1 00:00:02,520 --> 00:00:07,120 Speaker 1: Bloomberg Audio Studios, Podcasts, Radio News. 2 00:00:12,720 --> 00:00:15,520 Speaker 2: Welcome back to the DAL. I'm Jason Kelly alongside Alex Rodriguez. 3 00:00:15,600 --> 00:00:18,560 Speaker 2: Coming up on the show, Josie Altador. He is one 4 00:00:18,600 --> 00:00:21,840 Speaker 2: of the most impressive and successful US men's. 5 00:00:21,720 --> 00:00:23,279 Speaker 3: Soccer players of all time. 6 00:00:23,320 --> 00:00:25,600 Speaker 2: You played at the club level and at the national level, 7 00:00:25,960 --> 00:00:30,160 Speaker 2: and now Alex. He is a super impressive investor. He's 8 00:00:30,160 --> 00:00:33,199 Speaker 2: invested in lots of different sports, including his own, but 9 00:00:33,240 --> 00:00:35,840 Speaker 2: most notably, at least to me and I think to you, 10 00:00:36,440 --> 00:00:40,040 Speaker 2: he is an owner in the NFL, in the Buffalo Bills. 11 00:00:40,159 --> 00:00:42,400 Speaker 2: I cannot wait to hear what he says about. 12 00:00:42,200 --> 00:00:44,760 Speaker 4: That, right, Yeah, I mean really the tiffany of sports, 13 00:00:44,880 --> 00:00:49,159 Speaker 4: the NFL and the Bills. Who's a franchise, who has 14 00:00:49,200 --> 00:00:51,480 Speaker 4: a lot of momentum, they have a world class quarterback. 15 00:00:51,800 --> 00:00:54,240 Speaker 4: I'm really interested to know how he got in that deal, 16 00:00:54,520 --> 00:00:57,600 Speaker 4: was Art was involved. And I'm also interested to know 17 00:00:57,680 --> 00:01:00,840 Speaker 4: he's been a very, very aggressive soccer player in his career. 18 00:01:00,920 --> 00:01:02,760 Speaker 4: He's also been a very aggressive investor. 19 00:01:03,120 --> 00:01:06,600 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's interesting you mentioned Arctos. Arctos, of course, was 20 00:01:06,720 --> 00:01:09,880 Speaker 2: one of the private equity firms that was approved to 21 00:01:10,000 --> 00:01:14,520 Speaker 2: come into the NFL ownership ranks, you know, small minority stakes. 22 00:01:15,000 --> 00:01:18,840 Speaker 2: They along with aries Aries going into the Dolphins, Arctos 23 00:01:18,880 --> 00:01:21,720 Speaker 2: going into the Bills, they were the first two to 24 00:01:21,800 --> 00:01:24,360 Speaker 2: make those transactions. They were smart enough to bring in 25 00:01:24,720 --> 00:01:29,000 Speaker 2: people like Josie Altador, obviously a football fan, a football 26 00:01:29,000 --> 00:01:31,760 Speaker 2: player of a different stripe now a football owner of 27 00:01:32,240 --> 00:01:35,080 Speaker 2: American Football. As you say, he's had a lot of 28 00:01:35,120 --> 00:01:38,679 Speaker 2: ambition as an investor. He's invested in his own sport, 29 00:01:38,720 --> 00:01:41,759 Speaker 2: although in the women's side, an owner of AFC. Brandy 30 00:01:41,840 --> 00:01:44,560 Speaker 2: Chestein of course, was a guest on this show. He 31 00:01:44,640 --> 00:01:48,920 Speaker 2: also has invested in sale GP and also invested in TGL, 32 00:01:49,480 --> 00:01:52,960 Speaker 2: the golf concept, so we talk about the intersection of business, 33 00:01:52,960 --> 00:01:53,600 Speaker 2: sports and culture. 34 00:01:53,680 --> 00:01:54,840 Speaker 3: That's a pretty good guest for us. 35 00:01:55,320 --> 00:01:57,080 Speaker 5: Indeed, I can't wait all. 36 00:01:57,040 --> 00:02:10,480 Speaker 2: Right coming up on the show, Josie Altador, Welcome back 37 00:02:10,520 --> 00:02:13,520 Speaker 2: to the Deal. I'm Jason Kelly alongside Alex Rodriguez. So 38 00:02:13,600 --> 00:02:16,760 Speaker 2: thrilled to have with us Josie Altador, of course, a 39 00:02:17,080 --> 00:02:22,239 Speaker 2: US men's national team and soccer legend turned investor, turn 40 00:02:22,360 --> 00:02:23,839 Speaker 2: team owner, turn turn turn. 41 00:02:24,360 --> 00:02:26,400 Speaker 3: So happy to have you here, Josie. Great to see you, No, 42 00:02:26,560 --> 00:02:27,280 Speaker 3: thanks for having me. 43 00:02:27,400 --> 00:02:30,200 Speaker 1: Great to be here and Yeah, looking forward to discussion. 44 00:02:30,480 --> 00:02:32,799 Speaker 2: So let's start with the business of soccer, because we're 45 00:02:32,800 --> 00:02:35,600 Speaker 2: coming off of a really interesting summer as we talked 46 00:02:35,639 --> 00:02:38,000 Speaker 2: to you, and looking forward to an even bigger summer 47 00:02:38,040 --> 00:02:39,680 Speaker 2: next year. A lot of it was happening. You're down 48 00:02:39,720 --> 00:02:42,080 Speaker 2: in South Florida, alex Is down in South Florida. That 49 00:02:42,200 --> 00:02:45,040 Speaker 2: felt like, you know, despite the fact that the final 50 00:02:45,120 --> 00:02:47,079 Speaker 2: was up here in my neck of the woods in 51 00:02:47,120 --> 00:02:50,679 Speaker 2: New York City, over across the river at Medlife Miami, 52 00:02:50,800 --> 00:02:53,560 Speaker 2: and South Florida felt like a real epicenter of all this. 53 00:02:53,760 --> 00:02:56,600 Speaker 3: What was it like? How did it go? From your perspective? 54 00:02:56,960 --> 00:02:57,800 Speaker 1: I thought it was great. 55 00:02:57,840 --> 00:03:00,600 Speaker 6: You know, I think anytime, you know, you're teams are 56 00:03:00,639 --> 00:03:02,280 Speaker 6: able to kind of come to the United States and 57 00:03:03,040 --> 00:03:05,440 Speaker 6: one showcase, you know, the wonderful talent they have, but 58 00:03:05,480 --> 00:03:08,760 Speaker 6: to kind of mesh with the American fan base and 59 00:03:08,800 --> 00:03:12,320 Speaker 6: the American game, and I think it quite frankly challenges us, 60 00:03:12,400 --> 00:03:14,280 Speaker 6: you know, on the US side, to be better with 61 00:03:14,440 --> 00:03:16,799 Speaker 6: how we kind of go about our leagues and putting 62 00:03:16,840 --> 00:03:18,840 Speaker 6: together a product. So I loved it. I loved the 63 00:03:18,880 --> 00:03:21,960 Speaker 6: fan engagement. I thought some of the matches were terrific. 64 00:03:22,040 --> 00:03:24,480 Speaker 6: You know, people partying in the streets, and you know, 65 00:03:24,520 --> 00:03:26,480 Speaker 6: I thought the games were entertaining, so I was a 66 00:03:26,520 --> 00:03:27,200 Speaker 6: big fan of it. 67 00:03:27,280 --> 00:03:28,480 Speaker 1: Would love to see it again. 68 00:03:29,080 --> 00:03:31,680 Speaker 6: I really enjoyed seeing some of those European stars, you know, 69 00:03:31,680 --> 00:03:32,720 Speaker 6: playing in our backyard. 70 00:03:33,080 --> 00:03:36,080 Speaker 2: I mean, Alex, it definitely caught the imagination, it felt, 71 00:03:36,200 --> 00:03:39,440 Speaker 2: especially as the tournament went on, it felt like people 72 00:03:39,440 --> 00:03:41,200 Speaker 2: were paying more and more attention. I don't know if 73 00:03:41,200 --> 00:03:43,920 Speaker 2: you felt like this, Alex, but you know my initial impression, 74 00:03:43,960 --> 00:03:46,880 Speaker 2: I mean, I knew it was coming, and it was like, Okay, 75 00:03:47,200 --> 00:03:49,240 Speaker 2: it's sort of happening, or people showing up. But then 76 00:03:49,280 --> 00:03:52,240 Speaker 2: as it sort of built, I felt like, you know, 77 00:03:52,320 --> 00:03:55,520 Speaker 2: especially as Chelsea went further along and ultimately one that 78 00:03:55,680 --> 00:03:56,720 Speaker 2: there was more attention. 