David Meltzer

The WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) has an opportunity to do something special right now.    The league is at an inflection point with the breakdown in player contract negotiations, and its commissioner is struggling mightily to build (and rebuild) trust with players.    In today’s installment of Unsolicited Advice, Anne Morriss and I discuss how to *not* waste this crisis.    The predictable path is for the WNBA to retreat into its own patronizing defensiveness, a familiar crouch for sports leagues in moments like this. The unpredictable path is to find the courage to listen and do things differently this time.    We think the lessons of this moment can be applied well beyond the world of sports.   I hope you enjoy. TED Conferences | Harvard Business School | Pushkin Industries

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The sports and sports tech space is massive. Today I was told how sports tech is “limited” in the pro sports and amateur sports is “limited” in spending power. Sports tech doesn’t stop there. It’s a MASSIVE ecosystem with many many verticals within it and is only growing thanks to the growing demand of youth sports (an entire realm in its own), NIL, transfers, innovation in pro sports, data, analytics, betting, involvement of fans, and so much more. If anyone tells you otherwise they’ve got the wrong knowledge of what this space is. And it’s only getting LARGER. #SportsTech

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Couldn’t wait to announce our groundbreaking AI-driven sponsorship company revolutionizing how brands engage with sports fans. With this technology the sponsorship graphics on the mat during the live Lights Out Xtreme Fighting MMA events, unlocking a world of hyper-targeted advertising opportunities for businesses of all sizes. PTF Lab This also opens the doors to small businesses who can purchase time on a per fight basis. I know more than anybody how much it takes to get a business off the ground but still needing marketing and promotion. Also this technology allows brands to be seen geographically by country, state and even down to the zip code. This will be available this year and thanks to Sports Business Journal for this awesome write up. https://lnkd.in/gxgcjyQ8 #combatsports #mma #sports #technology #performance #branding #tech #sportstech

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The job market in sports & entertainment is booming - but it doesn’t always feel that way when you’re on the hunt, right? Here’s the reality 👇 📈 The U.S. projects 108,900 new sports & entertainment openings every year through 2033—faster growth than most industries. ⏳ Yet it still takes an average of 41–44 days to fill a role, and companies are running more interviews than ever. 🤖 Nearly every major employer uses an ATS (98% of the Fortune 500!). Translation: if you only “apply online,” you’re battling algorithms before you even get to a recruiter. 👥 Meanwhile, referrals and networks are becoming the real front door. In fact, rediscovered and referred candidates now make up nearly half of hires at some companies. And in our industry specifically? College sports is about to change dramatically - schools will start sharing $20.5M+ annually with athletes beginning in 2025–26, creating whole new roles in compliance, cap strategy, and athlete marketing. Women’s sports, creator-led content, and fan data monetization are driving demand for skills in sponsorship, analytics, and community-building. So what does this mean for job seekers? ✔️ Don’t just apply - network like it’s your job. Two warm touches (referral + conversation) per role is the new standard. ✔️ Lead with numbers. Show how you’ve grown revenue, audiences, partnerships, or fan engagement. ✔️ Share your work. A portfolio, case study, or even a Loom video can cut through the 40-day hiring cycle. And for employers? Shorten the funnel, double down on referrals, and start hiring for the new NIL-driven revenue models now. Bottom line: the opportunities are there. But the path in looks less like “click apply” and more like relationships + results. Curious: if you’re in sports or entertainment, how are you navigating this shift? 👇 #JobSearching #JobSearchTrends #TopVoice #SportsBiz #HiringNow #Networking

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Media Release: Announcement of CGS College Scouting Introducing CGS College Scouting: Expanding Opportunities in Football Talent Evaluation Fort Worth, TX — July 11, 2025 — The College Gridiron Showcase (CGS) is proud to announce the launch of its new subsidiary, CGS College Scouting (CGSCS). With a mission to revolutionize football scouting, CGSCS is dedicated to providing concise and high-quality scouting reports for prospects from the Football Championship Series (FCS) Division, Division II, Division III, and NAIA levels. These divisions have long been underserved, and CGSCS aims to bridge the gap by bringing their talents into the spotlight. Tracking Football is partnering with The College Gridiron Showcase and is excited to partner with CGS College Scouting. Tracking Football will be supplying the platform powering The CGS College Scouting team. A Vision for Inclusivity in Scouting The football landscape is expansive, but certain divisions have remained underrepresented due to the sheer number of players and limited scouting resources. CGS College Scouting was born from the recognition that incredible talent exists across all levels of the sport, often hidden in plain sight. By focusing on FCS, Division II, Division III, and NAIA players, CGSCS strives to widen the talent pool for both college and professional football teams. Supporting College Teams and the NFL The Transfer Portal has become an essential tool for college teams seeking to bolster their rosters, yet it often overlooks players from smaller divisions. Similarly, NFL teams in search of camp and practice squad players face challenges when evaluating prospects from these levels. CGS College Scouting seeks to address these issues by providing detailed, expertly crafted scouting reports that illuminate the potential of players who might otherwise be overlooked. Empowering Players and Teams “At CGS College Scouting, our mission is to create a level playing field for all athletes,” said Jose Jefferson, Executive Director. “We believe that talent knows no division, and by highlighting these players, we’re not only expanding opportunities for athletes but also empowering teams to discover hidden gems that can make a significant impact.” About CGS College Scouting CGS College Scouting (CGSCS) operates as a DBA (doing business as) of The College Gridiron Showcase, a leader in showcasing some of the best college football talent in the country. Leveraging years of expertise and an extensive network, CGSCS offers a solution to the challenges of scouting at non-FBS levels. Through an innovative approach and a passion for the game, CGSCS is paving the way for a more inclusive and comprehensive scouting process. Tracking Football will be a premier partner in this endeavor. Contact Information For more information about CGS College Scouting and how it is reshaping football scouting, please contact: info@cgsallstar.com – Please put CGSCS in the title. Thank you!

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