1 00:00:00,280 --> 00:00:03,560 Speaker 1: This is the business of sports, where in the situation 2 00:00:03,640 --> 00:00:06,400 Speaker 1: that we haven't dealt with in modern times, pandemic here 3 00:00:06,440 --> 00:00:10,479 Speaker 1: has really accelerated the investments that you've been advocating for 4 00:00:10,480 --> 00:00:13,280 Speaker 1: for years. Almost everyone else there is hoping that there's 5 00:00:13,280 --> 00:00:16,759 Speaker 1: some kind of return to normal by August September. In 6 00:00:16,880 --> 00:00:20,200 Speaker 1: depth conversations with the leaders in the sports industry, who 7 00:00:20,200 --> 00:00:22,800 Speaker 1: wants to be the sacrificial lambs that shows up at 8 00:00:22,840 --> 00:00:25,640 Speaker 1: the first big major sporting events were part of something 9 00:00:25,720 --> 00:00:28,120 Speaker 1: much bigger than the sport right now and the health 10 00:00:28,120 --> 00:00:31,080 Speaker 1: and safety of our stakeholders are both more important every moment. 11 00:00:31,280 --> 00:00:33,760 Speaker 1: I think we're all from business respective thinking about the 12 00:00:33,800 --> 00:00:37,080 Speaker 1: impact that the virus is having across the country. Bloomberg 13 00:00:37,200 --> 00:00:41,040 Speaker 1: Business of Sports from Bloomberg Radio. Hello, I'm Jason Kelly, 14 00:00:41,360 --> 00:00:43,919 Speaker 1: and I'm Michael Barr and I'm Mike Lynch, and we're 15 00:00:43,920 --> 00:00:46,400 Speaker 1: here Monday's, Wednesdays and Thursdays to explore the big money 16 00:00:46,400 --> 00:00:48,240 Speaker 1: issues in the world of sports. Talked to some of 17 00:00:48,280 --> 00:00:51,040 Speaker 1: the biggest players in the industry. Today, we're chatting with 18 00:00:51,120 --> 00:00:54,200 Speaker 1: David Wright. He's the chief marketing and commercial officer over 19 00:00:54,200 --> 00:00:57,200 Speaker 1: a minor league baseball. David really nice to have you 20 00:00:57,240 --> 00:01:01,360 Speaker 1: with us, Thanks for having me guys. Happy Monday, and 21 00:01:01,440 --> 00:01:04,000 Speaker 1: to you, uh, you know, all the days sort of 22 00:01:04,000 --> 00:01:08,559 Speaker 1: blend together here their headlines constantly, and the headlines, let's 23 00:01:08,560 --> 00:01:11,760 Speaker 1: just jump right into it for Monday. League baseball really 24 00:01:11,800 --> 00:01:17,800 Speaker 1: sad these days. Tell us how we got to this point? Yeah, 25 00:01:17,800 --> 00:01:19,640 Speaker 1: I mean I wish I could. I wish I could 26 00:01:19,640 --> 00:01:22,440 Speaker 1: say we planned it all out and it's going exactly 27 00:01:22,480 --> 00:01:25,520 Speaker 1: how we've planned. I think if you look at our industry, 28 00:01:25,959 --> 00:01:29,560 Speaker 1: you know these are clearly unprecedented times, and and so 29 00:01:29,760 --> 00:01:32,080 Speaker 1: you you kind of make it up as you go 30 00:01:32,240 --> 00:01:36,200 Speaker 1: and make the best decisions you can. And and for us, 31 00:01:36,720 --> 00:01:38,760 Speaker 1: you know, about a week ago we made the tough 32 00:01:38,800 --> 00:01:41,840 Speaker 1: decision um that there will be no in my ob 33 00:01:41,959 --> 00:01:46,440 Speaker 1: season in two thousand. So Um, Now, I guess the 34 00:01:46,480 --> 00:01:50,600 Speaker 1: silver lining is we had we had been managing the 35 00:01:50,640 --> 00:01:55,120 Speaker 1: business for a while under that worst key scenario that 36 00:01:55,160 --> 00:01:58,680 Speaker 1: we saw play out. But it doesn't lessen the blow. 37 00:01:58,840 --> 00:02:03,560 Speaker 1: And I think the overarching sadness that's felt throughout baseball 38 00:02:03,640 --> 00:02:08,600 Speaker 1: and specifically throughout the minor league baseball ecosystem. Um, you know, 39 00:02:09,040 --> 00:02:10,920 Speaker 1: there's a level of finality. Now it's all about how 40 00:02:10,919 --> 00:02:14,799 Speaker 1: do we maximize the balance and get after it so 41 00:02:14,840 --> 00:02:17,040 Speaker 1: that when we return in two we come back with 42 00:02:17,040 --> 00:02:20,920 Speaker 1: a big bank. David, we talked last week with Trevor 43 00:02:20,919 --> 00:02:26,200 Speaker 1: Bauer and uh he had mentioned about the question of 44 00:02:26,480 --> 00:02:30,640 Speaker 1: the future of minor league baseball and he had many 45 00:02:30,680 --> 00:02:35,600 Speaker 1: concerns the Cincinnati pitching age about the problems for some 46 00:02:35,720 --> 00:02:39,520 Speaker 1: minor league baseball teams. Will they ever come back after 47 00:02:39,560 --> 00:02:45,280 Speaker 1: this pandemic? If I can ask, your thoughts are about that? Yeah. Again, 48 00:02:45,320 --> 00:02:48,079 Speaker 1: I think from a macro standpoint, I think our industry, 49 00:02:48,080 --> 00:02:51,880 Speaker 1: our sport industry, is really forced to look at the 50 00:02:51,960 --> 00:02:56,560 Speaker 1: business a little bit differently. UM and and that doesn't discriminate, 51 00:02:56,600 --> 00:02:59,520 Speaker 1: So it doesn't matter what sport or our area the 52 00:02:59,520 --> 00:03:02,440 Speaker 1: business are in. UM. I think when we come out 53 00:03:02,480 --> 00:03:04,840 Speaker 1: the other side, the industry is gonna look a lot different. 