Sports Management Podcast

Marcus Filipsson
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  • Sports
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Conversations Shaping the Future of Sport

  1. 2d ago

    #264 How Technology Is Transforming Grassroots Football | Rohan Anand

    Welcome to episode 264 of Sports Management Podcast. The world's biggest sport is still powered by volunteers - but why are they still relying on spreadsheets, WhatsApp groups and endless emails? In this episode of Sports Management Podcast, Marcus Filipsson sits down with Rohan Anand, Co-Founder and CEO of Center Circle, a technology platform transforming how grassroots football is organized. After experiencing the challenges firsthand as a player, coach, referee and volunteer, Rohan set out to solve one of football's biggest hidden problems: giving volunteers the tools they need to spend less time on administration and more time developing the next generation of players. We discuss why grassroots football is still built on outdated systems, how technology can reduce barriers to participation, why Center Circle has chosen a completely different business model than most sports technology companies, and the personal sacrifices required to build a startup from the ground up. In this episode, we discuss: Why grassroots football still relies on WhatsApp and spreadsheets The hidden challenges volunteers face every weekend How technology can simplify grassroots sports Building a sports tech startup with zero marketing budget Why Center Circle refuses to charge grassroots football Lessons from seven years of entrepreneurship Advice for anyone wanting to build a business in sport If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone passionate about the business of sport.   Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:16 What Center Circle Does 01:14 Why Grassroots Football Still Runs on Multiple Platforms 02:11 From Referee to Tech Entrepreneur 03:12 Building Center Circle From Scratch 04:42 Convincing a Non-Football Co-Founder 06:53 Can AI Improve Grassroots Football? 08:17 Building Partnerships With Football Associations 09:47 Why Center Circle Is Completely Free 11:15 Why Grassroots Football Should Never Be Monetized 12:18 What Grassroots Football Needs Next 14:50 Growing 5x Without Marketing 16:14 Building the Team 17:21 Why They Never Spent Money on Advertising 20:42 The Sacrifices of Entrepreneurship 22:29 The Vision for the Future 24:44 Rohan's Journey Into Football 26:39 Studying Business Instead of Sport 28:05 Advice for Future Sports Entrepreneurs 29:28 Where to Find Center Circle Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

    #264 How Technology Is Transforming Grassroots Football | Rohan Anand

  2. Aug 10

    #263 Why Most Athletes Make Career-Destroying Decisions | Craig Domann

    Welcome to episode 263 of SPorts Management Podcast. Why do so many talented athletes make the wrong career decisions? In this episode of Sports Management Podcast, veteran NFL agent and sports attorney Craig Domann shares what he's learned from negotiating more than $1 billion in professional sports contracts and advising athletes for over 35 years. We discuss why chasing the biggest NIL offer isn't always the smartest move, what separates great negotiators from average ones, the hidden clauses that can make or break a contract, and why the best career decisions aren't always the most lucrative ones. Whether you're an athlete, agent, coach, parent, or sports business professional, this conversation offers practical lessons on negotiation, leadership, decision-making, and building a long-term career in sport. In this episode, we discuss: • Why money can lead athletes to make poor career decisions • The long-term impact of NIL on player development • The hidden details that matter more than contract value • What makes a great sports agent and negotiator • Common misconceptions about athlete representation • Advice for athletes, parents, and aspiring sports professionals If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone passionate about the business of sport. Time stamps:  00:00 Introduction 00:26 How Craig Domann Became an NFL Agent 01:51 How NIL Works for Most College Athletes 02:49 Why Chasing the Biggest NIL Deal Can Hurt Your Career 04:05 The Non-Financial Factors Athletes Ignore 05:04 Has NIL Changed College Sports Forever? 06:37 The Problem With Money-Driven Advisors 07:52 Choosing the Right School vs. the Biggest Paycheck 08:58 Why Every Athlete Needs the Right Mentor 10:03 Being a Father, Coach & Agent at the Same Time 11:52 Negotiating Over $1 Billion in Sports Contracts 12:14 What Makes a Great Sports Negotiator? 15:22 The Hidden Clauses Inside Million-Dollar Contracts 17:23 The Biggest Misconceptions About Sports Agents 20:20 Why Relationships Matter More Than Aggressive Negotiation 21:55 The Pro Mindset That Separates Great Athletes 23:37 Daily Habits of Elite Performers 29:50 How Craig Developed the Pro Mindset Framework 31:40 Career Lessons From 35 Years in Sports 32:52 Craig's Advice to Anyone Wanting a Career in Sports   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

