eddie’s background in India

(05:45) Sports Rights Tech

(08:00) The bull case for India

(11:15) India’s unique sports grassroots system

(13:45) Cricket’s popularity (and expansion)

(18:55) Other sports in India + athlete’s influence

(24:05) Sports technology in India

(30:20) Opportunities in the Indian Sports ecosystem

(34:15) Agency model in India (& their low trust society)

(38:05) Why India is the biggest opportunity in sports

Edward Fitzgibbon links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardfitzgibbon/

Website: http://www.sportsrightstech.com/

Andrew Petcash links:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrewpetcash

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening!

#162: Mike Rolih - CEO, GoRout | Fast Growing Sports Tech Solution

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Quickly scaling over the last few years, GoRout has been transforming on-field communication, led by founder Mike Rolih.

GoRout is the only system that combines on-field wearable technology and real-time playmaking software to help teams perfect their on-field communication.

Mike played collegiate baseball and was the President of Mirro before founding Gorout in his garage.

Chapters:

(00:30) Mike Rolih background

(05:50) Seeing GoRout’s potential

(08:00) Scaling the company

(11:00) Overcoming resistance to change

(16:25) Expanding into new sports

(19:05) Selling to different levels of sports

(21:40) GoRout roadmap

(24:10) Learnings from delegating tasks

Mike Rolih:

Website: https://gorout.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrolih/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#161: Justin Driscoll - Principal, LEAD | Pre-Seed Sports Investment

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Rebranding to LEAD, Justin Driscoll is the principal overseeing the pre-seed investment fund out of Lake Nona.

LEAD is a family of funds investing across all stages of venture.

Prior to joining LEAD, he spent two years in an operational capacity at DS Sports and Magnus Group, a holding company that acquired youth sports event companies and built a ball-tracking technology platform. He is a former student-athlete who played baseball at Rollins College.

Chapters:

(00:20) Justin Driscoll intro

(03:16) Overview of LEAD

(05:06) Focus on Pre-Seed

(09:35) Identifying areas for disruption

(12:50) Financial models as storytelling tools

(17:30) Democratizing access and support

(22:20) LEAD’s new pre-seed investments

(26:40) Racquet sports and market sizes

(31:05) Lessons learned for founders

Justin Driscoll:

Website: https://www.lead.vc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-driscoll/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#139: Brett Johnson - CEO, Benevolent Capital | Multi-Club Ownership (3 Teams)

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 29 May 2024 04:00:00 GMT

With ownership in 3 pro teams, including Premier League club Ipswich Town FC, Brett Johnson has made a name for himself as one of the best investors in sports (particularly soccer).

Ten years ago, Benevolent Capital was formed by Brett Johnson and his twin brother Grant Johnson to invest in sports assets.

Some of Brett Johnson’s other investments include Profluence Capital Fund I, Athletic Brewing, Terracycle, Oura, Getaway, and Carbon 6.

Chapters:

(01:20) Ipswich Town FC promotion to EPL

(02:55) Investing in sports journey

(05:20) Promotion & relegation in U.S.

(08:00) Sports investing as asset class

(13:30) Getting outside investors excited

(16:50) Multi-club ownership & USL

(20:10) Brett’s typical day

(21:50) Rhode Island FC

(25:00) Next 10 years in sports

Brett Johnson:

Benevolent Capital: https://benevolentcapital.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-m-johnson-70b148/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#170: Nick Venson – Founder & CEO, Swag Golf | Building Swag Golf from Vision to Market Success

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Nick Venson, founder and CEO of Swag Golf, is transforming the golf industry with his bold approach. Swag Golf is known for its limited-edition accessories and apparel, combining top-quality craftsmanship with unique designs that resonate with a passionate community of golf enthusiasts.

Swag Golf began with four friends in a small 2,500-square-foot unit in Northbrook, Illinois, driven by the idea of creating badass putters and headcovers unlike anything the golf world had seen. Their success led to a $10 million growth funding round led by Verance Capital, with investors like Shaun White and Zach LaVine supporting Swag's vision.

With over 19 years of experience, Nick Venson aims to challenge the status quo of the golf industry through creativity and flair. His mission is to create products that are as expressive as they are functional, offering golfers a fresh and unique perspective on the game.

Chapters:

(02:40) - The Inspiration Behind Swag Golf

(05:32) - Navigating the Golf Industry and Market Reception

(08:12) - Evolving Business Models and Strategies

(11:00) - Expanding Product Lines and Future Plans

(14:00) - Marketing Strategies and Brand Ambassadors

(16:39) - Insights on the Golf Industry and Trends

Swag Golf:

Website: https://swag.golf/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swaggolfco/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#235: JM Arseneau, Co-Founder of Winya - How Agentic AI Is Transforming Sports Business

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:21:11 GMT

JM Arseneau is a serial entrepreneur, operational leader, and Co-Founder of Winya, an AI platform helping sports organizations transform customer data into automated revenue-generating actions. With more than two decades of experience building and scaling technology companies, JM has successfully led multiple businesses through growth and acquisition while specializing in operations, artificial intelligence, and business performance.

Before launching Winya, JM served as Chief Operating Officer at Globalia, where he helped drive hyper-growth by building scalable operational systems, leading multidisciplinary teams, and integrating AI into business processes. His background spans software, RevOps, digital transformation, and enterprise technology, giving him a unique perspective on how organizations can turn strategy into execution.

In this conversation, JM shares why the next era of AI is shifting from collecting data to making intelligent decisions and taking action. He explains how Winya is helping sports teams automate revenue opportunities, strengthen fan engagement, and optimize operations across ticketing, sponsorships, retail, and entertainment districts. The discussion also covers entrepreneurship, building lasting co-founder relationships, lessons from multiple successful exits, and where agentic AI will create the biggest opportunities across the sports industry over the coming years.

Podcast Chapters:

02:34 Entrepreneurial Journey and Co-Founder Dynamics

05:20 The Shift from Data Collection to Execution

07:38 Introducing Winya: The Agentic AI Platform

10:23 Building AI Agents and Team Dynamics

13:08 Job Security and Workforce Transition in AI

15:39 The Spotlight Effect of AI on Performance

17:58 Navigating the AI Startup Landscape

20:38 Funding Strategies and Market Positioning

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (May 15-21)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 21 May 2023 09:00:09 GMT

Every Sunday I go into detail of the most important stories you need to hear more about...

(01:00) - Business of Athletes

(03:50) - College Sports/NIL

(07:00) - Sports Business

Pickleball: Exploring the Growth (with CMO of the APP Tom Webb)

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Tom Webb is the Chief Marketing Officer of the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP).

APP is an organization elevating the sport of pickleball by providing elite platforms for the best players in the world, right through to those picking up a paddle for the first time.

Over his 30-year career, Tom Webb has worked with a number of world-famous brands including Red Bull, Emirates Airline, Polo Ralph Lauren, Formula 1, The Olympic Games, America's Cup, and Major League Soccer.

Chapters:

(01:20) Journey into pickleball

(05:45) Olympic games

(08:30) Numbers behind the game

(14:30) History of pickleball

(17:25) Capturing audience

(20:45) Pickleball pro leagues

(23:00) Downstream initiatives

(26:20) Opportunities in the space

(28:25) Trends to watch in sports

Tom Webb:

Website: https://www.theapp.global/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-webb-80b43214/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#136: Donn Davis - Founder PFL (Professional Fighters League) | Building a $1B+ Sports League

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 20 May 2024 04:01:00 GMT

PFL is the #1 fastest-growing sports league in the world quickly rising to challenge the UFC and is coming off a $100M investment from Saudi’s SRJ Investments.

Donn Davis first entered sports as the Chief Legal Counsel of the Chicago Cubs in the 1990s. He would go on to hold several prominent roles across media, sports, and entertainment (including a senior executive at AOL) before founding the PFL in 2018.

PFL disrupted MMA with the sports-season format and now operates 4 fight franchises worldwide: PFL League Season, PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL International Leagues, and Bellator.

Chapters:

(01:00) The Rise of the PFL: Competing with the UFC

(04:19) Building a Sports League: Challenges and Strategies

(07:58) Investing in Sports Insights

(12:04) The Vision for PFL: Becoming a Co-Leader in MMA

(18:30) Leveraging Technology in Sports

(20:03) A Day in the Life: Managing a Non-Linear Schedule

(23:26) Global Trends Shaping the Future of Sports

(26:09) The Role of Private Equity in Sports

(28:14) How to get free PFL tickets

Donn Davis:

Website: https://pflmma.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donndavis/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#291: Joe Caporoso, Team Whistle - Why Relatable Content Wins in Sports Media

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Joe Caporoso has spent more than a decade helping shape one of the most recognizable digital sports media brands of the social era. Now serving as President of Team Whistle, he leads the company’s overall strategy, partnerships, and growth as it continues to expand its reach with global audiences. His journey from Division III football player to leading a major sports content studio reflects both the evolution of sports media and the rise of social-first storytelling.Over thirteen years with the company, Caporoso helped guide Team Whistle from an emerging digital publisher into a global content engine known for shows like No Days Off and Wife’d Up Mic’d Up. In his current role, he is focused on scaling the business while overseeing its integration into DAZN, aligning Whistle’s social expertise with one of the world’s fastest-growing sports media platforms.Joe shares insights on building brand-safe sports content for modern audiences, how engagement metrics and distribution strategies are evolving, and what it takes to stay relevant in an increasingly crowded content ecosystem. His perspective highlights how authenticity, consistency, and platform-native storytelling are shaping the future of sports media.Podcast Chapters:03:14 The Evolution of Social Media in Sports04:49 Whistle's Positive Content Strategy07:17 Relatable vs. Aspirational Content in Engagement09:04 Maintaining Authenticity in Content Production11:18 Evolving Metrics for Success in Content Creation14:01 Whistle's Role within DAZN and Market Positioning15:51 Capitalizing on Major Sporting Events18:40 Bridging Digital and Real-Life Experiences21:12 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Content Creation23:16 Staying Sharp in a Fast-Paced Industry25:02 Finding Balance in a Digital World26:27 What’s Next for Whistle Sports?27:59 Memorable Experiences in Content Creation

#295: Miles Chamley-Watson & Leo Rifkind - Building the World Fencing League

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:45:22 GMT

Fencing is one of the oldest Olympic sports — but until now, it has never had a true professional league. In this episode of the Profluence Sports Podcast, Andrew Petcash sits down with Miles Chamley-Watson, Olympic medalist and three-time Olympian, and Leo Rifkind, investor and co-founder of the World Fencing League, to discuss their mission to bring fencing into the modern sports landscape.

The conversation explores how the World Fencing League plans to transform fencing from a niche Olympic sport into a scalable global league. By introducing AI blade-tracking technology, evolving competition formats, and creating a clear economic pathway for athletes, the WFL aims to make fencing easier for fans to understand while providing professional opportunities for elite competitors.

Miles and Leo also share how they’re building the league from the ground up — from athlete recruitment and rule experimentation to media strategy and brand partnerships. With the WFL debut event set to launch in Los Angeles, the episode highlights the broader vision to bring fencing into the mainstream and create a new era for one of sport’s most historic disciplines.

Podcast Chapters:

02:29 The Evolution of Fencing and Technology

05:04 Understanding the Fencing Ecosystem

10:38 The Future of Fencing: Opportunities and Challenges

16:03 Innovations in Fencing: Rule Changes and Audience Engagement

21:32 Commercialization and Branding in Fencing

26:50 Looking Ahead: The Future of the World Fencing League

Miles and Leo:

Website: https://worldfencingleague.org/

Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-rifkind/

https://www.instagram.com/fencer/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/worldfencingleague/?hl=en

#70: Jim Cavale - Chairman Athletes.Org | Building An Association For College Athletes

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 04:01:00 GMT

A multiple-time exited founder Jim Cavale is very involved in the NIL and college sports industry and sees the next opportunity with what he’s building at Athletes.Org.

Athletes.org (AO) is a 501c non-profit organization designed exclusively for college athletes to receive on-demand support in navigating their respective college athletics experience and a voice to speak into the future of college athletics.

Prior to AO, Cavale sold his co-founder stake in Iron Tribe Fitness and built NIL solution INFLCR which was acquired by Teamworks.

Chapters:

(01:30) Entrepreneurship journey

(03:20) INFLCR & Teamworks

(08:30) Athletes.Org opportunity

(14:00) What AO provides athletes

(18:55) Partnerships/Legal Structure

(22:25) Power 5 vs. Olympic Sports

(27:00) Pushbacks with AO

Jim Cavale:

Website: https://www.athletes.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcavale/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#173: Runish Gudhka - CEO of BatFast | Revolutionizing Sports with Simulation Technology

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

BatFast, led by Runish Gudhka, is transforming how athletes and fans experience sports through cutting-edge simulation technology. BatFast combines advanced hardware—such as ball-throwing machines, actuators, and sensors—with machine learning algorithms, immersive graphics, and gamification modules to create world-class sports simulation products.

From cricket to multiple sports, BatFast's technology is reshaping how sports training and entertainment are delivered to 21st-century consumers.

Runish Gudhka, a leader in sports tech, is driving BatFast’s mission to create engaging and innovative sports experiences. BatFast is expanding into new sports markets and exploring future growth opportunities, bringing exciting advancements to the global stage.

Chapters:

(02:59) - The Global Landscape of Cricket

(05:58) - BatFast’s Technology and Expansion into Other Sports

(08:48) - Business Model and Marketing Strategy

(12:56) - Growth and Participation Metrics

(15:06) - Market Differences and Strategic Approaches

(17:50) - Future Outlook and Excitement for BatFast

(21:05) - Building Community and Engagement

Runish Gudhka:

Website: https://batfast.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/runish-gudhka-09a18a52/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#310: Ricardo Briceno, GameFam - Building the Future of Sports Fandom on Roblox

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 11 May 2026 05:51:53 GMT

Ricardo Briceno is the CEO of GameFam, a leading metaverse gaming company helping global brands and sports properties connect with younger audiences through immersive digital experiences. With a career rooted in brand building at Procter & Gamble and Mattel, Ricardo has spent years mastering how to create meaningful engagement with consumers. At GameFam, he brings that expertise into the world of gaming, specifically Roblox, where he’s helping redefine how IP, entertainment, and sports intersect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

Ricardo breaks down how platforms like Roblox are reshaping fan engagement, why authenticity and scale are critical for brands entering the space, and how GameFam is working with major organizations like FIFA to build the future of sports fandom ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He shares insights into bridging digital and real-world experiences, the evolution of gaming as a social platform, and why the biggest opportunity isn’t immediate monetization, but long-term fan development. This episode is a deep dive into the next generation of sports consumption and the platforms defining it.

Podcast Chapters:

01:07 Ricardo's Journey and GameFam's Mission

04:05 Understanding Roblox: The Gaming Community Platform

07:52 Authenticity in Sports Engagement on Roblox

12:04 Bridging Digital and Real-Life Experiences

15:44 Monetization vs. Fandom: The Roblox Opportunity

19:23 Media Rights and Engagement in Roblox

21:24 The Evolution of Athletes and Creators on Roblox

24:00 The Human Experience on Roblox

25:22 GameFam's Plans for the World Cup

27:43 Engagement Strategies for Leagues and Clubs

29:08 How to Collaborate with GameFam

#164: Lauren Selig - Founder, Shake and Bake | Sports & Entertainment Investment Insights

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Investing heavily across sports and entertainment, Lauren Selig shares some deep insights with us today.

Shake and Bake is a venture fund and advisory firm.

Lauren Selig Lauren Selig is the founder of Shake and Bake Productions, Curiosity Ink, V.A.L.I.S., and Tangled Little Dragon. She is an advisor to Bold Capital, WETA, and the Ackerley Sports Group.

Lauren has produced dozens of Academy and Emmy award-winning productions, including Hacksaw Ridge, Rocketman, and Wheel of Time.

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro & background

(03:45) Deals investing in

(05:25) Power of storytelling & media

(10:03) Monetizing new sports ideas

(17:20) Advice for founders

(20:45) Looking globally

(26:20) What makes an undeniable team

Lauren Selig:

Website: https://www.shakeandbakeproductions.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-4ba188/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#211: Kelly Morgan, Elite 7 Sports Medicine - Revolutionizing Sports Medicine

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 07:01:00 GMT

Elite 7 Sports Medicine is redefining athlete care by providing innovative, on-site medical services at sports events nationwide. With a team of experts boasting over 100 years of combined experience, Elite 7 ensures athletes receive seamless, sport-specific treatment—whether competing, recovering, or returning home.

Kelly Morgan, CEO and Medical Director, is an emergency physician and former athlete dedicated to improving access to high-quality sports medicine. With experience as an athletic trainer for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, medical director for USA Taekwondo, and a leader in emergency medical services, she is breaking barriers in both sports and healthcare.

