Jack Settleman, Founder of Snapback Sports - SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed the Founder of Snapback Sports, Jack Settleman.Settleman explains how Snapback Sports was built on a simple yet powerful idea — highlighting the unique stories and experiences that make college football special. Rather than focusing solely on scores or highlights, Snapback brings fans inside the energy of the game day experience — the food, the traditions, the local culture, and the community that fuels it all.Settleman and Kimmel explore how Snapback’s business model emphasizes authenticity and connection over pure scalability. Settleman shares that the brand’s success stems from community engagement — building meaningful relationships with fans, athletes, and creators alike. This people-first approach, he notes, has been key to sustaining growth while preserving the spirit of what makes sports content fun and relatable.Settleman discusses his new trivia app, which has quickly gained traction among users for its interactivity and community-driven design. The app represents Snapback’s expansion into new formats, offering fans another way to engage with sports in real time while staying true to the brand’s identity. He also opens up about connecting personally with athletes, emphasizing that behind the fame and fandom, many of them share the same struggles, aspirations, and love for the game as their audience. This human connection has been essential to the content Snapback produces, making it both entertaining and deeply relatable.Looking ahead, Jack shares his vision for the future of Snapback Sports — expanding the brand’s reach, deepening community connections, and exploring new collaborations that push the boundaries of sports media.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Snapback Sports and Jack Settleman02:41 Exploring Unique College Football Experiences06:16 The Business Model Behind Snapback Sports09:09 Launching the Trivia App: A New Venture12:18 Connecting with Athletes and Creators14:21 The Importance of Community Engagement18:11 Unique Stories from College Football22:49 Jack's Entrepreneurial Journey28:58 Future Plans and Collaborations33:21 Mentorship and Influences in Jack's CareerJack Settleman:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-settleman-424a73b1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacksettleman/X: https://x.com/jacksettleman

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed the Co-Founders of Courtside Sports Advisors, Josh Goldstein & Robert Jakobi.Founded by Goldstein and Jakobi, Courtside Sports Advisors has quickly established itself as a trusted partner to leading sports properties and brands, specializing in forging innovative corporate partnerships across multiple sports. Their growing roster of clients includes the Brooklyn Nets, Nashville SC, New York Red Bulls, Team Miami (Powered by Magnus), the E1 Series, and PTC (Players’ Tribune Creative).Jakobi launched Team Miami alongside global entertainment icon Marc Anthony in the world’s first all-electric powerboat championship — the E1 Series. The league merges sustainability, speed, and celebrity, representing the next frontier in sports innovation and fan engagement.In 2024, Courtside Sports Advisors played a pivotal role in securing a partnership between E1, Team Miami, and Azimut Yachts for the inaugural E1 World Championship Series, further cementing the firm’s reputation as a leader in shaping the business of emerging sports.As the E1 Miami Grand Prix approaches, Goldstein and Jakobi are also collaborating with Front Office Sports to host The Next Wave, an exclusive event in Miami on November 6, bringing together leaders from sports, finance, and media to explore the future of sports — from innovation and investment to the evolution of fan experiences. SeventySix Capital Managing Partner Wayne Kimmel will speak on a panel at the event. Josh Goldstein:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-goldstein-564394a0/Robert Jakobi:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjakobi/Chapters03:00 The E1 World Championship09:00 Building Corporate Partnerships15:00 Focus on Emerging Sports Leagues21:00 VIP Experience and Celebrity Involvement27:00 Future Plans and Sports Investment

