Benjamin Gumpert

The NFL Schedule is being released this week. A few years ago, I worked with an Agile team to match the new NFL schedule to the ticketing system to provide clubs with secondary market insights as they looked to sell direct to customers. Why is this such a big moment to track secondary? 💴 Clubs that manage the secondary market tend to better generate primary revenue 🏈 Clubs can develop a direct promotion strategy to their fans, like allowing their most seasoned fans access first to their site for direct revenue 🆘 Clubs can spot unusual broker activity to identify any breaches of ticketing agreements One interesting takeaway - high ticket interest popped up during the NFL Draft. Some of it was related to Draft tickets, but the majority included searches for tickets. Should NFL clubs have the right to start selling tickets then? #tickets #sportsmarketing

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📊 New Data Tool for Evaluating Sports Franchises The University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business has teamed up with Arctos Sports Partners to launch the pioneering Sports Franchise Index (SFI). This innovative initiative promises to transform how we understand the performance and valuation of sports franchises. 🔍 What is the SFI? The Sports Franchise Index offers a comprehensive and transparent measure of the financial and operational health of sports franchises. Utilizing robust data analytics, the SFI aims to provide deep insights into the sports industry. 💡 Notable Findings: - Long-Term Growth: The value of North American sports assets included in the index has compounded at 13.0% per annum over the last 60+ years, outperforming the equity market by 2.5%. - Superior Risk/Return: According to several measures of risk, North American sports assets included in the index possess risk/return characteristics superior to other traditional and alternative asset classes. 📊 Latest Performance Updates (as of Q1 2024): - Quarter-to-Date Return: 4.8% - Year-to-Date Return: 28.1% - Three-Years-to-Date Return: 16.7% 🔝 Year-Over-Year Performance: - Outperforming Assets: North American sports assets have outperformed global equities (23.8%), U.S. small cap stocks (19.7%), private credit (8.8%), private equity (6.0%), commodities (1.5%), and fixed income (1.3%). - Top Performers: The U.S. media and entertainment sector (53.6%) and U.S. equities (29.9%) have outperformed North American sports assets included in the index. This collaboration highlights a significant step forward in using data-driven strategies to revolutionize the sports industry. I've dropped a link to the announcement in the comments 👇 #linkedinsports #sportsfranchise

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Here are 10 player development questions YOU MUST answer. What are your answers? Listen to podcast here: https://lnkd.in/gGjdJmB9 #PlayerDevelopment #LinkedInSports

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With the first waiver period coming up, several Major League Pickleball teams might be looking to make some strategic moves. Get the latest insights on which teams are planning to shake things up. 🔄 #pickleball #majorleaguepickleball #wavierperiod #linkedinsports #thedinkpickleball

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When you bring together collective genius to advance an industry, magic happens. I had the honor of co-chairing the Pro Sports Assembly Retreat for the second year, alongside the incomparable Oracio Galindo and Jamil Northcutt, Ph.D. Over 100 leaders from teams, leagues, venues, and affiliates gathered in Austin, TX, to delve into topics crucial for a sustainable career in sports.  Coming from outside the sports industry, having this brain trust and network of support has been invaluable. Thank you to Pro for creating this space, Laura Dixon for your vision, Jamil and OG for being incredible co-chairs, and to the many sub-committee chairs, speakers, MCs, Pro staff, and members who came to Austin. Together, we leveraged our collective genius to push our industry forward. The retreat reinforced the saying, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: A keynote with C-suite leaders from five major leagues, evaluating the current state, challenges, and future of leadership in professional sports. 𝐑𝐞(𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧)𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥: Exploring deal structures and innovations shaping the next era of pro sports fan accessibility and consumption. 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬: Sessions on fan engagement strategies, talent development, public policy, and the decision-making process for public statements. 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬: Engaging discussions on growth, challenges, and ownership in women's sports. 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭: Senior HR leaders discussed improving cross-sport connectivity, collaboration, and leadership development in pro sports. They shared effective strategies for attracting and retaining top talent. 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞: Debates on equity versus equality approaches, responses to common rebuttals, and a live debate of solution-based arguments, fostering a safe space for new ideas. Thank you to everyone who made this retreat a success. Together, we are moving the industry forward! #ProSportsAssembly #Leadership #Innovation #Inclusion