From filling critical gaps in athlete care to building a business that prioritizes safety and accessibility, Kelly shares her entrepreneurial journey and vision for the future of sports medicine.

Chapters:

1:09 - Introduction to Elite 7 Sports Medicine

4:06 - The Origin Story of Kelly and Elite 7 Sports Medicine

8:49 - Addressing Gaps in Athletic Care

13:37 - Proactive Approaches to Injury Prevention

18:00 - The Entrepreneurial Journey in Sports Medicine

22:47 - The Vision for the Future of Athletic Care

Dr. Kelly Morgan:

🏠 Website: https://www.e7sportsmedicine.com/team-1

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-buchanan-morgan-md-atc-r-8ab59840/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#67: Kyle Martino - Sports Entrepreneur, Former MLS Player | Building Pyramid of Soccer Companies

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Kyle Martino spent 6 years in the MLS and is currently building a handful of soccer companies after many years as a TV analyst and a run for President of U.S. Soccer.

Martino’s portfolio includes Street FC, Football Cafe, Over Under Initiative, and Goalpher.

Chapters:

(01:40) Transitioning from athlete to next stage

(05:15) From sports to entrepreneurship

(08:35) Creating community

(11:00) Over Under & Goalpher

(13:00) Value of athlete investors

(15:30) Street FC & Football Cafe

(19:00) Problems in youth sports

(24:40) MLS growth

Kyle Martino:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylemartino/?hl=en

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#288: Mitch Heath, Co-Founder of Teamworks - Building a $1B sports tech company

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:28:37 GMT

Mitch Heath is a founding member of Teamworks and one of the key operators behind its growth into the leading operating system for elite sports organizations. Joining the company in 2010 while finishing his undergraduate degree at Duke, Mitch spent the 2010s helping scale Teamworks at the intersection of technology and sports, serving as both Chief Operating Officer and Chief Growth Officer as the company expanded across collegiate athletics, professional leagues, Olympic teams, and into the tactical sector.

In 2020, Mitch moved to Europe to help lead Teamworks’ global expansion. After navigating the challenges of the pandemic, he helped establish the platform across major international markets, making Madrid and London home while launching Teamworks with organizations in LaLiga and the Premier League. His experience building across cultures, leagues, and operating environments shaped Teamworks’ disciplined approach to adoption, product-market fit, and long-term partnerships.

Today, Mitch is back in the U.S., continuing to support Teamworks by coaching executives, advising clients globally, and leading the company’s Advisory Board. Outside of Teamworks, he works closely with founders and leadership teams as an advisor and board member, supporting high-growth companies, non-profits, and impact-driven organizations. His mission is simple: help high-potential leaders bring ambitious visions to life—while building companies the right way and taking care of the people behind them.

Podcast Chapters:

01:08 Mitch Heath's Origin Story and Teamworks' Foundation

06:16 Navigating Product Market Fit and Expansion Strategy

09:48 Building vs. Buying: Strategic Decisions in Growth

15:59 Driving Adoption and User Engagement

23:54 Optimism in the Evolving Sports Industry

28:16 Future Trends and Opportunities in Sports

#223: Brooks Schaden, Tom’s Watch Bar - Redefining the Sports Bar Experience

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Brooks Schaden is the co-CEO of Tom’s Watch Bar, the fast-growing sports bar concept redefining how fans experience live games. With 14 profitable venues across major sports cities and plans to expand by 50% this year, Tom’s is becoming the go-to destination for immersive sports viewing—with 360-degree screens, elevated stadium food, and all-sports-all-the-time programming.Brooks shares how Tom’s is tapping into evolving fan demographics, the rise of sports betting, and strategic partnerships to fuel growth. From hosting 600+ watch parties to pulling in $7M AUVs, this is a masterclass on turning sports passion into business performance.Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Tom's Watch Bar and Brooks' Journey02:37 – The Evolution of Sports Engagement05:35 – Navigating the COVID Challenge08:24 – Creating a Unique Sports Experience10:56 – Engaging Diverse Fan Bases13:51 – The Impact of Sports Betting16:44 – Strategic Partnerships and Growth19:31 – Future Expansion Plans22:08 – Building a Community Around Sports24:46 – Final Thoughts and InsightsBrooks Schaden:🏠Website: https://tomswatchbar.com/ 💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooks-schaden-35564a11/Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for listeining! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#220: Chris Hetherington, CEO of Fathead - Building a Fan Brand

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Chris Hetherington is an 11-year NFL veteran turned serial CEO, now leading the charge as CEO of Fathead. With a Yale degree in psychology and executive education from Harvard and Wharton, Chris brings elite performance from the field into the boardroom—where he's known for building strong teams, scaling brands, and turning vision into action.At Fathead, Chris is reviving and evolving the iconic fan brand through strategic marketing, expanded IP, and innovative digital tools. Under his leadership, Fathead is helping fans celebrate what they love most—whether through larger-than-life graphics, personalized cutouts, or immersive app experiences.Chris shares what he’s learned from both professional sports and entrepreneurship—discussing leadership, brand engagement, marketing challenges, and what it takes to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced fan economy.

Chapters:

00:57 - Chris's Journey in Sports and Business

03:15 - Reviving the Fathead Brand

04:13 - Marketing Strategies for Brand Revival

07:05 - Expanding IP and Global Reach

10:18 - Building a Strong Operational Team

12:29 - Integrating Digital and Physical Experiences

15:28 - User-Generated Content and Brand Engagement

17:28 - Challenges in Marketing and Customer Acquisition

19:44 - Lessons from NFL Culture

21:46 - Staying Informed and Growing as a Leader

24:18 - Iconic Fathead Products and Future Directions

Chris Hetherington:

🏠Website: https://fathead.com/

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hetherington-36597a46/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Tennis: A Broken Model (Exploring the Problems & Potential Solutions w/ John Butler)

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 04:01:00 GMT

The fragmentation of tennis has come to a crossroads as Saudi Arabia is disrupting other individual sports and players are itching for stable pay.

30-year tennis veteran John Butler joins the podcast to break down tennis and present his new tiered-system model.

From player pay to superstar reliance, promotion and relegation, and so much more this podcast covers the state of tennis today (and where it could go).

Chapters:

(01:50) State of tennis today

(03:40) Player pay

(05:20) Fragmentation

(08:00) Superstar reliance

(10:10) Saudi Arabia

(12:55) PTPA

(15:50) Creating a new model

(22:15) Tier system w/ promotion & relegation

(30:00) Men’s and women’s teams

John Butler:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrbutler2/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! If you want to stay up to date on new podcasts, hit the “follow” button.

#250: Erik Minnick, Versus Ventures - Investing in the Future of Sports, Gaming & Fintech with

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Erik Minnick is a General Partner at Versus Ventures, a pre-seed and seed-stage fund investing in the future of sports tech, gaming, and fintech.A former D1 wrestler turned developer and investor, Erik brings a rare mix of technical depth, competitive grit, and operator empathy to the table. Before co-founding Versus, he served as CIO at Andover Ventures, gaining experience on both sides of the startup-investor relationship.In this episode, Erik shares what Versus looks for in early-stage founders, the trends he’s watching across the sports innovation landscape, and the most common pitfalls startups face when raising capital. We also talk about the shifting dynamics in college athletics, the role of AI in the sports stack, how to craft a winning investor pitch, and where he sees the next breakout opportunities.

Chapters:

01:32 Changes in Wrestling and Sports Ecosystem

04:14 Overview of Versus and Investment Strategies

07:14 Understanding Venture Capital Decision-Making

10:00 The Role of AI in Sports Tech

12:23 Due Diligence in Early-Stage Investments

14:01 Common Mistakes Founders Make

15:34 Concerns in College Sports Funding

20:06 Opportunities in College Sports

22:01 Navigating the Future of College Athletics

25:21 Understanding Market Dynamics and KPIs

26:59 Engagement with Founders Post-Investment

30:50 Investment Thesis: Gaming, Sports Tech, and Fintech

34:00 Building Incentive Networks in Sports Tech

37:06 The Art of Storytelling in Capital Raising

41:01 Navigating SAFE vs. Price Rounds

43:28 Connecting with Fans: The Team Owner's Perspective

Erik Minnick:

🏠Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-minnick-12652340/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.versusvc.com/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#244: Glenn Schneider, CEO of SUSA FC - How SUSA FC Is Redefining Youth Soccer in America

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Glenn Schneider, CEO of SUSA FC, brings a unique blend of corporate leadership and grassroots passion to the youth soccer landscape. Under his direction, SUSA has grown into one of the most respected youth clubs in the country—focused not only on athletic excellence but also academic accountability, character building, and community engagement.SUSA FC isn’t just about developing elite players—it’s about shaping well-rounded individuals. With a strong emphasis on values like teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, the club offers a holistic environment where young athletes are mentored on and off the pitch. Schneider’s leadership has helped guide the club through evolving topics like NIL, college pathways, and community impact, all while keeping player development at the core.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to SUSA FC and Glenn Schneider

02:10 – Glenn's Journey from Corporate America to Soccer CEO

04:08 – Building a Soccer Club: Strategy and Infrastructure

08:48 – Managing Expectations: Parents and Player Development

10:56 – Community Engagement and Social Responsibility

13:49 – Navigating NIL and College Pathways for Athletes

16:23 – Future of Soccer in the U.S. and SUSA’s Role

21:40 – Leadership Insights and Mentorship

Glenn Schneider:

🏠Website: https://www.susaacademy.com/

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-schneider-2622b/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

#241: Marc Riccio, CEO of USA Lacrosse - Inside the Evolution of Lacrosse

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Marc Riccio, CEO of USA Lacrosse, brings decades of sports business experience from leadership roles at the New York Jets, Lagardère Sports, and more. Now leading the national governing body for lacrosse, he’s focused on expanding the sport’s reach, driving innovation, and strengthening its presence across the country.

Lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., and USA Lacrosse plays a central role in that growth. With over $300 million invested into development since its founding, the organization supports everything from youth leagues to Team USA. With a focus on inclusion, coaching education, and new formats like Sixes, USA Lacrosse is shaping the sport’s next chapter.

USA Lacrosse was created in 1998 through the merger of eight grassroots organizations. That collaborative spirit still drives the mission today—especially as the sport eyes future Olympic inclusion and new global audiences.

Chapters: 01:01 – Marc Riccio's Journey to CEO03:26 – The Growth of Lacrosse in the U.S.05:29 – USA Lacrosse's Role in the Ecosystem08:01 – Training and Development for Sixes Lacrosse09:50 – Addressing Specialization in Youth Sports12:07 – Commercialization and Integrity of the Game16:56 – Future of Lacrosse in College and Beyond19:52 – Emerging Leagues and Their Impact22:26 – Decision-Making in a Data-Driven World25:18 – Legacy and the Future of Lacrosse28:07 – Personal Growth and Mentorship

Marc Riccio: 🏠Website: https://www.usalacrosse.com/magazine💼LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcriccio21/Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#234: Davyeon Ross, Co-Founder & President ShotTracker - Redefining Basketball Intelligence

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 28 May 2025 19:52:31 GMT

ShotTracker is redefining how basketball is measured, experienced, and understood. Through a powerful combination of sensors and software, the platform delivers real-time stats on every shot, pass, and possession—helping coaches, players, scouts, and broadcasters make smarter decisions, faster. From youth gyms to elite programs, ShotTracker is building the future of in-game analytics and competitive intelligence.At the helm is Davyeon Ross, a seasoned tech entrepreneur who’s raised over $40M and led innovations across sports and enterprise software. With a deep understanding of product development, go-to-market execution, and strategic partnerships, Davyeon’s leadership has brought ShotTracker to the global stage—including deals with Spalding, Nike, and a legendary alliance with Magic Johnson. In this conversation, he shares what it takes to build lasting sports tech, the role of AI in player development, and how he’s thinking about the next frontier beyond basketball.Chapters: 03:00 – The Evolution of ShotTracker: From Concept to Product Suite06:05 – Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic08:52 – The Role of AI in Sports Technology12:01 – Future Aspirations: Expanding Beyond Basketball19:14 – Navigating Market Turbulence in Sports22:31 – Rebranding and Educating the Market27:49 – Leveraging AI for Player Development32:57 – The Magic Johnson Connection and Strategic Partnerships

Davyeon Ross🏠 Website: https://shottracker.com/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davyeonrossScott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#235: Brian Hough, Co-Founder & CEO at PressBox - Powering the Future of Personalized Sports Content

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 19:00:00 GMT

PressBox is redefining how sports organizations connect with fans—automating the creation of highly-personalized, sponsorable content across platforms. Born from the minds of former Bleacher Report engineers, the platform enables leagues to engage the Gen-Z audience by leaning into the athletes, creators, and cultural moments they care about most.

Brian Hough, Co-Founder & CEO, is a seasoned tech executive with roots at Bleacher Report and Turner Sports. With a proven track record in scaling high-growth teams and revenue-driving media platforms, Brian shares how PressBox is transforming content workflows, fueling personalization at scale, and creating new value for leagues and sponsors alike.

Chapters

01:02 – The Evolution of Media Technology in Sports

05:09 – Shifts in Media Business Models

07:48 – Expanding Beyond Sports: Future Aspirations

10:44 – Real-Time Content Creation and Broadcasting

15:44 – The Value Proposition of PressBox

Brian Hough:🏠 Website: https://pressbox.studio/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brhough/Andrew Petcash🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

#168: Bharath Rao – Founder, BASport | The Secrets Behind Major Sport Investments

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 07:01:00 GMT

BASport, founded by Bharath Rao, is revolutionizing the sports industry with a fresh and innovative approach to strategic investments.

BASport focuses on more than just capital infusion, prioritizing meaningful connections with stakeholders and delivering tangible results. Their goal is to set new standards for growth and innovation across the sports landscape.

Bharath Rao, a former coach at the National Cricket Academy, combines his on-field expertise with entrepreneurial vision, driving BASport’s success in the sports investment space.

Chapters:

(02:46) - Bharath Rao’s Journey in Sports Management

(05:59) - Investment Strategies in Emerging Sports

(08:34) - The Role of Media in Sports Investment

(11:30) - Engaging Athletes in Sweat Equity

(14:37) - Advice for Founders and Capital Seekers

(17:31) - Building Resilience and Strategy in High-Value Investments

(19:46) - Raising Funding and Preparing Valuation at Concept Stage

Bharath Rao:

Website: https://www.basport.co/

LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/bharathvrao7

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Jason Clement - Co-Founder of Sports Facilities Companies | Sports Facilities and Community Growth

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 08:01:00 GMT

Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) is the largest network of tournament and community-based sports facilities in the U.S., hosting over 25 million annual visits and delivering $250 million in direct annual economic impact. With a focus on feasibility studies, financial modeling, and destination development, SFC plays a pivotal role in enhancing community development through sports. Under Jason Clement’s leadership, SFC has expanded its offerings to include event management, innovative technology platforms, and cutting-edge food, beverage, and gaming experiences. These initiatives drive accessibility, economic growth, and meaningful connections through sport. Jason Clement, a licensed architect turned industry visionary, shares his journey from designing sports facilities to leading SFC’s expansion into a $15 billion development portfolio. In this episode, we explore public-private partnerships, building strong operational teams, and the future of technology in sports facilities. Chapters: 0:56 – Jason's Background 5:02 – The Evolution of Sports Facilities and Community Impact 11:43 – Public-Private Partnerships in Sports Development 19:45 – Building a Strong Sports Operational Team 27:59 – Innovative Facility Design and Programming 34:50 – Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Experiences Joey Grant 🏠 Website: https://sportsfacilities.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-clement-7595974/ Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#203: Jason Syversen - Founder of Sportsvisio | The Future of Sports Analytics with SportsVisio

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

At SportsVisio, we are a team of passionate AI-driven software engineers and sports enthusiasts committed to transforming the way athletes and coaches engage with game data. Our technology makes pro-level stat tracking and highlight generation accessible without the need for expensive hardware or complex setups.

Founded by Jason Syversen, a tech entrepreneur, investor, and former DARPA program manager, SportsVisio is at the forefront of AI-powered sports analytics. With a background in cybersecurity, AI, and scaling startups, Jason is leading the charge in bringing cutting-edge AI technology to sports tracking and performance analysis.

As the sports analytics market surges toward $4.6 billion by 2025, AI is playing a major role in automated coaching, recruiting, and player development. SportsVisio is leading this transformation, providing athletes, coaches, and teams with instant, data-driven insights to elevate their game.

Chapters:

(00:40) - Update Progress from Our Last Conversation

02:52) - Evolution of SportsVisio and AI Tech

(05:38) - Expanding into Volleyball: Strategy and Demand

(08:38) - Sales Strategy and Market Relationships

(11:33) - Building Relationships and Networking in Sports Tech

(14:16) - Fundraising Strategies and Investor Relations

(17:17) - Key Elements of a Successful Pitch

(20:04) - Current Trends in Sports Tech

(23:01) - Future Plans and Balancing Focus

Jason Syversen:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://www.sportsvisio.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsyversen/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎧 Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (March 6-12)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 08:00:07 GMT

Audio Timeline:

(0:45) - Business of Athletes

* Lionel Messi's new investment, Lebron James inks a lifetime equity deal, Lamar Jackson's contract saga, and more.

