In this episode of On Stage, Amy Brooks, President of New Business Ventures at the NBA, joins SBJ Managing Director Dan Kaufman for an insight-rich conversation that took place on March 5, 2025, at SBJ’s Tech Week in New York City. A core architect of the NBA’s growth strategy, Brooks offers an inside look at how the league is evolving its global and domestic business in a rapidly shifting sports landscape. She discusses: Fan-Centric Innovation: How the NBA is prioritizing personalized and seamless experiences, both in-arena and digitally, to meet the expectations of modern fans. International Expansion: The NBA’s ongoing efforts to localize its brand and programming abroad, building on the global momentum of its core product. The Role of Technology: How innovation is reshaping the league’s media strategy, data use, and direct-to-consumer efforts. TMBO: Reflections on the legacy of Team Marketing & Business Operations (TMBO), founded by David Stern, and its role in supporting team performance across markets. Leadership Perspective: Brooks’ insights on what it takes to lead innovation inside one of the world’s most dynamic sports brands. This conversation is a strategic roadmap for anyone interested in how major leagues like the NBA are evolving to stay ahead—both at home and around the world.

In this episode of On Stage, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver joins ESPN and ABC analyst Bob Myers for a candid, in-depth conversation recorded live on April 22, 2025, at the CAA World Congress of Sports, presented by Sports Business Journal. Silver, one of the most influential figures in global sports, shares his perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the NBA’s future. Myers—who served as General Manager of the Golden State Warriors, leading them to four NBA championships and earning two NBA Executive of the Year honors—brings a unique perspective from the front office to the broadcast booth. They cover: Media Rights & Broadcasting: Silver discusses how local NBA games are “trapped” by outdated cable deals and the future of direct-to-consumer viewing as the league looks to unlock new digital revenue streams. Ownership & Valuations: Insights on how shifting ownership dynamics and soaring franchise valuations are changing the league’s economic landscape. CBA & Player Relations: Silver addresses the evolving labor landscape, collective bargaining challenges, and how the league balances players’ needs with business imperatives. Vision for the NBA: From international growth to fan engagement, Silver shares his vision for how the NBA will stay ahead in a rapidly changing sports and entertainment ecosystem. This engaging, thought-provoking conversation between two respected voices in the game reveals how the NBA is navigating some of its biggest strategic challenges—and what’s next for basketball’s biggest stage.

In this episode of On Stage, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey joins Sports Business Journal’s Rachel Axon for a candid interview that took place on April 22, 2025, at the CAA World Congress of Sports presented by Sports Business Journal. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in college athletics, Sankey dives into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the NCAA and beyond: College Football Playoff (CFP) Format: Sankey offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing discussions and why there’s no final model in place yet. NIL: He unpacks the evolution of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and why a national clearinghouse could help restore trust and transparency. Congressional Involvement & Liability Protection: Sankey discusses why national standards matter, his thoughts on antitrust exemptions, and what real reform could look like. Media Rights & Conference Expansion: His perspective on how these forces are reshaping the SEC and college sports as a whole. Student-Athlete Welfare: How the conference balances commercial imperatives with the well-being and development of student-athletes. Vision for the Future: Sankey shares his thoughts on the next chapter for college sports, what’s working, and what still needs to be addressed. This conversation— which took place in front of a packed ballroom of sports leaders—provides great insights from the frontlines of the college sports evolution.

In the premiere episode of On Stage, we present an exclusive conversation between Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, and Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN. This discussion took place on April 22nd at the 2025 CAA World Congress of Sports presented by Sports Business Journal in Nashville, Tennessee. It offers a rare glimpse into a mentor-mentee relationship that has significantly influenced the modern media landscape over the past 15 years. Bob and Jimmy delve into a range of topics, including: Bob's journey from a local weatherman to the helm of Disney. The synergy between live sports and storytelling in modern entertainment. How Bob has approached the intersection of innovation and IP Disney's evolving streaming strategy and its implications for the future. Bob's recent investment in Angel City FC, led by his wife, Willow Bay. A personal anecdote about why naming his son after a childhood sports idol was reconsidered upon joining Disney This candid and insightful conversation provides valuable perspectives for professionals in sports, business, and media. Tune in to gain firsthand insights from two industry leaders with a shared history and a forward-looking vision.

