SBJ Unpacks

Knight Commission Co-Chair Arne Duncan sits down with Michael Smith and responds to criticism of the organization’s suggested split of FBS football into its own self-governing group.

Hawks & State Farm Arena CEO Steve Koonin joins SBJ’s Andrew Levin to break down the team’s plans for the 2020-2021 NBA season, including in-arena advertising, hosting fans safely and the pandemic’s financial impact. Other topics include the Hawks’ noteworthy efforts in the protection and expansion of voter rights during the 2020 election cycle.

Like many organizations across the sports industry, the United States Tennis Association experienced a rough but also rewarding 2020, characterized by layoffs and a restructuring of the large organization, but also the successful hosting of the 2020 US Open. SBJ’s Bret McCormick is joined by Michael Dowse, the CEO and executive director of the USTA, on this episode of Unpacks.

Fiesta Bowl Exec Dir Mike Nealy joins SBJ’s Andrew Levin to provide insights on how his organization is going about delivering its bowl series amid the pandemic, including locking in a new title sponsor, Guaranteed Rate, for the Cactus Bowl game. *Interview recorded 12/9/20

USA Weightlifting CEO Phil Andrews joins SBJ's Andrew Levin to discuss the national governing body's navigation of the pandemic, including how it has pivoted to ensure financial stability, safe participation and its promotion of gender and racial equity.

49ers President Al Guido joins SBJ’s Andrew Levin to break down the team’s sudden move from Santa Clara to Glendale, and what the rest of the season will look like.

Ivy League Exec Dir Robin Harris joins SBJ’s Andrew Levin to break down how the league has navigated the pandemic, including its decisions to thrice cancel sports seasons.

Riot Games' VALORANT Esports Strategy Lead Kasra Jafroodi joins SBJ’s Andrew Levin to provide a full break down on the game and Riot’s business strategy for it.

CEO and Co-Managing Director of Allied Sports Greg Luckman joined Terry Lefton to discuss the current state of the sports marketing agency landscape.

Sports & entertainment marketer Elisa Padilla joins SBJ's Andrew Levin to discuss how the pandemic has impacted brand-marketing strategies and innovations, plus her diverse portfolio of past workings including Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment and the Marlins.

Fox Sports Senior VP/Production & Talent Development Jacob Ullman joins SBJ’s Andrew Levin to discuss the net’s plans for its Thanksgiving NFL broadcast, as well as how things have gone so far this season, and where things are heading.

ESPN Senior Coordinating Producer Phil Orlins joins SBJ’s Andrew Levin to discuss what the net has learned about remote production through its coverage of the Korea Baseball Organization, and how it has utilized those learnings in other productions.

WME agent Sloane Cavitt Logue joins SBJ’s Andrew Levin to discuss what’s been keeping her busy amid the pandemic. Topics include her dealings with Scottie Pippen in the wake of the success of “The Last Dance," and the future of live entertainment in Nashville. *Recorded 11/19/20

The NBA’s Vice President of Live Production and Entertainment Carlton Myers joins Terry Lefton to discuss lessons learned while producing in the bubble and what to expect with the NBA draft on the horizon.

FuboTV co-Founder & CEO David Gandler joins SBJ's Andrew Levin to discuss the sports-first television streaming company’s October IPO, how it is navigating the global pandemic and the future of content distribution.

FloSports Senior VP/Global Rights Acquisition Phil Wendler joins SBJ’s Andrew Levin to discuss how the pandemic has impacted the subscription-based, over-the-top platform’s content and rights-acquisition strategies.

Ironman Group CEO Andrew Messick joins SBJ's Andrew Levin to discuss how the outfit kept athletes engaged virtually during its hiatus, as well as how it has safely returned to hosting in-person races.

The Famous Group Owner & Managing Partner Jon Slusser joins SBJ’s Andrew Levin to break down the past, present and future of virtual- and mixed-reality in sports.

New PGA of America President Jim Richerson joins SBJ's Andrew Levin to discuss coming into his position during these unprecedented times and his goals for the future of the association. *Interview recorded 11/9/20

NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz joins SBJ’s Andrew Levin to discuss how the league has navigated the pandemic and where it is heading for its 35th season in 2021.

Breeders’ Cup Senior VP/Marketing Justin McDonald joins SBJ's Andrew Levin to break down how the event intends to engage with fans and bettors who won’t be in attendance this year. *Interview recorded 11/5/20

Genesco Sports Enterprises President & CEO John Tatum joins SBJ’s Andrew Levin to provide his take on the NFL season at the halfway mark, and to look forward toward the second half, playoffs and Super Bowl LV.