SBJ On Stage

In this episode of On Stage, Tom Ricketts, Chairman of the Chicago Cubs, joins Joe Leccese, Chairman Emeritus of Proskauer, for a wide-ranging conversation about stewardship, leadership, and the evolving business of baseball. Recorded on November 19, 2025, at SBJ Dealmakers Conference, the discussion explores how Ricketts balances the weight of tradition that comes with owning one of the most iconic franchises in sports while positioning the Cubs for long-term success in a rapidly changing industry. Key themes include: Owning a Legacy Franchise: What it means to lead a century-old team with a deeply rooted fan base and global profile. Long-Term Vision: How the Cubs think about competitive windows, financial discipline, and sustainable success. Business of Baseball: Ricketts’ perspective on league economics, media evolution, and the forces reshaping MLB. Leadership & Governance: Lessons from navigating change, aligning stakeholders, and making decisions with generational impact. Wrigley Field & the Fan Experience: How the Cubs continue to evolve their ballpark and surrounding ecosystem while honoring tradition. It’s an insightful conversation with one of sports’ most dynamic owners — offering perspective on how legacy organizations adapt, endure, and evolve.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of On Stage, we take you inside a panel conversation unpacking the launch of one of the most ambitious new properties in sports: TGL. Recorded on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the SBJ World Congress of Sports in Nashville, this discussion brings together leaders from across sports, media, technology, and investment to break down the vision, execution, and early lessons from TGL’s inaugural season.Moderated by Sports Business Journal staff writer Chris Smith, the panel features:Mike McCarley, Founder & CEO of TMRW Sports and TGLRosalyn Durant, Executive Vice President, Programming & Acquisitions at ESPNDon Cornwell, Co-Founder & CEO of Dynasty Equity and TMRW Sports investorAlexis Ohanian, Founder of Seven Seven Six and founding control owner of Los Angeles Golf ClubTogether, they explore:The TGL Vision: Why this new format was created — and how it aims to modernize golf for today’s fan.Media & Distribution Strategy: How ESPN approached programming, storytelling, and audience development for a new league.Capital & Ownership: The role of strategic investors in building credibility, momentum, and long-term value.Season One Learnings: What worked, what surprised the group, and what they’d approach differently going forward.What’s Next: How TGL fits into the broader evolution of sports entertainment and next-generation fan engagement.It’s a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how a new league comes to life — from idea to execution — told by the people who built it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of On Stage, Minnesota Vikings Owner and President Mark Wilf joins Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, for a wide-ranging conversation that took place on October 1, 2025, at Leaders Week London.  Wilf reflects on his journey as an NFL owner and the leadership principles that have shaped the Vikings’ long-term vision—both on and off the field. As the NFL accelerates its international strategy, the conversation offers a timely look at how ownership, culture, and global ambition intersect at the highest levels of sport. Key themes from the conversation include: Leadership & Ownership Philosophy: The values that guide Wilf’s approach to team ownership, governance, and decision-making over the long term. Building a Global NFL Brand: How the Vikings are expanding their international footprint, including upcoming games in Dublin and London, and what global growth means for the league’s future. Legacy & Long-Term Vision: Balancing competitive success with organizational stability, culture, and sustained impact.Community & Civic Responsibility: The role teams play beyond wins and losses, from local community engagement to international connection.Cross-Sport Perspective: Insights from a conversation between leaders operating at the intersection of global sport, business, and culture. This episode offers a rare window into how one NFL ownership group thinks about scale, stewardship, and the future of the game—at home and abroad.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of On Stage, we bring you a joint conversation with Dee and Jimmy Haslam of Haslam Sports, one of the most influential ownership groups in American sports. Recorded on October 2, 2025, at Leaders Week London, this discussion offers an inside look at how the Haslams approach ownership, leadership, and long-term community impact across their portfolio: the Cleveland Browns, Columbus Crew, and Milwaukee Bucks. In a thoughtful and candid conversation with BBC Sport presenter Sarah Mulkerrins, the Haslams explore: A Unified Sports Vision: How ownership across the NFL, MLS, and NBA fits into a broader mission driven by community, culture, and competitive success. Leadership Philosophy: Their approach to hiring great people, supporting strong leaders, and maintaining organizational alignment during both highs and lows. Community Responsibility: Why civic pride and long-term social investment are fundamental to their sports ventures. Infrastructure & Legacy: How stadium development, fan experience, and city partnerships shape the future of their franchises.Owning in a New Era: What modern ownership requires, from patience to adaptability to purpose-driven strategy. This is an insightful and grounded look at how two leaders think about sports not simply as businesses, but as platforms for generational impact.