54 00:03:05,520 --> 00:03:08,120 Speaker 1: You know, minorly baseball is unique. We have a hundred 55 00:03:08,120 --> 00:03:12,120 Speaker 1: and sixty clubs and forty two states UM that really 56 00:03:12,160 --> 00:03:16,800 Speaker 1: are the front porch of their local community. UM. And 57 00:03:16,840 --> 00:03:19,560 Speaker 1: when you look at the business, you know it's it's 58 00:03:19,600 --> 00:03:25,600 Speaker 1: widely reported between local revenue is tied to game dates 59 00:03:25,639 --> 00:03:29,440 Speaker 1: and ape Sonny. So I think I think you're you're 60 00:03:29,440 --> 00:03:32,400 Speaker 1: seeing our clubs get really creative as they think about 61 00:03:32,480 --> 00:03:34,960 Speaker 1: the business today and equally is important to going forward. 62 00:03:35,440 --> 00:03:38,720 Speaker 1: I think you're going to see the business be forced 63 00:03:38,760 --> 00:03:42,720 Speaker 1: to diversify, which is not necessarily a bad thing. UM 64 00:03:42,800 --> 00:03:45,360 Speaker 1: and we'll see where we met out. I think everyone 65 00:03:45,600 --> 00:03:48,360 Speaker 1: is completely focused on how do we max somebody's two 66 00:03:48,360 --> 00:03:53,120 Speaker 1: thou these tough circumstances and rebuild as we as we 67 00:03:53,160 --> 00:03:56,560 Speaker 1: head into one UM And I think it's going to 68 00:03:56,640 --> 00:03:59,320 Speaker 1: vary by market. But I gotta tell you we have 69 00:03:59,400 --> 00:04:01,960 Speaker 1: some of the small artists, most accomplished sports executives in 70 00:04:01,960 --> 00:04:04,880 Speaker 1: the business that are waking up thinking about minor league 71 00:04:04,880 --> 00:04:08,800 Speaker 1: Baseball every single day. And with that, I like our 72 00:04:08,880 --> 00:04:13,680 Speaker 1: chances and and and like smil early signs David, before 73 00:04:13,760 --> 00:04:18,320 Speaker 1: the pandemic really just got out of control, Major League 74 00:04:18,320 --> 00:04:22,279 Speaker 1: Baseball was talking about cutting forty to forty two clubs. 75 00:04:22,320 --> 00:04:28,240 Speaker 1: Already has that idea of been put on hold. You know, 76 00:04:28,279 --> 00:04:31,480 Speaker 1: there's a lot of really smart people, much more qualified 77 00:04:31,480 --> 00:04:34,960 Speaker 1: than I that are much closer to those conversations. I mean, 78 00:04:35,000 --> 00:04:37,320 Speaker 1: all I can say is, you know, we've had an 79 00:04:37,360 --> 00:04:43,039 Speaker 1: incredible relationship with MLB for generations. I don't see that discontinuing. UM, 80 00:04:43,080 --> 00:04:45,960 Speaker 1: there's a lot of productive conversations being had, and where 81 00:04:45,960 --> 00:04:49,360 Speaker 1: that mets out I think remains to be seen. Um. 82 00:04:49,400 --> 00:04:54,040 Speaker 1: You know, we're focused on today and maximizing the realities 83 00:04:54,040 --> 00:04:57,839 Speaker 1: of today as we build for the future. So David 84 00:04:57,839 --> 00:05:00,120 Speaker 1: talked to us about some of those conversations that that 85 00:05:00,160 --> 00:05:03,080 Speaker 1: you're having, because obviously a lot of your work is 86 00:05:03,120 --> 00:05:05,440 Speaker 1: tied up in exactly what you said, this sort of 87 00:05:05,680 --> 00:05:07,760 Speaker 1: the front ports of the local community, which I'm totally 88 00:05:07,760 --> 00:05:10,680 Speaker 1: going to use. That's such a great lite. Um, But 89 00:05:10,760 --> 00:05:13,280 Speaker 1: when you think about sort of the conversations that you're 90 00:05:13,320 --> 00:05:17,520 Speaker 1: having either in terms of how to keep fans engaged, 91 00:05:17,600 --> 00:05:20,919 Speaker 1: how to keep local businesses engaged, to rely on the 92 00:05:21,000 --> 00:05:25,359 Speaker 1: stadiums and the games and the fans for business, what 93 00:05:25,440 --> 00:05:28,200 Speaker 1: does that look like? What what sort of the the 94 00:05:29,080 --> 00:05:32,000 Speaker 1: short term triage. I guess that you are helping the 95 00:05:32,040 --> 00:05:37,240 Speaker 1: teams with. Yeah, that's a great question, I think. Um, 96 00:05:37,520 --> 00:05:40,240 Speaker 1: we were really a defined. A moment for m i 97 00:05:40,279 --> 00:05:43,880 Speaker 1: OB was on March twelve, Lunch twelve is when we 98 00:05:44,200 --> 00:05:46,640 Speaker 1: initially announced that we would be delaying in the start 99 00:05:46,640 --> 00:05:50,880 Speaker 1: of the season. UM, and that really set us set 100 00:05:50,920 --> 00:05:54,360 Speaker 1: us down a certain path, and it quite frankly, very 101 00:05:54,440 --> 00:05:56,680 Speaker 1: quickly forced us to look at our business very differently. Now, 102 00:05:57,120 --> 00:05:59,920 Speaker 1: we had already started to do a lot of behind 103 00:06:00,000 --> 00:06:02,080 Speaker 1: and the scenes work and preparation. We knew there were 104 00:06:02,120 --> 00:06:06,320 Speaker 1: some stuff going on as early as January as it 105 00:06:06,360 --> 00:06:09,920 Speaker 1: relates to COVID nineteen, but it was a real defining 106 00:06:10,000 --> 00:06:14,440 Speaker 1: moment on March twelve, and from that moment forward, you know, 107 00:06:14,440 --> 00:06:16,679 Speaker 1: we've had to look at the business differently and really 108 00:06:16,680 --> 00:06:21,839 Speaker 1: approach all of our different stakeholders, um, you know, under 109 00:06:21,839 --> 00:06:24,320 Speaker 1: a different light, you know. So one of those stakeholders 110 00:06:24,320 --> 00:06:27,880 Speaker 1: obviously our strategic partners. You know, we've been very fortunate 111 00:06:27,920 --> 00:06:31,040 Speaker 1: over the last number of years to amass an incredible 112 00:06:31,080 --> 00:06:33,760 Speaker 1: portfolio of industry leading brands that have bought into division 113 00:06:33,760 --> 00:06:37,680 Speaker 1: of Mine Baseball, that are investing in our growth. And 114 00:06:37,720 --> 00:06:43,479 Speaker 1: we've chosen to be very proactive and very transparent and proactive. 