From record participation among women and junior golfers to new technology platforms, major investments in player development, and a reimagined fan experience, the USGA is helping shape what the next generation of golf looks like.

In this episode, we’re talking to Chief Commercial Officer Jon Podany and Managing Director of Global Ticketing & Media Amanda Weiner about the Women's Open's rapid rise and the U.S. National Development Program to ShotLink, ticketing innovation, and the technology strategies designed to make golf more engaging and inclusive.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How the U.S. Women's Open more than doubled its purse in 3 years and received prime-time network coverage
• Why the USGA is investing in a national development pipeline
• How the USGA is building a 360-degree view of every fan through ticketing, media, and engagement data
• Why the future of golf depends on Topgolf, TGL, and off-course participation as it does on traditional rounds
• What it means to stage men's and women's championships on the same iconic courses

Resources and Links:

Connect with Jon Podany on LinkedIn.

Connect with Amanda Weiner on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Next League on our website and LinkedIn. We are leading sports organizations into the digital future.

Dave’s book is available now! Get your copy of The Business of Sports Technology: How To Make Smart Decisions That Drive Your Organization Forward.

Most sports technology companies spend years trying to get access to a live game environment. The UFL can put them in front of 600 players, coaches, officials, and broadcast operators in a matter of weeks.

As SVP of Innovation and Media, Scott Harniman oversees the technology, broadcast, and football systems that make the UFL's innovation model possible.

Scott explains how the UFL's FAST program works, why ESPN and Fox are active participants in the league's tech incubation process, and how a centralized football operation allows the league to test emerging technologies at a scale that would be difficult to replicate elsewhere.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How the UFL's FAST program gets emerging tech companies into live football environments
• Why ESPN and Fox play an active role in the league's innovation process
• What Scott is watching in AI-powered officiating after Adam Silver's announcement
• Why a ball-tracking partnership with Sportable became their most compelling fan-facing data experience
• What happened when the UFL moved 3 franchises into smaller soccer stadiums

Resources and Links:

Connect with Scott Harniman on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Next League on our website and LinkedIn. We are leading sports organizations into the digital future.

Dave’s book is available now! Get your copy of The Business of Sports Technology: How To Make Smart Decisions That Drive Your Organization Forward.

What patterns start to emerge when you put 10 sports tech leaders in front of a microphone at SBJ Tech Week and ask them what's next?

While AI was a common thread, the discussions expanded into operational scale, fan engagement, accessibility, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and the leadership challenges that come with adopting new technology.

This episode features the following guests:

• Michael Zeto, Boingo Wireless
• Diana Lovati, AEG Worldwide
• Antyush Bollini, OneCourt
• Jess Smith, Golden State Valkyries
• Andrew Macaulay, TMRW Sports
• Darolyn Pierce, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
• Scott Harniman, United Football League
• Peter DelGiacco, National Hockey League
• John Spade, Athletes Unlimited

Resources and Links:

Learn more about Next League on our website and LinkedIn. We are leading sports organizations into the digital future.

Dave’s book is available now! Get your copy of The Business of Sports Technology: How To Make Smart Decisions That Drive Your Organization Forward.

Learn more about Next League on our website and LinkedIn. We are leading sports organizations into the digital future.

Dave’s book is available now! Get your copy of The Business of Sports Technology: How To Make Smart Decisions That Drive Your Organization Forward.