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of On Stage, Richard Masters, Chief Executive of the Premier League, joins Karthi Gnagnasegaram, Presenter and Host, for an in-depth conversation on the evolving strategy behind the world’s most-watched sports league. Recorded on October 2, 2025, at Leaders Week London, this discussion explores how Masters and his team are steering the league through a period of transformation—balancing commercial success with the long-term integrity of the game. Key discussion points include: Global Growth: How the Premier League continues to strengthen its international influence and deepen fan engagement around the world. Financial Sustainability & Competitive Balance: Insights into new regulatory approaches, investment models, and how the league maintains parity while attracting global talent. Media Rights & Innovation: How evolving technology and viewing habits are reshaping the league’s broadcast and digital strategy. Governance & Independence: Masters’ view on maintaining stability and credibility amid increasing scrutiny and proposed regulatory changes. The Future of Football: His reflections on the league’s broader responsibility to the sport, from grassroots development to global representation. This conversation offers a rare look behind the business of football—from one of the game’s most influential executives—providing valuable lessons for anyone navigating growth, regulation, and innovation in global sport. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of On Stage, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell joins Neil Reynolds, presenter of the NFL on Sky Sports, for an in-depth conversation about the league’s global ambitions and evolving strategy. Recorded on October 2, 2025, at Leaders Week London—hosted by SBJ’s sister company Leaders in Sport at Allianz Stadium—Goodell shares his perspective on expanding the NFL’s international footprint, fostering fan engagement, and the evolving business of football. Key discussion points include: Global Growth Strategy: How the NFL is deepening its roots in Europe through international games, partnerships, and local fandom. Media & Technology: The league’s evolving broadcast and digital strategy to reach the next generation of fans worldwide. Player Health & Safety: Continued efforts to innovate equipment, protocols, and education to protect players at every level. Leadership & Legacy: Goodell’s reflections on leading through change and building an enduring, global brand for the future. It’s a candid, forward-looking conversation with one of the most influential executives in world sport—offering lessons in leadership, growth, and global vision.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of On Stage, BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman joins Sports Business Journal’s Publisher and Executive Editor, Abraham Madkour for an inspiring and candid conversation that took place on September 25, 2025, at SBJ’s Game Changers conference in New York City.Ackerman — a pioneer in sports leadership and one of the most respected voices in college athletics — reflects on a career defined by innovation, advocacy, and resilience. From helping launch the WNBA as its first president to guiding the BIG EAST through a time of rapid change, Ackerman’s insights illuminate how leadership evolves in moments of transition.Key themes include:College Sports in Flux: Ackerman’s perspective on the future of NCAA governance, revenue sharing, and why she believes Congress must help bring order to college athletics.Leadership Lessons: How she approaches decision-making, mentorship, and the challenge of staying grounded while leading through uncertainty.Women in Leadership: Reflections on her pioneering role at the WNBA and what progress still looks like for women across sports business and administration.The BIG EAST’s Future: How the conference is positioning itself in an era of consolidation, commercial pressure, and new opportunity.A Life in Sports: What drives her after decades of service to the game — and what legacy she hopes to leave behind.It’s a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation that captures both the wisdom and candor of one of the most influential figures in modern sports. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of On Stage, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Properties CEO John Slusher joins Sports Business Journal Editor-at-Large Terry Lefton for an insightful conversation about the business engine powering the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Recorded on September 17, 2025, at SBJ’s AXS DRIVE conference in Los Angeles, this discussion explores how Slusher — a longtime Nike executive who helped architect some of the brand’s biggest global partnerships — is now applying that experience to redefine how the Olympics engage fans, brands, and communities.Key themes include: Commercial Innovation: How LA28 is building a dynamic, data-driven sponsorship model for a new era of global sports marketing.Partnership Ecosystem: The vision for connecting brands to the Olympic and Paralympic movements through creativity, purpose, and long-term value.From Nike to LA28: Lessons Slusher brings from decades at Nike, and how those insights shape his approach to leadership and brand storytelling.Fan Engagement & Cultural Relevance: Why LA28 aims to make the Games as culturally connected as they are competitive.Legacy & Growth: What success looks like beyond 2028 — for Los Angeles, Team USA, and the broader Olympic ecosystem. It’s a fascinating look inside the commercial blueprint of one of the most anticipated events in global sports — and what it takes to translate the world’s biggest stage into lasting impact.