The ROAR Podcast

Episode

• Best Of: Alex Teodosi, Chicago Sky 02.07.2026 43mnt

  We're taking the week of the 4th of July off from new episodes, but we didn't want to leave you without something to listen to. We're re-running one of our favorite conversations from the season — Adam Grossman's interview with Alex Teodosi, Vice President of Corporate, Community, and Strategic Partnerships for the Chicago Sky. New episodes return next week.This conversation covers the rapid growth and evolution of the WNBA, the impact of that growth on the Chicago Sky as an organization, and Alex's role overseeing corporate, community, and strategic partnerships for the franchise. Adam and Alex dig into changing conversations with brands, the operational evolution of the team, the upcoming practice facility in Bedford Park, and what business growth actually looks like inside a franchise heading into its 20th season.The conversation also explores the adoption of data and analytics on the partnership side, the use of AI-driven insights and narratives in sponsorship conversations, the organizational impact of SmartDaaS, and how senior leadership at the Sky is thinking about AI as a strategic priority across the business.TakeawaysRapid growth and breakout moment of the WNBAEvolution of data-driven partnership conversations with national brandsThe role of AI in sports and entertainment partnership operationsLeveraging AI for data-driven insights, narratives, and speed-to-decisionChapters00:00 — Use of AI-Driven Insights20:35 — The Impact of AI in Sports and Entertainment33:46 — SmartDaaS and Organizational Impact
• The ROAR Podcast: Jason Wright 25.06.2026 52mnt

  Most people still frame women's sports as a movement. Jason Wright runs a fund built on the opposite premise — that it's one of the most under-researched and undervalued asset classes in sports. In this episode, Caroline and Adam trace Wright's path from seven years as an NFL running back, through a labor lockout that became his first lesson in sports business, to McKinsey, the President's chair of the Washington Commanders, and now Project Level, the women's sports fund he launched with Melody Hobson at Ariel Investments.The conversation lands squarely where ROAR lives: the intersection of sports, real estate, and revenue. Wright breaks down the thesis driving Project Level — the modernization of men's sports that women's leagues can now draft on, two decades of family spending on girls' youth sports, and the "net-new fan" who never bought a men's ticket. From there the group digs into the economics of purpose-built women's stadiums, using naming rights to lower the cost of capital, and mixed-use districts that can out-earn the team next door. 00:00 Cold open & a special two-grad format 01:15 From NFL running back to franchise president 04:15 What Northwestern athletics taught them 09:13 NIL, the transfer portal & the leadership question 15:30 Why women's sports: the Ariel model & Melody Hobson 18:00 The thesis: three tailwinds & the "net-new fan" 25:46 Data, AI & closing the capability gap 33:08 Inside the LP base & diversifying the asset class 38:45 Purpose-built women's stadiums: the value case 43:08 Mixed-use districts & when real estate out-earns the team 47:33 The public-funding case for women's venues48:11 What's next: leagues, youth sports & sleeper betsGuest BioJason Wright is a managing partner at Project Level, a women's sports investment fund and wholly owned subsidiary of Ariel Investments that he launched alongside Melody Hobson. A Southern California native, Wright played running back at Northwestern before a seven-year NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and Arizona Cardinals, where he served as a team captain and NFLPA representative. He earned an MBA from the University of Chicago and became a partner at McKinsey & Company in the firm's Washington, D.C. office, leading a global practice. In 2020 he was named President of the Washington Commanders, where he reset the organization's revenue strategy, rebuilt its season-ticket base, helped oversee the sale of the team, and worked to return the franchise to the RFK site before joining Project Level.
• The ROAR Podcast: Amina Bulman, Boston Legacy FC 18.06.2026 45mnt

