Evan Flagg

Three digital tools every athletic director needs: - Mobile ticketing solutions Contactless ticketing systems like S2 Pass - School Solutions & Digital Ticketing have become a necessity for modern gameday operations. They reduce wait times at the gate, provide real-time data on ticket sales, and simplify the fan experience. - Communication platforms Keeping everyone informed is key. Tools like Remind or Band allow you to send instant updates, schedule reminders, and important messages to coaches, players, and parents. - Performance tracking apps For athletic directors who oversee training and performance, apps like Hudl can be a game changer. Hudl provides video analysis, stats tracking, and scouting reports that can elevate your teams’ strategy and player development. What tools have you found most useful? #s2pass

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Want to gain strength and recover faster? Here's how ⤵ You need to cool your palms. What in the *bleep* is palm cooling? There's a reason that Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL) & NCAA athletes are turning to the Apex Cool Labs Narwhals. Excess heat does damage during a workout. ↘ It increases your heart rate ↘ Dehydrates you ↘ Reduces muscle energy Imagine a world where you recover insanely fast. With the Narwhals, you: Gain strength fast Steady your heart rate Mitigate heat stress, offloading heat quickly I've been using the Narwhals for ~1 yr and can say that I feel like I've got a cheat code very limited people do. PS. I have the privilege of being an investor in Apex Cool Labs and believe that Evyenia Lyons and Ariel Paul are building something special. Their company will revolutionize recovery and increase performance for everyday, tactical and professional athletes. PPS. I'm not alone in my beliefs. Oregon Sports Angels believes the same and just made them a portfolio company. DM me if you want to geek out about palm cooling and read more below. _____ 👋 Hi, I'm Sean. ✍️ How do you optimize recovery? ♻️ Share with your network if this was valuable

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I was having breakfast with a friend this morning and he asked me one of the best questions I have ever been asked: Since you’ve been doing podcasts for the past few years, how has your perception of listening changed and what is listening to you?    I think this is one of the best questions I have ever been asked (understandably I am not asked very many questions as I am usually the one interviewing NOT the other way around)   I took him back to my first podcast with Ruben Emir Gnanalingam CEO of Westports Malaysia & Co-Owner of Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) & QPR FC   For that podcast I prepared for 100+ hrs   Then the night before I was supposed to interview him   I was sick   Maybe this was due to nervousness but nevertheless the podcast did not go ahead   Fortunately Ruben was very understanding and so we rescheduled the podcast for a week later   Again   I spent 10s of hours preparing for the podcast   I was so prepared for the interview that I knew everything about him from his favourite colour all the way to his blood type   Just kidding   But the point was I was incredibly overprepared   I did the podcast with Ruben with a list of 100+ questions   Why did you join Westports, why did you create a startup, why buy QPR   In theory these are all good questions but the problem was   If I asked Ruben a question about football and he started talking about football then transitioned to talking about how he created a basketball team   As an interviewer that is gold dust because it gives the opportunity to pivot to something that he perhaps hasn’t talked about before   However as a first time interviewer I didn’t know this   And so instead of transitioning with him I would flip to a completely different topic   This would have gone unnoticed to me   But since Personable is recorded this piece of feedback came back to me   I went from having set questions that made a forced conversation to set topics   Enabling me to be adaptive alongside my guest to have a more free flowing conversation   Have a listen to that first episode and then listen to one of the latest podcasts and see if you notice a difference   This learning in my journey through podcasting has taught me that to learn new knowledge the less I say the better   The more opportunity there is for new learnings, the more I can absorb and the more I can go about improving my life going forward   Growing up we all feel like we want to fit in   For me this was accomplished my need to fill silences and be there to adhere to what I thought the group would want to hear   But now I realise that silence can be a virtue   The less you say, the more open ended questions you ask, the more comfortable you make the other person feel and allow them to feel heard and trusted the more you will learn   So what is listening to me: Opportunity Harvey Bracken-Smith November 20th 2024

