Columbia University Sports Management

#CUSP Show Drop! Tom and Mike welcome?Michael Dresner, digital media strategy and business development expert and veteran. Michael is the Founder of Forward Media Partners, was COO of CineSport, SVP Media, Sports and Entertainment Marketing at Digitas, and Vice President in various sponsorship and sales roles at the NBA. With Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson capturing millions of eyeballs on stream and socially over the past week, the CUSP crew dissect the current creator economy, where influencers are king and queen, and profit is priority. They also discuss how traditional broadcast media giants are now playing catch-up to OTT platforms. Apple: https://loom.ly/SLaCa6c Spotify: https://loom.ly/s2Dyw4E #YourStory #InaLeagueofOurOwn #sportsbiz

#CUSP Show Drop! ??? Amanda Kraus, CEO of USRowing, details her career journey, and the development of Row New York. She also talks about the progression of Olympic success of rowing from 2020 to 2024, and the successes she is proud of as a CEO, and the vision moving forward. Amanda also talks about the structure of a National Governing Body, and the media partnerships they have developed. She also speaks about the importance of youth and collegiate rowing and the potential concerns of the changing landscape of collegiate sports on rowing. Amanda also talks about evolving technologies used for rowing, and the impact of the LA28 Olympics on US Rowing. Apple: https://loom.ly/iJvLPRg Spotify: https://loom.ly/mHQY8KU #InaLeagueofOurOwn #sportsbiz

Faculty Highlight? William (Bill) D. Squires, Lecturer at Columbia recently started a new position as Chief Venues and Operations Officer for FIFA 2026 Men’s World Cup New York New Jersey Host Committee. In this role, William (Bill) reports directly to the New York and New Jersey Host Committee Officers. William (Bill) will be responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and management of all aspects related to FIFA World Cup 2026 match venues and operations within the New York and New Jersey region. This role works directly with FIFA and on behalf of the New York New Jersey Host Committee to oversee facility and venue preparations, matchday operations, and logistics to ensure a seamless FIFA World Cup 2026 NYNJ experience. #InaLeagueofOurOwn #FIFAWorldCup

Alumni Highlight? Jillian Quinn, SPS '22, was recently recognized in Sports Business Journal's New Voices Under 30 Class of 2024. Jillian's role in sponsorship activation allows her to play a crucial role in the growth and development of the NWSL. Jillian works with 11 of the NWSL brand partners and helps to educate people more about transgender inclusion in sports by being an LGBTQIA+ ally. Jillian explained that she dreamed of working for the NWSL: "I have never felt more fulfilled by my work than I have working in women’s sports. " Read more about Jillian's experience here: https://loom.ly/Z2Longw #YourStory #SportsBiz #InaLeagueofOurOwn #newvoicesunder30

Alumni Highlight? Kiambra (Kiki) Griffin, SPS '19, was recently recognized in Sports Business Journal's New Voices Under 30 Class of 2024. Through her work in WNBA League Operations, Kiki has done an incredible job supporting the players in the league. More specifically, Kiki is responsible for leading and providing support for WNBA social responsibility efforts and the WNBA Social Justice Council focused on Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ communities. Kiki is passionate about women's health, particularly themes that impact women of color and the LGBTQ+ communities. Kiki explains how sports is: "The opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life, united by a shared passion for sports that transcends simply playing the game." Read more about Kiki's experience here: https://loom.ly/ev0HtKA #YourStory #SportsBiz #InaLeagueofOurOwn #newvoicesunder30

#CUSP Show Drop! ??? Marc Riccio, the CEO of USA Lacrosse, discusses his sports career, highlighting his successes and how they led him to his current role. He emphasizes the importance of National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and the development of lacrosse in the United States. Marc also addresses international lacrosse, the business side of the sport, and efforts to get lacrosse included in the Olympics. He reflects on changes in his leadership style, the impact of rule modifications, and the indigenous roots of lacrosse, along with their rich history in the game. Additionally, Marc speaks about the growth of the sport and increased participation levels. Apple: https://loom.ly/0qUx8w8 Spotify: https://loom.ly/BvQJhK8 #InaLeagueofOurOwn #sportsbiz

Alumni Highlight? Ilham Sanjaya, SPS'24, recently started a new position as a Business Strategic Assistant Manager for the Garuda Sepakbola Indonesia (GSI), the commercial wing of the Indonesian Football Federation (soccer). In this role, Ilham will be helping the organization create and improve its strategy to increase the Football Association's brand image and maximize revenue. #YourStory #SportsBiz #InaLeagueofOurOwn #GSI

Alumni Highlight? Andrew Hawkins,SPS'17, recently spoke at the Sports Business Journal Dealmakers Conference. Andrew talked about entrepreneurship and business building. #YourStory #SportsBiz #InaLeagueofOurOwn #sbjdealmakers

Alumni Highlight? Naoya Kanno, SPS '23, recently started a new role of Partnership Sales Executive for Global Partnerships at IG Arena, part of Aichi International Arena Co., Ltd. In this position, Naoya is tasked with conducting research, developing and planning activations, executing these initiatives, and evaluating and reporting on their impact for the naming rights partner, IG Group, as well as other partners. #YourStory #SportsBiz #InaLeagueofOurOwn #IGArena

Alumni Highlight? Daniel Anyaegbunam, SPS ’19, was recognized on the 10 Under 10 list for sports law by Conduct Detrimental: THE Sports Law Intersection. This award highlights ten individuals who have graduated from law school within the last ten years and are making significant contributions to the field of sports law. #YourStory #SportsBiz #InaLeagueofOurOwn #sportslaw