For sports business leaders, operators, and founders tracking where sports and technology intersect. Every Tuesday: what's shifting across the industry - and why it matters before it's obvious.
Ready to share what I've been building
|
A while back, I mentioned I was working on something new. It took longer than expected, but it's finally ready to share. Here's where it landed. Beyond the Whistle is now a podcast and newsletter covering the intersection of sports business, technology, and analytics — and how they're shaping the future of sports. This is for the people making those decisions, not just watching from the sidelines. Starting next week, you'll get a short email every Tuesday morning: one sharp take on something happening in the industry, a handful of stories worth your attention, and a link to the latest podcast episode. Before that kicks off, I have one ask: hit reply and tell me what's on your radar right now — a trend you're watching, a decision your org is wrestling with, a question you wish someone in this space would actually answer. I read every reply, and it will shape what I cover. If this isn't for you anymore, no hard feelings — there's an unsubscribe link below and I won't take it personally. If this is for you — you're in the right place. Beyond the Whistle is where sports business leaders learn what's next. Glad to have you here for it. Odell |
Beyond The Whistle
For sports business leaders, operators, and founders tracking where sports and technology intersect. Every Tuesday: what's shifting across the industry - and why it matters before it's obvious.
Issue 7 Opening Take Texas Sen. Ted Cruz walked onto the ESPN College GameDay set this past weekend to lobby for the Protect College Sports Act - and got booed by the crowd. The optics were easy to laugh at, but the underlying question ESPN suddenly had to answer was a real one: when does a sports media platform become a political platform, and who decides where that line is?The PCSA itself is worth understanding regardless of where you land on it. At its core, the bill would give schools...
Apologies for getting this issue out a day late. Issue 6 Opening Take Last week Stan Kroenke agreed to buy the Los Angeles Angels for $4 billion. This is more than another sports team sale story. Kroenke doesn't buy sports teams. He builds ecosystems - and the franchise is almost always the least interesting part of the deal. As of early 2026, he owns approximately 2.7 million acres of land across the United States - more than any other private individual in the country. More land than...
Issue 5 Opening Take This week officially kicks off the 2026 college football season. When Penn State takes the field in their season opener against Marshall, the game will be the first big event for Penn State Rewards. As I mentioned last issue, Penn State Rewards is a loyalty program where fans earn points for attending games, spending at partner locations like Dunkin' and Jersey Mike's, or at Penn State athletic facilities. The technology is powered by Uptop - a card linked rewards...