41. How the NHL's Minnesota Wild and TrueDialog are Innovating and Converting Through SMS Text Messaging Summary Episode 41 - In this episode of the Farrell Sports Business podcast, the host Matt Farrell talks with execs from the Minnesota Wild about their SMS and text messaging efforts. Matt talks with Bryant Hafemeyer and Ben Hall from the Minnesota Wild and Amanda McGucken Hager of TrueDialog. The conversation explores the Minnesota Wild's innovative use of SMS marketing to enhance fan engagement and improve communication. The discussion highlights the strategic reasons behind adopting SMS, the importance of meeting fans where they are, and the various applications of SMS in sports marketing, from ticket sales to service communications. The panelists share insights on the competitive landscape of sports marketing and the future potential of SMS in enhancing the fan experience. In this conversation, the speakers discuss innovative strategies for ticketing and SMS marketing in the sports industry, focusing on the Minnesota Wild's approach. They delve into the mechanics of launching SMS campaigns, the legal considerations involved, and the importance of building quality SMS lists. The conversation highlights the success metrics of their campaigns, showcasing the effectiveness of SMS marketing compared to other channels. The speakers conclude with thoughts on future directions and the significance of maintaining compliance and quality in customer engagement. About the Farrell Sports Business Podcast Interviews with news makers from sports business to talk leadership, entrepreneurship, industry news and their unique career paths. Hosted by Matt Farrell, President of Farrell Sports and former Golf Channel, USOPC, USA Swimming and Warner Bros. Watch it on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@farrellsportsww Listen in Podcasty Places - Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and more Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Minnesota Wild's SMS Strategy 00:50 Launching SMS Campaigns: The Mechanics 26:23 Legal Considerations in SMS Marketing 32:37 Building Quality SMS Lists 35:51 Campaign Success Metrics and Insights 39:58 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions Intro Song: All World Artist: JMPSCR 7FDVISE1POBJCOMV…

40. Building the Sport of FlingGolf One Golf Course at a Time, with FlingGolf CEO Alex Van Alen Summary Episode 39 - In this episode of the Farrell Sports Business podcast, the host Matt Farrell talks with Alex Van Alen, the CEO/Founder of FlingGolf by New Swarm. They discuss the innovative sport of FlingGolf, its origins, development, and the challenges faced in promoting it within the traditional golf community. Alex shares insights into the business side of FlingGolf, including player engagement, course partnerships, and the importance of community building. They also explore the global reach of the sport, the establishment of the World League FlingGolf, and entrepreneurial lessons learned along the way. About the Farrell Sports Business Podcast Interviews with news makers from sports business to talk leadership, entrepreneurship, industry news and their unique career paths. Hosted by Matt Farrell, President of Farrell Sports and former Golf Channel, USOPC, USA Swimming and Warner Bros. Watch it on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@farrellsportsww Listen in Podcasty Places - Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and more Takeaways - FlingGolf is a unique blend of lacrosse and golf. - The sport has been played on over 2,000 courses worldwide. - Alex's background in environmental conservation informs his approach to business. - The pandemic positively impacted golf participation rates. - Community building is essential for the growth of new sports. - Golf course owners are receptive to FlingGolf. - Marketing efforts focus on normalizing Fling Golf in the golf community. - The World League FlingGolf showcases the sport on a larger platform. - Entrepreneurship in sports requires a long-term vision and commitment. - FlingGolf aims to attract non-golfers and casual players to the sport. Intro Song: All World Artist: JMPSCR 7FDVISE1POBJCOMV…