115 00:06:43,480 --> 00:06:46,680 Speaker 1: When I say proactive, if they're asking questions, if Nationwide 116 00:06:46,760 --> 00:06:49,120 Speaker 1: is coming to us wanting to know what's going on, 117 00:06:49,200 --> 00:06:53,240 Speaker 1: we're late. So I think that commitment to being proactive 118 00:06:53,240 --> 00:06:56,360 Speaker 1: with our national partners is really important. And similarly, our 119 00:06:56,400 --> 00:07:00,560 Speaker 1: commitment to be transparent. And as I mentioned earlier, you know, 120 00:07:00,640 --> 00:07:04,000 Speaker 1: while the formal announcement that we would have no season. 121 00:07:04,800 --> 00:07:07,320 Speaker 1: UM was really a kind of a kick in the gut. 122 00:07:07,880 --> 00:07:10,480 Speaker 1: We had been managing against the worst case scenario for 123 00:07:10,560 --> 00:07:15,440 Speaker 1: some time and have been having those conversations with partners, UM, 124 00:07:15,480 --> 00:07:18,320 Speaker 1: you know, so that if we do not have a season, 125 00:07:18,400 --> 00:07:21,000 Speaker 1: this is what the relationship looks like. Let's think about that. 126 00:07:21,080 --> 00:07:27,080 Speaker 1: Let's let's reimagine those partnership frameworks UM. And you know, 127 00:07:27,160 --> 00:07:30,040 Speaker 1: that's exactly what we did. And I think to a partner, 128 00:07:30,080 --> 00:07:33,160 Speaker 1: I think they've appreciated how proactive we've been, how transparent 129 00:07:33,200 --> 00:07:36,120 Speaker 1: we've been UM as we think about, you know, how 130 00:07:36,120 --> 00:07:39,400 Speaker 1: we maximize the balance of the year. Another obviously really 131 00:07:39,440 --> 00:07:42,800 Speaker 1: important key stakeholder are clubs. You know, the rubber meets 132 00:07:42,840 --> 00:07:46,880 Speaker 1: the road in a hundred and sixty markets. Again my 133 00:07:46,960 --> 00:07:49,240 Speaker 1: favorite line front porch of the community. I mean, the 134 00:07:49,360 --> 00:07:52,640 Speaker 1: relevance of our clubs in the local market is second 135 00:07:52,680 --> 00:07:59,080 Speaker 1: to none. Obviously the ballpark serves as that front porch. 136 00:07:59,120 --> 00:08:01,480 Speaker 1: And if you don't have a live events you got 137 00:08:01,480 --> 00:08:04,120 Speaker 1: to think differently about how you engage with your fans 138 00:08:04,160 --> 00:08:09,040 Speaker 1: and so it's things like UM fireworks shows. You probably 139 00:08:09,080 --> 00:08:13,239 Speaker 1: saw the incredible innovation Pencacola with the blue Wahos and 140 00:08:13,240 --> 00:08:16,840 Speaker 1: and how they're now working with your Airbnb um for 141 00:08:16,880 --> 00:08:20,760 Speaker 1: their ballpark. So there are countless examples of our clubs 142 00:08:20,800 --> 00:08:24,160 Speaker 1: getting really creative to think differently on how they engage 143 00:08:24,480 --> 00:08:27,480 Speaker 1: with their fans, which is really important because what you 144 00:08:27,520 --> 00:08:30,320 Speaker 1: don't want is you don't want to go dark. Because 145 00:08:31,000 --> 00:08:34,600 Speaker 1: this will pass. We don't know exactly when, and hopefully 146 00:08:34,600 --> 00:08:37,080 Speaker 1: it's sooner rather than later, but this will pass, and 147 00:08:37,120 --> 00:08:40,520 Speaker 1: the work that we do today is really important and 148 00:08:40,520 --> 00:08:42,480 Speaker 1: we'll see us up for success as we think for it. 149 00:08:43,320 --> 00:08:46,600 Speaker 1: We're speaking with David Wright, the chief marketing and commercial 150 00:08:46,640 --> 00:08:49,040 Speaker 1: officer at Minor League Baseball, and I know there are 151 00:08:49,080 --> 00:08:52,120 Speaker 1: more serious topics to talk about, but one of the 152 00:08:52,160 --> 00:08:56,280 Speaker 1: things I love about minor league baseball are those wild 153 00:08:56,440 --> 00:08:59,120 Speaker 1: promotions that you see in the stands where you've got 154 00:08:59,360 --> 00:09:03,200 Speaker 1: people throw phone balls in a moving car with the 155 00:09:03,240 --> 00:09:05,360 Speaker 1: sunroof open, and if you get it in the car 156 00:09:06,080 --> 00:09:08,840 Speaker 1: with your name on it, of course you you win something. 157 00:09:09,320 --> 00:09:12,320 Speaker 1: Or you know some little kid running out in the 158 00:09:12,320 --> 00:09:14,680 Speaker 1: center field and he's got to run back and pick 159 00:09:14,760 --> 00:09:19,719 Speaker 1: something up. Whatever. Those special attractions mean a lot to 160 00:09:19,920 --> 00:09:23,840 Speaker 1: minor league baseball, and I hope that Minor League Baseball 161 00:09:23,920 --> 00:09:27,960 Speaker 1: keeps that in the future, no question. And I think 162 00:09:28,480 --> 00:09:32,680 Speaker 1: you know, we we learned a long time ago that, UM, 163 00:09:32,920 --> 00:09:37,960 Speaker 1: the importance of understanding your consumer. And you know a 164 00:09:38,080 --> 00:09:41,199 Speaker 1: large percentage of our fans are engaging with m i 165 00:09:41,320 --> 00:09:45,680 Speaker 1: LB for reasons other than the game itself. Now, we 166 00:09:45,760 --> 00:09:50,200 Speaker 1: have a very important and growing core of fans that 167 00:09:50,280 --> 00:09:53,800 Speaker 1: are there. You following the next day and judge, but 168 00:09:53,880 --> 00:09:56,880 Speaker 1: a very large percentage are there for what you just described. 