Next Play: The Business of Sports powered by Playfly Sports
Playfly Sports
Next Play: The Business of Sports powered by Playfly Sports podcast network features a lineup of engaging shows that dive into the latest trends, insights, and innovations across the sports industry: 1. JohnWallStreet’s Business of College Sports powered by Playfly Sports takes you inside the boardrooms and locker rooms where the future of college athletics is being shaped. Hosted by Mike Schreiber, Founder and Executive Chairman of Playfly Sports, the show features candid conversations with the leaders transforming the business of college sports—from NIL and media rights to realignment, revenue models, and beyond. 2. Playmakers, hosted by Playfly Sports CEO Craig Sloan, brings exclusive insights and perspectives from industry-leading executives across the full sports ecosystem — college athletics, professional sports, and brands. Through candid conversations, we dive into the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the future of sports business and fan engagement. 3. On The Fly by Playfly Sports offers a front-row seat to the evolving world of college athletics. Hosted by NACDA Hall of Famer Gene DeFilippo, this podcast brings together industry experts to explore the trends, leadership insights, and growth opportunities shaping the future of college sports. Playfly Sports is the sports industry’s leading revenue maximization company serving 2,000+ brands, 100+ professional teams, 65+ college athletic departments, and U.S. local sports networks. Its fan engagement platform reaches over 85% of U.S. sports fans. With proprietary data, technology, and storytelling, Playfly drives growth across media, sponsorship, premium experiences, ticketing, and fan engagement. Founded in 2020, Playfly’s 1,000-strong team operates across 43 U.S. states and internationally, earning recognition as a Best Place to Work in Sports by major industry publications.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Sports & Recreation Podcasts
Networks:
Playfly Sports
Description:
Next Play: The Business of Sports powered by Playfly Sports podcast network features a lineup of engaging shows that dive into the latest trends, insights, and innovations across the sports industry: 1. JohnWallStreet’s Business of College Sports powered by Playfly Sports takes you inside the boardrooms and locker rooms where the future of college athletics is being shaped. Hosted by Mike Schreiber, Founder and Executive Chairman of Playfly Sports, the show features candid conversations with the leaders transforming the business of college sports—from NIL and media rights to realignment, revenue models, and beyond. 2. Playmakers, hosted by Playfly Sports CEO Craig Sloan, brings exclusive insights and perspectives from industry-leading executives across the full sports ecosystem — college athletics, professional sports, and brands. Through candid conversations, we dive into the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the future of sports business and fan engagement. 3. On The Fly by Playfly Sports offers a front-row seat to the evolving world of college athletics. Hosted by NACDA Hall of Famer Gene DeFilippo, this podcast brings together industry experts to explore the trends, leadership insights, and growth opportunities shaping the future of college sports. Playfly Sports is the sports industry’s leading revenue maximization company serving 2,000+ brands, 100+ professional teams, 65+ college athletic departments, and U.S. local sports networks. Its fan engagement platform reaches over 85% of U.S. sports fans. With proprietary data, technology, and storytelling, Playfly drives growth across media, sponsorship, premium experiences, ticketing, and fan engagement. Founded in 2020, Playfly’s 1,000-strong team operates across 43 U.S. states and internationally, earning recognition as a Best Place to Work in Sports by major industry publications.
Language:
English
Website:
https://www.playfly.com/
Episodes
Sports & Media Exec Rob Thompson on Leading Change in Sports: Football, the Walter Camp Foundation, and more
6/2/2025
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Rob Thompson, Sports & Media executive who is the current commercial director of the Walter Camp Foundation. Rob discusses his extensive career that began as a football player at the University of New Haven, transitioned into coaching and recruiting, and led to significant roles within NFL Properties, Disney, and the Arena Football League. Rob shares insights on how he founded the East Coast Recruiting agency, contributed to the growth of flag football, and the creation of grassroots sports programming including the popular NFL “Play 60” campaign. The conversation also delves into the history and significance of Walter Camp's contributions to American football, as well as the ongoing efforts of the Walter Camp Foundation to honor young student-athlete innovators and entrepreneurs.
Duration:00:28:03
Playmakers by Playfly Sports feat. Nick Cartan and Paul Asencio
5/30/2025
In this episode of Playmakers, Playfly Sports CEO Craig Sloan sits down with two of the company’s top commercial minds — Nick Cartan and Paul Asencio — for a candid conversation on what it really means to connect with sports fans. They challenge the outdated notion that simply buying into sports guarantees engagement, and instead focus on what it takes to create authentic, high-impact brand experiences. Nick shares how Playfly’s commercial strategy is helping brands move from passive exposure to intentional activation, while Paul reflects on his first 90 days at the company and why he believes Playfly is uniquely positioned in the marketplace. Together, they explore the role of local audiences, the evolution of partnership expectations, and how the sports industry must evolve to meet the moment.
