SSAC

Beyond the Box Office: The Evolution of Ticketing

Moderator: Katie Hodel

Panelists: Kate Howard, Jake Burns, Jason Green

This panel will explore the “Evolution of Ticketing” and provide a comprehensive discussion of the current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the ticketing industry. Hear from ticketing vendors and team/venue executives as they dive into technological advancements, changing fan consumption patterns, and other key drivers that are changing the ticketing landscape, including the balance between premium experiences and accessibility for the average fan.

Seats at the Table: Empowering the Next Generation of Ownership and Changemakers

Moderator: Hannah Storm

Panelists: Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe, Andre Iguadala

This star-studded panel brings together legendary athletes turned business innovators, owners, investors, and changemakers to discuss the growing influence of players leading change in the industry. Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe, and Andre Iguodala will share their unique leadership journeys, how they are leveraging their power to drive change and inspire the next generation, and perspectives on why it’s so important for diverse leaders to have a seat at the table. Through their own entrepreneurial and investment activities, these panelists will discuss lessons learned from their endeavors across Togethxr, Gotham FC, Deep Blue, A Touch More, MOSAIC, and more. The discussion will explore lessons learned as athletes and how they’re applying that acumen to effecting change through diverse leadership, influence, and how they use their power to enact positive changes within the sports industry. This is a can’t-miss discussion about the champions and changemakers who are shaping the future of sports, on and off-the-field, and ways that all of us can move the industry forward.

Sports and Social Media: Attracting New Audiences Through Content Creation

Moderator: Shira Springer

Panelists: Jackie Caldwell, Blake Stuchin, Amanda Anderson, Sanjeev Verma

Like, follow, and subscribe - the analytics of social media go well beyond these fundamental statistics. This panel will delve into the dynamic relationship between sports and social media, highlighting the influential role of content creation in attracting new and diverse audiences to the world of sports. As digital platforms reshape the fan experience, our panelists bring hands-on experience and innovative strategies to the table, pushing the boundaries of content creation and leveraging analytics to maximize brand reach. Hear from content creators, media companies, and sports leagues as they unpack key topics such as the profound impact of user-generated content, the evolving connection between athletes and content creation, the role of analytics in redefining digital strategies in sports, and the captivating influence of sports storytelling in the ever-evolving landscape of the digital age.

In the Limelight: Investing in the Future of Women's Sports Media

Moderator: Justine Brown
Panelists: Thayer Lavielle, Julie Uhrman, Susie Piotrkowski, Sezin Aksoy

While women’s sports have historically comprised only 4% of media coverage, recent insights from Wasserman demonstrate a notable uptick to 15% in 2023. However, despite this progress, professional women's sports still represent just 8% of all broadcasted competitions. The rapid recent growth of women's sports leagues and women's team valuations underscores the need for strategic investments to expand coverage. This discussion will delve into innovative investment models aimed at bolstering the presence of women's sports, while also exploring the potential of diverse media platforms in amplifying their visibility. Join us as we dissect these trends and strategies with women deeply involved in this change, from media, team, and agency executives.

Growing the Game: How to Cultivate and Strengthen Golf Fandom

Moderator: Claire Rogers

Panelists: Krista Olson, Travis Trembath, Fahad Zahid

Historically, golf has been perceived as a sport with a strongly loyal but relatively small fanbase. While golf’s various stakeholders continue to seek out ways to attract new fans, the sport has seen significant momentum in recent years, with participation growing at rates that haven’t been seen in decades. The introduction of cutting-edge golf media platforms and content has played a key role in generating interest in golf, offering both burgeoning and devoted fans the opportunity to engage with the sport on a deeper level. This panel brings together executives from the PGA of America, PGA TOUR, and LPGA Tour as well as leading golf brand No Laying Up to discuss the steps needed to capitalize on these trends and outline the path forward for growing the game. #GrowingTheGame