79 00:03:56,960 --> 00:04:00,280 Speaker 3: I don't know, Alex, how did it hit your radar? Say? 80 00:04:00,400 --> 00:04:02,600 Speaker 4: First of all, I think, at least from my point 81 00:04:02,600 --> 00:04:06,040 Speaker 4: of view, the last five years, I've seen soccer explode 82 00:04:06,120 --> 00:04:09,200 Speaker 4: here in the United States and you know, domestically, and 83 00:04:09,480 --> 00:04:12,040 Speaker 4: that particular event near the hard Rock over there, not 84 00:04:12,120 --> 00:04:15,160 Speaker 4: too far from here, I saw everybody, even like non 85 00:04:15,240 --> 00:04:17,679 Speaker 4: soccer fans, were watching, and I thought that was pretty cool. 86 00:04:17,960 --> 00:04:20,320 Speaker 4: It felt a little bit like the Super Bowl of soccer. 87 00:04:20,680 --> 00:04:22,360 Speaker 4: But again, I'm a novice at soccer, but that's how 88 00:04:22,360 --> 00:04:22,600 Speaker 4: it was. 89 00:04:22,640 --> 00:04:23,520 Speaker 3: And the real super. 90 00:04:23,360 --> 00:04:25,240 Speaker 2: Bowl is coming next summer. I mean, and it's like 91 00:04:25,279 --> 00:04:28,279 Speaker 2: super Bowl and super Bowl and super Bowl. So I guess, Josie, 92 00:04:28,320 --> 00:04:31,599 Speaker 2: the question we have for you is are we ready? 93 00:04:31,760 --> 00:04:33,680 Speaker 3: Like? Is this is this gonna go? Okay? 94 00:04:33,760 --> 00:04:36,800 Speaker 2: I'm I'll be totally honest, I'm a little bit worried. 95 00:04:37,120 --> 00:04:39,480 Speaker 2: Do you think we're ready for something of this magnitude 96 00:04:39,480 --> 00:04:42,840 Speaker 2: because nineteen ninety four I remember that tournament pretty well 97 00:04:42,839 --> 00:04:45,080 Speaker 2: and it went pretty well, but like soccer is a 98 00:04:45,080 --> 00:04:48,880 Speaker 2: whole new thing at this stage, do you think we 99 00:04:48,920 --> 00:04:49,599 Speaker 2: can pull it off? 100 00:04:49,880 --> 00:04:50,599 Speaker 1: Yeah? I think so. 101 00:04:50,720 --> 00:04:53,360 Speaker 6: I mean I think we're We're lo those have been 102 00:04:53,880 --> 00:04:58,799 Speaker 6: because look obviously you know, from you know, a ticketing standpoint, 103 00:04:58,880 --> 00:05:01,680 Speaker 6: all these other tit it's right, those are other questions. 104 00:05:01,720 --> 00:05:05,320 Speaker 6: But in terms of like a competition and event and 105 00:05:06,040 --> 00:05:09,000 Speaker 6: you know, bring people together, there is nobody else, right 106 00:05:09,240 --> 00:05:12,600 Speaker 6: that I think is more prepared to run and drive 107 00:05:12,680 --> 00:05:15,039 Speaker 6: value in the tournament like the United States. So I 108 00:05:15,080 --> 00:05:17,400 Speaker 6: think the country is ready. I think the fans already. 109 00:05:17,720 --> 00:05:19,960 Speaker 6: I think the biggest question is, you know, how will 110 00:05:20,000 --> 00:05:21,160 Speaker 6: we perform as a team? 111 00:05:21,240 --> 00:05:21,400 Speaker 1: Right? 112 00:05:21,440 --> 00:05:24,880 Speaker 6: Will we use this moment both as a team as 113 00:05:24,880 --> 00:05:28,560 Speaker 6: an ecosystem to kind of hopefully pour gasoline on the 114 00:05:28,640 --> 00:05:31,120 Speaker 6: fire once the World Cup's over and see kind of 115 00:05:31,120 --> 00:05:33,839 Speaker 6: the growth of soccer explode across the country. 116 00:05:33,839 --> 00:05:35,880 Speaker 1: That, for me, is is the real question. 117 00:05:36,279 --> 00:05:38,200 Speaker 2: Well, because to press you on that point a little bit, 118 00:05:38,279 --> 00:05:40,800 Speaker 2: Josie means like again going back to nineteen ninety four, 119 00:05:40,880 --> 00:05:44,040 Speaker 2: nineteen ninety four, berth the MLS effectively, right, I mean 120 00:05:44,040 --> 00:05:46,360 Speaker 2: that was really what gave rise to that you played 121 00:05:46,360 --> 00:05:48,560 Speaker 2: in that league, you saw it, you know, sort of 122 00:05:48,600 --> 00:05:49,560 Speaker 2: rise in popularity. 123 00:05:49,560 --> 00:05:51,080 Speaker 3: It was a bit of a slow burn, but like it. 124 00:05:51,279 --> 00:05:53,919 Speaker 2: You know, we're it's gotten to a point where this 125 00:05:54,080 --> 00:05:54,960 Speaker 2: is investible. 126 00:05:55,480 --> 00:05:56,960 Speaker 3: You know, we can go as deep. 127 00:05:56,839 --> 00:05:59,279 Speaker 2: As you one on the economics of owning an MLS 128 00:05:59,320 --> 00:06:03,240 Speaker 2: team because it's interesting. But what is that next level 129 00:06:03,400 --> 00:06:07,599 Speaker 2: of sort of business success. Is it attendance, is it sponsorship, 130 00:06:07,680 --> 00:06:09,920 Speaker 2: is it valuations? Is it all of the above? Like 131 00:06:10,320 --> 00:06:14,400 Speaker 2: what will a successful outcome for the business of soccer 132 00:06:14,480 --> 00:06:16,280 Speaker 2: look like coming off of this World Cup? 133 00:06:16,560 --> 00:06:18,960 Speaker 6: For me, it's it's two things, and the first one 134 00:06:19,120 --> 00:06:22,039 Speaker 6: is grassroots, right. I think a lot of times we 135 00:06:22,120 --> 00:06:25,640 Speaker 6: see people, we see conversations around soccer. People say it's 136 00:06:25,760 --> 00:06:28,640 Speaker 6: the sport that kids play the most, and while that's true, 137 00:06:29,080 --> 00:06:33,360 Speaker 6: it's also the sport that, you know, once kids turn thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, 138 00:06:33,400 --> 00:06:35,920 Speaker 6: their retention goes down. So I think that'll be a 139 00:06:35,960 --> 00:06:38,000 Speaker 6: big challenge. How do we keep kids in the game. 140 00:06:38,040 --> 00:06:41,919 Speaker 6: How do we gamify training and do things where kids 141 00:06:42,120 --> 00:06:45,040 Speaker 6: we can meet the kids at their level where they're 142 00:06:45,040 --> 00:06:45,600 Speaker 6: at in the game. 143 00:06:45,640 --> 00:06:46,799 Speaker 1: I think that'll be important. 144 00:06:47,160 --> 00:06:49,920 Speaker 6: And then secondly, you know, within Major League Soccer, you know, 145 00:06:49,960 --> 00:06:52,520 Speaker 6: the Premier league right now in the United States, you know, 146 00:06:52,520 --> 00:06:54,880 Speaker 6: how can we keep bringing in more talent? How can 147 00:06:54,920 --> 00:06:57,880 Speaker 6: we ease kind of the salary cap at the same 148 00:06:57,920 --> 00:07:00,279 Speaker 6: time be cost effective. But on the other flips, I'd 149 00:07:00,320 --> 00:07:02,760 Speaker 6: have more talents like MESSI join us where you know, 150 00:07:02,880 --> 00:07:05,520 Speaker 6: it becomes a must see, right, So those will be 151 00:07:05,560 --> 00:07:06,840 Speaker 6: two things I have my eye on. 152 00:07:07,240 --> 00:07:08,160 Speaker 1: And I'm excited. 153 00:07:08,200 --> 00:07:10,520 Speaker 6: I think, you know, this is a moment that you know, 154 00:07:10,640 --> 00:07:13,280 Speaker 6: any emerging sport, this is what you dream of, and 155 00:07:13,320 --> 00:07:14,640 Speaker 6: so how do we take advantage of it? 156 00:07:15,080 --> 00:07:18,120 Speaker 4: So Josie, maybe for our audience and for me, because 157 00:07:18,120 --> 00:07:21,240 Speaker 4: again I really like soccer, but I'm still a novice. 