Sports Business Secrets

Hosted by Kevin Tarca

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Episodes

557

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Hi, I’m Kevin Tarca, basketball agent, sports business entrepreneur, and current Director of Basketball Strategy at FreeGame Mgmt. Sports Business Secrets gives you a front row seat to the business of sports. I share what I’m seeing and learning in real time, while bringing on guests from across the industry, including GMs, scouts, CEOs, agents, and more. From the agent business and international basketball to the ever-changing college sports and NIL landscape, with plenty of entrepreneurship and leadership mixed in along the way. www.kevintarca.com www.freegamemgmt.com

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60 recent

October 23, 202617 min

Episode 556: Revenue Sharing 101

As we get ready to tip off the 2026–27 college basketball season, I figured it was a good time for a quick refresher on one of the biggest changes in college sports. In this episode of Sports Business Secrets, I break down what revenue sharing is, how the House settlement changed college athletics, and what the new $21.58 million institutional cap actually means. We also dive into how athletes get paid, the difference between direct university payments and third-party NIL agreements, and how some college basketball teams are reportedly spending more than $20 million on their rosters. Plus, I share some firsthand perspective from negotiating and managing agreements for 40-plus clients, why you should take reported NIL valuations with a grain of salt, and why choosing the right opportunity goes far beyond the biggest number on a contract. The landscape is changing almost daily, but hopefully this episode helps make sense of where we stand today. Stay alive out there!

September 1, 2026Episode 55518 min

Episode 555: One Year at FreeGame!

One year down at FreeGame! Here's a quick reflection on the past 12 months, what we’ve built, what I’ve learned, some of the highlights and challenges along the way, and why I’m more excited than ever about what’s ahead. Grateful for the people, the opportunities, and the team I get to build alongside.

August 3, 2026Episode 55421 min

Episode 554: The NCAA 5 in 5 Rule & New Class Wide Injunction

There is A LOT going on in college sports right now. In this episode, I break down two major eligibility developments that every athlete, parent, coach, and agent should understand. First, the NCAA’s new 5 in 5 eligibility rule. What changed, how the new five year clock works, the age trigger, what happened to redshirts and waivers, and how this could impact decisions around prep school, junior college, gap years, and more. Then, we get into the new class wide preliminary injunction and what it could mean for athletes seeking another year of eligibility. As always, things are moving fast. Here’s where everything stands today.

August 2, 2026Episode 5538 min

Episode 553: We are Back with Season Six!

Welcome back to Sports Business Secrets. Season 6 is officially here! After a longer break than expected, we’re back. Today I share a quick life and business update, how this podcast started six years ago, and what Sports Business Secrets is all about. From the agent business and international basketball to college sports, NIL, entrepreneurship, leadership, and everything in between, we’ve got plenty to talk about. Whether you’re new here or have been tuning in for years from one of 100+ countries around the world, MUCH LOVE. Let’s get back to it.

October 31, 2025Episode 55256 min

Episode 552: Greg Fahey, GM of Hampton University Men's Basketball

Today we’re joined by Greg Fahey, General Manager and Associate Head Coach of Hampton University’s Men’s Basketball team. Greg’s basketball journey began at Marist College, where he served as a manager for the men’s basketball team while earning his degree. From there, he dove into coaching at New Jersey powerhouse St. Benedict’s Prep, moved to the Division III level at FDU, and gained grassroots experience on the EYBL circuit with the Albany City Rocks. He later joined Ed Cooley’s staff at Providence, then took on multiple roles at Siena College, eventually reuniting with Coach Cooley at Georgetown as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach. Greg is now entering Year 2 at Hampton, adding to his responsibilities with the newly minted title of General Manager — a role that reflects the growing evolution of college basketball programs and how they operate behind the scenes. He’s coached at nearly every level of the game, giving him a unique 360° perspective on what it takes to build, sustain, and evolve a successful program. Greg also hosts his own podcast and recently launched a newsletter, both offering thoughtful insight into leadership, culture, and the business of college basketball. 🎙️ In this episode, we talk about: What Greg has learned from his various coaching roles and titles An overview of Hampton University and the HBCU basketball landscape His day-to-day responsibilities as General Manager at Hampton Recruiting to Hampton and the unique opportunities that come with it Creative ways he is raising money and building sustainable support systems How he approaches recruiting, player development, and roster retention The key stats and metrics he tracks — and how they help evaluate player value The future of NIL and how it’s reshaping the GM position in college basketball Advice for those seeking out a position similar to his Appreciate you tuning in. Enjoy!