169 00:09:57,480 --> 00:10:00,480 Speaker 1: They're there for what goes on in between names. They're 170 00:10:00,600 --> 00:10:04,440 Speaker 1: there because it's a communal environment. They're there for the access. 171 00:10:04,600 --> 00:10:06,920 Speaker 1: They're there because they can go with friends and family 172 00:10:06,920 --> 00:10:10,200 Speaker 1: and not break the bank. And that's really important. And 173 00:10:10,679 --> 00:10:13,960 Speaker 1: you know, that's a that's a commitment that m ILB 174 00:10:14,080 --> 00:10:17,200 Speaker 1: has made to those local communities and it's a model 175 00:10:17,240 --> 00:10:21,760 Speaker 1: that's worked. And you know, I often make the analogy 176 00:10:21,880 --> 00:10:26,360 Speaker 1: that you know, Minor League Baseball is to sports what 177 00:10:26,520 --> 00:10:30,559 Speaker 1: craft beer is to the beer industry, Meaning your experience 178 00:10:30,600 --> 00:10:34,160 Speaker 1: and lansing is much different than it is in Charleston, 179 00:10:34,280 --> 00:10:36,960 Speaker 1: than it is in Kilborough, than it is in Ol Paso. 180 00:10:37,840 --> 00:10:40,280 Speaker 1: And that's what makes it special. You know, it's not 181 00:10:40,400 --> 00:10:44,520 Speaker 1: necessarily UM. You know that exact same experience. It's really 182 00:10:44,559 --> 00:10:47,640 Speaker 1: catered to that local market, which is really special and 183 00:10:47,760 --> 00:10:50,960 Speaker 1: I think has resonated to the masses in the form 184 00:10:51,040 --> 00:10:53,520 Speaker 1: of you know, forty one and a half million people 185 00:10:53,520 --> 00:10:56,880 Speaker 1: attended minorlygue baseball games in two thousand nineteen, second only 186 00:10:56,920 --> 00:10:59,840 Speaker 1: a Major League baseball and by the way, represented the 187 00:11:00,040 --> 00:11:02,760 Speaker 1: only major sport property in North America actually see an 188 00:11:02,800 --> 00:11:06,840 Speaker 1: increase in attendance, which again speaks to the incredible work 189 00:11:06,880 --> 00:11:09,760 Speaker 1: being done across these hundred and sixty markets and how 190 00:11:09,800 --> 00:11:14,920 Speaker 1: they have have driven relevance in their local community. David 191 00:11:15,080 --> 00:11:17,600 Speaker 1: used the word relevance, and the worst word you can 192 00:11:17,679 --> 00:11:21,040 Speaker 1: use in any business or any relationship is irrelevant. And 193 00:11:21,160 --> 00:11:23,840 Speaker 1: from the end of the twenty nineteen season two, now 194 00:11:24,000 --> 00:11:27,199 Speaker 1: the beginning of the season, we're looking at it more 195 00:11:27,200 --> 00:11:30,319 Speaker 1: than a year and a half or so. And tell 196 00:11:30,360 --> 00:11:32,400 Speaker 1: me about the how do you stay relevant for that 197 00:11:32,800 --> 00:11:35,080 Speaker 1: sort of Well, well, we've got our finger on the 198 00:11:35,080 --> 00:11:38,600 Speaker 1: pause button for that amount of time. Yeah, that's a 199 00:11:38,600 --> 00:11:43,000 Speaker 1: great question, and I think it's it's um it's a 200 00:11:43,120 --> 00:11:47,280 Speaker 1: challenge that every sport property is forced to face. And 201 00:11:47,320 --> 00:11:50,000 Speaker 1: I think, you know, I'm really encouraged by the early 202 00:11:50,080 --> 00:11:52,719 Speaker 1: signs of some of our efforts, you know, and I'll 203 00:11:52,760 --> 00:11:55,840 Speaker 1: give you an example, guys. April nine was to be 204 00:11:56,000 --> 00:11:58,000 Speaker 1: our opening day, and, as you guys know all too 205 00:11:58,000 --> 00:12:02,000 Speaker 1: well in baseball, opening days a really important milestone. It's 206 00:12:02,000 --> 00:12:05,240 Speaker 1: a celebration for the sport. Um. Well, guess what, we 207 00:12:05,280 --> 00:12:09,320 Speaker 1: didn't have games. Uh, So we very quickly pivoted and 208 00:12:09,360 --> 00:12:11,720 Speaker 1: we made the decision, while we're not going to have 209 00:12:11,840 --> 00:12:15,240 Speaker 1: physical games, how do we aggregate the masses. How do 210 00:12:15,280 --> 00:12:19,800 Speaker 1: we still celebrate? Uh, this incredible opportunity, but maybe in 211 00:12:19,800 --> 00:12:22,880 Speaker 1: a different light. And so we created m ILB at 212 00:12:22,920 --> 00:12:27,000 Speaker 1: Home Opener, which was nine hours of virtual content, so 213 00:12:27,160 --> 00:12:30,440 Speaker 1: nine hours that spoke to minor league baseball. It was 214 00:12:30,480 --> 00:12:34,760 Speaker 1: all about those crazy promotions, those wacky logos, that incredible 215 00:12:34,800 --> 00:12:39,040 Speaker 1: food that you experience. It was an opportunity to support 216 00:12:39,080 --> 00:12:41,480 Speaker 1: what our clubs are doing locally, which is really important. 