    #263 Why Most Athletes Make Career-Destroying Decisions | Craig Domann

  3. Aug 3

    #262 From NASA to Baseball: How Mike Carney Is Reinventing Community Sports

    Welcome to episode 262 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Mike Carney, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of On Deck Partners. Before building one of the most innovative ownership groups in Minor League Baseball, Mike worked as an engineer at NASA before leading business strategy for the Washington Nationals. In this episode, he shares why great sports organizations start with solving problems for fans. In this episode, we spoke about: Transitioning from NASA to professional sports Building community-first sports organizations Why fan experience drives long-term value The future of private equity in sports Episode Time Stamps 00:00 From NASA to Sports 00:17 Why Engineers Fit Sports 02:22 Joining the Washington Nationals 03:28 Business Strategy Explained 04:37 Solving Fan Problems 06:13 The Future of Fan Engagement 08:31 Building On Deck Partners 10:45 Creating Community Value 14:58 Private Equity in Sports 16:18 The Modern Fan Experience 18:33 Lessons from Sports Leadership 22:05 Why Transparency Matters 23:32 Advice for Future Sports Professionals 25:45 Inside On Deck Partners   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

    #262 From NASA to Baseball: How Mike Carney Is Reinventing Community Sports

  4. Jul 27

    #261 From 16-Year-Old Founder to Nike Partner | Brando Babini

    Welcome to episode 261 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Brando Babini, founder of Youth4Youth FC, a player-led development program that is challenging traditional youth soccer in the United States. Starting the company at just 16 years old, Brando has built a thriving community, partnered with Nike, and is proving that mentorship, social media, and player-first development can transform the game. In this episode, we spoke about: Why the pay-to-play model needs to evolve Building a football company at just 16 years old Using social media to grow a sports business Why mentorship matters as much as coaching Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Meet Brando Babini 00:13 Why Youth4Youth Exists 01:15 A Gen Z-Led Football Revolution 02:25 Fixing Pay-to-Play 05:12 Building a Sustainable Model 07:49 Player-First Development 10:01 What Success Really Means 12:20 Growing Through Social Media 14:48 Partnering with Nike 16:49 Building a Startup Team 18:10 Parents & Player Motivation 19:51 Starting a Company at 16 22:41 Learning to Let Go 25:56 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

    #261 From 16-Year-Old Founder to Nike Partner | Brando Babini

  5. Jul 20

    #260 Why Kids Are Quitting Sports (And How We Fix It) | Evan Dabby

    Welcome to episode 260 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Evan Dabby, CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer, one of the largest youth soccer organizations in the United States. With over 120,000 players, Evan shares how youth soccer is evolving, why player development should come before winning, and how the FIFA World Cup is creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the game across America. In this episode, we spoke about: How the FIFA World Cup is inspiring the next generation Why player development should come before winning The challenges of youth sports, parents and coaching Growing participation while making soccer more accessible Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome Evan Dabby 00:29 The World Cup Impact in New Jersey 03:20 Growing 120,000 Youth Players 05:50 Technology & Participation 08:20 Player-Centered Development 10:09 Advice from Tab Ramos 11:08 Parents on the Sidelines 15:12 Girls' Soccer Growth 18:52 Should Kids Specialize? 20:41 Coaching Better Players 21:35 Evan's Career Journey 23:23 The Power of Networking 26:45 Advice for Students 30:19 The Future of Youth Soccer   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

