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In today’s episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience, we sat down with Nick Lagios, General Manager of the Capitanes CDMX. Nick Lagios was the Director of Basketball Operations and Player Development for the South Bay Lakers, the G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers and a former SBC Student.In this episode we discuss:What made this job opportunity seem like this was the right moveNick talks about his experiences in Sydney, AustraliaWhat the interview process was like for Nick’s current positionNick’s advice for people who are chasing their dreams Nick Lagios attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he is a graduate of the university’s top-notch geography program, all while being a well-versed, talented, creative, and motivational individual. After graduating college Nick became a video intern for the Los Angeles Lakers for 8 months. From there he scored a job with the South Bay Lakers as a Basketball Operations Coordinator and then later transitioned to be the Director of Basketball Operations and Player Development. After working for South Bay for nearly six years, Nick earned a job as Basketball Development Coordinator for the Lakers, up until his new position as a GM. Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter Connect with Nick Lagios: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

In today’s episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience, we sat down with the host of the No Dunks Podcast, Leigh Ellis. Leigh writes, shoots, produces and edits his own features for The Athletic. Previously, Leigh has been an analyst on the FAN590 radio station during the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Rogers Cup. Leigh has a strong passion for all sports, specifically the NBA, Soccer, Tennis, Cricket, Australian Rules Football and the Olympics. Throughout Leigh's career, he has a proven networking ability with well-established contacts in the sports media community. In this episode we discuss:How Leigh’s passion for the game led him to his current careerHow he transitioned from working at a bank to entering the basketball industryWhat keeps Leigh Ellis motivated Leigh’s specialties consist of working competently with a camera as well as working with editing software such as Aurora, Final Cut, Edius, and Avid. He has an in-depth knowledge of industry trends and tools, including search engine optimization, social media tools, and techniques. He was a personality on the podcast, blog, and NBA TV program The Starters formerly known as The Basketball Jones.  Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter Connect with Leigh Ellis: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

In today’s episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience, we sat down with Turner Sports Coordinating Producer, Jeremy Levin. Jeremy produces the nine-time Emmy-winning “Inside The NBA” studio show, where he supervises the control room and production staff. In addition to his role as a coordinating producer, Levin’s job also consists of  working with the Turner sales team to ensure flawless execution of deals and mentoring entry level employees.In this episode we discuss:What does the preparation for the show look like How to keep a balance of entertainment and basketball on the airWhere the show, Inside the NBA, stands historicallyThe future of broadcasting with viewing habits evolvingAt Turner, Jeremy works with the team to develop new sports programming while also attending conferences, including NCTA, and NAB about the future of television, broadband internet, and VOD. Levin started on entry level events at each company and progressed to the  highest profile events and positions. His key roles on Turner’s coverage were NBA All-star weekend, NBA Playoffs, NASCAR, and transitioned from NBA TV to Turner.Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter 

In today’s episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience, we sat down with Dan Purcell, former Front Office Executive for he New Orleans Pelicans. Purcell’s basketball journey began when he was recruited to Lake Erie College to play Division III basketball. Lake Erie College finished 21-7 that season, earning the program’s first bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament after winning the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference regular-season and tournament titles. After graduating, Purcell landed a job with The National Basketball Academy (TNBA).In this episode we discuss:Dan’s college basketball careerHis transition from being a player to working in the industryDan’s current goal and how he stays motivatedWhat he has learned from his journey thus farAs an Operations Assistant in the TNBA, Purcell helped in all facets of a wide-ranging operation that includes advanced teaching, summer camps and running youth basketball clinics for the Cavs and other NBA franchises. In 2009, when the Academy began a business relationship with the then-New Orleans Hornets, Kline-Ruminski picked Purcell to run the operation in Louisiana. Four years later, he was hired as the team’s Basketball Operations Assistant and was then promoted to Basketball Operations Manager.Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter Connect with Dan Purcell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter 

