Naveen Lokesh

Counting down 2024’s Top 10 Sports Sponsored Content - Part 1️⃣ 🎤 #10: Pittsburgh Penguins x DICK'S Sporting Goods This post convinced me that with the right execution, in-venue activations can thrive on social media as sponsored content. Results: 2.4M impressions, 113K engagements, 4.7% rate. 😴 #9: Philadelphia Eagles x Sleep Number Corporation In the sleep and fitness categories, many teams settle for a basic post about a player’s workout/recovery routine, the Eagles flipped the script, creating content that held fans’ attention and seamlessly delivered brand messaging. Results: 838K YouTube views Stay tuned and follow along for the rest of the top 10. #sportsbusiness #sportsmarketing #sponsorship

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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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Will MLS continue to clean up once it’s less Messi? Now that Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami club have been knocked out of the 2024 MLS Playoffs, it’s a good time to recognize the impact he’s had on US Soccer in just two short years. Major League Soccer’s attendance has been the highest in the league’s 30-year history.   The first-round playoff game between Inter Miami and Atlanta United was Apple TV’s most-watched sporting event ever. MLS has experienced record growth in sponsorship sales. On top of the domestic impact Messi has had in the US, Inter Miami has become the international brand ambassador for MLS. MLS and Inter Miami have done a great job leveraging Messi’s arrival. Can they sustain this success? The reality is this.   1-     Messi is 38 years old with one year remaining on his contract. 2-     MLS ticket prices have increased dramatically since his arrival. 3-     MLS has a ton of talented players, but none with Messi’s star power. The hard truth is that celebrities like Lionel Messi can put you in the spotlight, but celebrities fade. Only time will tell whether MLS can turn these Messi moments into a movement. The long-term question is this: Will Major League Soccer maintain its grip on sports fans like an Inter Miami Vice? #MLS #InterMiami #AppleTv #MiamiVice

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A potentially big deal in the soccer world heading exclusively to Apple for ~$1B. Let’s not forget that as of November of last year, Apple had $162B of cash on hand. Deals like this with players like that will continue the death march for Cable TV and only inflate the linear TV bubble as Apple, Amazon, Netflix, etc all continue to methodically pick up these expiring live sports rights…IMO. ·        FIFA is nearing an agreement with Apple, granting the tech giant worldwide television rights for a new monthlong tournament in the United States next summer. ·        The tournament, similar to the World Cup, has faced delays and location changes due to the pandemic and FIFA's president, Gianni Infantino, has championed its creation. ·        The deal's value may be significantly less than FIFA's initial estimate of $4 billion, potentially as low as a quarter of that amount. ·        This would mark FIFA's first single worldwide contract, potentially lending prestige to the event and aiding in securing commercial partners. ·        The tournament, scheduled for June 15 to July 13, 2025, aims to feature teams from around the world, including 12 from Europe, but faces challenges in securing both broadcasters and sponsors. Front Office Sports Link: https://lnkd.in/gUKkKacW #Sportsbiz

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All In Sport Consulting in partnership with Stitch Marketing Research and Huddle Up Group, LLC announced today that the total economic impact of adapted and para sport-related events nationwide totaled approximately $143.9 million in 2023. The latest economic impact study findings, demonstrate an increase of approximately 3.45 percent over last year’s findings, reflecting consistent growth of the industry in the United States. The study also revealed that adapted sport organizations expect that growth trend to continue, especially with the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games coming to the U.S. Thank you to all who participated in this year’s study, which is invaluable in measuring the true economic footprint of the adapted sports industry. This data enables us to continue building the business case for adapted and para sports events and tourism, and garner recognition for us as the formidable economic force that we are! A special thank you to Richmond Region Tourism and Tempe Tourism Office for sponsoring the economic impact study and your belief in the industry’s economic significance. Jerrine Lee, CDME, STS, Luchie Javelosa, STS, SDLT, Jon Schmieder, Cole McKeel, MBA, MS, Kevin de Lange, Nate Heckman, Julie Chavanu, Mike Mushett, Ashley Thomas, Rory A. Cooper, PhD, PLY, Rebecca Bressler, Anna Johannes, MBA, PLY, Victor Calise, PLY, Akilah Carter-Francique, PhD, Mary Hodge, Florida's Sports Coast, Visit Fort Wayne, Turnstone Center, Lakeshore Foundation, Hamilton County Sports Authority Check out the Adapted Sport Economic Impact Study results, https://lnkd.in/dc9dwHVf #LABS2024 #AdaptedSport #AdaptedSports #DisabilityInSport #Disability #DEI #EconomicImpact #DisabilityCommunuty

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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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If you want to grow the pie, change the fruit! Golf hasn't really changed in over 100 years, it's still a ball, a club & hole game. The golf ball dictates the two biggest issues limiting growth, the distance of the course and the time to play, not to mention the overall difficulty of the game! So, if you want to offer a greater variance for growth, proportionally limit the distance of the ball to match the smaller course, which will shorten the time to play "economizing" the game to today's standards. Here's the Hybrid MD golf ball designed for efficiency, economy & enjoyment. Meets US Golf Standards, Made in USA.

