Chief revenue officers across the technology sector are increasingly utilizing agentic AI tools to automate sales pipelines and redesign internal workflows, shifting their daily responsibilities toward long-term strategy and systems building. A recent survey of 100 CROs by executive search firm Spencer Stuart revealed that integration hurdles and data infrastructure challenges remain prevalent, with 37 respondents citing below-average AI capabilities within their departments. To streamline operations, Zapier Chief Sales Officer Navid Zolfaghari has deployed AI to generate automated meeting preparation packets from platforms like Slack, while Resolve AI CRO Jason Forget is developing an internal system to automatically track deal progression. Forget explained how extracting pipeline data across existing communication tools allows sales managers to redirect their focus from manual audits to closing transactions: “You could say, ‘Hey, this deal is in stage five. You think it’s going to close, but I can see that based on your data, you’re nowhere near where it should be.’ However, we can infer across your Gong, across your Slack—whatever the tools that you use—we can infer maybe that you have this information, but maybe you should go qualify it. … That moves to a much higher value ROI in sales leadership time.” (link)

Cheez-It launched its "Couch Committee" advertising campaign across ESPN, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to capitalize on college football debates surrounding NIL deals, ninth-year seniors, and donors. Creative agency BBDO New York and media buyer Starcom developed the television and digital rollout, which features 6-, 15-, and 30-second spots of characters debating topics on a custom cracker-shaped couch. Mars, which assumed control of the $1B snack brand through its acquisition of Kellanova, has maintained an official sponsorship with the College Football Playoff since the 2019-20 season, and VP of Marketing Nicole Sorensen explained how the creative approach aims to convert cultural engagement into direct sales while balancing the interests of different viewer demographics: “How do we deepen our connection with fans by integrating ourselves into these conversations that happen on the couch with friends before, during, around and after the game, and then how do we pull that through in a way that really ties to our business objective of getting product in hands and in mouths? As a big brand, a billion-dollar brand, we have a wide audience, so we want to make sure any topics that we choose are also relevant to a more casual audience.” (link)

The New York Jets are partnering with Outfront to expand their corporate sponsorship offerings through a blend of out-of-home and experiential activations dubbed "IRL media.”. The physical marketing push aims to capitalize on a growing out-of-home sector projected by the World Out Of Home Organization to reach $56.4B globally this year—a 4% increase over a 2025 total that jumped 15% from 2024. U.S. marketers spent $2.12B on the medium in Q1 2026, while joint 2024 research with Harris Poll shows 73% of consumers view digital out-of-home advertising more favorably than television or social media. The approach targets fans beyond the eight home games at MetLife Stadium, backed by a 2025 survey from Harris Poll and Quad showing that 76% of consumers feel in-person interactions deepen brand connections and 84% of Gen Z and millennial shoppers value blended digital and physical experiences. Outfront Chief Marketing and Experience Officer Stacy Minero on how the campaign will utilize live boards, subway signage, and QR codes to create comprehensive narratives rather than one-off advertisements: "It’s billboards, it’s bus shelters, it’s digital signage, it’s building wraps and it’s so much more. It’s also brand pop-ups, interactive brand experiences. We’re thinking about this in a much more expansive way than just outdoor." (link)

SI Tickets secured institutional financing from Eagle Point Credit Management to bulk-purchase 2026 World Cup inventory directly from FIFA, according to Huddle Up's Joe Pompliano, who notes the transaction provided the broker with upfront cash to buy primary-market tickets for secondary-market resale. Eagle Point financed 100% of the cost based on internal projections that tickets would command three times their face value, effectively generating a 33% loan-to-value ratio. Pompliano points out the loan carried a 10% annual interest rate but yielded a 1.2x return over seven months, translating to a 37% annualized return. Pompliano: "These transactions give professional resellers more buying power to capture tickets fans might otherwise buy at face value. Fans are therefore competing with investment capital for the right to attend an event, and even if we ignore the fact that affordable tickets are becoming an opportunity for markups, more parties expecting compensation from the same seat could raise each ticket’s floor price." (link)

