Sports Rule Pod with Nick Elam

Nick Elam
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Sports
  • Updated Biweekly

Sports Rule Pod with Nick Elam explores sports innovation, rule changes, fan-submitted ideas, game design, league formats, competitive balance, officiating, athlete development, coaching, leadership, sports entrepreneurship, and the career journeys of people shaping the future of sports. Hosted by the originator of basketball’s Elam Ending®, each episode examines how games can improve, why rules matter, and the overlooked “next-to-last” moments that define sports history.

Episodes

  1. Jun 12

    Evan Kaplan on MLB Player Branding and Sports Innovation

    How do baseball players turn name, image, and likeness into lasting value? Nick Elam talks with Evan Kaplan, President of MLB Players, Inc., about the commercial side of baseball, from licensing and sponsorships to trading cards, jerseys, video games, social media, and player brand opportunities. Kaplan explains how MLB Players, Inc. supports active players, minor leaguers, and retired players while helping brands connect with players in ways that build fan engagement. We also take a look at our newest fan-submitted innovation: should every type of play in sports be reviewable through a coach’s challenge? Nick weighs the promise and the problems of expanding replay review, including subjective calls, default rulings, and a possible neutral review panel. The Season 1 finale closes with a “next to last” look at Breaking Bad’s Granite State and why the episode still works. What You'll Learn: How MLB Players, Inc. helps players create off-field value Why social media has changed baseball player marketability What happens when limited opportunities like MLB The Show covers are available Why expanded replay review is harder than it sounds How fan-submitted innovations become part of Sports Rule Pod Timestamps and Chapters: 00:00 Season 1 finale begins 01:15 Evan Kaplan joins the show 02:40 What MLB Players, Inc. does 05:35 Licensing, NIL, and player value 08:50 Active players and alumni 12:15 Social media and marketability 15:05 MLB The Show and limited deals 17:35 Kaplan’s career journey 20:30 The chase of player licensing 22:45 Should every play be reviewable? 26:35 A neutral replay review idea 29:10 Breaking Bad’s Granite State 32:00 Season 2 and final CTA About Our Guest: Evan Kaplan is the President of MLB Players, Inc., the commercial arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association. His work focuses on player licensing, sponsorships, brand opportunities, fan engagement, and commercial partnerships for active, minor league, and retired baseball players. Frameworks or Strategies Discussed: MLB Players, Inc. group licensing: The commercial model that allows brands to use the name, image, and likeness of groups of MLB players. Player NIL and brand development: The process of helping players build commercial value through licensing, endorsements, products, social media, and fan engagement. Innovation segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring segment where Nick Elam evaluates sports rule changes, fan-submitted innovations, and ideas at different stages of implementation. Coach’s challenge replay review: The episode’s featured rule-change idea, focused on whether every type of play should be reviewable in sports. Neutral three-person review panel: Nick’s proposed alternative for replay review, designed to reduce the influence of default rulings and high overturn standards. Next to last segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring storytelling segment about the moment before the famous moment, used here to revisit Breaking Bad’s Granite State. Subscribe to Sports Rule Pod on YouTube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod⁠ Subscribe to our newsletter:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/⁠ Got a rule change you want to see implemented? Tell us about it here, and vote on other suggested rule changes:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/⁠

