441: Karen Lorenzo Discusses the Launch of League One Volleyball
Joe and Tom welcome Karen Lorenzo, Chief Legal Officer and Head of Business Affairs at League One Volleyball (LOVB), to discuss how the startup league executed a successful and strategic launch in its inaugural season. Karen shares how LOVB built a vertically integrated model from youth clubs to pro teams, secured $160 million in funding, and prioritized athlete experience and long-term sustainability from day one. She also reflects on her unique journey from entertainment law to the sports industry.The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Karthik Iyer (@bykarthikiyer), Freddie Walker (@freddiewalks), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Pragna Prasanna, Breah Banks, and Lissa Ruiz. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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440: Samuel Hymes on sports diplomacy
Joe and Tom are joined this week by Samuel Hymes. Samuel is a dual Fellow, at Harvard University and the Economic Club of New York. He takes us into the world of sports diplomacy, which brings institutions and representatives together with people and communities by using the unifying power of sport. Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelhymes/ The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Karthik Iyer (@bykarthikiyer), Freddie Walker (@freddiewalks), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Pragna Prasanna, Breah Banks, and Lissa Ruiz. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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439: Dee Kundra on FC Bayern Munich’s US Strategy & Club World Cup 2025
Joe and Tom are joined by Dee Kundra, Managing Director of the Americas for FC Bayern Munich, one of the most storied and successful clubs in global football. Dee shares her career journey from studying fashion in London to breaking into sports with the New York Cosmos, Liverpool FC, and helping Bayern Munich establish its North American presence. She talks about how the club grew its fan base in the U.S. from just 8 official supporter groups to over 100, the strategic thinking behind Bayern’s U.S. office, and the challenges and opportunities tied to the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in 2025. Dee also discusses how the club builds relationships on the ground, activates its global brand locally, and navigates the evolving social media landscape.The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Karthik Iyer (@bykarthikiyer), Freddie Walker (@freddiewalks), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Pragna Prasanna, Breah Banks, and Lissa Ruiz. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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438: Maher Labban on the business of sports awards
Joe Favorito is joined by Maher Labban, the director of Clio Sports. A New York-native, Maher has spent over 20 years in the sports industry. He takes us through his journey from teams to leagues, major and minor. Maher also details the inner-workings of the sports awards industry and the value it provides to all stakeholders. Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-maher-labban/ Read more: https://clios.com/sports/ The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Karthik Iyer (@bykarthikiyer), Freddie Walker (@freddiewalks), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Pragna Prasanna, Breah Banks, and Lissa Ruiz. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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437: Alex Kopilow on Content Strategy and the Mets’ Digital Evolution
In this episode, hosts Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson sit down at Mets House in Union Square with Alex Kopilow, Director of Media Partnerships for the New York Mets. Alex shares his journey from sports anchor to brand strategist, and now, team-side innovator. They discuss how the Mets are rethinking sponsored content, creating meaningful fan connections, and leveraging digital platforms like YouTube for long-form storytelling. Plus, hear how “The Pursuit” documentary on Juan Soto’s acquisition came to life, and why integration, not interruption, is the future of sports media partnerships.The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Karthik Iyer (@bykarthikiyer), Freddie Walker (@freddiewalks), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Pragna Prasanna, Breah Banks, and Lissa Ruiz.Subscribe to Alex’s Newsletter here - https://sponconsports.beehiiv.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
Home of the Columbia University Sports Management Podcast ('The CUSP Show'), faculty members Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson host thought leaders from across the sports industry as they discuss a wide array of topics. thecuspshow.substack.com
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