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Next level event promotion. Create your organization. Schedule events. All of your followers get your events on their calendar. #camps #clinics #games #practice #speakers #influencers #podcasters #eventplanners

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With the 2024 MLB Draft in the books, let's take a look at how I would approach the process of evaluating and acquiring amateur talent for an organization. It isn't always enough to draft the best talent; you have to draft them with the understanding of how they fit in the organization, the cadence in which they arrive on the 40-man roster, and the logistics of your operations. Watch the video for more! #mlbdraft #mlb #baseball #logistics #operations #driveline #strategy

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Readers Are Leaders. What book or books have helped you in your professional career? Today, I am dropping a podcast sharing the books that have helped me in my player development career. Share your book recommendations below. #PlayerDevelopment #LinkedInSports

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The NFL Schedule is being released this week. A few years ago, I worked with an Agile team to match the new NFL schedule to the ticketing system to provide clubs with secondary market insights as they looked to sell direct to customers. Why is this such a big moment to track secondary? 💴 Clubs that manage the secondary market tend to better generate primary revenue 🏈 Clubs can develop a direct promotion strategy to their fans, like allowing their most seasoned fans access first to their site for direct revenue 🆘 Clubs can spot unusual broker activity to identify any breaches of ticketing agreements One interesting takeaway - high ticket interest popped up during the NFL Draft. Some of it was related to Draft tickets, but the majority included searches for tickets. Should NFL clubs have the right to start selling tickets then? #tickets #sportsmarketing

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Baseball Rules in Black and White App 2.0 is live today! Make October 2024 baseball, the best ever at https://lnkd.in/g_6N6GN. The 2024 MLB playoffs are in full swing, and that can mean only one thing. The 2024 MLB World Series of Baseball is only days away. With each pitch, every play and call, a win or loss is on the line. No better way to stay in the game than having a top-rated baseball rules app in your hands like the Baseball Rules in Black and White App 2.0. The Baseball Rules in Black and White App 2.0 is loaded with advanced features not available on any other baseball rules app. First and foremost, the content in the Baseball Rules in Black and White App 2.0. is written in simple English everyone can understand. No more reading a confusing ruling over and over, only to start flipping through pages and chapters while looking for the correct ruling. Other advanced features like our A-to-Z Table of Contents working with our search engine gives you lightning speed answers. Our videos of the more complex rulings are second to none. We’ve completely reformatted complex infractions and rulings like Batter’s Interference, Catcher’s Interference and Batting Out of Order making it easier for everyone to gain a clearer understanding of the rule. Whether it’s your first game or decades of baseball, the Baseball Rules in Black and White App 2.0 will improve your baseball rule knowledge. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/g_6N6GN

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Have you heard about the NFL’s new "dynamic kickoff" rule? 🏈 It’s one of the most significant changes to kickoffs in recent years, and it's designed to keep players safer while adding more excitement to the game. Here’s how it works: The NFL has introduced a "landing zone," which is the area between the goal line and the 20-yard line. Now, any kickoff that lands in this zone must be returned. No more letting the ball bounce into the end zone for an easy touchback. If the ball hits the landing zone, it's game on. Plus, any kicks that fall short of this zone or go out of bounds will be placed at the 40-yard line, giving the receiving team a big field advantage. This rule definitely creates more action, but, it’s also reducing the high-speed collisions that make kickoffs one of the most dangerous plays in football. In the past, players on the kicking team had a full sprint head start before the ball was even fielded, leading to some brutal hits. With this new rule, both the kicking and receiving teams are restricted in how soon they can move after the ball is kicked, which should help reduce injuries. In the preseason, this new rule has already led to more kick returns, more big plays, and better starting field position for receiving teams… But personally, I think this is a great step forward for the safety benefits. While the game will always be about big plays and excitement, the safety of our athletes has to come first. I’m optimistic that this change will help protect players from unnecessary injuries while still keeping the thrill of the game alive. What are your thoughts on the new rule? #NFL #Football #AthleteSafety #PlayersHealth

