Brian Tierney, Founder & CEO of Brian Communications - SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed Margaret Fleming, Reporter at Front Office Sports.Fleming covers the business of soccer, the FIFA World Cup, and breaking news shaping the sports industry. She shares insights into the evolving soccer landscape and the stories driving the global sports business conversation.Fleming previously covered the business of sports media as a fellow at Business Insider, with a special focus on NIL, women's sports, VCs and startups, and sports betting. She also worked at CNBC, The Colorado Sun and Pittsburgh's NPR station, and has bylines in ProPublica, the Chicago Tribune, Tampa Bay Times, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and Equalizer Women's Soccer Magazine.She received her BSJ and MSJ from Northwestern University, where she was a part of WNUR Sports and the Medill Investigative Lab.Fleming is based out of the FOS office in New York.Margaret Fleming:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-fleming-1874631a5/

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed Marc Riccio, President & CEO of USA LacrosseA former collegiate lacrosse player at Hofstra, Riccio’s professional experience has led to specialties in media, fan engagement, sport and entertainment business operations, building new companies, revenue generation, executive leadership, and employee development.Under Riccio’s leadership, USA Lacrosse has focused on three core principles – Fuel the Growth, Enrich the Experience and Field the Best National Teams – while generating record revenue to help support investment in the game.Riccio started his tenure at USA Lacrosse in August 2021 with the sport coming off two consecutive interrupted seasons due to the COVID pandemic. Participation levels have rebounded following that period and USA Lacrosse now has more members in the key 7-9 age segment than at any time in the organization’s history.USA Lacrosse has also seen a robust expansion of its national team program, now sponsoring 14 teams from senior-level to youth national teams. On the field, for the first time in more than two decades, the U.S. is ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 in every discipline of the sport and has won five World Lacrosse championships (2022 senior women, 2022 U21 men, 2023 senior men, 2024 U20 women, 2024 women’s box) and one World Games title (2025 women’s sixes) during his tenure.The national team success comes at a pivotal point. USA Lacrosse was recognized by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) as part of its Affiliate Organizations Council in 2023 and is on the pathway to becoming an official National Governing Body of the USPOC as the Olympics draw nearer.Riccio spent 17 years leading business operation and development for the NFL’s New York Jets before spending seven years ahead of his USA Lacrosse appointment working in roles focused on strategy, growth and organizational change for major sports brands and events.Riccio grew up in Canandaigua, N.Y., and was introduced to the sport when he was 12 years old by a neighbor. He went on to become the first high school All-American at Canandaigua Academy, where he played both football and lacrosse. He was later inducted into the Canandaigua Academy Sports Hall of Fame and the Upstate Lacrosse Hall of Fame. At Hofstra, Riccio played lacrosse for former USA men’s national team head coach John Danowski. Riccio is a member of the New York State Bar, has a Juris Doctor degree from St. John’s University School of Law, and an M.B.A. in Marketing and a B.A. in Communications from Hofstra University.Marc Riccio:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcriccio21/