NASCAR launched a "swear jar" fan contest for its 10-race Chase championship, turning unedited team radio communications into an interactive marketing promotion at NASCARSwearJar.com. Fans predict which of 15 curse words will be uttered most during each race, with NASCAR contributing $5 per expletive to a virtual pot that reached $1,115 following Week 1 at Darlington Raceway. Drivers and crew members uttered 11 of the 15 tracked words during the opening race, led by the "F" word (106 times), the "S" word (45 times), and "hell" (24 times)—a word featured in the brand's broader "Hell Yeah" marketing campaign. NASCAR VP of Content Jess Smith detailed the strategy behind gamifying driver communications: "We were looking for buzzworthy ideas that would build excitement around The Chase and complement the other initiatives launching during this part of the season. The Swear Jar was a natural fit because colorful driver radio is an authentic part of our sport, but it’s never been something we’ve highlighted or turned into a game for fans." (link)

Major League Soccer CMO Radhika Duggal is leaning into a combined data-driven and creative marketing strategy following the FIFA World Cup to drive league ticketing and broadcast viewership on Apple TV, according to Marketing Brew's Alyssa Meyers. Coming from marketing leadership roles at Deloitte, Pfizer, and Chase, Duggal directed MLS's 31st season campaign to focus on player-driven storytelling, highlighting the 45 MLS athletes who competed on the global stage. Duggal explained her philosophy on balancing quantitative metrics with creative execution: "Marketers feel like they still have to be, ‘I’m the artist,’ or ‘I’m the scientist.’ I care about data, or I care about creativity. In 2026, a CMO has to be both. ... We’re seeing an uptick in viewership and ticketing, which were the primary quantitative outcomes we were trying to drive. That was our goal, because we knew that when we get people to watch our product—whether it’s in-stadium, whether following us on social, whether watching our broadcast on Apple TV—we know that’s when people fall in love with our product." (link)

The Premier League faces escalating tensions between foreign ownership groups and local supporters as combined revenues across the 20-club league are projected to hit £7.3B ($9.9B) this season, nearly doubling Spain's La Liga. Foreign entities now control 16 top-flight clubs, highlighted by US billionaire Dan Friedkin owning Everton and a consortium featuring Jeff Bezos and Amit Bhatia acquiring a stake in Liverpool. Here’s the revenue impact…

➤ The financial pressures of covering a record £3.49B summer transfer spend are reshaping stadium economics, as Everton attempts to increase match-day revenue inside the new 52,000-seat Hill Dickinson Stadium by offering 36 four-person premium loges. ‘

➤ HOK International Director of Sports, Recreation and Entertainment John Rhodes notes that premium seating can generate 5 to 20 times the annual revenue of standard inventory, prompting clubs like Manchester United to relocate longtime season-ticket holders to expand hospitality sections. 

➤ PCP Capital Partners CEO and former Newcastle United part-owner Amanda Staveley emphasized the delicate balance executives must strike when chasing revenue at the expense of traditional fanbases: “For me, the most important thing owners need to understand is that football clubs aren’t ordinary businesses. Supporters aren’t customers. They’re the custodians of a club’s history, its identity and its culture, and that’s where the value comes from in the first place. Of course clubs have to grow revenues to stay competitive. But that can’t come at the expense of the people who built the atmosphere, the loyalty and the sense of belonging that make these clubs what they are. Price them out and you lose something you can’t buy back.” (link)

Benfica have renewed their shirt sponsorship deal with Adidas for a six years while also announcing a naming-rights agreement with the Three Stripes for their academy and training centre, taking the total value of the deal to €120M. (link)

Crystal Palace has partnered with Brooks Running to serve as the club’s official footwear partner. As part of the deal, the Brooks logo will feature prominently on the front of all training, travel, walkout and warm-up apparel worn by Crystal Palace’s men’s and women’s first teams. (link)

CBS’ Jim Nantz is considering a perpetual voice-licensing agreement as sports networks including ESPN, NBC, Telemundo, and Amazon Prime Video deploy generative artificial intelligence, according to Sportico's Jacob Feldman. The technology now spans customized daily recaps at ESPN, automated blitz-probability graphics at Amazon, and synthetic voice tools from startup ElevenLabs, which achieved a $10B valuation behind a library of 10,000 digital voices. Additionally, IBM tools allow a five-person USTA editorial team to produce recaps for 254 U.S. Open matches simultaneously. An IBM survey of 20,000 sports fans showed AI usage rose from 52% to 69% YoY, even as trust in AI-generated sports content fell from 63% to 59%. Nantz on the prospect of allowing an AI-generated version of his voice to broadcast events after his career ends: “It’s a from-the-grave kind of a deal. Who knows where this AI is going, but it has the chance to call certain things for as long as somebody wanted to use it … It’s just extraordinary to think about the possibilities.” (link)

