Épisodes

  • SBC Connections That Last | Nate Verstagen & Brandon Mitchell (EP.125)

    SBC Connections That Last | Nate Verstagen & Brandon Mitchell (EP.125)
    Jan 16 2026
    SBC Audio Experience is back with a brand new episode of our “SBC Alumni Takeover Series," with new host Jazmine Thomas! In today’s episode, she sits down with Nate Verstagen and Brandon Mitchell on how their SBC experience propelled them into their careers. In this episode, Jazmine sits down with Nate Verstegen and Brandon Mitchell to explore how their time at Sports Business Classroom helped launch their careers and, more importantly, how a shared classroom experience evolved into a trusted friendship and professional support system.

    In this episode, they dive into:
    • How two Sports Business Classroom alumni turned a classroom friendship into lasting professional success
    • The importance of networking with intention and nurturing genuine relationships
    • The role trust, honesty, and shared ambition play in long-term career growth
    • Lifting your peers up as you climb, and why community is essential in the sports business
    What began as casual conversations and office hours quickly grew into a relationship built on authenticity, ambition, and mutual accountability, reinforcing the idea that SBC is about more than a single networking moment.
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    1 h et 1 min
  • Inside the Making of 20 Years of Summer League | Scott, Gilmer & Denis Reflect on the Journey (EP. 124)

    Inside the Making of 20 Years of Summer League | Scott, Gilmer & Denis Reflect on the Journey (EP. 124)
    May 2 2025
    In this episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience, alumni host Alex Cocoros sits down with Jonathan Scott, Michaela Gilmer, and Peter Denis, the creative team behind 20 Years of Summer League, a powerful documentary that celebrates the two-decade evolution of NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
    Jonathan Scott, a veteran coordinating producer with credits across the NBA, WNBA, NFL, PGA, and NASCAR, discusses how his diverse background shaped the documentary’s big-picture vision. Michaela Gilmer, a producer known for her work with the NBA, WNBA, and Unrivaled, shares what it’s like to bring high-energy storytelling to life behind the scenes. And Peter Denis, editor of The Inside Story, Shaq & Kobe, and NASCAR on TNT, reveals how he crafts emotionally resonant sports narratives that elevate the stories of athletes and events.

    In this episode, they dive into:
    • The creative process behind capturing 20 years of NBA Summer League evolution
    • What made the Summer League Film Festival premiere a career-defining moment
    • Why strong relationships and multi-sport experience fuel great storytelling
    • Tips for breaking into the sports media industry and building a lasting career

    20 Years of Summer League is more than a documentary, it’s a tribute to the players, fans, and visionaries who turned a summer experiment into a global basketball institution. Tune in and be sure to check out their documentary on NBA TV!
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    38 min
  • Gotham Chopra | Co-founder of Religion of Sports | Acclaimed Filmmaker and Storyteller (EP.123)

    Gotham Chopra | Co-founder of Religion of Sports | Acclaimed Filmmaker and Storyteller (EP.123)
    Apr 24 2025
    In this episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience, VSL alum Alex Cocoros sits down with Gotham Chopra, Emmy-nominated filmmaker and creative force behind Man in the Arena with Serena Williams. Growing up immersed in Boston sports and inspired by his father’s work as a writer, Gotham has always seen sports as a gateway to something bigger—human stories of greatness, struggle, and purpose. Over the years, he’s become a trusted voice in athlete-driven storytelling, capturing the lives of figures like Tom Brady, Conor McGregor, and LeBron James. In this conversation, Gotham opens up about what it takes to earn an athlete’s trust, how the storytelling process has evolved in the streaming era, and why mental health and vulnerability are becoming central themes in today’s sports documentaries.

    In this episode, they dive into:
    • How to earn trust with top athletes and turn that into authentic storytelling
    • Why great characters (and their complications) are the heart of any documentary
    • How mental health and player empowerment are reshaping the documentary space
    • His next project with Tom Brady in London, documenting the rebuild of a soccer team
    Gotham shares how working closely with athletes requires more than just access; it demands empathy, communication, and a shared willingness to explore the human side of greatness. Whether he’s filming in London with Tom Brady or navigating creative dynamics with Bon Jovi, Gotham emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with dependable collaborators and staying aligned through a shared vision. For aspiring storytellers and sports professionals alike, this episode offers an inside look at the craft of impactful storytelling—and a reminder that the best stories aren’t just about sports, but about what it means to push beyond limits.
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    35 min
  • Tommy Sheppard | Executive Leadership Coach & Former Washington Wizards President | Lead with Purpose (EP.122)

    Tommy Sheppard | Executive Leadership Coach & Former Washington Wizards President | Lead with Purpose (EP.122)
    Apr 17 2025
    Today’s episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is hosted by Head of Marketing at NBA Summer League, Sergio Millas, who sits down with former Wizards President and executive leadership coach to discuss what makes a great leader. With decades of experience across the NBA, Tommy shares his journey from PR and Communications to becoming President and GM of an NBA franchise, highlighting the importance of humility, hustle, and human connection.
    In this episode, they discuss:
    • Why going the extra mile is a mindset, not a task
    • How leadership is about listening, not just directing
    • The daily habits and mental health practices that keep him grounded
    • Why embracing the journey matters more than instant gratification