158 00:07:22,600 --> 00:07:25,960 Speaker 4: You play it in about ten teams from two thousand 159 00:07:26,000 --> 00:07:29,680 Speaker 4: and six or twenty twenty three. But explain to us 160 00:07:30,320 --> 00:07:33,560 Speaker 4: why we know what passion is when you look at 161 00:07:33,560 --> 00:07:36,360 Speaker 4: the Yankees, the Lakers, the Conboys here in America, What 162 00:07:36,520 --> 00:07:39,200 Speaker 4: is the passion like and why is it so much 163 00:07:39,240 --> 00:07:41,320 Speaker 4: stronger in Europe than it is here? 164 00:07:41,360 --> 00:07:42,720 Speaker 5: Can you walk us through that a little bit? 165 00:07:42,800 --> 00:07:45,560 Speaker 6: Yeah, I think you know, it's a question people ask 166 00:07:45,600 --> 00:07:47,240 Speaker 6: all the time, and it's a fair question, you know. 167 00:07:47,400 --> 00:07:48,920 Speaker 1: I think the passion is there. 168 00:07:48,960 --> 00:07:51,360 Speaker 6: I think we are we are a melting pot, right, 169 00:07:51,400 --> 00:07:53,160 Speaker 6: we are the most diverse country in the world. 170 00:07:53,200 --> 00:07:55,840 Speaker 1: And I think when you see the Club World Cup. 171 00:07:55,920 --> 00:07:58,240 Speaker 6: That passion that you're talking about, it was prevalent, right, 172 00:07:58,280 --> 00:08:01,200 Speaker 6: it was plain to see for anybody. I think when 173 00:08:01,200 --> 00:08:03,760 Speaker 6: you look at the European leagues and like you're real Madrid, 174 00:08:03,880 --> 00:08:06,600 Speaker 6: similar to like the Dallas Cowboys, it's the history, it's 175 00:08:06,640 --> 00:08:09,640 Speaker 6: the years that these teams have been around. And you know, 176 00:08:09,680 --> 00:08:11,600 Speaker 6: you mentioned the Cowboys. A lot of people forget to 177 00:08:12,040 --> 00:08:15,200 Speaker 6: think about, like the NFL wasn't always this juggernaut that 178 00:08:15,240 --> 00:08:16,880 Speaker 6: we see today, right, It went through a lot of 179 00:08:16,920 --> 00:08:19,760 Speaker 6: growing pains and maybe had some moments where people thought 180 00:08:19,800 --> 00:08:22,560 Speaker 6: will it still be here? So you know, now, obviously 181 00:08:22,760 --> 00:08:25,960 Speaker 6: it's probably the most thriving professional sports league you know, 182 00:08:26,040 --> 00:08:29,800 Speaker 6: we have, But that's that's not to say that MLS 183 00:08:29,840 --> 00:08:33,040 Speaker 6: and soccer in this country can't get there. It'll take time, 184 00:08:33,120 --> 00:08:36,559 Speaker 6: and again it'll take really putting the right infrastructure into 185 00:08:36,600 --> 00:08:39,960 Speaker 6: the grassroots where we're able to produce our own stars, 186 00:08:40,000 --> 00:08:43,040 Speaker 6: you know, quite regularly. I think that'll be another challenge 187 00:08:43,040 --> 00:08:43,679 Speaker 6: that we face. 188 00:08:43,559 --> 00:08:46,480 Speaker 2: There well, because effectively, we need more people like you 189 00:08:46,559 --> 00:08:48,920 Speaker 2: to choose soccer, right, I mean, like we need to 190 00:08:49,040 --> 00:08:52,480 Speaker 2: make sure that like the Josies of the world choose 191 00:08:52,480 --> 00:08:57,439 Speaker 2: soccer rather than basketball or lacrosse or you know, any 192 00:08:57,480 --> 00:09:00,400 Speaker 2: of these other emerging sports. On a reason episode of 193 00:09:00,400 --> 00:09:02,679 Speaker 2: this show, we talked with Greg Olsen and he's doing 194 00:09:02,760 --> 00:09:05,320 Speaker 2: a lot around the youth game. As you probably know, 195 00:09:06,000 --> 00:09:08,760 Speaker 2: Alex's has looked at this, I've done a lot of 196 00:09:08,800 --> 00:09:12,480 Speaker 2: reporting about it. What do you think about the sort 197 00:09:12,480 --> 00:09:14,800 Speaker 2: of youth sports landscape. I know, I don't know if 198 00:09:14,840 --> 00:09:17,400 Speaker 2: that's a place you've invested in, but I wonder, you know, 199 00:09:17,480 --> 00:09:20,720 Speaker 2: putting on your hat from sort of a business lens 200 00:09:20,760 --> 00:09:23,000 Speaker 2: but also a former athlete's perspective, like, what do you 201 00:09:23,040 --> 00:09:24,440 Speaker 2: make of the sort of grat throughs. 202 00:09:24,440 --> 00:09:27,280 Speaker 3: From a business perspective, I think it's interesting. 203 00:09:27,440 --> 00:09:29,680 Speaker 6: I mean, I think we've all seen now coming from 204 00:09:29,679 --> 00:09:32,240 Speaker 6: an overhead view, kind of the youth entities that are, 205 00:09:32,440 --> 00:09:34,320 Speaker 6: you know, kind of being pushed by the different pe 206 00:09:34,520 --> 00:09:37,160 Speaker 6: firms or seeing a lot of you know, youth leagues 207 00:09:37,240 --> 00:09:40,800 Speaker 6: receive investment. And you know, I'm a fan of it. Again, 208 00:09:40,840 --> 00:09:42,839 Speaker 6: I think it has to be focused on meeting kids 209 00:09:42,880 --> 00:09:45,640 Speaker 6: where they're at, giving them an opportunity that they kind 210 00:09:45,679 --> 00:09:48,480 Speaker 6: of won't see in the team setting, And personally it 211 00:09:48,520 --> 00:09:50,760 Speaker 6: means a lot to me, Like I'm personally invested in 212 00:09:50,760 --> 00:09:54,320 Speaker 6: in child in youth training. I run a soccer tech 213 00:09:54,360 --> 00:09:58,559 Speaker 6: training facility called Sogility, and our prime focus is to 214 00:09:58,640 --> 00:10:02,200 Speaker 6: gamify training and focus on that retention from ages six 215 00:10:02,280 --> 00:10:04,760 Speaker 6: to eighteen. So, you know, I'm a big believer that 216 00:10:05,160 --> 00:10:06,960 Speaker 6: when you're able to make it fun for each and 217 00:10:07,000 --> 00:10:09,480 Speaker 6: every kid, not just the very good ones, you're able 218 00:10:09,520 --> 00:10:12,800 Speaker 6: to produce talents that maybe go on to play professionally, 219 00:10:12,840 --> 00:10:16,000 Speaker 6: but also stay in the game right be the media 220 00:10:16,120 --> 00:10:18,840 Speaker 6: the culture that makes the game great. So I'm a 221 00:10:18,840 --> 00:10:21,360 Speaker 6: big believer that that starts at the youth level and 222 00:10:21,400 --> 00:10:23,120 Speaker 6: you know, meeting kids where they're at Josie. 223 00:10:23,160 --> 00:10:25,400 Speaker 5: I'm obsessed with process over results. 224 00:10:25,559 --> 00:10:29,640 Speaker 4: And when I played baseball, I mean I just loved, 225 00:10:29,880 --> 00:10:33,160 Speaker 4: loved the work ethics so much so, even more so 226 00:10:33,240 --> 00:10:35,920 Speaker 4: than the game. I just love being prepared. But you 227 00:10:35,960 --> 00:10:40,200 Speaker 4: attended I amg here in Branden's in Florida. How instrumental 228 00:10:40,320 --> 00:10:42,520 Speaker 4: was that for you and your development for your career? 229 00:10:42,600 --> 00:10:44,040 Speaker 6: You know, it's a funny, it's a great question, and 230 00:10:44,080 --> 00:10:46,400 Speaker 6: it's a funny one because, like I find myself now, 231 00:10:46,400 --> 00:10:49,680 Speaker 6: I'm thirty five, turned thirty six in November, and you know, 232 00:10:49,800 --> 00:10:51,680 Speaker 6: I have this addiction of working. 233 00:10:51,800 --> 00:10:52,240 Speaker 1: I have this. 234 00:10:52,240 --> 00:10:55,640 Speaker 6: Addiction of meeting people, of learning, and I feel like 235 00:10:55,679 --> 00:10:58,800 Speaker 6: that was birthed at IMG in a place where you know, 236 00:10:58,880 --> 00:11:01,319 Speaker 6: it was a high pressure andronment. We're surrounded by the 237 00:11:01,480 --> 00:11:03,920 Speaker 6: very best players at a young age, and you know, 238 00:11:04,520 --> 00:11:06,240 Speaker 6: I was in a system where you know, they made 239 00:11:06,280 --> 00:11:07,360 Speaker 6: cuts every semester. 