Matthew Smith

Last night Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Championship, becoming the first player to win the NBA Finals MVP award without a signature sneaker deal in more than 40 years. Brown has long been an outspoken critic of brands' performance basketball offerings since the expiration of his Adidas deal in 2021. Sneakerheads have shared these concerns for several years, citing a lack of originality and innovation in the marketing and design of signature basketball shoes. But there are signs that the category is staging a comeback. A new generation of young talents, new designs and bold marketing are reviving interest in athletes’ lines. The NBA Finals was a guaranteed win for Nike's Jordan Brand, who saw two of its signature athletes — Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic — going head-to-head. Meanwhile, Anta secured a landmark finals appearance for the Anta Kai 1, its debut signature sneaker with Kyrie Irving. Adidas produced unquestionably the basketball sneaker of the year with the AE 1, boosted by the standout performances and on-the-pulse marketing which highlighted the charisma of Anthony Edwards, who led the Timberwolves in a deep playoff run. On resale platform StockX, trades of the top 15 signature sneaker lines are up 37 percent year-on-year, said Drew Haines, merchandising director for sneakers and collectables. It's one of several signs that the tide might be turning for a category which has stagnated of late. Read the full story on The Business of Fashion today.

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Nike's recent pivot towards more daring storytelling is a lesson in how established brands can adapt and innovate even during challenging times. In response to a slight decline in North American sales, Nike has doubled down on narrative-led marketing—leveraging emotional and value-driven campaigns to maintain its cultural relevance.  Why It Matters for Marketers: This approach reinforces the importance of authenticity in brand storytelling. In an era where consumers demand genuine connections and purposeful messaging, marketers must prioritize narratives that resonate with audience values. As a marketing professional, I believe that aligning brand storytelling with consumer expectations, while remaining adaptable to market changes, is crucial to long-term success. #MarketingStrategy #BrandStorytelling #Nike #BrandLoyalty #MarketingLeadership https://lnkd.in/d5iZEUhz

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The cutthroat power struggle within US Soccer is plunging the sport into a downward spiral, with MLS at the forefront of the controversy. Accusations of MLS deliberately sabotaging the USL in a bid to cling onto its dominance are rife, exposing a desperate grasp for power. This calculated move by MLS comes as no surprise, considering its ongoing assault on the USL's modest strides in lower league soccer. The recent demise of USL San Diego serves as a grim reminder of the ruthless tactics employed by MLS to crush any potential competition. Such ruthless maneuvers not only stifle the growth of the sport but also erode the very essence of healthy competition that soccer thrives on. Instead of nurturing an environment of fair play and rivalry, MLS's actions reek of a monopolistic agenda aimed at controlling markets, ultimately tarnishing the integrity of the beautiful game. https://lnkd.in/eEmjB5db

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❗️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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Reading about The Players’​ Tribune’s (TPT) 10-year milestone in Digiday got me thinking about the evolution of athlete-driven media. No question that TPT has undeniably paved the way for athlete storytelling, giving sports a new, humanized dimension. But as we look to the future, the challenge still remains: How do we keep innovating in an increasingly saturated digital landscape? So, I would like to see the next decade focus on deeper fan connections, diverse multimedia storytelling, and leveraging first-party data to truly personalize the content experience. TPT’s success lies not just in amplifying athlete voices, but in creating a space where fans feel truly connected and relatable to those stories. And as tech and media evolve, well, so should our approach. We’ve seen the impact of athletes speaking on their own terms; now let’s push the boundaries on how we engage audiences and amplify these voices in more meaningful and influential ways. 🤔 Question (I'm curious): What would you say are your thoughts on the future of athlete-led media? -- And please don't say more athlete podcasts 😂