The vintage Pokémon trading card market has evolved into a $9B asset class driven by older millennials blending nostalgia with increased disposable income, according to the Financial Times' Mari Novik, who explains the influx of high-net-worth buyers has generated record-breaking transactions, highlighted by eBay-owned auction house Goldin selling a 1998 Pikachu Illustrator card for $16.5M in February. Market-data platform Chase Society estimates professionally graded cards now hold a combined top value of nearly $9B, overwhelming authenticators like PSA, which processed 1.3M submissions in August before pausing lower-tier grading due to capacity constraints. eBay Global Head of Collectibles Adam Ireland on the demographic shift fueling the market acceleration: "You sort of get this double whammy. People are able to see things that remind them of their youth. At the same time, they now have the disposable income to be able to buy some of these iconic cards from the past. ... Clearly, that isn’t the sort of money that someone’s spending who’s just wanting to play the game with their friends. That is somebody that’s coming in and looking at this as a meaningful asset class." (link)

Major fast-food chains including McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, and Starbucks are scaling back sole reliance on self-service kiosks and mobile apps to reprioritize friendly, in-person customer service, according to The Wall Street Journal’s Heather Haddon. Market research from Technomic indicates fast-food consumers—including an increasing percentage of Gen-Z diners—are shifting spending to competitors like Chick-fil-A that offer fuller staffing and friendly service, while a survey by the National Operators Association franchisee group found patrons view digital-only interactions as rushed, impersonal, and cold. In response, Burger King is redesigning restaurant prototypes to ensure front counters remain staffed, while McDonald's plans to retrain its more than 2M global workforce under a multiyear "Make it Golden" hospitality initiative. McDonald’s Global Chief People Officer Tiffanie Boyd detailed the elevated emphasis on customer satisfaction: "Food is important. Price is important, but experience has also become much more important than it used to be. ... There’s nothing more important in securing a follow-up visit than the experience from the current visit." (link)

Consumer reliance on product reviews dictates e-commerce conversion rates, with a 2025 PowerReviews survey revealing that 96% of shoppers value ratings over family recommendations or television commercials, according to Retail Brew’s Andrew Adam Newman. The data shows perfection deters buyers, as products with a 4.75 to 4.99 average rating achieve a 4.9% conversion rate compared to a 3.1% rate for items with a flawless 5.0 score, which 53% of Gen Z shoppers deem suspicious. Meanwhile, platforms are combating fraudulent feedback to protect these metrics, with Yelp removing nearly 500K suspected AI-generated reviews in 2025 and Amazon shutting down over 100 websites peddling fake ratings. Companies including Australian retailer Supercheap Auto leverage negative feedback directly, realizing a 32% increase in purchase likelihood when responding to one- and two-star reviews, according to Bazaarvoice. Additionally, Newman notes an abundance of reviews mitigates costly reverse logistics, with a 2025 Yotpo report finding that 84% of consumers said detailed feedback could prevent returns. (link)

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(Posted from most recent over the last 15 days)

(NEW!) Associate Director of Marketing & Fan Experience (University of Mississippi / Oxford, MS): The Associate Dir of Marketing & Fan Experience will support the marketing department efforts for fan & student engagement initiatives at Ole Miss, working to create memorable & unique experiences. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Director of Marketing, Athletics (Villanova University / Villanova, PA): Cooperatively manage all aspects of Athletics marketing to include strategic branding, social media/digital strategies, game day experience, fan engagement, promotions, and attendance enhancement. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Assistant Athletics Director, Ticket Operations (Villanova University / Villanova, PA): Responsible for the day-to-day activities of the athletic ticket office including, but not limited to the building, processing, and reporting of season and single game ticketed athletic events. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Member Services Internship (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill / Chapel Hill, NC): Interns will gain hands-on experience in donor relations, database management, and event coordination within a fast-paced collegiate athletics space. Interns serve as primary contacts for members. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Assistant Director Of Fan Relations and Sales (Oklahoma State University / Stillwater, OK): Drive ticket sales and retention through exceptional service while leading student staff. Manage phone, SMS, email, ticketing transactions, staffing, training, sales pipelines, and game-day operations. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Senior Associate Commissioner for Basketball (Big South Conference / Charlotte, NC): A senior leadership position responsible for providing strategic vision, administrative leadership, and innovative direction for the Conference's men's and women's basketball programs. More details HERE What would it cost to move to Charlotte? Click HERE.