39. What's New in the Golf Industry from the PGA Show? Anthony Newville, COO at True Spec Golf Summary Episode 39 - In this episode of the Farrell Sports Business podcast, the host Matt Farrell talks with Anthony Newville, COO of True Spec Golf. In this conversation, Matt and Anthony delve into the golf industry, discussing Anthony's career, the significance of the PGA Show in Orlando, trends in equipment and marketing, and the rise of challenger brands in golf such as Srixon, Cobra and more. They explore the current state of golf, innovations in equipment, and the importance of custom fitting at True Spec. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of golf, the impact of COVID-19, and the future of the sport. About the Farrell Sports Business Podcast Interviews with news makers from sports business to talk leadership, entrepreneurship, industry news and their unique career paths. Hosted by Matt Farrell, President of Farrell Sports and former Golf Channel, USOPC, USA Swimming and Warner Bros. Watch it on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@farrellsportsww Listen in Podcasty Places - Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and more Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Golf Industry and TrueSpec 03:48 The PGA Show: A Hub for Golf Professionals 06:18 Trends in Equipment and Manufacturer Participation 09:26 Navigating Golf Marketing and Brand Loyalty 12:33 Challenger Brands: Strixon and Cobra 15:31 Innovations in Golf Equipment: The Ventus White 18:28 Apparel Trends at the PGA Show 21:38 Conversations in the Golf Community 24:28 Looking Ahead: The Future of Golf and TrueSpec Takeaways - The PGA Show has been a key event for golf since 1954. - True Spec is focused on brand agnostic custom fitting. - Golf saw a significant rise in popularity during COVID-19. - Major manufacturers are shifting their marketing strategies. - Challenger brands like Strixon and Cobra are gaining traction. - The Ventus White shaft caters to players with slower swing speeds. - Apparel is a significant part of the PGA Show. - Swag's creative marketing strategies are effective in attracting customers. - Golf is finding its new normal post-COVID. - True Spec aims to help golfers find the best equipment for their game. Intro Song: All World Artist: JMPSCR 7FDVISE1POBJCOMV…

38. From Street to Sport – The Business of Parkour with Robbie Corbett, Parkour Exec and Entrepreneur Summary Episode 38 - In this episode of the Farrell Sports Business podcast, the host Matt Farrell talks with Robbie Corbett, co-owner and director of the World Freerunning Parkour Federation and Creative Director of Integrated Obstacles. Corbett shares his journey into the world of parkour, discussing his transition from a small town in Florida to Los Angeles, where he became involved in the film industry and the establishment of the World Freerunning Parkour Federation. He highlights the challenges of creating a competitive structure for parkour, the cultural tensions between parkour as an art form versus a sport, and the production aspects of parkour events. Robbie also discusses participant demographics, the business landscape of parkour, and how individuals can get involved in this growing sport. About the Farrell Sports Business Podcast Interviews with news makers from sports business to talk leadership, entrepreneurship, industry news and their unique career paths. Hosted by Matt Farrell, President of Farrell Sports and former Golf Channel, USOPC, USA Swimming and Warner Bros. Watch it on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@farrellsportsww Listen in Podcasty Places - Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and more Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parkour and Robbie Corbett 03:53 Robbie's Journey into Parkour and Film 06:43 Establishing the World Free Running Parkour Federation 09:51 Challenges in Creating a Competitive Structure 12:39 Cultural Tensions in Parkour as a Sport 15:37 The Production and Experience of Parkour Events 18:47 Participant Demographics and Growth of Parkour 21:46 The Business Landscape of Parkour 24:52 The Future of Parkour and Getting Involved Takeaways - Robbie Corbett moved to Los Angeles to pursue parkour in film. - Parkour gained popularity through films like District B13 and James Bond. - The World Free Running Parkour Federation aims to formalize parkour as a sport. - Creating a competitive structure for parkour has been challenging. - Cultural tensions exist between parkour as an art form and a competitive sport. - Parkour is accessible and can be practiced anywhere. - The production of parkour events is impressive and well-organized. - Participant demographics show a majority of male athletes. - The business landscape of parkour includes gyms and facilities across the US. - Social media and video games are driving interest in parkour. Intro Song: All World Artist: JMPSCR 7FDVISE1POBJCOMV…

