NCAA Tournament Expansion to 76 Teams, Explained with Kristen Dozier-Williams

Evan Kaplan on MLB Player Branding and Sports Innovation

How do baseball players turn name, image, and likeness into lasting value? Nick Elam talks with Evan Kaplan, President of MLB Players, Inc., about the commercial side of baseball, from licensing and sponsorships to trading cards, jerseys, video games, social media, and player brand opportunities. Kaplan explains how MLB Players, Inc. supports active players, minor leaguers, and retired players while helping brands connect with players in ways that build fan engagement. We also take a look at our newest fan-submitted innovation: should every type of play in sports be reviewable through a coach’s challenge? Nick weighs the promise and the problems of expanding replay review, including subjective calls, default rulings, and a possible neutral review panel. The Season 1 finale closes with a “next to last” look at Breaking Bad’s Granite State and why the episode still works. What You'll Learn: * How MLB Players, Inc. helps players create off-field value * Why social media has changed baseball player marketability * What happens when limited opportunities like MLB The Show covers are available * Why expanded replay review is harder than it sounds * How fan-submitted innovations become part of Sports Rule Pod Timestamps and Chapters: 00:00 Season 1 finale begins 01:15 Evan Kaplan joins the show 02:40 What MLB Players, Inc. does 05:35 Licensing, NIL, and player value 08:50 Active players and alumni 12:15 Social media and marketability 15:05 MLB The Show and limited deals 17:35 Kaplan’s career journey 20:30 The chase of player licensing 22:45 Should every play be reviewable? 26:35 A neutral replay review idea 29:10 Breaking Bad’s Granite State 32:00 Season 2 and final CTA About Our Guest: Evan Kaplan is the President of MLB Players, Inc., the commercial arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association. His work focuses on player licensing, sponsorships, brand opportunities, fan engagement, and commercial partnerships for active, minor league, and retired baseball players. Frameworks or Strategies Discussed: * MLB Players, Inc. group licensing: The commercial model that allows brands to use the name, image, and likeness of groups of MLB players. * Player NIL and brand development: The process of helping players build commercial value through licensing, endorsements, products, social media, and fan engagement. * Innovation segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring segment where Nick Elam evaluates sports rule changes, fan-submitted innovations, and ideas at different stages of implementation. * Coach’s challenge replay review: The episode’s featured rule-change idea, focused on whether every type of play should be reviewable in sports. * Neutral three-person review panel: Nick’s proposed alternative for replay review, designed to reduce the influence of default rulings and high overturn standards. * Next to last segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring storytelling segment about the moment before the famous moment, used here to revisit Breaking Bad’s Granite State. Subscribe to Sports Rule Pod on YouTube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod] Subscribe to our newsletter:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/⁠ [https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/] Got a rule change you want to see implemented? Tell us about it here, and vote on other suggested rule changes:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/⁠ [https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/]

NCAA Tournament Expansion to 76 Teams, Explained with Kristen Dozier-Williams

The NCAA Tournament is expanding to 76 teams, but does that actually make March Madness better? Nick Elam breaks down the new men’s and women’s tournament format, the added opening round games, and why this may be a solution in search of a problem. The episode also features Kristen Dozier-Williams, regional club leader for League One Volleyball, on LOVB’s youth-to-pro volleyball ecosystem, sports career journeys, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the leap from corporate consulting into a growing sports startup. You’ll also hear a next to last segment on the 2019 Wimbledon men’s final between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, one of the most memorable matches from tennis’ Big 3 era. What You’ll Learn: * Why NCAA Tournament expansion may not improve championship legitimacy * How LOVB is building a connected youth and pro volleyball ecosystem * What Kristen Dozier-Williams learned from entrepreneurship and career risk * Why rally scoring, the libero, and golden sets changed volleyball’s fan experience * How the 2019 Wimbledon final became a defining Big 3 tennis moment Episode Highlights: * 00:00 Introduction and episode preview * 03:10 Kristen Dozier-Williams joins * 06:15 LOVB’s volleyball ecosystem * 12:40 Building youth volleyball clubs * 18:30 Career risk and joining LOVB * 26:20 Lessons from pro volleyball * 34:10 Volleyball innovations * 41:30 NCAA Tournament expansion * 53:00 2019 Wimbledon final Guest: Kristen Dozier-Williams is the regional club leader for League One Volleyball, also known as LOVB. She brings experience as a former professional volleyball player, entrepreneur, consultant, and leader in youth volleyball development. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: * Innovation segment: A recurring Sports Rule Pod segment where Nick evaluates sports rule changes, formats, and new ideas at different stages of implementation. * Good idea scale: Nick’s rating framework for judging whether a sports innovation is practical, valuable, and worth adopting. * LOVB volleyball ecosystem: League One Volleyball’s connected model spanning youth clubs, families, coaches, and the professional league. * Rally scoring: A volleyball scoring format where a point is awarded on every rally, making the game faster and easier to follow. * Libero: A defensive volleyball position that changed team strategy by giving one player a specialized back-row role. * Golden set: A winner-takes-all volleyball format used to create a faster, higher-stakes deciding moment. * Next to last segment: A recurring Sports Rule Pod segment that revisits the overlooked moment before a major sports ending. * Choose-your-own-adventure bracket format: Nick’s proposed NCAA Tournament placement idea Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod [https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod] Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/ [https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/] Got a rule change you want to see implemented? Tell us about it here, and vote on other suggested rule changes: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/ [https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/]

