A Look Back, Happy New Year and Thank You From SBJ
Before we welcome in the New Year, here’s a sampling of the compelling stories and people in the pages of SBJ in 2024. We greatly appreciate your support of SBJ, and we wish you a safe and peaceful New Year.
--Abe Madkour
A LOOK BACK AT 2024
- In 2024, we couldn’t write enough about private equity investing in sports. Chris Smith profiled one of the most talked about firms, Sixth Street, and its leader Alan Waxman. He also featured private equity’s ownership of teams and detailed each league’s bylaws. Finally, we received a great deal of feedback on how helpful this list of Power Players in private equity was for readers.
- Tom Friend followed the legal challenges facing Diamond Sports all year, and detailed the company’s “Herculean” reorganization plan.
- Ever wonder what veterans of the salad days of Sports Illustrated would talk about during a reunion? Terry Lefton broke it all down.
- This was the year of corporate hospitality and premium offerings, and Josh Carpenter looked at one of the most talked about new offerings at Augusta National, called Map & Flag.
- Rachel Axon looked at one of the critical challenges facing National Governing Bodies, and yes, it’s all about revenue.
- Bret McCormick studied the thin margins and competitive jockeying among the food and beverage and culinary companies.
- Mike Mazzeo looked at how a new insurance firm is giving MLB teams the chance to guard against poor performance, as well as injury.
- David Broughton had a fun look at why Portland, Maine, topped our list of minor league markets as well as how Nationwide saved sports in Columbus, Ohio.
- Rob Schaefer examined how Shawn Green left his mark in MLB and now thrives in his second act at Greenfly.
- Ethan Joyce reported on how the Trail Blazers are using AI to build their business.
YES, NEVER FORGET, IT’S A PEOPLE BUSINESS
- It was the year of women’s sports, and our Power Players list highlighted those making a difference.
- Ben Fischer uncovered what makes Clark Hunt so successful and respected.
- Mollie Cahillane broke down the impact and legacy of Sean McManus.
- Adam Stern looked at what’s next for Dana White and the Fertitta brothers and their vision for the next big sports.
- Rachel Axon charted how Sarah Hirshland has transformed the Olympic Movement in the U.S.
- Alex Silverman dove into MLS Commissioner Don Garber’s 25 years of transformational leadership.
- Irving Mejia-Hilario looked at the impressive legacy of the retiring Cynt Marshall. She was the right leader, at the right time, at the right organization.
- Alex Silverman examined how Tom Dundon’s calculating nature made him a billionaire and helped transform Carolina into one of the NHL’s premier franchises.
- Adam Stern looked at how amid tragedy and loss, Joe Gibbs Racing keeps building for the future with new leadership and a continued focus on family.
- Joe Lemire spent time with one of the most talked-about new owners in sports, David Rubinstein of the Baltimore Orioles.
- Bill King detailed how Jason Robins is leading DraftKings through storms to ultimate success.
- Terry Lefton remembered a true character in the sports business, Mike Ornstein.
SBJ’S AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Our lists of Game Changers, Forty Under 40 and New Voices Under 30 honorees.
Ben Fischer looked at the incredible path of SBJ’s Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Arthur Blank.
Our Class of ’24 Champions Of Sports Business profiled….
- The relationship building of Fred Whitfield.
- The relentless focus, persistence and strength of Sheila Johnson.
- The IMG super-agents, Stephanie Tolleson and Peter Johnson.
- The brash and bold Steve Bornstein.
- The media and collegiate leadership of Mike Aresco.
- The remarkable journey of Stan Kasten.
On a personal level, I looked back at the behind the scenes moments that stood out in ’24.
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT YEAR
Here is our editorial calendar for 2025; clip and save that for future reference.
Remember to start your day with SBJ’s Morning Buzzcast, which offers brief insight and perspective on the stories of the day. Thanks for all who listen and spread the word.
Once again, we greatly appreciate your support of SBJ. You are important to us, and we look forward to continuing to connect the sports industry in 2025. Happy New Year!
Stay healthy and be good to each other,
Abe Madkour