2024 SMIG Outlook: The Volume, Stadium, and Tilemedia

The start of the year brings a few family traditions. My annual reminder that I have not retired in Boca Raton and that the family trip filled with golf, tennis, and sunshine are indeed a vacation and not a lifestyle. Another trip to Vegas for CES to catch up with friends in the industry and have conversations about the latest trends and technologies. And finally, an opportunity to think ahead- the business challenges and opportunities likely to be presented in the new year. 

After leaving Meta in May, I launched Sports Media Innovation Group LLC as a consulting firm. I’m focused on working with companies that are embracing new business models and fan experiences during this moment of disruption in the sports media industry, while assuring that my work is not transactional, but instead a part of building something sustainable. That specifically has brought me to work with Stadium/Bally Live, Tiledmedia, & The Volume. Here are a few highlights and learnings from each: 

Stadium/Bally Live: It’s been a pleasure working with long-time friends Stadium CEO Jason Coyle and COO Adam Anshell. We’re aligned on a vision on how sports media companies can develop an affinity economy, ultimately building community with sports fans by leveraging story-tellers and interactive programming. In August I was brought on as an executive advisor. The company has made some great hires including Sharon Fish. Together, we’ve developed a strong talent/creator strategy, and are now building new programming and partnership concepts that I am very excited about deploying in 2024.

Tiledmedia: Tiledmedia is a video solutions company that supports VR. Leveraging that technology, they developed a best-in-class multi-viewing experience on mobile that puts the power in the hands of the sports fan to choose which camera angle or alternative broadcast to watch. I spent a few weeks with founder Rob Koenen, as we presented to the biggest broadcast partners and leagues in the US. It was clear that the product suited their prioritization of user experience and there are many ongoing conversations.

The Volume : Finally, on a catch-up call with my friend Jamie Horowitz, who is doing some of the most interesting work in sports media, I was introduced to The Volume. Jamie connected me with Logan Swaim who provided more insight to the growing company, sharing its strengths and some of its challenges. We aligned on an opportunity to work together helping grow The Volume’s revenue stream on social platforms and broadening its business beyond programmatic advertising. This provided me an opportunity to get to know Matthew Kline, who brought a strong digital acumen from his days at ESPN. He’s a rising star and I’m excited to work closely with him in the days ahead. 

I’m fortunate to state that the work I’m doing with Stadium, Tiledmedia, and The Volume is the best work you can find… the kind where it aligns so well with your passions that it doesn’t feel like work at all.