    #260 Why Kids Are Quitting Sports (And How We Fix It) | Evan Dabby

  6. Jul 13

    #259 How Senda Helped Vózinha Become a World Cup Sensation

    Welcome to episode 259of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Santiago Halty, Founder and CEO of Senda Athletics, one of the world's leading Fair Trade-certified football brands. From launching ethically manufactured footballs to seeing Senda products on football's biggest stage, Santiago shares the remarkable journey of building a purpose-driven sports brand while competing against industry giants. In this episode, we spoke about: Building a Fair Trade football brand from scratch Competing against Nike and adidas through niche innovation How Senda reached the FIFA World Cup Why purpose and performance can coexist in sports business The Vózinha story Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome Santiago Halty 00:19 The Vision Behind Senda 01:45 Why Fair Trade Matters 02:27 Competing Against Nike & adidas 03:42 Winning Through Futsal 04:45 Building a FIFA-Quality Ball 06:14 World Cup Success Story 08:02 Becoming the Official Match Ball 09:39 The Innovation Behind Senda Boots 12:21 The Story of Vózinha 18:14 Raising Investment for Growth 19:42 The Future of Senda 21:07 Becoming a Top 10 Football Brand 22:11 Messi's Last World Cup? 23:26 What's Next for Senda?   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

    #259 How Senda Helped Vózinha Become a World Cup Sensation

  7. Jul 6

    #258 How Horse Racing Can Win 200 Million New Fans | Sam Houlding

    Welcome to episode 258of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Sam Houlding, Managing Director of B2B at Spotlight Sports Group. Sam has spent more than 16 years helping transform one of the world's leading sports media businesses while working at the intersection of sports media, technology, data, fan engagement and betting. In this episode, he explains why horse racing doesn't have an audience problem - it has an accessibility problem and how the sport can unlock millions of new fans. In this episode, we spoke about: Why horse racing has a potential audience of 200 million new fans How Formula One's growth offers lessons for every sport Why sports should prioritize fans before betting The importance of storytelling, data and digital experiences Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome Sam Houlding 00:15 Spotlight Sports Group Explained 01:55 The 200 Million Fan Opportunity 05:00 Why Racing Struggles to Grow 07:01 Accessibility Beats Awareness 10:24 Formula One's Winning Playbook 12:04 Betting vs Growing the Sport 14:03 Turning Data Into Fan Experiences 17:08 The Five Growth Priorities 19:07 Why Digital Comes First 21:21 The Future of Horse Racing 22:39 Sam's Career Journey 24:15 Lessons From Career Setbacks 26:06 Advice for Young Sports Professionals 27:36 Networking That Actually Works SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today.   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

    #258 How Horse Racing Can Win 200 Million New Fans | Sam Houlding

  8. Jun 29

    #257 How Great Footballers Are Really Developed | Arturo Hoyos

    Welcome to episode 257 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Arturo Hoyos, coach at Surf Soccer Club and founder of Elite IQ Football, where he specializes in developing elite youth football players through long-term athlete development and coach education. In this episode we discuss why development should always come before winning, how parents influence player success, what separates elite players from everyone else, and why mentality often matters more than talent. In this episode, we spoke about: • Why player development should always come before winning • The role parents play in youth football success • How elite football environments develop future professionals • Why mentality beats talent over the long term   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome Arturo Hoyos 00:22 Inside Surf Soccer Club 01:14 Building Character Through Football 02:42 Managing Ambitious Parents 05:15 Development Before Winning 07:02 When Winning Starts to Matter 08:49 College & National Team Pathways 10:22 Following Players for Years 11:20 Private Coaching for Young Players 13:00 Can You Spot Future Stars? 16:18 The Growth of Football in America 20:25 Becoming a Licensed Coach 26:04 From Corporate Life to Football Coach 29:37 The Future of Coaching 31:11 Advice for Future Coaches SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

    #257 How Great Footballers Are Really Developed | Arturo Hoyos
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Conversations Shaping the Future of Sport

Information

  • Creator
    Marcus Filipsson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    268
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sportius AB 2020-2026
  • Show Website
    Sports Management Podcast