37. Is TGL a Sport or a Show? A Look at the Innovative New Golf League Summary Episode 37 - In this episode of the Farrell Sports Business podcast, the host Matt Farrell dives into the Tomorrow Golf League (TGL), a new golf format co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. He explores whether TGL is a sport or a show, discussing its innovative approach, the vibe of the competition, player dynamics, and the pace of play. And it takes a look if TGL has some influences from World Long Driver and former Golf Channel exec Mike McCarley. Farrell emphasizes the importance of entertainment in golf and the potential for TGL to evolve, while also addressing the inclusion of women in the league and the expectations surrounding its future. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to TGL Golf: Sport or Show? 03:55 About the Venue and Competition 05:54 The Vibe of TGL 08:58 Player Conversations 10:22 Influence of World Long Drive 11:18 The Hype Factor 13:11 Sport or Show? 13:51 The Shot Clock 15:23 Team Format 17:17 Women in TGL 17:59 Is it Golf? 19:11 Innovating 22:22 Prediction for the Future 24:11 Podcast Intro.MP4 Takeaways - TGL is a new format that blends sport and entertainment. - The competition aims to attract a younger audience. - Pace of play is a significant improvement over traditional golf. - Player personalities need time to develop in this new format. - The inclusion of women in TGL is a crucial future consideration. - TGL's structure allows for flexibility in scheduling events. - Expectations for TGL should be realistic as it evolves. - The balance between sport and show is essential for TGL's success. - Innovative formats like TGL could influence other sports. - TGL represents a new era in golf entertainment. Intro Song: All World Artist: JMPSCR 7FDVISE1POBJCOMV…

36. Growth of the Sport of Ninja with John Deary, Entrepreneur, Sponsor and Equipment Company Owner Summary Episode 35 - In this episode of the Farrell Sports Business podcast, the host Matt Farrell talks with John Deary, the founder of Deary's Gymnastics Supply. We discuss the evolution of Deary's Gymnastics Supply, his entry into the ninja sports industry, and the growth of ninja gyms across the U.S. He highlights the importance of business acumen in the youth sports sector, the role of sponsorship in developing the sport, and the potential for ninja sports to be included in the Olympics. Additionally, he shares insights on the USA Gymnastics Foundation and its mission to support athletes and the gymnastics community. Takeaways - Deary's Gymnastics Supply has evolved from a garage startup to a significant player in gymnastics equipment. - The ninja sports industry is rapidly growing, with many gyms expanding their facilities. - Ninja gyms are becoming more professional and organized, attracting a diverse age group. - The business side of youth sports is becoming more sophisticated, with owners focusing on financial sustainability. - Sponsorship is crucial for the growth of ninja sports, and more sponsors are needed. - The structure of competitions in ninja sports is developing, with local, regional, and national events. - The inclusion of ninja sports in the Olympic movement is gaining traction. - The USA Gymnastics Foundation is focused on supporting athletes and underserved communities. - The gymnastics industry typically sees a revenue bump after the Olympics. Intro Song: All World Artist: JMPSCR 7FDVISE1POBJCOMV…

Highlights from 2024 of the Farrell Sports Business Podcast About the Farrell Sports Business Podcast Interviews with news makers from sports business to talk leadership, entrepreneurship, industry news and their unique career paths. Hosted by Matt Farrell, President of Farrell Sports and former Golf Channel, USOPC, USA Swimming and Warner Bros. Watch it on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@farrellsportsww Listen in Podcasty Places - Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and more…

34. What Does the Sponsor Need in a Sports Partnership? Talk with Bill Smith, Sponsorship Director, UCHealth Summary Episode 35 - In this episode of the Farrell Sports Business podcast, the host Matt Farrell talks with Bill Smith, sponsorship director at UCHealth. He shares his unique career journey through various roles in sports and now in healthcare partnerships at UCHealth. He discusses the importance of community engagement through sports partnerships, the innovative Ready Set CO initiative aimed at promoting health in Colorado, and the impact of high-profile figures like Coach Prime - Deion Sanders. Bill emphasizes the significance of trust and understanding in partnerships, the evolving nature of ROI, and his commitment to mentorship and giving back to the community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Career Overview 04:00 Transitioning to Healthcare Partnerships 07:45 The Ready Set Co Initiative 12:12 The Impact of Coach Prime 18:03 Evaluating Partnerships and ROI 23:59 Building Trust in Partnerships 26:54 Giving Back and Mentorship Intro Song: All World Artist: JMPSCR 7FDVISE1POBJCOMV…