Seth Greenberg on NCAA Expansion and NBA Draft Lottery Reform

College basketball and the NBA are both facing format questions that could reshape how fans experience the game. Nick Elam talks with ESPN analyst and longtime college basketball coach Seth Greenberg about preparation, mentorship, leadership, NCAA Tournament expansion, player compensation, transfer rules, and the lessons that last beyond wins and losses. Greenberg also shares what he learned from coaching stops at Virginia Tech, South Florida, Long Beach State, and beyond. The innovation segment scrutinizes the NBA’s proposed three two one draft lottery system, a reform aimed at reducing tanking while protecting competitive integrity. Then the next to last segment revisits the 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinal between the United States and the Dominican Republic, a game Nick argues belongs in the conversation as one of baseball’s greatest spectacles. What You’ll Learn: * Why NCAA Tournament expansion is likely tied to mega conference pressure * How Seth Greenberg prepares for live ESPN college basketball coverage * What coaching teaches about trust, habits, roles, and leadership * Why the three two one lottery may shift tanking instead of solving it * How the 2026 World Baseball Classic showed baseball at its most electric Episode Highlights: * 00:00 Episode preview * 03:20 Seth Greenberg joins * 06:45 ESPN preparation habits * 13:30 Mentors and media lessons * 20:15 Coaching identity and trust * 31:40 Recruiting and program building * 42:30 College basketball changes * 50:10 NBA three two one lottery * 01:02:30 World Baseball Classic classic Guest: Seth Greenberg is an ESPN college basketball analyst and former head coach at Virginia Tech, South Florida, and Long Beach State. He brings decades of coaching, leadership, recruiting, and media experience to a conversation about where basketball is heading. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: * Three two one draft lottery system: A proposed NBA draft lottery reform that assigns teams three, two, one, or zero lottery entries based on standings and postseason position. * Good idea scale: Nick’s recurring evaluation lens for judging whether a sports innovation is practical, effective, and worth adopting. * Cola Draft Mechanism: A draft reform proposal discussed in a previous Sports Rule Pod episode as an alternative way to reduce tanking incentives. * Fight, flee, or flow: Seth Greenberg’s way of describing how coaches can respond to major changes in college basketball. * Next play: A coaching principle Greenberg used to help players respond quickly to mistakes, adversity, and pressure. * Investment equals expectation: Greenberg’s leadership phrase for connecting resources, preparation, and results. * Next to last segment: A recurring Sports Rule Pod segment that revisits the overlooked moment before a major sports ending or milestone. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod [https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod] Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/ [https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/] Got a rule change you want to see implemented? Tell us about it here, and vote on other suggested rule changes: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/ [https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/]