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You might have heard that Nike recently announced a new #CEO, Elliott Hill. Soon after the news went public, the online community turned its attention to Hill's resume and his 32 years at the company. Hill's "traditional" career path highlights the importance of #LeadershipPipelines within an organization, and how these opportunities will set individuals (and companies) up for #Success. The bad news? Research has shown there's a leaky pipeline for #Women. The higher up the corporate ladder we look, the fewer women there are. ➡️ The number of women CEOs in the Fortune 500 has stalled at 10.4%. Only 52 women hold the top job. ➡️ Men still lead 90% of Fortune 500 companies. It's important to underscore that women continue to face barriers when it comes to advancing into #Leadership roles. To explore some of our research on #Women CEOs, visit: 👇 https://ow.ly/Ceqo50TuAak

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One thing MLS clubs do better than most Build fan communities... Supporter clubs are subgroups of fans, created by fans, typically rallied around a specific cause. Clubs even promote the support groups on their website. Atlanta Untied has six official supporter groups, each with a bit of a different purpose using the team as the connective glue. If you search Atlanta United on Google, "supporter groups" is the second link that comes up. . . . Fans are almost self-segmenting themselves to create their own unique identity, experience, and association with the club. Teams in other leagues have tried to manufacture this concept, but it seems hard to replicate if you don't have fans leading the charge. MLS clubs allowing these groups to be known and associated with the club adds a layer of credibility and develops an even deeper association with the club than if the supporter groups were unofficially tied to the team. What are the best supporter groups in sports you've seen? #fanbuilding #sportsmarketing #sportsbiz

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Diamond Sports Group’s bankruptcy case appears to be nearing a conclusion after more than 18 months. The regional sports broadcaster recently disclosed plans to shed 11 of the 12 Major League Baseball (MLB) team contracts held this past season as part of its reorg (including four that expired). Those clubs must now renegotiate terms with DSG or find an alternative local distribution solution for 2025 and beyond (note: Diamond remains contractually obligated to five). The latter does not necessarily mean a hard pivot from the established pay TV ecosystem. In fact, baseball, appears to be advising its clubs to remain in the cable bundle. While counter to the media narrative, it has become directionally obvious that guaranteed affiliate fee economics are the surest way to preserve local media revenues–even if the team’s new channel gets tiered and/or commands a lower sub fee than budget for (and after accounting for the macro decline in distribution). MLB would like to see its clubs supplement local cable television distribution with a direct-to-consumer streaming option (and perhaps a small number of OTA games). The league views that combination as the best approach to maximize reach and revenue. Most organizations look to be taking the direction. It was recently announced that MLB will handle production and distribution for the Cleveland Guardians, Milwaukee Brewers, and Minnesota Twins moving forward. The league has managed both for the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres, and Colorado Rockies the last two years. In addition to those six clubs, the Chicago White Sox (Chicago Sports Network) and Texas Rangers have partnered on or are considering starting their own RSN projects. cc: Patrick Crakes Ryan Dastrup, PhD Randall Friedman Jacie Brandes JohnWallStreet #media #mediarights #sports #sportsbiz #cable #RSN #strategy https://lnkd.in/eG5crmsN

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Why this is a game changer…. Naming Candace Parker as president of adidas basketball division has the potential to —disrupt more than just— the sporting goods industry: 👑🏀 Representation and Advocacy: Firsthand —knowledge and understanding— of the needs and challenges of W Bball to lead the development of products and storytelling that resonates with female athletes and fans alike. 📣👀 Networking and Influence: She has a circle of influence like —no other—allowing the brand to form partnerships with key stakeholders and open doors to help expand the brand’s reach and impact in the sport and be a role model for other female athletes across all sports. ✂️🧵 Product Development: With direct experience in launching her signature shoe in 2010, she can provide valuable input on product design and innovation to better meet the —unique and underserved—requirements of women and basketball players. 👑 👔 Credibility and Inspiration: Starts from a place of authority with professional filters that will shape strategic visions to go —further, faster— in developing the right product, partners, and markets to create sustainable growth for the brand and business. 💰📈 Market Growth: Candace can play a crucial role in advocating for the sport at grassroots levels, fostering inclusivity, and developing programs that nurture talent, reduce dropout, and expand the sport’s popularity among women and girls. Ultimately, Candace’s leadership will positively change for the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) and women's sports globally —on the court and in the boardroom! #WomenInSports #FemaleAthletes #WomenInSport #GirlsInSports #WNBA #Basketball #EmpowerWomen #WomenAthletes #SportForHer #WomenWhoPlay #ShePlays #WomenPower #AthleteLife #SportsBizWomen #WomenLeaders #GirlsCanPlay #FierceWomen #GameChangerWomen #StrongWomen #WomenInFitness #SportsMarketingWomen #SportsEmpowerment

