SportsEpreneur

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246

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May 2026

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Sports brought us together — now let's talk about it. Leaders, athletes, creators, and entrepreneurs in and around sports. Business, media, NIL, culture, youth sports, sports tech, and AI in sports. A SportsE Media production.

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May 20, 2026Episode 457 min

Why Youth Soccer Needs Player-Led Pathways | Brando Babini of Youth 4 Youth FC

Brando Babini started Youth 4 Youth FC when he was 16 after realizing his own soccer path was changing. Instead of walking away from the game, he built something for the players coming next.Eric Kasimov talks with Brando about player-led development, college soccer recruiting, pay-to-play, MLS, the World Cup, parents, leadership, and why young players need mentorship from people who have lived the journey.Topics covered:Why Brando started Youth 4 Youth FCWhat player-led mentorship looks like in youth soccerHow college soccer recruiting is changingWhy goalkeepers face a difficult pathThe impact of international players on domestic recruitingWhy pay-to-play remains a major problemHow players can take ownership of their journeyWhy street soccer and culture still matterChapters00:00 — Brando Babini, Youth 4 Youth FC, and building while at Brown00:50 — Starting Youth 4 Youth at 1602:15 — A winding recruiting journey and choosing a different soccer path03:23 — When the pro dream shifts into something else04:13 — What Brando wished existed when he was younger05:05 — Street soccer, Nike, and expression beyond exposure05:45 — College soccer recruiting and the transfer portal07:00 — International players and eligibility questions08:00 — Protecting the domestic player pathway08:36 — The goalkeeper recruiting problem11:26 — Building a better domestic soccer system12:00 — MLS, USL, and the future of soccer in the U.S.14:13 — Charlotte FC, accessibility, and the live soccer experience16:20 — Where MLS fits compared to global leagues19:13 — How the World Cup can change U.S. soccer20:00 — Breaking pay-to-play barriers23:08 — Showcases, costs, and why talent should be free to show24:00 — Profit incentives, player development, and investment27:00 — Subsidizing players and creating access28:00 — Game time, competition, and player development31:20 — Parents, pressure, and letting players own the journey34:05 — Scaling Youth 4 Youth through regions36:10 — Brown University, professors, and entrepreneurial flexibility38:00 — Why college can still matter40:30 — Leadership, teammates, and mental toughness43:00 — Internal control and handling adversity47:00 — Content, visibility, and Youth 4 Youth’s growth49:00 — Nike Toma, street soccer, and culture51:00 — Messi, Ronaldo, the Premier League, and global soccer52:50 — Best players in the world today54:38 — World Cup predictions and the U.S. path57:00 — How to find Youth 4 Youth FCConnect with Brando Babini | Youth 4 Youth FC Brando Babini on LinkedIn | InstagramYouth 4 Youth FCConnect with Eric & SportsEpreneurSportsEpreneur.com | X | LinkedInEric on LinkedIn | XRelated SportsEpreneur ContentWhen Merit Gets Messy: College Recruiting in Soccer, Hockey, and LacrosseThe State of Youth SportsCollege Recruiting Tips For International Student-AthletesThe Real Cost of Youth Sports in 2026: What Families Actually SpendSoccer Content by SportsEpreneurThe Pressure Placed on Kids in Youth SportsNIL Rules in 2026: What Athletes, Families, and Coaches Need to KnowHigh School Athletes and NIL: The Future of Youth SportsMake Youth Sports Fun Again