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of On Stage, we take you inside the L.A. Dodgers with CEO & President Stan Kasten and Executive Vice President & CMO Lon Rosen. This conversation, recorded September 17, 2025 at SBJ’s AXS DRIVE event in Los Angeles, explores how one of the most iconic franchises in sports continues to set the standard on and off the field. Kasten and Rosen—two of the most respected leaders in professional sports—share candid insights on how the Dodgers combine tradition with innovation to grow their global brand. The conversation covers: Championship Business Model: How the Dodgers approach team building, fan engagement, and operations with a long-term vision. Marketing & Partnerships: Rosen’s strategy for brand collaborations and keeping the Dodgers at the forefront of sports marketing. Ballpark & Fan Experience: From stadium innovation to community initiatives, how Dodger Stadium continues to evolve as a world-class venue. Global Reach: Expanding the Dodgers’ presence beyond Los Angeles and into international markets. Leadership & Legacy: Reflections from Kasten and Rosen on what it takes to sustain success in one of the most competitive markets in sports. It’s an exclusive, wide-ranging look at how the Dodgers are building a championship brand for today and tomorrow.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of On Stage, Steve Ballmer—Chairman of the L.A. Clippers, Intuit Dome, and former CEO of Microsoft—joins Sports Business Journal’s Publisher and Executive Editor Abe Madkour for a wide-ranging conversation that took place on September 16, 2025, at SBJ’s AXS DRIVE conference in Los Angeles.With his trademark enthusiasm, Ballmer shares how he’s redefining what it means to be a sports owner, builder, and leader. The conversation explores:Intuit Dome Vision: How Ballmer is creating a state-of-the-art arena designed to transform the fan experience.Leadership Lessons: Insights from his years at Microsoft and how they influencerunning an NBA franchise.Innovation & Infrastructure: Why building new venues is about more than basketball—it’s about community, technology, and culture.The Power of Energy: Ballmer’s personal philosophy and how it drives his approach to business, sports, and life.It’s a dynamic and insightful discussion with one of the most energetic and influential leaders in sports and business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of On Stage, two visionary leaders—Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments, and Ted Leonsis, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment—share the stage at SBJ’s Dealmakers Conference in Washington, D.C., on November 30, 2023. Hobson, a nationally recognized financial executive and advocate for financial literacy, speaks candidly about how Ariel Investments approaches long-term value creation, why patience is critical in both markets and leadership, and how she’s worked to open doors for underrepresented groups in business. She also reflects on lessons from serving on the boards of major companies like JPMorgan Chase and Starbucks, and the importance of making investment decisions that align with values as well as returns. Leonsis, a longtime entrepreneur, sports owner, and investor, brings the perspective of a dealmaker who has navigated growth across technology, media, and sports. Together, their conversation touches on what makes partnerships endure, the responsibility of leaders to connect business with community impact, and how innovation is reshaping both finance and sports. This dialogue is both practical and inspiring—grounded in real-world lessons while offering a vision for how business and sports leaders can drive growth with purpose.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of On Stage, Michael Rubin, CEO and Chairman of Fanatics, joins SBJ’s Publisher and Executive Editor Abe Madkour for a lively conversation at the CAA World Congress of Sports on April 16, 2024. Rubin pulls back the curtain on the unprecedented growth of Fanatics, which now spans licensed merchandise, trading cards, collectibles, and sports betting. Along the way, he shares the mindset behind building what he describes as “the world’s leading digital sports platform,” and what it takes to keep scaling a business that has reshaped how fans interact with their teams and athletes. The conversation touches on business metrics, the baseball uniform rollout controversy that made headlines in spring 2024, and lessons learned along the way about leadership, customer trust, and bold decision-making. For anyone interested in what it takes to grow a global sports business—and the human stories behind the headlines—this is a must-listen.