Beyond the Pitch: Transforming Soccer Through Advanced Analytics

Moderator: Ryan O'Hanlon

Panelists: Ian Graham, Sarah Rudd, Jesse Marsch, Bill James

Three is worth more than two, walks count the same as hits, first downs are better than punts. While data analysis has transformed the way we play all of the major American sports, soccer still awaits its own kind of disruption. It’s not for a lack of trying, though. Major European clubs have begun to invest — and occasionally empower — in data-driven decision-making. But due to cultural differences, institutional inertia, and a sport that’s simply really hard to measure, advanced analytics haven’t had the same kind of transformative effect at the highest level of the sport that we’ve seen in the NBA, MLB, or NFL. Combining on-the-ground coaching expertise with high-level quantitative thinking, this panel will survey the state of soccer’s analytical revolution and attempt to determine just how far it might go. #BeyondThePitch

The Globalization of Soccer

Moderator: Saj Cherian

Panelists: Scott Krase, Brian Bilello, Matt Hulsizer
The global soccer landscape has undergone seismic shifts in recent years. Multi team/sport ownership groups have permeated top soccer leagues - sports conglomerates now control five of the esteemed "Big Six" Premier League clubs as well as various other teams around the world. Simultaneously, the world's premier talent is no longer concentrated exclusively in Europe and South America, as some of the sport's biggest stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are choosing to play in burgeoning soccer markets. In the US, the MLS continues to grow in stature both domestically and abroad as the NWSL, the world's leading women's soccer league, faces increasing competition from the rise of the WSL. These developments are unfolding as we approach the 2026 World Cup, which will bring the attention of the global soccer community back to the US for the first time in over 30 years. Amid this backdrop, what steps are soccer clubs taking to capitalize on these trends both on and off the pitch? Hear from some of the world’s most prominent soccer club leaders as they discuss the strategies they are deploying in pursuit of supremacy within the global game. #GlobalizationOfSoccer

Fostering Fanatics: 1-on-1 with Michael Rubin

Moderator: Jessica Gelman

Panelist: Michael Rubin

Michael Rubin, a connector of people, has transformed the way athletes and entertainers engage with businesses, leagues, and each other. As Founder and CEO of Fanatics, he has revolutionized the sports apparel business, quickly becoming a premier partner with many top entities. With an expansive rolodex and Fanatics sitting at the center of the ecosystem, Michael has a finger on the pulse of the global sports and entertainment landscape. Join Michael as he sits down with Jessica Gelman for an engaging discussion on future disruptions, globalization of sports, and the future of Fanatics. #FosteringFanatics

Entering a New Reality: The Future of Live Events

Moderator: Allison Katz Mayfield

Panelists: Liz Lindsey, Paul Caine, Robert Thacker

The phrase “live sporting event” has taken on a new meaning in recent years. Gone are the days when fans simply showed up to a stadium to watch a game. Fans now have a myriad of avenues for entertainment and engagement when visiting a sporting event. Hospitality and premium experiences have been redefined by significant enhancements to curated event packages, behind-the-scenes access, and white glove service. Sporting events now feature a wide array of improved seating, dining, and experiential options that are more customizable and accessible than ever before. The introduction of next-generation venues like shared reality event spaces will further alter the live viewing experience and enable fans to enjoy sporting events in new ways. Amid this changing landscape, what will fans of today and tomorrow demand from live sporting events? How can industry leaders in hospitality, event management, immersive experiences, and property marketing deliver on these expectations? Join executives from OnLocation, AEG, Cosm, and Wasserman as they discuss the latest trends and outlook for the future of live events. #LiveEvents

The Power of Sports

Moderator: Cassidy Hubbarth

Panelists: Megan Rapinoe, Nate Silver, Jessica Gelman

Sports serve as a unifying force and catalyst for change. Sports possess the ability to uplift communities through athlete-driven philanthropy, team engagement in community development, and league initiatives including international outreach. From trailblazers like Jackie Robinson and Jesse Owens breaking down racial barriers to contemporary icons such as Megan Rapinoe and the USWNT championing gender equality, the influence of sports on society transcends mere competition. This panel will discuss what has made sports shift so meaningfully in impact over the past decade. As athletes and sports organizations continue to expand their impact, there arises a need to measure and expand this impact. Join Megan Rapinoe, Nate Silver, and Jessica Gelman in the closing panel of SSAC24 as they delve into the profound influence and evolution of the sports industry.