Kenneth Mitchell

❗️Recommend Listen🎧❗️ Checkout the latest Sports Business Journal podcast featuring Brandon Doll, one of the best business strategist I know. Listen to his inspiring journey to success and insights from one of the brightest minds in the industry. #businessstrategist #podcast #sports

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The recent NIL deal between Stanford University football and Tiger Woods' brand, Sun Day Red, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities in college sports. This partnership not only showcases the power of NIL but also underscores the influence of alumni connections in shaping the future of student-athlete endorsements. As a Stanford alumnus, Tiger Woods' involvement through his brand highlights the potential for alumni to play a pivotal role in supporting and empowering current student-athletes. This collaboration sets a precedent for how universities can leverage their alumni networks to create impactful NIL opportunities that benefit both the athletes and the institution. The alignment between Stanford and Sun Day Red reflects a broader trend of universities embracing NIL as a means to strengthen ties with their alumni, enhance their athletic programs, and provide students with unprecedented opportunities to build their personal brands. We are excited about the continued momentum for NIL partnerships that connect alumni and student-athletes. We look forward to seeing how these collaborations will continue to drive innovation and success in the NIL landscape, fostering growth and opportunity across collegiate athletics. #NIL #LinkedInSports

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The evolution continues. I’m proud of the team’s collaboration, energy, effort, and resourcefulness to launch the new Champs Sports brand platform; “Sport For Life” . At Champs Sports, we believe sport is the ultimate playbook for life and believe sports are a metaphor for life’s incredible journey. It’s all about lessons learned through sport and applied to daily life. Sport builds character, it teaches you how to win, it teaches you how to deal with setbacks, it teaches you resilience, it teaches you how to compete, it teaches you self-discipline, and is the ultimate connector. It teaches you about life. I appreciate EVERYONE who has helped get us to this point and am excited about what is next! https://lnkd.in/e-z9yY-e

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De'Aaron Fox is known for being one of the NBA's most multidimensional athletes, so it’s no secret that he needs products that can keep up with his dynamic lifestyle off the court. Since signing with Curry Brand, Stephen Curry’s line powered by Under Armour, in 2023, De'Aaron has had a standout season for the Sacramento Kings. Coming off the heels of another impressive NBA season, De’Aaron is also the face of a new campaign for Under Armour with partners Foot Inc., reintroducing the UA Phantom 1 -- Under Armour's solution for the multidimensional athlete looking for a versatile shoe that has the right mix of performance and style. As an Under Armour staple since 2018, the Phantom was originally designed for runners but has evolved into a multipurpose sneaker that is used by athletes across all sports and training verticals to level up performance. The Phantom 1 has become the sneaker that athletes grab for everything. It blurs all lines, knows no boundaries, and is https://lnkd.in/eYacPFZn #News

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Very insightful article on the impact of NIL on recruiting and student-athlete decision-making. Nearly 54% of those interviewed by On3, affirmed that they would take less money than their top offer for the right fit. Contrary to popular belief, factors such as NFL development potential and a strong cultural fit play a far more substantial role in the recruiting process than just monetary NIL compensation. While NIL opportunities and deals offer student-athletes unique and invaluable experiences, many elite young athletes still choose to prioritize their path to the professional level above all when deciding on a destination for the next three-four years. Read more at the link! #NIL #LinkedInSports #SportsBiz

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Short but nonetheless cool article about AMBSE and their perspective on their CEP strategy. I think they were early to see the app as much more than just a content tool, similar to how we viewed it. I find it really interesting to now be able to sit back and watch technology trends unfold over years, even decades. Not long ago, companies were spending millions on websites, redesigning them repeatedly without any data—simply because a new person came in with fresh ideas. Then came social media. Who needs a website? Facebook is our website! Huge investments went into building an audience on social platforms, only for those platforms to later decide how much access you would have to your own customers. Now, we’re swinging back to brands wanting to own the relationship with their customers. At the end of the day, growing a brand starts with super fans. If you can't reach them, engage with them, and provide an amazing experience in both the digital and physical worlds, growth is unlikely. The Patriots didn't become THE PATRIOTS because of casual fans who watch just a couple of games a season. Onward and upward! https://lnkd.in/gQfB-xN4

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The #redshirt rule is creating new opportunities and challenges for athletes navigating the transfer portal in the #NIL era. With players leveraging the option to sit out mid-season and enter the portal, coaches and programs are adapting their strategies to maintain competitive rosters. This flexibility amplifies the choices athletes have in managing their careers, while also adding complexity for coaches building cohesive teams. As NIL continues to reshape college sports, this evolving landscape emphasizes the importance of adaptive strategies, both for athletic departments and the athletes themselves.