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed the President & CEO of ANC, Jerry Cifarelli Jr. Although Jerry’s father originally founded the company more than 25 years ago, ANCs transformation since Cifarelli re-acquired the company from Learfield in 2023 has been remarkable. Departing from the conventional path of a second-generation, Cifarelli chose to forge his own path, leaving ANC in 2022 after nearly a decade with the firm to establish C10 Media. His strategic acumen and skill as a relationship builder paid dividends immediately when he secured the firm's initial project, designing and installing a cutting-edge multimedia solution for MGM Music Hall at Fenway. In 2023, recognizing a unique opportunity, Cifarelli Jr.. leveraged his long-standing industry relationships and vision for what a re-imagined ANC could be to orchestrate the acquisition of ANC by C10 Media back from Learfield. In less than two years, Jerry has transformed ANC from a digital signage solutions provider into a versatile, full-service technology, advertising, design, and service partner. Following ANC’s successful first year, Cifarelli secured a substantial equity partnership in ANC by Fenway Sports Group, ideally positioning the company to fulfill Jerry’s vision as a diversified single-source solutions provider and strategic partner, at the epicenter of the sports and entertainment business. Some of its digital signage projects in the past two years include: American Century Field (Milwaukee Brewers); Nationals Field (Washington Nationals); the Toyota Center (Houston Rockets); American Airlines Center (Dallas); Levi’s Stadium (SF 49ers); ScotiaBank Arena (Toronto); Gainsbridge FieldHouse (Indiana Pacers); Dodger Stadium; Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia); Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse (Cleveland), and Smoothie King Center (New Orleans). And when it comes to college facilities, ANC has relationships with nearly 65% of all colleges, and during the past two years its roster of college sports facility upgrade projects reads like a who’s who of college sports: Alabama, Penn State, SMU, Boise State, Marshall, Arkansas, Louisville, Rutgers, West Virginia, Oregon State, South Carolina, and Cal Berkeley.Jerry Cifarelli Jr.:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-cifarelli/Chapters00:00 Introduction to ANC and Its History02:49 The Evolution of Signage in Sports05:52 ANC's Role in Venue Technology09:08 The Importance of People in the Business12:00 Recognition and Awards in the Industry14:38 Case Studies: Enhancing Fan Experience17:49 Monetizing Sports Venues20:48 The Future of Sports Venues and Technology23:44 The Professionalization of College Sports26:56 Mentorship and Leadership in Sports Business29:44 Advice for Aspiring Sports Professionals

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show - College Sports Edition, Wayne Kimmel interviewed the President of the Philadelphia Union, Tim McDermott. McDermott is President of the Philadelphia Union and Union Sports & Entertainment and oversees all club business operations for the Philadelphia Union, Philadelphia Union II, Philadelphia Union Academy, as well as the Union’s campus master plan and development project which includes the Union Power Plant, Subaru Park, and the construction of the WSFS Bank Sportsplex. Since joining the Union in 2016, McDermott’s efforts have been focused on increasing the brand strength, fan base, and revenue opportunities as well as a continued commitment to growing soccer and making a positive impact on the community. Under his oversight, the Union reached many milestones ahead of the 2023 season including the highest partnership revenues and largest season-ticket base all-time, historical highs in television ratings, social engagement and earned media coverage.In 2023, McDermott put further action into his commitment to revitalize the Chester waterfront as construction on the WSFS Bank Sportsplex began, a project that culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony in July 2025. With his vision coming to fruition, the building of the sportsplex lends opportunities for growth in tourism, job creation, and economic impact as well as a safe space for community members to gather. Additionally, working with the greater vision of the club in mind, the sportsplex will further the Union’s overall commitment to youth development and pathway to the pros as it brought all the Union’s teams to one campus.Tim McDermott:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmcdermott2/X: https://x.com/TimMcDermott6Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmcdermott6/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tim McDermott and Philadelphia Union01:30 Youth Development and Academy Success06:39 The Unique Position of MLS in Youth Sports11:12 Preparing for the World Cup 202614:57 Business Opportunities and Challenges Ahead19:19 Vision for the Future of MLS20:16 Innovations in Technology and Fan Experience23:41 Managing Operations and Growth31:36 Impact of Media Rights on Fan Engagement

On the final episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show - College Sports Edition, Wayne Kimmel and Co-Host Ken Shropshire interviewed College Football Analyst & Broadcaster, Adam Breneman. Breneman is a co-founder of Mercury: The College Sports Co., a venture-backed sports media company that is changing the way fans interact with their favorite teams and players. Breneman is also a college football analyst and broadcaster for ESPN, Big Ten Network and CBS.He hosts the Next Up Podcast with Adam Breneman, where he interviews prominent figures and experts on topics related to college football. He also founded the Blue Chip Journal, a weekly newsletter with over 15,000 subscribers that delivers his opinion and news on all things college football, NIL, and recruiting. He is a recognized leader and authority on NIL in national media.During his playing career, Breneman was a 5-star recruit and the No. 1 ranked tight end in the nation. He began his college career at Penn State where he earned Freshman All- American honors and still holds the record for longest touchdown by a tight end in PSU history. After facing injuries, Breneman transferred to UMass, where he became a 2x All-American, led the nation in receptions by a tight end, and a 2x John Mackey Award Semi-finalist. From 2020-2021, Breneman was the tight ends coach at Arizona State University under the legendary coach and media personality Herm Edwards.While at ASU, Breneman was regarded as one of the best recruiters in college football, and was named to 247Sports.com’s 30 Under 30 list. He was the youngest position coach in Power 5 football.Adam Breneman:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adambreneman/X: https://x.com/AdamBreneman81Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adambreneman/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adambreneman81Chapters00:00 The Evolution of College Sports02:58 Navigating NIL and the Transfer Portal06:03 Coaching Challenges in the New Landscape08:58 The Role of Transparency in College Athletics11:40 Insights from Head Coaches14:58 The Impact of NIL on Team Dynamics17:48 Broadcasting in the Age of NIL and Sports Betting20:39 The Changing Landscape of College Athletics23:41 The Reality of Student-Athlete Life26:34 Building a Support Team for Young Athletes29:49 The Need for Leadership in College Sports