  Most sports executives inherit a brand. Amina Bulman is building one from zero.As Chief Revenue Officer of Boston Legacy FC, Amina is launching a professional women's soccer club in a city that already lives and breathes its teams — with no history to lean on, a fan base that doesn't exist yet, and a permanent home still under construction. In this episode, Adam Grossman traces her unlikely path into sports: a competitive rower who studied political science and economics, expected a career in government, helped stand up the Obama Foundation, and then got a phone call in the spring of 2020 that pulled her into the franchise that had just become the Washington Commanders.Five years and one ninety-year-old rebrand later, she came home to Boston. Amina and Adam dig into what it actually takes to lead through transition — adding value when you're not the expert in the room, the difference between information and insight, and why her first season feels like running two races at once across two very different stadiums. They also get deep into the real estate: why she believes mixed-use is the future of sports venues, how White Stadium and "The Grove" are designed to function as civic assets year-round, and what it will take to turn the women's sports "rocket ship" into lasting cultural staying power.00:05 — Welcome to The ROAR Podcast00:37 — A circuitous path: rowing, government, and a five-year plan that never happened05:06 — Why the sports industry can feel "opaque" from the outside06:16 — What the Obama Presidential Center taught her about building a stadium07:16 — Leading when you're not the expert in the room10:43 — Saying yes to Jason Wright and a franchise in transition14:39 — Inside a 90-year-old rebrand19:30 — From chief of staff to the external face of the club25:35 — Rebranding a zero-year-old club: when unified sentiment raises the stakes26:59 — What fans actually wanted: values, experience, community29:35 — Information vs. insight: "Who is our fan?"31:41 — Two states, two stadiums, one first season37:04 — Why mixed-use is the future of sports venues40:07 — The Grove: a 365-day revenue engine41:37 — Mixed-use for women's sports vs. men's sports42:35 — The women's sports rocket ship — and how to keep it climbing45:14 — Year-one north star: more eyeballs on the productGUEST BIOAmina Bulman is the Chief Revenue Officer of Boston Legacy FC, where she leads commercial strategy for the new NWSL club — overseeing the launch of its brand, fan base, and revenue operation from the ground up. A Boston native and former competitive rower, she studied political science and economics and began her career in public-sector consulting before helping stand up the Obama Foundation in its earliest days, working across strategy, operations, and civic engagement programming. After earning her MBA, she joined the franchise then known as the Washington Football Team, spending five years through its transformation into the Washington Commanders — starting as chief of staff and expanding into external-facing leadership across communications and community efforts, including the organization's rebrand. She returned to Boston to help launch Boston Legacy FC, where she is focused on brand-building, mixed-use venue development, and growing the audience for women's sports.
• The Compounding Effect: Start Times, Districts, and the AI Land Grab 11.06.2026 38mnt

  This week it's just the three of us. Brice, Adam, and Caroline step out from behind the guest chair for a wide-ranging conversation on the stories moving sports business right now — and the single idea tying them together: compounding effects. One small change is almost never just one change.We start with Major League Baseball's quiet race to beat 7 PM, and why moving first pitch earlier is far more than a scheduling tweak — it reshapes who can attend, how long they stay, and how much they spend. From there the conversation widens to the mixed-use districts replacing the mall as America's gathering place (and how that model is cascading down to minor league, youth, and even high school facilities), the "land grab" of AI companies pouring into sports sponsorship, and what it actually takes to turn an AI partnership into something operational — including a look inside SmartDaaS, the Smart District as a Service platform powered by ROAR. Where sports, real estate, and revenue converge — in one conversation.00:00 — Catching up: the rebrand, Caroline's hosting, and the community throughline03:20 — Beating 7 PM: why moving first pitch earlier is more than a tweak06:47 — The counterintuitive case for the suburban family (end times, not start times)10:14 — Compounding effects: one small change, many revenue streams16:33 — From ballpark to district: malls, gathering places, and mixed-use18:18 — Why games ran late, and how streaming and the RSN decline reset the math22:00 — Pitch clock, ABS, and turning rule changes into partnership assets24:16 — Cascading down: minor league, youth, and high school sports real estate29:24 — The sports AI land grab and "business-backed" partnerships38:13 — Enterprise risk, top-of-funnel attention, and Oracle Red Bull Racing41:05 — Inside SmartDaaS: making AI actionable for sports, real estate, and revenue46:34 — What's ahead for The Roar Podcast
• The ROAR Podcast: George Barrios 04.06.2026 55mnt