217 00:12:42,160 --> 00:12:44,960 Speaker 1: It was an opportunity to engage our strategic partners. So 218 00:12:45,040 --> 00:12:47,400 Speaker 1: all of our partners were tied in an authentic and 219 00:12:47,480 --> 00:12:50,440 Speaker 1: unique way, and it was an opportunity to engage with 220 00:12:50,480 --> 00:12:53,560 Speaker 1: our fans. Because you're exactly right, you do not want 221 00:12:53,600 --> 00:12:56,640 Speaker 1: to go dark. You've got to stay top of mind. 222 00:12:56,679 --> 00:12:59,240 Speaker 1: You've got to continue to innovate, to engage with your 223 00:12:59,240 --> 00:13:03,360 Speaker 1: consumers so that when you do come back, you come 224 00:13:03,360 --> 00:13:07,319 Speaker 1: back with a bang. And I'm really encouraged. Guys. If 225 00:13:07,360 --> 00:13:09,560 Speaker 1: you were to tell me going into m I al 226 00:13:09,640 --> 00:13:12,760 Speaker 1: b at home opener on April nine, that our social 227 00:13:12,800 --> 00:13:15,880 Speaker 1: and digital metrics in two thousand twenty would have outperformed 228 00:13:16,480 --> 00:13:21,640 Speaker 1: our two thousand nineteen opening night uh platform when we 229 00:13:21,679 --> 00:13:23,719 Speaker 1: actually had games, There's no way I would have believed you. 230 00:13:23,760 --> 00:13:26,200 Speaker 1: But that's exactly what happened. And I think it's a 231 00:13:26,240 --> 00:13:29,280 Speaker 1: credit to the innovation, it's a credit to the creativity, 232 00:13:29,480 --> 00:13:32,040 Speaker 1: and clearly a credit to you know, when you can 233 00:13:32,040 --> 00:13:35,360 Speaker 1: get honors and sixty clubs rowing in the same direction, 234 00:13:36,360 --> 00:13:40,320 Speaker 1: the scale is pretty impressive and in the metrics support that. 235 00:13:40,440 --> 00:13:42,679 Speaker 1: And it was a great win. It's great win for 236 00:13:42,760 --> 00:13:45,680 Speaker 1: Milean Baseball. And so David, let's talk about the fans 237 00:13:45,720 --> 00:13:49,160 Speaker 1: a little bit. I love the Craft Beard analogy, and 238 00:13:49,240 --> 00:13:53,880 Speaker 1: obviously from market to market the fans are very different. Um, 239 00:13:53,920 --> 00:13:57,800 Speaker 1: but tell us about the demographics of your fans because 240 00:13:57,800 --> 00:14:01,240 Speaker 1: obviously that's incredibly important. Is you go out on behalf 241 00:14:01,280 --> 00:14:04,600 Speaker 1: of the league and try and do big partnerships and whatnot. 242 00:14:04,960 --> 00:14:06,880 Speaker 1: And what are some of the trends that you've seen 243 00:14:06,920 --> 00:14:11,920 Speaker 1: in terms of who's into minor league baseball. You know, guys, 244 00:14:11,920 --> 00:14:15,240 Speaker 1: I think I think the simplest way to describe m 245 00:14:15,320 --> 00:14:19,600 Speaker 1: il B is we really are across section of the 246 00:14:19,720 --> 00:14:24,200 Speaker 1: US and our loan team in Vancouver. When you think 247 00:14:24,240 --> 00:14:30,560 Speaker 1: about a hundred and fifty nine communities in the US, UM, 248 00:14:30,600 --> 00:14:32,920 Speaker 1: you know, we have a hundred and eleven million self 249 00:14:33,000 --> 00:14:36,280 Speaker 1: designated fans. So these are fans that have that have 250 00:14:36,480 --> 00:14:40,480 Speaker 1: opted to show their support for m l B. As 251 00:14:40,480 --> 00:14:42,120 Speaker 1: I mentioned earlier, we have forty one and a half 252 00:14:42,160 --> 00:14:45,560 Speaker 1: million people going through turnstyle a here. UM. So the 253 00:14:45,640 --> 00:14:49,560 Speaker 1: scale is enormous, and I think what you are starting 254 00:14:49,600 --> 00:14:54,280 Speaker 1: to see more and more is the local club in 255 00:14:54,720 --> 00:14:58,120 Speaker 1: said market is very representative of that market. And as 256 00:14:58,160 --> 00:15:00,800 Speaker 1: you guys know all too well, you all, Passo is 257 00:15:00,920 --> 00:15:04,880 Speaker 1: very different than Columbus Ohio. UM. But I think that's 258 00:15:04,920 --> 00:15:08,360 Speaker 1: really important because I think, um, if I for anyone 259 00:15:08,400 --> 00:15:11,440 Speaker 1: that's an m ILB fan, you know that diversity and 260 00:15:11,520 --> 00:15:14,880 Speaker 1: inclusion is critically important and it's really core to who 261 00:15:14,920 --> 00:15:18,680 Speaker 1: we are. UM. You know, we've I think been a 262 00:15:18,760 --> 00:15:22,400 Speaker 1: leader in embracing inclusion and I've been very public and 263 00:15:22,400 --> 00:15:25,200 Speaker 1: saying I actually think m ILB has the opportunity to 264 00:15:25,240 --> 00:15:28,440 Speaker 1: be the most inclusive support property around and we're starting 265 00:15:28,480 --> 00:15:31,400 Speaker 1: to see some really positive signs. So I would tell 266 00:15:31,440 --> 00:15:35,440 Speaker 1: you that, you know, generally speaking, m i LB is 267 00:15:35,480 --> 00:15:39,119 Speaker 1: a cross section of the country from a demography standpoint, 268 00:15:39,760 --> 00:15:42,320 Speaker 1: I'm sure there are certain markets where you you you 269 00:15:42,440 --> 00:15:44,520 Speaker 1: probably wanted to be a little bit we're represented, but 270 00:15:44,520 --> 00:15:46,680 Speaker 1: we're seeing those gaps closed, and we're seeing those gaps 271 00:15:46,680 --> 00:15:49,840 Speaker 1: closed very quickly, UM, and I think you'll see us 272 00:15:49,920 --> 00:15:54,440 Speaker 1: continue to lean in UM to diversity inclusion. You know, 273 00:15:54,520 --> 00:15:57,840 Speaker 1: not only in terms of UM. You know the thousands 274 00:15:57,840 --> 00:16:00,280 Speaker 1: of people that that are part of the m ILB 275 00:16:00,400 --> 00:16:03,760 Speaker 1: ecosystem from a from a work standpoint. It starts there, 276 00:16:04,440 --> 00:16:07,000 Speaker 1: But then how do you translate that to ensure that 277 00:16:07,040 --> 00:16:10,280 Speaker 1: a hundred and sixty year of your clubs are incredibly 278 00:16:10,320 --> 00:16:13,960 Speaker 1: representative of the local communities. And we we a number 279 00:16:14,000 --> 00:16:15,920 Speaker 1: of years ago kind of put a line in the sand. 280 00:16:16,680 --> 00:16:19,120 Speaker 1: Let by two we want to do a clipse fifty 281 00:16:19,160 --> 00:16:22,080 Speaker 1: million attendees and that's a lockey goal. And I can't 282 00:16:22,080 --> 00:16:24,080 Speaker 1: sit here today and say that we're going to get there. 