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed Paris Dupree, Vice President, Senior Counsel in Business and Legal Affairs at OneTeam Partners.Prior to joining OneTeam, Dupree served as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at JPMorgan Chase, where she led and negotiated major sponsorships and partnerships across  the company’s Sports, Entertainment, Media, and Brand businesses—including the firm’s partnerships with Madison Square Garden, the US Open, and the Chase Center, as well as global events such as the JPMorgan Corporate Challenge, the world’s largest corporate running event. Her early career was shaped at leading law firms, including Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Pepper Hamilton LLP (now Troutman Pepper LLP), and Cooley LLP, where she gained significant experience in venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, and advising private equity funds and growth-stage companies across technology, life sciences, and digital media sectors. A proud graduate of Brown University, Dupree earned her degree in Organizational Studies: Commerce, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship. While at Brown, she was captain of the Women’s Lacrosse Team, earning First-Team All-Ivy and Academic All-Ivy honors, and also competed in basketball as a dual-sport athlete her freshman year. In 2010, she was selected to the U.S. National Women’s Lacrosse Team—the first Brown player in more than a decade to earn that honor. She was recently inducted into Brown University’s Athletic Hall of Fame, recognizing her enduring contributions to the university’s athletic legacy. Dupree later earned her J.D. from The George Washington University Law School. Dupree’s leadership and impact extend beyond her professional role. She was recognized as the 2024 Young Woman Professional Award recipient by the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, honoring her professional excellence and community contributions. She currently serves on Brown University’s President’s Advisory Council on Athletics & Recreation, focusing on long-term strategic planning, and as a member of the Board of Trustees at Sanford School, an independent, college preparatory school in Hockessin, Delaware, where she plays an active role in advancing the school’s mission, shaping strategy, and strengthening community engagement. Dupree resides in Wilmington, Delaware, with her husband, Vern, and their 5-year-old son, Cairo. Family is central to who she is, and she can often be found cheering on her husband and father’s Delaware State Hornets basketball team or supporting Cairo’s activities. Paris Dupree:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parisdupree/Chapters02:07 Understanding One Team Partners' Role in Sports Licensing03:58 Commercial Partnerships and Their Impact on Athletes08:07 Structuring Fair Deals for Players and Brands09:59 Collaboration with Player Associations12:06 The Fun and Meaningful Aspects of Paris's Job14:11 Paris's Athletic Background and Its Influence18:03 The Similarities Between Sports and Business22:04 Mentorship and Leadership in Paris's Career30:17 The Future of Sports and Player Opportunities

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed Brian Tierney, Founder & CEO of Brian Communications.Tierney founded Brian Communications in 2010. Earlier in his career, he built two award-winning PR agencies over 25 years, representing clients like Deloitte, Verizon, and IBM. He also earned his law degree while working for the Reagan Administration, all before turning 30.He later assembled a group of investors to purchase the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News, serving as publisher. During his tenure, philly.com became one of the fastest-growing news sites in the country and the newsroom won a Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Journalism. His work has taken him to some of the biggest stages in the world, including efforts connected to Pope Francis and FIFA. Today he leads Brian Communications, chairs the Foundation of The Poynter Institute, and has served as an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Wharton School.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Brian Tierney02:13 The Roots of Confidence and Optimism04:39 Making the Impossible Possible09:39 Translating Optimism into Action12:36 Building Relationships and Community15:42 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership20:25 Philadelphia's Future: World Cup and Beyond23:07 The Legacy of Inside Story25:06 From Childhood to Television Stardom29:28 The Importance of Taking Risks30:50 Repetition is Key to Communication32:53 Crafting a Compelling Message36:05 Building Relationships in Business39:15 Leveraging Opportunities for Greater Impact43:06 Looking Ahead: Optimism for the FutureBrian Tierney:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianptierney/

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed Ken Shropshire, Strategic Advisor at SeventySix Capital Sports Advisory.Shropshire, a leading expert in sports business and law, shares insights from his 40-year career, including leadership lessons and the evolution of sports as a global industry. A Strategic Advisor at SeventySix Capital, he works with league executives and entrepreneurs navigating a rapidly changing landscape.Shropshire is Professor Emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and former CEO of the Global Sport Institute at Arizona State University. He has advised major sports organizations, authored books, and served on boards including Moelis & Company and the Jackie Robinson Museum.Chapters01:19 The Evolution of Sports Business Education05:34 Personal Journey in Sports and Law09:25 Influential Figures in Sports Leadership13:28 Leadership Lessons and Experiences15:50 Advising Entrepreneurs in Sports19:08 The Importance of Relationships in Sports23:59 Future of Athlete Education and InvestmentKen ShropshireLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-shropshire-wharton/

