SBJ Live: Purpose-built facilities emerge as women’s sports’ next competitive advantage

As investment in women’s sports accelerates, teams are increasingly treating dedicated training facilities not simply as amenities, but as strategic assets that strengthen recruiting, unlock revenue opportunities and create environments intentionally designed around the specific needs of female athl...

Fernando Mendoza extends Royal Canin deal into NFL career

When Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza’s family noticed their Labrador retriever, Scout, experiencing skin issues, they began searching for a solution. After turning to Royal Canin products and seeing improvements, Mendoza said that the experience ultimately led to a sponsorship with the pet nutrition bra...

How sports CMOs are winning the battle for next-gen fans

As sports properties compete to capture the attention and fandom of the younger generation, CMOs are increasingly prioritizing player storytelling, community connection and authentic fan engagement over traditional marketing tactics.

From fan journeys to decision-making, AI’s role is evolving in sports

Sports organizations are beginning to view AI as a necessary foundational tool capable of reimagining everything from personalizing the fan journey and reshaping venue operations to workplace productivity and decision-making, leaders across the space discussed on Wednesday at SBJ Tech Week.

LOVB expands to Miami, adds conference structure for 2027

League One Volleyball is bringing an expansion franchise to Miami for the 2027 season, growing the league to 10 teams and introducing an Eastern and Western Conference format.

Record international slate reflects NFL’s evolving global growth strategy

The NFL unveiled its largest international slate yet Wednesday, announcing a record nine games across four continents and seven countries for the 2026 season ahead of Thursday’s full schedule release.

SBJ Live: Women’s sports properties prioritize social-first strategies to build younger fandom

Women’s sports properties are looking closely how they build and sustain younger fandom, with leaders across leagues, media and brand strategy prioritizing athlete-driven storytelling, social-first distribution and purposeful fan experiences to capture the next generation of fans.

Charlotte Athletics launches ‘fanshare’ campaign to expand donor base

UNC Charlotte Athletics on Tuesday introduced a “fanshare” donor campaign with a $100 entry point that packages contributions as stock purchases while offering exclusive perks to expand its base of supporters.

USA Volleyball names Bari Greenfield COO

USA Volleyball has named Bari Greenfield as its new COO, bringing in the former MLS and N.Y. Road Runners exec as it looks to build on the sport’s momentum ahead of the L.A. 2028 Olympics. Greenfield, who starts May 18, succeeds Steve Bishop in the role and will report to USA Volleyball President &a...

Pittsburgh Business Times publisher talks city prep, business opportunities ahead of NFL Draft

Pittsburgh is stepping onto one of the biggest stages in sports Thursday as the city hosts the NFL Draft for the first time in 78 years, an event local leaders view as both a chance to elevate the market’s profile and a one-of-a-kind business opportunity.