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Adding 6+ inches of scars/stories Mindset around injury… The core of what we do at SBGD is helping athletes reframe and redefine WHO they are, WHAT they are capable of and HOW they respond; not just in SPORTS but in LIFE… Many times that the doubt creeps during the hard times and as athletes it often centers around injury… I’m currently 1 week post-opp for my most significant injury to date. I have added over 6 inches of scars and officially have metal holding me together. I’m semi learning to walk again and even through all the pain meds I will have 10+ level pain running down my leg sporadically for the next 2 years. All that said, it’s not to impress you but to give you context. I was told that lifting weights like I did, running like I did, participating in athletics like I did, standing like I did and walking like I did will be a memory. I went through a nasty shoulder injury that ended my baseball career 20 years ago so I know how losing your ability to play sports causes a loss of WHO you are. I refuse to admit or allow age to be a natural limitation or excuse on what I can achieve even though 99% of what I hear is I should accept lower performance as I get more gray hair. Internally this is how I process everything 1.        I focus extra on the first 2 aspects of our Mindset R.U.L.E.E. Relationships – it’s easier to get rid of poor influences than it is to find good influences. Find those who will push you and get you in the right mindset Uniqueness – Focus on what makes you unique and embrace it. Too many times we compare ourselves to a certain prototype, defined by someone else, that nobody fits. If I focus on where I don't measure up, I don't ever exploit where I have an advantage. 2.        Just because it once was, doesn’t mean it still is In the NFL being “in-shape” once was about running fast in a straight line and moving more weight than the next guy Now you see players focus more on flexibility, pliability and getting more game smart Point being, as time goes on and we get more experience, success, training, progress and winning are all defined differently. Are you reading an old definition of success? Also, I heard Pilates is no joke Samantha Card Reframing what you view and how you view it can help put you in the right #mindset to conquer whatever obstacle you're facing... #recovery #injury #studentathlete #athlete #ncaa #mentalperformance #trainthebrain #comeback #nfl #nhl #nil #mlb #wnba #mls #nba Jake Lampman Success Beyond Game DayCheney Robinson, PhD NIL Undressed Podcast Shift Happens PodTrey EdmundsLeah MetcalfNatalie AllportVon WarePaul Moala

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✨ Empowering Athletes Through Purposeful Branding ✨ Just read this awesome CNBC article about the Bandit Running project that’s decking out Olympic hopefuls with gear, even when they’re unsponsored. It’s a solid reminder of how branding can be so much more than just logos on useless stuff. In the promo products world, I’ve seen how a well-designed piece of gear can be more than just swag—it becomes part of someone’s story. That’s why I love what I do at DAS. Whether it's helping brands tell their story or supporting events that make a real impact, it’s about creating something that people actually want to wear and rep. If you’re ever looking to bring your brand to life or want to chat about how to make your next project stand out, hit me up. Always down to brainstorm ideas! ➡ https://lnkd.in/eyVz_P5z #Branding #PromoProducts #BanditRunning #OlympicDreams #CNBC

