Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience

Welcome back to the SBC Audio Experience! Today, we're excited to feature #SBCAlumni Erica Brunson, a Client & Marketing Services professional at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) [https://www.caa.com/]. Erica graduated from Villanova University in 2023 with a degree in Communications and a minor in Education. During her time at Villanova, she gained valuable experience interning with the Dallas Mavericks' social media team in 2022, where she honed her skills in digital strategy and fan engagement. In this episode, host Riley Sager sits down with Erica to discuss: * What sparked her interest in the business side of sports * The unique elements that set SBC Immersive [https://www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/the-business-of-basketball-program/] apart from other sports programs * Her involvement with her family's Second Round Foundation [https://secondroundfoundation.org/] and the incredible projects she's learning from and contributing to * Her top advice for those aiming to break into the sports industry After participating in the SBC 2023 Immersive in Las Vegas [https://www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/the-business-of-basketball-program/], Erica's passion for sports business led her to secure a full-time role at CAA [https://www.caa.com/] in June 2024. Beyond her professional endeavors, Erica is actively involved the Second Round Foundation, [https://secondroundfoundation.org/] which aims to empower young individuals to achieve their full potential regardless of their background.We’re thrilled to have Erica join us as she shares her journey from Villanova to CAA, insights from her time as an SBC alum, and how she balances her growing career with her commitment to charitable work. Follow SBC: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sports-business-classroom/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sportsbusinessclassroom/] | X [https://twitter.com/SportsBizClass] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/sportsbusinessclassroom/] Follow Riley Sager: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-sager-04b4b4276/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rileyssager/]  Follow Erica Brunson: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-brunson/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/erica.brunson/]

Welcome back to another episode of the SBC Audio Experience! Today, we are excited to feature Joel Garcia, a dynamic VSL Alumni and the Director of Player Development for the Westchester Knicks. Joel's journey in the sports world is a testament to his passion and commitment to player growth and team success. Born in New York, his basketball journey began at South Kent High School and continued at Southern University in Louisiana, where he also pursued his passion for art, earning a degree in Art History. In this episode, Riley & Joel discuss:  * Joel’s transition from playing basketball to focusing on the business side of the sport, and what led him to pursue a career in player development. * Building trust with his players and navigating the balance between on-court mentorship and off-court guidance * How Joel is working toward his future career goals today In his role, Joel focuses on ensuring player development by working closely with players on the court and analyzing game film. Joel has seamlessly transitioned into a vital role where he focuses on developing talent and fostering a winning culture. With an eye for talent and a strategic approach to player development, he is dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential both on and off the court. Tune in to hear Joel’s inspiring journey and valuable insights on navigating a career in sports, building trust with players, and how his past experiences continue to shape his future. Follow SBC: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sports-business-classroom/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sportsbusinessclassroom/] | X [https://twitter.com/SportsBizClass] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/sportsbusinessclassroom/] Follow Riley Sager: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-sager-04b4b4276/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rileyssager/]  Follow Joel Garcia: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jai_worldwide/]

Welcome to episode 107 of Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience. In today’s episode, alumni host Riley Sager, sits down with 2024 SBC Alumni Mohamed Haji. A remarkable 23-year-old SBC Alumni from Bahrain who is making a major impact in the sports world by blending basketball with cutting-edge technology. Mohamed’s journey is truly inspiring—from starting out as a player to now playing a key role in the executive management of the Bahrain Basketball National Team, Mohamed’s journey is one of hard work, dedication, and continuous self-improvement. In this episode, Riley and Mohamed discuss: * How growing up in Bahrain influenced Mohamed’s aspirations to work in sports management and technology, and the unique challenges he faced in the basketball scene there. * Mohamed’s approach to building strong relationships with coaches, and how those relationships evolved when he transitioned to an administrative role. * The impact of technology on the future of basketball, both in Bahrain and globally, and Mohamed’s efforts to integrate new innovations into the sport. In just two and a half years, Mohamed has helped the national team rise from 108th to 67th in the world rankings, all while working closely with the team’s chairman to develop innovative strategies that merge sports and technology. Mohamed’s passion for raising Bahrain's flag high and advancing the sport of basketball through technology is a testament to his dedication and vision. In today’s episode, Mohamed shares his journey, his ambitions, and how he’s breaking barriers in the sports industry. Stay tuned—you won’t want to miss this conversation!

This episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is from a previously recorded webinar on “Rookie/Veteran Extensions & Final Roster Decisions” hosted by Bobby Marks (SBC Lead Instructor & ESPN Front Office Insider ), Eric Pincus (SBC Instructor, Salary Cap Strategist & Writer for Bleacher Report) and Steven Alves (SBC Instructor). Throughout the webinar our hosts discuss the NBA's recent October 21, 2024 deadline for Rookie/Veteran Extensions and final roster submissions ahead of the 2024-25 NBA Season.Bobby, Eric and Steven dive deep on the following: * Extension Rules * Players of the 2021 NBA Draft class that signed a Rookie Extension * Players that signed a Veteran Extension * Key roster decisions * Q&A session with webinar attendees This webinar is an example of what students learn during the SBC Business of Basketball Immersive Experience. If you have any interest in taking part in our next program this upcoming Summer, be sure to join our Early Interest List [https://www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/early-interest/]. Early interest list registrants get the first opportunity to register for a program with limited capacity that will sell out. Sign up for the Business of Basketball Immersive Experience taking place in July 2025 during the Las Vegas Summer League. Follow SBC: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sports-business-classroom/] |Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sportsbusinessclassroom/] |X [https://twitter.com/SportsBizClass] |Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/sportsbusinessclassroom/] Follow Bobby Marks: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-marks-3823b6153/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bobbymarks42/] | X [https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42] Follow Eric Pincus: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-pincus/] |Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ericpincus/] |X [https://twitter.com/EricPincus] Follow Steven Alves: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjalves/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/swaggys5/] | X [https://twitter.com/StevenTheGM] For more information, visit sportsbusinessclassroom.com [http://sportsbusinessclassroom.com/]

In today’s episode of the Sports Business Audio Experience, we’re thrilled to sit down with Valentina Mattioli, Travel Operations Project Manager for the Paris 2024 Olympics & Paralympics. Valentina's journey in sports has been nothing short of inspiring, with a background that spans multiple countries and cultures. She graduated from CIELS University with a bachelor’s degree in Translation & Interpretation, as well as Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations. Thanks to two prestigious scholarships, Valentina gained valuable experience studying abroad, which has shaped her approach to global event management.In this insightful conversation, host Riley Sager and Valentina cover a range of topics, including: * The critical skills Valentina developed during her time with FIBA, and how those have influenced her career * Expert advice on building trust and cultivating meaningful relationships with potential employers and colleagues * Her most significant operational takeaways from managing large-scale sporting events like the Olympics Valentina's love for sports, especially basketball, has been the driving force behind her career. She began her professional journey as an intern at FIBA while still completing her university studies. Over the course of three years, she became an integral part of FIBA's global basketball operations, managing logistics and contributing to the success of major international events. Throughout the episode, she shares stories of her experiences on the ground and reflects on the challenges and rewards of working in such high-stakes environments. Whether you're looking to break into the sports industry or just fascinated by the behind-the-scenes of global sports events, this episode is packed with valuable insights from one of the industry's rising stars.