In today’s episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience, we sat down with Peter Scott, Vice President of Emerging Media and Innovation, at Turner Sports. Pete has been with Turner Broadcasting, an AOL Time Warner company since 1989. He first started in the Video Journalist program at CNN, becoming an editor and cameraman for CNN news. He traveled the world for six years covering wars in Bosnia, the US invasion of Haiti, Presidential campaigns, Earthquakes in Los Angeles, and otherworldly events. In 1996, Peter moved to Turner Sports where he became a Senior Production Manager of Remote Operations coordinating, logistics for the NBA, NFL, and MLB telecasts on TNT and TBS.In this episode we discuss:Peter’s experience at CNNPeter’s specific role at Turner SportsHow Pete keeps the mindset of being open to new approachesHow he thinks the media will evolve in the next 3 to 5 years In 2000, he moved to Los Angeles to become Senior Video Producer for FoxSports.com. There he was responsible for producing and directing the first live college football game streamed over the Internet. In 2001 he returned to Turner, where he was Executive Interactive Producer of Content, Programming, and Production for Turner Sports Interactive, where he managed the digital rights for NASCAR.com PGATOUR.com, and PGA.com. In 2007 he became GM and Business Manager for PGA.com and PGATOUR.com. In 2008 Pete became the Executive Director of Digital Partnerships and was in charge of Turner's content and business relationship with Yahoo Sports and responsible for all new emerging technologies as it relates to the Turner Sports portfolio. Currently, Pete is Vice President, Emerging Media with an expanded role of overseeing new technologies for Sports Illustrated and NCAA Digital. Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter Connect with Peter Scott: LinkedIn 

In today’s episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience, we sat down with Michael Jackson, a former American professional basketball player who played in three NBA seasons for the Sacramento Kings from 1987 to 1990. He was a 6'2" guard from Georgetown University and was a member of the 1984 Hoyas team that won the Division I national championship in 1985 and returned to the Final Four the following year. In this episode we discuss:Michael’s college basketball careerThe transition from a pro ballplayer to NBA CoachHow MJ contributed to Turner Sports  Challenges and experiences when working with pro ballers like Kobe Bryant and LeBron JamesFollowing his college career, Jackson was selected by the New York Knicks in the second round (47th pick overall) of the 1986 NBA draft. In his NBA career, Jackson played in 89 games, scored a total of 188 points, and had 198 assists. He led the Kings in assists in a number of games in the 1987–88 season. MJ was a member of Georgetown's 1984 National Championship team. After graduating with a degree in sociology in 1986, he was accepted to the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. Upon retirement, Jackson assumed management positions with the United States Olympic Committee and Turner Sports and served as the president of Yankees–Nets, currently known as YES Network. He has worked in a number of executive positions at Nike, Inc, including vice president and general manager of global basketball from 2014 to 2016.Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter 

In today’s episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience, we sat down with Alex Kennedy and Oliver Maroney, the hosts of the NBA Top Shot Weekly Podcast. Alex Kennedy is an NBA writer and the Chief Content Officer at BasketballNews.com. Alex also previously worked at HoopsHype as an editor. Oliver Maroney currently works in Talent Relations Sports at Cameo. Oliver previously worked at BIG3 as a Content and Media strategist, as well as a senior writer at Dime Magazine and Basketball Insiders. Both hosts have very successful careers in NBA media and are now leading voices in the NBA Top Shot community.In this episode we discuss:Basic understanding of NBA Top Shots Oliver and Alex explained which moments are hot and why   What the future of this product looks like In this episode, Alex and Oliver answer all the basic questions so anyone can gain an understanding of NBA Top Shot. NBA Top Shot lets you build a collection featuring all the players you love, including the elite rookies, the role players that made your favorite team tick, and the players you can’t get enough of. Alex and Oliver are early adopters of NBA Top Shot and are now leading voices in the Top Shot community. They provide an easy and user-friendly onramp into the world of NBA Top Shot.Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter Connect with Alex Kennedy:  Instagram | Twitter Connect with Oliver Maroney: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter 

