This week on the podcast, we’re rebroadcasting some of our best of 2020, including this conversation with Univ. of Michigan baseball coach Erik Bakich. Bakich joined our Michael Smith at the virtual Learfield IMG College Intercollegiate Athletics Forum earlier this month to discuss his efforts to make college baseball reflect the landscape of America, believing that the sport is doing itself a disservice by not being more diverse.

This week on the podcast, we’ll be rebroadcasting some of our best of 2020, including this conversation with Lightning Owner Jeff Vinik, who joined SBJ Publisher & Exec Editor Abe Madkour at the virtual Dealmakers in Sports conference earlier this month, discussing the state of the reigning Stanley Cup champions, and how the NHL has adapted and continues to adapt during the pandemic.

With the 2020-2021 season set to commence, NBA Head of Next Gen Telecast Sara Zuckert joins SBJ's Andrew Levin to break down the league's new and expanded digital-tech features, how they fit into various strategies for engagement and what’s ahead during this most-different campaign.

Raptors VP/Basketball Operations & Player Development Teresa Resch joins SBJ's Andrew Levin to discuss the team's move to Tampa to begin the '20-21 NBA season, addressing why Tampa, the setup to make players and personnel comfortable at practice and on gamedays, and a potential shift back to Toronto as the season progresses.

Simplebet co-Founder & CEO Chris Bevilacqua joins SBJ’s Andrew Levin to discuss his company’s work, principally, micro-market betting, how it applies across various sports and its impact for the future of sportsbook operators, leagues and media companies.

*Interview recorded 12/17/20

Knight Commission Co-Chair Arne Duncan sits down with Michael Smith and responds to criticism of the organization’s suggested split of FBS football into its own self-governing group.

Hawks & State Farm Arena CEO Steve Koonin joins SBJ’s Andrew Levin to break down the team’s plans for the 2020-2021 NBA season, including in-arena advertising, hosting fans safely and the pandemic’s financial impact. Other topics include the Hawks’ noteworthy efforts in the protection and expansion of voter rights during the 2020 election cycle.

Like many organizations across the sports industry, the United States Tennis Association experienced a rough but also rewarding 2020, characterized by layoffs and a restructuring of the large organization, but also the successful hosting of the 2020 US Open. SBJ’s Bret McCormick is joined by Michael Dowse, the CEO and executive director of the USTA, on this episode of Unpacks.

Fiesta Bowl Exec Dir Mike Nealy joins SBJ’s Andrew Levin to provide insights on how his organization is going about delivering its bowl series amid the pandemic, including locking in a new title sponsor, Guaranteed Rate, for the Cactus Bowl game.

*Interview recorded 12/9/20

USA Weightlifting CEO Phil Andrews joins SBJ's Andrew Levin to discuss the national governing body's navigation of the pandemic, including how it has pivoted to ensure financial stability, safe participation and its promotion of gender and racial equity.