Discussion Questions

The following discussion questions support the video and audio clips available here.

Chapter 1

Richard Peddie

  1. What traits did Richard Peddie draw on to ensure he fulfilled the dream he set as a young man? Start at 0:56.
  2. Using Peddie’s examples as a starting point, provide another example of vertical integration in media or other contexts. Start at 2:35.
  3. Peddie discusses the greater sophistication of the sport industry today. In what ways does that benefit young students and professionals trying to build their career, and in what ways does it hurt them? Start at 3:17.
  4. Do you agree with Peddie’s assessment of the threats to the sport industry? What threats would you add? Start at 5:40.
  5. What elements do you think are included in the term “fan avidity”? Do you share Peddie’s concerns about a venue’s amenities being so good that it discourages fans from watching the game? What is the effect of that phenomenon? Start at 6:50.

Chapter 2

based on video and audio clips available here

Larry Lucchino

  1. How important is a ballpark builder’s ability to pay attention to various constituencies in order for the project to be a success? Why? What skills come into play in having those conversations? What considerations must be taken into account as you prepare for those conversations? Consider Larry Lucchino’s views on that question later in the book, especially in chapter 18, by Ron Norick (a former mayor with expertise in public–private partnerships), and chapter 27, by Bryan Trubey (an architect with expertise in developing stadiums that a community feels a connection to). Start at 2:40.
  2. Why do CEOs or other high-level executives consider the success of their hires so important, even after those hires have moved on to other organizations? Have you begun to consider what you want your legacy to be? Have you thought about whether you strive to be a doer or a teacher, or, like Larry Lucchino, both? Start at 5:00.
  3. What are the skills that have led to Larry Lucchino’s success, according to him? What skills do you think are important to be a sport business leader? Start at 6:10.
  4. What priority level should philanthropic efforts have for a sport organization in the community? Start at 9:10.

Brandon Steiner

  1. In practical ways, how did Muhammad Ali’s beliefs and actions make him a unique sporting figure? What was his impact on sport business? What other athletes make an impact on sport business? Start at 2:20.
  2. Research at least one of Muhammad Ali’s collectible and licensing deals. Write a short paper or discuss with your classmates the pros and cons of being an active self-promoter as an athlete. Start at 6:40.

Chapter 3

based on video and audio clips available here

Lyn St. James

  1. Why is the question of whether auto racing is a sport relevant to discuss as it pertains to sport business? Does how you answer that question change how you would view or promote the sport? Start at 1:10.
  2. What changes does Lyn St. James identify in auto racing on the track and as a business owner over the past few decades? Start at 2:00.
  3. Why did Lyn St. James start Women in the Women’s Circle? What credit does she give Billie Jean King in St. James’ own philanthropic efforts, and what does that say about how any philanthropic or commercial venture gets started? Start in 3:50.

Shane Battier

  1. How can you apply to a business setting Shane Battier’s lessons about dealing with literally going from the “winningest” program to the “losingest” franchise? How can you help to change a culture, no matter what position you hold? Start at 2:00.
  2. How can you apply to a business setting Shane Battier’s comments about the reasons why wealthy athletes sometimes struggle with bankruptcy? What can be done at a systems level to deal with this issue? Start at 3:40.
  3. Do you agree with Shane Battier that talent alone doesn’t win championships? What will you do to build a team culture in your organization? Start at 6:10.
  4. Is there a dynamic in the business world similar to that in the one-and-done setting of March Madness basketball? Start at 9:05.

Mike Kryzewski

  1. How do you interpret Mike Krzyzewski’s enthusiasm for coaching a certain player and a specific program in a specific locale just after acknowledging the big business of professional players’ mobility (even noting his former Duke player and chapter 3 sidebar contributor Shane Battier) and his own substantial salary? What balance between enthusiasm for the games and professionalism in business will you strike when employed in the industry? Start at 2:40.