May 12, 2026Episode 353 min

NIL Is Moving From Chaos to ROI with Brent Wall of Student Athlete Score

College sports is changing fast. NIL, social media, transfer rules, donor money, brand deals, and youth sports are now connected in ways that did not exist a few years ago.Eric Kasimov talks with Brent Wall, co-founder and CEO of Student Athlete Score, about athlete branding, NIL data, and why personal brand is becoming part of the athlete journey earlier than ever.Topics covered:What Student Athlete Score does for schools, athletes, and brandsWhy NIL still feels like a new Wild WestHow local businesses can work with student-athletesWhy follower counts, engagement, and fake followers all matterThe pressure on young athletes to build a personal brandHow the transfer portal is reshaping recruitingWhy Olympic sports and non-revenue sports face hard questionsWhat athletes can build beyond their playing careersChapters00:00 — Sports towns, fandom, and life around Michigan athletics01:50 — The professionalization of sports at every level03:00 — Why young athletes now have to think about personal brand04:39 — Social media cleanup, exposure, and the pressure on kids06:32 — What Student Athlete Score does07:56 — Measuring athlete value on social media08:35 — How universities use the platform10:05 — AI, discovery, and local brand deals11:39 — NIL education, taxes, and athlete responsibility13:36 — The old Wild West of NIL and the new one15:59 — Compliance, NIL Go, and the fight around regulation16:22 — Eligibility, the five-and-five rule, and college sports consistency19:35 — Tournament expansion, TV money, sports betting, and more games23:00 — What happens to tennis, Olympic sports, and non-revenue programs26:17 — Donor fatigue and the need for NIL ROI29:41 — Why money does not guarantee winning31:19 — The transfer portal and mid-major programs as proving grounds36:00 — International athletes, age gaps, and roster pressure38:49 — Olympic athletes, NIL, and personal brand gaps40:28 — Bots, fake followers, and better data42:31 — Why athlete interests matter to brands43:31 — Building a platform for life after sports44:11 — Youth sports, high school athletes, and brand education46:21 — NIL as a sales and marketing education47:21 — Team dinners, micro-influencers, and local business value50:40 — How Student Athlete Score grew with universities51:26 — New commercial roles inside athletic departments52:57 — Where to find Brent Wall and Student Athlete ScoreConnect with Brent Wall | Student Athlete Score:StudentAthleteScore.comInstagram: @studentathletescore Brent on LinkedIn Connect with Eric & SportsEpreneur:SportsEpreneur.com | X | LinkedInEric on LinkedIn | XRelated SportsEpreneur posts:Youth Sports Has Become a Full-Time Job for Parents | Dave Yoo of Onsides High School Athletes and NIL: The Future of Youth Sports The Real Cost of Youth Sports in 2026 NIL Hub | SportsEpreneur’s NIL News, Insights & Resources

April 30, 2026Episode 250 min

Youth Sports Has Become a Full-Time Job for Parents | Dave Yoo of Onsides

Youth sports has quietly become a full-time job for parents. Between schedules, travel, apps, training, and expectations, the load has grown far beyond just showing up.Eric Kasimov talks with Dave Yoo, founder of Onsides, a platform built to simplify the youth sports experience for parents, about the pressure and complexity behind it — and where it’s heading.They get into the reality families are dealing with today, from rising costs and sideline behavior to NIL, recruiting, and how AI can actually reduce the “cognitive load” parents are carrying.In this episode: • Why youth sports has quietly become a $50B+ machine • The chaos of managing multiple teams, apps, and schedules • The real “cognitive load” parents are carrying • How AI can actually reduce stress when used right • The gap between recreational play and high-pressure club sports • The hidden financial and emotional tax on families • NIL, recruiting, and how early the stakes are starting • What AI changes for students, founders, and careersChapters00:14 – The business and emotion of youth sports03:00 – Why Dave Yoo started building Onsides05:00 – The chaos parents deal with across platforms06:12 – The vision for an all-in-one youth sports app08:26 – Reducing cognitive load for parents10:48 – Private coaching, training, and monetization12:29 – How Onsides is using AI behind the scenes14:40 – Guardrails, hallucinations, and reliable data16:36 – AI’s impact on software and engineering18:57 – Advice for students and young founders20:09 – College, careers, and uncertainty21:49 – Growth, distribution, and parent adoption24:23 – The commercialization of youth sports27:07 – Recreational sports vs. club intensity29:00 – Parent pressure and youth sports culture31:44 – NIL, recruiting, and what comes next38:00 – Media, podcasts, and startup storytelling41:38 – AI, search, and signal amplification43:51 – Phones, social media, and young athletes47:42 – Connect with Onsides & Dave YooConnect with Dave Yoo / Onsides:Onsides | Onsides AppDave Yoo on LinkedInConnect with Eric & SportsEpreneur:SportsEpreneur.com | X | LinkedInEric on LinkedIn | XRelated Youth Sports Content by SportsEpreneurThe State of Youth SportsThe Real Cost of Youth Sports in 2026: What Families Actually SpendThe Pressure Placed on Kids in Youth SportsHigh School Athletes and NIL: The Future of Youth Sports

