In this episode, Ryan sits down with Steve Chan — Rise Sports Collective co-founder and former 49ers Business Strategy & Analytics leader — to break down how modern teams use data (and storytelling) to level up revenue, operations, and the fan experience.
Together, they cover:
The advantage of coming into sports from “outside industries” — and how it brings fresh best practices into teams
How the 49ers helped pioneer what’s now a standard BSA function across pro sports
Why the real job isn’t just building models — it’s getting stakeholders to understand, trust, and adopt the insights
The “Executive Huddle” at Levi’s Stadium: a real-time analytics room tracking entry scans, F&B/retail, and fan satisfaction to fix issues during the event
What great on-the-job training looks like (and how RISE courses replicate the “playbook + context” effect)
A fun learning takeaway from Breaking Bad: skills + context = real impact (and momentum)
If you work on the business side of sports — analytics, ticketing, marketing, premium, or operations — this episode is a practical look at how teams actually turn data into action. Use promo code LEARNINGLEVER here to get a podcast-exclusive discount
when you join the collective!
About RISE:
Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to
revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with
our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to
impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in
the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
Resources & Helpful Links:
Who We Are: https://www.risesportscollective.com/about
Check Out Our Curriculum:
https://www.risesportscollective.com/curriculum
RISE Sports Collective Membership: risesportscollective.com/membership