240 00:11:07,960 --> 00:11:09,959 Speaker 1: So you know, right away it was ingrained in me. 241 00:11:09,960 --> 00:11:11,800 Speaker 6: To wake up at six am, kind of get my 242 00:11:11,800 --> 00:11:15,040 Speaker 6: body going, eat the right food. And so it's something 243 00:11:15,040 --> 00:11:17,960 Speaker 6: that stayed with me until today. And as you know, Alex, 244 00:11:18,120 --> 00:11:22,360 Speaker 6: it it becomes our DNA and how we're wired. Even now, 245 00:11:22,480 --> 00:11:24,840 Speaker 6: you know away from soccer, I still have my routine. 246 00:11:25,120 --> 00:11:28,120 Speaker 6: I still, you know, yearn for conversations like this and 247 00:11:28,320 --> 00:11:31,160 Speaker 6: meeting people like yourself where I can learn and challenge 248 00:11:31,200 --> 00:11:32,880 Speaker 6: myself to think differently and be better. 249 00:11:32,960 --> 00:11:34,719 Speaker 1: So you know that played a huge role for me. 250 00:11:34,760 --> 00:11:37,360 Speaker 6: I tell people that all the time, like IMG, you know, 251 00:11:37,400 --> 00:11:39,160 Speaker 6: the type of people that I got to interact with 252 00:11:39,200 --> 00:11:41,920 Speaker 6: in terms of like you know, sports legends. At the time, 253 00:11:42,000 --> 00:11:45,160 Speaker 6: we had Michael Johnson, Alex Smith who are coming back 254 00:11:45,200 --> 00:11:48,480 Speaker 6: and talking to us and helping us kind of challenge 255 00:11:48,480 --> 00:11:50,520 Speaker 6: the way we think. I think it was. It was 256 00:11:50,559 --> 00:11:51,360 Speaker 6: invaluable for me. 257 00:11:52,000 --> 00:11:53,040 Speaker 5: People always ask me. 258 00:11:53,360 --> 00:11:55,920 Speaker 4: I went to a small school here in Miami, about 259 00:11:55,920 --> 00:11:59,319 Speaker 4: twenty minutes south of the University of Miami called Westminster 260 00:11:59,360 --> 00:12:02,640 Speaker 4: Christian School. Three hundred people, three hundred students. 261 00:12:02,679 --> 00:12:03,079 Speaker 1: That was it. 262 00:12:03,920 --> 00:12:06,120 Speaker 4: They always asked me, at what point did you know 263 00:12:06,520 --> 00:12:08,120 Speaker 4: that you could make it or that you were different? 264 00:12:08,800 --> 00:12:09,880 Speaker 5: And I often say. 265 00:12:09,720 --> 00:12:14,040 Speaker 4: Sometime around my junior year, same question for you, when 266 00:12:14,080 --> 00:12:15,680 Speaker 4: did you know that you were different? And were you 267 00:12:15,720 --> 00:12:17,800 Speaker 4: the best at I amg When did you know that? 268 00:12:17,920 --> 00:12:19,160 Speaker 1: I like to think I was. I don't know if 269 00:12:19,200 --> 00:12:21,400 Speaker 1: I was at the time. I was a young boy, 270 00:12:21,920 --> 00:12:23,760 Speaker 1: but I think fifteen six. 271 00:12:23,920 --> 00:12:25,720 Speaker 6: Like when I was fifteen years old, we went to 272 00:12:25,800 --> 00:12:29,000 Speaker 6: the Under seventeen World Cup in Peru. I got a 273 00:12:29,000 --> 00:12:32,120 Speaker 6: couple of minutes, not many, but in those minutes, you know, 274 00:12:32,200 --> 00:12:34,840 Speaker 6: you saw kind of the effect I was able to 275 00:12:34,840 --> 00:12:36,880 Speaker 6: have on the game. And it was kind of in 276 00:12:36,880 --> 00:12:39,320 Speaker 6: that moment when you're playing these youth tournaments against some 277 00:12:39,320 --> 00:12:42,199 Speaker 6: of the best youth stars in the world, and you see, man, 278 00:12:42,200 --> 00:12:43,800 Speaker 6: I'm giving these guys a hard time, you know what 279 00:12:43,800 --> 00:12:45,920 Speaker 6: I mean, I'm making them think about me. And it 280 00:12:45,960 --> 00:12:47,720 Speaker 6: was in that moment, because a lot of those players 281 00:12:47,720 --> 00:12:50,160 Speaker 6: were already signed to professional contracts, I thought, you know, 282 00:12:50,600 --> 00:12:53,000 Speaker 6: maybe I can do this. And it took a lot 283 00:12:53,000 --> 00:12:55,840 Speaker 6: of convincing to my parents to kind of roll that dice. 284 00:12:55,920 --> 00:12:58,840 Speaker 6: But you know, looking back, fifteen years old was like 285 00:12:58,880 --> 00:13:01,120 Speaker 6: the age for me where I thought, I think I'll 286 00:13:01,120 --> 00:13:03,559 Speaker 6: have a future here if I can apply myself. 287 00:13:17,520 --> 00:13:19,920 Speaker 3: Sort of synthesizing some of the things we're talking about. Josie. 288 00:13:19,920 --> 00:13:22,559 Speaker 2: You know, you have the experience of being on the 289 00:13:22,640 --> 00:13:24,800 Speaker 2: national team, you play in a couple of World Cups. 290 00:13:25,720 --> 00:13:29,520 Speaker 2: You know the exposure that that brings, not just for 291 00:13:29,559 --> 00:13:32,320 Speaker 2: the game, but but for individuals. You know, I first 292 00:13:32,360 --> 00:13:34,440 Speaker 2: heard your name, you know, probably in the twenty ten 293 00:13:34,520 --> 00:13:37,000 Speaker 2: World Cup, but you know or first really like you're 294 00:13:37,040 --> 00:13:40,120 Speaker 2: really like burned on my brain at that point. 295 00:13:40,559 --> 00:13:43,320 Speaker 3: What does that feel like? And how do you leverage that? 296 00:13:43,360 --> 00:13:45,840 Speaker 2: You're a very smart business person and you know, Alex 297 00:13:45,880 --> 00:13:47,560 Speaker 2: and I talk about this all the time, you know, 298 00:13:47,640 --> 00:13:52,200 Speaker 2: off camera on camera about you know, understanding how to 299 00:13:52,240 --> 00:13:54,600 Speaker 2: seize a moment, you know, how to know that, like 300 00:13:54,840 --> 00:13:58,479 Speaker 2: you you're going to be able to leverage this notoriety 301 00:13:58,760 --> 00:14:01,160 Speaker 2: or you know, leverage your your place in the world 302 00:14:01,760 --> 00:14:06,240 Speaker 2: for something even off the pitch was as it were, like, 303 00:14:06,280 --> 00:14:08,959 Speaker 2: when did you sort of have that ambition or was 304 00:14:09,000 --> 00:14:09,720 Speaker 2: it always there? 305 00:14:10,559 --> 00:14:12,439 Speaker 1: Was I definitely think it was always there. 306 00:14:12,559 --> 00:14:16,360 Speaker 6: I think when I saw an opportunity is you know, 307 00:14:16,559 --> 00:14:19,080 Speaker 6: when I came to play an MLS And I think 308 00:14:19,080 --> 00:14:21,720 Speaker 6: one of the perks about playing an MLS is I 309 00:14:21,800 --> 00:14:24,280 Speaker 6: feel like the team owners in the MLS in the 310 00:14:24,400 --> 00:14:26,720 Speaker 6: United States and American sports as a whole, are way 311 00:14:26,800 --> 00:14:30,120 Speaker 6: more involved. I think you see them, you interact with 312 00:14:30,160 --> 00:14:33,320 Speaker 6: them at a different level. And I was actually flying 313 00:14:33,440 --> 00:14:38,280 Speaker 6: to MLS All Star in Colorado and Larry Tannebaum, who 314 00:14:38,360 --> 00:14:40,840 Speaker 6: was our own up in Toronto, he. 315 00:14:40,840 --> 00:14:42,120 Speaker 1: Said, Hey, why don't you guys come with me? 316 00:14:42,160 --> 00:14:43,920 Speaker 6: So we flew on his plane and we had dinner 317 00:14:43,960 --> 00:14:47,000 Speaker 6: on the plane, and that insight spending time with him 318 00:14:47,080 --> 00:14:50,280 Speaker 6: kind of understanding his whys and you know, first of 319 00:14:50,320 --> 00:14:53,800 Speaker 6: all his passion for sports and building things. It really 320 00:14:53,840 --> 00:14:57,480 Speaker 6: piqued my interest and it really birthed this like entrepreneurial 321 00:14:57,520 --> 00:14:59,800 Speaker 6: spirit in me. When we landed, I was just obsessed 322 00:14:59,800 --> 00:15:03,400 Speaker 6: with trying to understand the structure of businesses and processes, 323 00:15:03,480 --> 00:15:05,840 Speaker 6: and and that was I think a big moment for me. 324 00:15:05,880 --> 00:15:08,120 Speaker 6: And getting to see him after that and ask follow 325 00:15:08,240 --> 00:15:11,200 Speaker 6: up questions and him being kind of such an open 326 00:15:11,200 --> 00:15:12,840 Speaker 6: book in a way when when he didn't have to, 327 00:15:13,320 --> 00:15:15,640 Speaker 6: I think was huge for me to kind of really 328 00:15:15,680 --> 00:15:16,760 Speaker 6: feel comfortable in that sense. 