Sports Industry Growth: Pick-and-Shovel, Global Expansion, and Women's Value
SBJ Morning Buzzcast: November 20, 2025
Resources
Resources & Recommendations
Books
- "Million Dollar Arm" - This movie was referenced in the context of India's potential as an untapped market for baseball, suggesting that athletes from cricket might find opportunities in the sport.
People Mentioned
- Heather Carrots (Third Space Capital) - Mentioned as part of an opening panel discussing the state of the industry, particularly the value found in "pick and shovel" businesses.
- Jason Wright (Ariel Investments, formerly Commanders President) - Discussed his insights on institutional investing and the unique value proposition of women's sports.
- Cara Nortman (The Monarch Collective) - Provided insights on institutional investing and the reputability of women's athletes in sponsorship.
- Samir Ahuja - Participated in a panel discussing the tech entrepreneurial perspective and scaling offerings related to fan engagement.
- Jordi Leisure - Contributed to a panel on tech entrepreneurship and scaling offerings in fan engagement.
- Jeb Terry - Joined a panel on tech entrepreneurship, discussing scaling offerings for fan engagement.
- Tom Ricketts (Owner of the Cubs, Chairman of MLB's International Committee) - Spoke about mixed-use development around Wrigley Field, the success of Marquee Development and the regional sports network, and opportunities for MLB in international markets like Mexico and India.
- Mike Mazzeo - Referenced for his writing on the San Diego Padres' streaming subscriptions through the MLB broadcast group.
- Brett Parker (Legends Global) - Participated in a panel about working overseas and also chimed in on the lack of world-class concert venues in Europe.
- Sam Porter (Apollo Sports Capital) - Made his first public appearance since Apollo Sports became the controlling owner of Atletico Madrid, discussing opportunities in Madrid and his past experiences with franchises in Mexico and Colombia.
- Jeff Roth (Bruin Capital) - Participated in a panel with executives who have spent time working overseas.
- Abe Madkour (SBJ) - Interviewed NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum about the NBA's efforts in Europe.
- Mark Tatum (NBA Deputy Commissioner) - Discussed the NBA's plans and growth opportunities in Europe, including the need for NBA-ready arenas, real estate opportunities, potential tournaments, and the NBA Africa initiative.
- Jeff Marks (Innovative Partnerships Group) - Credited for an idea that led to a billboard advertisement in Times Square.
- Charlie Neiman (Amazon Prime Video) - Featured on the SBJ Sports Media Podcast, discussing the NBA package on Amazon and the NFL's Black Friday plans.
Organizations & Institutions
- Third Space Capital - A firm finding value in "pick and shovel" businesses in and around sports and live events.
- Ariel Investments - Mentioned as Jason Wright's current affiliation.
- The Monarch Collective - Mentioned as Cara Nortman's affiliation.
- MLB International Committee - Chaired by Tom Ricketts, focusing on global expansion for Major League Baseball.
- Apollo Sports Capital - Recently became the controlling owner of Atletico Madrid.
- Legends Global - Brett Parker's affiliation, involved in international projects.
- Bruin Capital - Jeff Roth's affiliation.
- Euroleague - The NBA is looking to cooperate with Euroleague to be complementary in their European expansion efforts.
- Atletico Madrid - A La Liga club that Apollo Sports Capital recently acquired a controlling stake in.
- Real Madrid - Mentioned as Luka Dončić's former club, highlighting the popularity of European basketball talent.
- AC Milan - Referenced as an example of a European club with a strong brand that could potentially have a basketball team in a proposed NBA tournament.
- FC Barcelona - Referenced as an example of a European club with a strong brand that could potentially have a basketball team in a proposed NBA tournament.
- NBA Africa - An initiative mentioned by Mark Tatum, with potential plans to go to market soon to sell franchises.
Courses & Educational Resources
- Dealmakers event - An event hosted by SBJ where the discussions and takeaways from the podcast originated.
- New Voices Under 30 celebration - An event hosted by SBJ for recognizing young talent.
Websites & Online Resources
- SBJ Sports Media Podcast - Mentioned as a resource for an interview with Charlie Neiman from Amazon Prime Video.