Max Ade, Co-Founder of Pickleheads, is leading the charge in solving one of the biggest challenges facing the fastest-growing sport in America â pickleball. With 36.5 million players and counting, the sportâs rapid rise has created a surge in court shortages, long wait times, and overwhelmed organizers.To tackle these issues, Max and his team built Pickleheads, a platform that helps players connect, find local games, and organize matches seamlessly. With over 377,200 members and a recent $2.5 mi...
Mar 17, 2025â˘26 minâ˘Ep. 213
Keith Stein, CEO of the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball team, is making waves in sports by spearheading the return of professional womenâs baseball â the first league of its kind in North America since the 1950s. The Womenâs Pro Baseball League (WPBL) is set to debut in 2025, with six teams playing in intimate ballparks and plans for a national broadcast deal.Keithâs journey into baseball was inspired by his collaboration with Justine Siegal, a trailblazer in the sport and the first woman to pitch ...
Mar 12, 2025â˘35 minâ˘Ep. 212
Elite 7 Sports Medicine is redefining athlete care by providing innovative, on-site medical services at sports events nationwide. With a team of experts boasting over 100 years of combined experience, Elite 7 ensures athletes receive seamless, sport-specific treatmentâwhether competing, recovering, or returning home. Kelly Morgan, CEO and Medical Director, is an emergency physician and former athlete dedicated to improving access to high-quality sports medicine. With experience as an athletic tr...
Mar 10, 2025â˘27 minâ˘Ep. 211
Lucra Sports is redefining gamification in sports, entertainment, and media. As a venture-backed startup, Lucra provides innovative engagement solutions for consumer platforms, live events, and media companies, transforming the way fans interact with their favorite sports. Michael, the companyâs Chief Operating Officer, brings a wealth of experience from Goldman Sachs, where he worked in investment banking and corporate strategy. He played a key role in launching GS Accelerate, the firmâs global...
Mar 05, 2025â˘39 minâ˘Ep. 207
This monthâs panel explored the rapidly evolving landscape of racquet sports, highlighting key investment trends, technological advancements, and the growing influence of community-driven initiatives. As racquet sports like padel, pickleball, and tennis continue to surge in popularity, industry leaders are shaping the future with innovative strategies and bold investments. Key topics included the rise of padel and its investment potential, technological innovations in racquet sports, the role of...
Mar 03, 2025â˘50 minâ˘Ep. 208
IMG Academy is the worldâs leading sports education brand, serving over 150,000 student-athletes and 40,000 coaches annually through its boarding school, camps, online coaching, and recruiting services. Under the leadership of CEO Brent Richard, IMG Academy has evolved from a campus-based institution into a global powerhouse shaping the next generation of elite athletes. Brent Richardâs vision is to make IMG Academyâs life-changing experiences accessible to student-athletes worldwide, ensuring t...
Feb 26, 2025â˘29 minâ˘Ep. 207
Balltime is the first-ever Volleyball AI platform, trusted by 3,800+ teams worldwide for their video and analytics needs. By fully automating stats and data collection, Balltime provides teams with instant access to crucial performance metrics like serve speed, attack height, jump trajectories, and 3D play visualizationâempowering athletes and coaches with game-changing insights.Now, Hudl, a global leader in sports technology, has acquired Balltime, integrating its AI-driven analytics into Hudlâ...
Feb 24, 2025â˘29 minâ˘Ep. 207
Brandon McCaghren is a pioneer in the Jiu-Jitsu world, being the first to introduce the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system in the Southeastern United States. A well-respected instructor and content creator, Brandon has built a significant online following, with over 150,000 subscribers on both YouTube and Instagram. His influence extends beyond coachingâheâs a color commentator for major Jiu-Jitsu promotions, including ADCC, EBI, and CJJ. As the creator of the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) ,...
Feb 21, 2025â˘28 minâ˘Ep. 206
A Baseball Life: Player, GM, Coach, and Innovator Few people have seen the game of baseball from as many angles as Ruben Amaro Jr.âbig league player, general manager, coach, and now, co-founder of Sluggball, a brand-new take on the sport heâs dedicated his life to. Baseball runs deep in Amaroâs family. His father, Ruben Amaro Sr., was a major leaguer, coach, and scout. After playing eight seasons in MLB, Amaro Jr. transitioned into front-office leadership, becoming GM of the Philadelphia Phillie...
Feb 19, 2025â˘28 minâ˘Ep. 205
FlingGolf is transforming golfâmaking it more active, more fun, and more accessible. Instead of using traditional golf clubs, players use the New Swarm FlingStick to hurl the ball, shaping every shot from tee to hole. The best part? You can play on any golf course, and over 2,000 courses in 37 countries have already embraced it. The sport was created by Alex Van Alen, Founder & CEO of New Swarm Sports, who has spent his career promoting outdoor recreation and innovative sports experiences. H...