September 30, 202514 min

Episode 551: The Next Chapter - FreeGame

After a decade of building Kreation Talent Agency from the ground up — negotiating deals across Europe and Asia, traveling to 46 countries, and learning every lesson the hard way — I’ve officially made the transition to FreeGame Management as Director of Basketball Strategy & Athlete Manager. In this episode, I share the why behind the move, what FreeGame is all about, and answer some of the most common questions I’ve been getting: Am I still repping pros? Am I focusing more on international or domestic? How does this new role expand into high school and college representation? Grateful for the KTA journey. Fired up for this next chapter with FreeGame. Let’s get it.

July 10, 2025Episode 55010 min

Episode 550: NBA Summer League & KTA Updates

Summer League is here! Back in Las Vegas navigating the chaos — catching up with NBA and international teams, seeing familiar faces, and finding ways to keep showing up. A few quick updates: 🇯🇵 Donovan is suiting up for the B.LEAGUE United team and dropped 21 in his debut vs. the Raptors. 🛡️ Toyo made his national team debut for Japan with 4 points and 4 blocks vs. the Netherlands — now preparing for FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia. 💼 KTA crossed an exciting milestone in contracts this summer (and we’re not done yet). Summer League isn’t about doing everything — it’s about doing the right things, with the right people, for the right reasons. Keep showing up!

June 14, 2025Episode 5491 hr 0 min

Episode 549: Jordan Morgan, Entrepreneur & Pro Basketball Player

Today we are joined by professional basketball player & entrepreneur, Jordan Morgan! Jordan has built a remarkable journey that spans far beyond the basketball court. After playing college basketball at the University of Michigan, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, he went on to enjoy an 11-year professional career overseas, competing in top leagues across eight different countries. He also obtained dual citizenship and proudly represented the Slovenian national team on the international stage. But Jordan’s story doesn’t stop there. Off the court, he’s turned his passion for travel, tech, and impact into purpose-driven ventures. Alongside his wife KT, he started a company aimed at making travel more efficient and personalized. Soon after, they leveled up and co-founded Spin.Travel , a business travel management platform to save teams time and money. They are now leveraging lessons from visiting countries all over the world to create better experiences for travelers. In addition to his businesses. he continues to give back through the Jordan Morgan Foundation , his nonprofit organization aimed at improving the social and educational welfare of youth in Detroit. Throughout the episode we dive into: The recruiting process & decision to sign with the University of Michigan His journey from engineering student-athlete to elite pro prospect Basketball & life lessons learned from his coach, John Beilein What it’s like building a career overseas and the hidden challenges of life abroad How dual citizenship opened doors for his playing career The transition from athlete to entrepreneur — and what inspired Spin Travel Why long-term planning and your identity beyond sport matters And much more If you're a coach, player, or just curious about international hoops — this one is packed with real-world insight from someone who's been in the trenches. Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!

June 13, 2025Episode 54810 min

Episode 548: Five Minute Friday Check-in

Just me today — a quick update on what I’m working on, what’s happening in the hoops world this summer, and a few big shifts behind the scenes… 10 years since I quit the 9–5 Roy pivots after House v. NCAA KTA free agency moves New educational content loading... www.kevintarca.com www.kreationtalent.com

May 10, 2025Episode 5471 hr 2 min

Episode 547: Life in South Korea and a KBL Breakdown with Coach Tyler Gatlin

In today's episode we are joined by Coach Tyler Gatlin after a quick 4 and a half year break from the pod! 🤯 Tyler has carved out a unique path in the basketball world, building a well-rounded résumé across nearly every level of the game. He’s served as a General Manager in the ABA , held operations and assistant coaching roles in the NBA G League , including some time as the Head Coach for the Northern Arizona Suns . He’s also worked in player development for a WNBA team and was an assistant with KCC Egis in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) before a few years in Japan. In Japan he held various roles including an assistant spot with B1's Kyoto Hannaryz before being named the Head Coach of Hachioji Bee Trains in the (B3 League) . This past year, he’s continued making an impact both on and off the court through his role with EPIK Sports Group — helping athletes develop their game, navigate international careers, and leading global projects like camps and coaching trips in countries around the world. Throughout the episode we dive into: His coaching journey through Japan’s B.League (Hannaryz to Hachiojo) What it was like transitioning back to Korea & a quick cultural overview A lengthy breakdown of the KBL : import rules, style of play, scouting & more The major differences between coaching in Japan vs. Korea His work with EPIK Sports Group and helping athletes break into the international market What it actually takes to thrive as a coach overseas and much more If you're a coach, player, or just curious about international hoops — this one is packed with real-world insight from someone who's been in the trenches. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple, and wherever you get your podcasts.