In today’s episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience, we sat down with Bleacher Report Writer, NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement expert, and NBA TV & Basketball Insiders Capologist, Eric Pincus. Pincus is currently covering the league for Basketball Insiders and the Los Angeles Lakers for Bleacher Report. In this episode we discuss: Ideas and advice for beginner sports reporters and writers What makes the Virtual Experience Draft Academy unique  What the Virtual Experience Draft Academy will be covering over the weekEric Pincus is a leading expert on NBA player contracts and the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. As an NBA Senior Writer for Basketball Insiders, Pincus publishes detailed team pages on each NBA franchise with accurately sourced salary information for each player. He is also the resident Capologist for NBA TV and the Los Angeles Lakers lead writer for Bleacher Report. Eric also recently launched his own YouTube Channel with videos discussing all 30 NBA teams' relationship to the salary cap.Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter Connect with Eric Pincus: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter 

In today’s episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience, we sat down with the CEO & Co-Founder at Another Lane, Adena Jones. Adena has over 10 years of developing award-winning social editorial strategies and digital activations by creating engaging content for use in social media campaigns. Her past job titles consist of Director of Social Media, Director of Content Operations, Senior Manager of Social Moments, Deputy Managing Editor, Social Media Manager, Writer, Editor, Manager of Social Media Communications, and Interactive Producer.In this episode we discuss:Taking chances in your career Learning from each job opportunity Past work experiences and responsibilities From Nike to NBA.com and even the worldwide leader in sports ESPN, Adena has her finger on the pulse of the digital sports world. No matter the medium: video, social, or printed word, Adena has a passion for being at the forefront of delivering information and engaging users with powerful brand messaging. Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter Connect with Adena Jones: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter 

In today’s episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience, we sat down with Dominique Willis, known to NBA fans as Dom2K. The NBA YouTube personality started out just over 5 years ago, has gained over 365K subscribers on YouTube, 43.1K followers on Twitch, and has been a great success within the NBA community.In this episode we discuss:What led Dom to the path of content creatingChallenges that Dom deals withEarly stages of Dom’s career and how it has evolved Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter Connect with Dom 2K:  Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Twitch 

In today’s episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience, we sat down with the Assistant Director of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team, BJ Domingo. In his role with the men’s program, Domingo assists Team USA in all facets, but his primary focus will be on the Men's Junior National Team. In his role, he will coordinate the participation of athletes and staff for the men's junior team minicamps and international competitions, as well as assisting in the implementation of the health and wellness and life skills components.In this episode we discuss:How BJ fell in love with the game of basketballBJ's responsibilities as Assistant Director for USA basketballDeveloping and trusting your own process as a scoutWhat BJ has learned from his past career experiences How a season progresses for a scout as an NBA team points toward the draftDomingo earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from San Jose State University in May 2013, and recently he worked in the Milwaukee Bucks front office as a scout, a position he began in 2017 and held until being hired at USA Basketball. Domingo also served as a basketball operations associate from 2015-17 and a player relations intern in 2014-2015 for the Bucks. Before that, he was a video intern for the Golden State Warriors in 2013-14. During his summers BJ was a HallPass Media staff member coordinating operations for Adidas Nations for five summers (2011-15); an intern for the NBA Summer League from 2008-15; an attraction manager for the NBA All-Star Weekend in 2011 in Los Angeles; and an administrative assistant for Warren LeGarie Sports Management in 2008.Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter Connect with BJ Domingo: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter 

In today’s episode of the Sports Business Classroom, we sat down with the owner of BarrysTickets.com, Barry Rudin. Barry’s Ticket Service is one of the largest ticket brokerage firms in the United States. For over 35 years, Rudin has been an industry innovator, successfully expanding and evolving with the times. He has always maintained a strong position at the forefront of the ticket industry. From official partnerships with several professional sports franchises to foreseeing technological necessities, Rudin’s business savvy, and vision have always placed him among the leaders in the business. With his continued focus and enthusiasm, Barry’s Ticket Service will maintain its position as an industry leader through an unprecedented period without live events. In this episode we discuss:How hard the live sporting event/concert business was hit by COVIDHow he plans to come back as a business after the pandemicThe outlook for the live events business in the futureThe public’s enthusiasm to return to arenas and sports venues The owner of Barry’s Tickets, Rudin has been Southern California’s top broker for decades. He started his business in high school, in the early ‘80s, operating out of his parents’ home in the San Fernando Valley, and he continued as an undergrad at USC, acquiring and dropping off tickets between classes. He then made a small fortune brokering tickets at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Since then he has been the front, center, and courtside in the ticketing game. So much so, that while his business is mostly run online, he still has his own office in the Luxe Hotel on Figueroa, a block away from Staples Center. Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter Connect with Barry Rudin: LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

