In this episode of On Stage, BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman joins Sports Business Journal’s Publisher and Executive Editor, Abraham Madkour for an inspiring and candid conversation that took place on September 25, 2025, at SBJ’s Game Changers conference in New York City. Ackerman — a pioneer in sports leadership and one of the most respected voices in college athletics — reflects on a career defined by innovation, advocacy, and resilience. From helping launch the WNBA as its first president to guiding the BIG EAST through a time of rapid change, Ackerman’s insights illuminate how leadership evolves in moments of transition. Key themes include: - College Sports in Flux: Ackerman’s perspective on the future of NCAA governance, revenue sharing, and why she believes Congress must help bring order to college athletics. - Leadership Lessons: How she approaches decision-making, mentorship, and the challenge of staying grounded while leading through uncertainty. - Women in Leadership: Reflections on her pioneering role at the WNBA and what progress still looks like for women across sports business and administration. - The BIG EAST’s Future: How the conference is positioning itself in an era of consolidation, commercial pressure, and new opportunity. - A Life in Sports: What drives her after decades of service to the game — and what legacy she hopes to leave behind. It’s a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation that captures both the wisdom and candor of one of the most influential figures in modern sports.

In this episode of On Stage, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Properties CEO John Slusher joins Sports Business Journal Editor-at-Large Terry Lefton for an insightful conversation about the business engine powering the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Recorded on September 17, 2025, at SBJ’s AXS DRIVE conference in Los Angeles, this discussion explores how Slusher — a longtime Nike executive who helped architect some of the brand’s biggest global partnerships — is now applying that experience to redefine how the Olympics engage fans, brands, and communities. Key themes include: - Commercial Innovation: How LA28 is building a dynamic, data-driven sponsorship model for a new era of global sports marketing. - Partnership Ecosystem: The vision for connecting brands to the Olympic and Paralympic movements through creativity, purpose, and long-term value. - From Nike to LA28: Lessons Slusher brings from decades at Nike, and how those insights shape his approach to leadership and brand storytelling. - Fan Engagement & Cultural Relevance: Why LA28 aims to make the Games as culturally connected as they are competitive. - Legacy & Growth: What success looks like beyond 2028 — for Los Angeles, Team USA, and the broader Olympic ecosystem. It’s a fascinating look inside the commercial blueprint of one of the most anticipated events in global sports — and what it takes to translate the world’s biggest stage into lasting impact.

In this episode of On Stage, we take you inside the L.A. Dodgers with CEO & President Stan Kasten and Executive Vice President & CMO Lon Rosen. This conversation, recorded September 17, 2025 at SBJ’s AXS DRIVE event in Los Angeles, explores how one of the most iconic franchises in sports continues to set the standard on and off the field. Kasten and Rosen—two of the most respected leaders in professional sports—share candid insights on how the Dodgers combine tradition with innovation to grow their global brand. The conversation covers: - Championship Business Model: How the Dodgers approach team building, fan engagement, and operations with a long-term vision. - Marketing & Partnerships: Rosen’s strategy for brand collaborations and keeping the Dodgers at the forefront of sports marketing. - Ballpark & Fan Experience: From stadium innovation to community initiatives, how Dodger Stadium continues to evolve as a world-class venue. - Global Reach: Expanding the Dodgers’ presence beyond Los Angeles and into international markets. - Leadership & Legacy: Reflections from Kasten and Rosen on what it takes to sustain success in one of the most competitive markets in sports. It’s an exclusive, wide-ranging look at how the Dodgers are building a championship brand for today and tomorrow.

In this episode of On Stage, Steve Ballmer—Chairman of the L.A. Clippers, Intuit Dome, and former CEO of Microsoft—joins Sports Business Journal’s Publisher and Executive Editor Abe Madkour for a wide-ranging conversation that took place on September 16, 2025, at SBJ’s AXS DRIVE conference in Los Angeles. With his trademark enthusiasm, Ballmer shares how he’s redefining what it means to be a sports owner, builder, and leader. The conversation explores: - Intuit Dome Vision: How Ballmer is creating a state-of-the-art arena designed to transform the fan experience. - Leadership Lessons: Insights from his years at Microsoft and how they influencerunning an NBA franchise. - Innovation & Infrastructure: Why building new venues is about more than basketball—it’s about community, technology, and culture. - The Power of Energy: Ballmer’s personal philosophy and how it drives his approach to business, sports, and life. It’s a dynamic and insightful discussion with one of the most energetic and influential leaders in sports and business.