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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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Curious to see who is favored in the major NBA awards? Check out my latest article with LastWordOnSports.com for a full breakdown of the odds for every award. https://lnkd.in/eWBeyX5w

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US Soccer and it’s exclusive franchise leagues MLS & USL continues to allow political hijacking, turning what should be a pure sports experience into a battleground for divisive agendas. Instead of focusing on the game, fans are bombarded with far-left, far-right, and every political message in between. This is eroding the core of what soccer is supposed to be about: the sport. By allowing this to happen, the integrity of American soccer is being compromised. Fans deserve a break from politics when they enter the stadium, not to be forced into someone else's narrative. It's time to put an end to this hijacking and bring soccer back to where it belongs—on the field, not in the political arena. And allowing flares in a stadium? That’s not just reckless, it’s outright dangerous. Kids inhaling smoke, fans at risk of being burned or injured—what kind of irresponsible decision-making is that? Any league that values spectacle over the safety of its fans is doomed to fail. US Soccer and it’s affiliates need to clean house. Focus on the sport, cut out the politics, and stop endangering people with idiotic stunts like rogue pyrotechnics in the stands.

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Why invest $115 million in a bankrupt company when you could simply agree to a more straight forward deal such as a revenue share with a minimum guarantee at a fraction of the cost? This kind of non-exclusive deal is much more in line with Amazon's approach to sports rights globally. Of course, there are exceptions like the NBA and NFL deals they've secured in the US, along with a few others that were simply too good to pass up. Whatever the outcome of the ongoing RSN saga, it feels like there’s much more to unfold. Teams and owners will likely continue reassessing their individual approaches to this complex moment for local rights. https://lnkd.in/eZRAGcrZ

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As we bask in the aftermath of the Masters Tournament, it's thrilling to see how vibrant the golf scene has become. The latest findings from The Pulse of the Golf Consumer report reveal a significant upswing in golf's popularity. 📊 Key Insights: ⛳️123 million Americans engaged with golf last year in various forms, marking a 14% increase over five years. ⛳️An impressive 95% of core golfers are planning to play as much or more in 2024. ⛳️The female golf segment is showing particularly strong growth, with a 25% increase in participation over the last four years. ⛳️Social media continues to be a powerful platform for golf, with over 50 million Americans consuming golf-related content. The momentum in the golf industry is undeniable, and it’s exciting to see such enthusiasm and participation across the board. Whether it’s playing, watching, or discussing, the game is reaching more people than ever. Let's keep this momentum going!

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Lots of possibilties in this incredibly powerful ecosystem. We at Elevate are big believers in the combination of data science and storytelling to unlock maximum value.

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HockeyCares.org: Championing Safety and Awareness in the Face of Sport-Related Brain Injuries Friends and colleagues know about my longstanding efforts with the sport of ice hockey, first as a fan in the early 1970s and then as one of the first two of three founding employees of the Philadelphia Flyers fan development-focused organization, Hockey Central, starting in 1976. From those earliest days, I will always recall how a head injury caused in a high school hockey game ended the career of a promising player from the Inter-County Scholastic Hockey League, Kurt Pollard. And for that reason and more, now almost 50 years later, is why I’m part of Hockey Cares. The recent University of Stirling study has underscored the severe long-term impacts of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in sports, revealing that nearly half of affected athletes suffer enduring symptoms. This data has only strengthened our resolve at HockeyCares.org. As its Vice President and a board of director member, I am proud to say that we are not just reacting to these findings, but we are amplifying our ongoing initiatives to align closely with them. We are committed to making a difference. HockeyCares.org doesn’t want members of the hockey community to suffer from the sport they love. We would prefer to see increased safety and comprehensive post-injury protocols in hockey, a sport where physicality and high speeds often cause TBIs.  When they do, we step in to help. My commitment to this cause is not just professional but deeply personal. It stems from a history of proactive safety advocacy, which I was a part of during my days in the 1980s when I served on both the Safety and Protective Equipment Committee for USA Hockey and the Hockey Equipment Certification Council. The University of Stirling study provides a scientific basis that supports the need for better protective gear, more rigorous safety standards, and enhanced education about the risks and repercussions of TBIs. It emphasizes the necessity of our efforts to not only equip players with the means to protect themselves but also to educate them, their families, and coaches about the serious, sometimes subtle, symptoms of TBIs and the importance of proper recovery time. As an organization, HockeyCares.org is not just about making a difference but making a tangible and positive difference. We are uniquely positioned to lead by example, fostering a culture shift towards taking TBIs seriously. By supporting affected families and advocating for changes at the grassroots and professional levels, we can significantly impact the lives of athletes. In light of these findings, the role of Hockey Cares has never been more critical. We are reminded of the importance of our mission as we strive to ensure that hockey remains a sport celebrated not only for its intensity and competitiveness but also for its commitment to the health and safety of its players. Joseph Paul Gump Whiteside Craig Snider Jim Doyle Keith Blase

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Before you go down the frozen pizza aisle, I would encourage you to watch the video below and consider Red Baron Pizza (Schwan's Company).

