JB Butler

Chicago Fire FC owner Joe Mansueto is evaluating deals to buy land on one of two proposed megadevelopments in the city as he forges ahead with plans to build a new 25,000-seat stadium for the Major League Soccer club. The billionaire Morningstar founder has been negotiating financial terms of potential agreements with both Related Midwest at The 78 site in the South Loop, pictured here, and Sterling Bay at its planned Lincoln Yards campus between Lincoln Park and Bucktown, according to sources familiar with the discussions. It's unclear how far talks have progressed with either developer as both try to jump-start projects that have been stuck in neutral since being approved by City Hall in 2019. But multiple sources said Mansueto and the Fire are expected to move forward with one option in the weeks ahead and are said to be primarily targeting The 78, because it likely presents the quickest path to getting shovels in the ground. The team currently plays at Soldier Field on a lease that runs through the end of next year. But Mansueto is frustrated with scheduling and sponsorship limitations that come with playing second fiddle to the Chicago Bears at the lakefront venue and said publicly last month that he was "actively pursuing" development of a new soccer-specific stadium in the city. While the pace of that search was not widely known, the talks with both developers underscore the team's urgency to build a new home. Mansueto and the Fire have also eyed the former Michael Reese Hospital site south of McCormick Place — now being reconsidered by the Bears for a new stadium — as well as Guaranteed Rate Field and its surrounding parking lots, but those and other options have been all but crossed off their list, sources said. Read more from Danny Ecker and Justin Laurence: https://lnkd.in/g2XyD9yg

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One of the most popular questions is, “How do I get into the sports industry?” I am rarely asked, “Once in the industry, what is the best way to grow?” This post from Andre Luck provides excellent advice to those new to the sports industry and the sales profession. It provides actionable items and insight into what leaders seek when considering promotions. Start today and chase your dreams! Godspeed.

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7 THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM 10+ NIL DEALS💰🏈👋 1. NIL is for EVERYBODY. If you're D1, D2 or D3, you can capitalize. It may not be the millions of dollars you see on the news, but if you're a D3 athlete, you can reach out to local businesses, get a ton of free products, and explore the possibilities. At the end of the day, if you can help a business you are valuable.💰 2. You don't need a massive following to reach out to local companies. You don't need a massive following to DM/email your favorite companies. You don't need a massive following to be an advocate for yourself. Not enough student-athletes are putting themselves out there. If you send 100 emails and only 2 companies give you free products, I'd call that a win.🤷‍♂️ 3. NIL takes time. Writing emails, making video pitches, and sending DM's isn't glamorous by any means, but that's what will help you be successful. It's been roughly 3 years since the law has been passed, and still very people know what's happening. Every single athlete is overwhelmed. Be overwhelmed with how many brands you've reached out to/ 📧 4. Money is awesome, but so are free things. Not all brands are willing to pay you, and that's okay. As a broke student-athlete, I love free stuff, especially if its from a brand I love. 5. Athletes that can get an audience to like them are the ones that WIN. Brands can find athletes anywhere. What is rare is an athlete that connects with an audience and get people to enjoy their content. Make a podcast, post vlogs, answer your comments, and BE YOURSELF. 6. The earlier you start, the easier it will be. I hope that through my content on social media, there will be high schoolers that will be inspired to start creating content. Because the reality is, you have at-most 5 years in college to capitalize on NIL (that's assuming you come in as a freshmen ready to put yourself out there). And making content takes time to get better at and understand what works. You have to get reps in, and the earlier you do that the better off you will be. "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time, RIGHT NOW." 7. IT'S FUN, AND IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE🤩 NIL is a blast. Don't take it too seriously and always remember that you are gaining valuable skills and setting yourself up for the future! As a student-athlete, you are the valuable resource. If you fail, move on and continue doing what you do, being a STUDENT-ATHLETE. #NIL #NameImageLikeness #studentathlete #Collegeathlete