(NEW!) Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications (Southeastern Conference / Birmingham, AL): The Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications will provide strategic leadership for the Southeastern Conference's communication efforts. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Assistant Director of Ticket Operations (United States Air Force Academy / Colorado Springs, CO): Assistant Director of Ticket Operations. More details HERE.

Assistant Director - Licensing (University Athletic Association, Inc. at the University of Florida / Gainesville, FL): Assist in daily operation of Licensing department. Approve/promote correct use of logos/images/trademarks on retail and internal merchandise. Build relationships with licensing partners. More details HERE.

Assistant Director, Athletics Communication (University of Illinois / Champaign/Urbana, IL): Lead and execute all communications and social media strategies and coordinate media coverage for assigned sports. More details HERE.

Assistant Director, Revenue Enhancement (Kennesaw State University / Kennesaw, GA): Supports revenue growth for KSU Athletics by driving ticket sales, fundraising, partnerships, and events while building donor and alumni relationships to increase support and achieve strategic goals. More details HERE.

Assistant Director, Bronco Productions (Boise State University / Boise, ID): Requires experience shooting/editing cinematic & creative content for D1 athletic social media channels & in-venue publication. Act as sport contact for multiple teams while working within a team. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Director, Annual Giving and Premium Seating (University of Colorado – Boulder / Boulder, CO): This position and its team are tasked with stewarding donors, engaging alumni and other constituents, promoting the reputation of the CU Athletics, and increasing overall donor support for CU Boulder. More details HERE.

Director of Annual Giving (HR Title: Mngr, Athletics Development) - (DEA00000507) (Southern Methodist University – SMU / Dallas, TX): The Director of Annual Giving leads and executes SMU Athletics annual giving programs and serves as the lead annual giving officer for the Mustang Club. More details HERE.

Associate AD for Development (HR title: Director of Strategic Development) - (DEA00000505) (Southern Methodist University – SMU / Dallas, TX): The Associate AD for Development provides strategic leadership for SMU Athletics major and principal gift fundraising. More details HERE.

Assistant or Associate Athletic Director, Business Operations/SWA (Sacred Heart University / Fairfield, CT): Provides operational leadership for Athletics' business functions. Oversees financial management, budgeting, purchasing, contracts, revenue and expense tracking to ensure fiscal responsibility. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Creative Services (Revenue and Supportive Content) (University of San Diego / San Diego, CA): The Assistant Director of Creative Services (Revenue Content) serves as the department's primary creative producer focused on revenue-generating initiatives. More details HERE.

Assistant Director for Business Services (University of Connecticut / Storrs Mansfield, CT): The University of Connecticut is seeking applications for the full-time position of Assistant Director for Business Services. More details HERE.

Sr. Manager, Engagement (Hurricane Club) (University of Miami / Miami, FL): The Senior Manager, Engagement of Hurricane Club collaborates on the strategy, operations, donor engagement, and member experience for the Hurricane Club. More details HERE.

Manager, Digital Strategy (University of Miami) (Legends / Coral Gables, FL): Lead the creation and management of highly effective digital campaigns for assigned sport(s) and channels with the goal of enhancing brand awareness, increasing engagement and driving revenue. More details HERE.

Assistant Director/Associate Director - Athletic Communications (Auburn University / Auburn, AL): Amplify Auburn Athletics through impactful storytelling, media relations, and communications strategies that spotlight student-athletes and program success. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Director, Development (Butler University / Indianapolis, IN): The Assistant Athletic Director/Development position will serve as a gift officer on behalf of the Athletic Department. More details HERE.