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In the NFL, we had detailed game plans for every opponent. The same strategy applies in the business world. When I started Front Porch Classics, a gaming company, we crafted a comprehensive business plan that detailed the who, what, how, and why of our vision. This roadmap was crucial in raising the necessary funds and guiding our actions. Key Takeaways: Detailed Planning: Write down your business goals and strategies. Clarity of Vision: Ensure your team and investors understand your vision. Consistent Execution: Stick to your plan but be adaptable to changes. A solid game plan not only boosts confidence but also provides a clear path to success. Just like on the field, preparation and strategy are the keys to winning in business. Ready to push your limits and achieve your goals? Follow me, Mark Pattison, for more insights on business and leadership. Repost this if you think it can inspire someone in your network! P.S. Join my newsletter, "What's Your Everest?" where I share lessons from my journey to help you conquer your own challenges. #BusinessInsights #StrategicPlanning #Leadership #MarkPattison #Summit

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Intriguing ESPN article about how the National Football League (NFL) is exploring how Private Equity could get involved in team ownership going forward. "A special committee of NFL owners has spent the past nine months investigating potential changes to league rules for team ownership, an attempt to grapple with a shrinking pool of potential team buyers amid soaring team valuations." "One of the possibilities on the table: allowing institutional wealth, including private equity, to invest in NFL franchises, which the league has never permitted." "A move to allow private equity firms or institutional wealth to invest as limited partners could free up cash for owners to pursue projects such as stadium renovations and would represent a large shift in how the league has historically operated, with the majority of franchises traditionally run as family businesses with single-family ownership." Link to the article in the comments below.

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As we bask in the aftermath of the Masters Tournament, it's thrilling to see how vibrant the golf scene has become. The latest findings from The Pulse of the Golf Consumer report reveal a significant upswing in golf's popularity. 📊 Key Insights: ⛳️123 million Americans engaged with golf last year in various forms, marking a 14% increase over five years. ⛳️An impressive 95% of core golfers are planning to play as much or more in 2024. ⛳️The female golf segment is showing particularly strong growth, with a 25% increase in participation over the last four years. ⛳️Social media continues to be a powerful platform for golf, with over 50 million Americans consuming golf-related content. The momentum in the golf industry is undeniable, and it’s exciting to see such enthusiasm and participation across the board. Whether it’s playing, watching, or discussing, the game is reaching more people than ever. Let's keep this momentum going!

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I've talked about the impact that the AIQ.team has in the NFL, but our value transcends beyond just the sport of football - we have a significant presence in basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer and more. With the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals & Draft right around the corner, our team is looking at this past year's rookie class and the signals the AIQ picked up between the players cognitive scores & performance on the court. 🏀 I wanted to share one in particular: the NBA All-Rookie team outperformed all of the other 2023 NBA prospects in the area of Learning Efficiency (LE). LE is one of the 15 data points the AIQ measures and affects a player's ability to learn technique, strategy, reports, etc. and recall this information readily when needed. Teams that use the AIQ for scouting & talent selection know that LE is a crucial indicator in a prospect's ability to learn the playbook more quickly than their peers and adjust to the speed of the game better than other draftees. As sports evolve to rely heavily on analytics and measuring "between the ears", we continue to provide insights & correlations to our teams to help them select the right talent, develop players properly, and ultimately take the right step to a championship caliber team. #Linkedinsports #NBA #CognitiveAssessment

