Carter Westfall

Golf - The Evolving Business Model. The men's professional game of #golf continues to be as divided as many of the stakeholders in the US political arena. We saw it yet again this past weekend, when one of the games showcase events "The Masters" was played at Augusta in Georgia, USA. Broadcasters seemingly, and incredibly unprofessionally, went out of their way to discredit the presence of the #LIVGolf league players who were in attendance along with their #PGATour colleagues over the course of the week. All of the sly and sarcastic interludes throughout the broadcast did not get lost on the fans of the game, as the internet lit up as if it were some kind of heated debate between passionate #Democrats and #Republicans. #PGA pundits making sly remarks about the LIV players not being able to manage playing 72 holes over the week, because the rival LIV tournaments are played over 54 holes over three days. This got me thinking. Who actually invented the concept of 18 holes for a round of golf, and how did 72 holes become the 'norm" for a golf tournament? Well you might be surprised to learn that at the traditional home of golf, St Andrews in #Scotland, the course originally consisted of 22 holes. 11 holes out, and 11 holes back in. This was later shortened when holes were merged together. Yet back then there was no standard, some tournaments even featured courses that had just 12 holes. It's when we jump back over the Atlantic once again to understand that The Masters tournament was originally played over eighteen holes over three days, eighteen holes were played each day for the first two days, and then a final 36 holes were played on the third day. Co-founder of 'The Masters" , Amateur golfer Bobby Jones suggested that the tournament should be played over four days so more tickets could be sold, and other events could be built around the week, so it was born, the concept, and norm that a golf tournament was to be played over eighteen holes over the course of four straight days. Other major tournaments followed suit such as 'The Open' and the 'PGA Championships'. In June 2021 the disruptors came into the game, the LIV Golf league. LIV introduced three day and fifty four hole tournaments. Ever since then the internal flames on mens professional golf has become an out of control wildfire. Players, fans and administrators are all embroiled in a never ending circus that started in 2021, over 250 years after the game was invented. The question is, when will the adults enter the room and realize that for mens professional golf to prosper the ego's need to be put aside so that the sustainable future of the game can be created which for now, is the only thing that matters. The only thing that matters.

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 in team valuations across major U.S. sports leagues over the past decade has reshaped the sports business landscape. With the National Basketball Association (NBA) leading at a staggering 𝟰𝟵𝟵% increase and even the Major League Soccer showing a 𝟯𝟯𝟲% jump, these figures reflect the increasing monetization of sports franchises through 1️⃣ Media Rights Deals 2️⃣ Sponsorships 3️⃣ Global Market Expansion. This surge in value has attracted 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝-𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨 and billionaires to the sports ownership arena, driving up purchase prices and making team ownership an increasingly exclusive club. As team values continue to soar, leagues are likely to explore 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔, potentially leading to more international games, technological innovations in fan engagement, and possibly even new franchises in untapped markets. The success of these established leagues provides a blueprint for future sports ventures. New leagues might focus on 1️⃣ Underserved Markets 2️⃣ Innovative Game Formats 3️⃣ Sports with Growing Global Appeal.

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Tracking Football Platform Spotlight Player Rankings 💡Pass, Rush, Receive, Defense, Kick 💡Standard, Advanced, Proprietary Stats 💡FBS, FCS, DII, DIII Availability 💡Weekly Updates 💡Conference Filters 💡Archived Since 2005

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B6 - 2-0 - 3-0 Carolina Pass to Middle - U20 M Good full ice passing and scoring drill. https://lnkd.in/gXDepwPF... https://lnkd.in/gXaBhEP7

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Non-Drafted Free Agency (NDFA) period begins for MLB today. What is it, and how can teams use it to improve their organizations via depth and finding hidden gems? #ndfa #mlbdraft #playerevaluation #scouting #baseball

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Would public market values of players and coaches help or hurt the basketball industry? Player: “Based on my stats, I’m worth €100K.” Agent: “For me you’re worth €150K.” Team: “I want to sign him for €70K.” Result? Weeks of negotiation. No deal on the table. Why is this still happening when other like the NBA and European football thrive on transparent, public salary data? You can compare stats, achievements, and market trends to find common ground. But overseas basketball? It's still a giant mess of guesswork and delusion. That’s why I developed an AI-powered valuation tool for PlayerLynk and I’m considering making it freely accessible to change the game for everyone. Please comment below if you think it's a good or bad idea (and tell me why) 👇 #BasketballBusiness #AI #SportsTech