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Why don't more teams have points-based loyalty programs? The #1 objection I hear from sports teams is "we don't want to issue points because we don't want the liability on our books." And there's a good reason many veteran sports execs feel this way. At one point or another they've all seen teams give away points to fans only to find program expenses increase with little or no income to offset costs. What most teams have never considered, however, is SELLING points rather than giving them away. Points can be assets too! Points can be sold to sponsors as part of an integrated package. And points can be issued to fans as a form of credit back for purchases they make from the team. In both cases the points issued by the team are paid for up front. Selling points doesn't eliminate liability from the team's books. But it flips a loyalty program from being a cost center to a revenue generator. And with revenue in hand, teams have control over program profit margins because the control the supply and the purchasing power of their own, team-branded points. The chart attached shows the two types of points we can create for teams, fan points and partner points. Profitable programs can be developed around either or both types of points. But for most major sports properties, the big revenue (and greater profit margin) will come on through selling partner points. There are many ways for fans to earn points, but only one place points can be redeemed, and that's through the team store. Minty Sports is a loyalty commerce agency. We provide strategy, financial technology and program management services to help sports properties and their corporate partners generate profit from loyalty.

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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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#23 Oakland Athletics: The Top 3 Pitchers Drafted Since 2013 Since 2013, the A's have ranked 29th in total payroll and 20th in total wins heading into the 2024 season. Yet, to their credit, they’ve reached the postseason five times during that period. In reviewing all 36 pitchers from this case study, a clear pattern emerges: the A's have consistently spent less on their Top 3 pitchers in the draft. When they have invested over $1 million in a signing bonus for a pitcher, it has yet to yield favorable results. The A's have struggled to develop a true Top 3 starting pitcher since 2013, and as this case study highlights, like many teams analyzed, they’ve experienced a high injury rate while gaining minimal value from their top pitching picks during this span. Injury Rate: 39% With a 39% injury rate, the Oakland Athletics rank 8th overall in most injurious organizations.  The organization has recorded 17 arm injuries and 9 arm surgeries among their pitchers, with an average of 282 innings pitched before surgery was required. 5 out of the 8 pitchers who received at least a million-dollar signing bonus have had Tommy John Surgery since 2013. MLB Pitchers: 7 7 pitchers from this case study have reached the Major Leagues with the Athletics: Dillon Overton (2013), Daniel Gossett (2014), Daulton Jefferies (2016), A.J. Puk (2016), Hogan Harris (2018), Mason Miller (2021), and Grant Holman (2021). Together, they have thrown a total of 497.4 innings for the A's ranking them 28th in total Major League Baseball (MLB) innings pitched for all organizations. On a bright spot, Mason Miller (2021) has emerged as one of the best closers in baseball in 2024. Cost Efficiency – $68,653 per MLB Inning The A's investment in signing bonuses has amounted to nearly $51,509.15 per MLB inning pitched, placing them 21st in terms of return on investment for innings pitched across the league. As mentioned earlier, the eight pitchers who received over $1 million in signing bonuses—totaling more than $15 million—have pitched just 147 innings to date. A lot can change in just a few years, but for now, the A's will rely on their recent drafts to provide future value for their MLB roster. #Top3 #startingpitcher #mlb