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Description:This episode of On Stage takes us deeper into the SBJ archives than ever before, revisiting a keynote interview from the 2016 Intercollegiate Athletics Forum with Paul Tagliabue, the longtime former commissioner of the National Football League. Tagliabue, who led the NFL from 1989 to 2006, oversaw one of the league’s most transformative eras: four expansion franchises, high-profile franchise relocations, and landmark decisions that reflected the NFL’s influence on culture and society—from postponing games after 9/11 to moving a Super Bowl over Arizona’s refusal to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, his impact continues to shape the sports landscape today. In conversation with SBJ’s Publisher and Executive Editor Abe Madkour, Tagliabue reflects on leadership, governance, social responsibility, and the business of sports during his time at the helm. Listening now, nearly a decade later, provides unique perspective: a reminder of how far the industry has come and how timeless lessons in integrity, vision, and adaptability remain. This is the beauty of On Stage: giving important conversations from SBJ’s archives new life, showing how they continue to inform the issues and debates of today.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of On Stage, Laura Ricketts—co-owner of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Sky—sits down with Abe Madkour, Publisher & Executive Editor of Sports Business Journal. Recorded on October 30, 2024, at SBJ’s Dealmakers Conference in Washington, D.C., the conversation highlights Ricketts’ unique position as one of the few women to hold a majority stake in a U.S. professional sports team.  Ricketts reflects on her journey across MLB, WNBA, and NWSL ownership, and how her philanthropic and activist commitments shape the way she approaches sports as a business and cultural platform.Key themes include: Trailblazing Ownership: What it means to be a female majority owner in a male-dominated space.Investing in Women’s Sports: Lessons from her time with the Red Stars and her ongoing role with the Chicago Sky.Philanthropy & Activism: How values-driven leadership influences business decisions and community engagement.Building Sustainable Franchises: Insights into long-term vision, governance, and fan connection across teams.It’s a candid, wide-ranging conversation from a leader redefining what it means to win on and off the field.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special episode of On Stage, actor, comedian, and LAFC co-owner Will Ferrell joins Larry Freedman, the club’s co-president, for a fireside chat moderated by SBJ’s Abe Madkour.Recorded on February 27, 2023, at the National Sports Forum in Los Angeles, this session offers a rare glimpse into how one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures became a driving force behind one of Major League Soccer’s most dynamic franchises.Ferrell shares his origin story with LAFC—from being recruited as an owner to embracing the culture of the club—while Freedman pulls back the curtain on how the team has built one of the most passionate fan bases in American sports. Together, they discuss:Why Will joined the ownership group and what he’s learned about sports business.The rise of LAFC as both a soccer powerhouse and a cultural brand.The mix of humor and humility that Ferrell brings to the boardroom and the locker room.What other franchises can learn from LAFC’s community-driven growth model.As Abe Madkour later noted in his SBJ column, the session blended humor with real insight—a conversation that was equal parts entertaining and illuminating. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Description:In this episode of On Stage, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred joins SBJ Senior Writer Joe Lemire for a candid conversation on the business, challenges, and opportunities shaping professional baseball. Recorded on April 22, 2025, at the CAA World Congress of Sports presented by Sports Business Journal, this keynote captures Manfred’s perspective just months before major headlines about MLB’s labor landscape and new national media rights negotiations. While the news cycle has since moved quickly—with fresh updates on his talks with players over the next labor agreement and signs of progress on a new media deal—this conversation offers an evergreen look at the commissioner’s leadership priorities and long-term vision for the league. Topics include: Labor Relations: How MLB approaches dialogue with the players’ union and lessons from past negotiations. Media and Distribution Strategy: MLB’s vision for its next rights deal and the role of direct-to-consumer streaming. The Business of the Game: Expanding MLB’s global reach and deepening engagement with younger fans. Competition and On-Field Innovation: Balancing tradition with changes that improve pace of play and overall fan experience. Leadership at the Helm: What it takes to guide a century-old league in a rapidly evolving sports landscape. It’s a valuable snapshot of the commissioner’s thinking—one that’s as relevant today as when he stepped on stage.