March 27, 2025 | Atlanta, GA
Innovation in Play
Innovation in Play: Rethinking Possibilities in College Athletics
College sports is a multi-billion-dollar industry unlocking financial wins for athletes, institutions, and fans. From unprecedented NIL deals for student-athletes to new-age media agreements and the surging fandom of women’s sports, a new era of competition has emerged.
Athletic programs, players, and institutions are rethinking traditional approaches to stay ahead in a field that’s more competitive –and lucrative– than ever. What does it take to succeed in today’s collegiate sports ecosystem? How are decision-makers navigating governance shifts and adapting to the changes ahead? What innovations are reshaping the game, both in play and preparation?
As athletes take the court for the NCAA March Madness Regional Semi-Finals, join esteemed sports and business leaders for conversations on the trends, strategies, and investments shaping the future of college athletics.
March 27 - Thursday
Innovation in Play: Rethinking Possibilities in College Athletics
3:45 PM ET – Registration & Networking
4:15 PM ET – Welcome Remarks
- Lauren Kiel, Global Head of Community Innovation, Bloomberg Media
4:20 PM ET – Sponsor Opening Remarks
- Nate Dierking, Divisional Director, Invesco
4:25 PM ET – Winning Strategies in the Professional Era of College Sports
College athletics is experiencing a seismic shift, driven by revenue-sharing proposals, lucrative media deals, and technological innovations that are redefining the roles and expectations of athletes and institutions. Trailblazers discuss the strategies, innovations, and investments needed to adapt and succeed in the new era of college sports.
- Blake Lawrence, Co-Founder & President, Collegiate Operations, Opendorse
- Candace Parker, Mother; WNBA & NCAA Champion; President of Adidas Women’s Basketball; Author; Broadcaster; Entrepreneur; Investor
- Jay Williams, ESPN Host; CEO & Co-Founder, Improbable Media
- Moderator: Taylor Rooks, Sports Broadcaster & Journalist, Turner Sports & Amazon
4:55 PM ET – Networking Break
5:10 PM ET – Live Taping of “The Deal with Alex Rodriguez & Jason Kelly”
When sports, business and culture collide, there’s often a deal to be made. Join Alex Rodriguez and Bloomberg correspondent Jason Kelly as they get the inside track from corporate titans, sports champions and game-changing entrepreneurs on investing, strategy, reinvention and the ones that got away.
- J Batt, Vice President & Director of Athletics, Georgia Tech
- Moderator: Jason Kelly, Chief Correspondent, Bloomberg Originals; Co-Host, The Deal
- Moderator: Alex Rodriguez, Chairman & CEO, A-Rod Corp; Co-Host, The Deal
5:40 PM ET – Closing Remarks
5:45 PM ET – Networking Reception Begins
6:45 PM ET – Networking Reception Concludes
Speakers
J Batt
Vice President & Director of Athletics Georgia Tech
Nate Dierking
Divisional Director Invesco
Lauren Kiel
Director Bloomberg Sustainable Business Summits
Jason Kelly
Chief Correspondent, QuickTake Bloomberg
Blake Lawrence
Co-Founder & President, Collegiate Operations Opendorse
Candace Parker
Mother; WNBA & NCAA Champion; President of Adidas Women’s Basketball; Author; Broadcaster; Entrepreneur; Investor
Alex Rodriguez
Chairman & CEO, A-Rod Corp; Co-Host, The Deal
Taylor Rooks
Sports Broadcaster & Journalist Turner Sports & Amazon
Jay Williams
Entrepreneur, ESPN Analyst Former NBA PlayerSponsor
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