In today’s episode, we sat down with senior coordinating producer for the NBA on ESPN, Tim Corrigan. Corrigan oversees all aspects of ESPN game and studio production including NBA Countdown, NBA Tonight, NBA Coast to Coast, and NBA segments on SportsCenter. In addition, he produces ABC broadcasts of NBA games including the Conference Finals, NBA Finals, and NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC. He also oversees WNBA and Major League Lacrosse telecasts. Since 2004, Corrigan has also produced ESPN Sunday Night Football (prior to 2006) and Monday Night Football (since 2006) telecasts.In this episode we discuss:The responsibilities of an NBA ProducerTim’s experience in the NBA Bubble How Tim’s job is different in 2021 compared to 2020Steps that an aspiring NBA producer should takePreviously, Corrigan had worked as a production assistant (1987-89) and associate producer/director (1989-93) on a variety of ESPN events, including America’s Cup, French Open, NCAA basketball, college, and NFL football, and Major League Baseball. He also served as a producer of ESPN’s college football and basketball telecasts, as well as bowl games, and served as coordinating producer in 2002.  He also produced the Women’s Final Four 1994-2002, the ACC Tournament 1993-2002, ABC Sports’ college basketball 1999 – 2002, the WNBA in 1996 and 1997, Olympic trials in 1996, and had served as producer of Winter and Summer X Games telecasts.Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter  

In today’s episode, we sat down with President of Don Vaden InterActive Consulting and Former Vice President of Basketball Operations for the National Basketball Association and Director of Officials Don Vaden. Don worked for the NBA from 1988 until 2018 and served the game of basketball in many ways for both the NBA and WNBA. Don refereed from 1988-2003, as well as the NBA Finals in 2002. He also served on the Management Team from 2003-2010, worked as Director of Officials for the NBA from 2011-2016, and Director of Officials for the WNBA from 2016-2017.In this episode we discuss:What keeps Don motivatedThe development of refereeing Don’s new business venture in consultingPrior to joining the NBA Don graduated from Lynchburg College (VA), played professional baseball, taught Physical Education, coached high school baseball, football, indoor track, was an assistant college baseball coach, and refereed NCAA basketball. Don was the first director in League history to serve both leagues. Don was a team consultant for the Portland Trailblazers, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards. Currently, Don works with a number of NBA teams as well as the Big 12 men’s basketball officials.  His consulting role includes producing development and training for NCAA officials, focusing on improving the working relations between players, coaches, and referees, and educating the team’s players on improving their performance through increased knowledge of the rules and analytics.Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter Connect with Don Vaden: LinkedIn

In today’s episode we sat down with Senior Vice President & Creative Director for Turner Sports & Bleacher Report Studios at WarnerMedia, Drew Watkins. He has worked at Turner sports for over 20 years and is an experienced writer and producer. Drew oversees production and manages the staff at the Turner Sports & NBATV Creative Units (NBA, MLB, NCAA, PGA, eLeague). In this episode we discuss:Drew’s inspiration for the NBA Forever commercial and the entire processHow Drew’s career will be affected due to dealing with the current pandemic What Drew is hoping to do in his new role at Bleacher ReportDrew’s specialties consist of broadcast and promotional creative writing, directing, producing and post-producing, brand management, and creative team management. Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter Connect with Drew Watkins: LinkedIn | Twitter

Today the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is presenting part two of the CBA Webinar hosted by General Manager of SBC and instructor of the CBA Mastery Course, Larry Coon. This webinar is an on demand course for learning the curriculum for the CBA, brought to you by SBC and CBA mastery on demand. Today’s webinar features special guests Bleacher Report Writer and NBA TV & Basketball Insiders Capologist Eric Pincus, Former Assistant General Manager and current ESPN writer Bobby Marks. Find details at SportsBusinessClassroom.com.Connect with Larry Coon: Instagram | Twitter | CBA MasteryConnect with Eric Pincus: LinkedIn | Instagram | TwitterConnect with Bobby Marks: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