(7:00) - Name, Image, and Likeness

* Notre Dame football player, former Brown basketball players suing Ivy League, and Livvy Dunne + Dabo Sweeney controversy

(13:50) - Sports Business

* $150M towards women's tennis, new accelerators investing in sports tech, $3.7M for a sock analytics startup, and other interesting investments.

Thanks for listening!

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (January 1-15th)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 10:30:32 GMT

(0:40) - Feel good stories

Florida State offensive lineman Dillan Gibbons has raised over $500,000 through NIL for his charity "Big Man, Big Heart."
Damar Hamlin’s charity hits $8.8M in donations.

(2:10) - Business of Athletes

Michael Phelps, Odell Beckham Jr, Jeremy Lin, & more invest in Major League Pickleball (MLP).
Alex Rodriguez has exercised his option alongside Marc Lore to buy a second 20% stake in the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx.
Blake Griffin, Joe Burrow, Khris Middleton, Kemba Walker, Anders Lee, and 20+ pro athletes are buying $5M in Iowa farmland.
Patrick Mahomes has acquired an ownership stake in the women’s soccer team, Kansas City Current.
WNBA star Lisa Leslie has joined the ownership team at Jelenew, a women’s cycling brand.

(5:45) - Name, Image, and Likeness

Tiger Woods's son, Charlie Woods, will not be eligible for NIL money under Florida law should he attend high school there (currently in 8th grade).
NIL Collectives, such as at Michigan, are raising funds to help pay athletes to return to their schools.
NC State cornerback, Shyheim Battle, became the first athlete to ever sign an equity deal with Obsesh, an all-in-one athlete engagement platform.
Florida’s $13 million NIL deal with 5-star football recruit Jaden Rashada may head to the courtroom.

(09:35) - Future of Sports

32 Equity, the NFL’s venture fund, invested in upstart apparel and footwear brand NOBULL.
The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has completed a $30 million Series B funding round led by Divergent Investments.
Runna, a coaching app for runners, has raised $2.3M in funding.
East Asia Super League (EASL) has secured US$40 million in its Series C fundraising round.
Clive Mayhew has invested $1.2 million to launch Play Today, a web3 golf company.
Teamworks, a sports management SaaS, has acquired 4 new companies: Smartabase, Retain, Grafted, and NextPlay.

#232: Greg Glass, FanStake | Bringing Transparency, Fairness, and Fan Power to NIL

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 21 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT

FanStake is reshaping the future of college sports by empowering fans and supporting athletes through a transparent, risk-free NIL model. Led by Greg Glass—whose background spans startup leadership, SaaS innovation, and community-building—FanStake offers a platform that allows fans to fund athletes directly, without compromising education or compliance.Born from a passion for fairness in sports, FanStake is tackling systemic issues like inequity in athlete compensation and instability in college careers. With a mission to make college sports more engaging for fans and more sustainable for programs of all sizes, FanStake is a new-age NIL solution driven by values: protect the athlete, protect the team, empower the fan.Backed by Greg’s experience scaling ventures like Homebound, LinkedIn, and Qwill, FanStake is helping redefine what the future of athlete empowerment and fan influence can look like.

Chapters:

01:04 – Building the founding team and early vision

03:50 – How FanStake works: transparency meets NIL

07:18 – Fundraising in a shifting market

11:26 – Fan-first business model explained

15:04 – Building stronger fan-athlete connections

18:02 – Navigating NCAA uncertainty

21:58 – What’s next for NIL and college sports

25:39 – Why financial literacy matters more than ever

27:57 – Greg’s predictions for the future of NIL

Greg Glass:

🏠 Website: https://fanstake.com/welcome

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryglass/

Andrew Petcash

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash

📺 Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#117: Daniel Shichman - CEO, Co-Founder WSC Sports | AI, Scaling Globally, and the Future of Sports

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 05:01:00 GMT

WSC Sports is nearly a billion-dollar Israeli company, that enables sports media rights owners to automatically generate personalized sports videos in real-time

Prior to co-founding WSC Sports, Daniel Shichman attended Tel Aviv University and served in the Israeli military.

We discuss the company's journey to success, trends in the sports media industry, the impact of artificial intelligence on content creation and distribution, and the rise of Israel as a tech powerhouse.

Chapters:

(01:25) Background of WSC Sports

(07:30) Scaling a company globally

(11:40) Israel as a sports tech powerhouse

(15:05) Future of sports media

(22:00) Role of artificial intelligence

(25:20) Conclusion

Daniel Shichman:

Website: https://wsc-sports.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-shichman-121b4633/?originalSubdomain=il

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#65: Andrew Steinwold - Managing Partner Sfermion | When Sports Meets the Metaverse

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Andrew Steinwold first bought Bitcoin in 2013 and now runs a $100M venture fund focused around the metaverse.

Sfermion is a multi-strategy investment firm focused on the immersive internet. Their mission is to accelerate the emergence of the metaverse by investing in the companies & founders creating the digital future.

Sports and the metaverse have massive overlap, which led to a great conversation around crypto, web3, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and the blockchain.

Chapters:

(01:45) What is the metaverse?

(03:10) Andrew’s journey (Bitcoin 2013)

(06:30) Tokens in sports

(10:10) Key terms to know

(14:10) What to watch in AI

(20:15) State of web3 (in 2023)

(23:15) Blockchain going mainstream

(28:40) Concerns of CBDC’s

(30:50) Applying sports to the metaverse

Andrew Steinwold:

Website: https://www.sfermion.io/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndrewSteinwold

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-steinwold/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#301: Henrik Teisbæk, Veo Technologies - Why 99% of Sports Was Never Filmed Until Now

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:03:14 GMT

Henrik Teisbæk, co-founder of Veo, joins the Profluence Sports Podcast to share how his company is transforming the way sports are captured, analyzed, and experienced around the world. What started as a simple idea—making it possible for everyday athletes to relive their moments—has grown into a global platform used by over 50,000 clubs across 100+ countries. Henrik breaks down how Veo’s portable camera and AI-powered software are democratizing access to video, turning every game into a source of insight, development, and lasting memories.

Diving deeper, Henrik explains the journey of building Veo from Denmark into a global sports tech leader, navigating the complexities of hardware, supply chain, and international expansion. He shares lessons on scaling across markets, building a product for multiple sports, and creating a system that serves both elite clubs and grassroots teams. From empowering coaches with better tools to unlocking data-driven development for athletes, Veo sits at the intersection of sports, technology, and accessibility.

This episode explores the bigger picture of where sports tech is headed—from AI-powered insights and automated video breakdowns to the growing importance of authentic, real-world experiences in an increasingly digital world. Henrik and Andrew discuss why youth sports remain one of the most important and underutilized ecosystems globally, and how platforms like Veo are shaping the future of participation, storytelling, and performance in sports.

Podcast Chapters:

02:11 The Evolution of Youth Sports Technology

08:15 Building a Global Company from Denmark

10:34 Understanding Customer Needs in Different Markets

14:14 Navigating Challenges in Product Development

18:21 Fundraising Journey and Investor Perspectives

21:05 The Role of AI in Sports Technology

24:29 Future Trends in Sports and Technology

#299: Richard Odell, Masters Academy International (MAI) - The Future of Sports Education

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:13:29 GMT

Richard Odell is a seasoned leader in education, arts, and sports development, with a career spanning institutions like IMG Academy, Spire Academy, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and the Chicago Academy for the Arts. With a unique background that bridges both the arts and athletics, Odell has spent decades shaping environments that prioritize holistic student growth and long-term success.

He is now the driving force behind Masters Academy International (MAI), a next-generation institution based in the Boston area that reimagines how young athletes are developed. MAI combines elite sports training, rigorous academics, personal development, and career preparation into one integrated model — giving students the opportunity to pursue both playing and non-playing careers in sports, from medicine to media.

In this episode, we dive into the future of education, the shortcomings of traditional school systems, and why a more personalized, real-world learning approach is critical. Odell shares insights from his experience at IMG and Spire, the vision behind MAI, and how this model could reshape both sports and education for the next generation.

Podcast Chapters:

00:59 The Birth of Masters Academy International (MAI)

07:31 Innovative Educational Structure at MAI

12:55 The Future of Education and Its Challenges

17:16 Bridging the Gap in Education

22:34 The Role of Confidence in Learning

30:03 The Vision for MAI and Its Impact

#231: Austin Elrod Co‑Founder & President, TheLinkU | Protecting Athletes in the NIL Era

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 19 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT

TheLinkU emerged in 2022 to guide colleges and athletes through the fast‑moving Name, Image & Likeness era. Built by Austin Elrod—whose background spans sports administration, operations, and sales—and co‑founder Troy Kyle, the SaaS platform handles compliance, marketing, and delayed‑payment services that help more than 1,100 athletes manage earnings responsibly. Partnerships with programs from Houston to UCLA highlight rapid traction, and the recent disbursement of $400 k in safeguarded NIL funds underscores a mission to “Champion Integrity in Every Play.”Core values drive every product decision: protect the athlete, protect the university, protect the sponsor. TheLinkU delivers turnkey financial‑literacy tools, NCAA‑compliant workflows, and real‑time reporting so athletic departments stay ahead of regulation while athletes build lasting legacies.Chapters: 02:41 – Navigating the Sports Industry: Insights and Challenges05:29 – The Evolution of LinkU: Services and Offerings08:10 – Preparing for Revenue Sharing: Insights and Strategies10:44 – Morgan Stanley Partnership: Financial Literacy for Athletes13:26 – The Impact of Revenue Sharing on College Athletics16:14 – Future of College Sports: Trends and Predictions18:49 – Focus on Female and Olympic Sports21:34 – Conclusion and Future Outlook

#217: Dr. Jim Borchers, USCAH - Prioritizing Athlete Health & Safety

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Dr. Jim Borchers is the President and CEO of the U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health (USCAH) and the Chief Medical Officer for the Big Ten Conference. With nearly two decades as a team physician for Ohio State football and seven years as head team physician for the entire athletic department, Dr. Borchers is a leading advocate for athlete health and safety.

USCAH partners with 300+ universities, 20+ conferences, and numerous high schools and youth sports organizations to ensure athlete well-being remains a top priority. By providing education, policy development, and risk management strategies, USCAH is shaping the future of sports healthcare.

Chapters:02:39 - The Evolution of Athletic Healthcare
06:30 - Role of the Chief Medical Officer in Sports
07:10 - US Council for Athletes’ Health: Mission and Impact
09:03 - Health and Safety Issues in Sports
11:58 - Continuity in Athletic Healthcare Across Levels

Akshat Prakash:

🏠 Website: https://uscah.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-borchers-md/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#233: Brian Feeney, Tyton Partners | Investing in the Future of Sports & Education

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 26 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Tyton Partners is the leading advisory firm focused exclusively on the rapidly evolving Global Knowledge Sector. With a unique blend of investment bankers, strategy consultants, and sector operators, Tyton delivers actionable insights and strategic guidance to companies and investors shaping the future of education, human capital, and talent development—including the growing convergence with sports.Brian Feeney, Director at Tyton, brings deep expertise from previous roles at ESPN and Macquarie Capital, along with firsthand experience as an All-American lacrosse player at the University of Pennsylvania. His background bridges media, finance, and athletics—making him uniquely equipped to advise founders and operators at the intersection of sports, education, and innovation.

Chapters

01:33 – Brian Feeney's Background and Tyton Partners

07:51 – Tyton's Focus on Education and Sports

08:40 – The Intersection of Sports and Education

13:44 – Building Relationships with Founders

18:00 – Emerging Trends in Sports Academies

21:30 – The Role of Parents in Youth Sports

24:22 – Emerging Leagues and Educational Opportunities

25:52 – Common Oversights of Founders

29:27 – Transformations in College Sports

33:00 – Balancing Responsibility and Innovation

35:21 – The Future of Sports, Technology, and Education

39:29 – Navigating the School System for Sports Tech

44:47 – Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement

Brian Feeney:

🏠 Website: https://tytonpartners.com/

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-feeney/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

#222: Chad Wilton, CEO of PEAK - Building the Global Home of SportsTech

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Chad Wilton is the Co-Founder & CEO of PEAK, a new global gathering built to unite the world of SportsTech. As the industry rapidly evolves across athlete performance, fan engagement, and stadium innovation, PEAK is positioning itself as the central hub where top founders, investors, and executives come together to shape what’s next.With a background in launching high-impact events, Chad shares the inspiration behind PEAK, how he’s creating a platform that blends networking, live demos, and visionary insights—and why 2024 is the moment to go big. From community building to global ambition, this is a deep dive into the future of SportsTech convening.

Chapters

04:15 – The Passion for Events and Their Impact

09:04 – The Vision Behind PEAK

13:25 – Building a Unique Event Experience

18:08 – The Team Behind PEAK and Future Goals

Chad Wilton:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://peakconf.com/

💼LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-wilton-67453530/?originalSubdomain=ca

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠

🐣 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash⁠

💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠ Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#215: Akshat Prakash, Camb.ai - Breaking Language Barriers with AI

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Akshat Prakash is the CTO of Camb.ai, an AI-driven company revolutionizing language accessibility. With a background in AI from Carnegie Mellon and experience at Apple AI, Ack is at the forefront of innovation, helping enterprises and creators reach global audiences.Camb.ai’s proprietary models, MARS & BOLI, have been leveraged by sports leagues, filmmakers, and content creators to seamlessly adapt content across languages. Their mission is to ensure that ideas and opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of language barriers.With AI rapidly transforming sports, media, and education, Ack brings valuable insights into emerging trends, talent scouting in tech, and the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.Chapters: 02:37 - The Evolution of AI in Sports and Education 05:26 - Scouting Young Talent in Coding 08:27 - The Business of Sports Tech and AI 11:01 - Expanding Beyond Sports: Opportunities in Media and Education 13:34 - Navigating B2B and B2C Markets 16:24 - Emerging Trends in AI and Language Models 19:20 - The Future of AI: Towards Super IntelligenceAkshat Prakash:🏠 Website: https://www.camb.ai/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshat-prakash/Andrew Petcash: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for listening! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#159: Trey Bowles - Managing Director, Techstars | Insights for Sports Startup Founders

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 04:01:00 GMT

One of the largest early-stage investors in the world, Trey Bowles is currently the Managing Director of Techstars where he runs two accelerator programs: Techstars Anywhere and Techstars Physical Health Fort Worth.

Techstars is a pre-seed investor providing early-stage entrepreneurs access to capital, mentorship, and other support.

Some of Trey Bowles’ other projects include InnoCity Partners, Dallas Entrepreneur Center, Dallas Innovation Alliance, Mayor’s Star Council, and other nonprofit organizations.

Chapters:

(01:05) Trey Bowles Techstars

(04:00) Evaluating early-stage startups

(08:15) Accelerator vs venture money

(13:55) Human capital and teams

(17:10) Emerging areas for new companies

(21:30) Advice on raising capital with little revenue

(25:45) Techstars application key points

(30:35) Questions Techstars asks in interviews

(33:05) Youth sports as a gem

(36:10) Creating financial projections

Trey Bowles:

Website: https://www.techstars.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/treybowles/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#219: Nic Sulsky, The Curling Group - Reimagining Curling for the Global Stage

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Nic Sulsky is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Curling Group, a bold new venture on a mission to modernize and globalize the sport of curling. With a background in entrepreneurship and media, Nic is bringing fresh energy and innovation to a sport rich in tradition but ripe for reinvention.

In 2024, The Curling Group acquired the Grand Slam of Curling—an elite series featuring the top men’s and women’s teams from around the world. With a focus on storytelling, athlete branding, and equal prize purses, they’re aiming to elevate curling to new heights across global markets and streaming platforms.

From engaging fans beyond the Winter Olympics to building out crossover audiences, Nic shares how The Curling Group is reimagining curling as a media-forward, modern sport with massive untapped potential.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Curling and Its Potential

02:56 - Nic's Journey and Entrepreneurial Background

05:46 - Market Insights and Global Appeal of Curling

08:55 - Sustaining Interest Beyond the Olympics

11:54 - Crossover Audiences and Streaming Success

15:00 - Innovating the Sport and Engaging Fans

18:07 - Building Athlete Profiles and Brand Recognition

21:07 - The Future of Curling and Upcoming Events

23:57 - Conclusion and Call to Action

Nic Sulsky:

🌐Website: https://thegrandslamofcurling.com/

💼 Nic Sulsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicsulsky/?originalSubdomain=ca

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠

🐣 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash⁠

💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#349: Jorrit DeVries, NBSO LA | Connecting European Innovation with the US Sports Market

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 06:03:53 GMT

Jorrit DeVries is the Director of the Netherlands Business Support Office in Los Angeles (NBSO LA), an official trade office operating under the Dutch Ministry of Foreign and Economic Affairs. A former startup CEO and corporate executive with over two decades of international business experience, Jorrit works directly on the ground in California to bridge the gap between Dutch technology enterprises, US markets, and local government stakeholders.