283 00:16:24,120 --> 00:16:27,600 Speaker 1: But obviously we've had a little hiccup in two thousand twenty. 284 00:16:28,080 --> 00:16:29,880 Speaker 1: About what I can say is, I think I think 285 00:16:29,880 --> 00:16:33,480 Speaker 1: we're gonna get pretty darn close. And a big part of, 286 00:16:33,920 --> 00:16:36,520 Speaker 1: you know, why we've had the success that we've had 287 00:16:37,320 --> 00:16:41,000 Speaker 1: UM is because we're so inclusive and we're so accessible. 288 00:16:41,440 --> 00:16:44,280 Speaker 1: It doesn't matter your socio ecodemic background, it doesn't matter 289 00:16:44,280 --> 00:16:48,280 Speaker 1: your race or gender or sexual orientation. UM baseball for everyone. 290 00:16:48,360 --> 00:16:50,520 Speaker 1: And I think that's really important. And when you when 291 00:16:50,520 --> 00:16:53,600 Speaker 1: you think about sport and you know, you guys, I'm 292 00:16:53,640 --> 00:16:56,080 Speaker 1: sure I've talked to a lot of other properties, you know, 293 00:16:56,200 --> 00:16:59,680 Speaker 1: maintaining that thing experience is so critically important. There's nothing 294 00:17:00,280 --> 00:17:04,800 Speaker 1: that that substitutes the sounds and the smells and the 295 00:17:04,840 --> 00:17:07,919 Speaker 1: sites that you see when you when you engage with 296 00:17:08,000 --> 00:17:11,600 Speaker 1: sport Live. For us to be up two point six 297 00:17:11,680 --> 00:17:13,840 Speaker 1: percent a year over year in two thousand nineteen, I 298 00:17:13,840 --> 00:17:17,159 Speaker 1: think speaks to the efforts that M. I. O. B. 299 00:17:17,320 --> 00:17:20,560 Speaker 1: In a hundred and sixty clubs have made by the 300 00:17:20,560 --> 00:17:24,880 Speaker 1: way at a time when sport is seen either static 301 00:17:25,000 --> 00:17:27,520 Speaker 1: or in some cases of decline from an attendant standpoint. 302 00:17:28,280 --> 00:17:31,480 Speaker 1: So it's something we're keenly focused on, and I think 303 00:17:31,720 --> 00:17:34,800 Speaker 1: being representative of our markets is a huge priority and 304 00:17:34,880 --> 00:17:38,480 Speaker 1: something that is is bug well for us. A lot 305 00:17:38,560 --> 00:17:44,359 Speaker 1: of changes are taking place in major sports with nicknames. 306 00:17:44,400 --> 00:17:49,080 Speaker 1: Just recently, just today, the Washington Redskins will lose the 307 00:17:49,160 --> 00:17:54,000 Speaker 1: name Redskins. The Cleveland Indians are debating about changing the 308 00:17:54,080 --> 00:17:59,960 Speaker 1: name Indians. Uh, there was criticism from Native Americans. Your thought, 309 00:18:00,040 --> 00:18:04,679 Speaker 1: it's about the main changes for the nicknames of some 310 00:18:04,760 --> 00:18:09,480 Speaker 1: of these teams, if I may ask, Yeah, I can't 311 00:18:09,520 --> 00:18:12,880 Speaker 1: necessarily comment about the specific examples. What I can say 312 00:18:12,920 --> 00:18:16,560 Speaker 1: from where I sit is that, you know, I think 313 00:18:16,600 --> 00:18:21,520 Speaker 1: I think sport has for a long time and continues 314 00:18:21,560 --> 00:18:25,720 Speaker 1: to being even worse, so now a catalyst for change, um. 315 00:18:25,840 --> 00:18:29,840 Speaker 1: And I think sport in our culture is so critically 316 00:18:29,840 --> 00:18:34,560 Speaker 1: important and sets the tone for so many things. And 317 00:18:34,600 --> 00:18:38,520 Speaker 1: I think what we are experiencing today and the platforms 318 00:18:38,600 --> 00:18:43,679 Speaker 1: that we're seeing bubble up um, you know, is I 319 00:18:43,720 --> 00:18:46,439 Speaker 1: think a great example of the power of sport. And 320 00:18:46,480 --> 00:18:51,840 Speaker 1: I think organizations, whether it's in sport or out, need 321 00:18:51,880 --> 00:18:56,040 Speaker 1: to commit to evolving, you know. And it doesn't matter 322 00:18:56,080 --> 00:18:59,960 Speaker 1: what industry you're in. Um. If you don't evolve over time, 323 00:19:00,880 --> 00:19:05,040 Speaker 1: you will eventually become irrelevant. And again, it doesn't matter 324 00:19:05,040 --> 00:19:09,159 Speaker 1: what business you're in, once you become irrelevant, that's a 325 00:19:09,400 --> 00:19:12,760 Speaker 1: that's a tough day. And so I think, UM, the 326 00:19:12,880 --> 00:19:18,639 Speaker 1: latest examples are great examples of of organizations UM really 327 00:19:18,680 --> 00:19:21,480 Speaker 1: taking a hard look at their business and understanding that 328 00:19:22,040 --> 00:19:24,960 Speaker 1: you know, two twenty is is a new day, and 329 00:19:25,000 --> 00:19:28,400 Speaker 1: that's a good thing. And as we think to the future, UM, 330 00:19:28,440 --> 00:19:31,200 Speaker 1: I think you'll see sport continue to be a catalyst 331 00:19:31,200 --> 00:19:36,760 Speaker 1: for change. UM. You know, as we look to the future, David, 332 00:19:36,920 --> 00:19:39,240 Speaker 1: you talked about the fan experience, and we know that 333 00:19:39,280 --> 00:19:41,680 Speaker 1: the Blue wah who's down in Pensacola have this