Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience

SBC Audio Experience is back with a brand new episode of our “SBC Alumni Takeover Series,” featuring Colleen as she steps into the host chair and shares her powerful journey from student to sports business professional.In this episode, Colleen sits down to reflect on her path through Sports Business Classroom, the NBA Summer League experience in Las Vegas, and how an unexpected opportunity helped shape her career in NIL and sports leadership. In this episode, she dives into:How she went from “I don’t know basketball” to being selected for the NBA Summer League/SBC Immersive experience in Las Vegas What it was like navigating the pressure of a highly competitive sports business environment as a non-traditional basketball candidate The mentorship moments that shifted her mindset and helped her build confidence in her own voice and strengths How SBC helped her think like a front office executive and apply salary cap and roster-building concepts in real NIL workThe unexpected networking moment in Las Vegas that directly contributed to her landing a role in collegiate athletics Her experience playing professional volleyball in Greece and how adversity reshaped her identity and purpose Why she created “Play Her Potential” and how she’s using sports to keep young girls in athletics and develop future leaders How her mission connects sports participation to long-term success in business, law, leadership, and beyondFrom SBC classrooms to international competition to NIL leadership at Mizzou, this episode highlights how sports can become a foundation for confidence, career direction, and long-term impact far beyond the game itself.

SBC Audio Experience is back with a brand new episode of our “SBC Alumni Takeover Series," with new host Jazmine Thomas! In today’s episode, she sits down with Nate Verstagen and Brandon Mitchell on how their SBC experience propelled them into their careers. In this episode, Jazmine sits down with Nate Verstegen and Brandon Mitchell to explore how their time at Sports Business Classroom helped launch their careers and, more importantly, how a shared classroom experience evolved into a trusted friendship and professional support system.In this episode, they dive into: How two Sports Business Classroom alumni turned a classroom friendship into lasting professional success The importance of networking with intention and nurturing genuine relationshipsThe role trust, honesty, and shared ambition play in long-term career growthLifting your peers up as you climb, and why community is essential in the sports businessWhat began as casual conversations and office hours quickly grew into a relationship built on authenticity, ambition, and mutual accountability, reinforcing the idea that SBC is about more than a single networking moment.

In this episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience, VSL alum Alex Cocoros sits down with Gotham Chopra, Emmy-nominated filmmaker and creative force behind Man in the Arena with Serena Williams. Growing up immersed in Boston sports and inspired by his father’s work as a writer, Gotham has always seen sports as a gateway to something bigger—human stories of greatness, struggle, and purpose. Over the years, he’s become a trusted voice in athlete-driven storytelling, capturing the lives of figures like Tom Brady, Conor McGregor, and LeBron James. In this conversation, Gotham opens up about what it takes to earn an athlete’s trust, how the storytelling process has evolved in the streaming era, and why mental health and vulnerability are becoming central themes in today’s sports documentaries.In this episode, they dive into:How to earn trust with top athletes and turn that into authentic storytellingWhy great characters (and their complications) are the heart of any documentaryHow mental health and player empowerment are reshaping the documentary spaceHis next project with Tom Brady in London, documenting the rebuild of a soccer teamGotham shares how working closely with athletes requires more than just access; it demands empathy, communication, and a shared willingness to explore the human side of greatness. Whether he’s filming in London with Tom Brady or navigating creative dynamics with Bon Jovi, Gotham emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with dependable collaborators and staying aligned through a shared vision. For aspiring storytellers and sports professionals alike, this episode offers an inside look at the craft of impactful storytelling—and a reminder that the best stories aren’t just about sports, but about what it means to push beyond limits.

Today’s episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is hosted by VSL alumni Alex Cocoros, who sits down with filmmakers Peter Pan and Kaylee Smith to discuss their documentary, Hoops of Heritage. Kaylee, a VSL alumni, and Peter, who will be working with Vegas Summer League (VSL) this year alongside participating in the Summer League Film Festival (SLFF), reflect on the past few months of filming and what this experience has meant to them.In the episode, they discuss:The unforgettable basketball culture in Serbia and how the atmosphere exceeded expectations.The impact of VSL connections on their filmmaking journey and career growth.What makes the SLFF unique and how filmmakers can improve their chances of selection.They also explore the process of bringing Hoops of Heritage to life, sharing personal reflections on the challenges and rewards of capturing such a powerful story. As Hoops of Heritage prepares to premiere in Las Vegas, the excitement builds for thousands of fans to witness their work on the big screen.If you’re a filmmaker looking to submit your work or want to learn more about the SLFF experience, be sure to stay connected! Follow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

In this episode of the SBC Audio Experience, host Riley Sager sits down with Gaia Accoto, a sports media professional who has built an impressive career as a reporter & a host. As a World Feed Reporter for EuroLeague and Sky Sport, Gaia has covered major basketball events worldwide, balancing in-depth reporting with the fast-paced demands of live sports coverage.The balance between objective reporting and building trust with players and coachesHer experience at NBA Summer League and working alongside a strong network of women in sportsHow social media is shaping modern sports journalism and her approach to digital content creationMemorable moments from covering EuroLeague and major international eventsWith a passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of the game, Gaia shares insights into the evolving sports media landscape and what’s next for her in 2025. Tune in for a conversation on breaking into the industry, navigating challenges, and making an impact in global basketball coverage.

This episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is from a previously recorded webinar on “How Teams Approach the NBA Trade Deadline” hosted by Bobby Marks and Eric Pincus. Throughout the webinar, they discuss the ins and outs of the trade deadline, answer relevant questions from our live Q&A, and more!In this episode, Bobby and Eric discuss:The process of putting together a tradeTrade structure and permissible tradesThe impact of the new CBAExamples of current and past tradesBobby and Eric provide excellent insights on how front offices operate through one of the busiest times of the NBA Calendar.This webinar is an example of what students learn during the SBC Business of Basketball Immersive Experience. If you have any interest in attending the upcoming program taking place this July during the Las Vegas Summer, be sure to register as soon as possible as space is limited.

In this episode of the SBC Audio Experience, alumni host Alex Cocoros sits down with SBC Instructor and credentialed NBA journalist Katie Heindl, whose work has been featured in The New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, SLAM, The Athletic, and more. She is also the creator of Basketball Feelings, a Substack where she explores the human side of basketball through creative and thought-provoking storytelling.Beyond her impressive writing career, Katie is a dedicated SBC Instructor, mentoring hundreds of students each summer at the SBC Immersive Experience in Las Vegas. Through her guidance, she helps aspiring sports professionals develop their storytelling skills and navigate the evolving landscape of sports media. During the episode, Katie discusses:How the Toronto Raptors sparked her love for basketball and shaped her journey into sports journalism.The inspiration behind Basketball Feelings, her approach to storytelling, and how she overcomes writer’s block.Her experience as an SBC Instructor, the impact of mentorship, and her advice for breaking into the sports industry.Katie’s career is a testament to the power of creativity, connection, and staying true to your craft. Tune in to hear her insights and experiences in the world of sports media!

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the SBC Audio Experience! This week, Riley Sager sits down with Buddy Scott, Director of Salary Cap and Basketball Strategy for the Boston Celtics and proud VSL and SBC Alumni, to discuss his journey into the business side of basketball and the intricate world of salary cap management.In this episode, Buddy dives into:His path from VSL and SBC to the front office of the Boston Celtics.The complexities of NBA salary cap management and its role in building championship-caliber teams.Balancing financial strategy with basketball operations to achieve organizational goals.Advice for aspiring sports professionals looking to break into the NBA's business side.Gain a deeper understanding of how analytics, strategy, and creativity intersect to make key decisions for NBA teams and hear how Buddy’s expertise is helping the Celtics compete at the highest level.

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the SBC Audio Experience! This week, Riley Sager sits down with Simon Cherin-Gordon, the NBA’s Manager of Social Content, to explore his journey and the creative strategies behind managing one of the most dynamic social media presences in sports. With a background in fine arts, photography, and writing, he’s brought a fresh perspective to the NBA’s digital strategy. Rising through the Social and Digital Content team, Simon now oversees the league’s nightly social media strategy across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, and BlueSky.In this episode, Simon shares:The pivotal moments from the SBC Immersive Experience that helped transform his careerManaging social media channels for a global brand and tackling the challenges of keeping content fresh while maintaining consistencyTips for aspiring professionals to stand out in the competitive world of content creation.Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Simon and his team engage millions of fans worldwide, even during the off-season, and what he’s most excited about as he continues to innovate in his role.Tune in for actionable insights, inspiration, and a deep dive into the art of social media in sports!

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). 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 sportsThe unique elements that set SBC Immersive apart from other sports programsHer involvement with her family's Second Round Foundation and the incredible projects she's learning from and contributing toHer top advice for those aiming to break into the sports industryAfter participating in the SBC 2023 Immersive in Las Vegas, Erica's passion for sports business led her to secure a full-time role at CAA in June 2024. Beyond her professional endeavors, Erica is actively involved the Second Round Foundation, 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 | Instagram | X | FacebookFollow Riley Sager: LinkedIn | Instagram Follow Erica Brunson: LinkedIn | Instagram

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!

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 careerExpert advice on building trust and cultivating meaningful relationships with potential employers and colleaguesHer most significant operational takeaways from managing large-scale sporting events like the OlympicsValentina'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.

Welcome to episode 103 of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience podcast, where we dive into the world of sports media and broadcasting with Justin Termine, the esteemed voice of NBA Today on SiriusXM NBA Radio. Broadcasting live from HallPass Studios, Justin joins our Alumni Host Riley Sager for an insightful conversation packed with insider insights and career reflections.In this episode, Riley and Justin discuss:Opportunities Justin took that led him to his current roleWhat it's been like to have a passion for your craft for so longThe impact technology has made in the world of Sports Media & BroadcastWhy should listeners enroll in SBC’s Business of Basketball Immersive ExperienceJustin attended Emerson College in Boston, where he majored in Broadcast Journalism and got a taste of the big leagues. From there he worked his way up through different Emcee roles in the industry, while starting his current position at Sirius XM in 2005 and has worked there for the past 18 years. At Sirius XM, Justin also hosts live from NBA All-Star Games, Finals, Drafts, Combines, and the Las Vegas Summer League while working with current and former players.Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through Justin Termine's path to broadcasting excellence, a testament to resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to the craft. Follow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookFollow Justin Termine: LinkedIn | Instagram | XFollow Riley Sager: LinkedIn | InstagramIf you have any interest in attending the Business of Basketball Immersive Experience program taking place July 14-20, 2024 during the Las Vegas Summer, be sure to register as soon as possible as space is limited.Learn more: sportsbusinessclassroom.com