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The Latest Research on Non-Dominant Golf Swing Training The role of non-dominant swings as a part of golf training programs has attracted much debate and argument. Golf is a highly unilateral sport, where the player is trying to achieve maximal movement power and efficiency in a single side rotation. As such, individuals argue that there is no need for opposite side golf swings (right handed golfer swinging left handed), if the sport movement is centered around single side rotation. In contrast, those who support the role of opposite side training suggest that benefits from this type of training is worth the time invested for golfers of various skill levels. Read our latest paper written by Tyler Standifird below, https://lnkd.in/gFnnqaCx

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Where is the future of Major League Baseball (MLB) headed? In 2024, a staggering 74% of all injury-related days missed were by pitchers, with arm injuries alone accounting for 58%. The financial toll reflects this as well, with MLB teams spending $686 million on injured pitchers this year—$561 million solely due to arm injuries. This rise in pitcher injuries has been building steadily for over a decade. Since 2015, MLB teams have spent $7.5 billion on player injuries, with $3.1 billion on arm injuries alone, which represent over half of all injuries. Pitchers account for 67% of the total days missed. The pandemic undoubtedly disrupted the player development cycle, but since 2021, days missed due to arm injuries have surged from 46% to 58%, and the share of cash lost due to pitchers has risen from 54% to 69%. We’re seeing the impact in the postseason: a shift in availability and depth of quality starting pitchers and a growing reliance on a revolving bullpen. It’s like watching a high-stakes showcase event where endurance and consistency fall behind. MLB knows there’s a problem; I’ve spoken with them on multiple occasions and proposed pilot programs to reduce injury rates. But changing course isn’t easy when the very dynamics that fuel this surge in arm injuries are embedded at every level of baseball. So what’s the solution? Change the rules? Change the game itself? That might be MLB’s simplest path forward. We’re currently on track for pitchers to account for 80% of all missed days in the league, with over 60% due to arm injuries. It’s absurd. Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees have shown they can handle massive payrolls and stockpile injuries and still make it to the World Series, thanks to depth and top-tier talent. But this dynamic creates a widening gap when big-market teams can afford to overcome injuries, while most small-market teams struggle to develop talent and remain competitive. Ultimately, we want the best players to stay on the field, grow the game, and deliver the best product for fans. #injuries #pitchers #SaveTheGame #playoffs

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Are you a Dualie? If you are, then you could be key to strengthening long-term participation in the game. In short, the National Golf Foundation define a dualie is a golfer who plays both on-course and off-course golf. Not content with a regular 18, they use a simulator, visit the range, or head down to a Top Golf or a Big Shots in between rounds. I’ve seen several reports recently about the consistent growth of off-course golf. And I’ve heard a fair bit of concern from the industry on whether it will weaken participation in the traditional game. I’ve always thought otherwise – so it’s great to see this report suggesting I was right 😊 When we see golfers taking lessons, or hitting the range we know that the number of rounds they play goes up – we’ve measured it. We know that when we can help engage golfers in activities around the club other than playing golf, the number of rounds they play goes up – we’ve measured it. So it has always followed in my head that when golfers hit balls for leisure, the number of rounds they play will go up. In addition, this report shows that they are more committed to traditional golf, their ability level is higher, they spend more money on equipment, and - the number of rounds they play goes up! I think there’s also a great argument that off course golf is a fantastic entry point for many people too. But that’s a post for another day 😊 #participation #dualie #golfbusiness https://lnkd.in/eepE24rS

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"Master Your Short Game: Expert Tips for Breaking 90 in Golf. Learn how your putting skills can make all the difference! Read More⬇️ https://lnkd.in/ePfzdwBi

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The NFL's new kick-off rule for 2024 is shaking up strategies, and the Chiefs are making bold moves. Even with top kicker Harrison Butker, they're considering safety Justin Reid for kick-off duties due to his tackling skills. On the “New Heights” podcast, Travis Kelce revealed special teams coach Dave Toub's plan to use Reid, protecting Butker from risky tackles. “Justin has a great leg and is one of our best tacklers,” Travis explained. Check the comments for more about the New Kick-Off Rules and Chiefs strategy! #NFL #Chiefs #KickoffStrategy #HarrisonButker #JustinReid #NewHeightsPodcast #TravisKelce #LinkedInSports

