Lance Dietz

The U.S. sports betting market continues to grow as more Americans wager more money on live events. The AGA reported YTD commercial sports betting revenue reached $8.36bn through August (+30.4% YoY). However, the related advertising dollars are not flowing as easily as they once did with FanDuel and DraftKings Inc. entrenched as the regulated market leaders in all 30 legal mobile betting jurisdictions and the pace of states adding new OSB or online casino legislation having slowed to a crawl. Logic would suggest that reality will begin to impact sports rights owners and holders over time–if the trend doesn’t change. One “shouldn't assume that just because available ad dollars have dropped off this year, spending will stay at this level or drop off further in the future," Chris Grove (co-founding partner, Acies Investments) said. "There are numerous reasons why marketing spend could turn back upward.” But there is a new class of gaming companies –social sweepstakes casinos (think: VGW Play, Stake.us) and sportsbooks (think: Fliff Inc)– capable of helping sports properties and their media partners replace lost revenues in the interim. These entities are growing faster, operating in more states, and can be more profitable than regulated counterparts (though, none are nearly as profitable as FanDuel or DraftKings). For context, Virtual Gaming Worlds reported in September that it increased annual net profits by 30% YoY to $335mm on record revenues of $4.15bn. Sweepstakes are games of chance where no purchase is necessary to win. In a social sweepstakes sportsbook or casino players can also buy virtual coins that can be wagered and redeemed for real cash prizes. #sweepstakes #gaming #sportsbetting #sportsbiz #marketing #advertising #trends https://lnkd.in/egRbEuQp

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Congratulations! You sold your jersey patch. Now what? Team-branded partner points could be the next big sponsorship asset in baseball, potentially generating as much incremental revenue as jersey patches, if not more. This is especially crucial for small and mid-market clubs seeking new premium assets to sell. Take the Cincinnati Reds, for example. They reportedly earn $5 million annually from their Kroger jersey patch deal. Assuming their sponsorship sales grew from $35 million to $40 million, that's a 14% increase from a single sale – impressive growth! But what's next to keep the business growing? Small and mid-market teams like the Reds, Pirates, Royals, Cardinals, Brewers, Guardians, and even the Tigers can struggle to grow year-over-year sponsorship revenues significantly due to limited media reach and national appeal. They need innovative offerings to drive significant incremental growth. While jersey patches are valuable, their revenue potential is capped until renewal. This is where team-branded partner points can play a crucial role: 1. New Product: Selling team-branded points to sponsors creates incremental revenue. 2. Activation Tool: Points give sponsors a reason to spend more based on their success. 3. Leveraging Fan Affinity: Small-market clubs may have fewer eyeballs, but they boast strong, generational fan affinity. 4. Liquid Asset: Points can be assigned value, bought, sold, and traded both online and at the ballpark. (points are liquid affinity). 5. Democratic Approach: Unlike jersey patches, partner points can be sold to multiple sponsors across various categories including the the vary brands that buy jersey patches. 6. Measurable KPIs: Points help brands drive and measure specific outcomes. 7. Improved Retention: Strategic use of partner points can lead to higher sponsor renewal rates. Partner points not only offer a path to increased annual revenues but also have the potential to enhance sponsor satisfaction and longevity – a win-win for both clubs and their partners. As MLB teams look to innovate and grow their sponsorship revenues this off season, team-branded partner points present a compelling opportunity. By turning fan affinity into a tangible, tradable asset, clubs can create new revenue streams, enhance sponsor relationships, and drive fan engagement. This strategy could be particularly transformative for small and mid-market teams, helping them compete financially in an increasingly challenging landscape.