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NIL means much more than making money. Student-Athletes can use their Name, Image, and Likeness to build a lifelong legacy in their communities and change lives. At TEAM NILO, we believe in the power of athletes to make a difference—not just on the field, but in the lives of those around them. A single moment of encouragement, a kind word, or a meaningful conversation can change the trajectory of someone's life, and these moments can multiply into lifelong relationships. It’s not about the money—it’s about the impact. Join us in empowering your student-athletes to use their influence for good, creating a ripple effect of positive change, one life at a time. #TEAMNILO #BeyondTheDollars

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2024 NBA Training Camp Investments 📈 💰 By the Numbers: $13,137,000 in Exhibit 10 Bonus Amounts x 192 Exhibit 10 Contracts Signed An Exhibit 10 Contract is a one-year, non-guaranteed contract at the Minimum Salary. Players who sign Exhibit 10 Contracts can be eligible for a bonus between $5,000 - $77,500 if the Player is waived and plays for the NBA Team’s G League Affiliate. Breaking Down the Numbers: 17 NBA Teams agreed to more than $450,000 in Exhibit 10 Bonuses (compared to 7 NBA Teams in the 2023 NBA Offseason). Furthermore, 7 NBA Teams agreed to more than $500,000 in Exhibit 10 Bonuses (compared to 4 Teams in the 2023 NBA Offseason). Teams that agreed to more than $500,000 in Exhibit 10 Bonuses: New Orleans Pelicans ($640,000) Milwaukee Bucks ($620,000) Orlando Magic ($590,000) Los Angeles Clippers ($542,500) Phoenix Suns ($542,500) Utah Jazz ($542,500) Indiana Pacers ($525,000) Teams that agreed to less than $300,000 in Exhibit 10 Bonuses: Portland Trail Blazers ($127,500) Houston Rockets ($225,000) Golden State Warriors ($257,500) Philadelphia 76ers ($277,500) Dallas Mavericks ($287,500) The overwhelming majority of Exhibit 10 Contracts are waived before the start of the regular season. In the 2024 NBA Offseason, 179/192 Exhibit 10 Contracts were waived (93%); 13/192 Exhibit 10 Contracts were converted to Two-Way Contracts or transitioned into a Standard NBA Contract (7%). Rookie vs. Veteran Exhibit 10 Contracts: There were 102 Rookie Exhibit 10s compared to 90 Veteran Exhibit 10s. Notable NBA Veterans & former Top-20 Draft Picks who signed E 10 Contracts include Lonnie Walker, TJ Warren, Jahlil Okafor, Frank Kaminsky, and Jarrett Culver. Trends: NBA Teams are increasing investments in their Training Camp Rosters, which is increasing the competition level in the NBA & NBA G League. NBA Teams agreed to an average of 6.4 Exhibit 10 Contracts per team in the 2024 NBA Offseason. 11 Teams agreed to 7 E 10s, 2 Teams agreed to 8 E 10s (CLE; MIL), and 2 Teams agreed to 9 E 10s (NOP; ORL). The maximum Exhibit 10 Bonus Amount is currently $77,500 and growing at the rate of the Salary Cap (up from $50,000 under the 2017 NBA CBA). Accordingly, we should continue to see increased training camp investments and competition levels in the NBA & NBA G League. FSU Stoops Center for Law & Business at FSU College of Law #LinkedInSports #NBA #GLeague

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Just wrapped up my first day back in the office after spending 11 days in California watching our men’s and women’s golf teams compete at the NCAA championships. While the results were not what we necessarily hoped for, it was still a very special season and we all learned a lot. My top 3 lessons from the trip: 1. Relationships > Results. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a proponent of participation trophies. I’m competitive as heck. That said, having reached one of our biggest goals in my time as a sport administrator for the programs I’ve realized that it comes and goes (regardless of results) way too fast and you are quickly back to the grind. The impact we have on each other is what lasts, and is how we should evaluate ourselves each day. 2. College athletics is going to be fine as long as we remember to make it fun. There’s a lot going on in our business right now. We are going to have to reinvent ourselves in a variety of ways. What can’t change, though, is that what we do has to be fun. The student-athletes should have fun, the coaches should have fun, the staff should have fun…and so on. If that happens, the fans and alumni are more likely to have fun and keep coming out to support the teams. 3. You have to laugh at yourself. The NCAA provided scooters for people with mobility issues. I had a massive foot surgery where they fused a bone and did literally just about everything else you can do to a foot. Needless to say, I needed the mobility scooter. Unfortunately, I’m a big boy and they weren’t necessarily built for big boys LOL! See below for an incredible video recap produced by Conner Hoke. I’ve laughed at this as hard as anyone…well, maybe anyone other than our golf coaches that were chasing behind me in the cart 🤣 Every day isn’t perfect, but we have fun at Purdue. 🚂🆙

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