The Athletic’s Leon Imber explores how French football side Dijon FCO introduced a ticketing initiative that integrates near-field communication chips into club scarves, replacing traditional season ticket cards for matches at the 15,500-capacity Stade Gaston Gerard. The second-tier French soccer club developed the technology in collaboration with Weezevent, an event software company co-founded by Dijon President Pierre-Henri Deballon, embedding the chip beneath an embroidered owl patch to facilitate turnstile access and contactless venue payments. The program mirrors similar digital apparel rollouts across international soccer, including a permanent integration by Swiss club FC St Gallen via the ZATAP platform, a 2022 trial by the Bundesliga's FC Koln, and a Corona activation inside Mexico's Azteca Stadium. Deballon explained that merging official team merchandise with functional stadium infrastructure serves multiple operational purposes for the organization: "This innovation is part of the club’s desire to modernize the fan experience while strengthening the visual identity of the Dijon stands." (link)

U.S. investors Todd Boehly and Mark Walter are negotiating the sale of their minority stakes in Chelsea FC to majority partner Clearlake Capital to resolve strategic disputes that have divided the ownership group since its £2.5B acquisition of the club in 2022. Clearlake Capital owns over 60% of the franchise but currently shares equal governance with Boehly, who serves as chairman. The potential divestment follows Walter's recent decision to sell the Los Angeles Lakers to Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner for $12.5B as U.S. prosecutors investigate his insurance businesses over undisclosed related-party loans. (link)

Crocs introduced a 6-foot crocodile named Niles as its first full-fledged advertising mascot, joining a recent wave of nonhuman characters launched by Liberty Mutual, Stanley Black & Decker, Infosys, and Apple. The use of mascots provides companies with safer alternatives to unpredictable human celebrities while establishing invaluable emotional associations for consumers, per The Wall Street Journal’s Patrick Coffee, who notes long-term character investments offer proven financial upside, demonstrated by General Mills securing a 3.3% increase in units sold and a 12.6% jump in cookie sales during the holiday baking season after returning the Pillsbury Doughboy to center stage. University of Pennsylvania emeritus professor Joseph Turow: "Think about the number of advertisers that have worked with professional athletes or actors, and then they have a disaster waiting to happen. [Mascots] become a way to try to control that reputation." (link)

Think you know what a bald eagle sounds like? The Atlanta Hawks enlisted viral birdcalling sensation Samuel Henderson to unveil the team’s 2026-27 schedule. Pretty cool, check it out. (link)

WUSA9 reporters Eric Flack and Ruth Morton report the Washington Commanders will issue Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs) for the first time in team history. Federal design filings outline multiple luxury tiers, including the Capitol Club, a suite level, an owners level, and field-level "pocket suites." To project the financial impact on fans, Flack and Morton examined the recent transitions in Nashville and Buffalo, where the Tennessee Titans quickly sold out $20K to $75K midfield PSLs for their new venue, and the Buffalo Bills initiated their first-ever PSL requirement with lower-bowl pricing reportedly exceeding $30K for four seats. In Nashville, club-level seat costs jumped from $1,500 to $20K for a comparable PSL. (link)

USF Vinik Graduate Sports Business Program Director Emeritus Bill Sutton argues in an SBJ op-ed that sports organizations must modernize the human elements of their ticket sales processes to maximize customer lifetime value. He recommends mitigating the knowledge gap of entry-level inside sales representatives by offering buyers experiential seating trials during their first three games to ensure location satisfaction. Additionally, to revamp lead generation, Sutton suggests relocating traditional home-based influencer events into vacant stadium suites to better leverage team hospitality resources. Sutton on the foundational mindset required to construct effective retention and promotional strategies: "When I am consulting, I always ask myself: Would this option, incentive or promotion be meaningful and attractive enough to cause me to act? Please ask yourself that as you consider what I have proposed here." Full op-ed. (link)