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show - College Sports Edition, Wayne Kimmel and Co-Host Ken Shropshire interviewed Professional and Collegiate Sports Executive, Oliver Luck.As President of Palmetto Trust Company, LLC and Chairman of Altius Sports Partners, Luck provides leadership experience spanning collegiate and professional athletics. His roles have included Commissioner of the XFL, Executive Vice President for Regulatory Affairs and Strategic Partnerships of the NCAA, and Athletic Director of West Virginia University.Additionally, Luck has been in leadership roles with the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer and the National Football League and was Chief Executive Officer of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, where he oversaw the financing, construction and management of professional sports and entertainment infrastructure in Houston, including Minute Maid Park, Reliant Stadium and Toyota Center.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Oliver Luck02:16 The Evolution of College Sports and NIL07:21 Unionization and Collective Bargaining in College Sports12:26 The Importance of Education and Financial Literacy20:15 Title IX and Gender Equality in Sports25:47 Maximizing Revenue for Olympic Sports30:29 The Future of College Sports Management32:12 Looking Ahead: The Future of College Athletics

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show - College Sports Edition, Wayne Kimmel and Co-Host Ken Shropshire interviewed the Co-Founder & CEO of Opendorse, Blake Lawrence. Lawrence explores the rapid evolution of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college sports—covering the impact of recent executive orders, the financial literacy young athletes need, and the shifting dynamics of athlete compensation. He offers insights into the challenges and opportunities NIL presents, the implications of the transfer portal, and introduces his book, NIL 101: The House Settlement, which demystifies the complexities of NIL for athletes and industry stakeholders.After a promising career as a University of Nebraska linebacker was cut short by injury, Lawrence pivoted to business—earning his marketing degree in 2009 and MBA in 2011. In 2010, while completing his MBA, he co-founded Hurrdat, a fast-growing social media agency later acquired in 2014. Building on that success, Lawrence and former teammate Adi Kunalic launched Opendorse in 2012. What began as a simple tool to help one friend manage endorsement deals quickly grew into the leading platform connecting athletes, brands, and sports organizations.Under Lawrence’s leadership, Opendorse has partnered with major sports associations including the NFLPA, MLBPA, PGA Tour, NHLPA, and Team USA. Today, the platform serves more than 100,000 athletes, 3,000 brands, and thousands of organizations—backed by $40 million in venture capital and patent-pending technology that quantifies athlete endorsement value.Known for blending lessons from the locker room with entrepreneurial grit, Lawrence champions values like teamwork, accountability, competitiveness, and relentless work ethic. Beyond running Opendorse, he is a sought-after speaker and media voice, appearing on ESPN’s Outside the Lines, SportsCenter, Today Show, Bloomberg QuickTake, and more.Blake Lawrence: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakealawrence/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blake_lawrence/X: https://x.com/Blake_LawrenceNIL 101: The House Settlement: https://blakelawrence.gumroad.com/l/NIL101TheHouseSettlement?utm_campaign=house-posts&utm_medium=social&utm_source=xChapters00:00 Introduction to Blake Lawrence and Opendorse02:51 The Evolution of NIL and Opendorse' Role08:29 The Impact of NIL on Young Athletes12:07 Financial Literacy and Support for Athletes16:31 Compensation Disparities and Locker Room Dynamics21:14 The Transfer Portal and Its Implications24:40 The Future of College Sports and Market Forces26:43 The Role of the College Sports Commission37:19 Blake's Book: NIL 101, The House Settlement41:02 Looking Ahead: The Future of College Football and Basketball