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Hear me out. Looking to make a big investment? WNBA and Women Soccer teams are starting to increase in value. Find a syndicate, group of investors, pull together friends and family, whatever you have to do. Women's sports are growing at an accelerated pace. Bob Iger and his wife are buying a controlling interest in Angel City women's soccer team in LA. The valuation would rise to between $250-300 million. The San Diego Wave just sold for $113 million in March. Portland Thorns sold for $63 million in January. Chicago Red Stars sold for $35.5 million in 2023. The 12 WNBA teams are collectively worth $1.16 billion and range from $140 million (Las Vegas Aces) to $55 million (Atlanta Dream). Are you paying attention? Women’s sports merchandise market valued at US$4bn- https://lnkd.in/gJWtvcsN Women's elite sports: Breaking the billion-dollar barrier- https://lnkd.in/gsgAwPAY

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Interesting headline circulating today on the estimated amount of money wagered on the NFL this upcoming season. According to ESPN, "The American Gaming Association says the $35 billion estimate is a roughly 30% increase from the amount bet on the NFL last year and is based on data released by some states on the amount wagered on pro football." With $23 billion dollars alone bet on ONLY the Super Bowl game last season I think this number is 2-3x what will be bet on. According to another article I read from Legal Sports Betting .com in February 2024, "An estimated $100 billion is wagered at legal sportsbooks during the NFL season, with billions wagered on the Super Bowl alone in the US." Is this $35 billion estimate only in legal action? What about offshore betting and illegal bookmaking? I'm thinking this number will continue to increase in size throughout the year as it begins this week with NFL starting. This shows a massive increase in gambling risks and the article from ESPN doesn't even give resources or hotline numbers to call if you have a gambling problem. Interesting year ahead with gambling legalization and if you or someone you know may struggle with a gambling problem, feel free to reach out to me for help or 1-800-GAMBLER for immediate assistance. https://lnkd.in/gzViWUut #gambling #sportsgambling #espn

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GenF + Sports = Unstoppable 🚀 Recent milestones like the record-breaking 92,000 spectators at a Nebraska vs. Omaha NCAA volleyball game underscore the fan enthusiasm and market potential in women’s sports. 🔹 Stars Fueling Fan Engagement Athletes like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have become cultural icons, attracting massive viewership and sparking record-breaking betting interest. Notably, bets on women’s sports—particularly basketball—are up by 500% for NCAA championships and more than 150% for WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) games. This surge isn’t just about fandom; it signals a halo effect that’s drawing attention to other women’s sports, including volleyball, squash, and tennis. 🔹 Exposure Drives Growth The formula is simple yet powerful: more coverage = more fans = more investment. Historically, women’s sports received minimal media attention, comprising only 8-15% of sports coverage, but social media and digital platforms are rewriting that narrative. Industry leaders argue that giving women’s sports the screen time they deserve will drive fan growth and incentivize brand investment. This is happening. 🔹 High-Value Sponsorship Opportunities Women’s sports are now prime real estate for sponsorships, offering significant returns for brands that invest early. The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), for example, reported a 400% ROI for some sponsors, with Ally Financial, Google, and State Farm leading the charge. Unlike traditional men’s sports, which act like steady blue-chip stocks, women’s sports are seen as a high-growth asset with the potential for explosive returns. Women’s sports represent a unique opportunity to capitalize on an industry where growth is accelerating rapidly. Traditional media is finally catching on (maybe), but new media channels are leading the charge, giving brands more ways to engage. It’s a high-impact, high-visibility platform that resonates with fans. Looking forward to watching Orlando Pride on Amazon Prime Nov 6th. A real "League of Their Own" women's baseball league is forming in 2026, couldn't have imagined when the movie came out, or just 5 years ago. The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is adding another 2 teams in the coming 2025-26 season. I bet more will follow. It’s no longer a question of “if” women’s sports will succeed; it’s a question of how big the opportunity will become. Let's gooo! 🚀

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One of the standout features of Nirvana Super is that our HMB-infused beverages are designed for everyone, regardless of age or athletic ability. Plus, they taste fantastic. We're excited when sports legends like four-time NBA champion, two-time league MVP and 10-time NBA All-Star Stephen Curry and the parent company of his business endeavors, SC30 Inc. chose to invest in Nirvana Super out of all of their numerous beverage options, reflecting their commitment to wellness and great tasting, scientifically backed products. Our work with Stephen and our other #athleteinvestors is about more than simply growth; it's about forming relatable connections and sharing a common mission - #hydration meets #musclehealth. I believe the beverage industry is on the verge of becoming much more exciting, surpassing the trends of coconut water, coffee variations, and endless energy drinks. https://lnkd.in/exrAaz-b #NirvanaSuper #stayhydrated #stephcurry #linkedinSports #innovation #healthcare #startups #foodandbeverage

