Haynes Hendrickson

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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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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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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📊 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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We talk about the power of sports on a daily basis, but the results of the latest Sports Events & Tourism Association State of the Industry Report, sponsored by Northstar Meetings Group and produced by Tourism Economics make the case with real numbers. And they are the strongest numbers ever recorded. Among the highlights: ⚽ 63 percent of cities that responded said sports are the top room-night generator in their communities. 💵 The sports-events industry had a direct economic impact of $52.2 billion in 2023 and $128 billion overall factoring all spending. ✈ More than 200 million people traveled to youth and adult amateur sports, as well as collegiate championships in 2023. 🛌 Sports-related travel generated more than 73 million room nights in 2023. Thank you to John David, STS and Sports ETA for the chance to support this important research. If your destination or organization is not investing in sports-related travel, it is time to look at the power this market holds for the future. And our events, including the TEAMS Conference & Expo, the EsportsTravel Summit and TEAMS Europe, as well as our channels through SportsTravel Magazine can help position you for success.

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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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One thing MLS clubs do better than most Build fan communities... Supporter clubs are subgroups of fans, created by fans, typically rallied around a specific cause. Clubs even promote the support groups on their website. Atlanta Untied has six official supporter groups, each with a bit of a different purpose using the team as the connective glue. If you search Atlanta United on Google, "supporter groups" is the second link that comes up. . . . Fans are almost self-segmenting themselves to create their own unique identity, experience, and association with the club. Teams in other leagues have tried to manufacture this concept, but it seems hard to replicate if you don't have fans leading the charge. MLS clubs allowing these groups to be known and associated with the club adds a layer of credibility and develops an even deeper association with the club than if the supporter groups were unofficially tied to the team. What are the best supporter groups in sports you've seen? #fanbuilding #sportsmarketing #sportsbiz

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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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Do really know the rules of baseball? Baseball Rules in Black and White App has helped thousands learn and retain the rules of baseball. We are the only rule resource that covers 4 rule sets. See the difference in Black and White. https://lnkd.in/g_6N6GN #entrepreneur #doyoureallyknowtherulesofbaseball

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Everything you need to know in #SportsBiz today:   1. Major League Baseball (MLB) and Geico SpA renew multi-year sponsorship, launching a new fan engagement platform across various MLB ‘s digital platforms 2. MGM Resorts International partners with New York Yankees, securing brand placement on LED signage at Yankee Stadium 3. Los Angeles Dodgers and Jacoby & Meyers renew multi-year partnership 4. Formula 1 One announces six venues for sprint races next year 5. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says league is open to private equity team ownership of up to 10 per cent 6. Uber Eats becomes an official partner of LALIGA until the 2026/2027 season 7. TGI Sport acquires virtual advertising specialist Supponor for €100m 8. Metaverse specialist Infinite Reality acquires AI and digital twin firm Landvault for US$450m 9. US appeals court rules that some NCAA athletes could qualify as employees under federal wage and hour laws 10. Wimbledon’s commercial and marketing director defends Barclays sponsorship deal amid protests 11. Vivendi reportedly exploring listing Canal+ on the London Stock Exchange 12. SailGP launches first AR and VR app ahead of season four finale 13. Footballco launches 'cross-platform audience segmentation and targeting solution' for advertisers 14. Tech specialist Cortex launches dedicated digital marketing platform for the sports industry Keep your finger on the pulse with all the major stories and news announcements by checking out The Wire - our one-stop shop and super-feed of sports business news 👉 https://lnkd.in/dJKSjMv5

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"We want to be a leader in the game and we want to be on the front foot." - Ali Curtis, MLS SVP of Sporting Development. MLS and MLS NEXT Pro are doing just that, as evidenced by the rules we have implemented to increase focus on player health and safety and to decrease time wasting. Today's article gives a great look at the rules and their impact. Take a look: https://lnkd.in/eJwPhtTq

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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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Great work by Ryan Picou and Nick Szpur on our initial podcast of The Sports Business Playbook! Great insights and best practices regarding Prospecting that is a must listen/watch. Episode #2 will launch in two weeks...keep your eyes open for another great guest! #sportsbusiness

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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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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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This article sheds light on the stark reality of adults exploiting players and their parents to capitalize on their amateur success. The focus is to offer the opportunity to play in college or professional baseball while perpetuating a culture of fear of missing out if you don't participate. The revenues will continue to be funded by the mass herd of youth players participating in multiple events, all for a ranking and profile to platform you to the next event. What a cycle. Now, players can or have signed away their NIL rights for this organization to continue to scale while offering more tournaments and showcases all year round to a younger and younger player demographic. Renowned MLB agent Scott Boras said in the article, "There are many other facets of illustrating your skills where you don't need Perfect Game, and to give away rights that potentially could be of substantial value to you going forward," he said. "That is not the original intent of what this was, which was a fee-for-service. Now it's a fee-for-service, plus a loss of monumental rights for no remuneration to the player."  With the prevalent use of social media, the NCAA's move to pay players and NIL usage, the industry will continue to pressure parents and players to do anything possible to secure their players' opportunities to play at the next level. The best players rarely have to pay to participate, with their expenses often compensated for playing in large-scale or marquee tournaments. They frequently move from team to team and showcase to showcase, seldom competing within their local communities. The focus has shifted from team success to building their brand. Injuries will continue to rise, and Major League Baseball (MLB) will continue to inherit a generation of players who have spent most of their time focusing on what they need to do to boost themselves and less on the teams that can help them succeed. I really hope and would love to see MLB Playball, USA Baseball, and MLB Pipeline's platforms efficiently marketed and integrated inside more communities to help offset what is currently happening to amateur players on their journey. After all, many of these players who are paying for these tournaments, are all dreaming of playing MLB. Starting off playing in your community league with a pathway of opportunity for more players to play at higher levels shouldn't come with such a high price tag.

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At the risk of repeating myself, pro sport leagues and the NCAA are powerless in dealing with sports betting. As noted in this fine piece in The Athletic , the leagues are trying to educate and discourage betting among those who play the games, coach the games and work behind the scenes. However, there will always be those who look to cash in on their insider info (competitive juices/desire for risks), bringing more damage to the credibility of what fans witness on the field of play. It can't be stopped. It's only the "dumb" ones who are getting caught...there are too many holes in the safety nets to stop someone intent on betting. The SCOTUS changed the trajectory of the industry in 2018 and what we are witnessing today was predicted and expected by those in the business in the run-up to that ruling. Again, the players and leagues are powerless in preventing this major change in how sports are consumed. The future, in all likelihood, will shift the focus of the consumer from athleticism to just a means to an end, aka a possible financial gain. Most, if not all, related articles refer to the leagues/teams as "being in bed" with the betting companies. However, if a recent Sportico post is accurate, the teams are selling their souls for table scraps. According to that post, NBA teams generated just $70 million in revenue from gaming sponsors in 2023-24. On average, that's slightly more than $2 million per team. [By comparison, financial services generated $247 million in revenue among NBA teams.] This all leads me to ask if it's worth it? What, if anything, can or should be done by teams/leagues, short of a reversal of the SCOTUS ruling? I have to assume these are questions today's sport industry leaders are grappling with. If they are not, they should be. https://lnkd.in/eQS_7xuM

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