Papa Johns appointed Chris Lyn-Sue as Global CMO to succeed Jenna Bromberg, who will transition into an advisory role through August 28 before departing the company. The leadership change arrives as the pizza chain navigates a competitive quick-service restaurant landscape, reporting a 5.7% decrease in global comparable sales and an 8.3% drop in North American sales during the second quarter. President/CEO Todd Penegor on the necessity of balancing broad awareness with regional targeting as the organization restructures its advertising expenditures: "In this highly competitive environment, we recognize the importance of protecting share of voice on mass channels, while still supporting a balanced channel mix to reach customers where they engage most. Maximizing the impact of our marketing investment requires balancing broad national awareness with local relevance." (link)

Digiday’s Alyssa Mercante examines how USA Fencing is relying heavily on digital creators to expand its fanbase two years ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The organization launched a dedicated creator program in December 2025 that drove a 36.9% increase in average monthly impressions, pushing its monthly total to 4.75M. The strategy capitalizes on data from the Acceleration Community of Companies indicating that 49% of Gen Z sports fans discover new sports through fan-generated content. The governing body will host a saber masterclass at New York Comic Con featuring Star Wars stunt coordinator Nick Gillard to directly engage that audience. The primary activation arrives next month with the USA Fencing Creator Showdown at Pier 17 in New York City, pitting Olympians against online personalities boasting a combined 300M followers across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. The event targets over 100M impressions, and CEO Phil Andrews explains: "All of our national governing bodies are fairly small nonprofits, where our largest slice of our budget needs to go towards athlete support and preparing our teams to go and compete. … Generally the likes of fencing, weightlifting, even gymnastics are not going to have huge paid marketing budgets." (link)

Further on the theme, Digiday reporter Sam Bradley breaks down how consumer brands including Poppi, McDonald's, and DoorDash are restructuring their marketing operations by empowering individual employees to act as public-facing creators. Here’s what you need to know…

➤ Poppi VP of Culture Sophia Sesto implemented a community-first approach on TikTok and Instagram to capture a 34% share of the functional soda market before Pepsico acquired Poppi for $1.95B, and Bradley notes competitors are replicating the playbook to combat declining user engagement. According to Ofcom, active posting in Britain dropped from 61% to 49% since 2025 and 55% of Americans posting less over the last five years. 

➤ Meanwhile, companies are elevating executives like Guillaume Huin, who leveraged his 40,000 personal X followers to launch a Hello Kitty and Godzilla crossover for McDonald's, and poaching talent like former Duolingo manager Zaria Parvez to lead social media for DoorDash. 

➤ The strategy demands marketers relinquish strict corporate messaging guidelines to operate personal channels, a trend demonstrated by Marks & Spencer product developer Kathryn Turner amassing 93,100 Instagram followers through behind-the-scenes content. 

➤ Billion Dollar Boy U.S. Managing Director Piet Southey explained the necessity of building digital ecosystems to attract consumers within semi-closed spaces like WhatsApp and Discord: "You create a world of the brand that fans can play in. There’s intrigue for new consumers: 'What is this?' People want to get involved." (link)

Retail Brew's Jeena Sharma reported that brand-conscious shoppers present a significantly more valuable demographic for retailers than price-conscious consumers despite being a smaller overall market segment. A recent YouGov Profiles survey revealed that while only 24% of U.S. consumers prioritize brand labels when purchasing clothing, 30% of that specific cohort spent over $200 on apparel in the last three months, compared to just 15% of price-conscious buyers. The data indicates these shoppers skew younger and slightly male—with Millennials and Gen Z comprising 60% of the group—and prioritize product quality (28%) over immediate pricing (15%). When evaluating specific brand consideration within this demographic, Nike dominated the market at 57%: "Nike led the way with 57%, followed by Adidas at 47%, Levi's at 43%, and Old Navy at 42%. Calvin Klein and American Eagle also stood out among brand-conscious shoppers, with 31% and 30% considering the brands, respectively, compared to just 20% of price-conscious consumers for each." (link)