Chapter 4

based on video and audio clips available here

Stephen Ross

  1. Do you agree with Stephen Ross’ assessment of how professional sport team owners should view their role? Start at 0:19.
  2. How can sport take the lead in social issues? Consider how Stephen Ross viewed his responsibility after the Miami Dolphins’ bullying incident. Start at 1:30.
  3. Is there a business that you would like to own (or start)? How do your motivations jibe with Stephen Ross’ motivations in investing in the Dolphins and other sporting businesses? Start at 8:40.

David Andrews

  1. Does working for a minor league organization appeal to you? Does listening to David Andrews describe the experience make you less likely or more likely to aspire to it? Start at 0:55.

George Pyne

  1. How does George Pyne’s experience with transitioning between a wide variety of sport ventures give you insight into the challenge of entrepreneurship in sport settings? Start at 1:30.
  2. What changes are occurring rapidly in the sport media environment, according to George Pyne? Start at 3:53
  3. Do you agree with George Pyne that the ongoing and dramatic changes in media create more value for advertisers? Start at 6:40
  4. What do George Pyne’s experiences with three dynamic organizations, with many successful mentors, say to you about how this variety can change your management style? Start at 8:43.

Ric Edelman

  1. What are the takeaways from listening to Ric Edelman talk about growing up in communications—not business—in building his finance career? Does his approach make you feel that financial issues are more relatable? Start at 2:30.
  2. What commonalities are there between sport and finance, according to Ric Edelman? Start at 4:04.
  3. What do you think can be done to help professional athletes better manage their considerable incomes? Do Ric Edelman’s thoughts on the subject help you understand why this has become a problem? Start at 8:15.

Chapter 5

based on video and audio clips available here

Marc Player

  1. What lessons can you take away about developing a brand after listening to Marc Player discuss his father Gary Player’s personal brand? What ideas do you have for continuing a brand’s influence even after it or its creator is no longer at the forefront of people’s consciousness? Start at 1:00.

Scott Hamilton

  1. How do the business struggles and revival of figure skating serve as a reminder for a business professional in any industry to weather the difficult times that happen to a business? Start at 3:20.
  2. Scott Hamilton discusses several charities that he has started or been involved with during this interview. How does his view of life and sport frame his choices on how he invests his time? What causes are important to you? Does watching and listening to Hamilton help you explain your own passions? Start at 4:30.

Dan Towriss

  1. Why is the Women in Tech Championship important to the city of Indianapolis? Are there other cities where a sporting venue, event, or team could pair with a cause similar to what happened in Indianapolis? Explain your answer. Start at 2:13.

Chapter 6

based on video and audio clips available here

Ross Greenburg

  1. Compare Ross Greenburg’s memories of Muhammad Ali with Brandon Steiner’s, from a business perspective and a social perspective. Both were interviewed shortly after Ali’s death. Are there other angles of Ali’s influence that you would add to their memories and insights? Start at 0:45.
  2. What does Ross Greenburg’s assertion that “content is still king” mean to you? Start at 11:00.
  3. How critical is Ross Greenburg’s comment about building relationships to any content creator? In your assessment, what could you change to be better at building professional relationships? What do you do well already? Start at 15:00.

John and A.G. Spanos

  1. Are the ways the Spanos brothers talk about sustaining a brand transferrable to other sport or nonsport organizations? Start at 7:20.
  2. Does the current wave of sport facility development and technology, especially the Chargers and Rams’ shared facility that John and A.G. Spanos are talking about, give you any insights or get you brainstorming about what will happen in the future of sport facilities? Start at 11:50.

Chapter 7

based on video and audio clips available here

Jack Nicklaus

  1. What does Jack Nicklaus say was the trait that helped him be successful? How did he apply that to business ventures? Start at the beginning.
  2. How does Jack Nicklaus’ answer about the hypothetical of Tiger Woods breaking Nicklaus’ record of 18 victories in golf majors give you insight into how he is successful in other areas of his life? Start at 3:00.