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Despite the typical slowdown in the sports industry during July and August, we're seeing an unexpected increase in demand for support, which is encouraging and worth sharing to potentially benefit others. Here's a brief overview of this week's engagements: 1. Soccer Club Support Request: A club reached out for a quote to provide a fractional Executive Director (ED), an initiative we support as it helps prevent burnout among EDs who may lack sufficient expertise or support. 2. League 1 Preparation: Another soccer club sought assistance in preparing for entry into League 1. This is particularly noteworthy given the number of clubs granted status without thorough audits of their business preparedness. 3. Podcast Conversation: We had the pleasure of engaging with Emmy Award-winning Asia Mape from "I Love To Watch You Play," discussing real strategies for better parental engagement & expectations. 4. Interview on Sport Opportunity Disparities: A Stanford student interviewed us for a project exploring the disparity of opportunities in sports based on wealth, with a specific focus on the NBA. 5. International Club System Discussion: We discussed with a national representative the possibility of establishing a A-Z club system in another country, emphasizing community engagement through a High-Performance (HP) through a five-year plan. 6. NSO Request: An NSO requested our review of the "How To Activate A Sport Framework" for their new player development pathway, aiming to move from conceptual PDF documents to tangible activation. 7. Meeting with a Pediatric Neurologist: We had an insightful meeting with a pediatric neurologist from the USA, sharing how we've operationalized tracking, recording, and reporting age-appropriate character, confidence, competence, and culture. It was a home run! 8. Provincial Sport Organization Strategic Planning: We're preparing to facilitate a strategic plan for a Provincial Sport Organization, a process we enjoy as an external party uninfluenced by tradition, individuals, or previous concepts. 9. Partnership Formation: We are continuing the process of preparing ourselves to partner  with one of the largest amateur sport organizations in North America. Stay tuned While we did throw shade at Sport For Life (not a fan of their leadership) and were disappointed by the Canadian Women's Soccer incident (again highlighting the lack of culture, leadership, and accountability in the system) overall, it was a productive week! If we can assist you or your organization in any area of sports, please feel free to reach out. If we don't have the in-house expertise, we can source it from our extensive North American virtual bench. Many sport organizations could use and need the support and we're NOT interested in taking your jobs. Don't just window shop and then try to do it yourself—engage with us!

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The future of sports is bright! Fitch Ratings projects a stronger financial outlook for the industry in 2025, fueled by global expansion, growing interest in women’s sports, and favorable economic conditions like lower U.S. interest rates. Key drivers include robust income streams from media rights, sponsorships, naming rights, and premium seating, alongside increased demand for sports content and concert tours utilizing professional facilities. “The rise of women’s sports and global engagement are unlocking exciting new revenue opportunities,” says Fitch’s Ben Munguia. The game is changing—and the opportunities are boundless! #SportsBusiness #WomenInSports #GlobalExpansion

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Part I: The NWSL and links to MCO through their investors Overview * NWSL formed 2012, began playing 2013 * Expanding to 16 teams 2026 * NWSL collective worth $1.46bn * 57% increase in franchise value 2023-24 * Collective revenues to pass $215m - 91% YoY * All teams to lose $5-10m 2024 * 4yr Broadcast Deal $240m ($4m per team per yr) * Min salary to increase $48-$82 by 2030 * Salary cap to increase $3.3M - $5.1M by 2030 * Attendance increased 42% in 24 passing 1m fans 3yrs in a row * 49 matches passed 10k fans * The Yates Report 2022 (investigation into systemic abuse and misconduct within NWSL) highlighted Thorns, North Carolina, Red Stars, Racing Louisville & Seattle Reign as all failing to protect players Seattle Reign  * Valued $78m * Franchise Fee $0  * Formed 2012 as Seattle Reign FC * 2019 renamed Reign FC due to a relocation (Tacoma) * 2020 OL Group paid $3.5m for 89.5%, name changed to OL Reign * 2024 Sold for $58m, reverted back to Seattle Reign FC * Between time of purchase and sale, OL Group changed ownership to Eagle Football Holdings *OL Groupe was financially distressed & sold OL Reign to Carlyle Group 50% & Adrian Hanauer, owner of Seattle Sounders, 2012 Alan was a past investor in Reign * Hanauer has a minority stake in NHL Seattle Kraken & previously held 15% in EFL Cambridge Utd early 00s * The Carlyle group (AuM $426bn)formed part of the financial vehicle Stephen Pagliuca consortium used to purchase Atalanta Bergamo FC  * Pagliuca acquired a 55% in the holding company that owns 86% of Atalanta for €250m in 2022 * Pagliuca is co-owner of Boston Celtics * Pagliuca in discussion to acquire Red Star FC (France) Portland Thorns  * Valued $93m * Franchise Fee $0 * Formed by Merritt Paulson (Peregrine Sports LLC) who owns Portland Timbers * As a result of the yates report sold the Thorns to RAJ Sports for $63m 2023 * RAJ Sports is led by the Bethal family * 2024 The Bhathal family was awarded WNBA's 15th franchise for Portland (Name TBC) to begin 2026 * The Bhathal family previously owned several Sacramento franchises * Other investors include Sam Garvin (Phoenix Suns) Angel City  * Valued $250m  * Franchise Fee $2m * Formed 2020  * Founding ownership group included Natalie Portman, Serena Williams, Eva Longoria * Longoria is part-owner of Club Necaxa & associated with Wrexham * 2024 Willow Bay and Bob Iger purchased 35% for $87.5m which valued the franchise at $250m * Their total investment is $137.5m providing $50m for operations  * Sept 2024 LAFC invest $50m acquiring a small stake * LAFC acquisition stems from warrants that were part of city stadium lease agreement. These warrants gave LAFC the rights to purchase shares. * Mia Hamm is a minority investor in both LAFC & Angel FC * LAFC own Grasshopper Club Zürich & Austrian club FC Wacker Innsbruck * LAFC formed a JV with FC Bayern (Red&Gold) which owns Racing Club de Montevideo (Uruguay) and Gambinos Stars (Gambia) #multiclubownership #footballbusiness #footballfinance