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed Michael Morris, Strategic Advisor at SeventySix Capital Sports Advisory.Morris, a veteran sports technology executive and Strategic Advisor at SeventySix Capital, shares insights from more than 25 years at the intersection of sports, media, and innovation. From serving as CIO of Legends Global to spending over a decade as CTO of Major League Baseball, Morris has led technology, analytics, and innovation at the highest levels of the industry.In his role, he works closely with SeventySix Capital’s Sports Advisory clients and portfolio companies, helping teams, leagues, collegiate programs, and emerging technology providers navigate change, scale operations, and build long-term enterprise value. In this episode, Morris explores how data, AI, and innovative venues are transforming fan engagement, offers strategic guidance for sports organizations, and breaks down what it takes to stay competitive in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving landscape.Chapters00:00 Future of Athlete Education and Investment00:13 Introduction to Strategic Advisory in Sports06:53 Innovations in Major League Baseball14:48 Transformative Experiences at Legends20:12 The Future of Sports Technology and AI24:33 The Evolution of Fandom in Sports30:08 Emerging Trends in Collegiate AthleticsMike Morris:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-morris-95222a5/

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed Marc Reeves, Global Head of Strategic Partnerships for Fever. Reeves is an investor and advisor across various sports properties including Leeds United, CD Leganes, Cancun FC and Blue Crow Analytics.  He was previously Head of Brand, Football, for Nike.  In this role, he was the consumer and marketplace lead for the company's business across NFL, NCAA, High School, Grassroots and Performance.  Previous to this role, Marc was GM, Nike+, responsible for the company's connected membership ecosystem including vision, brand and connecting all consumers through digital (apps, Nike.com), physical (DTC, wholesale, events) and related products (e.g. Apple Watch Nike+).  Prior to joining Nike, Marc was the NFL's first ever International Commercial Director, where he led partnerships and marketing for the league outside of the US.  He added on the responsibilities of Managing Director of NFL Canada during his tenure.  His prior experiences include various roles at IMG (now Endeavor), including Vice President, Consulting where he led the agency's global relationships with Visa, Electronic Arts, Wells Fargo, and he worked in the Athlete Management division at ProServ.  In addition, he co-founded a sports-based social gaming company, Lionside, which was acquired by Japanese mobile company, ngmoco:).  Marc is on the Board of Directors of Relo Metrics.  He is also a Board Advisor to Cloud9 esports, Sportable, Web3 Pro, Screen Skinz, a Techstars Sports Mentor and on the Advisory Board of the Tulane Sports Law Program.Marc has been a featured speaker at numerous venues including Stanford Graduate School of Business, Kellogg School of Management, University of Michigan, Tulane Law School, Leaders (UK), Sports Lawyers Association and Ivy League Sports Symposium. He has been interviewed and quoted in various media outlets including The New York Times, CNN, ESPN, Reuters, Irish Times, The Nikkei and the Sports Business Journal. Marc has been an adjunct professor of Sports Marketing at University of San Francisco. He earned a JD/MBA from Tulane University, with a specialty in Sports Law, and a BA from Kalamazoo College, where he was a member of two NCAA Division III National Championship Tennis teams.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mark Reeves02:05 Mark's Journey in Sports Management05:24 Transitioning from Agent to Executive09:51 Building the NFL's International Presence12:51 Engaging Fans through Technology18:19 Memorable Brand Collaborations and Campaigns22:34 The Power of Storytelling in Sports Marketing25:09 Innovating Live Experiences with Data29:21 The Intersection of Sports and Entertainment32:05 Expanding the Reach of Football33:54 Investing in Soccer: A Personal Journey39:35 The Future of Soccer in AmericaMarc Reeves:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcjreeves/