Pat Williams

  1. How does humility, as described by Pat Williams, play a role for influential leaders in the sport business industry? Do you consider it a trait or a skill? Is it as important as Williams asserts? Start at 1:00.
  2. Pat Williams suggests that athletes should be role models. Do you believe the same is true of sport business professionals? Start at 2:30.

Cal Ripken Jr.

  1. Known as a preeminent major leaguer, Cal Ripken Jr. speaks with passion about the value and opportunities of minor league baseball and its facilities, especially in the context of his Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. Is his “elevator pitch” convincing to you? Why or why not? Start at the beginning.

Chapter 8

based on video and audio clips available here

Gary Bettman

  1. What attributes are necessary to be successful as a commissioner, according to Gary Bettman? Start at 2:00.
  2. Gary Bettman gives a number of reasons why NHL fans are the best and why sponsors and media coverage have helped the league be successful. Without opining on whether hockey fans are the best, how do you think that belief helps him and his staff negotiate deals? Pick another league, major or minor league, and make the case for its fans being the best. Start at 4:20.
  3. Rick Horrow asks Gary Bettman which of three results is most important to him as commissioner—massive growth in revenues, worth of franchise significantly greater, or more than a decade of labor peace? What do you think of Bettman’s answer? Start at 5:40.
  4. Note Gary Bettman’s assessment of labor negotiations in this interview, which took place more than a decade after the lost NHL season. Does that confidence in labor peace vindicate the lost season? Why or why not? Start at 8:40.

Jon Butler

  1. Do you agree with Pop Warner Football’s Little Scholars philosophy? How could a similar emphasis be implemented in other youth sports? Start at 0:53.
  2. Rick Horrow asks Jon Butler pointed questions about CTE and brain injuries and the extent of their relationship with football. Based on Butler’s answers and his chapter 8 sidebar in the book, do you think Pop Warner is doing all it can on this issue? Start at 8:00.

Tom Grilk

  1. Tom Grilk explains in great detail how the Boston Athletic Association has maintained its focus for more than a century yet has changed its methods and emphases significantly. Provide two examples of how the BAA has changed with the times. Start at 1:30.
  2. Tom Grilk says that in some ways, entering the Boston Marathon by raising money for charity is more difficult than qualifying based on time, as most Boston Marathon runners do. What does he mean by this? Start at 10:40.

Chapter 9

based on video and audio clips available here

Don Garber

  1. Explain why Don Garber’s insistence that relegation won’t happen makes sense for MLS even though soccer leagues throughout the world use it. Why is this important from a business perspective? Start at 1:50.
  2. Do you agree with Don Garber’s assessment that MLS can become a global brand? What issues work in its favor, and what issues are serious obstacles? Start at 4:25.

Oliver Luck with Andrew Luck

  1. Assess Oliver Luck’s take on the likelihood that his son, Andrew Luck, will be a good businessman. Discuss specifically whether Andrew’s decision to stay in school rather than turning pro was a good business decision. Start at 2:22.

Chapter 10

based on video and audio clips available here

Ken Solomon with Donald Dell

  1. Ken Solomon does a good job of explaining why the Tennis Channel exists and what its mission is. How is this an example of fulfilling a business need? Start at 6:40.
  2. Why did tennis’ gender-equal strategy work, according to Donald Dell and Ken Solomon? Start at 8:00.

Chapter 11

Please note that there are not any interviews for this chapter.

Chapter 12

based on video and audio clips available here

Shawn Spieth

  1. After reading chapter 12 and listening to Shawn Spieth explain how MVP Index was developed, do you have a different understanding of how a start-up product is conceived? What did you learn? Start at 1:00.
  2. Shawn Spieth provides some specific examples of athletes who are successful on social media. What are the most important factors in achieving that success? Start at 6:10.
  3. Consider who Shawn Spieth says is the customer most likely to benefit from his product and what his company’s long-term plans are. Why is this strategic planning important for a business? Start at 8:40.