The Netherlands Business Support Office (NBSO) is a global network of trade offices established by the Dutch government to foster bilateral trade and economic growth in key international hubs. Operating out of Venice, California, NBSO LA acts as a strategic bridge for over 150 Dutch companies entering Southern California, with a specialized focus on sports technology, media, life sciences, and urban development.

Jorrit explores how the Netherlands is leveraging Los Angeles’s upcoming "Decade of Sports", highlighted by FIFA World Cup matches and the 2028 Olympic Games—as a launchpad for international business growth. They discuss the differences between US and European venture landscapes, the mechanics of soft-landing foreign startups in California, and why international trade representation is becoming a key driver in the modern sports economy.

Podcast Chapter:

02:43 The Role of the Netherlands in Global Trade

05:19 Establishment and Growth of MBSO in LA

07:59 Support for Dutch Companies in the US

10:33 Criteria for Dutch Companies to Enter the US Market

13:22 Sports Industry Opportunities in LA

15:55 Cultural Differences in Business Practices

18:36 Trends and Future Opportunities in the Sports Sector

21:17 Conclusion and Resources for Dutch Companies

#345: Adam Sloustcher, Fisher Phillips - Proactive Legal Protection Is Essential for Sports Innovators

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 05:16:20 GMT

Adam Sloustcher is the Co-Chair at Fisher Phillips, a leading labor and employment law firm. Sloustcher shares his journey from elite youth soccer at the U.S. Soccer Residency Program (IMG Academy) and playing Division I soccer at UNC Chapel Hill and Loyola Marymount University, to signing with the San Jose Earthquakes before transitioning into a legal career focused on labor and employment law.Sloustcher outlines how Fisher Phillips navigates employment and workplace law in the sports landscape, covering risk mitigation, cross-jurisdictional compliance, and proactive human resources management. He details how sports organizations, high-growth startups, and sports tech ventures manage labor regulations, implement workplace safety protocols, navigate state-level AI regulations, and lay compliant structural foundations. The discussion also covers scaling law office operations, corporate culture, and balancing executive output with family life.Podcast Chapters:01:26 - Adam's Origin Story: From AAU Basketball to Elite Youth Soccer03:11 - The Residency Program & D1 College Soccer at UNC & LMU04:39 - Life After Pro Soccer & Transitioning to Law06:51 - How an Athletic Background Shapes Legal Consulting09:48 - Navigating AI, Compliance, and Changing Regulations in Sports Tech13:39 - Who Fisher Phillips Serves: Early-Stage Startups to Pro Franchises18:43 - Scaling the Dallas Office & Client-Centric Growth Strategy20:32 - Redefining ROI: Return on Impact vs. Return on Investment25:35 - How to Connect with Adam Sloustcher & Fisher Phillips

#227: Steve Delsohn, Delsohn Strategies | Elevating Executive Profiles Through Strategic Media

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 04 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Steve Delsohn is the founder of Delsohn Strategies, a boutique communications firm helping top executives and founders secure impactful national media exposure. With a background as a Peabody Award–winning investigative reporter at ESPN’s Outside the Lines, Delsohn brings decades of experience in journalism, authorship, and documentary storytelling to the world of strategic PR.

Having written 12 books and produced content for 30 for 30 and the History Channel, Delsohn now works behind the scenes to craft compelling narratives, elevate personal brands, and pitch stories that resonate. His firm specializes in positioning leaders at the intersection of sports, business, and media—helping them authentically connect with the audiences that matter most.

Chapter:
02:58 Transition from Journalism to PR
06:01 The Role of Media Coverage in PR
08:53 Building Personal Brands for Founders
12:06 The Importance of Authenticity in Interviews
15:09 Criteria for Successful PR Engagements
17:58 Crafting Effective Media Pitches
20:58 Current Trends in Sports and Sports Tech
24:01 Emerging Leagues and Youth Sports
26:58 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

#187 - Jared Solomon - CEO of Five Iron Golf | Revolutionizing Urban Golf Experiences

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 08:01:00 GMT

Five Iron Golf began in 2017 as a bold venture to transform how people experience golf in urban settings. Combining cutting-edge technology with a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere, Five Iron Golf quickly became a hub for both serious players and casual enthusiasts, offering simulators, lessons, food, drinks, and entertainment in a social environment. The company’s unique blend of hospitality and high-tech innovation has reshaped golf culture in cities, expanding rapidly from its Manhattan roots to locations across the country. Five Iron Golf stands out by making golf accessible and fun for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned pros. Jared Solomon, co-founder and CEO of Five Iron Golf, has been instrumental in driving this vision forward. His leadership has turned a shared idea into a thriving business that is now a leader in urban golf experiences. Chapters: 2:20 – Building Community vs. Commoditization in Sports 5:52 – Private Equity's Role in Sports Entertainment 8:57 – The Daytime Experience: Catering to Serious Golfers 11:51 – Listening to Customers: The Importance of Feedback 14:57 – Scaling Hospitality: From Founders to a Large Team 18:07 – Leveraging Technology in Sports Entertainment 21:11 – The Future of Golf: Off-Course and On-Course Dynamics 27:04 – The Next Five Years for Five Iron Golf Jared Solomon 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-solomon-3b7586169/ 🏠 Website: https://fiveirongolf.com/ Andrew Petcash 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#348: Jay Ciccarone, Lace Up | Building Head-to-Toe Weighted Performance Gear

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 05:20:43 GMT

Jay Ciccarone is a veteran inventor and product innovator with decades of experience spanning golf club manufacturing, consumer goods, and wearable performance technology. Driven by a passion for functional movement and sports science, Jay holds multiple patents centered around soft-weighted resistance technology designed to enhance athletic training, build targeted muscle strength, and assist in physical rehabilitation.

His company, Lace Up, is a pioneer in weighted sports gear and wearable technology, offering a complete head-to-toe lineup of flexible resistance equipment. What began as a soft-weighted wrap for lacrosse sticks and baseball bats has expanded into weighted compression arm and calf sleeves, weighted footwear accessories, and the Heavy Hat—a targeted neck-strengthening tool used to build cervical resilience and lower concussion risks across contact sports and auto racing.

In this episode of the Profluence Podcast, host Andrew Petcash sits down with Jay to explore how Lace Up evolved from a niche sports accessory into a multi-use wearable platform trusted by professional sports leagues, medical rehabilitation patients, and NASA. They dive into the mechanics of low-load resistance, how to spot unexpected market fits like Irish dance studios, and the key principles of scaling an physical product line without over-extending inventory.

Podcast Chapters:

02:05 The Evolution of Weighted Sports Equipment

06:31 The Importance of Neck Strength in Sports

08:07 The Rise of Weighted Resistance Training

10:43 Innovating for Different Markets

15:01 Customer Service and Go-to-Market Strategies

18:19 Balancing Innovation and Product Management

20:31 The Science Behind Product Development

24:40 Learning from Customer Feedback

29:53 Future Goals and Market Trends

31:00 Emerging Trends in Fitness and Wellness

#347: Jovany Ruiz, Friday Stairs - Building a Free 50-City Fitness Movement

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 03:40:37 GMT

Jovany Ruiz is Co-Founder of Friday Stairs, a rapidly growing free weekly fitness ritual and community movement built on democratizing health and wellness.Ruiz shares his story from growing up in a 127-person village in Puerto Rico to playing Division I college football and track at the University at Buffalo, pursuing the NFL, and enduring seven knee surgeries. He details how overcoming adversity led him to realize that sports were merely a vehicle for his true purpose: building fellowship, leading without ego, and creating uplifting communities.The conversation dives deep into how Friday Stairs grew from an informal Tampa gathering into a waitlisted movement scaling to 50+ major U.S. cities, how to maintain authentic culture while monetizing through brand partnerships, and why "the stairs" represent the personal adversity everyone faces.Podcast Chapters: 01:01 Roots in Puerto Rico and Early Life02:45 The Pursuit of Sports and Personal Growth06:06 The Realization of Purpose Beyond Sports09:50 Defining Community and Leadership12:33 The Mission of Friday Stairs15:10 Balancing Community and Business19:07 Scaling and Expanding Friday Stairs22:15 Leveraging Sports and Influencers24:43 Lessons Learned from the Community27:05 Staying Grounded as a Leader

#263: Jake Deane, True Lacrosse - Youth Sports, Player Development & Core Values

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 06:53:57 GMT

Jake Deane is the Co-Founder of True Lacrosse, one of the fastest-growing youth lacrosse organizations in the country. With nearly 20 years of experience in the game, Jake has dedicated his career to developing players, building programs, and creating pathways for athletes to succeed both on and off the field.

Since its founding in 2008, True Lacrosse has expanded from grassroots clinics in Illinois to a national footprint with programs across the United States. The organization is focused on elite coaching, player development, and teaching life lessons that extend far beyond the field. With a “player-focused, family-minded” philosophy, True Lacrosse has helped thousands of athletes achieve their goal of playing at the collegiate level while instilling the values of hard work, resilience, and teamwork.

Jake shares the story of how True Lacrosse grew from a local idea into a national brand, the current challenges facing youth sports, and where he sees the future of lacrosse headed.

02:29 Growth and Evolution of True Lacrosse
07:25 Taking Risks and Scaling the Business
11:54 The Future of Youth Sports and Expansion Plans
17:22 Current State of Youth Sports and Market Trends
20:23 The Role of Private Equity in Youth Sports
21:58 Professionalization of Youth Sports
22:59 Conclusion and Future Opportunities

#327: Sandy Ogg, Founder of Curve Sports - The Future of Youth Baseball

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Sandy Ogg is the CEO of Curve Sports, a company partnering with elite youth baseball organizations to help them scale through capital, operational support, and shared best practices. Before launching Curve Sports, Sandy spent decades leading and advising some of the world's most influential organizations, serving as an Operating Partner at Blackstone, Chief Human Resources Officer at Unilever, and Chairman of Nord Anglia Education, one of the largest premium education groups globally.

Rather than acquiring and rebranding youth sports organizations, Curve Sports partners with club owners, allowing them to retain their identity while gaining access to capital, operational expertise, and a nationwide network of elite operators. The company's long-term vision is to build a connected ecosystem of premier baseball organizations that creates better opportunities for athletes, families, and club leaders alike.

In this conversation, Sandy shares why youth sports represents one of the biggest untapped investment opportunities in sports, how Curve Sports is building a new model for consolidating travel baseball, why leadership matters more than financial engineering, and how the intersection of education, athletics, and long-term athlete development is shaping the future of youth sports.

#265: Connor Lim, International Dance League (IDL) - Investing in Sports & Media

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:22:56 GMT

Connor Lim is the Founder of the International Dance League (IDL), a first-of-its-kind professional league redefining the global dance industry. Growing up in Queens, New York as a professional dancer, Connor experienced firsthand both the artistry and challenges of the dance community—a foundation that now fuels his mission to create new opportunities for dancers worldwide.

Before launching IDL, Connor co-founded and served as President of STEEZY, the leading digital platform for dance education. Over more than a decade, he scaled STEEZY into an internationally recognized brand with millions of users across 100+ countries. By partnering with top choreographers and building a global community, Connor helped shape STEEZY into the premier destination for online dance learning and a cultural force that continues to influence dancers everywhere.

With IDL, Connor is pioneering a global league modeled after Formula 1—blending elite competition with entertainment and fan engagement. Following its 2025 launch in Los Angeles, the league will expand to six countries in 2026, creating a professional structure that elevates dance to the global stage and provides sustainable career pathways for dancers. His story is one of innovation, culture, and vision—bringing artistry and athleticism together in an entirely new way.

Podcast Chapters:

02:41 The Vision Behind IDL and Dance as a Sport

05:38 Global Expansion and the Dance Landscape

08:34 Business Model and Funding Strategies

11:09 Creating a Pathway for Dancers

13:56 Current Competition Landscape in Dance

16:48 Audience Engagement and Demographics

19:35 Future Plans and Trends in Dance

22:36 Conclusion and Call to Action

#230: Adam Lewites, Phoenix Capital Ventures - The Sports VC Playbook

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 14 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Phoenix Capital Ventures (PCV) is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in the future of sports, gaming, human performance, and immersive media. The firm partners with bold founders at the earliest stages, backing those obsessed with solving real problems in and around the sports ecosystem.Adam Lewites is Managing Director at PCV. He began his career as a college basketball coach before entering the startup world as a founding team member at Insightpool. Adam later helped scale several Atlanta-based startups and played a key role in launching Endeavor Atlanta, a global network supporting high-impact entrepreneurs. Today, he combines his deep operational experience with a passion for sports innovation to help founders build category-defining companies.

Chapters:

(02:17) The Journey from Founder to Investor

(04:39) Understanding the Founder-Investor Dynamic

(07:13) The Importance of Founder Obsession

(09:55) Optimism in Sports Investment

(12:31) Phoenix Capital Ventures: Investment Strategy

(14:49) Navigating Dilution and Pro Rata Rights

(17:01) Current Trends in Sports and Entertainment

(19:18) The Future of Sports and Technology

(21:41) Prosumer Trends in Sports

(24:12) Conclusion and Future Outlook

Adam Lewites:

🏠 Website: https://pcv.fund/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-lewites-70482253/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (June 12-18)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 04:01:19 GMT

(01:05) Business of Athletes

(05:50) College Sports/NIL

(08:40) Sports Business

Thanks for listening today! I hope these weekly roundups keep you up to date & informed on the most important events taking place in the sports industry.

#341: Tim Klitch - Austin Pickle Ranch | The Business of Pickleball

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 07:55:40 GMT

Former 35-year high-finance executive turned sports entrepreneur Tim Klitch has built a career around community, competition, and racket sports. Growing up in a Midwestern family where sports served as a path out of poverty, Klitch went from walking on to the Division I tennis team at Miami University to holding an ATP world ranking. Over his three-decade banking career, Klitch uniquely leveraged sports as a core business development tool, ultimately channeling that commercial expertise into the modern racket sports boom as an original founding investor in Major League Pickleball (MLP).

Austin Pickle Ranch stands as a premier indoor pickleball destination built on the concept of the "un-country club." Designed to strip away the rigidity, elitism, and high financial barriers of traditional private clubs, the facility serves as an inclusive community hub in Austin, Texas. By combining accessible open-play programs, structured DUPR-rated competition, and beginner greenhorn clinics, Austin Pickle Ranch creates a welcoming environment for players of all backgrounds, skill levels, and walks of life.

Klitch breaks down his journey from banking to MLP investor, explains why pickleball is the ultimate business networking sport, and shares how Austin Pickle Ranch is building a lasting, community-first legacy. The two also touch on the "Wild West" early days of Major League Pickleball, the mechanics of open play, and the story behind Klitch's signature cowboy hat.

Podcast Chapters:

00:26 Introduction to Tim Klitch and Pickleball

07:14 The Journey into Pickleball

13:11 The Appeal of Pickleball vs. Tennis

20:24 Founding Major League Pickleball

26:56 The Austin Pickle Ranch and Community Impact

#129: Ollie Raison - Co-Founder F1 Arcade | Insights on Social Entertainment

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 04:01:00 GMT

An experienced veteran in sportainment, Ollie’s newest project is at the intersection of racing, socializing, and eating with F1 Arcade.

F1 Arcade is a new simulation racing experience in the US, offering all the excitement, drama, and glamor of Formula 1.

Ollie Raison has provided creative input to social entertainment businesses for many years including Bounce Ping Pong, Puttshack Mini Golf, Hijingo, AceBounce, Wonderball, Games Gurus, and more.

Chapters:

(01:15) From comedy to social entertainment

(05:30) Bounce Ping Pong

(07:45) Flight Club and Puttshack

(12:45) F1 Arcade Inception

(17:20) Mistakes made in social entertainment

(20:35) Go-To-Market strategy

(23:10) Investors they targeted

(25:25) Future of social entertainment

(29:45) New location F1 Arcade

Ollie Raison:

F1 Arcade: https://f1arcade.com/us/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-raison-b3207235/?originalSubdomain=uk

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#283: Chris Weil, Horizon Sports & Experiences - Building the Live Sports Economy

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:54:16 GMT

Chris Weil is the Co-Founder and CEO of Horizon Sports & Experiences and one of the most influential executives in modern sports marketing. Prior to launching Horizon, Chris spent more than two decades as Chairman and CEO of Momentum Worldwide, leading the global agency through massive growth and helping redefine how brands connect with fans through live sports, entertainment, and experiential marketing.