March 17, 2026Episode 11 hr 9 min

What the NIL Gold Rush Got Wrong | Stephen Bienko of 42U

When NIL took off, most of the attention went to deals, collectives, and monetization. Much less attention went to the person behind it all: the athlete, their identity, and whether they are actually being prepared for what comes next.In this episode, Eric talks with Stephen Bienko, co-founder and CEO of 42U, about the gap between athlete value and athlete development. The conversation touches NIL, the transfer portal, brand equity, leadership in college athletics, financial literacy, and the life skills that still matter most.What Stephen Bienko and Eric Discuss:Stephen’s transfer from the Air Force Academy to Villanova and how that shaped his thinkingWhat NIL revealed about athlete value — and what it still fails to addressHow 42U approaches athlete identity, development, and long-term brand buildingWhy college athletics has leadership and infrastructure gaps right nowThe difference between chasing NIL deals and building brand equityHow the transfer portal has changed communication, decision-making, and developmentWhy soft skills still matter in an AI-heavy worldFinancial literacy as a real need inside the athlete ecosystemWhy athletes influence enrollment, culture, and school visibility beyond the fieldThe role of facilities, community, and environment in athlete developmentFull Show NotesThere has been no shortage of NIL conversation over the past few years, but much of it has centered on money, marketplaces, and short-term opportunity. Stephen Bienko brings a different lens. His view is that NIL exposed the value of the athlete, but the system still hasn’t built enough around developing the human being behind that value.That idea sits at the center of 42U, the company Bienko co-founded. Rather than focusing only on transactions or exposure, the work is more about identity, communication, self-awareness, decision-making, and long-term development. In other words, what actually helps an athlete build something durable instead of just reacting to the moment.Eric and Stephen also get into the broader college sports environment, including the transfer portal, recruiting, leadership gaps, and the changing demands being placed on young athletes. A recurring theme is that performance alone is not enough. Athletes are being asked to navigate visibility, pressure, personal branding, and business decisions earlier than ever.The episode also explores brand equity, financial literacy, and the value of so-called soft skills in a world increasingly shaped by technology and automation. It is a thoughtful conversation about what college athletics rewards, what it overlooks, and what athletes may need if they want to build a career and identity that lasts beyond sports.Notable Quotes“NIL did one thing — it exposed the value of the athlete. But no one built the infrastructure to develop the human.”“College sports is not a business. But there’s a lot of business in college sports.”“Stop chasing deals. Build brand equity.”“An 18-year-old with a phone and a following is now a media company.”“The question is: does this deal reinforce who I am — or distort it?”Chapters in This Episode00:00 – Intro 01:27 – Stephen’s Transfer Story: Air Force Academy to Villanova 04:00 – A Hard Conversation With Coach DeBerry 07:54 – What the NIL Boom Missed 09:24 – What 42U Actually Does 14:03 – Athlete Identity and Long-Term Development 18:19 – Leadership Gaps in College Athletics 21:51 – Athletes as Economic Engines for Schools 25:47 – The Meaning and Value of Soft Skills 29:51 – Recruiting, Evaluation, and Mental Capacity 35:27 – “College Sports Is Not a Business” 47:19 – Stop Chasing Deals. Build Brand Equity. 56:47 – Financial Literacy, AI, and Athlete Education 1:00:00 – Parenting, Recruiting, and Decision-Making 1:07:42 – Facilities, Community, and Why Environment Still MattersConnect with Stephen Bienko / 42U:LinkedIn: Stephen Bienko Instagram: @bienkostephenConnect with Eric / SportsEpreneur:Website: SportsEpreneur.com X: @sportsepreneur LinkedIn: SportsEpreneurEric on LinkedIn & X Related NIL and College Sports ContentThe NIL HubNIL Pros and Cons for Athletes, Families, and SchoolsTransfer Portal Pros and Cons | The Wild West of College SportsThe US Government is Now Involved with Name, Image & LikenessAbout Eric KasimovEric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy.Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today.His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs.The post What the NIL Gold Rush Got Wrong | Stephen Bienko of 42U appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

