SportsTravel Podcast: Insights and Expert Analysis

The SportsTravel Podcast focuses on news, insight, trends and more from some of the top event organizers and destination executives throughout the sports-event industry. With more than 100 episodes over the past three years, the SportsTravel Podcast has become the place to listen to interviews with event organizers of all sizes, destinations ready to host national and international events and many executives within the U.S. Olympic movement.

Dan Hunt on Family Legacy, FC Dallas and the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Posted: April 22, 2025

To say that soccer and enterprise are in Dan Hunt’s blood would be putting it lightly. Son of late American sports icon Lamar Hunt, whose legacy includes founding the American Football League, the Kansas City Chiefs, Major League Soccer and World Championship Tennis, Dan Hunt brought FC Dallas to Frisco, Texas, and made Toyota Stadium a reality. Hunt not only is president of FC Dallas, but he was also chair of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Dallas Bid Committee. In this episode, he discusses the Hunt family legacy, what the World Cup will mean for Dallas and how Frisco has emerged as a sporting destination.

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Pickleball, Flag Football, Wrestling and the Sports on the Rise

Posted: March 13, 2025

For decades, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association has been polling Americans about their participation levels in more than 100 sports and activities. The data, released annually in their Topline Participation Report, breaks those numbers down by individual sports and activities, types of sports like water sports, winter sports or racquet sports, and also by gender, age and income levels. The result is an incredibly comprehensive look at who is playing what and what the barriers might be for others based on their gender, age and income levels among other factors. Their latest report, whose research was led by senior director and head of research Alex Kerman — our guest on this episode — is filled with interesting data.

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Laura Gainor: The Power of Pickleball Marketing

Posted: February 25, 2025

During her time in marketing at USA Pickleball, Laura Gainor witnessed first-hand how the sport was taking off. As a result, brands are looking to get involved with the sport any way they can and event organizers are searching for ways to activate a pickleball experience around their events as well. Gainor launched Pickleball in the Sun as a way to help brands, event organizers and others navigate the fast-evolving world of pickleball. In this conversation, we discuss how those brands look different today, what you should know about including pickleball as a component of your event, where the sport is going and what, if anything, may slow its momentum.

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Travis Murphy: The Need for Sports Diplomacy

Posted: February 3, 2025

Travis Murphy’s work background is a fascinating one, and one that you may not realize is a key component of the sports industry behind the scenes. That background is in sports diplomacy with stints as the head of international government relations with the NBA, and with the Department of State. At his new agency, Jett Global Sports + Entertainment, he is making the case for sports diplomacy as some of the largest sports events in the world head to the United States. Reducing visa wait times, navigating immigration and improving government relations are all on his list of issues he industry should keep front and center in the months to come.

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2024 Podcast Archives

Sports-Event Industry Trends in 2025
Posted: December 17, 2024

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Leonard Hoops and Patrick Talty: Reviewing Indianapolis’ Successful 2024 and Future Major Events Ahead
POSTED: November 15, 2024

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Phil Andrews: USA Fencing’s Post-Paris Plans
POSTED: October 28, 2024

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The Emerging NCAA Championships
POSTED: October 14, 2024

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Geoff Freeman: How U.S. Travel Views the Sports Market
POSTED: September 13, 2024

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Ezra Frech: Promoting Paralympic Sports
Posted: September 4, 2024

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Susannah Scaroni: On the Paralympics, Marathons and Improving Adaptive Sports Events
Posted: August 30, 2024

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Danny Boy O’Connor: On “Jump Around,” Breaking at the Olympics and “The Outsiders”
Posted: August 6, 2024

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Dan Butterly: Leading the Big West Conference into the Future
Posted: July 15, 2024

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Camilo Durana: How MLS Benefits From Messi, Apple and the World Cup
Posted: July 9, 2024

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Jim Tooley: USA Basketball’s Road to Paris and the Olympic Games
Posted: July 3, 2024

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Skip Gilbert: The State of Youth Soccer
Posted: June 7, 2024

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The $52.2 Billion Case for Sports-Related Travel
Posted: May 23, 2024

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Death Diving: The Latest Sport Making a Splash
Posted: May 6, 2024

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Ron Price: Visit Phoenix’s Big Basketball Push
Posted: April 18, 2024

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Scott DeRue: Expanding Ironman’s Global Reach and Enhancing the Athlete Experience
Posted: April 2, 2024

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Pickleball and Beyond: The Latest SFIA Sports Participation Trends
Posted: March 14, 2024

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Kevin Klipstein: The Long Play for Squash
Posted: February 19, 2024

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International Case Study: How the Congo River Marathon Promotes Sports Tourism
Posted: February 14, 2024

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Tim Hinchey: Leading USA Swimming Into Paris 2024
Posted: February 7, 2024

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Jason Siegel: A Massive Multi-Sport Weekend in Orlando
Posted: January 30, 2024