At Horizon, Chris has returned to the private sector to build a next-generation sports and experiences platform designed for a post-COVID world. The firm operates across owned and represented IP, media rights, sponsorships, and brand strategy—anchored by a belief that live sports remain the most powerful driver of engaged audiences. From pickleball and women’s basketball to emerging leagues and global events, Chris shares how Horizon evaluates risk, invests capital, and builds scalable sports properties.

In this conversation, Chris offers a candid look at the evolution of live sports, the accelerating role of data and AI in decision-making, and the changing dynamics of college athletics, women’s sports, and global mega-events. His perspective reflects decades of leadership at the highest level—and a clear-eyed view of where sports, media, and brand partnerships are headed next.

Podcast Chapters:

01:48 The Evolution of Live Sports Post-COVID

04:53 Building IP in the Live Sports Space

07:26 The Rise of Women's Sports and Brand Engagement

09:33 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Collegiate Sports

15:25 The Future of Sports Marketing and AI Integration

21:53 Consumer Habits and the New Generation of Sports Fans

26:51 Capitalizing on Major Sporting Events

29:26 Balancing Growth and Opportunity in a Busy Market

#210: Michael Madding, COO Lucra Sports - Raising $25m in Betting

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 20:00:00 GMT

Lucra Sports is redefining gamification in sports, entertainment, and media. As a venture-backed startup, Lucra provides innovative engagement solutions for consumer platforms, live events, and media companies, transforming the way fans interact with their favorite sports.

Michael, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, brings a wealth of experience from Goldman Sachs, where he worked in investment banking and corporate strategy. He played a key role in launching GS Accelerate, the firm’s global incubator, and has a strong background in scaling startups and driving business growth.

Lucra has raised over $25 million to revolutionize social betting and fan engagement, positioning itself at the forefront of the rapidly evolving sports tech landscape.

Chapters:

5:51 - Fundraising Insights and Strategies

11:12 - Product Evolution and User Engagement

14:30 - Industry Trends in Fan Engagement

25:09 - Entity Structure and Investor Preferences

27:08 - Team Growth: Full-time vs. Fractional Employees

32:04 - Partnership Development and Networking

38:10 - Pricing Strategies and Market Positioning

Michael Madding:

🏠 Website: https://www.lucrasports.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-madding-13ba9522/

Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber:

Website: https://profluence.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/; https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

#322: Philip Hover-Smoot, The Atlas Cup - Building the First Professional Sport in Space

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Philip Hover-Smoot is the Founder and CEO of Atlas Cup, the company building the world's first professional sport in space. Atlas Cup will feature satellites racing head-to-head in low Earth orbit, creating an entirely new category of sports, entertainment, and competition beyond our planet.Before launching Atlas Cup, Philip spent over a decade in the defense and space industries, leading satellite, launch, and space technology initiatives worth billions of dollars. As a former space company CEO and attorney specializing in space operations and regulation, he brings a rare combination of technical expertise, business leadership, and vision to one of the most ambitious sports ventures ever attempted.In this conversation, Philip shares why he believes sports are the next major application layer for the growing space economy, how satellite racing could become the Formula 1 of orbit, and what it takes to build a professional sports league where the competition takes place hundreds of miles above Earth. He also discusses the future of commercial space, AI-powered competition, media opportunities in orbit, and why the first human race in space could become the most-watched sporting event in history.Podcast Chapters:02:41 The Journey from Concept to Reality05:51 Understanding the Mechanics of Space Racing08:33 The Role of Technology and Teams in Space Racing11:26 The Future of Sports in Space23:29 Exploring the Structure of Space Sports24:00 The Human Connection to Space and Sports25:03 Creating Emotional Connectivity in Space Racing27:11 The Drama and Risks of Space Racing29:54 Navigating Compliance in Space Sports35:15 The Future of Global Space Racing38:07 The Rise of Application Layers in Space Sports38:58 Continuous Learning in a Changing Landscape

#186: Evan Roosevelt & Matthew Erley - Co-Founders of Old Tom Capital | Investing in Golf’s Future

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Old Tom Capital is an early-stage investment group dedicated to fostering innovation and growth within the golf industry. By combining decades of entrepreneurial experience with hands-on mentorship, Old Tom Capital supports startups in redefining the future of golf through strategic investments.

The golf industry is evolving rapidly, attracting new audiences and creating opportunities in content, tech, and consumer engagement. Old Tom Capital is at the forefront of helping these ventures thrive in a rapidly evolving market.

Matthew Erley scaled startups like Drizly (sold to Uber for $1.1B) and advised over 100 companies on growth. Evan Roosevelt founded Random Golf Club, building a thriving golf community and leading investments in early-stage ventures. Both bring extensive expertise as personal angel investors and advisors to the golf sector.

Chapters:

2:53 – The investment strategy in the golf industry

6:02 – The changing landscape of venture capital

9:06 – Lessons from Drizly: Growth and distribution

12:00 – Identifying opportunities in golf startups

14:50 – The rise of golf-curious consumers

18:02 – The evolving golf content and IP landscape

20:50 – The future of golf: New formats and engagement

23:59 – Building in golf

26:54 – The future outlook for golf investments

Evan Roosevelt

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-roosevelt

Matthew Erley

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewerley/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#321: Milton Lee — What Investors Look for in Founders, Sports Tech & The Future of Sports

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 06:07:09 GMT

Milton Lee is a former NBA executive, sports technology CEO, investor, and board member whose career spans professional sports, technology, and finance. Most recently, he served as CEO of Keemotion, leading the company through significant growth, mergers and acquisitions, and ultimately its acquisition by Sportradar ahead of the company's NASDAQ IPO.

Prior to Keemotion, Milton held numerous leadership roles across the sports industry, including serving on the boards of the Brooklyn Nets, Barclays Center, and Onexim Sports & Entertainment. He also served as General Manager of the Brooklyn Nets' G-League affiliate and Chairman of the NBA G-League Basketball Rules Committee. With decades of experience operating at the highest levels of sports and technology, Milton brings a unique perspective on leadership, innovation, investing, and the future of the industry.

Milton shares lessons learned from building and scaling companies, what investors look for in founders, why grit remains one of the most important traits for long-term success, and how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are transforming the sports landscape. He also reflects on his journey from professional sports executive to technology CEO and investor, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders across the sports ecosystem.

Podcast Chapters:

01:04 Milton's Journey in Sports

03:04 Transition from Wall Street to Sports

04:39 Building Key Motion and Sports Tech

07:29 Networking and Alumni Influence

10:55 CEO Insights on Technology and Innovation

13:00 Guardrails Against Scope Creep

17:19 Emerging Trends in Sports Ownership

21:49 The Future of Football and Other Sports

25:07 Lifelong Participation in Sports

27:58 Investor Insights and Grit in Founders

#251: John Parker, Kickback Soccer Media - Building the Future of U.S. Soccer Culture

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Kickback Soccer Media is a groundbreaking new media company founded by leading voices in American soccer. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Kickback is on a mission to turn the moment into a movement—capturing casual viewers, creating culture, and redefining what it means to be a soccer fan in the U.S. Through three distinct platforms—Soccerwise for traditional coverage, Kickback Committee for creator-led content, and First Touch for fan engagement—the company is bridging the gap between insiders and new supporters. With a 3% pledge of gross revenue committed to growing the game through inclusivity and accessibility, Kickback is aiming for long-term impact beyond the final whistle.Founded by John Parker alongside trusted voices like Tom Bogert, David Gass, and Jordan Angeli, Kickback has also partnered with Bluesky to lead the digital conversation around U.S. soccer. With bold plans and a deep understanding of the sport’s cultural landscape, Kickback Soccer Media is building a soccer media company that speaks to—and with—the American fanbase.Chapters: 01:23 John Parker's Soccer Origin Story04:10 Evolution of Youth Development in Soccer06:50 Kickback Soccer Media: Vision and Mission10:12 Strategies for Engaging New Fans15:55 Community-Driven Content Creation18:44 3% Pledge: Investing in Community Initiatives22:19 Defining American Soccer Culture25:27 The Global Connection of Soccer28:44 Bold Predictions for U.S. Soccer's Future

John Parker: 🏠Website: https://kickbacksoccer.com/

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-parker-b4b47a4b/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#242: Taylor Meyer, Hyperspace Ventures - Scaling Startups Through Tech & Capital

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Taylor Meyer is a serial entrepreneur and the Managing Partner at Hyperspace Ventures. After successfully founding and exiting his first tech company while still a student-athlete, With advanced degrees from UNC and Harvard, his background blends deep technical knowledge with sharp business strategy.Hyperspace Ventures specializes in building web and mobile applications, digital infrastructure, and marketing systems, while also investing in early-stage companies across sports, consumer tech, and health. Recently, Hyperspace Ventures expanded its portfolio with a $6.8M investment into pickleball and emerging tech companies—marking a bold move into fast-growing cultural and digital trends.The firm also builds internal tools like Space Dial, Launch Deck, HyperHire, and The 42 Club, helping founders scale faster across operations, fundraising, hiring, and community building.

Chapters:

01:00 – Introduction to Hyperspace Ventures

05:33 – The Pickleball Phenomenon

10:56 – Common Mistakes in Startup Founding

15:59 – The Future of Technology and AI

Taylor Meyer:

🏠 Website: https://www.hyperspaceventures.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-meyer/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

#307: Thomas Archer Bata, Triple B International - Inside a Global Family Office

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:25:47 GMT

Thomas Archer Bata is an entrepreneur, investor, and fourth-generation member of the Bata family. As a Director at Triple B International, he focuses on venture, growth, and real estate investments, partnering with founders and operators to build enduring businesses. His work spans capital allocation and strategic guidance, with a long-term lens rooted in generational value creation.

Beyond Triple B, Thomas is the Co-Founder and Chairman of INTENNSE, founder of MGG, and co-founder of Friends of Bata, platforms designed to connect business, community, and culture. Prior to his investing career, he gained hands-on experience at global brands like Nike and ALDO Group, developing a deep understanding of retail, brand building, and operations that now informs his investment approach.

Thomas shares how family offices are thinking about emerging opportunities in sports, media, and technology. He breaks down how to evaluate early-stage investments, where the biggest opportunities are across the evolving sports ecosystem, and why community and brand matter more than ever. This conversation offers a unique perspective on long-term investing, the future of sports as an asset class, and how capital can be used to build meaningful, lasting impact.

Podcast Chapters:

01:50 Investing in Emerging Sports and Brands

05:09 Family Office Investment Strategies

08:38 Evaluating Sports Opportunities

12:55 The Future of Sports and Technology

16:37 Media and Entertainment Evolution

24:47 Vision for Triple B and Intense

Thomas Archer Bata:

🏠 Website: https://www.triple-b.co/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasabata/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

#266: Omer Atesmen, Snow League - The Business of Winter Sports: Global Growth & Athlete-First

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Omer Atesmen is a serial entrepreneur and the CEO of Snow League, a professional league reimagining snowboarding and free skiing for a global audience. After successful ventures in robotics and ad tech, Omer partnered with Shaun White to launch the league, combining deep business expertise with a passion for action sports. With equal prize money for men and women, innovative competition formats, and a vision to capture the energy of winter sports on a worldwide scale, Snow League is setting out to become the premier platform for athletes, fans, and brands.

In this episode, Omer dives into the origin story of Snow League, the challenges of building a new sports property, and the strategy behind fundraising, media rights, and global expansion. They also discuss why storytelling, PR, and athlete engagement are critical in driving fan adoption, and how the league is learning from models like Formula 1 to build long-term cultural and commercial impact.

Podcast Chapters:

02:36 Partnering with Shaun White and the League’s Vision

05:12 Building a Sports Property from Scratch

08:47 Fundraising and Market Opportunities in Winter Sports

12:19 Equal Prize Money and Athlete-Centric Innovation

15:08 Media Rights, PR, and Global Fan Engagement

18:34 Learning from Formula 1 and Other Global Leagues

22:11 The Future of Snow League and What’s Next

Omer Atesmen: 🏠 Website: https://thesnowleague.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omer-a-5291062/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#157: Jordan Gazdik - Founder BENCHPLAYERS | Building a Diverse Sports Portfolio

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 04:01:00 GMT

With ownership in sports from grassroots to the pros and in nearly every niche, Jordan Gazdik breaks down the landscape for us.

BENCHPLAYERS is a portfolio of sport-related assets, driven by partnerships with industry leaders at all levels of the ecosystem.

Jordan Gazdik founded BENCHPLAYERS to help push forward sports by creating a better future through ownership.

Chapters:

(00:45) Jordan’s background

(02:00) Current sports projects

(04:20) Youth sports & NIL interest

(09:00) Evaluating opportunities

(12:30) International trends

(15:00) What wealthy families are looking at?

(19:30) Betting vs other fan engagement

(22:30) Sports media rights insights

(25:50) Emerging teams & leagues

(32:20) The mom economy

Jordan Gazdik:

Website: https://www.benchplayers.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-gazdik-51abb2188/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#156: Ben Nichols - Founder, Padel 22 | Building a Padel-focused PR firm

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and Ben Nichols saw this as a unique opportunity to build a PR firm for it.

Padel 22 is a global padel-dedicated communications consultancy that helps organizations, rights holders, brands, events, players and other stakeholders tell their stories and be part of the sport’s expanding global footprint.

Ben Nichols has nearly 20 years of experience running communications for the world’s leading sports series, leagues, events, teams, leaders, athletes, brands, and media. Including the infamous Russian Doping Scandal.

Chapters:

(01:00) Ben’s communications background

(03:15) Padel 22

(05:35) Market insights on Padel

(07:10) Stories that are sticking out

(10:35) Getting media attention

(14:15) Country club sport

(17:30) Next run in Padel

(20:10) Padel leagues

(23:55) US market

(26:30) Advice on PR

Ben Nichols:

Website: https://www.padel-22.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nichols-7401929/?originalSubdomain=uk

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#208: Brent Richard - CEO, IMG Academy | The Future of Sports & Education

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

IMG Academy is the world’s leading sports education brand, serving over 150,000 student-athletes and 40,000 coaches annually through its boarding school, camps, online coaching, and recruiting services. Under the leadership of CEO Brent Richard, IMG Academy has evolved from a campus-based institution into a global powerhouse shaping the next generation of elite athletes.

Brent Richard’s vision is to make IMG Academy’s life-changing experiences accessible to student-athletes worldwide, ensuring that sports remain a platform for growth, education, and opportunity. In 2023, he spearheaded IMG Academy’s acquisition by Nord Anglia & EQT for $1.25B, securing a future of expanded resources, scholarships, and digital scale.

From leading $5 billion+ in sports deals at Endeavor to co-founding The Raine Group, Brent Richard has been at the forefront of sports, media, and entertainment investments. In this episode, we dive into the future of youth sports, NIL’s impact on student-athletes, and how AI & women’s sports are shaping the next era of sports education.

Chapters:

(01:10) - Introduction to IMG Academy

(03:32) - Brent's Journey & Evolution

(08:55) - The Evolution of IMG Academy

(16:13) - Youth Sports Landscape & Trends

(21:55) - NIL & Its Impact on Student-Athletes

(27:21) - Future Trends: AI & Women's Sports

Brent Richard:

🌎 Website:IMGAcademy.com

💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-richard-5808b34/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website:https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter:https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#317: Bobby Basham, Inside the Chicago Cubs' Innovation Strategy

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 05:32:42 GMT

Bobby Basham is a longtime executive with the Chicago Cubs, where he focuses on player development, innovation, and emerging technologies that help shape the future of baseball. With more than two decades of experience in the sport as both a player and front-office leader, Bobby has been at the forefront of integrating data, sports science, and technology into professional baseball operations.

In addition to his work with the Cubs, Bobby is the co-founder of Union Baseball Systems, a player development organization based in San Diego that supports athletes from youth baseball through the professional ranks. He is also an active advisor and investor in sports and technology companies, helping founders build solutions that improve athlete performance, health, and development.

Known for bridging the gap between sports, technology, and business, Bobby brings a unique perspective on innovation, leadership, and the future of the sports industry.