December 10, 2025Episode 113 min

Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Chaos & Why NFL Fans Are All Delusional | Saviors & Sports

Quick Summary Eric and Jared try to make sense of the Cleveland Browns, front office dysfunction across the NFL, and why every fan base believes they suffer more than anyone else. Baker, Stafford, Shadur, the 49ers, Vegas lines, billionaire owners, and the eternal misery of the Vikings all make an appearance. This is a 12-minute sports-only segment clipped from Saviors of the Metaverse — now living in the SportsE feed where it belongs. Listen to the full Saviors of the Metaverse episode: The Running Man Review Through the Lonely Eyes of a Gen Xer | via YouTube — Apple Podcasts — Spotify Chapters 00:00 — Browns in a simulation: If Cleveland is 12–0 and undefeated Carolina exists, you’re probably dreaming. 00:50 — NFL fan misery rankings: Vikings, Browns, Bills… who actually has it worst? 02:40 — Missed kicks, cursed teams, and broken timelines: From Gary Anderson to Dante Culpepper. 04:10 — Is it all the front office’s fault?: And does “blow it up” ever work? 05:20 — Billionaire owners & the weird economics of NFL success: They win even when the team doesn’t. 06:45 — Baker, Stafford & the QB comparison spiral: Why Stafford throws lasers and Baker throws… effort. 08:00 — The Shadur Sanders paradox: Social media hype vs. reality vs. development. 09:30 — Browns upcoming schedule: 49ers, Titans, Bears, Bills — and the eternal pain cycle. 11:20 — “Bet the Browns, lose the spread”: Why Cleveland is 5–6 ATS and still maddening. TL;DR The Browns are confusing, the Vikings are cursed, owners are billionaires who always win, Shadur Sanders has promise but not proof yet, and betting Cleveland still hurts. Fans everywhere live in the same delusion: “nobody has it worse than us.” Other Topics We Hit The Vikings’ most traumatic moments Why owners are built like a different species West coast teams traveling east: real disadvantage or Reddit myth? The cult of QB hype via viral “dot throws” Why every NFL fan base thinks their suffering is unique The job market — because why not Why Listen Because you want NFL takes without the clichés — just two Gen-X lunatics trying to decode the Browns and the universe. FAQ Q: Why do the Browns continue to struggle despite talent? Front office instability and questionable decision-making — plus a culture that hasn’t fully reset. Q: Are the Vikings or Browns the more cursed franchise? Depends on your trauma profile. Vikings lose big moments; Browns lose everything else. Q: Why is Shadur Sanders so polarizing? Social media hype + limited NFL sample + Deion effect = unstable QB stock. Q: Do NFL owner billions matter on the field? Not really — salary cap levels the roster. But ego drives decisions. Q: Why is betting the Browns so painful? They’re 5–6 ATS — slightly better than their record, still emotionally ruinous. Connect with Saviors of the Metaverse and SportsEpreneur Saviors of the Metaverse: TikTok | YouTube | QuietLoud Studios Jared Nichols: X Eric Kasimov: X SportsE: X | LinkedIn Transcript | Cleveland Browns Dysfunction, Minnesota Vikings Problems, and NFL Fan Delusion 1. Intro: Why This Segment Exists [00:00:00–00:00:53] Eric and Jared set up the idea of doing a sports-only segment and dropping it on SportsEpreneur. [00:00:00] eric: Welcome to Saviors of the Metaverse, the podcast that saves and definitely entertains. You are listening to this show on a unrelated, yet unrelated podcast to get all the episodes of Saviors and to become a Saviors super fan. Search for saviors of the Metaverse on your podcast player of choice. Once there, I don’t know, subscribe. And while you’re at it, give it a rating because well, Jared needs confirmation. Jared needs affirmation. Jared needs Savior Nation. And if nothing else, thank you for listening to Saviors of the Metaverse. We’ll see you in there. Cleveland Browns future. This is our sports segment. We need one of these. I’ll explain why later. We’re gonna drop this shit on sports entrepreneur. It can do well. It’s gonna get us recognition anyway. Fine. We need a sports sports segment anytime around. But it could be any take. It doesn’t matter. 2. Browns in a Simulation [00:00:53–00:01:51] The hypothetical: Browns 12–0, Panthers undefeated, dream logic. [00:01:00] Okay. Future. We’re in a dystopian, or, I don’t know what you call this shit, what you call it, A simulation. Sure. Fast forward. Yep. You’re still with it. Yep. You still got your capabilities, your faculties in order. Faculty still? Yep. Yeah. You’d like to eat a little bit. You like to check out some stuff. Cleveland Browns are here. Late November going to Thanksgiving. But you got time. They’re like undefeated. Oh, whoa. Okay. They’re 12 and oh. Coming to Carolina, who somehow is also undefeated. Oh, someone offered you tickets. I mean, this just hurts my head. You don’t even have to pay for the tickets. Good seats. That’s 50 yard, nine seats. Yeah. 26 up. Yeah. You go in the game. Are you gonna watch at home? [00:01:43] jared: Well, it depends on how soon I wake up from my dream, because, uh, there’s no fucking way any of that would ever happen. Yeah. You know? [00:01:50] eric: Yeah. 3. NFL Pain Hierarchy: Browns, Vikings, Bills [00:01:51–00:04:04] Every fan base thinks they suffer the most. [00:01:51] jared: So maybe I do, maybe I don’t, maybe I fly to the game with my magical cape because the Browns being 12 and Oh, I mean, let’s be honest, Carolina, I mean, they went to the Super [00:02:00] Bowl, [00:02:01] eric: didn’t [00:02:01] jared: they? [00:02:01] eric: Yeah. [00:02:02] jared: Twice. Okay. That’s not that. It’s just like, hey, they’re just having, they’re stuck in a rut. [00:02:06] eric: They won the A FFL Championship. They were legit. [00:02:09] jared: Who won the AFL [00:02:10] eric: champion? Cleveland Browns. Before the, uh, before the merger. They were one of the besties Before, yeah, [00:02:15] jared: before there was a Super Bowl. They were, they were good. Yeah. Super Bowl comes along and ruins it. Yeah. Something happened. [00:02:20] eric: Yeah. The Ravens won though. That’s, that hurts even [00:02:24] jared: more. [00:02:24] eric: Yeah, because that used to be the Browns like the greatest defense ever. 2000. [00:02:28] jared: You know, the Browns do have ...