Summary Episode 33 - In this episode of the Farrell Sports Business podcast, the host Matt Farrell shares his favorite sports business podcasts, discussing their unique features, insights, and the value they bring to listeners. From daily news updates to in-depth analyses and entrepreneurial insights, Matt provides a comprehensive overview of the best podcasts in the sports business realm, highlighting their hosts and the topics they cover. About the Farrell Sports Business Podcast Interviews with news makers from sports business to talk leadership, entrepreneurship, industry news and their unique career paths. Hosted by Matt Farrell, President of Farrell Sports and former Golf Channel, USOPC, USA Swimming and Warner Bros. Watch it on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@farrellsportsww Listen in Podcasty Places - Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and more Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sports Business Podcasts 01:39 Sporticast 02:48 SBJ Buzzcast and The Sports Media Pod 04:16 Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch 05:50 Front Office Sports Today 06:39 Navigating Sports Business 07:03 SportsTravel Podcast 07:55 Entrepreneurial Insights: The Pet Cash Pod 09:02 Sports Business Radio 09:32 Bloomberg Sports Business 10:08 Sports Management Podcast…

32. Bluesky, X, Threads - The State of Sports and Politics in New Social Media Platforms Summary Episode 32 - In this episode of the Farrell Sports Business podcast, the host Matt Farrell about the emergence of the social media platform Bluesky and its implications for the sports world. He explores the political influences affecting social media platforms, the cautious approach of sports leagues in adopting new platforms, and the evolution of social media over time. Farrell emphasizes the need for Bluesky to evolve beyond its current political associations to achieve long-term success and highlights the ongoing relevance of established platforms like X and Threads in the sports media landscape. Takeaways - Bluesky is gaining traction but remains small compared to X and threads. - Political influences are shaping the early success of Bluesky. - Sports leagues are cautious in adopting new social media platforms. - The identity of threads remains unclear and lacks engagement. - Social media platforms evolve over time, impacting user experience. - Bluesky's growth may be unsustainable if it remains politically aligned. - Sports organizations are diversifying their social media presence. - User engagement on X has declined for many, including sports fans. - The future of Blue Sky depends on its ability to attract a diverse user base. - Cautious optimism surrounds the potential of Blue Sky in the sports world. Chapters 00:00 The Rise of Blue Sky in Sports Media 04:20 Political Influences on Social Media Platforms 09:02 Cautious Adoption by Sports Leagues 13:00 The Evolution of Social Media Platforms 17:18 Future Prospects for Blue Sky and Other Platforms 19:17 Podcast Intro.MP4 Intro Song: All World Artist: JMPSCR 7FDVISE1POBJCOMV…

31. Covering the Business of Cricket Globally with Zee Zaidi, Founder of cricexec Summary Episode 31 - In this episode of the Farrell Sports Business podcast, the host Matt Farrell talks with Zee Zaidi on the inception and growth of cricexec, a leading publication for the cricket business industry. He shares insights on the global perspective of cricket, its increasing popularity in the U.S., and the challenges and opportunities within the sport, particularly regarding youth engagement and women's cricket. Zee emphasizes the need for better infrastructure and support for cricket in America, while also highlighting the potential for growth in the coming years. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to cricexec and Zee's Journey 07:14 The Evolution of Cricket Business and Franchise Tournaments 13:18 Challenges and Opportunities for Women's Cricket Takeaways - cricexec serves as a vital platform for cricket industry news. - Zee identified a gap in the market for cricket publications. - Cricket's unique global appeal sets it apart from other sports. - The U.S. is becoming increasingly important in the cricket world. - Franchise tournaments are proliferating, raising concerns about oversaturation. - Youth engagement in cricket is growing, but challenges remain. - Infrastructure for cricket facilities in the U.S. is lacking. - Women's cricket needs more attention and investment. - Social cricket events are a fun way to engage new fans. - The future of cricket in the U.S. looks promising. Intro Song: All World Artist: JMPSCR 7FDVISE1POBJCOMV…