Jessica Gelman

  1. Do you agree with Jessica Gelman in the decision to keep the name of the Sports Analytics Conference? Start at 3:48.
  2. Jessica Gelman explains how Kraft Analytics and the New England Patriots are distinct entities, yet share some of the same traits that have led to their success. How much credit do you give the ownership in creating that connection? Start at 7:20.
  3. Do you agree with Jessica Gelman on the relationship between analytics and traditional methods? Start at 8:20.
  4. What career advice does Jessica Gelman give to prospective professionals in the industry? Start at 9:40.

Angela Ruggiero

  1. After reading Angela Ruggiero’s sidebar in chapter 12 and listening to her describe Sport Innovation Lab, what do you see as the future of her company? Start at 1:20.
  2. Did Angela Ruggiero’s personal explanation of Title IX’s influence on her give you a different understanding of the goal(s) of that legislation? What is the difference? Start at 11:10.
  3. Do you agree with Angela Ruggiero’s assessment of the viability of women’s pro hockey and a prospective strategy? Start at 20:20.

Chapter 13

based on video and audio clips available here

Matt O’Toole

  1. What trait does Matt O’Toole say is necessary to lead a company? Start at 0:55.
  2. What is the key to business success, according to Matt O’Toole? Start at 1:50.
  3. What are the examples Matt O’Toole provides regarding the challenges of branding and finding partners? Can his comments be expanded into other areas besides athletic shoes? Start at 3:29.
  4. How has social media changed marketing strategies, according to Matt O’Toole? Start at 5:40.

Chris Wagner

  1. Chris Wagner’s initiatives cover a wide range of products and services. How would you describe his common business objective(s) across all of this leveraging of modern media? Could you distill it into a mission statement? Start at 1:30.
  2. Do you buy Chris Wagner’s Star Trek analogy in responding to Rick Horrow’s question about how to develop products for clients without losing those clients? Start at 6:30.
  3. What are the implications of Chris Wagner’s assertion that, contrary to some figures, people aren’t watching fewer sports but are watching them across more devices and with broader purposes? Start at 9:00.
  4. What are the challenges of quantifying digital viewership with advertisers? Start at 11:45.
  5. If you are a media manager for a sport organization, or working on a team that deals with media issues, what does Chris Wagner’s assertion that “media rights are coming from a fan’s perspective” mean to your business goals? Start at 15:50.

Chapter 14

based on video and audio clips available here

Jon Chapman

  1. Why would sport organizations want to work with a company like Jon Chapman’s EverFi? Start at 0:30.
  2. Does the Summer Slugger program that Jon Chapman’s company developed with Major League Baseball prompt other ideas that other sport organizations might try in expanding their community involvement? Start at 5:05.
  3. After listening to Jon Chapman’s interview, what does the term “digital education” mean to you relative to sport? Start at 6:30.
  4. How do you summarize Jon Chapman’s assessment of how to quantify success for his company? Does that encourage you to tweak your own definition of success? Start at 7:45.

Chapter 15

based on video and audio clips available here

Ken Solomon with Donald Dell

  1. Explain the factors that have helped tennis to become a global sport over the past 50 years, according to Donald Dell. Start at 1:25.

Rich McKay

  1. Did Rich McKay’s explanation of how owner Arthur Blank and the Atlanta Falcons moved on from the Georgia Dome give you insights into how long it takes for a new facility to be conceived and developed? What are those insights? Start at 1:00.
  2. Explain how the approaches contrasting Tampa Bay’s and Atlanta’s new stadium deals made a difference in finding partners. Start at 2:30.
  3. What objective does Rich McKay recommend for sport organizations that build a new stadium? How did that objective drive a number of t]he features he describes for Mercedes-Benz Stadium? Start at 4:13.
  4. Name other sport businesses that integrate multiple businesses under one entity but provide autonomy within their respective lanes as AMB Sports and Entertainment does. Describe this trend and what the benefits and possible negatives are for the parent organization and for fans. Start at 9:00.