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Big day. We just announced our community investment campaign for the Oakland Ballers. First we built the team. Now we want to build a new model for how fans and communities build value together and stay together. “The Ballers’ new ownership structure will go beyond any previous sports ownership models, offering fans an unprecedented bundle of rights..." In an attempt to repair the broken social contract between sports fans and team owners, the Oakland Ballers are unveiling a community investment campaign that aims to revolutionize the sports ownership model by giving fans unprecedented rights and a real seat at the table. By becoming an owner in the team, fans will have a say in:  - Where the team plays/relocation  - Input on changes to team logos or brand marks - Key front office hires More here: https://lnkd.in/gXRE9dYd.. TTW disclaimer: (1) no money or other consideration is being solicited, and if sent in response, will not be accepted; (2) no offer to buy the securities can be accepted and no part of the purchase price can be received until the offering statement is filed and only through an intermediary's platform; and (3) a person's indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind.

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Lots of possibilties in this incredibly powerful ecosystem. We at Elevate are big believers in the combination of data science and storytelling to unlock maximum value.

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I'm really pleased to see that slowing down as a competitive advantage is getting to the point that main stream media is giving it attention. We started building "braking" algorithms around our granular athlete assessment data over 10 years ago, and started mainstream discussion when we ID'd James Harden as the best braker we had ever assessed just prior to his winning MVP. Similarly, Luka was at the 90% of our NBA data base for this movement system when he visited us as a 16 and 17 yo. This is a very trainable system, and compared to our acceleration system is much more plastic in well trained athletes. Jumping high and running fast are the easiest things to identify and are important in ball sports like bball and soccer, but they may not be the most important physical performance metrics for success... and are certainly not the only. Even better brakers are coming.... #sportscience #data #NBA #athlete https://lnkd.in/gPbdyW-4

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After spending the last couple months diving down and meeting / having dialogue with all 20 China Basketball Association (CBA) teams, I’ve learned quite a ton. Here are a few highlights that should indicate the CBA is on an upswing: 1)  There will most likely be an increase to 6 quarters of game play by foreign players combined in the upcoming 2024-25 season, up from the current 4 quarters. That means that if a team has 2 import players on the bench (and they’re allowed up to 4 signed and registered to play anytime, but most teams carry 3), they will likely play 1 in the 1st quarter, 2 in the 2nd and 3rd quarters and are restricted to only 1 on the floor in the 4th quarter = 6 quarters with foreign players. As the entertainment quality of the product suffered 3 years playing in a bubble, and last season was the 1st truly post-pandemic CBA season, there is a need to make the game more dynamic, and foreign players raise the level of the game. 2)   While salaries are down from the days of import players making up to USD 4 million post tax pre-pandemic and in a different Chinese economy, all salary ranges quoted to me for foreign players by teams are USD 500K to 1.5 million post tax. This is still by far the highest in Asia, and it’s competitive with European salaries minus the top Euroleague Basketball teams. Teams are mindful of the need to carefully manage their finances in this economic climate, but the ecosystem is still incredibly more healthy than that of Chinese football (soccer). The tone I receive from team owners and managers is that the teams are committed more than ever to working together in a meaningful way to develop the CBA post-pandemic being financially responsible in line with current Chinese economic conditions through innovation and constant fine tuning of the product. No one is sitting on their hands and hoping for the best, and remaining the best and strongest league in Asia is a top of mind objective every day. 3)   Given the fact that the China men’s national team is not playing in the Olympics this summer, the focus on developing young players on the national team by playing in top competition in Australia and the U.S. is a smart move. The roster of young bucks was announced this past week, and this XInhua News Agency article has a reference to the July 5-10 NBA Summer League games Team China will play in Sacramento: https://lnkd.in/ggWK7-8b Team China (men’s and women’s sides) will play in Melbourne July 2 to 5: https://lnkd.in/gQJgs5sR Here is a photo from last weekend with Courtney Fortson, who is playing on the China NBL team Changsha Yongsheng and fighting to get back to the CBA. My colleague Alex Olin and I brought Courtney the second-ever China shoe deal for a non-NBA foreigner player with 361 Degrees International Ltd in 2018 when he became the league’s MVP after leading the team to the CBA Finals.