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Every year I get dozens of people reaching out to me about how to break into the sports industry. The reality is: it is really hard! Sports is a supply and demand industry. Many more people want jobs in sports than there are jobs available. Really excited to partner with Sports Business Ventures to help people achieve their goals in this industry. From their mentor marketplace (matching job seekers with mentors in their field) to The Playbook (job boards, peer to peer networking, virtual panel discussions, and more), SBV is a tremendous resource for anybody who wants to work in sports. Check out The Playbook today! https://lnkd.in/eTs_Bx4W

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Navigating Market Price Fluctuations in Sports Event Budgeting 🏅💸 Managing a sports event budget with fluctuating market prices can be challenging. Here’s how to stay on track: 1️⃣ Forecast and Plan 📊 - Use historical data to predict price changes. 2️⃣ Build Flexibility 🔄 - Include a contingency fund for unexpected costs. 3️⃣ Negotiate Contracts 🤝 - Secure fixed-price contracts to lock in costs. 4️⃣ Bulk Purchases 🛒 - Buy in bulk when prices are low. 5️⃣ Monitor Trends 🔍 - Adjust purchasing strategies based on market trends. 6️⃣ Alternative Suppliers 🔄 - Have backup suppliers for competitive pricing. Proactive budget management helps navigate price fluctuations and ensures event success. How do you handle budget challenges? Share your tips in the comments! 🌟 #SportsEventManagement #Budgeting #MarketFluctuations #EventPlanning

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Check out some clips from my latest segment on VSiN, The Sports Betting Network discussing Week 15 best bets! #sportsbetting #football

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What a day at the inaugural Alpaca VC Capital Cup! 🏌️‍♂️☀️ Yesterday, we brought together 20 of South Florida's most incredible VCs, founders, and allocators at The Park in West Palm Beach for an afternoon that was about more than just golf. It was about starting the New Year by getting outside, connecting in-person and continuing to build the South Florida tech ecosystem. And for our team’s David Goldberg, it was about getting out of the sand in a pretty spectacular way – at least ESPN thought so (see ~45 seconds into the clip below, and you’ll get it!).   Since making South Florida my home, I've become increasingly convinced that the future of our tech ecosystem is made stronger when we step away from our screens and spend time together in person. The golf course isn't just about the green or the game – it's about the conversations, collaborations and unexpected outcomes that happen along the way. Huge thanks to our partners Escalon Services, LLC (thank you Zack Mellin) and First Circle Law (thank you Drew Morris) for supporting this vision of ecosystem building. And an even bigger thanks to everyone who showed up, swung a club and helped be a part of what’s happening here in the region: Jonathan Beda of Connexa Capital, Eric Helitzer, LEED AP of SubBase, Patrick Miller and Rob Cousin of J.P. Morgan, Steven Himmel of HighPost Capital, Harry Hurst of Protagonist, Jacob Slevin of FuseProp, Chris Wallace of Dunbar Capital, Paget S. of Gemini, Henri Pierre-Jacques of Harlem Capital, Blake Hatten of CEAS Investments, Howie Diamond of Pure Ventures, Luba Lesiva of Palumni VC, Nicki Berlyn Katz of Related Ross, Rob Hayden of Renew. These are the moments that make our South Florida tech landscape one I’m glad to be a part of. Who's ready for the next gathering? 🤝 #SouthFloridaTech #VentureCapital https://lnkd.in/eZWkqChP