    33 min

  2. May 29

    NCAA Tournament Expansion to 76 Teams, Explained with Kristen Dozier-Williams

    The NCAA Tournament is expanding to 76 teams, but does that actually make March Madness better? Nick Elam breaks down the new men’s and women’s tournament format, the added opening round games, and why this may be a solution in search of a problem. The episode also features Kristen Dozier-Williams, regional club leader for League One Volleyball, on LOVB’s youth-to-pro volleyball ecosystem, sports career journeys, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the leap from corporate consulting into a growing sports startup. You’ll also hear a next to last segment on the 2019 Wimbledon men’s final between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, one of the most memorable matches from tennis’ Big 3 era. What You’ll Learn: Why NCAA Tournament expansion may not improve championship legitimacy How LOVB is building a connected youth and pro volleyball ecosystem What Kristen Dozier-Williams learned from entrepreneurship and career risk Why rally scoring, the libero, and golden sets changed volleyball’s fan experience How the 2019 Wimbledon final became a defining Big 3 tennis moment Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and episode preview 03:10 Kristen Dozier-Williams joins 06:15 LOVB’s volleyball ecosystem 12:40 Building youth volleyball clubs 18:30 Career risk and joining LOVB 26:20 Lessons from pro volleyball 34:10 Volleyball innovations 41:30 NCAA Tournament expansion 53:00 2019 Wimbledon final Guest: Kristen Dozier-Williams is the regional club leader for League One Volleyball, also known as LOVB. She brings experience as a former professional volleyball player, entrepreneur, consultant, and leader in youth volleyball development. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: Innovation segment: A recurring Sports Rule Pod segment where Nick evaluates sports rule changes, formats, and new ideas at different stages of implementation. Good idea scale: Nick’s rating framework for judging whether a sports innovation is practical, valuable, and worth adopting. LOVB volleyball ecosystem: League One Volleyball’s connected model spanning youth clubs, families, coaches, and the professional league. Rally scoring: A volleyball scoring format where a point is awarded on every rally, making the game faster and easier to follow. Libero: A defensive volleyball position that changed team strategy by giving one player a specialized back-row role. Golden set: A winner-takes-all volleyball format used to create a faster, higher-stakes deciding moment. Next to last segment: A recurring Sports Rule Pod segment that revisits the overlooked moment before a major sports ending. Choose-your-own-adventure bracket format: Nick’s proposed NCAA Tournament placement idea Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/ Got a rule change you want to see implemented? Tell us about it here, and vote on other suggested rule changes: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/

    56 min

  3. May 15

    Seth Greenberg on NCAA Expansion and NBA Draft Lottery Reform

    College basketball and the NBA are both facing format questions that could reshape how fans experience the game. Nick Elam talks with ESPN analyst and longtime college basketball coach Seth Greenberg about preparation, mentorship, leadership, NCAA Tournament expansion, player compensation, transfer rules, and the lessons that last beyond wins and losses. Greenberg also shares what he learned from coaching stops at Virginia Tech, South Florida, Long Beach State, and beyond. The innovation segment scrutinizes the NBA’s proposed three two one draft lottery system, a reform aimed at reducing tanking while protecting competitive integrity. Then the next to last segment revisits the 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinal between the United States and the Dominican Republic, a game Nick argues belongs in the conversation as one of baseball’s greatest spectacles. What You’ll Learn: Why NCAA Tournament expansion is likely tied to mega conference pressure How Seth Greenberg prepares for live ESPN college basketball coverage What coaching teaches about trust, habits, roles, and leadership Why the three two one lottery may shift tanking instead of solving it How the 2026 World Baseball Classic showed baseball at its most electric Episode Highlights: 00:00 Episode preview 03:20 Seth Greenberg joins 06:45 ESPN preparation habits 13:30 Mentors and media lessons 20:15 Coaching identity and trust 31:40 Recruiting and program building 42:30 College basketball changes 50:10 NBA three two one lottery 01:02:30 World Baseball Classic classic Guest: Seth Greenberg is an ESPN college basketball analyst and former head coach at Virginia Tech, South Florida, and Long Beach State. He brings decades of coaching, leadership, recruiting, and media experience to a conversation about where basketball is heading. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: Three two one draft lottery system: A proposed NBA draft lottery reform that assigns teams three, two, one, or zero lottery entries based on standings and postseason position. Good idea scale: Nick’s recurring evaluation lens for judging whether a sports innovation is practical, effective, and worth adopting. Cola Draft Mechanism: A draft reform proposal discussed in a previous Sports Rule Pod episode as an alternative way to reduce tanking incentives. Fight, flee, or flow: Seth Greenberg’s way of describing how coaches can respond to major changes in college basketball. Next play: A coaching principle Greenberg used to help players respond quickly to mistakes, adversity, and pressure. Investment equals expectation: Greenberg’s leadership phrase for connecting resources, preparation, and results. Next to last segment: A recurring Sports Rule Pod segment that revisits the overlooked moment before a major sports ending or milestone. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/ Got a rule change you want to see implemented? Tell us about it here, and vote on other suggested rule changes: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/