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Linda Logan and Jesse Ghirozi: Bringing the U.S. Figure Skating Championships to Columbus
Posted: January 17, 2024

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Sam Joffray: Preparing for Las Vegas’ First Super Bowl
Posted: January 11, 2024

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2023 Podcast Archives

The Year in Sports-Related Travel and Trends for 2024
Posted: December 20, 2023

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J.C. Poma: How to Build a New Sports Commission
Posted: December 18, 2023

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Scott Hallenbeck: The Rise of Flag Football and USA Football’s Plans for LA28
Posted: December 1, 2023

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Khalid Cannon: A Sports Lifeline for Children of Incarcerated Parents
Posted: November 9, 2023

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Bryce Morgan: The Future of the PPA Tour
Posted: September 21, 2023

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Terry Hasseltine: Building the Maryland Cycling Classic in Baltimore
Posted: August 24, 2023

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EsportsTravel Summit: Why Grassroots Esports Efforts Are Essential
Posted: August 21, 2023

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Wayne Moss: Making Youth Sports Safer
Published: August 15, 2023

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Tim Trefzer: Best Practices for Sustainability in Sports
Published: August 11, 2023

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TEAMS Europe: The Best of 2023
Published: August 8, 2023

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Li Li Leung on USA Gymnastics’ Search for a New Training Center
Published: July 19, 2023

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David Carter: How to Turn Your Sports Bucket List into Reality
Published: July 7, 2023

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Mike McAtee: USA Boxing’s Fight Against the IBA’s Corruption and World Boxing’s Future
Published: June 29, 2023

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Kris Alexander: Video Games, Esports and the Future Events Workforce
Published: June 20, 2023

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Jim Scherr: Growing World Lacrosse and Its Potential Olympic Future
Published: June 14, 2023

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Izell Reese: How RCX Sports Is Expanding Youth Sports Participation
Published: June 9, 2023

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Vlad Marinescu: Esports’ Global Reach, the IESF’s Growth and More
Published: May 25, 2023

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Mandy Gill: Marriott’s NCAA Partnership, NIL and State of Sports-Related Travel
Published: May 2, 2023

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The Honest Scoop About Sports Tourism Salaries and Compensation
Published: April 25, 2023

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From Pickleball to Team Sports: Tom Cove on the Latest in Sports Participation Trends
Published: April 4, 2023

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Janis Burke and Holly Kesterson: Hosting the Men’s Final Four in Houston
Published: March 26, 2023

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Lisa Motley: Bringing the World’s Biggest Sports Events to Las Vegas
Published: March 20, 2023

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Brent Nowicki: The World Aquatics Rebrand and World Championships Pivot
Published: February 27, 2023

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Gary Hernbroth: Sports as Group Travel and How to Motivate Sales Professionals
Published: January 31, 2023

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Bob Dunlop: Two Decades of Organizing Events for U.S. Figure Skating
Published: January 23, 2023

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Mike Pratt and Jim McKenna: Lake Placid’s Rebirth as a Winter Sports Destination
Published: January 6, 2023

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2022 Podcast Archives

A Review and Preview of the Year in Sports-Related Travel
Published: December 20, 2022

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Title IX at 50: The Push Toward Equality
Published: December 14, 2022

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The Evolving Landscape of Youth Sports
Published: December 6, 2022

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Aron McGuire: Driving USA Bobsled & Skeleton Through the Pandemic
Published: November 21, 2022

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Chris Robb: How Cities Can Help the Mass Participation Industry
Published: October 17, 2022

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Wayne Moss: Why Youth Sports Matter
Published: October 3, 2022

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Max Siegel: Growing USA Track & Field Through LA28
Published: September 22, 2022

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Joe Jacobi: Lessons From the River
Published: September 16, 2022

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Mike Nishi: Lessons from the Chicago Marathon
Published: December 20, 2021

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Danny Martin: How Grass-Roots Esports Efforts Will Support Future Events
Published: December 2, 2021

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Erik Moses: Revitalizing Nashville Superspeedway and NASCAR’s Diversity Efforts
Published: December 1, 2021

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Greg Sankey: Expanding the SEC, the College Football Playoff and NCAA Gender Equity
Published: November 2, 2021

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Jim Mercurio: Lessons From Levi’s Stadium on How to Run Events During the Pandemic
Published: October 21, 2021

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Greg Cruse: Riding Surfing’s Wave of Momentum
Published: September 20, 2021

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Fraser Bullock: Salt Lake’s 2002 Olympic Legacy and Hopes for a Future Games
Published: September 15, 2021

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Ross Young: Bringing USA Rugby Out of Bankruptcy and Ready to Bid for World Cups
Published: July 28, 2021

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Larry Olmsted: How Fans Unite Communities and Make the Case for Why Sports Matter
Published: July 19, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Naples, Marco Island CVB