329 00:15:16,880 --> 00:15:19,560 Speaker 2: Jesus, this is like, this is like a Rod Junior here. 330 00:15:19,640 --> 00:15:26,080 Speaker 2: Oh my god, this is a story, Alex. It's insane. 331 00:15:26,600 --> 00:15:29,240 Speaker 4: We've talked about Larry Tatabaum. I mean, he's really one 332 00:15:29,240 --> 00:15:31,200 Speaker 4: of the best owners, not only in the NBA but 333 00:15:31,240 --> 00:15:34,280 Speaker 4: in sports, really one of one. And I've learned a 334 00:15:34,320 --> 00:15:36,680 Speaker 4: lot from Larry. As we said on the same board 335 00:15:36,680 --> 00:15:39,440 Speaker 4: with the NBA, my question is why do you think 336 00:15:39,720 --> 00:15:43,560 Speaker 4: that domestic owners are more hands on than say others 337 00:15:43,600 --> 00:15:44,200 Speaker 4: around the world. 338 00:15:44,280 --> 00:15:46,520 Speaker 6: It's a great question. I think it's part of the culture. 339 00:15:46,640 --> 00:15:49,480 Speaker 6: I think, you know, being friendly and just being personable. 340 00:15:49,520 --> 00:15:52,160 Speaker 6: And you know Larry, you know, not being a soccer 341 00:15:52,280 --> 00:15:55,920 Speaker 6: guru right still, you know, was vulnerable put himself in 342 00:15:55,960 --> 00:15:57,960 Speaker 6: the locker room, he asked questions. If he didn't know 343 00:15:58,120 --> 00:16:00,200 Speaker 6: he was you know, you would think he was just 344 00:16:00,200 --> 00:16:02,600 Speaker 6: the guy how often you saw him in the locker room. 345 00:16:02,640 --> 00:16:06,440 Speaker 6: And so I think that like that curiosity, that person 346 00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:09,240 Speaker 6: that that that personality, it just really shines through in 347 00:16:09,240 --> 00:16:09,840 Speaker 6: a different way. 348 00:16:10,000 --> 00:16:11,440 Speaker 1: Obviously I can't speak for every. 349 00:16:11,280 --> 00:16:13,920 Speaker 6: Market, but you know what I played in Europe there 350 00:16:14,000 --> 00:16:16,120 Speaker 6: was a different sense. It was more of a you know, 351 00:16:16,800 --> 00:16:19,720 Speaker 6: owner player kind of relationship, where I think, at least 352 00:16:19,760 --> 00:16:22,400 Speaker 6: for me in Toronto, I have the experience of having. 353 00:16:22,600 --> 00:16:23,520 Speaker 1: You know, a teammate. 354 00:16:23,600 --> 00:16:25,840 Speaker 6: Really when when you look at Larry Tannemum in terms 355 00:16:25,880 --> 00:16:28,560 Speaker 6: of and Judy, in terms of how they made sure 356 00:16:28,600 --> 00:16:31,040 Speaker 6: we were comfortable, how they challenged us to think differently, 357 00:16:31,480 --> 00:16:33,960 Speaker 6: to to really you know, plug in at different parts 358 00:16:33,960 --> 00:16:36,280 Speaker 6: of the community. You know, he just always had me 359 00:16:36,320 --> 00:16:38,640 Speaker 6: thinking in a good way. And and like I said, 360 00:16:38,880 --> 00:16:40,400 Speaker 6: I think I was really lucky to spend that time 361 00:16:40,400 --> 00:16:40,720 Speaker 6: with him. 362 00:16:40,760 --> 00:16:43,680 Speaker 2: It's so interesting to hear you talk about this because 363 00:16:44,160 --> 00:16:47,680 Speaker 2: you know, clearly and again I've had the good fortune 364 00:16:47,720 --> 00:16:50,360 Speaker 2: of getting to know Alex really well and sort of 365 00:16:50,360 --> 00:16:53,160 Speaker 2: the way he thinks and and you know, I jokingly said, 366 00:16:53,160 --> 00:16:55,920 Speaker 2: Alex Junior, but like a lot of what you're saying, 367 00:16:56,320 --> 00:17:01,120 Speaker 2: I know echoes and really mirrors Alex's I mean, Alex, 368 00:17:01,360 --> 00:17:03,520 Speaker 2: I'm speaking for you a little bit, sorry, but like 369 00:17:03,760 --> 00:17:06,000 Speaker 2: you know, your own experience in you know, going and 370 00:17:06,040 --> 00:17:09,120 Speaker 2: seeing you know, Jerry rein store for Jerry Jones, or. 371 00:17:09,080 --> 00:17:11,600 Speaker 3: You know, you know, going to see these these owners 372 00:17:11,600 --> 00:17:12,160 Speaker 3: along the way. 373 00:17:13,040 --> 00:17:16,360 Speaker 2: You know, obviously Alex now is in a position where 374 00:17:16,640 --> 00:17:20,080 Speaker 2: he played baseball and is now an owner of you know, 375 00:17:20,119 --> 00:17:25,200 Speaker 2: two basketball teams. You are an owner across a number 376 00:17:25,240 --> 00:17:26,920 Speaker 2: of sports, but the one I really want to focus 377 00:17:27,000 --> 00:17:30,080 Speaker 2: on is the other football, American football. You went into 378 00:17:30,160 --> 00:17:34,040 Speaker 2: the Buffalo Bills. I know Alex has a lot of 379 00:17:34,080 --> 00:17:36,359 Speaker 2: questions that comparing notes on owners but I want to 380 00:17:36,359 --> 00:17:38,920 Speaker 2: ask you, how does that deal come about, how does 381 00:17:38,960 --> 00:17:42,560 Speaker 2: that land where you have the ability to buy in, 382 00:17:42,720 --> 00:17:43,719 Speaker 2: and why were you interested? 383 00:17:44,359 --> 00:17:48,240 Speaker 6: Yeah, so my interest in sports ownership started in twenty eighteen, 384 00:17:48,560 --> 00:17:50,679 Speaker 6: give you the cliff notes. Real Salt Lake came up 385 00:17:50,720 --> 00:17:53,280 Speaker 6: for sale and I was signed by the MLS in 386 00:17:53,320 --> 00:17:55,520 Speaker 6: my living room when I was, you know, fifteen years old. 387 00:17:55,560 --> 00:17:58,639 Speaker 6: So I have an okay relationship with the league office. 388 00:17:58,680 --> 00:18:01,399 Speaker 6: So I the note in and I said, hey, what 389 00:18:01,960 --> 00:18:04,200 Speaker 6: what does it take, you know, to acquire a group 390 00:18:04,280 --> 00:18:07,040 Speaker 6: like that? And the entire you know, Don Garber was 391 00:18:07,040 --> 00:18:09,359 Speaker 6: great with kind of saying, you know, if there's something 392 00:18:09,359 --> 00:18:11,120 Speaker 6: you're serious about, this is how it has to work, 393 00:18:11,160 --> 00:18:13,639 Speaker 6: this is how the process works. And I was again 394 00:18:14,160 --> 00:18:17,000 Speaker 6: immediately obsessed with it and learning, and you know, lo 395 00:18:17,160 --> 00:18:19,040 Speaker 6: and behold. A year later, I put together my own 396 00:18:19,080 --> 00:18:22,040 Speaker 6: little group and I go and I start to raise capital. 