    1h 19m

  4. May 1

    Jerry Coleman on Baltimore Sports, MLB All Star Ideas, and Pickleball

    MLB All Star Monday could showcase more than home runs. Nick Elam talks with Jerry Coleman, a longtime Baltimore sports media voice and host of the Bmore Baseball Podcast and Bmore Football Podcast, about Cal Ripken Jr.’s 2,131st consecutive game, Baltimore sports fans, the Colts leaving for Indianapolis, sports talk radio, podcasting, trust with sources, and why pickleball has become such a sore subject for tennis players. The innovation segment looks at a fan submitted idea to improve MLB All Star Monday with a bunting derby, fielding, throwing, and baserunning skills competitions, plus a Home Run Derby twist based on total distance. Then the next to last segment revisits the top of the ninth inning in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, the strange half inning between Hal Smith’s historic home run and Bill Mazeroski’s walk off. What You’ll Learn: Why Cal Ripken Jr. still means so much to Baltimore sports How Jerry Coleman builds trust with sources and former athletes Why Baltimore sports fans differ from D.C. sports fans How MLB could make All Star Monday more complete Why the 1960 World Series turned on one bizarre half inning Episode Highlights: 00:00 Episode preview 03:00 Jerry Coleman joins 06:20 Cal Ripken’s historic streak 12:10 Baltimore versus D.C. fans 18:30 Sports media and podcasting 27:40 Pickleball, tennis, and rule takes 37:20 MLB All Star Monday ideas 46:30 1960 World Series chaos Guest: Jerry Coleman is the sports director of 100.7 The Bay in Baltimore and the host of the Bmore Baseball Podcast and Bmore Football Podcast. He has covered Baltimore sports for more than 30 years, including major moments involving the Orioles, Ravens, Cal Ripken Jr., and the broader local sports scene. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: Innovation segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring segment for examining sports rule changes, fan submitted ideas, and innovations at different stages of implementation. Good idea scale: Nick’s recurring rating system for evaluating whether a sports innovation is useful, practical, and worth adopting. Fan submitted innovation: A listener idea brought into the show for review, scrutiny, and discussion. MLB All Star Monday skills competitions: A proposal to add bunting, fielding, throwing, and baserunning contests before the Home Run Derby. Total distance Home Run Derby: A proposed Home Run Derby format where winners are determined by accumulated home run distance instead of total home runs. ABS challenge system: MLB’s automatic ball strike challenge system, discussed as a recent baseball innovation that adds strategy and drama. Ghost Runner rule: MLB’s extra innings rule that starts a runner on second base during the regular season to help games end sooner. Pitch clock: MLB’s pace of play rule designed to keep games moving and improve the fan experience. Next to last segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring segment that revisits the overlooked moment before a famous ending. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/ Got a rule change you want to see implemented? Tell us about it here, and vote on other suggested rule changes: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/

    37 min

  5. Apr 17

    Four Point Field Goals and Life After Football with Corey Parkman

    A four point field goal sounds exciting, but would it actually make football better? Nick Elam talks with Corey Parkman, a former NFL wide receiver, CEO of Corpas Holdings, founder of Minutemen Pre-K Leadership Academy, and author of The IVF Playbook for Men. Corey shares what he learned as an undrafted free agent, why versatility matters in pro football, how he moved into business acquisition and early childhood education, and why fatherhood has deepened his focus on being present. The innovation segment examines the United Football League’s four point field goal for kicks over 60 yards and whether it rewards the wrong kind of offense. Then the next to last segment revisits the controversial final seconds of the 1972 Olympic men’s basketball gold medal game between the United States and the Soviet Union. What You’ll Learn: Why NFL roster survival often depends on special teams versatility How Corey Parkman turned football lessons into business and education work Why early childhood leadership can shape confidence, character, and readiness How the four point field goal could change fourth down decision making Why the 1972 Olympic basketball ending still raises hard questions Episode Highlights: 00:00 Episode preview 02:40 Corey Parkman joins 05:30 NFL lessons and special teams 13:10 Business after football 18:30 Minutemen Pre-K Academy 27:40 The IVF Playbook for Men 37:10 Four point field goal debate 47:30 1972 Olympic controversy Guest: Corey Parkman is a former NFL wide receiver, CEO of Corpas Holdings, founder of Minutemen Pre-K Leadership Academy in Indianapolis, and author of The IVF Playbook for Men. His work spans football, business acquisition, education, leadership, and fatherhood. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: Four point field goal: A United Football League rule awarding four points for field goals made from more than 60 yards. Good idea scale: Nick’s recurring evaluation system for judging whether a sports innovation is practical, useful, and worth adopting. Special teams versatility: Corey’s key NFL roster lesson for players trying to add value beyond their primary position. Corpas Holdings acquisition model: Corey’s business focus on acquiring small businesses, especially from retiring owners without succession plans. Workforce housing: Corey’s real estate and development lane focused on affordable housing for working families. Minutemen Pre-K Leadership Academy: Corey’s all boys preschool model designed to build kindergarten readiness and early male mentorship. Social emotional learning: The academy’s focus on helping young children handle frustration, disappointment, sharing, and relationships. The IVF Playbook for Men: Corey’s book about supporting a partner and managing emotions through the IVF process. Next to last segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring sports history segment about the overlooked moment before the famous moment. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/ Got a rule change you want to see implemented? Tell us about it here, and vote on other suggested rule changes: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/