Duration:00:32:27
Playmakers by Playfly Sports feat. Chad Copher, SVP GM of Playfly Media
5/30/2025
In Episode 3 of Playmakers, titled “Certainty in the Uncertain,” Playfly Sports CEO Craig Sloan sits down with Chad Copher, SVP General Manager of Playfly Media, for a candid conversation about how brands can find clarity amid today’s fragmented media landscape. Chad shares his perspective on why local sports fans represent a powerful yet underleveraged opportunity for national advertisers, how live sports continues to serve as one of the last true reach vehicles, and the evolving role of streaming in media strategy. The episode also explores how Playfly Media is driving measurable impact through integrated campaigns and what brands need to rethink in 2025 to stay relevant and effective.
Duration:00:24:03
Playmakers by Playfly Sports feat. Gregg Liebman, Playfly's Head of Insights
5/30/2025
In our second episode, Craig Sloan, Playfly Sports CEO, sits down with Gregg Liebman, Head of Insights at Playfly Sports, to unpack the recent release of the Playfly FanScore: College Basketball Edition. Gregg breaks down the untapped marketing potential of the college basketball regular season, how brands can more effectively invest in the space, and some of the most surprising—and telling—insights uncovered in the report. Together, they explore how data is reshaping fan engagement strategies and opening up new opportunities across the collegiate sports ecosystem.
Duration:00:29:53
Playmakers by Playfly Sports feat. Christy Hedgpeth, President of Playfly Sports Properties
5/30/2025
In our first Playmakers by Playfly Sports episode, Craig Sloan, Playfly Sports CEO sits down with Christy Hedgpeth, President of Playfly Sports Properties, to break down her personal journey in sports, leadership values, and the underlying foundation and reason behind the exponential growth of Playfly Sports Properties. She also provides an inside look on the challenges - and opportunities – that face college athletics today, and the secret to successfully navigating this constantly-evolving landscape.
Duration:00:24:45
Fairfield AD Paul Schlickmann on Commitment to Comprehensive Excellence
5/5/2025
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Paul Schlickmann, the Director of Athletics at Fairfield University. We two discuss Paul’s career journey to his current role, the trajectory and growth of Fairfield University both academically and athletically, being recognized as a Front Office Sports Best College Athletic Department of 2024, and more.
Duration:00:22:06
Central Michigan AD Amy Folan on Leadership, Fundraising, and Community
4/28/2025
Host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Amy Folan, the Director of Athletics at Central Michigan University. They dive into Amy's career journey from a student-athlete at UConn to her current role at CMU. Amy shares her impactful experiences in compliance, fundraising, and the various leadership roles she assumed at institutions like Georgia and Texas. The discussion also covers the qualities she looked for in hiring CMU's new football coach, preparing for the upcoming House Settlement, the importance of innovation and community in her leadership approach, and more.
Duration:00:26:00
Pat Kraft on Sustaining Excellence at Penn State
4/7/2025
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Pat Kraft, the Director of Athletics at Penn State. They discuss the success of Penn State's football program, including their recent achievements and coaching hires. Pat also gives an in-depth look at the $700 million renovations for Beaver Stadium, the dominance of Penn State in collegiate wrestling, and the remarkable story of Katie Schumacher-Cawley and the women's volleyball team. They touch on challenges in the new era of college athletics and how everyone at Penn State, from administrators to coaches and student-athletes, are aligned for continued success. Pat emphasizes the importance of academics and a strong, united culture in achieving excellence in athletics.
Duration:00:26:03
USF Athletics Director Michael Kelly on Facilities and Expansion, Managing Growth, and more
3/10/2025
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Michael Kelly, the Director of Athletics at the University of South Florida (USF), for an in-depth discussion about the developments and strategic initiatives happening at USF. Michael shares insights into the financial strategy behind funding the new football stadium, the importance of new revenue streams in the face of revenue-sharing models, adding lacrosse, and more.
Duration:00:31:58
JMU Athletics Director Matt Roan on Strategic Growth, Leadership, and more
2/24/2025
Host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Matt Roan, Director of Athletics at James Madison University, for a wide ranging discussion about his career progression to his current role, the growth and transformation of JMU, and the strategic decisions that have positioned JMU to compete at a high level. Matt also talks about the advantages of having a legal background in athletics, the impact of collegiate athletics changes, and the supportive community at JMU.
Duration:00:25:54
Denver AD Josh Berlo on Advancing Sports, Academics, and Culture
2/10/2025
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo interviews Josh Berlo, Director of Athletics at Denver University. They discuss Josh's career journey from the University of Massachusetts to his current role at Denver. Josh shares insights on building successful athletic programs, creating a culture of academic excellence, and navigating challenges unique to non-football institutions. They also highlight Denver's remarkable achievements, including multiple national championships across various sports.
Duration:00:16:31
Craig Sloan, CEO of Playfly Sports, on Leadership, Strategic Revenue Growth, and more
2/3/2025
In this episode of On The Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Craig Sloan, CEO of Playfly Sports, for an engaging conversation about Craig's career journey and the growth of Playfly Sports. Craig discusses his experiences from his early days after graduating from the University of Iowa to his current role and Playfly's strategic approach to maximizing sports revenue through media rights, technology, and fan engagement. He also shares insight into Playfly's expansion into international markets, his views on the evolving landscape of college athletics, and the importance of maintaining a strong work culture.