Pat Rooney Jr.

  1. What is the Rooney legacy, according to Pat Rooney Jr.? How has the family been instrumental in the growth of the NFL as a whole? Start at 1:45.

Chapter 16

based on video and audio clips available here

Jerry Colangelo

  1. Describe how Jerry Colangelo’s approach to restructuring USA Basketball required him to use his skills as a salesperson. Start at 4:45.
  2. Explain how Grand Canyon University’s basketball growth was the result of a well-thought-out plan by university and athletic department officials. What is the value of that decision to GCU and west Phoenix? Start at 9:05.

George Mitchell

  1. How important is Bud Selig’s legacy as the commissioner who created an entirely independent investigation into performance-enhancing drugs? How does that decision reflect his leadership ability? Start at 13:00.

Chapter 17

based on video and audio clips availalbe here

Sonny Vaccaro

  1. How are Sonny Vaccaro’s beginnings in sport marketing relevant to marketing efforts today even though the landscape is far different? Start at the beginning.
  2. Sonny Vaccaro is vocal in Rick Horrow’s interview with him about the systemic reasons behind lawbreaking occurring in college athletics and the indictments that were handed down when the interview took place in 2017. What is your prediction for changes that will occur in the structure of college athletics in five years? How do you interpret his claim about the “power of the athlete” at this point in time? Do you agree with him? Start at 5:35.

Chris Lencheski

  1. Discuss the business reasons why Chris Lencheski was attracted to motorsports, and drag racing specifically. Do you consider the business reasons of a given sport or league when you assess your future career goals? Start at 2:10.
  2. What other sport programming and sport infrastructure changes can you cite that are similar to the shortening of an all-day drag racing event that Chris Lencheski describes? Why do sport business leaders constantly look at tweaks and wholesale changes even if they already have an in-demand product? Start at 6:20.

Chapter 18

based on video and audio clips available here

Ron Norick

  1. After reading Rond Norick’s chapter and listening to his interview, what do you think is the major factor that led to the success of MAPS? Start at 1:40.
  2. What skills did Ron Norick showcase in getting citizens and media behind the MAPS project? Start at 6:22.
  3. MAPS was an initiative that expanded far beyond sport, yet sports are intimately connected to public perception of its success. How much of a priority do you think sport should be in public policy? Start at 8:15.
  4. What does Ron Norick say is his proudest achievement with MAPS? Start at 11:15.

Greg Ballard

  1. Indianapolis and Oklahoma City used sport in public–private partnerships differently but both effectively. After listening to Greg Ballard and Ronald Norick’s interviews, what do you see as the common themes in their respective approaches? Start at 0:45.
  2. What advice does Greg Ballard give for cities that are hosting a major event while controversy from state legislation is swirling? Start at 4:13.

Chapter 19

based on video and audio clips available here

Joe Castiglione

  1. What do you take away from Joe Castiglione’s assertion that he wakes up every day ready to go to work as director of athletics at a major university? Start at 1:42.
  2. In what ways does Joe Castiglione answer the challenge of being a profitable athletic department? Start at 9:15.

Jack Swarbrick

  1. Discuss the varied roles of an athletics director based on Jack Swarbrick’s comments about his job. Start at the beginning.
  2. Notre Dame is one of the most established brands in college sport. Discuss how a college brand may make different choices for its institution than pro sport organizations and other specifically sport-centered organizations might make. Start at 5:00.
  3. What does Jack Swarbrick say is the most surprising problem he deals with? Start at 13:10.
  4. What changes would you make in a social media policy if you were in a college athletic department, either for the institution, the athletes, or your fans? Start at 13:30.