November 4, 2025Episode 110 min

21% of College Students Use Education Money to Bet on Sports

More than one in five college students are using financial aid to gamble on sports. This is money meant for tuition, housing, and books. In this episode, Eric Kasimov examines how this is happening, why it’s growing, and what it reveals about college culture, mental health, and the expanding reach of sports betting. This is an audio edition of the SportsEpreneur article, How College Financial Aid Fuels Sports Betting Addiction | A Hidden Crisis — written and read by Eric Kasimov. Episode Highlights 21% of college students admit to using financial aid money for betting Why federal refund rules make this problem nearly impossible to monitor The neuroscience behind why young adults are prone to gambling addiction Real stories of students losing control — and what parents can watch for What universities should be doing to protect their students The connection between sports betting, mental health, and college culture Read more on college students’ sports betting Higher Education Inquirer: Student Aid and Student Gambling: A Risky Connection University of South Carolina: USC researcher studies the growth of sports gambling Rutgers Addiction Research Center: The Rise of Sports Betting Among College Students: A Growing Public Health Concern Investopedia: Sports Betting Is Taking Over Young Men’s Time—And Money Resources for Help If you or someone you know is struggling with sports betting or gambling addiction: National Problem Gambling Helpline — Call 1-800-522-4700 or text “800GAM” for 24/7 confidential support. Gamblers Anonymous — A peer-support organization offering local and online meetings for anyone seeking recovery. Read the full article on College Financial Aid Money Going to Sports Betting Connect with SportsEpreneur: X | LinkedIn Connect with Eric: X | LinkedIn Want your brand featured on SportsEpreneur? Let’s talk → Eric KasimovEric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy. Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today. His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs. The post 21% of College Students Use Education Money to Bet on Sports appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