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(Posted from most recent over the last 15 days)

(NEW!) Assistant Athletic Director of Development (Syracuse University / Syracuse, NY): Assistant Athletic Director for Development serves in a leadership role to provide strategic leadership for Syracuse Athletics' major gifts programs, pipeline development and gift-in kind operations. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Director of Ticket Sales (Liberty University / Lynchburg, VA): Manage sales staff and oversee ticket sales for all NCAA ticketed events to generate revenue, including but limited to season tickets, single games, group tickets, mini plans, etc. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Director of Strategic Engagement (United States Naval Academy / Annapolis, MD): The Director of Strategic Engagement serves as the primary oversight of strategic engagement with local, regional and national stakeholders for the NAAA. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Assistant Director, Social Media Strategy & Content (Illinois State University / Normal, IL): The Assistant Director, Social Media Strategy & Content will assist in leading the Redbirds' brand development through social media. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Associate Director, Development, Annual Giving (Stanford University / Stanford, CA): The Department of Athletics development team is seeking candidates for the Associate Director of Development to support our annual fund, the Buck/Cardinal Club. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Assistant Director, Athletic Business Operations (University of Memphis / Memphis, TN): Supports multiple areas of the Athletic Business Office – Procurement, Travel, Accounts Payable, Financial Planning, Inventory Management and Budget oversight of specific teams/departments. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Operations Analyst for Roster Management (University of Minnesota / Minneapolis, MN): Support athletic roster strategy through data management, modeling, reporting, dashboards, and analytics focused on player valuation, revenue sharing, scholarships, performance, and financial planning. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Assistant Director of Ticket Operations (Oklahoma State University / Stillwater, OK): Lead ticketing strategy for assigned sports, driving pricing, packaging, sales, service and key event initiatives while supporting championship events and creating an exceptional fan experience. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Assistant Director/Associate Director, Athletics Digital Marketing (Auburn University / Auburn, AL): Help shape the digital experience for Auburn Athletics fans while driving innovation, engagement, and growth! More details HERE.

(NEW!) Account Executive (University of Louisville / Louisville, KY): Drive new sales and renewals for football and men's basketball, manage 1,000+ accounts, deliver customer service, build relationships, and consistently meet sales and outreach goals. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Assistant Director, Business Operations (Mississippi State University / Starkville, MS): The Assistant Director of Business Operations manages travel logistics and financial transactions for Athletics, ensuring accurate processing and collaborating with internal staff and travel offices. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Assistant Director, Creative Design (Mississippi State University / Starkville, MS): This position assists in creative direction, graphic design, illustration, and print production for the Department of Athletics to create professional graphics by the deadline. More details HERE.

Associate Director of Bows Athletics Club and Stewardship, UHM (University of Hawaii at Manoa / Honolulu, HI): A key member of the University of Hawai‘i Foundation (UHF) Development Team, focused on developing, coordinating, and implementing the ‘Bows Athletics Club program, More details HERE.

Director, Athletic Communications (University of North Texas / Denton, TX): Develops and executes strategic communications, manages media relations, creates content, oversees social media, compiles statistics, and promotes UNT Athletics through storytelling. More details HERE.

Director of Digital Marketing (Texas A&M University / College Station, TX): Develop and optimize email and SMS campaigns using segmentation, automation, and analytics to drive ticket sales, memberships, merchandise sales, attendance, and fan engagement. More details HERE.

Assistant Director for Athletics Technical Support (University of North Carolina at Charlotte / Charlotte, NC): The Assistant Director for Athletics Technical Support directs, operates, and maintains the audio-visual systems located in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center and other Athletic Facilities. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Strategic Resources & Cap Management (Purdue University / West Lafayette, IN): Supports the planning, execution, & administration of financial, contractual, and compliance activities directly related to student-athlete compensation & Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) activities. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Development, Athletics (Stony Brook University / Stony Brook, NY): Building and managing a portfolio of leadership and major gift prospects. Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward annual and multi-year commitments of $25,000 or more to support Stony Brook Athletics. More details HERE.