397 00:18:22,080 --> 00:18:24,600 Speaker 1: And so that's kind of where it started for me. 398 00:18:24,800 --> 00:18:27,520 Speaker 6: Obviously I didn't purchase that team that went to Ryan 399 00:18:27,560 --> 00:18:31,760 Speaker 6: Smith at Qualtrics, but like understanding the process, understanding the byside, 400 00:18:31,800 --> 00:18:34,840 Speaker 6: what's what's needed, kind of how to put together a structure, 401 00:18:35,200 --> 00:18:38,240 Speaker 6: I just became addicted, addicted to it, and so you know, 402 00:18:38,240 --> 00:18:40,679 Speaker 6: I just kept my ear to the ground. I kept 403 00:18:40,960 --> 00:18:43,880 Speaker 6: making sure that I was making myself available to see 404 00:18:43,920 --> 00:18:47,880 Speaker 6: different opportunities. And the Buffalo Bills in the NFL obviously 405 00:18:48,520 --> 00:18:51,240 Speaker 6: opened a new world in terms of structuring some of 406 00:18:51,280 --> 00:18:54,240 Speaker 6: the ownership groups, and the Bills were looking for a 407 00:18:54,280 --> 00:18:57,160 Speaker 6: Toronto group as they're looking to expand in that area, 408 00:18:57,200 --> 00:18:59,320 Speaker 6: which you know, I think are primed to do in 409 00:18:59,359 --> 00:19:02,399 Speaker 6: a number of ways. And and you know, being that Vinced, 410 00:19:02,440 --> 00:19:05,320 Speaker 6: myself and Tracy have great ties there, it was a 411 00:19:05,320 --> 00:19:07,520 Speaker 6: match made in heaven. And you know, we haven't looked back. 412 00:19:07,560 --> 00:19:09,800 Speaker 6: And you know, that experience in itself has been. 413 00:19:09,760 --> 00:19:11,040 Speaker 3: Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. 414 00:19:11,280 --> 00:19:14,480 Speaker 1: Yeah, and that in itself has been an amazing. 415 00:19:14,520 --> 00:19:16,760 Speaker 2: Learning heart of them. I just wanted to make sure 416 00:19:16,800 --> 00:19:18,760 Speaker 2: that everybody were Yeah. 417 00:19:18,920 --> 00:19:21,880 Speaker 6: And you missed to say Tom Berger, who led our group, 418 00:19:21,920 --> 00:19:25,880 Speaker 6: who's an incredible an incredible guy and businessmen as well. 419 00:19:25,960 --> 00:19:29,120 Speaker 6: So you know, I think we were incredibly lucky, and 420 00:19:29,200 --> 00:19:32,080 Speaker 6: I think we're incredibly excited because the amount of learning 421 00:19:32,119 --> 00:19:35,400 Speaker 6: opportunities that we've already seen has been has been incredible. 422 00:19:35,600 --> 00:19:37,840 Speaker 2: Yeah, So tell us about that, like, you know, because 423 00:19:37,880 --> 00:19:42,360 Speaker 2: obviously this is it's a fascinating moment for the NFL, 424 00:19:42,520 --> 00:19:45,520 Speaker 2: in particular because of some of the new ownership that's 425 00:19:45,560 --> 00:19:48,399 Speaker 2: coming in. Obviously institutional capital of the Bills were on 426 00:19:48,440 --> 00:19:50,359 Speaker 2: the front edge of that as well, along with the 427 00:19:50,400 --> 00:19:52,800 Speaker 2: Miami Dolphins arc dos in the case of the Bills. 428 00:19:53,480 --> 00:19:56,760 Speaker 2: So what are the dynamics like that tell us what, 429 00:19:57,040 --> 00:19:59,479 Speaker 2: you know, take us inside a little bit about what 430 00:19:59,520 --> 00:20:01,639 Speaker 2: are your in interactions, like what do you feel like 431 00:20:01,720 --> 00:20:04,080 Speaker 2: you're getting and what are they getting in terms of 432 00:20:04,119 --> 00:20:06,360 Speaker 2: this sort of new structure in this new dynamic. 433 00:20:07,200 --> 00:20:10,000 Speaker 6: Yeah, I think you know, Buffalo obviously is a storage 434 00:20:10,000 --> 00:20:12,240 Speaker 6: franchise but has yet to kind of get over that 435 00:20:12,320 --> 00:20:14,920 Speaker 6: hump obviously, And I think for us, you know, being 436 00:20:14,960 --> 00:20:17,040 Speaker 6: guys that have competed at the highest level in our 437 00:20:17,080 --> 00:20:20,359 Speaker 6: sports and won championships, I think having and adding that 438 00:20:20,359 --> 00:20:24,200 Speaker 6: pedigree definitely helped. And then again looking at you know, 439 00:20:24,280 --> 00:20:28,480 Speaker 6: that footprint in northern Ontario and the massive fan base 440 00:20:28,560 --> 00:20:31,240 Speaker 6: that is in Toronto for the Buffalo Bills, I think 441 00:20:31,320 --> 00:20:33,480 Speaker 6: played a huge part. And naturally for us, you know, 442 00:20:33,920 --> 00:20:36,640 Speaker 6: being kind of staples in that community, how can we, 443 00:20:37,040 --> 00:20:39,280 Speaker 6: you know, in good smart ways kind of you know, 444 00:20:39,359 --> 00:20:41,879 Speaker 6: blend the two. And it's been so fun doing that 445 00:20:41,960 --> 00:20:44,040 Speaker 6: and already we're seeing kind of the fruits of that 446 00:20:44,119 --> 00:20:47,760 Speaker 6: and all of this to build a culture, to continue 447 00:20:47,760 --> 00:20:50,840 Speaker 6: to build the community and hopefully win a super Bowl, right, 448 00:20:50,920 --> 00:20:52,400 Speaker 6: That's that's the end game. 449 00:20:52,920 --> 00:20:55,439 Speaker 4: Yeah, it looks pretty good for you guys. But Jason, 450 00:20:55,680 --> 00:20:59,320 Speaker 4: you you were saying that Josie reminds you of me, 451 00:20:59,560 --> 00:21:02,040 Speaker 4: but he's way ahead of me. He's only thirty five, 452 00:21:02,720 --> 00:21:05,520 Speaker 4: and I'm honestly, I'm so impressed Josie. I really commend 453 00:21:05,520 --> 00:21:08,040 Speaker 4: you and congrats with all you've done and you're just 454 00:21:08,040 --> 00:21:11,360 Speaker 4: getting started, I'm sure. So my question is it took 455 00:21:11,359 --> 00:21:13,399 Speaker 4: me a long time to think about building my team. 456 00:21:14,000 --> 00:21:16,520 Speaker 4: How do I look at, you know, opportunities, What is 457 00:21:16,560 --> 00:21:17,400 Speaker 4: my process? 458 00:21:18,119 --> 00:21:20,639 Speaker 5: How does your team look like? What is your process? 459 00:21:21,160 --> 00:21:23,160 Speaker 4: And how do you get the deal flow that you've 460 00:21:23,160 --> 00:21:25,359 Speaker 4: been getting not only a sports but around the horn. 461 00:21:25,600 --> 00:21:27,320 Speaker 1: You know, that's a great question, you know. 462 00:21:27,440 --> 00:21:29,800 Speaker 6: I think that the biggest part for the deal flow 463 00:21:29,880 --> 00:21:33,720 Speaker 6: for for me was rewiring kind of who I am 464 00:21:34,240 --> 00:21:37,520 Speaker 6: and how I approach conversation. And that was kind of 465 00:21:37,560 --> 00:21:39,439 Speaker 6: difficult at first, because you know, you get on the 466 00:21:39,440 --> 00:21:41,399 Speaker 6: call and you expect you know, people to kind of 467 00:21:41,480 --> 00:21:43,120 Speaker 6: you know, know you, but as you know, Alex, they 468 00:21:43,119 --> 00:21:46,639 Speaker 6: still want that introduction. And so I think being comfortable 469 00:21:46,680 --> 00:21:51,120 Speaker 6: with kind of relearning and re earning respective people by 470 00:21:51,480 --> 00:21:55,239 Speaker 6: making myself available, you know, traveling to different functions, you know, 471 00:21:55,280 --> 00:21:57,919 Speaker 6: going to school, getting my bachelor's in and kind of 472 00:21:57,960 --> 00:22:01,960 Speaker 6: just forgetting you know, one life and being humble while 473 00:22:02,040 --> 00:22:05,680 Speaker 6: entering another. I think that was a huge benefit of mine, 474 00:22:05,680 --> 00:22:07,879 Speaker 6: and I was able to kind of network and find 475 00:22:07,920 --> 00:22:10,760 Speaker 6: myself in places where I'm now getting deals that I'm 476 00:22:10,800 --> 00:22:14,560 Speaker 6: passionate about but could potentially have major upsides. So, you know, 477 00:22:14,760 --> 00:22:18,040 Speaker 6: reworking and kind of relearning how to communicate with people 478 00:22:18,320 --> 00:22:20,280 Speaker 6: and meeting people where they were at in the business 479 00:22:20,280 --> 00:22:22,359 Speaker 6: world and respecting what they've done. 480 00:22:22,400 --> 00:22:25,240 Speaker 1: I think, you know, it goes a long way for athletes, 481 00:22:25,280 --> 00:22:25,880 Speaker 1: you know, in my. 482 00:22:25,880 --> 00:22:41,880 Speaker 2: Opinion, So Josie, you know, interesting to think about your portfolio, 483 00:22:42,040 --> 00:22:44,280 Speaker 2: and you know, there are some familiar names that pop 484 00:22:44,400 --> 00:22:49,480 Speaker 2: up when I look at you know, either teams or leagues, 485 00:22:49,600 --> 00:22:52,439 Speaker 2: you know, teams in the case of AFC. Brandy Chestein 486 00:22:52,480 --> 00:22:54,359 Speaker 2: has been a guest on this show, and obviously the 487 00:22:54,640 --> 00:22:58,159 Speaker 2: women's sports movement and women's soccer specifically is so fascinating. 