Summary Episode 30 - In this episode of the Farrell Sports Business podcast, the host Matt Farrell talks with Beth Hendler-Grunt, the founder and CEO of Next Great Step. She discusses her journey in helping college students and recent graduates secure internships and jobs. She shares insights on the challenges faced by young adults in the current job market, the importance of skill development, and the unique approach her organization takes to empower young adults. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of parents in career development, the significance of networking, and the impact of social media platforms like TikTok in reaching and guiding young adults. About Next Great Step Complimentary intro consultation for parents, students or both. https://nextgreatstep.com/schedule-a-free-consultation/ Free resources – Resume, LinkedIn, Interview Prep, Chapter 1 of Beth's book: https://nextgreatstep.com/resources-for-students-graduates-parents/ Get the #1 Best Selling book, The Next Great Step: https://a.co/d/g8DQcJM Follow Next Great Step on Social Facebook / nextgreatstep LinkedIn / bethhendlergrunt Instagram / next_great_step TikTok / next_great_step YouTube / @nextgreatstep Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Next Great Step 07:25 Understanding the Job Market Challenges 13:23 Success Stories and Skill Development 19:06 The Role of Parents in Career Development 25:33 Leveraging TikTok for Career Guidance 32:13 Podcast Intro.MP4 Takeaways - Next Great Step helps students land internships and jobs. - The pandemic has significantly impacted young adults' job readiness. - Success in job searching requires understanding one's skills and value. - Networking is more effective than simply applying for jobs online. - Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children's career paths. - The job market is currently very competitive for new graduates. - Young adults need to be proactive in their job search strategies. - TikTok can be a valuable tool for career guidance and outreach. - Building a personal brand is essential in the job market. - The hidden job market holds many opportunities not publicly advertised. Intro Song: All World Artist: JMPSCR 7FDVISE1POBJCOMV…

29. Networking Tips for a Career in Sports Business with Host Matt Farrell Episode 29 - In this episode of the Farrell Sports Business podcast, the host Matt Farrell delves into the critical role of networking in the sports industry. He emphasizes that simply submitting job applications is often insufficient due to high competition. Instead, building personal connections and utilizing various resources, including LinkedIn and informational interviews, are essential strategies for success. The discussion also covers effective networking tactics, the importance of professional appearance at events, and leveraging social media for career advancement. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Networking in Sports Business 00:52 Hitting Submit to Online Job Sites Isn't Enough 04:06 Resources for Networking and Job Searching 07:24 Informational Interviews: A Networking Strategy 11:03 Maximizing Networking Events 16:24 Leveraging LinkedIn for Connections 18:30 Utilizing Social Media for Networking Takeaways - Networking is essential for success in the sports business. - Submitting applications alone is not enough to secure a job. - Building personal connections is crucial in the hiring process. - Informational interviews can help establish valuable relationships. - Networking events provide a structured environment for introductions. - Dress professionally to make a good impression at events. - Follow up after networking events to reinforce connections. - Utilize LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals. - Social media can be a powerful tool for networking. - Networking is a long-term investment in your career. Intro Song: All World Artist: JMPSCR 7FDVISE1POBJCOMV…