Chapters:

00:55 Bobby's Background and Experience in Baseball

03:47 Evaluating Technology and Innovation in Baseball

06:31 Balancing Tradition and Professionalism in Baseball

10:05 Insights on Founders and Technology Pitches

13:01 Understanding Organizational Pain Points

15:47 The Role of Athletes in Entrepreneurship

17:47 Cubs' Approach to Early-Stage Innovations

21:12 Future Opportunities in the Sports Industry

#281: Ben Von Willer and Alberto Chaia, McKinsey’s Breakdown - Latino Fandom & the Future of Sports

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:47:54 GMT

Ben Von Willer and Alberto Chaia, partners at McKinsey & Company and co-authors of McKinsey’s latest report on Latino sports fans, outline how one of the fastest-growing and most influential fan segments is reshaping the U.S. sports landscape. Their research highlights how Latino audiences are driving disproportionate growth across leagues, properties, and participation, while still being underserved in how teams and organizations engage them.They break down the distinct cultural, behavioral, and generational factors that differentiate Latino sports fandom — from youth participation trends and women’s sports momentum across LATAM to digital consumption patterns, purchasing power, and family-centered fan habits. Their insights reveal where major opportunities exist for rights holders, brands, and operators to build more authentic, long-term relationships with this expanding demographic.Von Willer and Chaia also explore broader industry implications, including the role of community-based programming, future fan pipelines, and the commercial upside as North America prepares for global events such as the 2026 World Cup. Their findings provide a data-backed blueprint for the next phase of growth in the sports industry.

Chapters:

01:00 Background on McKinsey’s Report
02:22 Growth of Latino Fan Segments
04:39 Cultural Drivers of Fandom
08:19 Youth Participation Trends
10:51 Women’s Sports Across LATAM
13:22 Digital Consumption Behaviors
15:22 Purchasing Power & Market Influence
17:24 Opportunities for Rights Holders
19:22 Community Engagement & Fan Pipelines
21:00 Future Industry Outlook
22:06 Impact of Global Events on North America

#312: Brett Goldberg, TickPick, and John Brennan, AC Momento - The Future of Ticketing

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:49:32 GMT

Brett Goldberg, co-founder of TickPick, and John Brennan, founder of AC Momento, break down how ticketing and fan engagement are evolving, and why the future of live events is about more than just the transaction.

Memento was acquired by TickPick in late 2025 and continues to operate as a standalone platform. Together, they’re building for millions of fans attending live events each year, combining transaction and emotional data to create a more complete fan ecosystem. More than 20 million tickets have already been transformed into Momentos.

Brett shares how TickPick disrupted the ticketing industry by prioritizing transparency with all-in pricing and building a platform designed to help fans make smarter purchasing decisions. Meanwhile, John dives into the origin of AC Momento, a platform built to capture and relive live event experiences, turning ticket stubs into rich, personalized digital memories.

From AI-driven ticket recommendations to post-event engagement and community-driven content, this highlights how platforms are beginning to serve fans before, during, and long after the event ends. They also unpack the strategic thinking behind TickPick’s acquisition of Memento, the power of combining transaction and emotional data, and how this unlocks a more holistic fan ecosystem. From World Cup-scale opportunities to everyday fandom, this episode dives into how technology, data, and storytelling are redefining the live event experience.

Podcast Chapters:

01:01 The Founding Stories of TickPick and Momento

05:39 The Evolution of Fandom and Ticketing

09:06 The Acquisition of Memento by TickPick

10:22 Understanding the Target Audience of Memento

13:07 Leveraging Fan Data for Enhanced Experiences

15:24 Insights on the Acquisition Process

17:47 Future Vision Beyond Ticketing

19:27 Industry Trends in Ticketing

21:05 Bridging Digital and Physical Experiences

24:30 Building a Community Around Live Events

28:29 Capitalizing on the World Cup Opportunity

31:14 The Future of Fandom

#319: Mike Carney, OnDeck Partners - The Future of Sports Communities

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 06:15:52 GMT

Mike Carney is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of OnDeck Partners, a sports business and investment company focused on elevating the fan experience and driving sustainable growth across the communities it serves. With a career spanning leadership roles in both Major League and Minor League Baseball, Mike has built a reputation for developing high-performing organizations, fostering strong cultures, and creating long-term value through sports.

Before launching OnDeck Partners, Mike served as EVP of Business Operations and Chief Revenue Officer for the Washington Nationals, where he led large teams across revenue, strategy, and operations. His leadership contributed to the organization's growth and success, including the Nationals' historic 2019 World Series Championship. Throughout his career, Mike has remained passionate about the unique role sports teams play as economic and cultural anchors within their communities.

At OnDeck Partners, Mike is helping reimagine the future of Minor League Baseball by investing in community-first clubs and creating new opportunities for fan engagement, live events, and local impact. In this conversation, he shares why Minor League Baseball remains one of the most compelling opportunities in sports today, how community serves as the foundation of every successful franchise, and why the future of sports ownership may be rooted in creating unforgettable local experiences.

Podcast Chapters:

02:30 The Importance of Community in Minor League Baseball

05:21 Why Minor League Baseball? A Unique Opportunity

07:59 Exploring the Teams: Visalia Rawhide and Montgomery Biscuits

10:31 Partnerships and Ownership Structures in Minor League Baseball

13:15 Business Models: Cash Flow and Long-Term Strategy

16:05 Multi-Club Ownership: Learning from Others

18:37 Revenue Streams in Minor League Baseball

21:30 Activating the Ballpark Beyond Baseball

24:21 Technology and AI in Minor League Operations

26:40 Trends to Watch in Sports and Fan Engagement

29:28 Looking Ahead: The Future of On Deck Partners

#262: Jake Hoselton, Grass Clippings - The Rise of Night Golf

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 06:20:36 GMT

Jake Hoselton is the co-founder and CEO of Grass Clippings, the company behind Arizona’s only fully lighted golf course, Grass Clippings Rolling Hills. More than just a golf course, Grass Clippings is reimagining what it means to bring community, entertainment, and competition together. With its unique day-to-night transformation—playing as a par 61 during the day and a par 54 par-3 course under the lights—Grass Clippings offers golfers an entirely new way to experience the game.At Grass Clippings, the vision goes beyond the fairways. From the Top Tracer lighted driving range with lounge seating and food service, to Glenrosa, a restaurant serving Sonoran-inspired cuisine, and live music events that transform the course into a social hub, Jake and his team are building something much bigger: a new culture of golf. With the launch of Grass League, a professional golf league designed for a new generation of fans, Grass Clippings is blending tradition with innovation to create one of the most exciting evolutions in the sport.Beyond the golf and entertainment, Jake’s story is also about building for the future—developing a franchise model for Grass League, growing new talent pipelines, and redefining how golf can be presented as both competition and community. Grass Clippings isn’t just growing the game; it’s creating a movement.Podcast Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Grass League and Golf's Evolution01:09 The Origin Story of Grass Clippings and Grass League04:56 Understanding Grass League's Structure and Vision06:15 The Unique Experience of Night Golf and Entertainment12:11 Franchise Model and Growth Strategy of Grass League16:20 Talent Selection and Development in Grass League18:45 Reflecting on Milestones and Achievements23:05 Future Plans and Expansion of Grass League29:15 Mentorship and Learning in the Golf Industry

#320: Andy Sandler, Temerity Capital - The Art of Investing in Sports Teams

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Andy Sandler, Temerity Capital - The Art of Investing in Sports Teams Temerity Capital Partners is the Sandler family office and private investment company. Under the Temerity Capital umbrella is Temerity Baseball, which focuses on sports team ownership and real estate development. Temerity Baseball owns and operates three professional baseball teams: the Greensboro Grasshoppers, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, and Lexington Legends. They are also minority investors in the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Sandler Family recently got into women's sports with their investment in the Columbus Fury, a Major League Volleyball team. Andy Sandler is a senior partner at Mitchell Sandler, founder of Asurity Advisors, and leads Temerity Capital. Andy previously founded and led the Buckley Sandler law firm and Treliant Risk Advisors, which he sold in 2017.

Podcast Chapters:

02:33 Investment Philosophy and Community Impact

05:18 Transitioning Minor League Ownership

08:00 Community Building in Sports

09:43 The Role of Community in Sports Ownership

12:27 Real Estate Development and Sports

14:07 Utilizing Stadiums Beyond Game Days

19:50 Technology and Shared Services in Sports Ownership

23:53 The Centralized League Model vs. Community Ownership

29:02 Evaluating Team Culture and Leadership

33:01 The Rise of Women's Sports

35:56 Investment Insights and Lessons Learned

#274: Brian Hoyer & Leo Rifkind - Building a New Legacy in College Sports: Inside Legacy25

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:00:43 GMT

Legacy25 is a newly launched private investment initiative transforming the U.S. college sports ecosystem. Backed by family-office capital and led by an elite group of professional athletes, Legacy25’s mission is to help shape the ongoing evolution of collegiate athletics — building a new legacy in the very system that launched their careers. Managed in partnership with Chiron Sports Group, the platform provides both strategic support and financial firepower to help institutions and businesses thrive in the next era of college sports.

At the helm of this new movement are Brian Hoyer, former NFL quarterback, and Leo Rifkind, founder of Chiron Sports Group. Together, they share how Legacy25 is creating a dual investment platform: “Gold Miners” — bespoke capital solutions for colleges and conferences, and “Picks & Shovels” — equity investments in the tools, technology, and services fueling college sports monetization. Their goal? To unlock synergies across the $13B+ industry and empower all stakeholders — from universities to athletes — to benefit from its transformation.

In this episode, Brian and Leo dive deep into the strategy behind Legacy25, how private capital is reshaping the NCAA landscape, and what the future holds for athlete-driven investing. It’s a conversation about innovation, opportunity, and the business of building a lasting legacy in college sports.

Podcast Chapters:

03:22 Brian Hoyer’s Journey from Athlete to Investor
06:18 The Strategy Behind Legacy25: Gold Miners & Picks and Shovels
10:45 How Chiron Sports Group Powers Growth in Sports Businesses
14:38 The $13B Opportunity in College Athletics
18:02 Athlete-Led Investment and NIL Evolution
22:47 Future Outlook: The Business of College Sports

#313: Ayden Syal, MOGL - The Evolution of NIL

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 20 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Ayden Syal is the Founder & CEO of MOGL, a leading athlete influencer marketing platform helping brands connect with more than 30,000 college athletes for sponsorships, endorsements, and digital campaigns. Founded in 2019 ahead of the NIL era, MOGL quickly became one of the first platforms built to streamline athlete-brand partnerships at scale, automating everything from campaign matching and contracts to disclosures and reporting.

Under Ayden’s leadership, MOGL has helped shape the evolving NIL landscape by giving brands direct access to athlete creators while helping athletes monetize their influence more efficiently. The platform now leverages AI agents, first-party athlete data, and paid social capabilities to help brands activate campaigns faster and deliver measurable ROI through athlete-driven marketing.

Before launching MOGL, Ayden worked in banking and private equity after graduating from the University of Notre Dame, where he first recognized the opportunity to connect athletes and brands in a more scalable and compliant way. What began as a side project built during the uncertainty of the pandemic evolved into one of the most recognized athlete marketing platforms in the NIL ecosystem.

Podcast Chapters:

01:18 Aidan's Journey and the Birth of MOGL

02:50 Navigating Chaos: Founding Mogul During Uncertainty

06:18 Raising Capital in a Blue Ocean Opportunity

09:11 Evolving the Business: Staying Ahead of Market Trends

14:00 Understanding the NIL Landscape

19:06 Expanding into High School Athletes and Future Markets

22:31 Engaging Alumni and Former Athletes

25:04 Future Trends in NIL and Private Equity

28:32 Memorable Campaigns and Insights on Non-Revenue Sports

31:24 Connecting with MOGL: Opportunities for Athletes and Brands

#249: Paul Rigault, Døds Diving League - Inside the Fastest-Growing Extreme Sport

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 05:50:01 GMT

Paul Rigault is the CEO and co-founder of the Døds Diving League and Døds Federation, the global governing bodies behind one of the world’s fastest-growing extreme sports: Døds diving.

Originating in Norway, Døds—short for “Death Diving”—combines high diving with the flair of skateboarding and parkour. With massive splashes, aerial tricks, and fearless athletes, it’s become a viral hit among Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

In this episode, Paul shares how the sport went from a niche Norwegian pastime to a global phenomenon, what it takes to host a Døds event, and how they’re building the future of extreme sports.

Chapters:

02:30 The Evolution of Diving 2.0

05:13 Competition Structure and Athlete Selection

08:01 Building the League in the U.S.

10:38 Monetization and Business Model

13:19 Event Experience and Community Engagement

16:01 Technology and Media Production

18:47 Future Trends and Community Focus

Paul Rigault:

🏠Website: https://dodsdivingleague.com/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#236: Aaron Miller, Will Ventures - Venture Capital in the Arena of Sports & Culture

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:09:36 GMT

Will Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm built on the belief that sports are more than entertainment—they’re a launchpad for transformative consumer brands, emerging technologies, and cultural movements. With a hands-on approach and a powerful network of athletes, operators, and technologists, Will Ventures invests where passion meets performance.

Aaron Miller is an Investor at Will Ventures, focused on sourcing deals, evaluating opportunities, and supporting portfolio growth at the intersection of sports, media, health, and consumer. Before joining the team, Aaron held roles across some of the most influential organizations shaping global entertainment—from strategy at Netflix to business development at Manticore Games, and LATAM partnerships at the NBA. He also advised global brands during his time at Endeavor and earned his MBA from Stanford GSB after graduating from Harvard.

Chapters:

02:44 – Aaron’s Journey into Sports and Venture Capital

05:26 – Overview of Will Ventures and Investment Focus

08:18 – Emerging Leagues and Investment Strategies

10:50 – Evaluating Founders and Opportunities

12:37 – The Rise of Creator-Led Brands in Sports

15:17 – Youth Sports: Trends and Investment Opportunities 18:04 – International Expansion and Future Outlook

20:50 – Closing Thoughts and Resources

Aaron Miller:

🏠 Website: https://willventures.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-miller-0ba47a78

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

#245: Adam Cook, Campus Ink Sports - Inside Campus Ink: Where Athletes Become Brands

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Adam Cook, Vice President at Campus Ink Sports, brings a rare mix of athlete, educator, and entrepreneur. A former collegiate volleyball champion turned Northwestern faculty member, Cook has spent his career helping student-athletes transition into leadership and brand ownership.Backed by Mark Cuban, Campus Ink is pioneering NIL merchandising through The NIL Store—giving every college athlete the tools to monetize their name, image, and likeness. From real-time merch drops to athlete education, Campus Ink is building the future of college sports branding.

Chapters:

00:57 – Adam Cook's Background and the Origin of Campus Ink

03:45 – Navigating the NIL Landscape: Lessons Learned

07:57 – Understanding Campus Ink: Services and Offerings

09:42 – The Speed of Sport: Real-Time Merchandise Opportunities

11:14 – Building Relationships with Athletes

13:48 – Athlete Behavior and Engagement in NIL

16:19 – The Future of NIL and Campus Ink's Roadmap

19:47 – Fundraising and Growth Opportunities

22:05 – Emerging Opportunities Beyond College Sports

24:15 – Capturing Youth Athletes and Future Branding

26:26 – Memorable Merchandise Drops and Their Impact

#247: Jonas Mårtensson, Cleeks Golf Club & LIV Golf League - The Future of Team Golf

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Jonas Mårtensson is the General Manager of Cleeks Golf Club, a team in the LIV Golf League. With a background as the former CEO of Mojang Studios (the creators of Minecraft) and co-founder of Happy Socks, Jonas brings deep experience in global brand building, consumer engagement, and innovation. Now, he’s applying that expertise to the world of professional golf.Cleeks Golf Club is more than a team — it’s a bold vision for the future of the sport. Rooted in tradition yet driven by creativity, the club blends golf, fashion, art, and music to inspire the next generation of fans. Their mission is to celebrate the game’s legacy while reshaping its future — a “Tradition Refreshed."LIV Golf itself is reshaping the professional landscape with a high-energy team format, player transfers, and global competition. With 13 teams competing across the season, it’s creating new rivalries, fan experiences, and media opportunities in a way traditional tours haven’t seen.

Chapters:

03:30 Understanding Liv Golf's Structure and Team Dynamics
06:39 Building a Brand in Golf: The Cliques Approach
09:48 Trends in Golf Fashion and Consumer Identity
13:01 Leveraging the Liv Golf Platform for Brand Growth
16:12 Future Aspirations and Broader Sports Trends

Jonas Mårtensson: 🏠Website: https://www.livgolf.com/ https://www.livgolf.com/cleeks-gc💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-m%C3%A5rtensson-28815712/ original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=se

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#199: Charles Allen – CEO of INTENNSE | From $4M to the Future

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

INTENNSE is redefining professional team tennis with a fresh approach to competition, player engagement, and expansion. With $4M already secured and plans for a Friends & Family round and a formal raise in 2025, CEO Charles Allen is building a sustainable, fan-first league backed by strategic partnerships and smart capital allocation. Charles’ journey is anything but conventional. From studying theater and political science to co-founding a groundbreaking B2B tech company and pioneering data standards in tennis, his career has spanned industries. His latest venture, INTENNSE, blends innovation, technology, and a deep passion for the sport. In this episode, Charles dives into his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges and opportunities in tennis, and how his unconventional background has shaped INTENNSE’s vision. He shares insights on industry trends, strategic fundraising, and what it takes to build a fan-first sports league. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on innovation, technology, and the future of professional tennis. Chapters: (01:41) - Launching a Professional Team Tennis League (03:20) - Identifying Issues in Tennis (08:53) - Innovative Engagement Model for Tennis (13:06) - Building Community and Player Engagement (17:40) - Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships (24:39) - Navigating Capital and Smart Money (27:40) - Corporate Social Responsibility in Sports (30:28) - Strategic City Selection and Expansion Plans (32:45) - Player Wellness and Safety in New Leagues (35:30) - Building a Fan Base and Revenue Streams Charles Allen 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesaallen/ 🏠 Website: https://intennse.com/ Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/ Enjoyed this discussion? Join Profluence today - the go-to hub for builders in sports: https://community.profluence.com/

#107: Wade Floyd - Founder CoachTube | Successfully Building a Marketplace in Sports

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 05:01:00 GMT

CoachTube is one of the largest marketplaces in the sports industry helping to connect athletes/parents with the top coaching instructional videos.

