SBJ Behind the Scenes: CAA World Congress of Sports

The Dow is down 20% for the year, the S&P is up 26%, and the NASDAQ is 35%. The Fed is expected to raise interest rates by another 1.25%. Sports continues to over-index and outperform.

More than 750 execs from across sports gathered at The Times Center in Midtown Manhattan this week for the annual World Congress of Sports.

There is a lot of talk about sports investment and expansion. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred wants to grow to 32 teams. Tim and Tod Leiweke have their eyes on the NBA. Amazon is interested in all marquee sports. The biggest problem for RSNs is the reach issue. The CAA World Congress of Sports took place in New York. It was attended by the CSA World Sports Council. There were also talks about the new MLS streaming deal and the future of Prime Video.

Women's sports will be the next growth segment in the industry, according to Tod Leiweke.  Berman points to societal tailwinds, such as the gender equity movement and an increase interest in cause-driven consumerism, as drivers of the league's growth.

The CAA World Congress of Sports is one of the highlights of this year's event.

Tim and Tod Leiweke were on stage Tuesday with SBJ’s Abe Madkour. They talked about their start at the Major Indoor Soccer League and their mother and stepmother's cancer. Tim spoke about climate protection and sustainability, while Todi talked emotionally about the need for greater diversity in sports.

CAA and SBJ kicked off the WCOS with a private reception at the Monarch Rooftop in Midtown Manhattan. Athletes Unlimited held a reception in SoHo House. CAA hosted a function at Somewhere Nowhere lounge. Wasserman held an event at The Skylark NYC to celebrate its 20th anniversary. After the event, Advance, Liberty Media, and Fanatics hosted senior women’s dinner at Stanford White Lamb”s Club for 22 women from all over the industry. The agency is sending letters to Russia as part of the "We Are BG" campaign advocating for Brittney Griner's safe return.

The hallways at The Times Center were buzzing with execs catching up with colleagues. Emily Kaplan moderated a session with Gary Bettman. Bettmen had to catch the second half of the opening night doubleheader at Crypto.com Arena in downtown L.A. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and team were looking forward to taking in game one of Guardians-Yankees on Tuesday night before heading out to LA and then Houston.

Dana White, President of UFC, was in attendance at the CAA World Congress of Sports. Jessica Gelman, CEO of Kraft Analytics Group, believes that social media has been a success for sports. Eric Shanks, Chief Executive Officer of Fox Sports, thinks that more football is the next big sport. Steve Phelps, president of NASCAR, says that the RSN business is going to survive. Rob Manfred, Commissioner of MLB, is concerned about the reach issue. He thinks there will be some remnant of the cable model that survives. Eddy Cue, SVP, Apple, feels that it's gotten harder to watch sports, because there are so many channels and packages to choose from.

Dana White, President of UFC, believes social media is one of the best things to happen to the UFC.

Jessica Gelman, CEO, Kraft Analytics Group, talks about the importance of knowing the customer. Media and in-game experience are key to the success of sports.

Eric Shanks, CEO, Fox Sports, believes more football is the next big sport.

Eddy Cue, SVP, Apple, was in Europe last week. He was there for the CAA World Congress of Sports. Eddy Cue was disappointed that sports are getting harder to watch.

NASCAR needs to develop unique content and find places to distribute it. The immediate partners do a phenomenal job telling the story to the race fans.

Rob Manfred, Commissioner, MLB, is concerned about the reach of the RSN business.

Tim Leiweke is the President of Oak View Group. He loves the fact that the sports industry talks to each other.

Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin says they will be in every major state except New York by next football season.

Jessica Berman, Commissioner, NWSL, says the Yates Report was a reminder that they have to get this right.

Marie Donoghue, VP/Global Sports Video, Amazon, talks about the company's interest in college sports.

The CAA World Congress of Sports is coming back to the West Coast next year. It will be held at the JW Marriott at L.A. Live on April 18-19.