Duration:00:35:52
AAC Commissioner Tim Pernetti Talks Innovation, Football, and the Future of College Athletics
12/16/2024
Tim Pernetti, Commissioner of the American Athletic Conference (AAC), joins host Gene DeFilippo for an in-depth discussion around the future of college athletics and the strategic directions for the conference. The conversation dives into Pernetti's experiences, the challenges of modern collegiate athletics, innovative strategies for the AAC, and the importance of alignment and coaching. Pernetti also shares insights into the upcoming bowl games, the evolving landscape of college sports, and the personal stories that have shaped his career.
*Disclaimer: This interview was recorded on December 3, 2024
Duration:00:25:41
BIG EAST Deputy Commissioner Vince Nicastro talks TV Deals, Expansion, and more
12/9/2024
BIG EAST Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Vince Nicastro joins Host Gene DeFilippo for an insightful conversation about his 30-year career in college athletics and the rebuilding of the BIG EAST Conference in 2013. The two also touch on conference and tournament expansion, streaming partnerships, the unique culture of the BIG EAST Tournament Men's Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden, and more.
Duration:00:20:37
Boise State AD Jeramiah Dickey on Leadership and Navigating the Changing Landscape of College Athletics
11/4/2024
Host Gene DeFilippo is joined by Jeramiah Dickey, Director of Athletics at Boise State University, for a wide ranging discussion about his career journey, his leadership and vision for Boise State Athletics, and transitioning from the Mountain West to the Pac-12. Dickey also shares insights on navigating the changing landscape of college athletics, including the implications of the House Case, NIL, and conference realignment.
Duration:00:27:38
Oklahoma State AD Chad Weiberg talks Conference Realignment, 'Super League' proposals, Bedlam, and More
10/28/2024
Host Gene DeFilippo sits down with Chad Weiberg, the Director of Athletics at Oklahoma State University, who begins by recounting his rise from unpaid intern to his current leadership role. The discussion goes on to cover the challenges and strategic moves amidst Big 12 conference realignment and the departure of Oklahoma and Texas. Chad reflects on the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of 10 members of the OSU basketball family, including his brother, 23 years ago, and how the OSU community continues to "Remember the Ten." He also delves into the changing landscape of college football, including the future of the Bedlam rivalry, the recent College Football 'Super League' proposals and House Settlement, and the widening gap in media rights revenues. The episode concludes with insights on the broader implications of reforms and the adaptability required to navigate ongoing changes in college athletics.
Duration:00:38:17
Coaching High Performers in the Sports and Business World with Senior Executive Coach Pam Borton
9/23/2024
In this episode of On the Fly, host Gene DeFilippo is joined by ICF Senior Executive Coach, Author, Keynote Speaker, and CEO & Founder of ON Point Next Level Leadership, Pam Borton. Pam shares her journey from a high school basketball player in Ohio to becoming the Head Basketball Coach at the University of Vermont and the University of Minnesota, where she led teams to notable successes, including an NCAA Final Four, Elite Eight,and three straight Sweet Sixteen appearances. After retiring from coaching, Pam founded ON Point Next Level Leadership, a coaching platform for leaders and high performers. She discusses her experiences, from building winning team cultures to her transition into executive coaching. Pam also elaborates on her two books, 'On Point' and 'The Crooked Rim,' which offer insights into leadership, mindset, and resilience. The conversation also touches on the importance of celebrating wins, self-awareness, and adapting to evolving challenges in both sports and business.
Duration:00:32:06
Steve Hatchell Talks Numbers in Football, Hall of Fame & More
8/12/2024
Host Gene DeFilippo is joined again this week by Steve Hatchell, the President and CEO of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. The conversation delves into the comprehensive statistics around football, such as the growing number of colleges and high schools sponsoring the sport, and why it's important for post-graduate opportunities. The two discuss key NFF initiatives and events like the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy, the Campbell Trophy Summit, their Annual Awards Dinner, the criteria for Hall of Fame induction, and more in this continuation of our insightful discussion about the Good in the Game.
Duration:00:30:40
Steve Hatchell, President and CEO of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame
8/5/2024
President and CEO of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Steve Hatchell, joins host Gene DeFilippo for an in-depth discussion about his incredible career and early days at the University of Colorado, NFF’s impact on both the amateur and college football landscape, the importance of promoting and protecting the good in the game, and their initiatives aimed at advancing the sport’s future. Stay tuned for the second installment of our discussion, coming out soon.
Duration:00:31:38
Tommy McClelland, Vice President & Director of Athletics at Rice
6/3/2024
Tommy McClelland, Vice President & Director of Athletics at Rice, joins host Gene DeFilippo for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, mentorship, and the evolving landscape of college athletics. The two discuss his career ascension from being a walk-on student athlete at Northwestern State to his current position, the significance of NIL, Rice’s competitive positioning within the American Athletic Conference, and more.
Duration:00:27:02