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🏀📺COLLATERAL DAMAGE - while not finalized it’s looking like NBC Sports will be replacing Warner Bros. Discovery Sports as the 2nd (3rd) National Basketball Association (NBA) broadcast package. There’s been a lot posted on this but I have a very different take. Most are saying it’s crazy TNT would let this slip and mostly because they do have the greatest post game show all all time 🥇and Charles Barkley Shaquille O'Neal Kenny Smith @ernie stewart will inevitably split as I doubt they can all switch collectively. WHY IS TNT not matching. PURELY SMART ECONOMICS. We all know cable and broadcast is dying. Before this new 10 yr deal expires the word cable won’t exist. The NBA is NOT the NFL, and fact they can get this money will be the last time. There is a reason Marc Cuban sold the Mavs. In my opinion fans who watch NBA can be into 3 categories 1. Diehard NBA (like myself) will subscribe NBA Gamepass all games globally, we won’t get Peacock for NBA as we don’t need 2. Fans who care but only big games and really care playoff time (this is a target of these rights) 3. Fans who only follow their local team (they will ultimately be subscribing to a D2C product) many of these fans pay for cable but will they subscribe to a streaming platform for NBA doubtful Cable TV is dead 🪦and the value of TNT on cable was dropping 📉as each subscriber churns, down down down📉 There is now a streaming war and a fight for subs to survive (uphill climb) So why is NBC paying so much.💰NBC / Peacock needs subs desperately; as when a Comcast customer churns then need to show them value to subscribe Peacock. Comcast has a new bundle coming Apple TV Netflix Peacock at extremely discounted rate, probably losing money they are so desperate for subs Sports is Comcast only hope as NBC TV no longer cuts it, the days of Friends and Sat Night Live aren’t pulling customers but National Football League (NFL) is a cornerstone Olympics will help and English Premier League adds a bump but they need NBA to fill out their offer. Warner Discovery - or should I say MAX - does not need sports as HBO is the anchor. I subscribe to MAX for their original content, specifically HBO unparalleled shows; MAX 👑crown jewel. Getting an NBA game here or there is an added bonus, but seeing GoT, or the next big thing aka Succession, Wire, Sopranos etc is what will drive subs not a tue night TNT game and not Charles, Shaq, Jet or Ernie. It was an amazing run and hands down best show 🥇for the analysis + light comedy and telling it how it is. I’ll miss it; hopefully but unlikely they regroup under Amazon ESPN or NBC. As they say all good things come to an end, if mad blame capitalism. For me it happens and survival of fittest. https://lnkd.in/eTrKf4ij

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The Varsity * Amazon's last-minute bid for the NFL's Christmas games. * The still doesn’t have a signed deal with Netflix for the two Christmas Day games. Complicating matters is the fact that in recent days, Amazon tried to pry the games away by submitting its own bid to the league. * The vibe coming out of the NBA is that the league prefers NBC’s bid over Warner Bros. Discovery's. The NBA likes NBC's plan for two primetime broadcast windows per week and the type of promotion that has turned Sunday Night Football into the most watched primetime show in the land. There’s also a real question about whether WBD's matching rights can actually match NBC’s bid. * Optimum Sports' Jeremy Carey on this week's Upfronts: “We know that we’re going to see more sports and bigger areas of exposure across the board. There’s no doubt we’re going to see more women’s sports in bigger areas across the board." * Sinclair is selling 60 local TV stations—about 30 percent of its total—to pay down its $4 billion in debt. It’s not hard to draw a straight line from its disastrous 2019 purchase of the Fox Sports-branded R.S.N.s to this decision. * At some point in the blowout second half of the atrocious Game 4 of the Knicks-Pacers series, I realized just how much I missed Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson, who were part of ESPN’s top NBA broadcast team alongside Mike "Bang Bang" Breen for nine years before leaving at the end of last season as the network cut costs. * Despite its deal to carry MLB's Sunday morning games, Roku isn’t about to become a real competitor for exclusive sports rights anytime soon. The streaming service is not set up to compete with the likes of broadcast networks, or even streamers like Amazon or Netflix. Rather, as the media business continues to unbundle and become more fragmented, it is positioning itself as a place where content companies can find scale again. https://lnkd.in/eYMb6TeC

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DEVELOP TOMORROW’S LEADERS 🎙️ New episode with Tim Bainton - the president of Blue Chip Sports Management , the COO of Epic Padel Inc and a visiting professor at Marymount University in the college of BILT. 🚀 Topics: • Being the Tennis coach for Bill Gates • How to develop tomorrow’s leaders • His view on Padel, Pickleball & Tennis • His teaching style • Why leaders don’t always take the invite And much more!