488 00:22:58,520 --> 00:23:00,119 Speaker 2: But one that I wanted to talk about that that 489 00:23:00,160 --> 00:23:03,480 Speaker 2: sort of drew my eye was tgl Obviously it's sort 490 00:23:03,480 --> 00:23:06,040 Speaker 2: of base near near where you are. I had a 491 00:23:06,119 --> 00:23:07,960 Speaker 2: chance to go to one of the matches toward the 492 00:23:08,040 --> 00:23:12,760 Speaker 2: end of this inaugural season. Alex and I are both 493 00:23:13,080 --> 00:23:16,120 Speaker 2: He's better than I am, but we're both aspiring golfers. 494 00:23:16,119 --> 00:23:19,520 Speaker 2: Shall we say, how does that deal come to you? 495 00:23:19,600 --> 00:23:23,800 Speaker 2: And what's attracted? Because it has attracted some unbelievable names 496 00:23:23,880 --> 00:23:29,000 Speaker 2: like yourself into a very new and pretty ambitious concept. 497 00:23:29,240 --> 00:23:31,359 Speaker 6: Yeah, I mean that one was an exciting one. You know, 498 00:23:31,520 --> 00:23:33,600 Speaker 6: I'm down the street, I'm in Booker Raton, you know 499 00:23:33,680 --> 00:23:36,760 Speaker 6: the stadium there is in Palm Beach, And so I 500 00:23:36,800 --> 00:23:40,320 Speaker 6: got that opportunity through a mutual friend who reconnected me 501 00:23:40,400 --> 00:23:42,280 Speaker 6: to an old friend, to be quite honest, that I've 502 00:23:42,280 --> 00:23:44,480 Speaker 6: known for a number of years and who let me 503 00:23:44,520 --> 00:23:46,320 Speaker 6: in on the project in terms of what he's working 504 00:23:46,359 --> 00:23:49,359 Speaker 6: on at the time. It was a guy Joey Brander 505 00:23:49,400 --> 00:23:52,719 Speaker 6: and Mike McCauley, and I kind of understood what they 506 00:23:52,720 --> 00:23:55,200 Speaker 6: were trying to build and right away, you know the time, 507 00:23:55,200 --> 00:23:58,280 Speaker 6: it couldn't have been better because I myself an inspiring golfer, 508 00:23:58,320 --> 00:23:58,480 Speaker 6: you know. 509 00:23:58,560 --> 00:23:59,680 Speaker 1: So I just. 510 00:23:59,600 --> 00:24:03,080 Speaker 6: Got some clubs and I probably only played twice, but 511 00:24:03,160 --> 00:24:04,800 Speaker 6: I already had the itch. 512 00:24:04,840 --> 00:24:06,880 Speaker 1: I hit one ball straight. 513 00:24:06,600 --> 00:24:08,600 Speaker 6: And I was like, I gotta do this more and 514 00:24:08,640 --> 00:24:12,680 Speaker 6: so yeah, it's so humbling, right, Like That's the thing 515 00:24:12,720 --> 00:24:14,800 Speaker 6: about golf is, like you know, and Alex, you know this. 516 00:24:14,880 --> 00:24:16,960 Speaker 6: I feel like you can approach a ball in soccer 517 00:24:17,359 --> 00:24:19,480 Speaker 6: a few different ways and still kind of have the 518 00:24:19,480 --> 00:24:22,520 Speaker 6: same effect we're in golf. If that you know, that 519 00:24:22,680 --> 00:24:25,760 Speaker 6: swing isn't kind of consistent each and every time. You know, 520 00:24:26,119 --> 00:24:28,919 Speaker 6: you're gonna be frustrated with yourself. So you know, it 521 00:24:29,000 --> 00:24:29,520 Speaker 6: is what it is. 522 00:24:29,560 --> 00:24:31,159 Speaker 1: But I love it. I have this bug for it. 523 00:24:31,200 --> 00:24:32,359 Speaker 1: I'm so eager to learn. 524 00:24:32,440 --> 00:24:35,080 Speaker 6: And so when that came about, I was I was intrigued. 525 00:24:35,240 --> 00:24:38,320 Speaker 6: I'm a big believer in sport and tech, and I 526 00:24:38,359 --> 00:24:40,960 Speaker 6: thought this can offer a new spin on a game 527 00:24:41,000 --> 00:24:44,159 Speaker 6: where I think the younger audience has kind of felt 528 00:24:44,200 --> 00:24:46,840 Speaker 6: like there wasn't many entry points and I thought this 529 00:24:46,880 --> 00:24:49,360 Speaker 6: could be, you know, maybe a twist on the game 530 00:24:49,400 --> 00:24:51,520 Speaker 6: that can captivate the younger audience. And I think we've 531 00:24:51,520 --> 00:24:54,040 Speaker 6: seen in season one that there's evidence of that. 532 00:24:55,040 --> 00:24:58,560 Speaker 4: So Josie again, I'm like, I'm really excited. I'm really 533 00:24:58,560 --> 00:25:00,560 Speaker 4: excited for you because I think you're so far ahead 534 00:25:00,600 --> 00:25:03,240 Speaker 4: of the curve. I've had some great mentors, Magic Johnson 535 00:25:03,280 --> 00:25:05,159 Speaker 4: being one of them. And when I saw a person 536 00:25:05,200 --> 00:25:07,879 Speaker 4: of color go from the court to the boardroom, it 537 00:25:07,960 --> 00:25:11,800 Speaker 4: inspired me to no end. When you think about forecasting 538 00:25:11,840 --> 00:25:15,160 Speaker 4: your future, how did the next three to five years. 539 00:25:14,920 --> 00:25:15,400 Speaker 5: Look for you? 540 00:25:16,000 --> 00:25:19,760 Speaker 4: And what would be like an awesome outcome five ten 541 00:25:19,840 --> 00:25:20,440 Speaker 4: years from now? 542 00:25:20,600 --> 00:25:22,040 Speaker 5: Where do you want to be? How big do you 543 00:25:22,040 --> 00:25:23,320 Speaker 5: want to grow your vision? 544 00:25:23,640 --> 00:25:25,960 Speaker 1: Jason? You heard him, He asked this not this is 545 00:25:26,000 --> 00:25:27,560 Speaker 1: perfect because. 546 00:25:27,240 --> 00:25:29,480 Speaker 6: For me, in a perfect world, Alex, I'm not even 547 00:25:29,480 --> 00:25:31,879 Speaker 6: gonna lie to you. It's it's doing something with the 548 00:25:32,000 --> 00:25:34,280 Speaker 6: name you just mentioned in yourself. You know, like you 549 00:25:34,400 --> 00:25:37,159 Speaker 6: guys have you know, I've followed both of you for 550 00:25:37,200 --> 00:25:39,680 Speaker 6: a number of years from your journeys from you know, 551 00:25:40,080 --> 00:25:42,800 Speaker 6: the diamond or the cork to where you are now, 552 00:25:42,880 --> 00:25:45,560 Speaker 6: and you know the discipline, the way you've applied yourself 553 00:25:45,600 --> 00:25:48,359 Speaker 6: you're learning. So in a perfect world, it's to be, 554 00:25:48,680 --> 00:25:51,080 Speaker 6: you know, next to guys like you, hopefully in a 555 00:25:51,160 --> 00:25:54,200 Speaker 6: number of ventures. And then not only that, but also 556 00:25:54,680 --> 00:25:57,720 Speaker 6: kind of I think laying an even clear a blueprint 557 00:25:57,720 --> 00:26:00,439 Speaker 6: for the guys behind us and creating an eCos that 558 00:26:00,760 --> 00:26:02,520 Speaker 6: you know was able to go from strength to strength, 559 00:26:02,520 --> 00:26:04,399 Speaker 6: because I think there's a lot of guys you know, 560 00:26:04,440 --> 00:26:06,560 Speaker 6: even younger than me that are so dialed in right 561 00:26:06,600 --> 00:26:08,520 Speaker 6: with what they're doing. And if there's a way to 562 00:26:08,560 --> 00:26:11,320 Speaker 6: connect kind of the dots, I think that would be amazing. 