  Adam Grossman sits down with George Barrios — former Chief Financial & Strategy Officer and Co-President of WWE, co-founder of ISOS Capital, board member and investor in Global Sport Group, and author of the new book Sometimes Wrong, But Never in Doubt.George helped take WWE from a company worth less than a billion dollars to a valuation north of nine billion, architected its merger with UFC, and — alongside his longtime partner Michelle Wilson — wrote a playbook that reframed how the sports industry thinks about intellectual property, content, and the fight for a fan's time. In this wide-ranging conversation, he unpacks the WWE Network gamble, the "swamp of despair" that forged an 18-year partnership, getting fired in 2020, the triumphant return to negotiate the UFC deal, and why he believes AI is foundational technology on the scale of the integrated circuit — not the internet.Chapters(00:00) Welcome & introductions Adam welcomes George to the show and sets the table for the conversation.(00:58) A "not so long" career — Time Warner to WWE to ISOS George traces the arc: early finance, management, and strategy roles at Time Warner, HBO, and the New York Times Company, the move to WWE, and the founding of ISOS Capital and Global Sport Group.(03:55) The book — Sometimes Wrong, But Never in Doubt Where the title came from, the Harvard-surgeon origin story, and why confidence rooted in preparation isn't the same as bravado.(08:41) The IP unlock: it's not sport, it's live The 12–18 months of consumer research and first-principles thinking that led to repositioning WWE around live, tribal, passionate, multi-generational content — and the "content factory" strategy.(09:22) Launching the WWE Network Cannibalizing a hugely profitable pay-per-view business to build an SVOD service for the most passionate fans — the criticism, the cannibalization fears, and the climb past two million subscribers.(13:03) Working with Vince McMahon What it was actually like — not the loud TV persona, but a stoic who was hard to read — and selling him on "killing the baby" of the pay-per-view business he created.(19:13) The "swamp of despair" The emotional journey of doing something big: naysayers, public-market pressure, and the three-to-four-year wait for the economics to manifest.(22:49) The Michelle Wilson partnership How two high-powered executives built an 18-year partnership, why the co-CEO model is so hard, and the Venn diagram of intellect, integrity, and energy.(30:40) Getting fired — January 2020 The wind-down with Vince, the decision to leave, the abrupt ending, and the stock drop that followed.(39:05) The dinner, the call, and the return Reconnecting with Vince in 2020, the 2023 phone call to bring back "the A team," and rejoining the board.(43:06) Architecting the UFC merger The strategic process, the conviction around scale ("one plus one is more than two"), and why the deal has looked better every day since.(48:22) What "data-driven" really means The difference between dabbling in data and doing the hard work — cross-platform content measurement, data engineering vs. analysis, and building the infrastructure from scratch(51:51) Closing question: Artificial intelligence Why George thinks AI is foundational like the integrated circuit, the danger of "dabbling," sports' competitive moat, and the discipline of not duct-taping AI onto an old business model.(55:35) Where to find the book & wrap-up
• The ROAR Podcast: Everett Sands, Lendistry 28.05.2026 31mnt

  The conversation covers Everett Sands' career journey, Lendistry mission, partnerships in women's sports, Lendistry's role in capital deployment, connecting women's sports and community development, using data to evaluate partnerships, supporting small businesses in sports and entertainment districts, and leadership priorities. Key takeaways include mission-driven finance, access to capital, and impact investing.TakeawaysMission-driven financeAccess to capitalImpact investingChapters00:00 Career Journey and Lendistry's Mission19:20 Supporting Small Businesses in Sports and Entertainment Districts37:19 Leadership and Priorities
• The ROAR Podcast: Alex Teodosi, Chicago Sky 21.05.2026 43mnt

  The conversation covers the rapid growth and evolution of the WNBA, the impact of this growth on the organization, the role and responsibilities of Alex Teodosi, strategic partnerships and community initiatives, changing conversations with brands, operational growth and evolution, the practice facility and business growth, adoption of data and analytics, and the use of AI-driven insights. The conversation delves into the impact of AI in sports and entertainment, highlighting the use of AI for data-driven insights and narratives. It also explores the organizational impact of SmartDaaS and the expectations of senior leadership regarding the use of AI.TakeawaysRapid growth of the WNBAEvolution of data-driven partnerships AI in sports and entertainmentLeveraging AI for data-driven insightsChapters00:00 Use of AI-Driven Insights20:35 The Impact of AI in Sports and Entertainment33:46 SmartDaaS and Organizational Impact
• Best of The ROAR Podcast: Craig Sloan 14.05.2026 50mnt

  The conversation with Craig Sloan covers his journey in sports media, the evolution of local media, the seismic changes in sports media, and Playfly's involvement in college sports multimedia rights. It delves into the impact of non-traditional sports providers, changes in data usage, and the future of multimedia rights in college sports. The conversation delves into the impact of multimedia rights and the challenges and opportunities of working with student athletes. It also explores the innovative approaches to revenue generation and the influence of data and technology on the industry.TakeawaysEvolution of MediaSeismic Changes in Sports Media Innovation in revenue generationImpact of multimedia rightsChallenges and opportunities of working with student athletesChapters00:00 Journey in Sports Media06:09 Evolution of Local Media19:28 Multimedia Rights in College Sports26:00 Multimedia Rights and Revenue Generation31:33 NIL and Revenue Sharing40:26 Data and Technology Impact
• The ROAR Podcast:Jim Renne, AECOM 07.05.2026 50mnt

