Sports Business Journal

Here's a look at some of those who were on the move around the industry this past week 💼 ◽ Clark Williams // Named Senior Associate AD/Brand Advancement & Strategic Communications at Southern Methodist University ◽ Adam Raphael // Named SVP/Partnership Sales at Range Sports ◽ Ashley Battle // Joined the Portland Fire as VP/Basketball Operations, Strategy and Innovation ◽ Tamica Clanton // Joined League One Volleyball (LOVB) as VP/Marketing & Experiences ◽ Andrew Sullivan // Named SVP/Partnerships at NPRP Media ◽ Nikhil Bobde // Named Chief Technology Officer at AXS ◽Alex Hazboun // Pivots to newly recreated Chief Innovation Officer role at AXS Congratulations, all! SBJ subscribers can stay up to date on the latest executive transactions throughout the week here 🔻 https://lnkd.in/guxgcE7w

𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗹: 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗻, 𝗦𝘆𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 💡 Rick Burton’s influence in sports management spans decades, from the University of Oregon to Syracuse, the NBA, and international leagues. Now the David B. Falk Emeritus Professor of Sports Management, he continues to teach, consult, podcast, and mentor students, challenging them to think critically and defend their positions — skills that alumni like NBA senior manager Harrison Avigdor say directly impact their careers today. Congratulations to Rick Burton for shaping the next generation of sports leaders: https://ow.ly/BUL150Xbf7S

Josh Wander, founder of 777 Partners, was charged with fraud and other counts in a federal indictment. Wander, whose firm was once a major investor in European soccer clubs, allegedly fabricated financial documents and made misleading claims to defraud lenders and investors of up to $500 million. The charges include wire fraud, securities fraud, and conspiracy. 777 Partners CFO Damien Alfalla has pleaded guilty to an unspecified charge. Via The New York Times https://ow.ly/wqtm50Xe6ki

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment has hired ESPN analyst and former Warriors GM Bob Myers as President of HBSE Sports 💼 Myers joins the organization in a full-time role across HBSE’s portfolio of sports properties, which includes the Devils, 76ers, Premier League club Crystal Palace, and an investment in NASCAR’s Joe Gibbs Racing. Per ESPN, he will also continue to support Harris, Managing Partner of the Commanders, and work closely with Harris and Blitzer. https://ow.ly/v3Ig50XefxA

As President and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays and one of only two active executives overseeing both baseball and business operations, Mark Shapiro’s role is uniquely comprehensive ⚾ He manages key stakeholders, leads high-level baseball decisions including major contracts like Anthony Santander’s five-year deal and the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extension, oversees $400M in ballpark renovations, and acts as a conduit between ownership and MLB. His leadership reflects a rare combination of strategic oversight, operational excellence, and long-term vision for the franchise. MORE: https://ow.ly/IoOi50Xeep9

Talks that began quietly a year ago between Big Ten Conference administrators and Commissioner Tony Petitti are now nearing a landmark moment. The Big Ten is exploring a $2B investment from UC Investments, the University of California’s $180B pension fund, to launch Big Ten Enterprises — a new commercial arm that would consolidate media rights, sponsorships and other revenue streams under one umbrella. 𝐒𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭? The deal would mark the first time a Power Four conference takes on outside capital. In return, schools would sign a 10-year grant of rights extension through 2046, ensuring long-term stability for both investors and the league. Ben Portnoy breaks it down: https://ow.ly/XoqX50XecAn

From the SBJ Tech newsletter: AMB Sports and Entertainment and its CTO Karl Pierburg are always focused on bringing more ease into the life of a fan. Here's how he sees the org's work on facial ticketing with Wicket expanding to other potential use cases in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium experience. https://lnkd.in/efBpD7s4

Checking out a completed renovation today in Charlotte Spectrum Center

"Every single decision is a competitive advantage in his mind, and he thinks that way, whether that's on the player facilities side or the fan experience side." For this week's Sports Business Journal: The Toronto Blue Jays have had an incredible bounceback season (heading into a massive Game 5 tonight), and President/CEO Mark Shapiro's steady leadership on both the baseball and business sides is a significant reason why.

The NFL is exploring a major shakeup in ticketing ahead of its 2027 network deal expirations 👀 On the table: league-owned platforms, full control of fan data and even locking out resellers. Could the future of NFL ticketing be in-house? Ben Fischer, Ethan Joyce & Bret McCormick are on the case: https://ow.ly/5xJ450Xeac6