    As Tommy shares the key moments that shaped his career trajectory, he offers a blueprint for sustained growth and purpose-driven leadership, whether you're already leading a team or aspiring to break into the basketball industry. He reflects on his work with SBC students and the next generation of basketball leaders, emphasizing the value of strong foundations and the role of coaching in helping professionals navigate change. Through it all, Tommy reinforces a powerful message: true development comes from embracing the journey, not rushing toward instant gratification.
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    42 min
  • Hoops of Heritage | Kaylee Smith & Peter Pan | Filmmaking & Summer League Film Festival Insights (EP.121)

    Hoops of Heritage | Kaylee Smith & Peter Pan | Filmmaking & Summer League Film Festival Insights (EP.121)
    Mar 31 2025
    Today’s episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is hosted by VSL alumni Alex Cocoros, who sits down with filmmakers Peter Pan and Kaylee Smith to discuss their documentary, Hoops of Heritage. Kaylee, a VSL alumni, and Peter, who will be working with Vegas Summer League (VSL) this year alongside participating in the Summer League Film Festival (SLFF), reflect on the past few months of filming and what this experience has meant to them.
    In the episode, they discuss:
    • The unforgettable basketball culture in Serbia and how the atmosphere exceeded expectations.
    • The impact of VSL connections on their filmmaking journey and career growth.
    • What makes the SLFF unique and how filmmakers can improve their chances of selection.
    They also explore the process of bringing Hoops of Heritage to life, sharing personal reflections on the challenges and rewards of capturing such a powerful story. As Hoops of Heritage prepares to premiere in Las Vegas, the excitement builds for thousands of fans to witness their work on the big screen.
    If you’re a filmmaker looking to submit your work or want to learn more about the SLFF experience, be sure to stay connected!

    Follow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
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    18 min
  • Business of Basketball Immersive Q&A | Bobby Marks & Eric Pincus | SBC Webinar Insights (EP.120)

    Business of Basketball Immersive Q&A | Bobby Marks & Eric Pincus | SBC Webinar Insights (EP.120)
    Mar 14 2025
    Today’s episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is from a previously recorded webinar on “Business of Basketball Immersive Experience” hosted by Eric Pincus and Bobby Marks. Throughout the webinar, they discuss the ins and outs of the Immersive Experience in Las Vegas, answer relevant questions from our live Q&A, and more!

    This webinar is an example of what students learn during the SBC Business of Basketball Immersive Experience. If you have any interest in taking part in our next program this upcoming Summer, be sure to join our Early Interest List. Early interest list registrants get the first opportunity to register for a program with limited capacity that will sell out. Sign up for the Business of Basketball Immersive Experience taking place July 13-19, 2025 during the Las Vegas Summer League.
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    1 h et 20 min
  • Gaia Accoto | Sports Reporter & Content Creator at Sky Italia | Covering Basketball on a Global Stage (EP.119)

    Gaia Accoto | Sports Reporter & Content Creator at Sky Italia | Covering Basketball on a Global Stage (EP.119)
    Feb 19 2025
    In this episode of the SBC Audio Experience, host Riley Sager sits down with Gaia Accoto, a sports media professional who has built an impressive career as a reporter & a host. As a World Feed Reporter for EuroLeague and Sky Sport, Gaia has covered major basketball events worldwide, balancing in-depth reporting with the fast-paced demands of live sports coverage.
    • The balance between objective reporting and building trust with players and coaches
    • Her experience at NBA Summer League and working alongside a strong network of women in sports
    • How social media is shaping modern sports journalism and her approach to digital content creation
    • Memorable moments from covering EuroLeague and major international events

    With a passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of the game, Gaia shares insights into the evolving sports media landscape and what’s next for her in 2025. Tune in for a conversation on breaking into the industry, navigating challenges, and making an impact in global basketball coverage.
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    59 min
  • Joe Vardon | Senior NBA Writer at The Athletic | Covering the NBA’s Biggest Stories (EP.118)

    Joe Vardon | Senior NBA Writer at The Athletic | Covering the NBA’s Biggest Stories (EP.118)
    Feb 12 2025
    In this episode of the SBC Audio Experience, host Alex Cocoros sits down with Joe Vardon, a seasoned NBA journalist with over two decades of experience, currently serving as a Senior NBA Writer for The Athletic. Known for his deep storytelling and insightful coverage, Vardon has reported on some of the league’s most compelling narratives, from championship runs to international expansion.

    A native of Ohio, Vardon began his journalism career covering Cleveland sports, including the Browns, Guardians (formerly Indians), and Cavaliers. His time on the Cavs beat placed him at the center of LeBron James’ rise, giving him a unique perspective on the influence of a superstar in a small-market city. His career has since taken him across the globe, and he is currently reporting from Berlin after covering the NBA’s recent international games in Paris.
    During the episode, Joe discusses:
    • His journey from local sports reporting to covering the NBA’s biggest stars
    • The impact of LeBron James on Cleveland and the NBA at large
    • His experience covering the league’s international expansion firsthand
    • The crossover between political journalism and sports coverage

    With a career defined by adaptability, storytelling, and an eye for the game’s biggest moments, Vardon shares valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of basketball media. Tune in for a conversation that dives into the global reach of the NBA and the craft of covering the sport at the highest level.
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    49 min