Episode 7 - Host Matt Farrell talks with Michael Manglardi, Vice President of Operations at Diadem Sports and they discuss the growth of pickleball. Diadem Sports is a performance sports equipment company specializing in tennis and pickleball. Manglardi explains how Diadem got into the pickleball business and how innovation differentiates them in a crowded market. He also discusses the challenges of managing the rapid growth of the sport, particularly in terms of inventory, cash flow and team expansion. Manglardi highlights the accessibility and inclusivity of pickleball, attracting a wide range of players, including younger lifestyle players. He also discusses the global growth of pickleball, particularly in Canada, Europe and Japan. Manglardi shares advice for those interested in working in the pickleball industry and encourages everyone to give pickleball a try.

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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:52 About Diadem Sports
04:31 How Diadem Differentiates
08:36 Handing Unpredictability
09:27 Challenges of Managing Rapid Growth
11:46 Global Expansion of Pickleball
14:50 Welcoming Culture of Pickleball
15:55 Challenges and Unintended Consequences of Growth
19:30 Global Growth of Pickleball
21:21 Japan as a Global Influencer
22:35 Michael Manglardi Career Path
24:52 Advice for Getting in Pickleball Industry
27:18 The Accessibility and Inclusivity of Pickleball
28:32 Go Play and Try the Sport!
29:42 Snazzy out

Takeaways
- Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States, attracting a diverse range of players.
- Diadem Sports differentiates itself in the crowded pickleball market through innovation and unique product offerings.
- Managing the rapid growth of pickleball presents challenges in terms of inventory, cash flow, and team expansion.
- Pickleball is experiencing significant growth internationally, particularly in Canada, Europe, and Japan.
- Opportunities in the pickleball industry include facility development, marketing, and sales.
- Pickleball is an accessible and inclusive sport that brings people together and promotes a healthy lifestyle.

Intro Song: All World
Artist: JMPSCR

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Episode 6 - Host Matt Farrell talks with Jason Gewritz, the managing editor of Sports Travel Magazine and VP of the Sports Division at Northstar Meetings Group, who provides an overview of the sports travel industry. He discusses the role of Sports Travel Magazine in connecting sports event organizers with cities and venues that want to host events. Gewirtz also highlights the findings of a study commissioned by Sports ETA, which revealed that sports-related travel is a $52 billion industry. He emphasizes the significant economic impact of amateur sports and collegiate championships on travel, hotel stays, and local economies. The conversation also touches on the growth of esports, the impact of pickleball and cricket on sports-related travel, and the upcoming international sports events in the United States.

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00:00 Introduction and Overview of Sports Travel Magazine
01:10 About SportsTravel Magazine
03:48 Sports ETA Economic Impact Study
04:07 The Economic Impact of Amateur Sports and Collegiate Championships
06:01 $52 Billionn Industry
10:04 Is Youth Sports Recession Proof?
14:19 The Growing Industry of Esports
19:06 Sports Title in eSports
22:10 Pickleball Economic Impact
25:43 And Now for Something Completely Different
25:56 The Emergence of Cricket in the United States
28:48 Upcoming International Sports Events in the United States
31:34 Jason's Career Start in Journalism
32:42 Podcast Intro.MP4
32:44 Meeting the Weirdest Famous People

Takeaways

- Sports Travel Magazine connects sports event organizers with cities and venues for hosting events.
- Amateur sports and collegiate championships have a significant economic impact on travel and local economies.
- Esports is a growing industry with live events and competitions.
- Pickleball is experiencing rapid growth and may lead to the development of dedicated venues.
- Cricket is emerging in the United States, with the sport being included in the Olympics and hosting international events.
- The United States will host several major international sports events in the coming years, creating opportunities for sports-related travel.

Intro Song: All World
Artist: JMPSCR

7FDVISE1POBJCOMV

Episode 5 - Host Matt Farrell talks with Amy Hornocker, Executive Director of the College World Series at Omaha, including its history in Omaha. The College World Series is the national championship for men's college baseball, and it has been held in Omaha for 75 years. The conversation also touches on the partnership between the organization, the NCAA, and ESPN, plus the economic impact of the event on the city of Omaha, and the internship program offered by the organization. (Originally recorded May 24, so forgive the reference to the recently eliminated Arkansas Razorbacks!).

On the Farrell Sports Business podcast, hear from the unicorns in the sports biz, how they achieved their dreams and the inner workings of the sports business.

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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the College World Series and its History in Omaha
03:48 The Role of the College World Series at Omaha Organization
05:59 The Partnership Between the Organization, NCAA, and ESPN
09:10 The Economic Impact of the College World Series on Omaha
17:03 The Internship Program Offered by the College World Series at Omaha Organization
28:16 Snazzy Out

Takeaways

- The College World Series has been held in Omaha for 75 years.
- The College World Series at Omaha organization is a nonprofit that works alongside the NCAA to host the event.
- The organization has a year-round staff and offers a robust internship program.
- The event has a significant economic impact on the city of Omaha, bringing in $115 million.
- The organization works closely with the NCAA and ESPN to ensure the smooth operation of the event.
- The organization has plans to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the College World Series in 2025.

Intro Song: All World
Artist: JMPSCR