Wade Floyd was previously one of the top bible salesmen in the world and a youth baseball coach who saw a need for a premier instructional marketplace.

CoachTube houses thousands of videos, powers coaching clinics, and helps those in sports make extra money as they share their knowledge.

Chapters:

(01:45) Inspiration behind CoachTube

(03:45) Overview of company

(06:40) Marketplace learnings

(09:00) Acquiring customers

(12:25) B2B vs B2C

(16:50) Business model

(19:20) Digital vs in-person training

(22:10) Trends to watch

Wade Floyd:

Website: https://coachtube.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadefloyd/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#197: Multi-Club Ownership Panel - Insights from Industry Leaders

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

This month’s panel explored the evolving trend of multi-club ownership in sports—a transformative model shaping the future of sports investments. The discussion delved into opportunities, challenges, and strategic insights in this dynamic space. Key topics included the rise of alternative leagues, the influence of celebrities in ownership, real estate and stadium development, and sustainability in sports investments.

The panel featured insights from:

Brett Johnson, Founder & CEO of Benevolent Capital, a leader in sports investments.

Sandford Loudon, Partner at Oakvale Capital LLP, an expert in investment banking and sports advisory.

The discussion offered valuable perspectives on the current landscape and the future of sports ownership strategies.

Chapters:

(02:52) Brett Johnson's Journey in Soccer Ownership

(05:31) Sandford Loudon's Insights on Investment Banking in Sports

(08:14) The Rise of Alternative Leagues and Their Appeal

(11:18) The Role of Celebrities in Sports Ownership

(14:03) Real Estate and Stadium Development in Sports

(16:44) The Multi-Club Ownership Model: Opportunities and Challenges

(19:47) The Future of USL and Player Development

(28:43) Investing in Women's Football

(33:14) Sustainability in Sports Investments

(38:22) Minority Stakes in Sports Teams

(42:37) Future Opportunities in Sports Investment

Connect with the Panelists:

Brett Johnson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-m-johnson-70b148/

Sandford Loudon:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandford-loudon-frsa-4925a621/

Hosts:

Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠

🐣 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash⁠

💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#184: Joey Grant - Founder & CEO of GMTM | Transforming the Discovery of Athletes

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

GMTM (pronounced Gametime) is a social network connecting athletes, organizations, and brands to maximize opportunities. By offering tools to increase reach and engagement, GMTM ensures equitable access for athletes to share their stories and pursue their goals.

The platform works with partners like DIII colleges, National Governing Bodies, NFL teams, and brands such as Sports Illustrated. It’s helping reshape recruitment, amplify initiatives, and address the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies.

Joey Grant, a former UCF team captain and Lake Brantley Patriot, founded GMTM to empower athletes and transform their careers. In this episode, he shares his journey from the football field to building a platform that’s redefining opportunities in sports.

Chapters:

0:30 – Joey's background and history as an athlete

5:18 – The evolution of GMTM

11:17 – The importance of balancing digital with in-person experiences

17:16 – How GMTM is connecting athletes to opportunities

20:11 – The impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

23:06 – The future vision for GMTM and athlete development

Joey Grant:

🏠 Website: https://www.gmtmsports.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-grant-8b8482181/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#49: Thad Young - NBA Player, Founder Reform Ventures

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 04:01:15 GMT

Thaddeus Young was drafted 12th in the 2007 NBA Draft out of Georgia Tech and has made $140 million playing for the 76ers, Timberwolves, Nets, Pacers, Bulls, Spurs, and Raptors.

Thad is a 17-year NBA veteran with a massive 300+ portfolio at Reform Ventures, his holding entity of mostly private companies and real estate.

One of the most underrated businessmen in the entire NBA, this was a great conversation on how Thaddeus Young is crushing it off the court.

Chapters:

(01:55) 17-year NBA career

(03:50) Preparing his kids for success on & off the court

(07:50) Massive contracts + new NBA media deal

(10:30) Post-retirement business plan

(14:30) Reform Ventures creation story

(20:00) Thad's investment criteria

(24:45) Best investments so far

(26:50) Ownership in pro teams

Thaddeus Young:

Website: https://reformventures.com/

Twitter: yungsmoove21

Instagram: thad.young21

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

✉️ Newsletter: https://www.petcashpost.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the "follow" button to be updated when new podcast episodes get released.

#155: CiCi Bellis - Founding Partner, Cartan Capital | From Pro Tennis to Sports VC

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Once the 35th-ranked female tennis player in the world, CiCi Bellis is now the founding partner of Cartan Capital.

Cartan Capital is a venture capital firm focused on the sports and health technology markets – particularly Seed and Series A stage companies.

At only 25 years old, CiCi Bellis is one of the youngest investors in sports.

Chapters:

(00:30) CiCi’s background

(03:15) Tennis re-structuring

(06:00) What classifies a pro tennis player

(07:20) Opportunities in racquet sports

(09:00) Evaluating market sizes

(11:00) Balancing investing & building

(12:15) What excited her about VC

(13:50) Investment themes

(18:50) Areas to keep an eye on

CiCi Bellis:

Website: https://www.cartancapital.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cici-bellis-750926182/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#243: Johnny Grave, CEO of Major League Cricket - Inside the Rise of Major League Cricket

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 03:29:20 GMT

Johnny Grave, CEO of Major League Cricket, brings decades of global sports leadership to one of the fastest-growing professional leagues in the U.S. With a background leading Cricket West Indies and shaping international tournaments—including the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup—Grave is now focused on building the premier cricket ecosystem in America.

Major League Cricket (MLC) is at a turning point. With growing fan bases, expanding city franchises, and cricket’s return to the Olympics in 2028, MLC is positioning itself as the gateway to the sport’s U.S. future. From player development to media rights and tech innovation, the league is bridging the gap between cricket's global heritage and its American potential.

Formed with strong backing and ambitious vision, MLC enters its third season with momentum. Under Grave’s leadership, the league is not just aiming to grow cricket in America—it’s working to make it a cultural and commercial mainstay for generations to come.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Major League Cricket
06:13 – Structure and Expansion of MLC
12:11 – Player Composition and Talent Acquisition
18:02 – Media Rights and Viewership
24:02 – Technology and Future Trends in Cricket

Johnny Grave:

🏠Website: https://www.majorleaguecricket.com/

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-grave-b0336526/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#279: Brooks Wiley, DUPR - Inside the Business of Pickleball

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 06:08:01 GMT

Brooks Wiley is an Austin native and longtime operator in the rapid rise of pickleball as both a sport and commercial industry. After discovering the game in 2018, he immersed himself in its emerging business landscape—exploring equipment, facilities, and the early community driving the sport forward.

His work alongside Steve Kuhn led to the creation of DUPR and Major League Pickleball, where he helped shape early partnerships, recruit pro talent, and build the league structure during a period of intense growth and national attention. His experience spans league operations, team ownership strategy, media ambitions, and the financial realities of scaling a challenger sports property.

Wiley now leads strategic partnerships at PickleTile, focusing on the infrastructure and technology powering pickleball’s expansion. His perspective covers the full ecosystem—from sound-mitigating court solutions to the broader trends driving amateur and professional participation worldwide.

Podcast Chapters:

02:37 Brooks Wiley's Journey into Pickleball

05:20 The Impact of COVID-19 on Pickleball

07:53 Building Major League Pickleball and Duper

10:26 Navigating League Growth and Structure

13:04 Media Strategy and Distribution in Pickleball

15:22 Infrastructure Opportunities in Pickleball

18:19 The Future of Pickleball and Padel

20:56 Global Expansion of Pickleball

23:33 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

#306: Christian Muche, POSSIBLE -Why Sports Is the Ultimate Marketing Platform Right Now

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Christian Muche is the CEO and Co-Founder of POSSIBLE, a premier global event platform bringing together leaders across marketing, media, technology, and sports. With a background that spans building one of Europe’s largest marketing events and working with digital giants like AOL and Yahoo, Christian has spent decades at the forefront of industry transformation. Today, he’s focused on redefining how brands, creators, and innovators connect in a rapidly evolving landscape.

POSSIBLE has quickly become a tentpole event in the marketing world, hosted in Miami and designed to bring the entire ecosystem together, from global brands and agencies to athletes, creators, and emerging startups. By blending culture, commerce, and community, POSSIBLE creates a unique environment where partnerships are formed, ideas are tested, and the future of marketing is actively shaped, especially as sports continues to emerge as one of the most powerful platforms for storytelling and engagement. Held annually in Miami, the event brings together thousands of industry leaders for immersive programming, networking, and deal-making at the intersection of business and culture.

In this episode, Christian breaks down the evolution of sports as a marketing engine, the rise of athletes as media companies, and the convergence of creators, technology, and commerce. He shares insights on how brands are shifting from sponsorships to true partnerships, why in-person experiences matter more than ever, and what trends are shaping the next generation of marketing.

Podcast Chapters:

02:33 Christian's Journey in Marketing and Sports

05:32 The Concept and Vision Behind Possible

08:06 The Evolving Role of Athletes in Marketing

10:39 Youth Sports and the Next Generation of Marketers

13:35 The Importance of In-Person Experiences

16:09 AI and Technology's Impact on Marketing

19:01 Case Study: Formula One's Marketing Success

21:38 Maximizing Value at Possible

24:05 Future Trends in Sports Marketing

Christian Muche:

Get POSSIBLE Tickets: https://possibleevent.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianmuche/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

#141: Kelli Alldredge - President, Chicken N Pickle | TopGolf for Pickleball

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 04:01:00 GMT

With soon-to-be 16 eatertainment facilities, Chicken N Pickle is expanding across the country with their “TopGolf for Pickleball” concept.

Chicken N Pickle is an entertainment complex that includes a restaurant, sports bar, pickleball courts, and a variety of yard games.

Kelli Alldredge joined part-time at the first location and went full-time as the president in 2023.

Chapters:

(01:15) Landing at Chicken N Pickle

(04:25) Rollout of more locations

(07:10) Chicken N Pickle description

(09:30) GTM strategy

(12:20) Learnings/Mistakes in eatertainment

(17:20) Building partnerships team

(20:20) Sponsoring athletes

(24:00) Eatertainment trends

(27:00) 3 categories of pickleball players

Kelli Alldredge:

Website: https://chickennpickle.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-alldredge-553920249/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#137: Victorien Tixier - CEO, Co-Founder ScorePlay | From Idea to Hundreds of Clients in Sports Tech

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 22 May 2024 04:01:00 GMT

ScorePlay now counts over 130 sports clients and has experienced great growth since the $5M seed round last year.

ScorePlay provides a suite of products that help sports organizations automate their media workflows, grow their brand, and unlock new revenue streams.

Victorien Tixier previously co-founded a digital suite for 5-side-football centers, Hydra, which was acquired.

Chapters:

(01:35) Creation of ScorePlay

(03:10) Doing market research

(06:15) Bootstrapping to start

(08:30) Pricing models

(11:00) Selling to different sports clients

(15:45) Europe vs USA differences

(18:05) Where most clients come from

(21:40) $5M seed round insights

(24:10) Vision for ScorePlay

Victorien Tixier:

ScorePlay: https://www.scoreplay.io/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorien-tixier-28543510b/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#71: Jordan Rogers - Founder Perseus Creative | From Inmate to Sports Executive

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Jordan Rogers revamped his life after a stint in jail up the ranks at Nike and now with his own company Perseus Creative.

Perseus Creative teaches athletes, executives, & learners about personal branding, creativity, & life of service through marketing and speaking engagements.

Chapters:

(01:40) From Inmate to Executive

(07:10) Journey to Nike

(12:30) Opportunity with Perseus Creative

(16:20) Opinion on NIL

(22:50) How brands can execute with NIL

(25:30) Trends to watch in sports

(31:30) Jordan Roger’s Enterprises

Jordan Rogers:

Website: https://www.jordanrogers.xyz/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanrogers26/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#66: Soma Somasegar - Owner Seattle Orcas & Seattle Sounders | Growth of International Sports in the US

Andrew Petcash — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 04:01:00 GMT

As sports continue to grow as an asset class, venture capitalist & tech executive Soma Somesegar has entered the space through ownership.

Soma is a majority owner of the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket and a minority owner of the Major League Soccer team Seattle Sounders. He is the current managing director of Madrona Venture Group.

This was a great conversation on Soma’s journey from a youth cricket player in India to the owner of a cricket team in the US.

Chapters:

(01:40) Journey to Sports Ownership

(07:20) Seattle Orcas

(10:40) Operating a team vs. company

(13:00) Season 1 Major League Cricket

(16:15) US Cricket expansion plans

(18:45) Bringing sports downstream

(22:40) Sports franchises' growth

Soma Somesegar:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-somasegar-113791a5/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#96: Griffin Taylor & Jared Effron, Co-Founders The Program NYC | Re-creating NYC as the Mecca of Basketball

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:01:00 GMT

The Program is a business focused on restoring New York City basketball at the youth and grassroots level.

This includes a focus on media, merchandise, camps, activations, and an eventual state-of-the-art facility that will open in the fall of 2024 to host its academy and membership training programs.

Griffin Taylor and Jared Effron grew up playing basketball together.

Chapters:

(02:00) Backstory

(05:30) Decline of NYC basketball

(09:05) Prep school hoops

(11:45) The Program overview

(15:15) Business model

(19:10) Real estate

(23:40) Rise of women’s basketball

Jared Effron & Griffin Taylor:

Website: https://theprogramnyc.com/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (November 6-12)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 13:06:23 GMT

Audio Timeline:

1:25 - Business of Athletes

* Hall of Fame QB John Elway has invested significantly in Tom’s Watch Bar, an entertainment-focused sports super bar.

* Mick Foley, a former pro wrestler, is the top-earning athlete on the video platform Cameo.

* Lionel Messi is investing in the digital collectible NFT company Sorare.

* Tom Brady, Steph Curry, and Shohei Ohtani were all investors in the crumbling crypto company FTX.

* Minnesota Viking QB, Kirk Cousins, has purchased Clearbrook Golf Course in Michigan.

4:20 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne had a weird NYT article written about how she is moving college sports backward.

* Mike Morse x Mike Morris NIL deal.

6:40 - Future of Sports

* Anheuser-Busch is set to purchase a Major League Pickleball team after the PPA and MLP decided to merge their team leagues.

* Sony has acquired Beyond Sports, an AI-based data analysis and visualization company that specializes in fan engagement.

* Web3 sports entertainment company, Eterlast, has left stealth mode to announce $4.6M in seed funding.

* Meta is launching XTADIUM, an app for watching sports in virtual reality.

* Barstool Sports streamed its first college basketball tournament, founder Dave Portnoy called some of the games.

* 3STEP Sports, a youth sports club and event operator, has acquired North Bay Basketball Academy (NBBA).

Short Passage of The Week:

Today remember to smile.

* Smile because you can.

* Smile because you are alive.

* Smile because you are loved.

* Smile because you are grateful.

* Smile because you have options.

* Smile because you are divinely supported.

* Smile because you can embrace the possibilities of today.

* Smile because your dreams are designed to become your reality.

Source: Commanding Life

Recommended Media

Penn State’s NIL collective, Success with Honor, created a cool campaign with player Barney Amor.

He went undercover, asking fans their thoughts about the punter.

You’ll enjoy the video:

Feel Good Story

In honor of Veterans Day, RealTruck, teamed up with pro athletes Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Dak Prescott to gift deserving veterans and first responders the truck of their dreams.

They’re releasing it as a 3-part series with a focus on each athlete and a “hero” from their hometown.

When we talk about athletes in business — this is what we love to see!

Kelce, Kittle, and Prescott are also investors and ambassadors for RealTruck.

Business Jargon

With more and more digital applications these days, a common metric investors look for are Monthly Active Users (MAUs) and Daily Active Users (DAUs).

DAU is the number of unique users who engage with your product in a one-day window.