Executive Associate Athletics Director, Business & Finance (University of Nevada – Las Vegas / Las Vegas, NV): The University of Nevada, Las Vegas invites applications for Executive Associate Athletics Director, Business & Finance. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Las Vegas? Click HERE.

Assistant Athletics Director, Media Relations (William & Mary / Williamsburg, VA): Leads W&M Athletics Communications team in developing and executing strategies to enhance the department brand through proactive storytelling, disciplined messaging, and high-impact media operations. More details HERE.

Major Gift Officer, Athletics Major Gifts (Boston University / Boston, MA): Serves as a frontline fundraising professional responsible for building, managing, & advancing a dynamic portfolio of major gift prospects in support of BU Athletics. More details HERE.

Assistant Sports Media Relations Manager (Loyola Marymount University / Los Angeles, CA): The Assistant Sports Media Relations Manager supports and provides key information resources that promote student-athletes, coaches, teams, and LMU Athletics. More details HERE.

Special Assistant to the Head Coach (United States Naval Academy / Annapolis, MD): The Special Assistant to the Head Coach serves as a member of the Navy Men's Basketball staff responsible for advancing the program's brand and producing compelling content. More details HERE.

Associate or Senior Associate Athletic Director for Finance and Business Operations (Oregon State University / Corvallis, OR): The Director of Finance & Business Operations provides strategic leadership for all financial and business operations within the Department of Athletics. More details HERE.

Annual Giving Manager - Eagles Club (Florida Gulf Coast University / Fort Myers, FL): The Annual Giving Manager - Eagles Club pursues and cultivates the annual giving development cycle for FGCU Athletics. More details HERE.

Director, Revenue Marketing (PlayFly / Troy, AL): Playfly Sports is looking for a Director, Revenue Marketing to join our Troy University team in Troy AL. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletics Director, Marketing & Fan Engagement (Troy University / Troy, AL): The Assistant Athletics Director of Marketing and Fan Engagement position is responsible for planning marketing leadership strategies; and managing all areas of the marketing of all Athletic Events. More details HERE.

Director, Marketing and Fan Experience, Athletics (Kennesaw State University / Kennesaw, GA): Assists with coaching, recruiting, scheduling, budgeting, fundraising, player development, academic support, & administrative duties while ensuring compliance with KSU, NCAA, & conference regulations. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Marketing for Fan Engagement (Arkansas State University / Jonesboro, AR): This Assistant Director of Marketing for Fan Engagement is responsible for serving as the primary marketing contact. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Photography (University of Oklahoma / Norman, OK): The Assistant Director assists the Director of Photography in coverage/support for all photography-related requests. More details HERE.

Director of Annual Fund Operations (North Dakota State University / Fargo, ND): NDSU Team Makers is seeking a Director of Annual Fund Operations to support and execute annual fund operation efforts that advance membership growth, fundraising initiatives, and supporter engagement. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Annual Giving (North Carolina State University / Raleigh, NC): The Assistant Director of Annual Giving is responsible for fostering Wolfpack Club donors, alumni, and fans for the purpose of renewing and/or activating their annual membership and ticket purchases. More details HERE.

Assistant/Associate Athletic Director of Athletics (Kansas State University / Manhattan, KS): K-State Athletics invites applications for an Asst/Assoc Athletic Director. This position supports the financial/business operations in budgets, financial reporting, business processes, & compliance. More details HERE.

Assistant/Associate Director, Concerts & Special Events Ticketing (Auburn University / Auburn, AL): Power the ticketing experience for concerts and special events with Auburn Athletics! More details HERE.