In today’s episode, we sat down with Brand Communications Officer at Zenni Optical, Sean Pate. Sean is a senior marketing and communications expert and leads all external brand partnerships and communications for the online leader in prescription eyewear, Zenni Optical. He is an accomplished public spokesperson and has appeared on multiple local and national media such as Good Morning America, CNN, and CNBC. Sean also worked in global management while leading communications at Ancestry and Art.com, and managing and collaborating on multinational lines of business. In this episode we discuss:Creating advantageous sports partnerships from the business worldSelling not just teams, but an ownership group on the value of sports partnershipsIdentifying value not just with traditional sports teams, but with Esports teamsSean’s early career focused on working towards the best practices at agency and corporate roles including Oracle, Robert Half International, and the Pac-12 Conference. Sean’s career took focus on B2C brands with global footprints after the first communication role with StubHub. In this episode, Sean dives into his career path and how it led him to his current role. He also what he has had to overcome on the job, how he pushed through. Sean is respected for his ability to work as a player and coach and as a passionate evangelist and strategist focused on driving positive corporate brand visibility.Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter Connect with Sean Pate: LinkedIn

Today the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is presenting part two of the CBA Webinar hosted by General Manager of SBC and instructor of the CBA Mastery Course, Larry Coon. This webinar is an on demand course for learning the curriculum for the CBA, brought to you by SBC and CBA mastery on demand. Today’s webinar features special guests Podcast Host and NBA Analyst at The Athletic Dave DuFour, Bleacher Report Writer and NBA TV & Basketball Insiders Capologist Eric Pincus, Former Phoenix Suns GM Ryan McDonough and 2018 SBC Alum and Winner of NBATV’s 2020 GM School Calida Taylor. Find details at SportsBusinessClassroom.com.Connect with Larry Coon: Instagram | Twitter | CBA MasteryConnect with Eric Pincus: LinkedIn | Instagram | TwitterConnect with Dave Dufour: LinkedIn |  Instagram | Twitter Connect with Ryan McDonough: TwitterConnect with Calida Taylor: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

Today the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is presenting the Salary Cap Webinar hosted by General Manager of SBC and instructor of the CBA Mastery Course, Larry Coon. In this webinar, Larry is covering the new CBA with Bleacher Report Writer, NBA TV, and Basketball Insider's Capologist Eric Pincus, Former Phoenix Suns GM Ryan McDonough and 2018 SBC Alum and Winner of NBATV’s 2020 GM School Calida Taylor. Connect with Larry Coon: Instagram | Twitter | CBA MasteryConnect with Calida Taylor: LinkedIn | Instagram | TwitterConnect with Eric Pincus: LinkedIn | Instagram | TwitterConnect with Ryan McDonough: Twitter

In today’s episode, we sat down with retired professional basketball player and commentator for the NBA on TNT, Dennis Scott. Dennis spent the majority of his 10-year NBA career with the Orlando Magic (1990-97), earning All-Rookie Team honors in 1991 and helping the Magic win the Eastern Conference Finals in 1995. He also spent time with Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, New York, Minnesota, and the former Vancouver Grizzlies franchise.In this episode we discuss:Learning the value of confidence as a young player and how that’s helped him throughout his life on the court and in businessThe value of knowing his role when the Orlando Magic drafted Shaq and how that helped him personally and his teamPursuing business opportunities with his apparel and basketball camp company “Shooter’s Paradise”Scott hosts his own local television show while in Orlando titled "The Dennis Scott Show," and a weekend show called "The Highlight Zone."  He also serves as the General Manager of the American Basketball Association's Atlanta Vision team, a position he has held since May 2005. Dennis and his wife Rachael reside in Sandy Springs with son Dennis III and daughter Crystal. His son Ryan plays college basketball at Johnson C. Smith University in North Carolina.Connect with Beau Estes: Twitter Connect with Dennis Scott: Instagram | Twitter |