The Sports Business Leaders Podcast

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders podcast, we sit down with Jack Hally, Digital Marketing Manager at SeventySix Capital — a venture capital firm investing in the “next, next thing” across sports, media, and entertainment.

Jack shares how he helps shape the brand voice of SeventySix Capital by managing digital strategy, content creation, and media across platforms. From producing their flagship *Sports Leadership Show* to driving engagement through the *This Week in Sports Business* newsletter, Jack offers an inside look at how VC firms build visibility for sports tech startups and thought leaders.

We also dive into:

• How SeventySix Capital uses content and media to spotlight its most innovative portfolio companies

• The rise of smart tech like Diamond Kinetics and its impact on sports

• Why the professionalization of youth sports is one of the biggest shifts in the industry

If you're interested in where sports, venture capital, and digital media intersect, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

🎧 Listen now to hear how Jack and the SeventySix Capital team are helping shape the future of sports innovation.

What does it take to go from throwing touchdowns on Sundays to becoming one of the most respected voices and entrepreneurs in sports?

Just ask Ron Jaworski.

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, we sit down with the former Pro Bowl quarterback, longtime ESPN analyst, and Arena Football League executive to explore a career built on preparation, relationships, and bold decision-making. We cover:

• Jaworski’s transition from the NFL to broadcasting and business ownership

• The role of adaptability and innovation in today’s sports media landscape

• Behind-the-scenes insights into fan engagement and new tech in sports

• Hard truths about the shift from team-first cultures to individualism in modern athletics

• His experience leading the Philadelphia Soul and investing in sports ventures firsthand

Jaws shares powerful stories from the field and the boardroom — including lessons from legendary coach Dick Vermeil — and explains why leadership, trust, and preparation still matter most.

Whether you’re a sports founder, executive, athlete, or fan of the game, this conversation is packed with wisdom. Tune in now to hear from one of the greats.

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders podcast, Ryan DePaul, founder of the American 7s Football League (A7FL), shares lessons from building one of the fastest-growing emerging leagues in sports. We dive into what it takes to capture attention in a crowded sports landscape, the importance of authenticity, and how player-driven storytelling creates loyal fans.

Ryan explains how the A7FL’s unique format, 7-on-7, full-contact football without helmets or hard-shell pads, has fueled rapid growth through social media highlights and grassroots engagement. He also talks about how the league is helping athletes build personal brands and why connecting directly with fans is the key to long-term success.

If you’re interested in the future of sports, growing fan bases, and what it really takes to build a league from the ground up, this episode is for you. Learn more about the A7FL at A7FL.com.

On episode 16 of the SBL Podcast, Justin sits down with Sean “Sully” Sullivan, a former Under Armour executive who helped lead the company through its explosive early growth. As employee #73, Sully witnessed firsthand how UA scaled from a scrappy startup into one of the most recognized brands in sports, growing at a staggering 30% quarter after quarter for nearly a decade. He shares invaluable lessons on building a brand, adapting in a high-growth environment, and learning every corner of the business to stay sharp.

He talks about the power of reinvention, the value of maintaining authentic relationships, and how he leverages his deep network across the sports industry. From keeping a handwritten note habit to tracking industry movement like a scout, Sully shows how staying connected can open doors in unexpected ways.

Packed with stories, insights, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode offers a front-row seat to the evolution of sports business and what it takes to keep growing through every chapter.

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Justin sits down with Josiah Seetoo — Athlete Marketing and Event Strategist at SBL and a rising force in the sports business world. Josiah shares his journey from being a lifelong sports fan to becoming a strategic voice in athlete marketing and event execution.

They dive into Josiah’s leadership experience at Penn State, including his work with MICS and the Penn State Sports Business Conference. With the first-ever SBL State College event coming up on April 15th, Josiah offers a glimpse into what’s next for college sports business leaders and why now is a pivotal moment for innovation in the space.