Assistant/Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts (University of Tennessee / Knoxville, TN): The Assistant or Associate Director is responsible for building and developing credible/sustainable relationships to generate financial support for the Tennessee Athletics department. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Ticket Operations (University of Maryland / College Park, MD): The Assistant Director of Ticket Operations leads ticket operations and game management for Women's Basketball, Men's Soccer, and Women's Soccer while providing secondary support for Men's Lacrosse. More details HERE.

Signature Events Specialist (Western Michigan University / Kalamazoo, MI): Coordinates, plans, and executes high-quality hospitality and special events. Serves as a point of contact for University staff, athletic and other donors, alumni, and fans related to special events. More details HERE.

Athletic Creative Content Graduate Assistant (University of Tulsa / Tulsa, OK): The Creative Content GA will be responsible for producing high-end digital assets that elevate the TU brand, recruit top-tier student-athletes, and engage our loyal fan base. More details HERE.

Coordinator, Creative Video & Reporter (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Developing, producing, and executing original multimedia content that enhances the visibility and reputation of Army West Point Athletics. More details HERE.

Director of Development, Athletics (University of Cincinnati Foundation / Cincinnati, OH): The primary area of focus will be to manage a portfolio of major Athletic gift prospects & donors, while also actively working to increase donor retention & move donors to higher giving levels. More details HERE.

Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development (Fresno State / Fresno, CA): Leads athletics fundraising and development efforts, supervises Bulldog Foundation staff, and secures support for scholarships, recruiting, facilities, and student-athlete success. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Fresno? Click HERE.

Director of Strategic Communications (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference / Norfolk, VA): Responsible for supporting the conference's overall communications strategy. More details HERE.

Director, Social Media & Digital Content (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Turn moments into movements. Lead Arizona Athletics' social media strategy and digital storytelling to connect, engage, and grow the Wildcat community. More details HERE.

Assistant Director, Athletics Ticket Sales (Tulane University / New Orleans, LA): The Assistant Director of Athletics Ticket Sales generates ticket sales for Tulane Athletics events. This position reports to the Director of Ticket Sales. More details HERE.

Associate Athletic Director, Development (University of Idaho / Moscow, ID): This position is responsible for increasing major gift opportunities. More details HERE.

Assistant Director, Financial Reporting & Analysis (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): The Assistant Director, Financial Reporting & Analysis serves as a key financial contributor responsible for operational execution and analytical oversight of the department's financial activities. More details HERE.

Senior Associate Athletic Director, Development (Long Beach State University / Long Beach, CA): Lead athletics fundraising strategy, cultivate major gift donors, manage development initiatives, and partner with university leadership to advance Long Beach State Athletics. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Director, Marketing (California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo / San Luis Obispo, CA): Cal Poly Athletics is seeking an experienced athletics marketing professional to join our team. More details HERE.

Gameday Staff - 50/50 Sales (University of Central Florida / Orlando, FL): Assists in the generation of revenue through the sale of 50/50 raffle tickets at home football games (and select other games). More details HERE.

Associate Director, #Brand Design (University of Central Florida / Orlando, FL): The Associate Director, #Brand Design, is a key member of the UCF Athletics Design Team. More details HERE.

Assistant Director, Marketing (Tulane University / New Orleans, LA): This position will work with the Associate Athletic Director for Marketing to implement comprehensive email marketing and digital advertising plans to drive revenue for Tulane Athletics. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Director of Business and Finance (Florida International University / Miami, FL): Manages daily operations and financial impact of sport team activities in assigned area and oversees the coordination of travel for intercollegiate athletics Teams, etc... More details HERE.

Coordinator of Business Operations (University of Maryland / College Park, MD): The Coordinator of Business Operations will provide financial and accounting support to the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Performs accounting work; journal entries and allocating expenses. More details HERE.

Assistant Director, Brand Experience (University of Central Florida / Orlando, FL): The Assistant Director of Brand Experience is focused on initiatives that lead directly to the successful execution. More details HERE.