great 334 00:19:41,720 --> 00:19:44,880 Speaker 1: idea we talked about on the show a few months ago, 335 00:19:45,240 --> 00:19:47,720 Speaker 1: people coming in. You can play in the ballpark and 336 00:19:47,840 --> 00:19:51,480 Speaker 1: sleep overnight. The Low Spinners up here of set up 337 00:19:51,520 --> 00:19:54,520 Speaker 1: the target golf course that you hit off the roof 338 00:19:54,560 --> 00:19:57,639 Speaker 1: to a portable green out in the field. The Pawtucket 339 00:19:57,720 --> 00:20:00,720 Speaker 1: Red Sox have dining tables through at the ballpark, in 340 00:20:00,760 --> 00:20:03,000 Speaker 1: the outfield and the infield. What are some of the 341 00:20:03,040 --> 00:20:07,760 Speaker 1: more creative ideas that some of the clubs are doing 342 00:20:07,880 --> 00:20:11,199 Speaker 1: right now to keep people coming into the ballpark even 343 00:20:11,240 --> 00:20:15,320 Speaker 1: though there's no baseball being played. Well, I think the 344 00:20:15,359 --> 00:20:19,359 Speaker 1: airbnb one is maybe in a league of its own. 345 00:20:19,480 --> 00:20:23,720 Speaker 1: I think, um, you know, they have done an incredible job. 346 00:20:23,720 --> 00:20:25,840 Speaker 1: Bubba Watson, you Marrior may not know is is the 347 00:20:25,880 --> 00:20:32,880 Speaker 1: primary owner there um and just an incredible example of um, 348 00:20:32,920 --> 00:20:35,600 Speaker 1: you know, innovating and thinking about your business a little 349 00:20:35,600 --> 00:20:37,919 Speaker 1: bit differently. I mean, guys, there are dozens upon dozens 350 00:20:37,960 --> 00:20:43,800 Speaker 1: of examples. You know, a character cruise through in Lehigh, Um, 351 00:20:43,840 --> 00:20:48,240 Speaker 1: you know, drive in Fireworks movie nights. You know, all 352 00:20:48,320 --> 00:20:52,000 Speaker 1: of our clubs are looking at ways to to engage, 353 00:20:52,480 --> 00:20:54,600 Speaker 1: you know, with their fans and unique in different way. 354 00:20:55,240 --> 00:20:58,119 Speaker 1: The other thing I'd say, and you know it was 355 00:20:58,160 --> 00:21:00,560 Speaker 1: really core to m I O B. Just it's in 356 00:21:00,560 --> 00:21:03,160 Speaker 1: our d n A. It's is how do you get 357 00:21:03,200 --> 00:21:08,800 Speaker 1: back to the community. So we launched about six weeks 358 00:21:08,800 --> 00:21:13,240 Speaker 1: ago m ILB Community first in partnership with Feeding America. 359 00:21:13,680 --> 00:21:15,960 Speaker 1: It was closer to eight weeks ago. You know, with 360 00:21:16,080 --> 00:21:20,159 Speaker 1: schools being out, you know, a large percentage unfortunately, as 361 00:21:20,160 --> 00:21:25,840 Speaker 1: school children rely on their school days four meals, and 362 00:21:25,960 --> 00:21:29,840 Speaker 1: with schools being shuttered and kids having to go virtual, 363 00:21:30,480 --> 00:21:33,280 Speaker 1: you know, unfortunately a large percentage of those kids weren't 364 00:21:33,320 --> 00:21:36,919 Speaker 1: getting a nutrition um that they're used to getting at school. 365 00:21:36,960 --> 00:21:40,280 Speaker 1: And so in partnership with Feeding America and over a 366 00:21:40,359 --> 00:21:43,199 Speaker 1: hundred of our clubs, we bonded together to raise funds 367 00:21:43,800 --> 00:21:47,040 Speaker 1: and in some cases, our clubs actually used their ballparks 368 00:21:47,200 --> 00:21:50,600 Speaker 1: as safe places to distribute food. When you think about it, 369 00:21:50,640 --> 00:21:54,479 Speaker 1: you've already got the facilities, you're already producing food. In 370 00:21:54,480 --> 00:21:57,480 Speaker 1: some cases you already have food that you had on 371 00:21:57,720 --> 00:22:01,399 Speaker 1: order because you're planning for games. So it's a great 372 00:22:01,480 --> 00:22:04,359 Speaker 1: way to think differently. It's also a great way to 373 00:22:04,400 --> 00:22:07,840 Speaker 1: give back in a really authentic and meaningful way in 374 00:22:07,960 --> 00:22:11,040 Speaker 1: local communities. So I gotta tell you one of the 375 00:22:11,119 --> 00:22:15,119 Speaker 1: silver linings and one of the really cool things. You know, 376 00:22:15,640 --> 00:22:18,960 Speaker 1: clearly these are impressed in really tough times, but to 377 00:22:19,040 --> 00:22:21,480 Speaker 1: see how our clubs have come together and see how 378 00:22:22,119 --> 00:22:25,680 Speaker 1: they thought differently, and in many cases, uh I thought 379 00:22:25,720 --> 00:22:28,040 Speaker 1: differently in a way to do good in their local community, 380 00:22:28,480 --> 00:22:32,520 Speaker 1: which is so important during times of need. Uh David. 381 00:22:32,800 --> 00:22:35,760 Speaker 1: One last question for you, just because I don't want 382 00:22:35,800 --> 00:22:39,400 Speaker 1: to overlook the vast expertise you have as a soccer guy. 383 00:22:39,520 --> 00:22:42,080 Speaker 1: I mean, you played soccer in college. Didn't work for 384 00:22:42,160 --> 00:22:44,520 Speaker 1: MLS for a long time. MLS in the midst of 385 00:22:45,160 --> 00:22:48,679 Speaker 1: you know, their noble experiment down there in Florida, not 386 00:22:48,840 --> 00:22:52,639 Speaker 1: too far from where you are. I believe, what do 387 00:22:52,720 --> 00:22:55,760 Speaker 1: you make What have you learned from watching other sports 388 00:22:55,800 --> 00:22:58,720 Speaker 1: at this point and maybe especially MLS given your intimate 389 00:22:58,720 --> 00:23:06,160 Speaker 1: knowledge there, Well, it's interesting. I think um leadership really matters. 