Eddie Zaykowski
Manager, Club Business Development
National Hockey League
Age: 29
Born: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Education: University of Southern California, B.A., international relations, global business; New York University, current part-time MBA student
Family: Spouse, Brigid
With experience in partner strategy and digital activation at Bleacher Report and CBS, Eddie Zaykowski leads the day-to-day management and the presentations to club owners of the NHL’s profitable jersey patch and helmet decal sales initiatives that have generated sales of more than $930 million the past three seasons.
Social cause I’m most passionate about: My family has long been a part of the Heart 9/11 organization, founded in the wake of 9/11 by on-site first responders. The group helps solve problems worldwide, and as a native New Yorker, it is close to my heart.
How I consume sports content: I would describe my sports consumption as “never-ending” — from golf and soccer in the morning to late-night NHL games, I am happy to watch anything at any time.
How my expectations of a job in sports business matched reality: The sheer scale of how many folks it takes to put on a premium live sporting event has always blown me away. From event production to content capture, with everything in between, it takes a village (and sometimes an entire city).
Impact of Gen Z’s viewing habits on live events: In a lot of ways, Gen Z viewing habits have encouraged sports properties to put on a better product because of what they’re up against. Sports properties must ask themselves if each is doing enough to capture the attention of an audience that has the ability to tune out at any given moment.
Best use cases for AI in sports: The performance tracking across all sports and the ability to measure/predict outcomes have been useful and entertaining. AI has especially helped enhance the on-air product for broadcasts.
When I attend a sporting event, I want … : Short lines and a great view.
You would be surprised to know that I … : Don’t know how to ice skate.