563 00:26:11,359 --> 00:26:14,000 Speaker 6: But in a perfect world, three to five years, you know, me, 564 00:26:14,119 --> 00:26:17,000 Speaker 6: you and Magic are doing a project. I don't know 565 00:26:17,040 --> 00:26:19,359 Speaker 6: what it is, but we're doing something that has U 566 00:26:19,600 --> 00:26:21,280 Speaker 6: has a great ripple effect for years to come. 567 00:26:21,320 --> 00:26:21,959 Speaker 1: That'd be amazing. 568 00:26:22,119 --> 00:26:24,080 Speaker 5: I love it, Jace. We're putting it into the universe. 569 00:26:24,600 --> 00:26:26,080 Speaker 6: You have no idea when you go in the locker 570 00:26:26,160 --> 00:26:28,160 Speaker 6: rooms of different sports, Alex, I don't know if you. 571 00:26:28,119 --> 00:26:30,360 Speaker 1: Even know that. People talk about what you're doing, right, 572 00:26:30,600 --> 00:26:31,560 Speaker 1: people talk about what. 573 00:26:31,560 --> 00:26:33,960 Speaker 6: Magic are doing. And it's like, that's why it's so 574 00:26:34,000 --> 00:26:35,639 Speaker 6: inspiring for me to talk to you and be on 575 00:26:35,720 --> 00:26:37,600 Speaker 6: this call is because for a long time, you know, 576 00:26:37,920 --> 00:26:40,320 Speaker 6: we're watching your moves and how you do them, so 577 00:26:40,880 --> 00:26:43,480 Speaker 6: you know, yeah, it's it's just it's special for me. 578 00:26:43,640 --> 00:26:45,360 Speaker 1: And yet that would be a dream come true. 579 00:26:45,560 --> 00:26:48,520 Speaker 2: Well, as Alex knows, my all time favorite thing I 580 00:26:48,520 --> 00:26:50,560 Speaker 2: say it all the time is deals happening on the 581 00:26:50,600 --> 00:26:51,920 Speaker 2: deal and that's happening right now. 582 00:26:52,000 --> 00:26:54,600 Speaker 3: It's happening right now. We're saying it live in real time. Folks. 583 00:26:54,640 --> 00:26:58,800 Speaker 2: Come on the fact that you know you mentioned TGL, 584 00:26:58,920 --> 00:26:59,960 Speaker 2: you mentioned the Virgin Gulf. 585 00:27:00,119 --> 00:27:00,960 Speaker 3: For first of. 586 00:27:00,920 --> 00:27:03,280 Speaker 2: All, Alex, we have to get you out to see 587 00:27:03,320 --> 00:27:06,359 Speaker 2: a TGL match because it's it's Josie back me up. 588 00:27:06,400 --> 00:27:08,800 Speaker 2: Mike McCauley was a guest on the show. It's wild 589 00:27:08,880 --> 00:27:12,080 Speaker 2: to watch, like especially in person. It's very cool. It's 590 00:27:12,119 --> 00:27:15,160 Speaker 2: right up the street. And so here's my proposal. We're 591 00:27:15,160 --> 00:27:17,520 Speaker 2: gonna go to a match and either the next day 592 00:27:17,680 --> 00:27:19,879 Speaker 2: or that day, the three of us are playing golf 593 00:27:19,880 --> 00:27:21,879 Speaker 2: and you know, we'll rope somebody else in all right, 594 00:27:23,040 --> 00:27:23,440 Speaker 2: let's do it. 595 00:27:23,600 --> 00:27:24,600 Speaker 3: All right, we're gonna do that. 596 00:27:24,720 --> 00:27:27,520 Speaker 2: I know it'll give me a reason to, you know, 597 00:27:27,760 --> 00:27:30,520 Speaker 2: just hack away even more, just to try and be 598 00:27:31,240 --> 00:27:33,680 Speaker 2: on your level. But at least I have the excuse of, hey, 599 00:27:33,720 --> 00:27:41,240 Speaker 2: I wasn't a professional athlete when I hit a bad 600 00:27:46,040 --> 00:27:48,960 Speaker 2: All right, let's do our lightning round. It's five questions, 601 00:27:49,000 --> 00:27:51,600 Speaker 2: so just you know, give us the first first thing 602 00:27:51,640 --> 00:27:53,760 Speaker 2: that comes to your mind. We'll bounce it back and 603 00:27:53,800 --> 00:27:55,280 Speaker 2: forth and I'll start you writing. 604 00:27:55,680 --> 00:27:56,720 Speaker 1: Let's do it, all. 605 00:27:56,720 --> 00:27:59,359 Speaker 2: Right, what's the best piece of advice you've received on 606 00:27:59,400 --> 00:28:00,520 Speaker 2: deal making business? 607 00:28:02,400 --> 00:28:04,560 Speaker 1: If you don't know anything about it. It's not for you. 608 00:28:05,680 --> 00:28:08,119 Speaker 5: Who's your dream deal making partner? 609 00:28:09,200 --> 00:28:12,360 Speaker 1: Come all, bit, baby, let's go. 610 00:28:12,800 --> 00:28:14,320 Speaker 3: I like it. I like it. 611 00:28:15,760 --> 00:28:16,080 Speaker 1: All right? 612 00:28:16,119 --> 00:28:18,199 Speaker 2: Which team do you want to see win a championship 613 00:28:18,240 --> 00:28:20,040 Speaker 2: more than any? I think I know this one now. 614 00:28:20,240 --> 00:28:23,840 Speaker 1: Oh Buffalo Baby, Bill Bill's Mafia. Come on. 615 00:28:24,480 --> 00:28:27,960 Speaker 4: What is your hype song before a big meeting or negotiation? 616 00:28:29,320 --> 00:28:33,879 Speaker 1: Oh? Right now, it's a Won't Stop by Donna. I 617 00:28:33,920 --> 00:28:37,040 Speaker 1: don't know why I'm addicted to that song gets me going. 618 00:28:37,960 --> 00:28:40,240 Speaker 2: Yeah, all right, So last question, what's your advice for 619 00:28:40,280 --> 00:28:42,719 Speaker 2: someone listening who wants a career like yours? 620 00:28:43,960 --> 00:28:48,760 Speaker 1: He a sponge. I'm so sorry. That's my son sneezing 621 00:28:48,800 --> 00:28:52,320 Speaker 1: in the background. Guys, you's got I apologize. The timing 622 00:28:52,360 --> 00:28:53,160 Speaker 1: couldn't have been anywhere. 623 00:28:53,320 --> 00:28:55,680 Speaker 5: I'm sorry. 624 00:28:55,160 --> 00:28:55,480 Speaker 1: Sorry. 625 00:28:55,920 --> 00:28:59,840 Speaker 2: That was amazing and real life and we've all been 626 00:28:59,880 --> 00:29:02,280 Speaker 2: there and it's a great ending. 627 00:29:02,640 --> 00:29:05,160 Speaker 3: We really appreciate your time, Josie. This is super fun. 628 00:29:05,360 --> 00:29:08,000 Speaker 2: We were both I know, really looking forward to it 629 00:29:08,040 --> 00:29:10,920 Speaker 2: and hopefully this is the first and many conversations that 630 00:29:11,320 --> 00:29:13,920 Speaker 2: we have together, and we're gonna play golf and do 631 00:29:14,000 --> 00:29:16,240 Speaker 2: some deals and well it's gonna be great. 632 00:29:16,720 --> 00:29:17,520 Speaker 3: No, thanks a lot. 633 00:29:17,680 --> 00:29:19,120 Speaker 1: Thank you so much for having me, guys, it was 634 00:29:19,160 --> 00:29:19,960 Speaker 1: an absolute pleasure. 635 00:29:26,440 --> 00:29:29,200 Speaker 2: The Deal is hosted by Alex Rodriguez and me Jason Kelly. 636 00:29:29,680 --> 00:29:33,800 Speaker 2: This episode was made by Anamazarakus, Stacey Wong and Lizzie Phillip. 637 00:29:34,280 --> 00:29:37,080 Speaker 2: Amy Keen is our editor and Will Connelly is our 638 00:29:37,160 --> 00:29:40,320 Speaker 2: video editor. Our theme music is made by Blake Maples. 639 00:29:40,680 --> 00:29:44,880 Speaker 2: Our executive producers are Kelly Leferrier, Ashley Honig, and Brenda Newnham. 640 00:29:45,400 --> 00:29:48,880 Speaker 2: Sage Bauman is the head of Bloomberg Podcast. Additional support 641 00:29:48,880 --> 00:29:52,360 Speaker 2: from Rachel Carnivale and Elena Los Angeles. Thanks so much 642 00:29:52,360 --> 00:29:54,720 Speaker 2: for listening to the Deal. If you have a minute, subscribe, 643 00:29:54,760 --> 00:29:57,840 Speaker 2: rate and review our show. It'll help other listeners find us. 644 00:29:58,040 --> 00:29:58,880 Speaker 2: I'm Jason Kelly. 645 00:29:59,080 --> 00:29:59,840 Speaker 3: See you next week.