From ticket sales intern to helping launch an MLS franchise to leading at the University of Maryland, Joe LaBue has seen nearly every angle of the sports business.

In this episode of Side Story Sports, Joe joins us to share his journey across two decades in the industry — from the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers to being part of Charlotte FC’s historic debut and now shaping the future of college athletics.

We dive into:

* What ticketing really means for revenue and fan engagement

* How NIL and revenue sharing are reshaping college sports

* The story behind Charlotte FC’s opening night and breaking the MLS attendance record

* Why leadership is about managing both up and down

* The risks and lessons learned from tough business decisions

* The personal rituals that keep Joe grounded in a high-pressure industry

Whether you’re a sports business professional, a fan of behind-the-scenes stories, or just curious how big decisions get made in athletics, this conversation delivers real insight with plenty of memorable moments.

🎙️ Listen now and discover what it takes to build teams, lead organizations, and leave a lasting impact in sports.

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