MAU is the number of unique users who engage with your product over a 30-day window (usually a rolling 30 days).

For example, Twitter reportedly has 238 million DAUs — meaning ~238 million people use the app daily.

Quote

“Don’t raise your voice, improve your argument” - Desmond Tutu

Thanks for tuning in today!

Peace,

-AP

You can also find me on:

Twiter —

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (August 1-6)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 12:01:07 GMT

Audio Timeline:

1:15 - Feel good stories

* $25,000 investment on behalf of LPGA

2:10 - Business of Athletes & Sports

* Caleb Williams (USC QB) becomes the first college athlete to ever publicly invest in a company, Futuremood, a sunglass company

* Tiger Woods was apparently offered $700-800M from LIV Golf and he turned it down

* NWSL’s main sponsor Voyager Digital, went bankrupt possibly impacting the ability of the women soccer players to get paid down the line

* Professional cyclist Tom Pidcock’s Link My Ride, a community biking app, has received funding from the Dutch Sport Tech Fund

* Former NFL player Vernon Davis joins the ownership group of the Brisbane Bullets in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL).

* other athletes who are part owners in the NBL include Khris Middleton, Thaddeus Young, Kevin Martin, and Marvin Williams

* SportsBox AI, a 3D performance golf app, has closed a $5.5M seed round led by Elysian Park that included investments from LPGA golfer Michelle Wie and 76ers co-owner David Blitzer

* DICK'S Sporting Goods has launched School of Sport, an interactive experience on the Roblox platform (a metaverse play)

* The PGA Tour announced increased cash prizes next year of $15-25M

* OneOf’s, an NFT marketplace, raised $8M with plans to expand into sports. They currently have deals with Wayne Gretsky and Duke Men’s Basketball.

* The Professional Kickboxing Association has received a $1M investment from former Sacramento Kings and Pittsburgh Pirates minority owner Jimmy Anderson

* Huupe, an interactive basketball backboard, has closed its seed round led by Paradigm Sports with athlete investments from Trevor Booker and Thaddeus Young

13:25 - Name, Image, and Likeness

* The Pac-12 athlete monetization move that could change sports forever

* Agency charging college athletes 0% commission

* US Senators getting involved with NIL

Interesting Stat

This is wild:

The sports technology market has been picking up steam over the last few years and doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon.

Keep in mind….

This research graph is just for the United States, there is a ton of sports innovations stemming from all over the world.

A market to keep an eye on — India.

Short Passage of The Week

* Confidence without competence = Telling yourself that you are highly skilled, but you haven’t paid the price to be—this is common.

* Competence without confidence = You are highly skilled, but you still doubt yourself— this is normal.

Build competence, and let confidence follow.

Passage by Justin Su'a, Head of Mental Performance, Tampa Bay Rays

Recommended Media

Athletes today have a sense of entitlement due to all the social media popularity they achieve before so-called “making it”.

Damian Lillard hits the nail on the head👇

By the way, things are only going to escalate as high school/college athletes will now not only have huge social media followings but also bank accounts.

We need more role models like Dame.

It’s much better to be a pro athlete in a state like Texas where there is no state income tax, than in one like California which has a high state income tax.

But taxation isn’t always that straightforward.

For athletes in individual sports (e.g. golf and tennis), performance-based income is typically sourced from the state where the even

The "Kings" of NIL (100+ Combined Deals)

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 09:30:23 GMT

I had a great conversation with two young men absolutely crushing the NIL game (100+ deals between the two of them).

Rayquan Smith: Norfolk State

Jack Betts: Amherst College

Audio timestamps:

* 1:05 - Background intros of Rayquan + Jack

* 7:35 - Why are brands working with you and not just athletes at big schools?

* 10:00 - Favorite NIL deal + thoughts on peers getting $1M deals

* 15:00 - Advice for athletes and brands

* 18:50 - What entrepreneurial skills have you gained?

* 25:00 - Future plans for Jack + Rayquan

It was such a refreshing conversation considering all the craziness taking place in college sports right now.

More on them a little bit later (+ some helpful resources) but first, my thoughts on the alleged $9.5M high school NIL deal.

State of Florida + NIL = Craziness

On Monday it was announced that 4 star QB Jaden Rashada signed a $9.5M deal with booster John Ruiz to attend the University of Miami (after turning down an alleged $11M from Florida).

This is the kind of stuff that is going to ruin college sports.

The players deserve to be paid, but quietly.

Texas A&M alums most likely spent $30M on 2022 football recruits, but at least they kept the specific amounts quiet and are not announcing it all over social media.

You protect your players by doing that.

Now the whole world knows that Jaden Rashada is a rich 18-year-old kid with big expectations to withhold.

What happens if he doesn’t live up to his potential? Gets hurt? Gets benched?

Fans, teammates, coaches, and the media will attack him — not the boosters that paid him.

Be smarter if you’re an agent, booster, lawyer, advisor, or anyone else working hand-to-hand combat in the daily world of NIL (and stop posting everything to social media).

You don’t see tax lawyers talking about their big wins on Twitter or NFL agents talking about how much endorsement money they’ve earned their clients on Tik Tok.

As always…

…it’s the adults muddying the water in sports, not the kids.

The Programs That Will Succeed

There’s an unnamed football program in the Big 12 that is doing NIL the right way.

Local businesses, alums, and donors have come together to get every kid paid equally:

* $30,000 for all seniors

* $25,000 juniors

* $20,000 sophomore

* $15,000 freshman

The school also hosts an array of camps throughout the summer which helps the players get paid even more.

Other than that, your earning potential is up to your social media following and how hard you’re willing to hustle for endorsements.

Programs like this will be the ones that succeed over the long haul.

Schools publicly “auctioning” for players will crumble from within as the culture will deteriorate quickly.

I mean think about it….

How does Miami’s Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke feel that he is only getting paid $60,000 next year compared to a high schooler’s $2.3M/year?

Especially after he already proved himself by earning 2021 ACC Rookie of The Year.

Resources from “The Kings of NIL”

As you might have heard in the conversation, Jack reached out to Rayquan a long time ago and they’ve been helping each other ever since.

They’ve been nice enough to provide some more resources that everyone can benefit from.

1. Email Template For Athletes to Brands

Good Morning, my name is ____ and I am from Dallas, Texas. I play Quarterback for State College competing at the DII level. I am looking for NIL opportunities in which I can become an ambassador for brands of interest. I've amassed 30+ NIL deals this spring including Allbirds, PSD, BodyArmor, ReAthlete, Rhoback, TicketSmarter, and Fanatics. As a result of my success, I've been crowned the King of D2 NIL. This summer, I represented my school as a

#83: Rich Routman - CEO, The Sporting News | Raising $15M to Modernize a Sports Media Brand Founded in 1886

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 04:01:00 GMT

The Sporting News (TSN) was founded in 1886 as a weekly newspaper. They recently raised $15M to expand into commerce beyond just digital ads. LTV > CPM.

Before TSN, Rich Routman was the President and CRO of Minute Media helping them raise millions of dollars and become a 10-figure company.

The Sporting News acquired a sports betting company earlier this year and plans to continue building on top of their media.

Chapters:

(01:55) Learnings from Minute Media

(05:50) Why he joined The Sporting News

(10:05) Digital media landscape

(14:40) Sports betting and AI’s impact

(20:45) Sports trends to watch

Rich Routman:

Website: https://www.sportingnews.com/us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-routman-497a5b/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#81: Meredith McPherron - CEO, Managing Partner Drive by DraftKings | Merging Sports, Entrepreneurship, and Venture Capital

Andrew Petcash — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 04:01:00 GMT

Drive by DraftKings is a multi-stage venture capital firm investing in SportsTech and Entertainment.

Drive also has an all-star network consisting of notable athletes and executives to add value to their core themes of gaming, fandom, and human performance.

Meredith McPherron is a former college athlete herself who has spent her professional career at the intersection of sports, entrepreneurship, and investing.

Chapters:

(01:45) Mixing sports and entrepreneurship

(07:30) Building the All-Star Network

(11:00) Verticals within sports tech

(14:00) Fan engagement

(18:20) Growth of women’s sports

(23:30) State of VC in sports

(28:30) Web1, Web2, Web3

Meredith McPherron:

Website: https://drivebydraftkings.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-mcpherron-0a09812/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🎙 Podcast: https://profluence.com/podcasts/

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

🕺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewpetcash

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q5jhAuCVT2FZCkLW5xBiQ/

Thanks for listening! Make sure to hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#346: Amos Varon & Eyal Arad - Ripple Analytics|Fan-Generated Content Are Revolutionizing Sports Marketing

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 05:24:03 GMT

Eyal Arad (Co-Founder & CEO) and Amos Varon (Chief Business Officer) of Ripple Analytics (formerly Videocites) ulock the Hidden 80% of Social Media Value in Sports. They explore the shifting landscape of sports media and social media intelligence, discussing how rights holders, sports properties, and global brands can track the full value of user-generated content (UGC) and earned media far beyond their owned channels.

Arad and Varon share the origin story of Videocites starting as an anti-piracy video-tracking technology in 2014 and its strategic pivot into an AI-powered social media intelligence platform. Drawing on Arad’s two decades in product development and Varon’s background leading partnership revenue at Madison Square Garden, BSE Global, and NASCAR, they break down why 80% of digital engagement happens outside official channels. The discussion covers leveraging super fans over mega-influencers, avoiding misleading metrics like raw impressions, and utilizing predictive AI to drive real revenue.

Podcast Chapters:

02:52 - Amos Varon's Transition from MSG & NASCAR to Sports Tech
04:02 - Eyal Arad on the Pivot: From Anti-Piracy to Harnessing Fan UGC
05:48 - Evaluating Social Metrics: Beyond Followers and Standard Likes
08:21 - The Tip of the Iceberg: Owned Channels vs. Earned UGC Reach
09:59 - How Emerging Leagues & Younger Audiences Consume Clip-Driven Content
12:18 - Turning "Pirates" into Brand Ambassadors & Fan Creators
13:25 - Influencer Marketing Debate: Mega Influencers vs. Authentic Super Fans
15:36 - Insights & Engagement Trends from FIFA World Cup & Major Events
18:12 - Sports vs. Non-Sports Brands: How Content Strategies Compare
22:40 - The Evolution of Athlete Personal Brands & UGC Monetization
24:05 - The Future of Social Intelligence: Predictive AI & Fan Engagement
27:45 - Rapid Fire: Undervalued Platforms & Overrated Metrics

#109: Dr. Aron Souza - President, The Enhanced Games | No drug-testing league to compete with the Olympics

Andrew Petcash — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:01:00 GMT

The Enhanced Games, backed by billionaire Peter Thiel, is on a mission to reimagine performance and provide an alternative to the Olympics.

Dr. Aron Souza previously led litigation against Gawker Media involving the wrestler Hulk Hogan, which resulted in one of the largest invasion of privacy judgments in history. He also founded Sargon and OPEN.

The first Enhanced Games tentpoles will take place across 2024.

Chapters:

(01:20) The Enhanced Games

(02:55) Problem with Olympics

(05:30) Current athlete payment model

(07:10) The pitch to athletes

(09:10) No drug testing

(13:05) Breaking records

(15:30) Why billionaires invested

Dr. Aron Souza:

Website: https://enhanced.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arondsouza/?originalSubdomain=uk

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

#110: Tiago Costa - CEO, Co-Founder Full Venue | AI platform & learnings across “sport-ainment” industry

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 05:01:00 GMT

Full Venue closed a €2M seed round to expand its AI marketing platform beyond Europe and into categories beyond sports.

Full Venue uses artificial Intelligence to determine the exact likelihood of a customer purchasing a digital platform, helping the marketing teams to target their communication and increasing revenues around the B2C touchpoints.

Tiago Costa previously managed digital products for Portugal’s soccer federation and spent time as a business analyst.

Chapters:

(01:50) Full Venue overview

(04:25) Artificial intelligence macro

(06:50) Case studies

(12:20) Learnings from fundraising

(17:35) Challenges operating in sports

(22:10) Selling in sports vs entertainment

(23:25) Expansion plans

(25:15) Trends to watch in AI

Tiago Costa:

Website: https://www.fullvenue.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-costa-rocha/?originalSubdomain=pt

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.

Weekly Roundup: Business of Athletes, Sports, & NIL (July 17-23)

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 12:00:55 GMT

Audio Timeline:

0:00 - Feel good stories

* Female track athlete retires on top and Bo Jackson’s donation

1:20 - Business of Athletes

* James Harden is launching his own wine brand starting at $16.99

* Steve Nash and his media company CTRL Media is producing content and a show for the East Asia Super League

* Donald Trump and Charles Barkley are both telling players to accept the guaranteed money from LIV golf

* Kevin Durant is investing in Premier League Lacrosse through 35 Ventures

* FaZe Clan is the first Esports team to reach public markets

* Kyler Murray is nearly making more money in 1 year than the entire Oakland Athletics baseball team (they drafted him in 2018 as an outfielder)

* Drew Brees is buying ownership in the pickleball team, Mad Drops

6:20 - Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

* Iowa’s interesting player-focused NIL club

* Ohio State raises some money to get their top players paid

* Texas Tech football players are getting $25,000 each

* Breaking down Nick Saban’s recent comments

11:10 - Future of Sports

* Scorebreak is partnering with Genius Sports to access stat-driven video content from any internet-connected device.

* The NBA has taken a minority stake in 15 Seconds of Fame, an application that allows spectators to download clips of themselves from broadcasts of sporting events.

* Elysian Park Ventures, has partnered with the PGA of America to create EP Golf Ventures, a new investment partnership to support golf innovation

Interesting Stat

Here is how much money individual winners took home in the 2022 World Athletics Championships:

For those of you wondering…

The World Athletics Championships are a track and field event held every two years.

It is separate from the Olympics but has grown in popularity over the years.

Here are the Top 20 Gold Medal countries:

Interestingly enough, East Germany is still ranked 11th despite being dissolved in 1990.

Jamaica has 36 total gold medals, 11 of which came from Usain Bolt.

Short Passage of The Week

"One of the most underrated blessings is leaving your house and making it back home every single day. We just assume it’s going to happen. Life is fragile and precious." “There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do, and live.”

― Dalai Lama, Spiritual Leader

Interesting Stat #2

No recommended media this week, so I included another interesting stat.

The MLB is wondering why attendance is down 10% this year…

This chart might be part of the reason why…

Average of $204 for a family of 4 to go to the ballpark.

Wild.

In 1545, a man by the name of Diego Gualpa discovered Cerro Rico, also known as “rich hill”.

It was a mountain of silver that changed the economic history of the world forever. It also created the saying - To be worth POTOSI!

Not long after the news got out, the Spanish discovered the wealth of the land and began to export silver back to their homeland.

It had two major implications:

* What the Spaniards didn’t realize was that the influx in the supply of silver (their medium of currency) would have a counterintuitive impact on the country’s economy. With the supply of money up, the demand decreased and forced prices to rise. This was the beginning of inflation in Spain and the Spanish Banking crisis.

* In the excavation, each piece of silver is rumored to have cost the lives of 10 Incan people!

This is a quick his

#165: Jake Fleshner & Michael Axman - Co-Founders, The Nucleus Network | Startup Fundraising & Networking

Andrew Petcash — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 04:01:00 GMT

The Nucleus Network is a network development agency that unlocks the power of connections through a vetted group of successful individuals and businesses.

The company is led by Jake Fleshner and Michael Axman. Jake was previously the CRO of Dave Meltzer Enterprises, and Michael was the head of partnerships at Teleport.

The Nucleus Network’s core areas are fundraising/startup advisory, lead generation, and network development.

Chapters:

(00:50) The Nucleus Network intro

(03:50) Power of connections & warm intros

(07:00) Building relationships

(10:50) Getting in front of investors

(13:00) Strategies for raising capital

(18:30) Effective communication methods

(21:20) Vetting partners

(29:00+) Q/A for Profluence+ Community Members

The Nucleus Network:

Website: https://www.thenucleusnetwork.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nucleus-network/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

#114: Dominic Pardini - CEO, Founder CrewLab | The rowing industry and finalizing their pre-seed round

Andrew Petcash — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 05:01:00 GMT

CrewLAB recently completed a pre-seed round for their sports team management system for high school and collegiate endurance sports.

We dive deep into the rowing industry and talk about CrewLab’s journey and how they’re trying to expand into other niches within sports.

Dominic Pardini is a former UCLA rower, innovation consultant at Accenture, and now sports technology entrepreneur.

Chapters:

(02:20) Background

(04:00) CrewLab overview

(06:50) Fundraising process learnings

(10:40) The rowing industry

(15:40) Advice to jump into entrepreneurship

(19:00) Interesting areas in sports

(22:20) Expanding LTV in athletics

Dominic Pardini:

Website: https://www.crewlab.io/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicpardini/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay up to date on new podcasts.