Jerry Coleman on Baltimore Sports, MLB All Star Ideas, and Pickleball

MLB All Star Monday could showcase more than home runs. Nick Elam talks with Jerry Coleman, a longtime Baltimore sports media voice and host of the Bmore Baseball Podcast and Bmore Football Podcast, about Cal Ripken Jr.’s 2,131st consecutive game, Baltimore sports fans, the Colts leaving for Indianapolis, sports talk radio, podcasting, trust with sources, and why pickleball has become such a sore subject for tennis players. The innovation segment looks at a fan submitted idea to improve MLB All Star Monday with a bunting derby, fielding, throwing, and baserunning skills competitions, plus a Home Run Derby twist based on total distance. Then the next to last segment revisits the top of the ninth inning in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, the strange half inning between Hal Smith’s historic home run and Bill Mazeroski’s walk off. What You’ll Learn: * Why Cal Ripken Jr. still means so much to Baltimore sports * How Jerry Coleman builds trust with sources and former athletes * Why Baltimore sports fans differ from D.C. sports fans * How MLB could make All Star Monday more complete * Why the 1960 World Series turned on one bizarre half inning Episode Highlights: * 00:00 Episode preview * 03:00 Jerry Coleman joins * 06:20 Cal Ripken’s historic streak * 12:10 Baltimore versus D.C. fans * 18:30 Sports media and podcasting * 27:40 Pickleball, tennis, and rule takes * 37:20 MLB All Star Monday ideas * 46:30 1960 World Series chaos Guest: Jerry Coleman is the sports director of 100.7 The Bay in Baltimore and the host of the Bmore Baseball Podcast and Bmore Football Podcast. He has covered Baltimore sports for more than 30 years, including major moments involving the Orioles, Ravens, Cal Ripken Jr., and the broader local sports scene. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: * Innovation segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring segment for examining sports rule changes, fan submitted ideas, and innovations at different stages of implementation. * Good idea scale: Nick’s recurring rating system for evaluating whether a sports innovation is useful, practical, and worth adopting. * Fan submitted innovation: A listener idea brought into the show for review, scrutiny, and discussion. * MLB All Star Monday skills competitions: A proposal to add bunting, fielding, throwing, and baserunning contests before the Home Run Derby. * Total distance Home Run Derby: A proposed Home Run Derby format where winners are determined by accumulated home run distance instead of total home runs. * ABS challenge system: MLB’s automatic ball strike challenge system, discussed as a recent baseball innovation that adds strategy and drama. * Ghost Runner rule: MLB’s extra innings rule that starts a runner on second base during the regular season to help games end sooner. * Pitch clock: MLB’s pace of play rule designed to keep games moving and improve the fan experience. * Next to last segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring segment that revisits the overlooked moment before a famous ending. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod [https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod] Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/ [https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/] Got a rule change you want to see implemented? Tell us about it here, and vote on other suggested rule changes: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/ [https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/]

Four Point Field Goals and Life After Football with Corey Parkman

A four point field goal sounds exciting, but would it actually make football better? Nick Elam talks with Corey Parkman, a former NFL wide receiver, CEO of Corpas Holdings, founder of Minutemen Pre-K Leadership Academy, and author of The IVF Playbook for Men. Corey shares what he learned as an undrafted free agent, why versatility matters in pro football, how he moved into business acquisition and early childhood education, and why fatherhood has deepened his focus on being present. The innovation segment examines the United Football League’s four point field goal for kicks over 60 yards and whether it rewards the wrong kind of offense. Then the next to last segment revisits the controversial final seconds of the 1972 Olympic men’s basketball gold medal game between the United States and the Soviet Union. What You’ll Learn: * Why NFL roster survival often depends on special teams versatility * How Corey Parkman turned football lessons into business and education work * Why early childhood leadership can shape confidence, character, and readiness * How the four point field goal could change fourth down decision making * Why the 1972 Olympic basketball ending still raises hard questions Episode Highlights: * 00:00 Episode preview * 02:40 Corey Parkman joins * 05:30 NFL lessons and special teams * 13:10 Business after football * 18:30 Minutemen Pre-K Academy * 27:40 The IVF Playbook for Men * 37:10 Four point field goal debate * 47:30 1972 Olympic controversy Guest: Corey Parkman is a former NFL wide receiver, CEO of Corpas Holdings, founder of Minutemen Pre-K Leadership Academy in Indianapolis, and author of The IVF Playbook for Men. His work spans football, business acquisition, education, leadership, and fatherhood. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: * Four point field goal: A United Football League rule awarding four points for field goals made from more than 60 yards. * Good idea scale: Nick’s recurring evaluation system for judging whether a sports innovation is practical, useful, and worth adopting. * Special teams versatility: Corey’s key NFL roster lesson for players trying to add value beyond their primary position. * Corpas Holdings acquisition model: Corey’s business focus on acquiring small businesses, especially from retiring owners without succession plans. * Workforce housing: Corey’s real estate and development lane focused on affordable housing for working families. * Minutemen Pre-K Leadership Academy: Corey’s all boys preschool model designed to build kindergarten readiness and early male mentorship. * Social emotional learning: The academy’s focus on helping young children handle frustration, disappointment, sharing, and relationships. * The IVF Playbook for Men: Corey’s book about supporting a partner and managing emotions through the IVF process. * Next to last segment: Sports Rule Pod’s recurring sports history segment about the overlooked moment before the famous moment. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod [https://www.youtube.com/@SportsRulePod] Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/ [https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/] Got a rule change you want to see implemented? Tell us about it here, and vote on other suggested rule changes: https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/ [https://www.podpage.com/sports-rule-pod-with-nick-elam/suggest-a-rule-change/]