In this episode of On Stage, two visionary leaders—Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments, and Ted Leonsis, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment—share the stage at SBJ’s Dealmakers Conference in Washington, D.C., on November 30, 2023. Hobson, a nationally recognized financial executive and advocate for financial literacy, speaks candidly about how Ariel Investments approaches long-term value creation, why patience is critical in both markets and leadership, and how she’s worked to open doors for underrepresented groups in business. She also reflects on lessons from serving on the boards of major companies like JPMorgan Chase and Starbucks, and the importance of making investment decisions that align with values as well as returns. Leonsis, a longtime entrepreneur, sports owner, and investor, brings the perspective of a dealmaker who has navigated growth across technology, media, and sports. Together, their conversation touches on what makes partnerships endure, the responsibility of leaders to connect business with community impact, and how innovation is reshaping both finance and sports. This dialogue is both practical and inspiring—grounded in real-world lessons while offering a vision for how business and sports leaders can drive growth with purpose.

In this episode of On Stage, Michael Rubin, CEO and Chairman of Fanatics, joins SBJ’s Publisher and Executive Editor Abe Madkour for a lively conversation at the CAA World Congress of Sports on April 16, 2024. Rubin pulls back the curtain on the unprecedented growth of Fanatics, which now spans licensed merchandise, trading cards, collectibles, and sports betting. Along the way, he shares the mindset behind building what he describes as “the world’s leading digital sports platform,” and what it takes to keep scaling a business that has reshaped how fans interact with their teams and athletes. The conversation touches on business metrics, the baseball uniform rollout controversy that made headlines in spring 2024, and lessons learned along the way about leadership, customer trust, and bold decision-making. For anyone interested in what it takes to grow a global sports business—and the human stories behind the headlines—this is a must-listen.

This episode of On Stage takes us deeper into the SBJ archives than ever before, revisiting a keynote interview from the 2016 Intercollegiate Athletics Forum with Paul Tagliabue, the longtime former commissioner of the National Football League. Tagliabue, who led the NFL from 1989 to 2006, oversaw one of the league’s most transformative eras: four expansion franchises, high-profile franchise relocations, and landmark decisions that reflected the NFL’s influence on culture and society—from postponing games after 9/11 to moving a Super Bowl over Arizona’s refusal to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, his impact continues to shape the sports landscape today. In conversation with SBJ’s Publisher and Executive Editor Abe Madkour, Tagliabue reflects on leadership, governance, social responsibility, and the business of sports during his time at the helm. Listening now, nearly a decade later, provides unique perspective: a reminder of how far the industry has come and how timeless lessons in integrity, vision, and adaptability remain. This is the beauty of On Stage: giving important conversations from SBJ’s archives new life, showing how they continue to inform the issues and debates of today.

In this episode of On Stage, Laura Ricketts—co-owner of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Sky—sits down with Abe Madkour, Publisher & Executive Editor of Sports Business Journal. Recorded on October 30, 2024, at SBJ’s Dealmakers Conference in Washington, D.C., the conversation highlights Ricketts’ unique position as one of the few women to hold a majority stake in a U.S. professional sports team. Ricketts reflects on her journey across MLB, WNBA, and NWSL ownership, and how her philanthropic and activist commitments shape the way she approaches sports as a business and cultural platform. Key themes include: - Trailblazing Ownership: What it means to be a female majority owner in a male-dominated space. - Investing in Women’s Sports: Lessons from her time with the Red Stars and her ongoing role with the Chicago Sky. - Philanthropy & Activism: How values-driven leadership influences business decisions and community engagement. - Building Sustainable Franchises: Insights into long-term vision, governance, and fan connection across teams. It’s a candid, wide-ranging conversation from a leader redefining what it means to win on and off the field.

In this special episode of On Stage, actor, comedian, and LAFC co-owner Will Ferrell joins Larry Freedman, the club’s co-president, for a fireside chat moderated by SBJ’s Abe Madkour. Recorded on February 27, 2023, at the National Sports Forum in Los Angeles, this session offers a rare glimpse into how one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures became a driving force behind one of Major League Soccer’s most dynamic franchises. Ferrell shares his origin story with LAFC—from being recruited as an owner to embracing the culture of the club—while Freedman pulls back the curtain on how the team has built one of the most passionate fan bases in American sports. Together, they discuss: - Why Will joined the ownership group and what he’s learned about sports business. - The rise of LAFC as both a soccer powerhouse and a cultural brand. - The mix of humor and humility that Ferrell brings to the boardroom and the locker room. - What other franchises can learn from LAFC’s community-driven growth model. As Abe Madkour later noted in his SBJ column, the session blended humor with real insight—a conversation that was equal parts entertaining and illuminating.