    37 min

  6. Apr 3

    NBA Tanking and Career Change with Scott Doyne

    The NBA draft lottery has a tanking problem, and one new idea may offer a better balance. Nick Elam talks with bestselling author and ICF certified coach Scott Doyne about sports media innovation, his years at Turner Sports, NASCAR digital products, March Madness on Demand, league partnerships, career transitions, and his book Navigating the Quarter Life Career Crisis. Scott shares why relationships matter in sports business and how career pivots often begin with one clear realization. The innovation segment features Dr. TJ Haley of LaSalle University, along with students Tana Duncan and Ilya Volkov, explaining the COLA draft mechanism. The concept aims to help struggling NBA teams without rewarding losses. Then the next to last segment revisits a moving scene from Traffic, the 2000 film about the war on drugs and small victories that still matter. What You’ll Learn: Why career change often starts before the layoff or crisis How Turner Sports approached fan first digital innovation Why the NBA draft lottery keeps creating tanking incentives How COLA could help weak teams without rewarding losses What Traffic reveals about small victories inside impossible systems Episode Highlights: 00:00 Episode preview 03:10 Scott Doyne joins 06:30 Turner Sports and fan access 13:50 Sports data and relationships 18:40 Career transition stages 25:20 Quarter life career crisis 32:40 COLA draft mechanism 52:10 Traffic and small victories Guest: Scott Doyne is an ICF certified coach, bestselling author, and former Turner Sports executive. His work focuses on career transition, sports media innovation, leadership, and helping people navigate midlife and quarter life career change. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: Realize, explore, articulate, execute: Scott Doyne’s four stage framework for navigating career transition. Navigating the Quarter Life Career Crisis: Scott’s book focused on Gen Z, early career stress, comparison pressure, and practical next steps. Squiggly Careers: A career concept referenced by Scott that challenges the idea of a straight line professional path. Race Buddy: A NASCAR digital product from Turner Sports that gave fans additional ways to follow races and drivers. March Madness on Demand: A digital sports viewing innovation that gave fans more control over which NCAA Tournament games they watched. COLA draft mechanism: The carryover lottery allocation concept designed to reduce NBA tanking while still helping struggling teams. Playoff track record: The COLA principle of using postseason history instead of regular season losses to identify struggling teams. McCarty COLA: A COLA variant that ties lottery ticket increments to wins and drought length to create a positive incentive to win. Good idea scale: Nick’s recurring evaluation lens for judging whether a sports innovation is practical, useful, and worth adopting. Next to last segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring segment that revisits the overlooked moment before a famous ending. Additional info about the COLA Draft Mechanism can be found here: ⁠NBA Tanking Is Solvable: Four Candidates - T.J. Highley⁠  or here: ⁠NBA Draft: Simple COLA Ends Tanking Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/ Got a rule change you want to see implemented? Tell us about it here, and vote on other suggested rule changes: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/

    1h 1m

  7. Mar 20

    Marvin Prince on The Dan Patrick Show, UConn, and Sports Ideas

    What makes a sports talk show part of someone’s daily routine? Nick Elam talks with Marvin Prince, associate producer and Danette on The Dan Patrick Show, about his path from ESPN Radio to the front of the camera, what Dan Patrick has taught him about preparation, and why every show should feel like the Super Bowl. Marvin also shares favorite guest moments, UConn national championship memories, sports media lessons, fatherhood advice, and what may come next after The Dan Patrick Show. The innovation segment scrutinizes two audience submitted ideas: a four point shot in basketball and a postseason best practice where teams wear only their primary jerseys. Then the next to last segment revisits John Elway’s final college drive before Stanford and Cal’s legendary band on the field finish. What You’ll Learn: Why The Dan Patrick Show stands out in sports media How Marvin Prince moved from behind the scenes to on air Why UConn basketball titles mark different chapters of his life The difference between an exciting rule idea and a useful one Why Stanford’s drive before The Play still deserves attention Episode Highlights: 00:00 Episode preview 03:10 Marvin Prince joins 06:40 ESPN Radio to Dan Patrick 13:30 Lessons from Dan Patric 21:00 Guests, Meat Friday, and UConn 33:40 Sports innovation rapid fire 43:20 Four point shot debate 51:10 Primary jerseys in playoffs 58:20 Stanford, Cal, and The Play Guest: Marvin Prince is an associate producer and Danette on The Dan Patrick Show. He brings behind the scenes sports media experience, on air perspective, UConn basketball passion, and a sharp eye for what makes sports talk work. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: Every day is a Super Bowl: Dan Patrick’s mindset for treating each show as important because it may be part of a listener’s daily routine. Innovation segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring segment for evaluating sports rule changes, fan submitted ideas, and innovations at different stages of implementation. Fan submitted innovation: A listener generated sports idea that Nick reviews and scrutinizes on the show. Four point shot: A proposed basketball rule change that would add a shot worth four points, likely from extreme distance. Elam Ending: Nick Elam’s basketball end game innovation designed to create more natural and exciting late game play. Primary postseason jerseys: A fan submitted best practice suggesting teams should wear only their main home or road jerseys in the postseason. Next to last segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring segment that revisits the overlooked moment before the famous moment. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/ Got a rule change you want to see implemented? Tell us about it here, and vote on other suggested rule changes: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/