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As the Official Player Development Partner of USA Baseball and MLB's Prospect Development Pipeline, Rapsodo's PRO 3.0 unit gets a front row seat to all the action at the MLB Combine.   PRO 3.0 collected data during the on-field pitching and hitting sessions, providing MLB clubs, scouts, and coaches with real-time analytics of the MLB prospects' performances.   We studied the data captured from over 300 prospects during the week at Chase Field and identified some names that helped their draft stocks.   Here's a look at those standout performers as well as our leaderboards for hardest hits, fastest pitches, longest home runs, and highest pitch spin rates. MLB Combine Recap: https://lnkd.in/grSF4N5q   #PlayOn #PlayWithoutLimits #MLBCombine #MLBDraft #MLB #PlayerDevelopment #dataanalytics #SportsTechnology #SportsTech #Partnerships

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One of the standout features of Nirvana Super is that our HMB-infused beverages are designed for everyone, regardless of age or athletic ability. Plus, they taste fantastic. We're excited when sports legends like four-time NBA champion, two-time league MVP and 10-time NBA All-Star Stephen Curry and the parent company of his business endeavors, SC30 Inc. chose to invest in Nirvana Super out of all of their numerous beverage options, reflecting their commitment to wellness and great tasting, scientifically backed products. Our work with Stephen and our other #athleteinvestors is about more than simply growth; it's about forming relatable connections and sharing a common mission - #hydration meets #musclehealth. I believe the beverage industry is on the verge of becoming much more exciting, surpassing the trends of coconut water, coffee variations, and endless energy drinks. https://lnkd.in/exrAaz-b #NirvanaSuper #stayhydrated #stephcurry #linkedinSports #innovation #healthcare #startups #foodandbeverage

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If your interested in the business of Sport Joe Pompliano is a must follow. Here he does a great job of breaking down the complex scenario which is the NBA's new media rights deal. We think the money is big in American sports - wait until we see the new world this media rights deal will unleash! #sports #business #professionals #media #TV #nosuchthingasTVanymore #sportsbusiness #NBA

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In a May 15th status conference, Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), and National Hockey League (NHL) representatives voiced concerns about Diamond Sports Group’s lack of a renewal deal with Comcast, its third-largest distributor. ⚾️ Comcast's customers lost access to Bally’s regional sports networks in late April over cost and channel placement disputes. With a plan confirmation hearing on June 18th approaching, the leagues stressed the need for a viable business plan from Diamond. 🧢 Find out the implications of these disputes, the positions of the major sports leagues, and what to expect as the confirmation hearing nears. 👉 Read now: https://lnkd.in/eRzpXE3y #distresseddebt #leveragedfinance #debtcapitalmarkets

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💡 B2B Sports Go-To-Market Tip Learn the financial implications of your go-to-market efforts. By no means am I an expert on the financial side of the business but this can give revenue leaders a leg up in their career. Your CEO/President/CFO have a holistic view of the business from both the revenue and expense side and can appropriately assess the ROI of all of your go-to-market investments. If you are looking to move into an executive leadership role this is something to learn now. As an integrated go-to-market team it's important to assess performance and investments across all areas (Sales, Marketing, Customer Success) and not through a siloed department lens. These investments can be in technology products, headcount, programs, events, etc. To make this transition there needs to be honest dialogue, transparency and humility as a leadership team. We are very protective of our business units at times to the detriment of our organization but our first priority is to move the business forward and not only our individual areas. This is an area that I've had to grow and continue to grow everyday. For good reason, go-to-market investments are under more scrutiny and profitability is a top priority for executive leadership. That means as revenue leaders we need to be able to attribute these investments to driving the desired business outcomes. #gtm #profitability

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Readers Are Leaders. What book or books have helped you in your professional career? Today, I am dropping a podcast sharing the books that have helped me in my player development career. Share your book recommendations below. #PlayerDevelopment #LinkedInSports

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