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode Description:In this episode of On Stage, Rich Paul—CEO of KLUTCH Sports Group and Head of Sports at United Talent Agency—joins Zach Leonsis, President of Media & New Enterprises at Monumental Sports & Entertainment, for a compelling one-on-one conversation that spans business, brand, representation, and long-term influence.Recorded on October 29, 2024, at SBJ’s Dealmakers conference in Washington, D.C., this session came just as Paul and Leonsis announced a new partnership between KLUTCH and Monumental—aimed at unlocking new revenue streams and strategic collaborations as Monumental prepares to reimagine Capital One Arena.In this conversation, Paul shares hard-earned wisdom from a career spent building one of the most influential firms in sports—and shaping how athletes think about ownership, leverage, and impact.Highlights include:The Rise of KLUTCH: How Paul built a platform grounded in trust, truth, and cultural relevance.Navigating Power & Partnership: What it takes to stay independent while scaling with purpose.Modern Representation: Why being an agent today means managing media, brand, and opportunity all at once.Long-Game Thinking: Paul’s take on influence, equity, and the difference between relevance and legacy.Real Talk: How the business works behind closed doors—and why he’s playing chess, not checkers.Candid, sharp, and evergreen—this is required listening for anyone shaping the future of sports, media, and entertainment. Please find link to attached Rich Paul introduction video here: https://youtu.be/QrP5v1rY26A  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of On Stage, NCAA President Charlie Baker sits down with SBJ Executive Editor and Publisher Abe Madkour for a candid conversation about the state of college athletics—and the future of the NCAA itself.This conversation took place December 11, 2024, at the SBJ Intercollegiate Athletics Forum in Las Vegas, during a pivotal moment in Baker’s presidency. At the time, the industry was bracing for major shifts in governance, athlete compensation, and long-term sustainability.Since then, the updates have continued at a rapid pace: the NCAA’s proposed House settlement, revenue-sharing discussions, and deeper questions around the power dynamics between conferences and national leadership have all been in the headlines. And yet, this conversation remains deeply relevant and provides important perspective from Baker.Topics include:Reimagining the NCAA: How Baker sees the organization evolving amid pressure for reform.Conference Realignment & Governance: Balancing institutional autonomy with national cohesion.Student-Athlete Opportunity & Oversight: What’s working, what’s broken, and what’s at stake.Federal Legislation & Legal Strategy: Why Baker continues to call for Congressional involvement.Leadership in Transition: What it takes to guide an institution under pressure from every side.In light of everything that’s happened since this conversation took place, Baker’s comments offer both a snapshot and a lens—a valuable perspective on how we got here, and where the NCAA might go next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode Description: In this special episode of On Stage, two extraordinary leaders—General Mark Milley, the recently retired Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Ted Leonsis, Founder and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment—sit down for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, culture, and service. Recorded on October 30, 2024, at SBJ’s Dealmakers conference in Washington, D.C., this fireside chat explores what it means to lead during times of transformation—whether you're guiding a nation’s military or a multibillion-dollar sports and media empire. Topics include: The Mindset of Service: What business can learn from military leadership and accountability. Culture and Cohesion: Building organizations that are values-driven and mission-focused. Decision-Making Under Pressure: Lessons from global conflict and billion-dollar business moments. Patriotism and Purpose: Why service—military or civic—still matters in today’s fractured world. Shared Responsibility: How sports, media, and government all play a role in shaping the future. It’s a rare and candid discussion between two leaders who’ve spent decades making consequential decisions—at the highest levels of two very different arenas.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of On Stage, Sports Business Journal’s Executive Publisher Abe Madkour sits down with iconic sports agent David Falk for a conversation about the legacy of athlete empowerment and the business of storytelling. Recorded on May 20, 2025, at SBJ’s 4se event in New York City, the conversation traces Falk’s role in redefining what it means to represent an athlete—not just on the court, but across culture, commerce, and entertainment. Falk, who famously represented Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing, and many more, shares: The Air Jordan Origin Story: How a revolutionary approach to marketing turned a rookie deal into a global brand. Agent as Architect: Why the most successful agents don’t just negotiate—they help build enduring platforms and partnerships. Cultural Relevance: The fusion of sports, fashion, and music, and what it takes for an athlete to shape culture beyond the game. Leadership Lessons: What he’s learned from four decades working at the intersection of sports, media, and influence. It’s a one-of-a-kind conversation with a one-of-a-kind operator—part oral history, part masterclass in what it takes to build icons.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.