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ELEVATING WOMEN'S SPORT IS A COLLECTIVE EFFORT Women's sports are poised to generate more than $1.28b in global revenues in 2024 - a 300% growth in just 3 years. Despite this rapid growth, women's sports get a fraction of financial support compared to men's sports. In the past year, The Collective - Wasserman's women-focused, global impact and advisory business - has been working alongside our client AT&T and three other companies (Capital One, Cisco and Deloitte) to launch The Athena Pledge. The Athena Pledge is a rally for brands to invest more in women’s sports. The goal is to gather 20 companies who spend $50M over 4 years to equal $1B driven to women’s sports. By taking the pledge new companies will work alongside these founding members to push for more media, investment, visibility. Strength in numbers type of thing. Interested in learning more? Please reach out... #WomensSport #TheCollective #AthenaPledge

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Leadership, business and market transitions, navigating the unexpected, and driving velocity, AG1 Athletic Greens... we cover these topics and more on this episode of Kleiner Perkins Grit Podcast @kpgrit with Joubin Mirzadegan. I've learned so many tough lessons along the way - great to share a few!

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For years, YouTube golf has been on the rise, yet YouTube influencers have struggled to be taken seriously within the traditional golf community. To bridge this gap, The Q was proposed to the PGA. This first-of-its-kind 18-hole showdown aimed to merge digital culture with traditional golf, engaging a new generation of fans. Now, I’ve always been a huge sports fan, and most people who know me won’t be surprised by my enthusiasm, but it’s not hyperbole to say that this is a highlight of my career. When Kyle Oland @ Play Golf Myrtle Beach tapped Big Bird (Big Bird Agency) several months ago to help create this tournament, we leapt at the opportunity. I’m so proud of our team, including Joe Gilliland, Aaron Chewning, and all the crew led by Matthew Pfeffer(Ritual Film Co.) that helped pull this behemoth together. A huge thanks to everyone who joined us on this transformative journey. If you want to see how it all turned out, check out our case study here and the sizzle below: https://lnkd.in/gp9yJd6E (And be on the lookout for The Q 2.0 this spring) #Golf #Innovation #PGATour #DigitalTransformation #TheQ Summit House Achievements in Brief: Community Growth: Myrtle Beach gained over 10,000 new followers. Engagement Surge: The event videos amassed 1.7 million views on YouTube. Boosted Interest: Myrtle Beach Golf websites saw a 293% increase in traffic, a testament to heightened curiosity and engagement.

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Dear <INSERT MAJOR BRAND>, We've been waiting for you. Like so many others who have fallen in love with our game,...welcome to your SECOND favorite sport. Sincerely, Pickleball Should large sporting goods brands enter the Pickleball space? This (mobile-friendly) link I created provides an interactive space for you to learn about the nuances of this growing game, a peek into some consumer-inspired equipment solutions, suggestions on where best to position for success, and most importantly, shedding light on how I approach the consumer ecosystem for insights. Eager to leverage the 'voice of the consumer', there is still plenty of room for the rest of the athlete ecosystem to chime in for those interested in unpacking this further for equipment, vision, footwear, and apparel. Harken Insights Collective exists to help businesses in their journey to understanding their consumer through qualitative, and quantitative research strategies that build confidence in authenticity and direction. Are you excited to have your consumer inspire your next product, or direction, but don't know where to start? Let's talk. Until then, enjoy the scroll. As always, I welcome feedback, criticism, opinions, compliments, and debate. Cheers, Dan Frantz Nike, adidas, Skechers, Under Armour, New Balance, Oakley, lululemon, äktiiv, Major League Pickleball, PPA Tour https://lnkd.in/gGv2vy2J

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📉WNBA Playoff viewership dipped by 50% after Clark’s exit 📉 But here’s the good news: Even without Caitlin Clark, the Aces vs. Liberty semifinal still drew 929,000 viewers, marking the most-watched WNBA semifinal in 22 years. That’s a 39% increase over last year’s playoffs. Plus it was during NFL Sunday.👀 Clark’s exit shows us that athlete-driven marketing is undeniable. Game 2 of the Fever-Sun first-round series Wednesday averaged 2.5 million viewers on ESPN, a WNBA playoff record for cable viewership. So how do we create 20 more Caitlin Clarks? It’s not just about talent—it’s about helping these young athletes build stories that resonate with fans. Playmaker supporting Angel Reese with her podcast is a perfect example of a win-win-win-win-win (Playmaker, fans, brands, WNBA, Angel). Which up-and-coming athletes do you think have the potential to be the next breakout star?

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Really great read from Christopher M. Weiner in the sponsorship Playbook today. The effect of the potential Subway Series World Series and how it relates to Sponsors. For those in my industry who are interested in the world of sport sponsorship, the sponsorship playbook is an awesome thing to keep up with!

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