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show - College Sports Edition, Wayne Kimmel and Co-Host Ken Shropshire interviewed Sports Agent and Founder of SANIL and AthleticDirectorU, Jason Belzer. Belzer discusses the transformative changes in college athletics, particularly focusing on the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rights, the evolving role of athletic directors, and the influence of private equity in the sports ecosystem. He emphasizes the need for transparency and education for young athletes navigating this new landscape, as well as the potential for collective bargaining to reshape the industry. Belzer also highlights the importance of community and unity in college sports, as institutions adapt to the rapidly changing environment.Belzer, Esq. is co-founder and CEO of Student Athlete NIL (SANIL), an agency of record that specializes in assisting brands, universities and student-athletes navigate the new era of name, image and likeness. SANIL manages more than 45 NIL collectives at universities across the country and hosts the annual NIL Summit at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.Belzer is also founder and President of GAME, Inc., an agency that specializes in the career management and marketing of coaches and the creation of collegiate sporting events. The firm represents more than 30 head Division I men’s and women’s basketball coaches and has negotiated more than $100 million in contracts to date.He is also co-founder of AthleticDirectorU, a transformative digital media and professional development platform for college athletic administrators and coaches. ADU is the No. 1 read original content publication in the college sports industry.Belzer graduated from Rutgers University, earning degrees in Sport Management and Political Science. He went on to receive his MBA from the University of Illinois and a JD from Rutgers University School of Law and is a licensed attorney in New York and New Jersey.Ken Shropshire:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-shropshire-wharton/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennethshropshire/Jason Belzer:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbelzer/X: https://x.com/JasonBelzerChapters:00:00 The Evolution of College Athletics09:19 Navigating NIL and Athlete Representation17:50 The Impact of Direct Payments on College Sports24:26 The Future of Private Equity in College Sports32:10 The Role of Athletic Directors in Modern Sports

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed the CEO of DON'T QUIT Sports Nutrition, Mark French. French has created, operated and sold multiple businesses in the consumer goods, sports, media and technology industries. As profiled by Forbes, French is recognized as one of the most successful business disruptors.Previous ventures include MISSION®, The Players’ Tribune®, Healthy Together®, as well as entrepreneurial leadership roles with NBC Universal® (Founder of NBC Everywhere). French is the Founder of NLP Ventures, an investor and hands-on operational partner for portfolio companies in the Consumer Goods, Sports, Entertainment, and Technology sectors.Leading consumer PE Firm L Catterton tapped French to join them on the Board of Directors for their portfolio company X2 Performance (a clean, healthy sports energy brand) and take over the CEO role in effort to scale the business. Under French’s leadership X2 partnered with Kawhi Leonard, Saquon Barkley and other elite athletes to grow the brands offering and distribution with large retailers including CVS, Subway, AMPM, GNC, etc. Mark recently led the strategic merger of X2 with Keurig Dr Pepper’s sports protein brand DON’T QUIT. Under French’s leadership DON’T QUIT now features clean / healthy sports beverages for all use occasions and is backed by Keurig Dr Pepper, LA Libations, Madison Square Garden, L Catterton, Sweetwater Private Equity, etc.Over the course of his entrepreneurial career, French has partnered with legendary co-founding athletes and entertainers including Dwyane Wade, Serena Williams, Derek Jeter, Carmelo Anthony, Reggie Bush, Saquon Barkley, Damar Hamlin, DJ Khaled, Kendall Toole and others. Premiere institutional investors including L Catterton, Madison Square Garden, Live Nation, Endeavor, Roc Nation, Nelson Peltz, etc have backed French and his disruptive ventures.As a philanthropist, French received the Lowell B. Mason Award for his commitment and mentorship to at-risk inner-city youth. He was one of 150 delegates selected by Pope Francis for the Global “Sport at the Service of Humanity” Council. French is an alum of Ithaca College, actively involved in the Athletic Department's Advisory Council. He graduated from Harvard’s Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports Executive Program.French’s inspiring entrepreneurial story has been featured on CNBC, Forbes, ESPN, Fox Business News, and more. French is often asked to share his entrepreneurial story and teach best practices with corporate giants such as GE, The NFL and more.Mark French:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-french-/

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed the Assistant AD for Sports Medicine at Villanova University & Former Trainer for the Philadelphia 76ers, Lenny Currier.Currier, who came to Villanova in 2003, serves as an Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Medicine. In this position, he is responsible for oversight of the Athletic Training staff that serves Villanova's 24 varsity sports. He was elevated to his current position in 2019 after serving as the Director of Sports Medicine from 2003-19. Currier also serves as the athletic trainer for the Villanova Men's Lacrosse team. Prior to coming to Villanova in 2003, Currier spent 14 years as an athletic trainer with two National Basketball Association franchises. From 1997-2003, he served as Head Athletic Trainer for the Philadelphia 76ers. He also served as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Orlando Magic from 1989-97. During his time in professional basketball, he twice served as an athletic trainer for the East at the NBA All-Star Game (1992 and 2002). In addition, Currier spent two summers as an athletic trainer with USA Basketball (1998-99) as pre-qualification for the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. From 1985-88 he served as an athletic trainer in Albuquerque, N.M. with the Triple A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Currier is a native of Newburyport, Mass., who received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University and a Master of Science degree from the University of Arizona. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force who served a tour of duty in Vietnam. He makes his home in Philadelphia with his wife Lori and twin children, Brendan and Olivia.