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One of the most common hiring issues I run into is recruiting against the "Big Four" sports leagues for entry-level talent. While the NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA carry prestige, starting at the minor/developmental league level offers valuable advantages: 1. **Sports Experience:** Breaking into the sports industry is challenging. Starting at the minor league level provides crucial entry-level experience vital for career growth. 2. **Learning Opportunities:** Working in minor leagues exposes you to diverse projects, offering insights into various aspects of a sports team beyond specialized roles found in the Big Four. 3. **Proximity to Executives:** Smaller organizations facilitate direct interaction with high-level executives, unlike the typical barrier in Big Four franchises. Collaboration towards common goals fosters a more inclusive environment. 4. **Potential Career Growth:** Beginning as an Inside Sales Representative with the Gulls, I've advanced to a Ticket Sales Manager role, showcasing how starting at a smaller league can lead to fulfilling career progression. Did I miss anything? Share your thoughts 👇

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This is the first of many blog posts I plan to write in preparation for the Chicago Marathon. My message is for anyone that is going through challenges whether it being, physical, mental, financial, etc. you can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it and nothing is impossible. Hope you enjoy it. #marathonblog #motivationalpost

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Now that Baseball Savant has released the Hawk-Eye Bat Data, it's crucial to note the difference in how Hawk-Eye measures bat speed compared to other companies. If you're a coach or agent, please take this into account before setting expectations for your players based on the data from portable devices. Avoid directly comparing it with Hawk-Eye data, as teams have access to a wide range of device data and understand the variations between them. We're in an exciting tech era in the industry. Keep studying, researching, and improving. The data is available for us to leverage effectively. https://lnkd.in/g3JPnTmU

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Don’t make these 4 mistakes as a first time sports sales rep. 👇 1. Not getting to know your teammates 2. Not asking for feedback 3. Not asking for the sale 4. Not asking for help There are certainly a lot of things outside of our control in sales but these 4 are all ones we can implement today. 👊 #LinkedInSports #SportsBiz #Sales

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$600m ➡️ the (rumoured) current expansion fee to purchase an Major League Soccer franchise. $20m ➡️ the current expansion fee to purchase a United Soccer League (USL) franchise. Like every great investor, the challenge is to find value where it doesn’t yet exist or where it hasn't been maximised. This is Brett M. Johnson. The co-owner of Ipswich Town FC, Phoenix Rising Football Club, and the newly formed Rhode Island FC, Brett is both creating and re-establishing value across a portfolio of football assets. US football (soccer...) has created massive asset value, underwritten by security of participation. The tradeoff? Too many games of no consequence. Limited consequence can limit attention 👀 Promotion/relegation fixes that...but reduces value 📉 What do you chase? 🤷‍♂️ Regardless of the operating system, don’t lose sight of the primary objective; building a great business! 🗣 “I like to focus on what I refer to as the sustainability of football; being able to have a franchise that's profitable and not just for the equity appreciation fairies coming to your rescue” A sports ownership schooling from one of the best in the business (of sport)🔥 Business of Sport (Links in comments)👇 #Ipswich #BrettJohnson #PhoenixRising #RhodeIsland #PremierLeague #MLS #USL #businessofsport #sportsindustry

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Stay in the Game with Club Sports Title: Stay Involved! Consider Club Sports If You Don’t Get a Scholarship Offer Content: Sometimes, the dream of playing NCAA sports may take a different form, and that’s where club sports come into play. If getting a scholarship didn’t pan out, and you still want to play your sport, club teams at colleges are a great option to consider. Many universities—both big and small—offer clubs or intramural teams that compete at a slightly less competitive level than NCAA programs. It’s all about staying involved with the sport you love and having fun without the intense commitment that comes with varsity athletics. Playing club sports is also a great way to make friends, stay fit, and improve your skills in a more relaxed environment. The social aspect of club sports can also be rewarding, as it allows you to meet others who are just as passionate about the sport. While it might not lead to a scholarship, club sports keep you in the game and provide valuable experiences. Benefits of Club Sports: Lower Pressure: Compete for the love of the game, not for a scholarship. Stay Connected: Meet like-minded students who share your passion. Stay Fit & Keep Improving: Club sports allow you to continue developing your skills and keep up with physical activity. Pro Tip: Even if you play club sports, keep sharing your highlight reels and achievements—you never know when a coach might notice! #ClubSports #CollegeAthletics #KeepPlaying #StayInTheGame #LoveOfTheGame