    59 min

  8. Mar 6

    Dan Bonner on NCAA Tournament Calls and MLB’s ABS Challenge

    MLB’s automated ball strike challenge system could change baseball without changing how the game feels. Nick Elam talks with longtime NCAA Tournament analyst Dan Bonner about more than three decades calling March Madness, working with Kevin Harlan, Gus Johnson, and other broadcast partners, preparing for first round chaos, explaining basketball clearly, and why the best analysts keep the game at the center. Dan also shares thoughts on NCAA Tournament expansion, youth sports, coaching, relationship building, and the career advice that shaped his broadcasting journey. The innovation segment explores Major League Baseball’s ABS challenge system and why it may preserve the human element while improving accuracy. Then the next to last segment steps outside sports to revisit The Blue Comet, the next to last episode of The Sopranos. What You’ll Learn: 00:00 Episode preview 03:00 Dan Bonner joins 06:10 Memorable NCAA Tournament calls 12:40 Explaining the game clearly 21:20 Broadcast partners and preparation 31:30 Tournament expansion and reviews 43:20 Coaching and relationship building 54:20 MLB ABS challenge system 01:06:30 The Sopranos and The Blue Comet Guest: Dan Bonner is a longtime college basketball analyst and one of the most familiar voices of the NCAA Tournament. His broadcasting work spans CBS, ESPN, ACC Network, and decades of March Madness coverage. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: Hamlet theory: Dan Bonner’s broadcasting principle that the game is the thing, meaning the broadcast should serve the action on the court. Brute competence: Dan’s self described approach to staying prepared, reliable, clear, and useful as a broadcaster. ABS challenge system: Major League Baseball’s automated ball strike challenge system, where players can immediately challenge ball and strike calls. Automated strike zone: The technology behind ABS that checks whether a pitch crossed the strike zone. Good idea scale: Nick’s recurring evaluation lens for judging whether a sports innovation is useful, practical, and worth adopting. Human element: The debate around whether replay and automated systems reduce or enhance the role of people in sports. Elam Ending: Nick Elam’s basketball end game innovation, referenced through Dan’s early feedback and later implementation in live events. Next to last segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring segment that revisits the overlooked moment before a famous ending. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/ Got a rule change you want to see implemented? Tell us about it here, and vote on other suggested rule changes: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/