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed Carlos Silva, President of Anthem Sports & Entertainment and Venture Partner at SeventySix Capital.Silva is President of Anthem Sports Group and President of TNA Wrestling. In these positions, he oversees the growth, development, and distribution of Anthem's properties, including TNA Wrestling, Invicta Fighting Championships, and Fight Network.Silva's tenure has been marked by significant deal-making, most notably negotiating TNA's flagship programming move to AMC Networks beginning January 2026.Silva also serves as a Venture Partner at SeventySix Capital, advising teams, leagues, brands, and family offices on strategic growth and investment. Silva previously served as CEO of C360, a SeventySix Capital portfolio company specializing in immersive 360-degree video software for broadcast, digital, and government applications.A veteran sports, media, and digital executive with over 25 years of experience, Silva has previously served as CEO of the Professional Fighters League, CEO of World TeamTennis, President of MDE Sports and Entertainment, and President & COO of Universal Sports Network. Silva has built and sold companies across TV, digital, and media and has raised more than $250M for the startups he has operated.Chapters00:00 Introduction to TNA Wrestling and Nashville Event02:12 The Unique Dynamics of Wrestling Events05:03 Building Fan Engagement and TV Partnerships09:10 Leadership and Team Dynamics in Wrestling14:41 Transforming TNA Wrestling's Culture18:07 Recognizing Team Achievements and Awards21:51 Carlos Silva's Role and Fan Interaction24:08 The Blurring Lines of Sports and Entertainment25:56 Pathway to Becoming a Wrestler28:06 Evaluating Wrestler Performance and Metrics30:38 Future Plans for TNA and Anthem Sports

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed Paul Rigault, CEO and Co-Founder of Døds Diving League. DØDS Diving League is a next-generation global sports property built from the ground up for digital-first audiences. Rigault brings more than 25 years of experience as an advertising and media executive, including serving as CEO of Publicis Norway.At DDL, Rigault has applied a modern, digital-first media and commercial playbook to transform a grassroots discipline into a scalable international league. In 2026, DDL will make its premier live broadcast debut on ESPN, and has been named by Fox News as one of the fastest-growing action sports in the world, with an estimated 100 million global media views in 2026.Rigault works at the intersection of sport, media, and cities, focusing on how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are reshaping sport, culture, and business. His approach moves beyond traditional “heads-in-beds” event models, emphasizing long-term value creation for host cities through cultural relevance, talent attraction, and community engagement. He is currently piloting new three-way partnership and funding models between leagues, cities, and commercial partners in 2026, designed to reduce public risk while strengthening alignment and long-term impact.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Døds Diving League02:37 The Evolution of Døds Diving05:40 Event Structure and Competition Format08:39 Diving Styles and Athlete Profiles11:33 The Fan Experience and Event Atmosphere14:35 Media Partnerships and Future Growth17:33 Social Media Strategy and Community Engagement20:07 Global Expansion and Future Plans23:21 Cultural Impact and Inspiration from Other Sports26:21 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed Maury Gostfrand, Executive Vice President of The Montag Group.Gostfrand joined The Montag Group in January, 2018 as Partner & Executive Vice President. Prior to joining The Montag Group, Maury was the President and Founder of Vision Sports Group, a New York-based sports management and marketing agency representing primarily sports broadcasters and coaches.Gostfrand graduated from the University of Michigan in 1991 and began his career with the New York-based firm, Athletes and Artists, serving as the Director of Marketing. While at A & A, he was responsible for securing marketing opportunities for the clients, which included broadcasters, professional athletes and Olympic athletes. Gostfrand then attended University of Miami School of Law, and while in law school, worked for Impact Sports in Boca Raton, Florida, representing professional athletes, including NFL and NBA players. In 1996, he joined New York-based RLR Associates, an agency which represents sports broadcasters, where he served as an agent for nine years.Gostfrand dedicates a lot of time to charitable causes including The Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation, where he has served as a board member since it was launched in 2002, and MVP Charity, where he has served as a board member since 2017.Gostfrand and his family reside in Chappaqua, New York.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Maury Gosfran and the Montag Group02:16 Role of an Agent in Sports Media04:52 Client Relationships and Communication13:27 Impact of NIL and Evolving Media Landscape16:31 Transitioning Athletes to Broadcasting Careers21:54 The Importance of Social Media for Talent23:29 Spotlight on Rising Stars in Broadcasting26:19 Advice for Aspiring Broadcasters28:04 Surprises in the Sports Media Industry29:48 Supporting Clients in Podcasting31:04 Reflections on Mentorship and Career Growth