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This is a very thorough analysis of the impact a franchise player could have when signed to a Club, if, and only if the relationship is exploited in more ways than just the game performance and also thinking long term. https://lnkd.in/eM-2axKF

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⚽ Is Your Sports Club Missing Out on R&D Tax Credits? 💡 If your sports club is innovating—whether through new training methods, advanced sports technology, or facility improvements—you could be eligible for R&D tax credits. 🔍 Potential Areas for Eligible R&D: - Sports Science & Training: Developing new training regimes or recovery techniques to enhance athlete performance. - Facility Enhancements: Innovating in the design or construction of sports facilities, including energy-efficient solutions. - Sports Technology: Implementing or creating new technologies for performance tracking, injury prevention, or fan engagement. - Equipment Innovation: Designing or improving sports equipment to boost performance or safety. 🔧 Common R&D Challenges in Sports Clubs: - Performance Uncertainty: Testing new methods or technologies with uncertain outcomes. - Integration of Technology: Adapting advanced technology to suit the specific needs of athletes or facilities. - Cost & Budget Constraints: Innovating within the limits of a club’s budget, especially in smaller or grassroots organisations. We have successfully helped a football club with their R&D tax credit claims (more details to follow....) and are happy to assist other sports clubs with theirs 🌟 Please get in touch with Shaun Bartle or Michael Phillips for more information on how we can work together 🤝 #sports #sportsclubs #uksportsclub #uktax #innovation #taxcredits #uktaxcredits #uktaxes #researchanddevelopment #randd #money #cashflow #businessstrategy #ceo #managingdirector #cfo #financedirector #financemanager #operationsdirector

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Multiple baseball teams set records for single game ticket sales revenue during the 2024 playoffs. That achievement is the byproduct of strong demand for Major League Baseball (MLB)’s postseason product and a savvy –albeit debatable– ticket sales strategy intended to recapture revenue leakage. Clubs recognize that “fans are agnostic to where they get their tickets and have started making pricing decisions for both the primary market, which they obviously control in full, and large portions of the secondary market, which is a mix of the organization and other sellers,” one BI executive said. That is why the two have moved more in concert with one another this fall than typically seen. But while the blending of ticketing markets is enabling teams to maximize gate receipts, it is also contributing to a potentially troublesome trend across sports: loyal fans are getting priced out. “The short-term gain that comes with overcharging your core fans is juxtaposed with the long-term problem that creates with fandom in general,” the club exec said. #sports #sportsbiz #ticketing #ticketsales #strategy cc: JohnWallStreet Shripal Shah Ryan Dastrup, PhD Randall Friedman Jacie Brandes https://lnkd.in/ejrBAAfu

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Dear agents, when negotiating, instead of saying 'my player is clutch' without data 📊 You could show: 1️⃣ Metrics in crucial games 2️⃣ Performance breakdown vs different opponents 3️⃣ Team impact numbers 'Trustmebrology' doesn't work anymore.

