In this episode of The Transaction Report , we sit down with Brad Nierenberg — founder and CEO of RedPeg Marketing and a pioneer in experiential brand strategy — to unpack what it really means to create a “direct hit” in marketing. From Bud and Miller promotions on the streets of D.C. to massive global gaming activations, Brad shares how meaningful experiences drive brand loyalty in ways traditional media never could. We explore everything from the evolution of event marketing to the rise of micro-experiences, the limits of VIP hospitality, and how technology like AI is reshaping the fan journey. This one’s a deep dive into authenticity, attention, and why the best marketing moments are the ones we feel.…

The Fan Formula: World-Renowned Social Scientist Dan Ariely on Fans, Brands, and Engagement In this episode of The Transaction Report , we sit down with Dan Ariely — renowned behavioral economist, bestselling author, and professor at Duke University — to explore the psychology behind fandom, value, and why we buy in. From saving habits in the slums of Kenya to emotional loyalty in Yankee Stadium, Dan unpacks the invisible forces that shape human behavior in sports and beyond. We dive into everything from what truly makes someone a “real fan,” to how sponsors can create deeper emotional connections, why memorabilia holds irrational value, and how teams can make effort more visible to drive lasting engagement. This one’s a masterclass in meaning, identity, and the economics of emotion.…

In this episode of The Transaction Report , we sit down with Wayne Kimmel — Managing Partner of SeventySix Capital and one of the most forward-thinking investors in sports tech — to explore the future of the $3 trillion sports industry. From augmented reality broadcasts to NIL's impact on pro endorsements, Wayne shares sharp insights on how technology, media, and athlete monetization are evolving in real time. We dive into everything from AI-powered coaching and personalized fan feeds to youth sports as a growth asset class, the economics of betting overlays, and his bold take on why college athletes should be allowed to play for life.…

In this episode of The Transaction Report , we sit down with Shripal Shah — former Chief Strategy Officer of the Washington Commanders and current Chief Digital Officer at Next League — to unpack the future of sports marketing. From the early days of mobile content to today’s AI-driven personalization, Shripal shares hard-earned insights on building digital fan experiences, optimizing sponsorships, and navigating the evolving world of sports tech. We cover everything from fantasy football and micro-betting to real-time LED activations, AI-powered audience targeting, and how brands should approach economic uncertainty.…

In this episode of The Transaction Report , host Steve Feuerstein sits down with Chris Russo — former head of digital at the NFL, founder of Big Lead Sports, and longtime sports investment banker — for a deep dive into the evolving business of sport. From pioneering digital fan engagement in the early 2000s to advising billion-dollar transactions at Houlihan Lokey, Chris unpacks the lessons learned from the dot-com crash, the rise of fantasy sports, and the realities of monetization in a post-bubble world. They explore why youth sports has become a $38 billion opportunity, how private equity is reshaping the grassroots landscape, and what makes women’s sports the next frontier.…

In this episode of The Transaction Report , host Steve Feuerstein sits down with Josh Whiteside, Chief Marketing Officer of the South Carolina Education Lottery, to break down the business behind one of the most efficient sponsorship operations in the public sector. From stretching a $12 million marketing budget across college athletics to funding over $8 billion in scholarships, Josh reveals how purpose-driven storytelling and strategic partnerships power the lottery’s success. They dive into the unique challenges of being a cash-only state, the balance between brand visibility and fiscal responsibility, and how sports sponsorships are leveraged not to sell tickets — but to build trust, community impact, and lasting ROI.…

In this episode of The Transaction Report , CEO of SportsBiz and host Steve Feuerstein sits down with Uli Becker, former President of Reebok and Global CMO of Adidas, to unpack the strategy behind some of the most iconic sponsorship campaigns in sports marketing history. From orchestrating Adidas’ landmark 2006 FIFA World Cup activation to pioneering co-branded partnerships with global giants like McDonald’s, Uli shares the real business calculus behind world-stage campaigns. They explore how storytelling turns sponsorship into brand equity, the art of athlete alignment, and why brands that think outside the box win inside the market.…

In this episode of The Transaction Report , CEO of SportsBiz and host Steve Feuerstein sits down with Derek Sharrer, President of the St. Paul Saints, to explore the business behind one of Minor League Baseball’s most iconic franchises. From the Saints’ fan-first philosophy to their seamless transition into Triple-A, Derek shares how authenticity, creativity, and community have shaped the team's brand and long-term success. They dive into the evolving role of minor league teams, building a strong local identity, and how entertainment drives engagement.…

In this episode of The Transaction Report , CEO of SportsBiz and host Steve Feuerstein sits down with Meka White Morris, Chief Business Officer of the Chicago Bears, to discuss the evolving business of the NFL. From the shifting economics of stadium development to the power of brand partnerships, they explore how teams are adapting to a rapidly changing sports landscape. Meka shares insights on fan engagement, revenue innovation, and the strategic moves shaping the future of the league. Plus, they dive into the NFL’s business model, the role of hospitality in sports, and what’s next for franchises looking to stay ahead.…

In this episode of The Transaction Report , CEO of SportsBiz and show host Steve Feuerstein sits down with sports marketing expert and Revolution EVP Larry Mann to explore the business forces shaping today’s sports landscape. From the financial impact of championship wins to the evolution of sponsorships, streaming, and NIL deals, they dive into the strategies that drive revenue and influence the industry. Plus, they discuss the rise of new leagues, the challenges of athlete endorsement oversaturation, and what’s next for the business of sports.…

In this episode of The Transaction Report , CEO of SportsBiz and show host Steve Feuerstein sits down with Daragh Persse, founder of The Brand Fans, to explore the evolving landscape of sports sponsorships and fan engagement. From the shifting expectations of modern audiences to the true metrics that define ROI, they discuss how brands can move beyond logo placement to create meaningful, lasting connections with fans—and what that means for the future of sponsorship strategy in sports and entertainment.…

In this episode of The Transaction Report , CEO of SportsBiz and show host Steve Feuerstein sits down with Columbia Business School professor and Mindmasters author Sandra Matz to explore the evolving power of data, AI, and influence. From the dangers of deepfakes to the shaping of sports fandom psychology, they discuss how algorithms shape our reality—and what that means for the future of business, politics, and sports.…

In this episode of The Transaction Report , host Steve Feuerstein and Duke professor Ed Tiryakian explore the massive changes reshaping college sports. From the $1.5 billion NIL boom to private equity’s growing influence, they discuss what these shifts mean for athletes, universities, and the future of the NCAA. They also dive into how AI is transforming sponsorship valuation and why fan loyalty is evolving. Is college sports becoming the next pro league?…

In this episode of The Transaction Report , sports marketing and media expert Steve Feuerstein is joined by two industry veterans Tom Carroll, former CEO of advertising giant TBWA/Chiat/Day and Michael Robichaud, Mastercard’s former head of global sponsorship, to dive into the high-stakes world of Super Bowl advertising and sponsorship. They discuss the decision-making process behind major brand investments, the effectiveness of Super Bowl ads, and whether sponsorships truly deliver ROI.…

In this week's episode of The Transaction Report , CEO of SportsBiz and show host Steve Feuerstein welcomes Louise Johnson, Global CEO of Fuse Sports, a leading agency in sports sponsorship and marketing. Louise shares her insights on the evolving landscape of sports marketing, from the rise of women’s sports to the integration of AI in sponsorship strategies.…