390 00:23:06,880 --> 00:23:11,280 Speaker 1: In Leadership matters during the good times, and it's critically 391 00:23:11,320 --> 00:23:15,080 Speaker 1: important during the tough times. And if you think back 392 00:23:15,200 --> 00:23:18,800 Speaker 1: to early March and when Adam Silver and the NBA 393 00:23:18,960 --> 00:23:22,320 Speaker 1: made a decision to suspend the season, think about what 394 00:23:22,400 --> 00:23:28,560 Speaker 1: happened That decision really started what then led to all 395 00:23:28,600 --> 00:23:31,920 Speaker 1: the other major properties looking inward and making the tough 396 00:23:31,960 --> 00:23:35,200 Speaker 1: decision as well. So it's a huge credit to Adam. 397 00:23:35,400 --> 00:23:39,000 Speaker 1: It's a huge credit to the NBA for being innovators 398 00:23:39,000 --> 00:23:41,960 Speaker 1: and leaders. And I think you've seen that play out, 399 00:23:42,720 --> 00:23:47,120 Speaker 1: and you know, I think what's going on in in Orlando, 400 00:23:47,760 --> 00:23:51,400 Speaker 1: it's a scary time. But I gotta tell you, if 401 00:23:51,440 --> 00:23:53,520 Speaker 1: there was an organization that's going to pull it off, 402 00:23:54,760 --> 00:23:58,040 Speaker 1: Adam in the n b A would be an organization 403 00:23:58,040 --> 00:24:02,040 Speaker 1: I have close to the top of the list. MLS. 404 00:24:02,080 --> 00:24:04,280 Speaker 1: You know, I was there, very fortunate to be there 405 00:24:04,280 --> 00:24:08,880 Speaker 1: for fifteen years at a time when you know there 406 00:24:08,920 --> 00:24:11,280 Speaker 1: we were, we were hustling, you know, we were building. 407 00:24:11,800 --> 00:24:13,920 Speaker 1: You know, early on in my career, it was there 408 00:24:13,920 --> 00:24:15,919 Speaker 1: wasn't a day they went by where people were questioning 409 00:24:15,920 --> 00:24:18,840 Speaker 1: the viability of the league. You know, fast forward now 410 00:24:19,520 --> 00:24:23,680 Speaker 1: the league has never been more healthy. Obviously, expansion has 411 00:24:23,720 --> 00:24:26,640 Speaker 1: been widely talked about, Franchise values are through the roof, 412 00:24:26,760 --> 00:24:31,800 Speaker 1: the quality of play continues to increase. UM and MLS 413 00:24:32,040 --> 00:24:36,479 Speaker 1: has has found their way in part because they've out 414 00:24:36,520 --> 00:24:39,080 Speaker 1: hustled and not innovated. And I think what you're seeing 415 00:24:39,560 --> 00:24:41,359 Speaker 1: take place in our land over the last couple of 416 00:24:41,400 --> 00:24:43,119 Speaker 1: days and what will continue for weeks to come as 417 00:24:43,119 --> 00:24:47,119 Speaker 1: a great example of of of Don Garber in his 418 00:24:47,200 --> 00:24:53,120 Speaker 1: executive team, UM continuing that that string and UM, then 419 00:24:53,160 --> 00:24:55,320 Speaker 1: you layer on what they're doing. So not only is 420 00:24:55,400 --> 00:24:59,560 Speaker 1: playing uh milestone in and of itself, but how they've 421 00:24:59,640 --> 00:25:05,840 Speaker 1: leaned in the technology, how they're reimagining the viewership experience, recognizing, Okay, 422 00:25:05,840 --> 00:25:08,240 Speaker 1: we don't have fans, how can we how can we 423 00:25:08,359 --> 00:25:11,800 Speaker 1: create excitement in other unique ways? UM, And it's been 424 00:25:11,800 --> 00:25:14,480 Speaker 1: really fun to see and as someone who's who's looking 425 00:25:14,520 --> 00:25:17,439 Speaker 1: at it from a stand perspective, UM, I give them 426 00:25:17,480 --> 00:25:20,879 Speaker 1: a ton of credit and and it's going to be 427 00:25:20,960 --> 00:25:24,160 Speaker 1: fun to see play out um over the next number 428 00:25:24,160 --> 00:25:27,640 Speaker 1: of weeks. Absolutely, it feels like everybody's looking at everybody 429 00:25:27,640 --> 00:25:31,000 Speaker 1: else and trying to pick out the best ideas. All right, David, Right, 430 00:25:31,040 --> 00:25:33,320 Speaker 1: thank you so much, Chief Marketing and commercial officer for 431 00:25:33,920 --> 00:25:37,840 Speaker 1: Minor League Baseball joining us on the phone on this Monday. 432 00:25:38,760 --> 00:25:42,120 Speaker 1: Hopefully we'll be back at a minor league ballpark sometime 433 00:25:42,600 --> 00:25:45,000 Speaker 1: in twenty one because I think we all know, guys 434 00:25:45,119 --> 00:25:47,320 Speaker 1: it is. It's a really fun experience. I've been to 435 00:25:47,359 --> 00:25:49,240 Speaker 1: a lot of minor league games over the course of 436 00:25:49,240 --> 00:25:55,640 Speaker 1: my time Ala Beer. All right, David, thank you so much, 437 00:25:56,240 --> 00:25:59,119 Speaker 1: Thanks David, Thanks guys, thank you. All right. You can 438 00:25:59,160 --> 00:26:01,800 Speaker 1: catch our podcast it here every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. 439 00:26:02,000 --> 00:26:04,520 Speaker 1: I'm Jason Kelly on Twitter at Jason Kelly News. Later 440 00:26:04,560 --> 00:26:07,560 Speaker 1: this week we'll catch up with premiere Lacrosse Lee co 441 00:26:07,880 --> 00:26:12,320 Speaker 1: founder and top player Paul Rabel. I am Big Bar 442 00:26:12,520 --> 00:26:16,120 Speaker 1: Sports on Twitter and now Mike Lynch. You can find 443 00:26:16,119 --> 00:26:19,280 Speaker 1: me at Lynch e w CVB. You're listening to Bloomberg 444 00:26:19,280 --> 00:26:22,080 Speaker 1: Business of Sports from Bloomberg Radio around the world.