Chapter 20

based on video and audio clips available here

Tony Ponturo

  1. How did Anheuser-Busch take over market share in the 1980s via sport advertising and sponsorships, according to Tony Ponturo? Start at 0:30.
  2. What is the result of granting trust to an employee from the management side, and earning trust as an employee, according to Tony Ponturo? Start at 3:30.
  3. Tony Ponturo says that he and his team tried to bring what to sponsorship deals that was ahead of its time? Start at 4:20.
  4. What did Tony Ponturo say would be his first priority when Rick Horrow asked him how he would spend a dollar that he had allocated for advertising? Start at 6:35.
  5. After reading Tony Ponturo’s chapter and listening to his interview, what do you see as the lasting impact of Bud Bowl? Do you believe it was a good deal for Anheuser-Busch? Start at 7:30.
  6. Tony Ponturo has advice for businesses that might be considering a Super Bowl ad buy that is the bulk of their ad budget for the year. What is it? Start at 9:40.
  7. Do you agree with Tony Ponturo that social responsibility needs to be a bigger part of sport business? Start at 10:40.
  8. What is Tony Ponturo most proud of in his career? What example did he give of how doing business “the right way” pays dividends later on? Start at 12:50.

Joe Steranka

  1. How important is it for any sport to improve its commitment to diversity in the way Joe Steranka talks about golf’s positive trends in that area? What priorities should a league make in order to grow beyond its core audience? Start at 2:45.
  2. How do you define the term “omni-channel” that Joe Steranka used? Do you believe the digital growth of sports fandom will continue at the current rate? Start at 7:20.

Mike Whan

  1. Why does Mike Whan say “‘sponsors’ is a bad word”? What is his goal in relationships with his sponsors? Start at 1:05.
  2. What is the impact on business for the LPGA to have an international focus? Start at 3:40.
  3. What are the most important considerations to be successful as a commissioner, according to Mike Whan? Start at 10:30.
  4. Does Mike Whan see substantial differences between being the leader of a women’s professional sport organization versus a men’s professional sport organization? Start at 11:30.

Jamey Rootes

  1. What are the major roles of an NFL team in being part of a city’s Super Bowl bid, according to Jamey Rootes? What are the benefits the team receives as a result? Start at 1:40.
  2. Why is Viktor Frankl’s belief that having a purpose for what you do inspiring to Jamey Rootes? Start at 9:40.

Chapter 21

based on video and audio clips available here

Stephen Jones

  1. Discuss the process Stephen Jones and his father, Jerry, went through to determine where he would go to college. What were the expressions of leadership shown by both in getting a compromise that fit everybody’s wishes? Start at 15:20.
  2. What does Stephen Jones mean when he says, “You don’t own the Dallas Cowboys; you just get a chance to run the ball”? Start at 17:40.
  3. Where do you situate yourself in the business spectrum of vision versus best practices? What would you like your position to be? Start at 21:51.
  4. After reading Stephen Jones’ chapter and listening to his interview, why do you think Jerry Jones and the Jones family took the risk in developing the Star complex? Start at 24:42.

Larry Scott

  1. Why did Larry Scott and the Pac-12 Conference embrace China and globalization? Would that strategy be as effective for other conferences and other commissioners? Start at 1:03.
  2. How did Larry Scott convince his member schools to get on board with the Pac-12 Network? What is the result of those efforts, short term and long term? Start at 3:50.
  3. What does Larry Scott say is the “art” of leading a successful organization? Start at 7:00.

Chapter 22

based on video and audio clips available here

Paul Tagliabue

  1. What achievement is Paul Tagliabue most proud of as NFL Commissioner, and which issue did he wish could have played out differently? What does he say about the need for innovation as a commissioner? Start at 2:23.
  2. What does Paul Tagliabue mean when he says the Super Bowl is part of a larger NFL “ecosystem”? Start at 3:46.
  3. Do you agree with Paul Tagliabue that the Super Bowl can’t get too big? Why is the Super Bowl an embodiment of the United States, according to Tagliabue? Start at 6:03.