    52 min

  9. Mar 6

    How Sports Innovation Turns Data, AI, and Ideas Into Fan Value with Liz Wanless

    AI is already changing sports, but not always in the ways fans expect. Nick Elam talks with Dr. Liz Wanless, associate professor of sport management at Indiana University Indianapolis and director of the Sport Innovation Institute, about AI in sports, custom software, data insights, sport partnerships, and how innovation can serve real organizations. Liz also shares her path from philosophy major to national champion shot putter to sport management leader. The innovation segment introduces MLB Day, Nick’s idea for day night doubleheaders across Major League Baseball after the All Star break. The goal: one day, thirty games, and the possibility of more than one million fans at the ballpark. Then the next to last segment revisits Game 6 of the 2025 World Series between the Blue Jays and Dodgers. What You’ll Learn: How AI is helping sports organizations build custom tools Why empathy matters when designing sport technology How Liz Wanless connects data, strategy, and client work Why MLB Day could become a second half baseball spectacle What made Game 6 of the 2025 World Series so tense Episode Highlights: 00:00 Episode preview 03:00 Liz Wanless joins 06:20 Sport Innovation Institute 12:40 AI in sports and fan experience 24:30 Research, data, and client work 35:20 Shot put and competitive mindset 47:10 MLB Day proposal 58:40 2025 World Series Game 6 Guest: Dr. Liz Wanless is an associate professor of sport management at Indiana University Indianapolis and director of the Sport Innovation Institute. Her work connects AI, data, software development, sport partnerships, research, and innovation in the Indianapolis sports ecosystem. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: Sport Innovation Institute: IU Indianapolis initiative focused on software, data pipelines, insights, and custom solutions for sport organizations. Custom built for Indy sport: The institute’s approach to designing technology around the specific needs of local and regional sport partners. AI supported software development: Liz describes using AI tools to speed up custom software creation while keeping human insight central. Large language models: AI tools discussed as brainstorming aids, software support, and emerging technology for sport organizations. Machine learning: A data analysis method used in sport for prediction, decision support, and tools such as win probability. Mystery as margin: A warning that vague or fearful AI narratives can create room for people to profit from confusion. MLB Day: Nick’s proposed Major League Baseball event featuring day night doubleheaders across the league after the All Star break. Good idea scale: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring evaluation lens for judging whether a sports innovation is practical, useful, and worth adopting. Next to last segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring segment that revisits the overlooked moment before a famous ending. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/ Got a rule change you want to see implemented? Tell us about it here, and vote on other suggested rule changes: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/

    48 min

  10. Mar 6

    Eric Collins on NBA Broadcasting and "Choose Your Own Playoffs"

    What if the best teams got to choose their own playoff path? Nick Elam talks with Eric Collins, play by play voice of the Charlotte Hornets and NBA on Prime, about NBA broadcasting, calling his first NFL game, finding a unique voice, preparing for broadcasts, working with Dell Curry, learning from Michael Jordan, and why the Elam Ending still has room to grow in basketball. The innovation segment explores Choose Your Own Adventure playoffs, a format where top teams would select their playoff opponents instead of being locked into a standard bracket. Then the next to last segment revisits Alex Gordon’s near dash home in Game 7 of the 2014 World Series, one of baseball’s most unforgettable what if moments. What You’ll Learn: Why Eric Collins believes broadcasters improve through accumulated reps How avoiding other broadcasts helped him protect his own voice Why playoff seeding may not always reward the best teams fairly How Choose Your Own Adventure playoffs could create better storylines Why Alex Gordon’s 2014 World Series at bat still fuels debate Episode Highlights: 00:00 Episode preview 03:00 Eric Collins joins 06:40 First NFL broadcast 11:50 Hornets, growth, and style 21:30 Cleveland roots and broadcast lessons 35:10 Michael Jordan and NBA memories 48:20 Choose Your Own Adventure playoffs 01:05:10 Alex Gordon’s World Series chance Guest: Eric Collins is the play by play voice of the Charlotte Hornets and a member of the NBA on Prime broadcast team. His career spans NBA, NFL, college football, baseball, sideline reporting, and TBT broadcasts featuring the Elam Ending. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: Choose Your Own Adventure playoffs: A playoff format where top teams choose their opponents and bracket path as a reward for regular season performance. Playoff draft: A related concept where playoff teams are selected in a televised draft style format to create matchups and storylines. Elam Ending: Nick Elam’s basketball end game innovation designed to create more natural, competitive finishes without late game clock manipulation. Costanza effect: Eric’s way of describing how a broadcast style can grow more distinct over time as confidence and freedom expand. Honest mistakes over cruel perfection: A career lesson Eric learned from Warner Saunders about why natural, human moments can resonate with viewers. Innovation segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring segment for scrutinizing sports rule changes and innovations at different stages of implementation. Good idea scale: Nick’s recurring evaluation lens for deciding whether a sports innovation is practical, useful, and worth adopting. Next to last segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring segment that revisits the overlooked moment before a famous ending. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/ Got a rule change you want to see implemented? Tell us about it here, and vote on other suggested rule changes: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/

    58 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Sports Rule Pod with Nick Elam explores sports innovation, rule changes, fan-submitted ideas, game design, league formats, competitive balance, officiating, athlete development, coaching, leadership, sports entrepreneurship, and the career journeys of people shaping the future of sports. Hosted by the originator of basketball’s Elam Ending®, each episode examines how games can improve, why rules matter, and the overlooked “next-to-last” moments that define sports history.

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