SBJ On Stage

In this episode of On Stage, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, joins Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, family legacy, the future of the Colts, and the evolving business of the NFL. Recorded at SBJ’s AXS DRIVE Conference in Indianapolis on September 24 , the discussion explores how Irsay-Gordon is approaching a new e...

In this episode of On Stage, Herb Simon, Owner of Pacers Sports & Entertainment  and the longest-tenured owner in NBA and WNBA history, joins Abe Madkour, Publisher and Executive Editor of Sports Business Journal , for a wide-ranging conversation reflecting on more than four decades of ownership, leadership, and basketball. Recorded at SBJ’s AXS Drive conference in Indianapolis on Septemb...

In this episode of SBJ On Stage, recorded at SBJ's Game Changers conference in 2024 , trailblazing sports agent Nicole Lynn joins veteran broadcaster Bonnie Bernstein for a candid conversation about purpose, authenticity, leadership, mentorship, personal branding and the power of betting on yourself. Nicole shares how she left Wall Street to pursue a career in sports, why she refuses to "cover" pa...

In this edition of SBJ On Stage, we take you to SBJ's Media Innovators conference in the fall of 2024 for a conversation with UFC CEO Dana White, and SBJ Publisher and Executive Editor, Abe Madkour.   Fresh off a record-setting run at Madison Square Garden, White discusses the UFC's upcoming media rights negotiations, the rise of streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon and YouTube, and why he b...

In this edition of SBJ On Stage, we revisit a conversation between Bob Iger and Jimmy Pitaro from SBJ’s 2025 CAA World Congress of Sports.  The conversation takes on added relevance considering Iger and Josh Kushner’s pending acquisition of the Los Angeles Lakers in a record-breaking transaction. Plus, as the industry reflects on the one-year anniversary of ESPN's direct-to-consumer service, liste...

In this episode of On Stage,  Microsoft’s Chief AI Officer, MJ Jabbour , explores concepts such as “abundance of cognition,” the risks of de-skilling, and how organizations can prepare for increasingly capable AI systems.  The episode features a new addition to the SBJ On Stage format as TKO Group’s EVP of Innovation, Alon Cohen , becomes the show's first guest commentator, joining host Dan Kaufma...

In this episode of On Stage, Andrew Yaffe, CEO of Dude Perfect, joins Bret McCormick, Staff Reporter at Sports Business Journal , for a conversation about how one of the world's most recognizable creator brands is redefining sports fandom for a new generation. Recorded in June 2026 at SBJ's Brand Innovation Summit in Chicago , the discussion explores Dude Perfect's remarkable evolution—from five f...

In this episode of On Stage, Jess Smith, President of the Golden State Valkyries, joins Jenn Azara, Director of Tech & Women's Sports Content at Sports Business Journal , for a conversation about launching one of the most successful expansion franchises in professional sports.  Recorded at SBJ's Tech Week in New York City in May 2026 , the discussion explores how the Valkyries have blended technol...

In this episode of On Stage, Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix , joins Elle Duncan, Lead Host of Sports and Live Events at Netflix and studio host for USA Sports , for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of entertainment, storytelling, and live sports. Recorded in April 2026 at the CAA World Congress of Sports  presented by Sports Business Journal, the discussion explores how Ne...

In this episode of On Stage, Eric Shanks, CEO and Executive Producer of FOX Sports , joins Colin Cowherd, host of The Herd , for a candid conversation on leadership, media strategy, and the enduring power of live sports. Recorded on April 15, 2026, at the CAA World Congress of Sports in Los Angeles , the discussion comes at a remarkable moment for Shanks and FOX Sports. As highlighted in a recent...

In this episode of On Stage , Nick Khan , President of WWE  and Board Member of TKO Group Holdings , joins Abraham Madkour , Publisher & Executive Editor of Sports Business Journal , for a candid conversation on the evolution of sports entertainment and the business strategy driving WWE’s next chapter. Recorded on April 15, 2026 , at SBJ’s CAA World Congress of Sports  in Los Angeles, the discussi...

In this episode of On Stage, Sir Mohamed Mansour, Chairman of San Diego FC, Man Capital LLP, and the Mansour Group , joins Coy Wire , sports anchor and correspondent for CNN, for a fireside chat on leadership, investment, and the global growth of soccer.  Recorded on March 26, 2026, at SBJ Business of Soccer in Atlanta , the conversation explores how one of the world’s most accomplished business l...

In this episode of On Stage, Arthur M. Blank, Chairman of AMB Sports and Entertainment , joins Abe Madkour, Publisher and Executive Editor of Sports Business Journal , for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, ownership, and the continued growth of soccer in the United States.  Recorded on March 26, 2026, at SBJ’s Business of Soccer conference in Atlanta , the discussion offers a window into...

In this episode of On Stage, Steve O’Donnell, President of NASCAR, joins Ryan McGee, Senior Writer at ESPN,  for a forward-looking fireside chat on how one of America’s most iconic sports properties is evolving for a new era. Recorded on February 23, 2026, at SBJ’s National Sports Forum in St. Louis,  the conversation captures NASCAR at a pivotal moment—redefining its identity, sharpening its focu...

In this episode of On Stage, Clark Hunt, Chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs and Chairman of FC Dallas , joins Coy Wire, sports anchor and correspondent at CNN , for a fireside chat on ownership, legacy, and the continued globalization of football. Recorded on Wednesday, March 25, at SBJ’s The Business of Soccer event in Atlanta , the conversation offers a unique perspective from one of the...

In this episode of On Stage, Joe Buck, play-by-play announcer at ESPN , joins Eric Stisser, Vice President of Corporate Sponsorship for the St. Louis Blues , for a candid fireside chat about broadcasting, preparation, and longevity in one of the most visible roles in sports media.  Recorded on Tuesday, February 24, at SBJ’s National Sports Forum in St. Louis , the conversation gives listeners a cl...

In this episode of On Stage, Howie Nuchow, Managing Director at Creative Artists Agency and Co-Head of CAA Sports , joins Abraham Madkour, Publisher & Executive Editor of Sports Business Journal , for a conversation about the expanding role of capital, advisory, and global strategy in sports.  Recorded on February 23, 2026, at SBJ’s National Sports Forum , the discussion highlights how firms like...

In this episode of On Stage, Karen Brodkin, President of WME Basketball, joins Rachel Axon, Staff Writer at Sports Business Journal , for a dynamic conversation on leadership, representation, and influence across the sports ecosystem.  Recorded on September 25, 2025, at SBJ’s Game Changers event in New York City , this discussion traces Brodkin’s remarkable career—from senior leadership roles at F...

In this episode of On Stage , Matt Hong , President of USA Sports at Versant , joins Abe Madkour , Publisher & Executive Editor of Sports Business Journal , for an insightful conversation on how the sports media landscape is being rebuilt in real time. Recorded on November 18, 2025 , at SBJ’s Media Innovators in New York City, the discussion captures Hong at the center of a fast-evolving ecosystem...

00:00 - Intro 01:16 - Assessment of job 3 years in 04:17 - Post-House reality for NCAA 04:59 - NCAA would have been bankrupt 05:20 - Prop bets 07:58 - Commercial appeal of NCAA 10:29 - Growth sports around the country 11:06 - SCORE Act update 12:30 - Private equity caution 14:38 - Issues that keep Charlie Baker up at night 17:00 - Reaction to fans complaining about CFP 19:27 - Is college sports to...

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...

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...

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...

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, Colum...

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 transformati...