George Mitchell

  1. Do you agree with the potential for the Americas Champions League that George Mitchell (and chapter 22 author Paul Tagliabue) are involved in, from economic, athletic, political, and cultural perspectives? Why or why not? Start at 0:48.
  2. Are you surprised at how readily George Mitchell acknowledges the problems that will arise in creating the America’s Champions League? Are there other potential problems you can identify? Start at 6:20.
  3. What are similarities between sport business and politics, according to George Mitchell? Do his comments about the two make you more interested in pursuing one or both? Why? Start at 7:50.

Bryan Sperber

  1. Do you agree with Lesa France Kennedy’s initiative to create a public–private partnership in Daytona and Phoenix racetracks owned by International Speedway Corp.? Start at 1:20.
  2. When you hear Bryan Sperber say that sport leagues and organizations during a period of rapid change will get a chance to make their case to fans, media partners, and sponsors, are you excited for the future of the industry or do you see it as concerning? How can you prepare yourself for future challenges? Start at 15:20.

Frank Supovitz

  1. What are some reasons why Frank Supovitz would have left his successful job at the NFL to start his own business? Start at the beginning.
  2. Do you agree with Frank Supovitz’s assessment of how Super Bowls will be awarded to cold-weather stadiums in the future? Start at 12:10.

Chapter 23

based on video and audio clips available here

Fred Nance

  1. Do you agree with Fred Nance that LeBron James—as a “multinational conglomerate”—should be atop the Power 100 rankings? Why or why not? Start at 2:50.
  2. What elements are part of becoming a social media icon, as LeBron James has become, according to Fred Nance? Start at 4:50.
  3. How does Fred Nance’s description of “playing my position” serve as a blueprint for members of any sport business team, whether as part of Team LeBron or a traditional sport organization? Start at 7:30.
  4. Discuss the criteria of the Power 100 rankings, which include 50 percent on-field and 50 percent off-field performance. Is this a successful approach to gauging athletes’ impact in this era? Why or why not? Start at 11:00.
  5. Are athletes today more likely to feel a moral obligation to change the world, as LeBron has indicated? What are the implications of this approach to their profession for sport business leaders who work with them or employ them? Start at 15:15.

Butch Buchholz

  1. What is the relationship between the World Golf Championships and the PGA Tour? What are the benefits of the PGA in managing the WGC? How does the WGC balance tradition and recent partnerships? Start at 4:25.
  2. Butch Buchholz provides a firsthand view of the unique structure of pre-Open era tennis that is a relic of a sport world that predates the 50-year boom this book celebrates. Why is it valuable for sport business leaders to know this history? Start at 9:25.
  3. What is the global future of tennis and golf, according to Butch Buchholz? Start at 14:30.

Nick Sakiewicz

  1. Research the building of Red Bull Arena. What are some of the difficulties that Nick Sakiewicz alludes to in the interview with Rick Horrow? Start at 2:00.
  2. What business skills transferred from MLS to the National Lacrosse League for Nick Sakiewicz? Do you believe that most business skills needed for success in one context transfer to another business context? Start at 3:20.
  3. Why do you think Nick Sakiewicz says that owners “shouldn’t be patient,” and that it is the responsibility of the executive—the commissioner, in his case—to educate about league initiatives? Start at 10:45.
  4. What traits make a good commissioner, according to Nick Sakiewicz? Start at 12:06.
  5. Nick Sakiewicz admits that he wasn’t very familiar with lacrosse before becoming commissioner of the National Lacrosse League. He also expresses great passion for the product he is in charge of producing. What do these two assertions say about the transferability of skills and what leads to success in sport business? Start at 14:00.