  In this episode, Caroline Valvardi interviews Jim Renne, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of AECOM's Sports Practice. They discuss the evolution of stadiums and arenas, the impact of transportation and mixed-use development, global insights and projects, favorite projects, and the use of data analytics in sports architecture.TakeawaysSports venues as community anchorsChallenges in sports architectureEvolution of stadiums and arenasChapters00:00 Favorite Projects and Data Analytics
• The ROAR Podcast:Chris Bevilacqua, Smash Capital 30.04.2026 43mnt

  Chris Bevilacqua, a partner at Smash Sports, discusses the $5 billion annual deficit threatening the sustainability of college sports and the role of private capital, real estate, and artificial intelligence in reshaping the college sports model. The conversation also delves into the legislative process, media rights, and the impact of AI on college sports.TakeawaysPrivate CapitalLegislative ProcessChapters00:00 The Role of Artificial Intelligence in College Sports
• The ROAR Podcast:Jordan Goldstein, Gensler 23.04.2026 36mnt

  The podcast episode features Jordan Goldstein, Co-CEO of Gensler, discussing Gensler's impact and involvement in sports and entertainment districts. The conversation covers Gensler's background, expansion into sports and entertainment, employee ownership, evolution of sports districts, community impact, innovation, sustainability, technology integration, data analytics, future trends, and leadership priorities at Gensler.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Gensler15:15 Evolution of Sports and Entertainment Districts22:40 Integration of Technology and Immersive Experiences29:27 Future Trends in Sports and Entertainment Districts
• Scott Sonnenberg 16.04.2026 44mnt

  Discover how NBA veteran Scott Sonnenberg has helped craft one of the most innovative sports venues with cutting-edge technology, unique fan experiences, and impactful partnerships — all while harnessing data and AI to elevate the game.In this episode:Scott Sonnenberg's journey from the Chicago Bulls to Chief Commercial Officer of the LA Clippers.Key innovations at the Intuit Dome: seamless entry, tailored fan experiences, and high-tech features like Gameface ID.How the venue's design enhances gameplay, impacts opponent performance, and creates a significant home-court advantage.The strategic approach to global branding, partnerships, and community engagement within the LA market.The role of data, analytics, and AI in personalizing fan interactions and optimizing venue operations.Insight into premium experiences, premium seating design, and how LA’s competitive market shapes them.The future of sports venues: embracing AI, maintaining the essence of live sports, and creating memorable experiences.Timestamps:00:00 - Building the greatest NBA arena from scratch01:21 - Scott Sonnenberg's NBA career timeline02:47 - Innovations at Intuit Dome: Restroom design, Halo Board, and fan experience04:03 - Building a global brand while focusing on local fan base06:41 - Leveraging international partnerships and global NBA reach08:11 - Competition with Lakers and industry leadership in venue design10:17 - Creating ROI-driven, innovative sponsorships and partnerships12:02 - Sustainability and environmental initiatives at Intuit Dome15:04 - Seamless entry, personalized fan experience, and fan engagement technology17:04 - Early partner engagement during venue construction18:36 - Use of technology partners like Clear and AT&T within the venue20:29 - Interactive fan experiences driven by Candy Crush partnership26:53 - Personalization of fan experiences using data and analytics33:07 - Impact of venue design, the "Wall," and home atmosphere35:53 - Premium seating options and creating unique experiences41:16 - The role of AI in transforming sports and fan engagement44:11 - The future of sports venues: technology enhancement without replacing live elements
• Craig Sloan 09.04.2026 50mnt

