In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly discuss the state of Big Ten football after Rodriguez visits his daughter for a University of Michigan game. The hosts then interview Kevin Warren, president and chief executive of the Chicago Bears and the former commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, about lessons he’s learned from professional and college sports. Warren also shares the latest on a proposed new Bears stadium and the importance of relationships in business.
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In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly discuss the state of Big Ten football after Rodriguez visits his daughter for a University of Michigan game. The hosts then interview Kevin Warren, president and chief executive of the Chicago Bears and the former commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, about lessons he’s learned from professional and college sports. Warren also shares the latest on a proposed new Bears stadium and the importance of relationships in business.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the opening discussion, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly delve into the allure of college football, linking it to iconic franchises like Michigan, and recognizing its massive economic power compared to professional sports. They emphasize how college football's revenue and talent dynamics are increasingly influenced by the Big Ten and SEC, highlighting the scale of operations within college athletics, which are oftentimes equivalent to managing a public company.
Kevin Warren, as the president and CEO of the Chicago Bears, shares insights about his leadership journey. He elaborates on the importance of diligence, resilience, and the building of relationships rather than simply pursuing transactional business. His approach emphasizes the core lessons learned from his parents and grandparents, underscoring that success hinges on creating valuable relationships, which ultimately facilitate easier business dealings.
Warren discusses the ambitious goals for a new stadium for the Chicago Bears, focusing on collaboration with other franchises and local entities. He expresses the importance of ensuring that stakeholders have a positive experience in negotiations and emphasizes the need for any deal to benefit all parties involved. The conversation extends to the broader implications of stadium development on the community, aiming for it to become a hub for sports and economic activity.
The podcast highlights the complexities involved in balancing multiple stakeholders’ needs within the sports business sector. Warren describes his method for problem-solving, including visualizing the end goals and understanding different perspectives. He reflects on his experience in the Big Ten and the skills he developed in dealing with varied interests, which he applies to his current role in enhancing the Bears' legacy.
The effects of private equity involvement in sports come into focus, with Warren addressing its implications for both the NFL and college athletics. He acknowledges the potential benefits of institutional money while committing to understand its dynamics thoroughly. This segment underscores Warren’s proactive approach to education on evolving business models within sports.