Whether you're building a brand, navigating NIL, or just passionate about the future of sports, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders podcast, Justin sits down with former Colgate quarterback and Arvelo Media founder, Grant Breneman, to explore the intersection of athletics, entrepreneurship, and media. Grant shares his journey from standout college athlete to launching Arvelo Media, a social media marketing agency helping athletes and sports tech brands grow through organic content and data-driven strategy.

Together, they unpack major trends in athlete-driven media — from college athletes embracing personal branding to former players transitioning into content creation and media careers. Grant emphasizes the power of social media in creating new opportunities for athletes both during and after their playing days.

Listeners will walk away with insights on:

• Building a brand beyond the field

• Leveraging social media for long-term career growth

• Creating opportunities in the booming world of sports content

Grant’s story, from record-breaking performances at Cedar Cliff High School to leading on and off the field, is a powerful look at how today’s athletes are shaping the future of sports media.

In this episode of Sports Business Leaders, host Justin Titchenell sits down with Josh Hansen, co-founder of Rolling Insights, to dive into the company’s evolution from a consulting firm product division into a fast-growing sports data provider.

Josh shares the challenges of sourcing affordable, reliable data and how that led to acquiring the IP behind their flagship platform, Sportwise. He introduces the Breakaway Accelerator Program, designed to empower early-stage sports tech startups through resources and community.

The discussion expands into the growing impact of AI in fantasy sports, betting, injury prevention, and fan engagement, highlighting real-world applications such as natural language processing, data visualization, and automated video creation.

Josh also talks about their partnership with Chata AI, a Calgary-based company leveraging Rolling Insights' data across NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and NCAA football. The conversation highlights the collaborative and close-knit nature of the sports tech industry, where innovation and support go hand-in-hand—even among competitors.

If you’re interested in the future of sports tech, AI, and entrepreneurship in the sports business world, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Justin sits down with former NFL star wide receiver Carl Pickens, a two-time Pro Bowler and the 1992 Offensive Rookie of the Year. They dive into Carl’s legendary career with the Cincinnati Bengals, his experiences playing against elite defenders, and the key lessons he learned on and off the field.

Carl reflects on his time at the University of Tennessee and shares insights on the importance of preparation, adaptability, and professionalism in both football and business. He also discusses the evolution of social media’s impact on athletes, emphasizing the value of learning, teamwork, and sacrifice in achieving long-term success.

Tune in for a conversation packed with wisdom from one of the most dynamic playmakers of the 1990s!

In this episode of Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Justin and Jake sit down with David Aaron, CEO of Envision, to discuss the power of storytelling in brand development. David shares the inspiration behind Envision and how culture and collaboration drive success in business. He dives into the biggest brand opportunities for athletes, teams, and organizations in 2025 and beyond, emphasizing the importance of a brand’s story and purpose.

David also discusses his partnership with former pro basketball player Kevin Owens in building an ecosystem for the overseas basketball community. Additionally, he provides an update on Envision Story’s development and their upcoming brand push launching in July.

Stay connected with Envision through their social media, website, and David’s LinkedIn for updates on their latest projects. Tune in for a deep dive into brand strategy, athlete marketing, and the future of impactful storytelling!

On this episode of the SBL Podcast, we sit down with Noah Glantz, a key player in the world of sports executive search and leadership development. Noah is responsible for maintaining a comprehensive database of top talent and industry contacts while conducting in-depth research on market trends, competitors, and emerging opportunities.

As a former college athlete, Noah brings a unique perspective to his work, using his firsthand experiences to help identify and develop the future leaders of the sports industry. Prior to his current role, he played a pivotal role in organizational transformation, leadership development, and DEI initiatives, helping businesses navigate large-scale HR and cultural shifts.

Noah is a graduate of Trinity College (CT), where he earned a degree in Psychology and Hispanic Studies. Tune in as we explore his journey, the evolving landscape of sports leadership, and what it takes to build a successful career in the industry!