Chapter 24

based on video and audio clips available here

Ray Anderson

  1. Do you agree with Ray Anderson’s approach to balancing priorities with football and basketball alongside the Olympic sports and other non–revenue-generating sports? Compare Anderson’s comments on that issue with Jack Swarbrick’s comments in his chapter 19 interview (starting at the 12:30 mark). Start at 6:10.
  2. Make a list of pros and cons of allowing teams with losing records into college bowl games, and more broadly the issue of rolling back the large number of bowl games. How many of these factors are business-related, and how important do you think the business issues should be in making those decisions? Start at 8:20.

Eli Wolff

  1. Do you agree with Eli Wolff that sports, and athletes in particular, have the power to lead social change? Why or why not? Start at 1:57.
  2. What is the goal of the Ali Center, according to Eli Wolff? Start at 7:10.

Rolf Benirschke

  1. What is the goal of Legacy Health Strategies? What do initiatives started by athletes like Rolf Benirschke such as this suggest to you about the possibilities of being an entrepreneur? Start at 7:25.
  2. Do you agree with Rolf Benirschke that athletes have a moral obligation to give back to the community? Start at 11:20.
  3. What does Rolf Benirschke’s response on an emotional level to a team moving to a new city say about the balance of a pro sports team’s business and community obligations? How should sport organizations navigate that balance? Start at 15:20.

Chapter 25

based on video and audio clips available here

Kevin Warren

  1. What were some of the challenges that went into the building of U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota? Why does Kevin Warren call it a good example of public–private partnerships? Start at 2:20.
  2. What elements of the Minnesota Vikings make the team a potential internationally known brand, according to Kevin Warren? Do you agree with his assessment, for the Vikings specifically and for sports teams more generally? Start at 12:10
  3. What did you learn about U.S. Bank Stadium and its features by going on a “tour” with Kevin Warren and Rick Horrow? Start at 17:00.

Stan Kasten

  1. What attributes make people in this episode of Sportfolio praise Stan Kasten as a strong leader for the Los Angeles Dodgers? What do Kasten’s comments say about his approach to his profession and why he is successful? Start at 1:05.

Pete LaCock

  1. How do the changes that Pete LaCock identified in baseball over the past 50 years affect the fan experience? Start at 1:44.
  2. What do you see as common themes between the business of sport and entertainment after listening to Pete LaCock talk about both? What are the differences? Start at 4:43.

Chapter 26

based on video and audio clips available here

Bob Griese

  1. What is the impact of the Miami Dolphins’ perfect season on the franchise even today? Why does that achievement still resonate? What does Bob Griese’s praise for backup quarterback Earl Morrall say about what it takes for an organization to achieve excellence? Start at 3:46.
  2. What skills did Bob Griese use to transfer from the field to the broadcast booth? Start at 9:48.
  3. What does Bob Griese say have been the biggest changes to broadcasting over the past quarter century? Start at 15:50.

Chapter 27

based on video and audio clips available here

Kevin Demoff

  1. What do you believe will be the lasting impact of the Rams’ stadium in Holiday Park? Does this change for you after listening to Kevin Demoff’s March 2017 interview, before ground was broken on the field, which provides insight into its conceptualizing? Start at the beginning.
  2. Kevin Demoff discusses the difficulty in the Rams leaving St. Louis. How does his response to that franchise’s move compare to Rolf Benirschke’s feelings in chapter 24 about the San Diego Chargers leaving for Los Angeles? Start at 6:15.
  3. Kevin Demoff talks about how various NFL stadiums built by HKS feel like they belong in the communities they are located in. How do his comments align with Bryan Trubey’s chapter 27 view of HKS’ goals? Start at 7:15.
  4. Why does Los Angeles make a good Olympic city given the goals of the International Olympic Committee, according to Kevin Demoff? Start at 8:25.
  5. Kevin Demoff grew up in the 1970s with a father who was a sport attorney. How do his memories of that experience inform you about stereotypes of sport agents? Start at 12:40.