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Buy low, sell high. PBR continues to be on the rise. The time is now to get on this ride. Marc Lasry, owner of PBR's New York Mavericks, was on CNBC this morning. His take on the two biggest opportunities right now? Bull Riding & Women's Sports. As the CEO of a bull riding franchise with a daughter who loves sports, this is the business news I'm here for. Avenue Capital Group CEO Marc Lasry joined CNBC's "Squawk Box" to discuss his take on the sports world and explained how he makes investment decisions. Asked whether he considers his investments to be more in the style of venture capital or private equity, Lasry said he feels he has "the cheat code." Lasry notes after sports on TV, "We now know what the ratings are. So why did I invest in bull riding? Because I saw that ratings every year for three years, went up. I'm not investing in things where ratings are going down and people aren’t watching.” He notes the difference is that he is “not really taking any chances.” FINDING VALUE: Lasry mentioned how the sport of bull riding is “just undervalued.” Lasry: “What we're trying to do is find sports that are undervalued and invest in those so that five years from now, as they get their new media deals, that's when you'll capture the upside.” Lasry mentions women’s sports being one among the most undervalued. He said, “You're having this change as more and more people are bringing their daughters, and more girls want to watch other women play sports.” He notes women’s sports “need to have men watching it.” Lasry: “I would say today’s generation doesn't care, right? The younger you are, you're going to go to a woman's game. You're going to go to a men's game.” #sportsbusiness #bullriding #womensports https://lnkd.in/gAeGH92P

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The Premier Lacrosse League assigned each of its eight clubs to home markets prior to the start of the 2024 season. The barnstorming league made the move in an attempt to begin building ‘generational fandom’ (think: the love for ones’ team gets passed down). It believes tying clubs to geo-locations is the surest way to cultivate an impassioned fan base and simultaneously grow its business.  “Our goal is to create true foundational fandom that starts to elevate and move lacrosse into the upper tier of sports consumption,” Jerod Laughlin (SVP of growth, PLL) said. Early indications suggest the league is headed in the right direction. Performance Through Week 5 -Onsite merchandise sales are up 38% YoY -Attendance up 15.9% YoY -App users (+46.6%) and user sessions (+98.8%) are both up YoY -Social media views have increased YoY at the league (+49.61%) and team (143.49%) levels -PLL Play youth tournament participation has risen 21% YoY #strategy #sportsbiz #lacrosse #local #NewYork cc: Randall Friedman Ryan Dastrup, PhD Jacie Brandes Tom Brady Long Ellis III Michael Rabil https://lnkd.in/eZDQcE6n

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$200 million per year… 6x growth compared to the last WNBA Deal…. More details included in this article…. Reexamine after 3 years into the 11 year deal for the WNBA… all positive signs as Toronto WNBA Team enters the league in 2 years. Check out the full details

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In the realm of sports betting, a wide array of adages and clichés pervade discussions. For example, when a betting aficionado scrutinizes the plausibility of a particular betting line, contemplating whether bookmakers are leading towards a risky wager, it prompts a deeper examination of the underlying implications. Respected gambling expert Joe Duffy reveals the subtle intricacies woven into each betting line, offering insights into the fundamental components and strategies that empower seasoned bettors to outsmart bookmakers. Explore the realm of NFL proficiency as Duffy unravels the covert tactics that underlie this thrilling betting pursuit.

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As a young sports manager, it's essential to stay ahead of the trends affecting all levels of the industry today, from Major League Sports to Minor League, NCAA, and Independent Sports Leagues. Here are four key issues to focus on in 2024: 1. Leveraging AI: Generative AI can revolutionize how you engage fans. Embracing AI can give your team a competitive edge and enhance the fan experience. 💠 A study by Deloitte highlights that 60% of sports organizations plan to increase their AI investments in 2024 to enhance fan engagement 2. Diversifying Revenue Streams: Traditional revenue sources like ticket sales are no longer enough. Explore new opportunities such as streaming services, digital partnerships, and community events. These strategies can help stabilize finances and grow your fan base. 💠 NCAA programs have seen a 30% increase in revenue from streaming partnerships and digital media rights 3. Sustainable Events: Focus on making these events cost-effective and sustainable by adopting eco-friendly practices and engaging local communities. Successful events will attract more fans and sponsors. 💠 The 2023 MiLB playoffs adopted sustainable practices, reducing waste by 25% and attracting additional sponsorship from eco-conscious brands 4. Navigating NIL Changes in College Sports: Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations are transforming college athletics. Ensure fair compensation for athletes while maintaining academic integrity. Develop strategies to attract and retain talent in this new landscape. 💠 Colleges that effectively managed NIL opportunities saw a 15% improvement in athlete retention and recruitment Staying informed and adaptable will help you navigate these challenges effectively. #Sportsbiz #Strategy #Business #Challenges #Leadership #Technology #Licencing #Sustainability

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