Feb 17, 2025â˘36 minâ˘Ep. 204
At SportsVisio, we are a team of passionate AI-driven software engineers and sports enthusiasts committed to transforming the way athletes and coaches engage with game data. Our technology makes pro-level stat tracking and highlight generation accessible without the need for expensive hardware or complex setups. Founded by Jason Syversen, a tech entrepreneur, investor, and former DARPA program manager, SportsVisio is at the forefront of AI-powered sports analytics. With a background in cybersecu...
Feb 12, 2025â˘27 minâ˘Ep. 203
ALT Sports Data was founded in 2021 to revolutionize alternative sports betting through exclusive data rights, AI-driven trading models, and cutting-edge analytics. As CEO and Founder, Joe Dunnigan leads the companyâs mission to provide sportsbooks with new betting markets while unlocking engagement, revenue, and fan growth for emerging sports leagues. ALT Sports Data is tackling the supply and demand challenges that have limited profitability in the sports betting industry. By leveraging propri...
Feb 10, 2025â˘29 minâ˘Ep. 202
Pete Nakos is a leading College Sports Business Reporter at On3 Sports, where he covers the evolving landscape of NIL, the transfer portal, and private equity's impact on college athletics. On3 is a premier sports media and technology company dedicated to delivering trusted news, analysis, and data across youth, high school, and college sports. Since its launch in 2021, On3 has played a crucial role in educating fans, athletes, schools, and brands about the rapidly changing world of NIL and coll...
Feb 05, 2025â˘36 minâ˘Ep. 201
The Future of Sports Coverage is Here! Today's guest is David Shapiro, and weâre diving into how Pixellot has become the biggest sports production platform in the world! đď¸ 40,000+ venues đş 1.3 million games streamed per year đĽ 5,000 games produced simultaneouslyâall powered by AI! David Shapiro has spent nearly two decades shaping the youth sports industry. He was the CEO of Steel Sports and played a key role at Positive Coaching Alliance. Now, as President of U.S. Youth Division and Head of...
Feb 03, 2025â˘23 minâ˘Ep. 200
INTENNSE is redefining professional team tennis with a fresh approach to competition, player engagement, and expansion. With $4M already secured and plans for a Friends & Family round and a formal raise in 2025, CEO Charles Allen is building a sustainable, fan-first league backed by strategic partnerships and smart capital allocation. Charlesâ journey is anything but conventional. From studying theater and political science to co-founding a groundbreaking B2B tech company and pioneering data...
Jan 29, 2025â˘45 min
Maxx MGMT, founded in 2018, is a boutique agency disrupting the athlete representation industry by offering tailored, off-the-field management services. From endorsements and marketing to lifestyle and business opportunities, Maxx MGMT connects its clients with global brands while helping them explore equity deals, real estate, and diversified partnerships. The agencyâs mission is to provide 24/7 representation with a personable approach, empowering athletes to reach their full potential beyond ...
Jan 27, 2025â˘32 minâ˘Ep. 198
This monthâs panel explored the evolving trend of multi-club ownership in sportsâa transformative model shaping the future of sports investments. The discussion delved into opportunities, challenges, and strategic insights in this dynamic space. Key topics included the rise of alternative leagues, the influence of celebrities in ownership, real estate and stadium development, and sustainability in sports investments. The panel featured insights from: Brett Johnson, Founder & CEO of Benevolen...
Jan 22, 2025â˘48 minâ˘Ep. 197
Founded in 2018 to streamline the connection between sports events and host venues, Playeasy has grown into the leading sports tourism platform in the United States. Today, it connects over 300 cities, 14,000 sports facilities, 5,000 sports events, 20,000 restaurants and attractions, and 13,000 hotels. Playeasy supports destinations, event operators, and visitors at every stage of the sports tourism life cycleâfrom event venue selection and visitor experiences to post-event economic impact repor...
Jan 20, 2025â˘32 minâ˘Ep. 196
Brendan Doyle, President of US Sports Camps (USSC), has been at the forefront of youth sports in the USA for over 30 years. A seasoned leader with deep roots in the soccer industry, Brendan oversees the largest sports camp network in America and the licensed provider of Nike Sports Camps. Since 1975, USSC has been dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of athletics through high-quality sports education and skill enhancement programs. Under Brendanâs leadership, USSC has expanded its impact by pa...
Jan 15, 2025â˘25 minâ˘Ep. 195
Vasu Kulkarni, the self-proclaimed biggest basketball fan in the world, turned his passion for the game into a groundbreaking career. After playing on the JV Basketball squad at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also earned a BS in Engineering, Vasu founded Krossover, a sports analytics company that sold video and data tools to sports teams globally. Pioneering the industry, Vasu eventually sold Krossover to Stack Sports in 2017. His entrepreneurial journey led him to found Courtside Vent...