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I've talked about the impact that the AIQ.team has in the NFL, but our value transcends beyond just the sport of football - we have a significant presence in basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer and more. With the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals & Draft right around the corner, our team is looking at this past year's rookie class and the signals the AIQ picked up between the players cognitive scores & performance on the court. 🏀 I wanted to share one in particular: the NBA All-Rookie team outperformed all of the other 2023 NBA prospects in the area of Learning Efficiency (LE). LE is one of the 15 data points the AIQ measures and affects a player's ability to learn technique, strategy, reports, etc. and recall this information readily when needed. Teams that use the AIQ for scouting & talent selection know that LE is a crucial indicator in a prospect's ability to learn the playbook more quickly than their peers and adjust to the speed of the game better than other draftees. As sports evolve to rely heavily on analytics and measuring "between the ears", we continue to provide insights & correlations to our teams to help them select the right talent, develop players properly, and ultimately take the right step to a championship caliber team. #Linkedinsports #NBA #CognitiveAssessment

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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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The debate continues - should women's sports carve out its own path, or leverage the legacy framework and partnerships of their male counterparts? There's no better example of this predicament then the fact that WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) has the majority of its rights wrapped in with the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s next major rights tenders, and is seeing incredible momentum in interest in the sport and league fresh off the drafting of the next big star Caitlin Clark. NBA's commissioner say it is categorically the right approach - others would disagree, and would suggest that the WNBA should be allowed more flexibility in their approach to monetising rights in a new era of sports media consumption. What's the best approach for a league like the WNBA? https://lnkd.in/d_JN2v35

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File this under "Failing Fast". Golf is said to be "a game of misses." In product management, we fail more than we succeed—it's just the nature of learning. And we want to learn fast and cheap. In golf, everything is hyper-accelerated. We are best served doing retrospectives in seconds or minutes, instead of hours or days or weeks. Decide what we've learned, what to practice in the future for similar situations, assess our current situation, and then crack on fresh. Leave the emotion and ego behind. It is easier to say than do in either the golf or product management context. Thus, the "always better, never best" mindset. The "fairway bunker" miss is often dreaded in golf. For soooo many reasons, most of which relate to "lost opportunity". I almost look forward to them. Almost. 😅 It doesn't always work out... and yet leaning into it as an opportunity versus a curse is no doubt an optimal mindset. Just like #fails in product development! 😎

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The AWRE Sports client list consists of a couple of teams still active in the Major League Baseball (MLB) Playoffs and D1 NCAA National Champions all the way down to High School Programs. How is that possible? Some have begun to ask, as this represents a significant gap in the market. It begins with extremely sophisticated software, wrapped in an intuitive UI/UX, allowing coaches and players at every level to effortlessly use our products. It culminates with ultra-flexible hardware and a proprietary installation process, enabling us to create intricate, custom-installed camera systems regardless of a field’s infrastructure (or lack thereof). Should we focus more on the upstream or downstream segments of the market next? Or can we conquer both? #SportsTech

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📊 New Data Tool for Evaluating Sports Franchises The University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business has teamed up with Arctos Sports Partners to launch the pioneering Sports Franchise Index (SFI). This innovative initiative promises to transform how we understand the performance and valuation of sports franchises. 🔍 What is the SFI? The Sports Franchise Index offers a comprehensive and transparent measure of the financial and operational health of sports franchises. Utilizing robust data analytics, the SFI aims to provide deep insights into the sports industry. 💡 Notable Findings: - Long-Term Growth: The value of North American sports assets included in the index has compounded at 13.0% per annum over the last 60+ years, outperforming the equity market by 2.5%. - Superior Risk/Return: According to several measures of risk, North American sports assets included in the index possess risk/return characteristics superior to other traditional and alternative asset classes. 📊 Latest Performance Updates (as of Q1 2024): - Quarter-to-Date Return: 4.8% - Year-to-Date Return: 28.1% - Three-Years-to-Date Return: 16.7% 🔝 Year-Over-Year Performance: - Outperforming Assets: North American sports assets have outperformed global equities (23.8%), U.S. small cap stocks (19.7%), private credit (8.8%), private equity (6.0%), commodities (1.5%), and fixed income (1.3%). - Top Performers: The U.S. media and entertainment sector (53.6%) and U.S. equities (29.9%) have outperformed North American sports assets included in the index. This collaboration highlights a significant step forward in using data-driven strategies to revolutionize the sports industry. I've dropped a link to the announcement in the comments 👇 #linkedinsports #sportsfranchise

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