Welcome to SBJ On Stage. Each week, hear an exclusive interview from one of Sports Business Journal's industry events.

SBJ’s Austin Karp talks with Octagon SVP William Mao about the recently announced joint venture between ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Legalized sports betting is in the third inning according to Scott Warfield. The PGA Tour’s VP of Gaming says that the industry is heading in the right direction and there is plenty of opportunity. Warfield joins SBJ’s Abe Madkour and John Ourand from Orlando in this edition of SBJ Spotlight.

Donna Orender has spent her career trying to make things better and more open to all. As a former WNBA President, Orender sees potential for women’s athletics and cause marketing and she joins SBJ’s Abe Madkour and John Ourand from Orlando in this edition of SBJ Spotlight.

Broadcast rights for NBA teams are in flux with Diamond Sports Group and the league trying to find a way forward. The Orlando Magic’s Alex Martins sees the potential for teams given the right leeway. The Magic COO joins SBJ’s Abe Madkour and John Ourand from Orlando in this edition of SBJ Spotlight to talk about the future of team media rights.

The 2023 CAA World Congress of Sports is about making connections and learning out how to position your business for massive changes ahead, said SBJ’s Abe Madkour and CAA’s Mike Levine. In this video, the two industry executives talk about some of the issues they expect to be top of mind when this year’s conference starts today in Los Angeles, including women’s sports, the continued rise in team valuations, and where leaders such as Adam Silver, Steve Ballmer, Ryan Smith and others believe the industry is headed. Madkour and Levine also give their advice on how to make the most of your World Congress experience.

Playfly founder and CEO Michael Schreiber joins SBJ’s Abe Madkour to talk about the growth of the agency, its focus on the fan experience, and what comes next.

Two decades after founding rEvolution, John Rowady reflects on the growth of the business, plans for the next two decades, and the biggest stories, stars and marketing opportunities that he’s watching today.

LIV Golf may have changed its story with a successful event in Boston, even as the PGA Tour takes steps to strengthen its position. SBJ's Eric Prisbell and Josh Carpenter on all of the latest golf news and what could be coming next.

NFF’s Steve Hatchell on what’s next after amazing start to college football season With so much happening around college sports off the field, it seemed almost too much to hope that the opening weekend of football season would live up to expectations. “Finally, we got to cheer for our teams,” said Steve Hatchell, CEO of the National Football Foundation, in an SBJ Spotlight interview looking at the college football landscape. “There was some great attendance at games … some real excitement and just some terrific games. I’m hoping that this type of enthusiasm goes on for the entire year.” Hatchell talked with SBJ’s Ross Nethery about the big stories in college sports and what might come next. On the CFP expansion to 12 teams: “Football is played in all 50 states … and we work with all 774 colleges and universities around the country. So if we can have a playoff that reflects on the investment in coaching and on the players from around the country, I think that’s for the betterment of the game.”

SBJ's Bret McCormick and longtime Charlotte journalist Erik Spanberg dig into the collapse of the Carolina Panthers headquarters project and look at what may come next for Tepper Sports. Spanberg: “There are a lot of bruised feelings, a lot of hurt egos, now that this thing is coming unraveled. The local parlor game is trying to figure out how this failure impacts negotiations going forward.”

SBJ's Abe Madkour, Ben Fischer and Austin Karp dive into some of the biggest questions facing the NFL as the new season gets underway. Topics include the potential for success — or failure — for Amazon’s Thursday Night Football, the future of NFL Media and Sunday Ticket, ratings expectations after last year’s 10% jump, and how owner behavior keeps providing unpleasant storylines around the league.

CNBC media reporter Alex Sherman joins SBJ’s John Ourand to discuss Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming strategy. The two talk about the company’s interest in sports rights, with Sherman noting that the company is in a cost-cutting mode, which is one reason why it has not been active in media rights negotiations over the past several months.

FaZe Clan began trading on the Nasdaq last week after a SPAC merger valued at $725 million. SBJ’s Kevin Hitt and Tobias Seck discuss the digital entertainment and esports brand now being traded as a public company.