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NCAA Intensifies Efforts to Protect Athletes from Sports Betting Harassment With sports betting increasingly accessible, the NCAA has prioritized protecting student-athletes from the risks associated with gambling. Under NCAA President Charlie Baker's leadership, several impactful initiatives have been introduced since March 2023 to safeguard athletes from issues like gambling addiction and harassment. The NCAA has: Advocated for state-level regulations, including the ban on player-specific prop bets to reduce the risk of harassment. Successfully influenced four states to implement restrictions on these types of bets, with four more states introducing similar protective bills. Partnered with EPIC Global Solutions to launch the most extensive educational program on sports betting, reaching over 50,000 student-athletes. Moreover, the NCAA has rolled out a sports betting e-learning module and initiated a social media harassment pilot program with Signify Group to target harassment during the 2023-24 championship season. The program focuses on high-risk championships, collecting data and employing analytics to safeguard mental health. The “Draw the Line” campaign, launched in March 2024, is another key initiative to educate student-athletes on the risks of sports betting. The campaign includes a membership toolkit for NCAA schools and will be featured across social media platforms to raise awareness on campuses nationwide. 🏀 Learn more about the NCAA’s commitment to protecting student-athletes from the risks of gambling. #NCAA #SportsBettingEducation #StudentAthleteSafety

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🏀 Marc Lasry Sports Fund Raises $445M as It Pursues NWSL’s Angel City FC! ⚽ 💼 Former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry has successfully raised over $445 million in his Avenue Sports Opportunities Fund, according to recent SEC filings. Launched in October, the fund aims to invest in a wide array of sports-related ventures, including teams, leagues, media rights, real estate, and other sports-adjacent businesses. 📈 🌟 The fund has quickly gained momentum, increasing its commitments by nearly $175 million in just a few weeks. It has already made significant moves, acquiring the San Francisco expansion franchise of TGL, the golf league formed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. The fund is also eyeing a controlling stake in Angel City FC, the most valuable franchise in the NWSL. 🏆 💡 Avenue Sports is particularly focused on women’s sports, established and emerging leagues, and providing capital solutions to sports leagues. While primarily U.S.-focused, the fund is open to global investments, including in areas like sports betting, ticketing, and AI. 🌍 🚀 Managed by Jon Greenbaum and Todd Marcy, the Avenue Sports fund is part of Avenue Capital, a $12.3 billion private equity firm co-founded by Lasry. This move follows Lasry’s sale of his Bucks stake last spring in a deal valuing the franchise at $3.2 billion. 🏀 📸: Marc Lasry / Jeenah Moon / Bloomberg #SportsInvesting #MarcLasry #AngelCityFC #NWSL #SportsFund #AvenueCapital #SportsBusiness #InvestmentNews

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Keep It in Perspective Title: What if I Don't Get an Athletic Scholarship Offer? Keep It in Perspective! Content: Receiving a scholarship offer is a dream for many young athletes, but the reality is that not everyone will get one—and that’s okay. If you didn't receive an offer, it doesn’t mean your talent is overlooked, or your playing career is over. There are many reasons why scholarships don’t happen right away. It could be due to academic ineligibility, your highlight film needing improvement, or maybe the college coach wanted you on the team but couldn’t offer financial aid. Recognizing these challenges, feeling your disappointment, and shifting your focus to what comes next is crucial. The recruiting process can be unpredictable, but staying determined and flexible is critical. Take this opportunity to weigh your options and understand what's most important for your journey. Is it playing time? Academic opportunities? A specific level of competition? Being clear about your goals will help you choose the best next steps, whether reapplying to a new school, improving your skills, or considering a different route. Keep pushing because there are more paths to the dream! Questions to Ask Yourself: Should I improve my academics to open more opportunities? Do I need a new highlight film to showcase my best skills? What programs might still interest me, even without a scholarship offer? #AthleticScholarships #KeepItInPerspective #CollegeSports #RecruitmentTips #DontGiveUp