In this episode of On Stage, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred joins SBJ Senior Writer Joe Lemire for a candid conversation on the business, challenges, and opportunities shaping professional baseball. Recorded on April 22, 2025, at the CAA World Congress of Sports presented by Sports Business Journal, this keynote captures Manfred’s perspective just months before major headlines about MLB’s labor landscape and new national media rights negotiations. While the news cycle has since moved quickly—with fresh updates on his talks with players over the next labor agreement and signs of progress on a new media deal—this conversation offers an evergreen look at the commissioner’s leadership priorities and long-term vision for the league. Topics include: - Labor Relations: How MLB approaches dialogue with the players’ union and lessons from past negotiations. - Media and Distribution Strategy: MLB’s vision for its next rights deal and the role of direct-to-consumer streaming. - The Business of the Game: Expanding MLB’s global reach and deepening engagement with younger fans. - Competition and On-Field Innovation: Balancing tradition with changes that improve pace of play and overall fan experience. - Leadership at the Helm: What it takes to guide a century-old league in a rapidly evolving sports landscape. It’s a valuable snapshot of the commissioner’s thinking—one that’s as relevant today as when he stepped on stage.

In this episode of On Stage, Rich Paul—CEO of KLUTCH Sports Group and Head of Sports at United Talent Agency—joins Zach Leonsis, President of Media & New Enterprises at Monumental Sports & Entertainment, for a compelling one-on-one conversation that spans business, brand, representation, and long-term influence. Recorded on October 29, 2024, at SBJ’s Dealmakers conference in Washington, D.C., this session came just as Paul and Leonsis announced a new partnership between KLUTCH and Monumental—aimed at unlocking new revenue streams and strategic collaborations as Monumental prepares to reimagine Capital One Arena. In this conversation, Paul shares hard-earned wisdom from a career spent building one of the most influential firms in sports—and shaping how athletes think about ownership, leverage, and impact. Highlights include: - The Rise of KLUTCH: How Paul built a platform grounded in trust, truth, and cultural relevance. - Navigating Power & Partnership: What it takes to stay independent while scaling with purpose. - Modern Representation: Why being an agent today means managing media, brand, and opportunity all at once. - Long-Game Thinking: Paul’s take on influence, equity, and the difference between relevance and legacy. - Real Talk: How the business works behind closed doors—and why he’s playing chess, not checkers. Candid, sharp, and evergreen—this is required listening for anyone shaping the future of sports, media, and entertainment.

In this episode of On Stage, NCAA President Charlie Baker sits down with SBJ Executive Editor and Publisher Abe Madkour for a candid conversation about the state of college athletics—and the future of the NCAA itself. This conversation took place December 11, 2024, at the SBJ Intercollegiate Athletics Forum in Las Vegas, during a pivotal moment in Baker’s presidency. At the time, the industry was bracing for major shifts in governance, athlete compensation, and long-term sustainability. Since then, the updates have continued at a rapid pace: the NCAA’s proposed House settlement, revenue-sharing discussions, and deeper questions around the power dynamics between conferences and national leadership have all been in the headlines. And yet, this conversation remains deeply relevant and provides important perspective from Baker. Topics include: - Reimagining the NCAA: How Baker sees the organization evolving amid pressure for reform. - Conference Realignment & Governance: Balancing institutional autonomy with national cohesion. - Student-Athlete Opportunity & Oversight: What’s working, what’s broken, and what’s at stake. - Federal Legislation & Legal Strategy: Why Baker continues to call for Congressional involvement. - Leadership in Transition: What it takes to guide an institution under pressure from every side. In light of everything that’s happened since this conversation took place, Baker’s comments offer both a snapshot and a lens—a valuable perspective on how we got here, and where the NCAA might go next.

In this special episode of On Stage, two extraordinary leaders—General Mark Milley, the recently retired Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Ted Leonsis, Founder and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment—sit down for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, culture, and service. Recorded on October 30, 2024, at SBJ’s Dealmakers conference in Washington, D.C., this fireside chat explores what it means to lead during times of transformation—whether you're guiding a nation’s military or a multibillion-dollar sports and media empire. Topics include: • The Mindset of Service: What business can learn from military leadership and accountability. • Culture and Cohesion: Building organizations that are values-driven and mission-focused. • Decision-Making Under Pressure: Lessons from global conflict and billion-dollar business moments. • Patriotism and Purpose: Why service—military or civic—still matters in today’s fractured world. • Shared Responsibility: How sports, media, and government all play a role in shaping the future. It’s a rare and candid discussion between two leaders who’ve spent decades making consequential decisions—at the highest levels of two very different arenas.

In this episode of On Stage, Sports Business Journal’s Executive Publisher Abe Madkour sits down with iconic sports agent David Falk for a conversation about the legacy of athlete empowerment and the business of storytelling. Recorded on May 20, 2025, at SBJ’s 4se event in New York City, the conversation traces Falk’s role in redefining what it means to represent an athlete—not just on the court, but across culture, commerce, and entertainment. Falk, who famously represented Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing, and many more, shares: - The Air Jordan Origin Story: How a revolutionary approach to marketing turned a rookie deal into a global brand. - Agent as Architect: Why the most successful agents don’t just negotiate—they help build enduring platforms and partnerships. - Cultural Relevance: The fusion of sports, fashion, and music, and what it takes for an athlete to shape culture beyond the game. - Leadership Lessons: What he’s learned from four decades working at the intersection of sports, media, and influence. It’s a one-of-a-kind conversation with a one-of-a-kind operator—part oral history, part masterclass in what it takes to build icons.