October 28, 2025Episode 15 min

How Bad Calls Fuel the NFL

The NFL doesn’t need perfect refs — it needs conversation.Every bad call, missed flag, and replay controversy keeps fans talking, networks buzzing, and revenue climbing. In this episode, SportsEpreneur unpacks how the league turned chaos into currency, and why the outrage over NFL “rigging” might actually be part of the plan. This is an audio edition of the SportsEpreneur article “The NFL Officiating Problem Is a Money-Making Scheme.”Written and read by Eric Kasimov — bringing sports, business, and commentary together in a storytelling and easy-to-consume format. Episode Highlights How “bad calls” drive ratings and social engagement Why the NFL benefits when fans debate fairness The fine line between bias, influence, and business strategy How outrage keeps the NFL trending year-round Why perfection might actually hurt the league’s brand Read More on This Topic Debrief: Do NFL Refs Favor the Kansas City Chiefs? NFL.com: Officials’ Responsibilities & Positions Outkick: Bad week for Refs SportsEpreneur: The NFL Is Rigged, Right? Listen to this episode here or wherever you get your podcasts. Read the full article on How the NFL Officiating Problem Is Big Business Connect with SportsEpreneur: X | LinkedIn Connect with Eric: X | LinkedIn Want your brand featured on SportsEpreneur? Let’s talk → Eric KasimovEric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy. Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today. His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs. The post How Bad Calls Fuel the NFL appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

October 27, 2025Episode 16 min

College Athletes Can Now Bet on Pro Sports | What Could Go Wrong

The NCAA just changed its rules. College athletes and staff can now legally bet on professional sports. College games? Still off-limits. In this episode, Eric Kasimov breaks down what the NCAA’s new policy really means, why enforcement is impossible, and how this decision could collide with NIL money, insider access, and college sports culture. It’s not just a rule change — it’s the NCAA quietly admitting it’s lost control. This episode is an audio edition of a SportsEpreneur article — written and read by Eric Kasimov — bringing sports, business, and commentary together in a storytelling and easy-to-consume format. Based on Eric’s article “The NCAA Just Admitted It Can’t Police Sports Betting” on SportsEpreneur. Episode Highlights The NCAA’s “modernization” of betting rules — and what’s really behind it Why policing sports betting is now impossible for the NCAA How NIL money and gambling access could create new ethical gray zones The illusion of control — and what happens when the first scandal hits Read more on the topic of the college athletes being allowed to bet on pro sports: direct from the NCAA’s mouth | The Hill | USA Today: Pitt’s Pat Narduzzi rails against NCAA sports betting rule, calls gambling ‘disease’ Listen to this episode here or wherever you get your podcasts. Read the full article on NCAA & Sports Betting Related article: How NIL Is Changing Bowl Games Connect with SportsEpreneur: X | LinkedIn Connect with Eric: X | LinkedIn Want your brand featured on SportsEpreneur? We collaborate with sports media, NIL, and content partners. Let’s talk → Eric KasimovEric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy. Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today. His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs. The post College Athletes Can Now Bet on Pro Sports | What Could Go Wrong appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