28. Want to Work at the Super Bowl Experience? A Talk with Adinek Group CEO, Kenida Lewis About the Farrell Sports Business Podcast Interviews with news makers from sports business to talk leadership, entrepreneurship, industry news and their unique career paths. Hosted by Matt Farrell, President of Farrell Sports and former Golf Channel, USOPC, USA Swimming and Warner Bros. Episode 28 of the Farrell Sports Business podcast - Host Matt Farrell talks with Kenida Lewis the CEO of the Adinek Group that his doing the hiring for the Super Bowl in New Orleans. She discusses her journey from a corporate career in talent acquisition to founding the Adinek Group, which specializes in event staffing and consulting in the sports industry. She highlights her recent projects, including staffing for the Super Bowl Experience, and emphasizes the importance of diversity in recruiting within sports. Kenida shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in the current job market, particularly for underrepresented groups, and expresses her commitment to creating inclusive environments in sports. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kenida Lewis and Adonit Group 07:18 Transitioning to Sports Consulting 12:33 Super Bowl Experience Staffing 23:47 Diversity in Sports Recruiting 33:04 Opportunities in Sports for Underrepresented Groups 35:40 Podcast Intro.MP4 Takeaways - Kenida transitioned from corporate talent acquisition to consulting in sports. - The Adinek Group focuses on event staffing and talent acquisition consulting. - Staffing for the Super Bowl experience involves finding enthusiastic candidates. - Diversity recruiting is essential for tapping into untapped talent pools. - Kenida emphasizes the importance of finding the right person for the job. - The job market is competitive, requiring strategic approaches to stand out. - Candidates should be prepared for video interviews to showcase their enthusiasm. - There are significant opportunities for women in sports management and analytics. - Kenida advocates for individuals with disabilities in the workforce. - The Adinek Group aims to create meaningful experiences for job seekers. Intro Song: All World Artist: JMPSCR 7FDVISE1POBJCOMV…

27. Cricket Growth in the U.S. and a New Franchise Model with Liam Plunkett, Cricket World Cup Champion About the Farrell Sports Business Podcast Interviews with news makers from sports business to talk leadership, entrepreneurship, industry news and their unique career paths. Hosted by Matt Farrell, President of Farrell Sports and former Golf Channel, USOPC, USA Swimming and Warner Bros. Episode 27 of the Farrell Sports Business podcast - Host Matt Farrell talks with Liam Plunkett, who was part of the England squad that won the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Plunkett discusses the growing interest in cricket in the United States, his role in promoting the sport through coaching and the establishment of the Liam Plunkett Cricket Academy. He highlights the potential for cricket to thrive in the U.S., especially with cricket being on the program for the upcoming Olympics in 2028. He emphasizes the importance of proper coaching and infrastructure to support grassroots development and how the Liam Plunkett Cricket Academy fills that gap. The discussion also touches on the business opportunities within cricket facilities and the transferable skills from other sports that can aid in learning cricket. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cricket's Growth in the U.S. 02:50 Liam Plunkett's Role in American Cricket 04:26 Excitement and Challenges in U.S. Cricket 06:20 Grassroots Cricket Development 08:52 Liam Plunkett Cricket Academy Overview 10:59 Connecting Coaches and Facilities 12:18 Advice for New Cricket Players 13:34 Transferable Skills from Other Sports 15:47 Business Opportunities in Cricket Facilities 17:13 Creativity in Cricket Training Spaces 19:19 Success in Multi-Sport Facilities 21:11 Liam Plunkett Cricket's Coaching Package 23:37 Cricket's Olympic Future 25:10 Future Prospects for Cricket in the U.S. 26:17 Podcast Intro.MP4 Takeaways - Cricket is gaining popularity in the U.S., especially with events like the Cricket World Cup. - Liam Plunkett is actively involved in promoting cricket through coaching and academies. - The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles presents a significant opportunity for cricket's growth. - Grassroots cricket is developing through local programs and facilities. - Liam Plunkett Cricket Academy aims to provide structured coaching and support for coaches. - There is a need for proper coaching infrastructure in American cricket. - Multi-sport facilities can help grow cricket by providing space for practice and play. - Creativity in using existing spaces can lead to successful cricket training environments. - Transferable skills from sports like baseball can help new players learn cricket. - The future of cricket in the U.S. looks promising with increasing interest and investment. Intro Song: All World Artist: JMPSCR 7FDVISE1POBJCOMV…