In this episode of On Stage, Sports Business Journal’s Publisher and Executive Editor Abe Madkour sits down with SMAC Entertainment’s dynamic co-founders—Michael Strahan and Constance Schwartz-Morini—for a masterclass in athlete-driven media and brand building. Recorded on May 20, 2025, at SBJ’s 4se event in New York City, this wide-ranging conversation covers the origin story behind SMAC, how the former NFL star and the veteran media executive built a business that blends storytelling with strategy, and the secret to unlocking multi-platform success. Topics include: - The SMAC Playbook: How the duo built a platform that champions authenticity, from Coach Prime to the upcoming Madden film. - Strahan’s Evolution: From Super Bowl champion to Emmy-winning host, entrepreneur, and prospective NFL team investor. - Media Disruption: How SMAC is reshaping the rules of traditional sports and entertainment storytelling. - Brand Building: What it really means to be a multi-hyphenate—and how to scale that vision with purpose. - Creative Partnership: Reflections on years of working together and how their complementary strengths built a company that’s redefining modern influence. From Sunday football to weekday primetime, SMAC is proving there's more than one way to win—as long as the story is real.

In this episode of On Stage, Sports Business Journal’s Publisher and Executive Editor Abe Madkour sits down with the three siblings leading the most valuable sports franchise in the world—the Dallas Cowboys. Recorded on September 17, 2024, at SBJ’s AXS DRIVE event in Frisco, Texas, this rare joint appearance features Charlotte Jones (Chief Brand Officer), Jerry Jones Jr. (Chief Sales & Marketing Officer), and Stephen Jones (Chief Operating Officer) in an open, insightful—and often humorous—conversation about brand leadership, family legacy, and building a business that goes far beyond game day. Together, they discuss: - The Cowboys Brand Philosophy: How consistency, culture, and big picture planning keeps “America’s Team” commercially successful. - Family Governance in Sports: Lessons from decades of collaboration and how they divide roles across football and business operations. - Leadership Through Change: How the Cowboys have adapted to evolving fan behavior, media, and sponsorship trends. - Stadium and Venue Strategy: AT&T Stadium’s global status—and what’s next for the Cowboys’ physical and digital presence. - Legacy and Longevity: What it means to uphold a multi-generational vision while continually evolving. Getting all three Jones siblings on stage together is rare—and the energy, humor, and candor they bring to this conversation is both entertaining and insightful.

In this episode of On Stage, Olympic gold medalist and action sports icon Shaun White joins Sports Business Journal staff writer Chris Smith for a strategic conversation that took place on May 21, 2025, at SBJ’s 4se event in New York City. White shares his vision behind The Snow League, a new venture designed to bring structure, visibility, and commercial potential to competitive snowboarding—while capturing a broader, global audience. Blending his experience as a world-class athlete with lessons from brand-building and entrepreneurship, White covers: - The Genesis of The Snow League: Why he created it and how it fills a gap in the winter sports ecosystem. - Athlete Empowerment & Event Design: Reimagining competition formats, travel, and athlete schedules to prioritize sustainability, fan engagement, and fairness. - Brand Building & Cultural Influence: How White views storytelling, content, and creator partnerships as central to growing snowboarding’s mainstream appeal. - Long-Term Vision and Investments: How he’s positioning The Snow League as a platform for the next generation and additional investments he’s been making in sports. It’s a future-focused, candid conversation with one of the most recognizable names in sports—now shaping his next legacy as a league builder and business visionary.

In this episode of On Stage, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman joins Sports Business Journal senior writer Joe Lemire for a forward-looking conversation that took place on March 5, 2025, at SBJ’s Tech Week. Bettman—recently nominated for SBJ’s Executive of the Year award—shares how the NHL is modernizing its business and leaning into technology to shape the league’s next era. In a conversation spanning strategy, innovation, and tradition, Bettman discusses: Revenue Growth & Fan Engagement: How the league is tracking toward $7 billion in projected revenue and what’s driving hockey’s expanding global reach. Technology & Data Innovation: The evolution of puck and player tracking, and how data is transforming coaching, broadcasting, and fan experience. Media & Streaming Strategy: Bettman’s take on digital consumption, partnerships, and balancing national exposure with local market access. Future of the Draft: His thoughts on the NHL Draft and how it’s going to be evolving moving forward. Leadership & Legacy: Reflections on his 30+ year tenure and how he continues to evolve the NHL for the modern fan. It’s a wide-ranging, insightful conversation with one of the most enduring and effective leaders in sports.

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.