Jan 13, 2025â˘37 minâ˘Ep. 194
Full Pull Entertainment was founded in 2021 to transform the niche sport of truck and tractor pulling. Co-founded by Chase Richardson, a passionate entrepreneur, the company is reshaping the pulling experience with innovative fan engagement platforms, a cutting-edge content portal, and Real Money Gaming initiatives. Through partnerships with leading organizations in the pulling space, Full Pull is on a mission to bring this motorsportârooted in rural American culture for over 75 yearsâto new, ma...
Jan 06, 2025â˘27 min
SailGP was founded in 2019 by Oracleâs Larry Ellison and legendary sailor Sir Russell Coutts to bring the excitement of high-performance sailing to mainstream audiences. Known as "The F1 of the Water," SailGP features 10 national teams racing F50 foiling catamarans at speeds of up to 60 mph in stadium-style events near shorelines worldwide. Mike Buckley, a two-time world champion sailor, is the CEO of the United States SailGP Team. Last year, he led the largest team acquisition in league history...
Dec 26, 2024â˘27 minâ˘Ep. 192
Shamrock Capital recently closed $1.6B for its sixth flagship fund and inaugural small cap fund to continue investing across sports media and entertainment. Shamrock Capital, with over 45 years of deep sector expertise, is a premier private equity firm specializing in media, entertainment, sports, content, communication, and education. Built on legendary roots and a reputation for excellence, Shamrock has cultivated lasting partnerships with creators, management teams, and entrepreneurs. The fir...
Dec 18, 2024â˘37 minâ˘Ep. 191
Matt Joyce, a 17-year professional baseball player, made his mark in Major League Baseball with 14 seasons, most notably with the Tampa Bay Rays. A 2011 MLB All-Star, Matt earned a reputation as a consistent and versatile outfielder during his career from 2008 to 2021. Now retired from professional baseball, Matt has seamlessly transitioned into the business world. He is the owner and operator of five F45 Training gyms across the Tampa Bay area, focused on high-intensity interval training (HIIT)...
Dec 16, 2024â˘22 minâ˘Ep. 190
Graham Leveston, Co-Founder of College Properties Group (CPG), is redefining athlete experiences through world-class event management and brand development. With over 25 years of leadership experience, Graham has earned recognition for his expertise in strategy, brand marketing, and operations. During his 20+ years at Nike, Graham held senior roles in sales, licensing, marketing, and product development, managing $100M in annual revenue. At CPG, he brings this experience to life by creating unfo...
Dec 11, 2024â˘25 minâ˘Ep. 189
i9 SportsÂŽ, under the leadership of Matt Kurowski, is Americaâs leading multi-sport league provider, known for its innovative approach to youth sports. With programs for kids ages 3 to 14, i9 Sports emphasizes fun, convenience, and sportsmanship, helping children succeed in life through sports. The organization recently celebrated 5 million player registrations and was recognized as one of the Most Profitable Franchises of 2024. Since its founding, i9 Sports has created leagues, camps, and clini...
Dec 09, 2024â˘28 minâ˘Ep. 188
Five Iron Golf began in 2017 as a bold venture to transform how people experience golf in urban settings. Combining cutting-edge technology with a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere, Five Iron Golf quickly became a hub for both serious players and casual enthusiasts, offering simulators, lessons, food, drinks, and entertainment in a social environment. The companyâs unique blend of hospitality and high-tech innovation has reshaped golf culture in cities, expanding rapidly from its Manhattan roots t...
Dec 04, 2024â˘30 minâ˘Ep. 187
Old Tom Capital is an early-stage investment group dedicated to fostering innovation and growth within the golf industry. By combining decades of entrepreneurial experience with hands-on mentorship, Old Tom Capital supports startups in redefining the future of golf through strategic investments. The golf industry is evolving rapidly, attracting new audiences and creating opportunities in content, tech, and consumer engagement. Old Tom Capital is at the forefront of helping these ventures thrive ...
Dec 02, 2024â˘34 minâ˘Ep. 186
Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) is the largest network of tournament and community-based sports facilities in the U.S., hosting over 25 million annual visits and delivering $250 million in direct annual economic impact. With a focus on feasibility studies, financial modeling, and destination development, SFC plays a pivotal role in enhancing community development through sports. Under Jason Clementâs leadership, SFC has expanded its offerings to include event management, innovative technology ...
Nov 27, 2024â˘37 minâ˘Ep. 185
GMTM (pronounced Gametime) is a social network connecting athletes, organizations, and brands to maximize opportunities. By offering tools to increase reach and engagement, GMTM ensures equitable access for athletes to share their stories and pursue their goals. The platform works with partners like DIII colleges, National Governing Bodies, NFL teams, and brands such as Sports Illustrated. Itâs helping reshape recruitment, amplify initiatives, and address the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness ...
Nov 25, 2024â˘28 min
