Sports Business Journal

Betsy Riley, a 2024 SBJ Game Changer, is returning to NBC Sports as SVP and coordinating producer for NBC Olympics. Riley joins from Prime Video, where she played a key role in launching Thursday Night Football, producing the first Black Friday game, and leading NWSL coverage. With nine Olympic Games under her belt—spanning her time at NBC Olympics and as a freelancer—she brings a wealth of experience to the role. More from Mollie Cahillane —https://ow.ly/zQJl50VrTEb

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp set sail on a unique ballpark experience 🦐 When the team’s owner, Ken Babby, heard the idea of shrimp boats as seating areas, he didn’t hesitate: “We should do shrimp boats.” And just like that, Jacksonville’s VyStar Ballpark is launching a one-of-a-kind fan experience. As part of a $31.5M renovation, three shrimp boat party decks now sit beyond right-center field, giving fans a new way to watch the Marlins’ Triple-A affiliate. Via Bret McCormick — https://ow.ly/48eC50Vry2z

Lee Zeidman, the only man to ever run Crypto.com Arena and LA Live, is stepping down once the Lakers and Kings’ postseason runs conclude. Hired as the first employee in 1997, Zeidman has worked 6,500 events over his 40-plus-year career, including NBA Finals, Stanley Cups, All-Star weekends, and the high-profile funerals of Michael Jackson and Kobe Bryant. A search is already underway to fill part of Zeidman’s responsibilities, with Elevate Talent leading the process for a new General Manager. Bret McCormick has more details ⬇️ https://ow.ly/YiMW50VrPuz

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has a plan to help his community rebuild, starting with the Palisades Recreation Center 💛 Through his foundation, LA Strong Sports, he aims to raise $50M for public facilities and youth sports across Southern California. With $10M already pledged, Redick is working with local officials to ensure the project’s success. (via The Washington Post) https://ow.ly/HiJo50VrIVP

After 20 years at Octagon, baseball agent Lou Nero has been named co-managing director of Octagon Baseball ⚾ With his father, Alan Nero, he will lead the firm’s global operations including player representation, strategic initiatives and business development. Under their leadership, Octagon Baseball has managed some of the biggest contracts in baseball, including: 🔹Shota Imanaga's $53 million deal 🔹Julio Rodriguez’s $209.3 million extension 🔹Bobby Witt Jr.’s $288.8 million contract extension https://ow.ly/PHtn50VrIrb

In this week’s #SBJ 📰 🏎️ 𝗡𝗔𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘂𝗽: Steve Phelps becomes NASCAR’s first commissioner, with Steve O’Donnell stepping up as president. 🏆 𝗦𝗕𝗝 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝟰𝟬: The Class of 2025 is here! Plus, three industry leaders join the Hall of Fame. The gala takes place Nov. 21 in NYC. 🧑💻 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗕𝗔 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘀: OneCourt’s innovation is transforming the game for fans with low vision. 🏀 𝗡𝗜𝗟 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: College stars are cashing in on the tourney’s biggest moments. ⛳ 𝗟𝘂𝘅𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮: Berckmans Place at Augusta National offers high-end dining and hospitality for executives. https://ow.ly/LjPe50Vrw32

Today, 170 of the New York Jets’ 250 employees must decide whether to accept a buyout offer, providing senior staff with over 18 months of salary and benefits 💼 This move follows a comprehensive study on the team’s growth priorities and is aimed at aligning employees’ long-term goals with the franchise’s future direction. Buyout packages vary based on tenure, with the most senior employees offered 80 weeks of pay. Read more ⬇️ https://ow.ly/gQN250VruPm

The NFL has hired Ted Ullyot as its next general counsel, succeeding longtime league executive Jeff Pash 🏈 Ullyot brings extensive legal and leadership experience, having served as Facebook’s General Counsel (2008-2013)—helping guide the company through its IPO—as well as in the George W. Bush White House and DOJ. Most recently, Ullyot co-founded Torridon Law with former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr. His appointment was announced at the NFL Annual Meeting in Florida. Read more ⬇️ https://ow.ly/Njqz50VrzTc

🏆 𝗦𝗕𝗝’𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝟰𝟬 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 🏆 Presented by Ally, Anheuser-Busch, TurnkeyZRG and Verizon, this year’s class celebrates the top young executives shaping the future of sports business. The Class of 2025 will be recognized at the annual gala on Nov. 21 at Pier Sixty in NYC. Read more about this year's class — https://ow.ly/w4oq50Vruke

Ahead of the Masters starting next week, Sports Business Journal got an exclusive look inside Berckmans Place, Augusta National's premier hospitality offering. We have details on the Berckmans' five dining options, as well as previously unpublished photos from inside the venue: https://lnkd.in/eTpT4rMT