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📣 This past week, the PGA TOUR announced their debut of a Creator Council. As most of you know, I personally have been fighting for more influencer and creator integration for years now so this is very exciting for me and my biased propaganda :). I love reading through the comments and hearing the feedback that the creators on the council have received - the good and the bad! ⛳️ Although this move may seem surprising to some, mainly the traditionalists, you and they, all follow and engage with these personalities across platforms daily- which is exactly where their value lies. These people are more than just "influencers" or "content creators", they're vessels, they're relatable, they're opinionated and raw, and they're knowledgeable. They know how to entertain, educate, and inspire. Most of which, grew up in golf, played at a certain level, and even if they didn't, they explored and caught the golf bug - like all of us that never ventured into competitive golf. Or, they may be a PGA professional, a golf coach, a broadcaster, or a celebrity that took up the sport. 🏌🏼‍♂️ 📲 They are us. The issues we've long had with the TOUR's regulations around content and media (inside the ropes!), more creative ways of engaging sponsors, better viewing and live play distribution across broadcast, more unique fan engagement opportunities - it's all on the table. ✅ Proud to have CATALYST9 client, Tisha Alyn, as one of the leading female names with in the Creator Council. Tisha is innovative, a multi-faceted talent, a former professional golfer turned leading golf media personality, a dynamic content creator, and has worked with the TOUR, it's OMP's, and sponsors for the past 5 years working towards just this moment. 😎 As I often say, disruption leads to prime opportunity, and I love some good positive disruption if I do say so myself. #golfindustry #golfmedia #breaking #pgatour #golfagency #golftalent #golfinfluencer #sportsbiz #sportsmarketing #catalyst9 Sophia Fabbro, MBA #womeninsports #womeningolf

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Major League Baseball will introduce advertising on team helmets during the upcoming postseason, starting with a deal with German apparel company Strauss, running through 2027. The ads, featuring the "STRAUSS" name and logo, will be displayed on both sides of each helmet. Strauss ads will also appear on the helmets of minor league teams from 2025-2027. MLB previously allowed helmet ads in international games and introduced jersey ads in 2023. While sports leagues in other countries have embraced ads on uniforms for years, this move follows similar recent trends in other major U.S. sports leagues, such as the NBA and NHL. #sports #marketing #sportsbusiness #sportsmoney #baseball https://lnkd.in/e5JTeDir

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The "WOW" factor. It's not just reserved for sports. "sell the sizzle" What are YOU providing as the "WOW" factor. Let me know in the comments. (Also, read the whole thing for some trash talk) Surprisingly, the "WOW" factor does indeed go beyond great product and service. Every industry can benefit. From staff uniforms, the look of branding and graphics, to (like the Las Vegas Raiders) the packaging of a product, you can be making a difference. - For chefs at Levy Restaurants, it's the model of "you eat with your eyes first" - One of my favorites is Foot Locker, all employees wore referee uniforms - Perhaps the "WOW" factor is making sure your wrapped company cars aren't rusted, dented or wrecked (not going to lie, a big pet peeve of mine) All of these are ways to sell the "sizzle" on top of the steak. Great product and great service is something we all must provide, but what are we doing beyond that. What is the thing that resonated in customers minds in a world where our competitors (lets be honest here) are also providing great product and service. For the Raiders, the simple creative packaging of their season tickets is driving the hype train. They are truly selling the SIZZLE (the packaging) and not the steak. Because lets be real, For the Raiders, the on-field performance isn't enough (shots fired. I had to. Go Buffalo Bills). Shoutout to Front Office Sports for a great highlight here. I'd love to know your take. What do you consider your SIZZLE. What is your "WOW" factor. Let me know. #Marketing #SportsMarketing #SportsBusiness #CustomerService

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