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📢 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬!⁣⁣⁣ 🚨 ⁣⁣⁣ Team Foundations have an unparalleled opportunity to drive fan engagement while raising critical funds for their causes. Recently, teams like the Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Arizona Diamondbacks have shown the success of these approaches—and Jays Care Foundation took it to the next level. During this year’s charity auction, Jays Care exceeded its fundraising target by 25% through a blend of strategic promotions and a dynamic Marketplace.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Here’s how they achieved it:⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ 🏟️ 𝐈𝐧-𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐈𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠: Giving fans the chance to physically interact with the auction items sparked immediate engagement.⁣⁣⁣ 📱 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐀𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Commentators crafted content specifically for social media and TV, building buzz around the auction.⁣⁣⁣ 📺 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐕 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Sportsnet featured select auction items above the score during live broadcasts, bringing the action directly into viewers’ homes. ⁣⁣⁣ 🤳 𝐉𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐐𝐑 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬: In-stadium fans had direct access to the auction by simply scanning on-screen QR codes during the game, making it simple for anyone to get involved.⁣⁣⁣ 🤖 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐥𝐥: The Jays Marketplace allowed anyone—inside the stadium or at home—to view and bid on items.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ The success hinged on one key factor: 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞. This platform connected all touchpoints, creating a seamless experience for fans and simplifying participation.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ By leveraging the full potential of these promotional channels, Jays Care Foundation exceeded expectations. For any team Foundation looking to enhance its fundraising strategy, this is the playbook to follow. 📍bluejays.auctions.mlb.com

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North American teams have consistently been pioneers and trendsetters in the world of basketball. I've had the honor of working with some of the top European Elite teams from the Euroleague, Eurocup, FIBA Champions, and ACB for over eight years. And it's a remarcable journey so far, I need to admit! The University of Utah serves as a shining example and partially explains why North American basketball organizations, in my view, are often several steps ahead of elite European basketball clubs, both strategically and technologically. Consider how the women's teams and their coaches integrate live capturing and coding into their routines—it's not just groundbreaking; it's become the standard. This begs the question: can you name even two Euroleague teams that employ similar techniques? This highlights a significant opportunity for growth in our field. We have a lot of ground to cover to elevate European basketball to the level of North American teams. Thankfully, solutions like Hudl provide all the tools necessary to achieve these advancements. Let's embrace this challenge and make a concerted effort to incorporate these cutting-edge practices into our teams. It's time to learn, adapt, and innovate. Let's work together to bring European basketball to new heights!

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Had a conversation yesterday where we had some time to chat about #NIL and #SportsTech... One topic that came up: the staggering amounts of money being spent on products and services (𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴), year after year. Departments are investing heavily, but are they always getting real value for what they’re paying? The question I keep asking is this: 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝘂𝗻 𝗱𝗿𝘆? When will buyers—the athletic departments, administrators, and universities—become more educated, start scrutinizing these products, and realize they can set up innovative processes that are more efficient, more customized, and much more affordable? Right now, many departments are locked into high-cost platforms and services that don’t necessarily meet their specific needs or offer much value to drive their department to a better position. Some are paying for functionality they rarely use, while others find they have to layer on additional tools to cover gaps. In the end, that budget strain impacts everything: athlete support, staffing, and even game-day operations. Here’s the truth: The sports industry is unique, and its solutions should be as well. Cookie-cutter platforms may check some boxes, but they’re rarely tailored to the realities of college athletics. Imagine if we invested in tech and processes that were built specifically to support the athlete experience, enhance alumni and fan engagement, and simplify compliance—not just to tick boxes or follow trends. What’s the alternative? With a little creative thinking, departments could: + 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿, 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 that adapt to their specific needs rather than paying for “one-size-fits-all” platforms. + 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝗽-𝗮𝗻𝗱-𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀 that are innovating at a lower cost with more flexible, athlete-centered products. + 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 for their staff to implement and manage streamlined NIL and sports tech operations in-house, reducing dependency on outside consultants. It’s time we rethink our approach. We need more efficiency, less complexity, and a better focus on solutions that truly benefit athletes and departments. This goes for products, services, consulting, etc., which are 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗬 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 today especially in the state of college athletics we are in.

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Working in sports isn't hanging with the players Working in sports isn't being on ESPN Working in sports isn't working for your favorite team Working in sports isn't getting to watch all the games Working in sports isn't about getting tickets ___________________________________________________________ Working in sports is hanging out with your teammates after the game Working in sports is ESPN playing in the background while you’re hustling Working in sports is a team making you their favorite Working in sports is getting to work all the games Working in sports is doing everything you can to sell tickets #LinkedInSports #Sports #SportsBiz

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