June 25, 2025Episode 14 min

How the NBA Made the Lakers Worth $10 Billion | Audible Style

The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Luka Doncic in a deal that stunned the league — months before the franchise was sold for a record-setting $10 billion. Coincidence? Or did the NBA help engineer this moment to inflate the Lakers’ value before the sale? Of course they did. In this SportsE original, we breakdown the timing and strategy behind one of the most suspiciously perfect business moves in NBA history. Inside the Episode: The “gift” trade that brought Luka to LA Why the Lakers’ $10B valuation raised eyebrows — and franchise values across the NBA The case for a league-motivated boost before the sale How perception, hype, and timing may be worth billions A modern sports conspiracy hiding in plain sight Read the Article: Did the NBA Inflate the Lakers’ $10 Billion Sale—And Every Other Team’s Value Too? sportsepreneur.com/nba-lakers-10b-sale-franchise-valuation-inflation Connect: Host: Eric Kasimov: X | LinkedIn SportsE Media: website | X | TikTok Related content to “How the NBA Made the Lakers Worth $10 Billion | Audible Style”: Audible Style | Soccer Will Be a Top 3 Sport in the US Thanks to the 2026 World Cup Audible Style | The Moment Matters: Embracing the Now in Sports Should Cities Help Pay for Stadiums? The Answer Isn’t Black and White Want to create with us? We’re always looking for writers, podcasters, and students interested in the business of sports. Contact us to learn more. This episode was produced by the team at QuietLoud Studios TL;DR: What Just Happened Here? The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic — and then sold the franchise for a record-setting $10 billion. That’s not just a trade. That’s a valuation play. In this episode, we explore whether the NBA manipulated events to inflate the value of its marquee franchise, raise league-wide NBA team valuations, and set a new benchmark in the business of sports. From the Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers’ $10B sale, to the Cooper Flagg lottery twist, this story isn’t about basketball. It’s about leverage, timing, and brand power. If you’re into sports business, franchise valuations, and the not-so-hidden strategies of pro leagues, this one’s for you. Eric KasimovEric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy. Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today. His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs. The post How the NBA Made the Lakers Worth $10 Billion | Audible Style appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

January 10, 2025Episode 154 min

A Footwear Industry Pioneer Talks Entrepreneurship and Sustainability

“Sneaker” Steve Patino shares his journey from sneaker enthusiast to footwear industry innovator, discussing how his passion for shoes evolved into a mission to revolutionize sustainable manufacturing. “Sneaker” Steve is the founder of Ales Gray. Chapters: 00:00 – The future of business and creating a positive legacy 01:02 – Working for free at a sneaker store as a teenager 02:43 – Why being passionate matters for entrepreneurs 05:17 – Meeting industry leaders on their way up 07:22 – Creating footwear for essential workers 10:49 – Carbon negative products and supply chain innovation 15:18 – Rethinking how products are made 20:11 – Getting into REI and major retailers 31:13 – Learning entrepreneurship from an immigrant hustler 37:44 – From struggling student to Stanford GSB 42:15 – Parenting: Teaching values in different circumstances 50:47 – The Future of Footwear is digital connectivity and sustainable manufacturing 53:08 – Ales Gray’s mission https://alesgrey.com/ Connect with Eric: X: @erickaz LinkedIn: @erickasimov Be a guest on The Sports Backdrop Start your podcast This show is made possible by: KazCM: A content production company that aims to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more here: https://kazcm.com/ Related content to ‘A Footwear Industry Pioneer Talks Entrepreneurship and Sustainability’: Jeff Dudan | Undercover Boss, App State Football, and Entrepreneurship Why the NFL London Games Are a Massive Success Gordon Hayward | NBA Stories, FORM Basketball, and Youth Sports Today Credits: Produced by the team at KazCM: https://kazcm.com/podcast-production/ Part of QuietLoud Studios (podcast network): https://quietloudstudios.com/ Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify A version of this episode published on Entrepreneur Perspectives Music credits: Dark Mystery Trailer (Taking Our time) by AlexGrohl | Website | Music promoted by Pixabay | Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license (“CC0 Content”) License About A Footwear Industry Pioneer Talks Entrepreneurship and Sustainability guest “Sneaker” Steve Patiño Steve Patiño is the Founder and CEO of AGS Labs Inc./ALES GREY, a Los Angeles-based foot-tech company pioneering sustainable footwear manufacturing in North America. With 30 years in the footwear industry, Steve’s career highlights include serving as Global Director of DC SHOES during its $1B growth period and co-founding the luxury footwear brand Android Homme, which attracted elite athletes and artists, including LeBron James and Kendrick Lamar. His products have been featured in premium retailers worldwide, including Barneys, Nordstrom, and Selfridges. He’s also led successful collaborations with Latin music stars J Balvin and Bad Bunny. A Stanford GSB graduate and NYU alum, Steve was born in Queens, NY to Colombian parents. He now lives in Beverly Hills with his family. ALES GREY, named after his son Greyson Alessandro, reflects his mission to create sustainable footwear for future generations. SportsE MediaThe post A Footwear Industry Pioneer Talks Entrepreneurship and Sustainability appeared first on SportsEpreneur.