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Question for my fellow fantasy football players... 👇 Are you drafting this WR at his current cost of WR 23 around pick 30 overall (mid 3rd round)? 👇 (What you're about to read comes from my 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Guide, one of many cheat sheets my subscribers are using to outsmart their friends, dominate their leagues, cash in on NFL bets and take down DFS contests in 2024.) 🚨 For the next 13 days, the Draft Guide costs LESS than a case of beer. Get yours here! 👉 https://lnkd.in/dz7vTc7j 🚨 Stefon Diggs is beginning a new (final?) chapter of his career, spending year 10 in the NFL and his age 31 season with the ascending Houston Texans following a disastrous close to the Bills chapter of his career. Over the first 9 games of 2023, Diggs was the same guy we've known and loved for the better part of a decade, averaging an ELITE 21.7 PPR points and 10.8 targets per game. He scored 7 touchdowns and scored 16 or more PPR points in 8 of 9 games, including 4 different games over 20 PPR points. Elite. But Diggs spent the final 10 games of the season on the side of milk cartons after falling off the face of the Earth, averaging just 8 targets and 9.6(!) PPR points per game. He scored just 1 total touchdown over the final 10 games and scored fewer than 9 PPR points in 7 of 10 games, including zero games over 20. Brutal collapse. Of course...it's also no coincidence that the Bills changed Offensive Coordinators around the same time of the collapse, moving from Ken Dorsey to Joe Brady, a former Panthers Offensive Coordinator who once coached an offense where DJ Moore finished BEHIND Robbie Anderson and Curtis Samuel in fantasy football... Heading into 2024, Diggs IS just one year removed the 2nd best season of his 9 year career, not to mention three straight finishes as a top 7 WR in fantasy football. There's gas left in the tank. But where will he fit into an offense that already boasts Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz, not to mention Joe Mixon? There IS room for growth in the Texans' passing volume department after finishing a modest 12th in passing attempts last year; everyone would benefit from CJ Stroud throwing more passes. Still, with so many mouths to feed in Houston, what should we expect from Diggs in 2024? For what it's worth, FanDuel's sportsbook currently has Diggs pegged for over/under 900.5 receiving yards despite 6 straight seasons over 1,000. For context, 900.5 receiving yards last year would have ranked 31st among all WRs in the NFL, suggesting his WR 23 ADP may be a bit inflated. Ultimately, Stefon Diggs IS going to score fantasy football points in 2024, including the occasional week-winning eruption of 20+ PPR points. But he will also frustrate fantasy managers at times due to a lack of consistency and predictability. He's a much more appetizing pick in best ball drafts than season-long leagues where you have to make lineup decisions. #fantasyfootball #supportsmallbusiness #solopreneur

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Business in Sports ⚽ 🎟 🏀 - FAQs and Facts ❓ ✔ I want to start up a FAQs and Facts series here. Partly because I work in an industry that is commonly misunderstood, partly because I am responsible for that fact, and honestly, partly because I want to be more engaged with you all! For the first week, I want to address my favorite thing. FAQ ❓ : "WHY would I buy tickets when I'm not even interested in [X-Sport]?" Facts ✔ : There are several reasons! First, it's interesting to someone; second, sports is about way more than sports; and third, everyone needs a break from normal! 1. Even if you aren't interested, I bet you could name 5 clients who might be, one employee or coworker who definitely is, and at least 20 neighbors to your business whose ears might perk up at the sound of something extra when they do business with you. 2. When I say soccer tickets, I usually hear something like, "I don't even know the first thing about soccer." The reason I love to hear this is because neither did I! I started working here without any more knowledge than it's good for the ball to be in the net for us, and not for them. - We aren't just a soccer venue, and sports aren't just for their play-value entertainment. We're here for you, here to give you another place to be together. ALL sports are so much bigger than sports! 3. More than a place to get together, we are a retreat from the rotation, a twist from the typical, a getaway from the grim mundane. Give yourself or someone around you a break and a family night. Do it once for someone else and just see if it makes you regret the gesture. I'm excited for this series! I'm always here for any less-than-frequently asked questions too. One thing I promise - I will not try to sell you tickets just based on your reach-out. 😅 I trust you all know who I am!

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📑 How college athlete contracts will be structured in the revenue-sharing era. (Hint: they'll look a LOT like pro athlete contracts) (Revenue-sharing era is likely to begin in July/August 2025) #NIL #NCAA #College #sports #sportslaw #Contracts Opendorse

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