Know What Is Next

Sports Fans Have Changed. Has Sports? with Alden Mitchell

Next League - Know What is Next Series Episode 71

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0:00 | 47:03

College athletics, media, and technology are all being forced to reinvent themselves at the same time. Alden Mitchell has spent her career navigating exactly those industry shifts at Disney, MTV, Uber, the Pac-12, Stanford Athletics, and now TrailRunner Sports.

In this conversation, Alden shares why college athletics is being forced to operate more like a business, what sports still misunderstands about consumer behavior, and how technology can transform fan engagement. She also explains why strategic communications has become a business function, and why relationships are the most valuable investment you'll make in your career.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • How college athletics is trying to "pro up" and why every athletic department is chasing new revenue
  • What sports can learn from technology companies that start every product decision with the consumer
  • Why Alden thinks sports venues should be designed more like airports than one-size-fits-all stadiums
  • What prediction markets reveal about the future of sports, media, and decision-making
  • Why Alden thinks the "GM model" is the structural fix college sports actually needs

Resources and Links:

Connect with Alden Mitchell on LinkedIn and learn more about TrailRunner Sports on their website.

Learn more about Next League on our website and LinkedIn. We are leading sports organizations into the digital future.

Dave’s book is available now! Get your copy of The Business of Sports Technology: How To Make Smart Decisions That Drive Your Organization Forward.