  Craig Sloan, CEO of PlayFly Sports, discusses the evolution of sports media, the impact of non-traditional providers, and the seismic changes in the industry. He shares insights on the journey in sports media, the evolution of local media, and the role of multimedia rights in college sports. The conversation delves into the innovation in college sports sponsorship and media rights, the challenges and opportunities in college sports, and the impact of NIL on college sports. It explores the dynamic nature of multimedia rights, the need for sustainable revenue growth, and the role of technology and data in enhancing fan engagement and game day experiences. Additionally, it discusses the complexities of working with student-athletes in the context of NIL and the influence of artificial intelligence on the sports industry.TakeawaysEvolution of MediaSeismic Changes in Sports Media Innovation in sponsorship and media rightsChallenges and opportunities in college sportsImpact of NIL on college sportsChapters00:00 Journey in Sports Media10:05 Impact of Non-Traditional Providers19:28 Multimedia Rights in College Sports26:00 Innovation in College Sports Sponsorship and Media Rights31:33 Challenges and Opportunities in College Sports40:26 Impact of NIL on College Sports
• Dan Frystak 20.04.2021 54mnt

  Dan Frystak is a strategic sports and entertainment industry leader with extensive experience in creating and executing highly successful partnerships within the sports industry. Dan has held multiple positions with his company, CDW, where he is now the Sr. Manager of Partner Development. Within that role Dan works with CDW's network of technology vendors to design and create new partnerships within the sports, entertainment and charity space that demonstrate CDW's capabilities and their partners' technologies. Dan is also a familiar face and voice to those in the Sports Administration program as he is a frequent contributor to the Sponsorship course taught by Jim Andrews. We are always grateful for the time and insight Dan provides to the program and hope you enjoy Adam’s interview with Dan Frystak.
• Mike Schroeder 09.03.2021 43mnt

  This week’s episode features Mike Schroeder. Mike is a certified athletic trainer and Manager of Athletic Services at Athletico. Mike has a diverse background in the sports industry with work at the college, minor league, and professional levels across multiple sports. Mike and Brice discuss the athletic training profession, his career journey, current trends in the sports healthcare, and advice for those with career interests in the sports industry. You and find out more about Mike and Athletico at their website, www.athletico.com, on social media at @athleticopt, and to find out more about careers in athletic training check out @NATA1950.
• Adam Cook 09.03.2022 43mnt

  Adam Cook is the Director of Athlete Development & Partnerships at Campus Ink where he helps professional and collegiate athletes build and leverage their personal brand. His career has spanned a wide range of roles in sport, recreation, and fitness. He has served as a strength and conditioning coach, Men's and Women's Volleyball coach, and developed multiple athletic international service-learning programs. Adam has led sport and community impact programs in more than 20 countries as part of his passion for growing global sporting opportunities. This range of experience has given him a unique insight into the growing impact of sport on a global scale with first-hand experience at the highest levels of competition down to local community initiatives. In addition to his work at Campus Ink Adam is also an adjunct faculty member at Northwestern where he teaches multiple course in the MSA program, and at at California Baptist University in Exercise Science and Sport Psychology.
• Michael Amato And Ashley Escajeda 29.06.2022 37mnt

  During the summer quarter the MSA Student Leadership Council hosts a webinar series where they interview sports industry leaders across sports, roles, and backgrounds. The first installment of this series features Michael Amato And Ashley Escajeda from the Chicago Sky.
• Katie Morgan 03.06.2025 43mnt

  Katie Morgan is the Vice President of Business Analytics and Ticket Strategy for the Texas Rangers. Katie has held various positions beginning as an Inside Sales Representative, transitioning in the CRM & Database Manager, and now as the Vice President of Business Analytics and Ticket Strategy. Prior to her time with the Rangers, she played college basketball and spent a year coaching. Katie loves working for a baseball team and enjoys using analytics to help bring the experience of a Rangers game to fans throughout the area.
• Best Of: Eric Winston 29.05.2024 52mnt

  During this holiday week we wanted to run one of our best episodes of the season with Eric Winston. Eric is a former NFL offensive tackle and current president of Winners Alliance. Eric played in college at the University of Miami and was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. During his NFL career has also played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals, and Cincinnati Bengals. Eric was the president of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) from 2014 to 2020. As President of Winners Alliance, Eric oversees all business strategy and operations for the company. Most recently, Eric served as Chief Licensing Officer and Head of Partner Development & College for OneTeam Partners. The Wharton School alum led OneTeam’s consumer products licensing, partner development, and college division. Eric did his undergraduate work in international finance and marketing at the University of Miami and received an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. The guys will be back next week with new episodes and more great interviews.
• Adam Goldberg 01.03.2023 56mnt

  Adam Goldberg is the head of Azure OpenAI Enablement and Go To Market team and was previously an Account Director for the Go To Market team at OpenAI. Prior to his work with OpenAI Adam was the Director of Data and AI solutions at Microsoft and spent the early part of his career in multiple roles with Cisco.