Navigating Sports Business AJ Maestas

Blake Lawrence - Co-Founder/CEO of Opendorse - shares his unique perspective on the NIL marketplace and what the data tells us after 2+ years.
 
He also gets into the precarious relationship between athletic departments and collectives, and how forward-thinking ADs are prioritizing NIL dollars in order to ensure sustained success.
 
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Jon Steinbrecher - Commissioner of the Mid-American Conference - on the origins of MACtion in November and why midweek football games do so much to drive exposure for the schools in the MAC.
 
He and AJ discuss the benefits that come with that exposure, such as recruiting advantages for coaches and increased brand awareness. They also highlight some of the challenges that midweek games create, particularly for campuses on game day.
 
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast/?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=7975a5a8599641b461e1fa1039a24166
 
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Mat and Justin Ishbia - Governor and Alternate Governor of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury - on their philosophy for succeeding on and off the court. Mat believes they're ready to compete for an NBA championship with players like Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker, whom he calls the best player in the NBA.
 
 
 
In just a short time as majority stakeholders of the teams, they've already made incredible investments with a focus on winning and fan engagement.
 
 
 
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Rick George – Athletic Director at the University of Colorado – highlights the importance of geography in the decision to join the Big 12, and whether or not Coach Prime had a say in that decision. He highlights having access to key markets for "fundraising and fan-raising."
 
The advantages of a broad reach impact recruiting, branding, and even enrollment for the broader student body. Therefore, having access to the state of Texas was an argument in favor of the Big 12. He also explains how, despite no longer having conference games against USC or UCLA, Colorado will still look to maintain a presence in California.
 
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=7dd137310ff9a0d9b96a50cbf1bc998e
 
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Jim Delany - Former Commissioner of the Big Ten - debates NIL, realignment, and the future of college sports. He and AJ discuss the factors that impact major decisions at the collegiate level, and set a reminder to have another conversation 5 years down the road.
 
Details:
1:55 - Life since retirement
3:45 - What makes a successful commissioner
12:05 - How would you lead college athletics?
21:45 - Jim’s time as a UNC basketball player
25:15 - Rapid Fire Questions
 
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

John Koller - Global CMO at HP - on the role of AI in sports marketing, and the areas where he sees near-term opportunities.
 
He predicts that creative campaigns will be personalized at scale using AI, especially as teams look to expand their reach beyond the U.S.
 
Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=98f56b6dd6dca41729f186d12a4d1251&ppepisode=85fc90b6be0f210a0393903888f9a8e8
 
For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.