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Cal Ripken Jr. and Mike Kenney: Growing the Brand at Ripken Baseball
Published: July 12, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Maryland Sports Commission

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Scott O’Neil: His Time at Harris Blitzer, A New Book and Perspective on the Sports Industry
Published: July 8, 2021

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Jimmy Johnson: Fishing, Football and Fox NFL Sunday
Published: June 28, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Atlantic City Sports Commission

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Bryan Karns: Preparing for the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club
Published: June 21, 2021

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Helen Maroulis: The Inspiring Olympics Comeback Story of a Wrestling Pioneer
Published: June 16, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Myrtle Beach Convention Center

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Allyson Felix: The Drive for Five Olympic Games
Published: June 7, 2021

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Tim Schneider: Roots of a Travel Powerhouse: How Sports and Esports Move People
Published: May 28, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance

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Melissa Stockwell: Preparing for a Most Unusual Paralympics
Published: May 18, 2021

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Elena Delle Donne: Preparing for the 2021 WNBA Season and Olympic Summer Games
Published: May 10, 2021

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Leigh Steinberg: The Evolution of Agents, NFL Events and Athlete Marketing
Published: April 26, 2021

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Dan Ghosh-Roy: Preparing for the PFL’s Atlantic City Bubble
Published: April 22, 2021

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Dale Murphy: On Baseball, Sports-Event Security and Marketing Today’s Stars
Published: April 12, 2021

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Bruce Rosenberg: Why HotelPlanner is Bullish on Sports-Related Travel
Published: March 17, 2021

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Antron Brown and Leah Pruett: Life in the Fast Lane as NHRA Drivers
Published: March 11, 2021

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Jenny Carnes and Lynn Holzman: How the NCAA Will Host the Women’s Basketball Tournament in San Antonio
Published: February 26, 2021

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Dan Gavitt: Planning the NCAA Men’s Tournament in Indianapolis
Published: February 22, 2021

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Amanda Kraus: Changing the Face of Rowing
Published: February 8, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Columbia SC Sports

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Michael D’hulst: How Super League Triathlon is Innovating the Sport
Published: January 15, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Tempe Tourism

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Rob Higgins: Inside Tampa Bay’s Plans for Hosting Super Bowl LV
Published: January 13, 2021

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2020 Podcast Archives

Nicole Pike: The Latest Research on Esports-Related Travel
Published: December 15, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance

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Nick Carparelli: What to Expect from the 2020 Bowl Season
Published: November 11, 2020

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David Baker: Twice the Fun in ’21 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Published: September 15, 2020

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Al Kidd and Jennifer Stoll: The $45 Billion Case for Sports-Related Travel
Published: September 8, 2020

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Carlos Silva: How World TeamTennis Held a Season with Fans in the Stands
Published: August 18, 2020

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Lisa Baird: Staging a Monthlong Tournament During a Pandemic
Published: July 31, 2020

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Steve Stenersen: How US Lacrosse is Approaching Return to Play
Published: July 10, 2020

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Melvin Tennant: A Discussion on Race and Diversity in the Travel Industry
Published: June 18, 2020

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Glenn Merry: A New Voice for Adaptive Sports
Published: June 10, 2020

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Peter O’Reilly: How the NFL Pulled Off a Virtual Draft
Published: May 27, 2020

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Dev Pathik and Jason Clement: Signs of Hope for the Youth Sports Market
Published: April 23, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance

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Molly Arbogast: What Sports Sponsorship Should Look Like Now
Published: April 16, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Atlantic City Sports Commission

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Rich Harshbarger: The Challenges Ahead for Running and Mass Participation Events
Published: April 9, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance

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Matt Farrell: Alternative Golf and the Spectacle of World Long Drive
Published: March 26, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance

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Colie Edison: Why the Leader in Recreational Bowling Bought the PBA Tour
Published: March 13, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance

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Jason Parker: How Technology is Changing Amateur Sports Events
Published: February 21, 2020

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Phil Andrews: How USA Weightlifting is Preparing for Tokyo and Beyond
Published: January 29, 2020

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2019 Podcast Archives

Frank Supovitz: What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Published: December 19, 2019

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Ju’Riese Colón: The Challenges Ahead for the U.S. Center for SafeSport
Published: October 29, 2019

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Kyle McLaughlin: How Tough Mudder Has Survived the Obstacle Course Race Market
Published: September 27, 2019

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Alex Hertel: The Future of the Spectator Experience
Published: September 4, 2019

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John David: How BMX Has Become One of the Fastest-Growing Sports
Published: July 23, 2019

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YuChiang Cheng: Why Topgolf is Investing in Esports
Published: June 19, 2019

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Amanda Duffy: The Growth of the National Women’s Soccer League
Published: May 28, 2019

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Michael Capiraso: Lessons From the New York City Marathon
Published: April 25, 2019

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Oliver Luck: An Inside Look at the XFL
Published: March 5, 2019