Assistant Director, Sports Communications (Boise State University / Boise, ID): The ideal candidate will have experience managing sports information for softball/ volleyball programs & a demonstrated ability to prepare student-athletes for media appearances & press opportunities. More details HERE.

Director / Digital Marketing & Revenue (Virginia Tech / Blacksburg, VA): Oversee digital initiatives that drive ticket sales, retention, fan engagement, donor engagement and other revenue-generating opportunities across Virginia Tech Athletics. More details HERE.

Assistant Director, Marketing (University of Texas – Austin / Austin, TX): An essential member of the external affairs staff with an emphasis on coordination of tasks necessary to support the fan experience, promotional activities and sponsor integration for assigned sports. More details HERE.

Director of Athletics (Campbell University / Buies Creek, NC): Lead a growing NCAA Division I athletics program in the CAA, advancing competitive excellence, student-athlete success and community impact in North Carolina's Research Triangle. More details What would it cost to move to Buies Creek? Click HERE.

Assistant Director of Motion Graphics - Creative Services (University Athletic Association, Inc. at the University of Florida / Gainesville, FL): Lead the creative direction, design, and production of high-impact motion graphics and animated video board content. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Director, Revenue Generation (Southern Methodist University – SMU / Dallas, TX): Lead SMU Athletics' revenue generation team, driving ticket sales, donor growth, and premium seating strategies while maximizing fan engagement and revenue. More details HERE.

Associate VP & Chief Commercial Officer/Chief Revenue Officer (Ohio State University / Columbus, OH): Responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive revenue growth strategy for the Department of Athletics and Buckeye Enterprises at The Ohio State University. More details HERE.

Assistant Director, Strategic Communications (University of Nevada – Reno / Reno, NV): Responsible for the Intercollegiate Athletics Department's publicity and external communications efforts through the department's media services and video efforts, as well as its official website. More details HERE.

Fulfillment Manager (Corporate Sponsorships) (University of Denver / Denver, CO): The Fulfillment Manager is responsible for the activation, execution, and relationship management of every corporate partnership at University of Denver Athletics. More details HERE.

Sports Media Content Specialist (University of Texas – Arlington / Arlington, TX): Creates digital content for UTA Athletics social media, recruiting, marketing and promotions, including video, photography and graphics, while supporting assigned sports and following brand standards. More details HERE.

Assistant Director, Strategic Communications (University of Central Florida / Orlando, FL): UCFAA at the University of Central Florida, an NCAA Division I institution and Big XII Conference member, is seeking applications for the position of Assistant Director, Strategic Communications. More details HERE.

Director, Business Office (Spartan Ventures / East Lansing, MI): This role, in conjunction with the Spartan Ventures CFO, will manage all financial activity related to the organization and contribute directly to the success of Michigan State University Athletics. More details HERE.

Director, Creative Video (Stanford University / Stanford, CA): Research, prepare and produce digital media for instruction, promotional programs, location and studio programs, live video conferences and webcasts, live-on-tape studio, etc. More details HERE.

Manager, Financial Planning and Analytics (University of Texas – Austin / Austin, TX): This position will serve as a point-of-contact for financial planning and internal control functions within the Department of Athletics. More details HERE.

Director of UNH Wildcat Productions (University of New Hampshire / Durham, NH): Position is responsible for leading all aspects of live event production, video board operations, digital broadcasts, and fan engagement programming for UNH Athletics and select university events. More details HERE.

Visual Media Producer (Ohio State University / Columbus, OH): Responsible for all aspects of operation and preparation for the department video boards; including athletics events and non-athletics events. More details HERE.

Director of Athletics Budget and Finance (Syracuse University / Syracuse, NY): The Director of Athletics Budget and Finance oversees the comprehensive stewardship, fiscal integrity, and business operations of the athletic department. More details HERE.

Director, Annual Giving (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Drive donor engagement and strengthen relationships through Arizona Athletics' annual giving program, helping build lasting connections and philanthropic support. More details HERE.

Associate Director, Graphic Design (Texas Tech University / Lubbock, TX): Plan and develop daily business functions for various departments within the athletic organization. More details HERE.

Account Executive, Ticket Sales (Texas Tech University / Lubbock, TX): Responsible for providing effective customer service for all internal and external customers by using excellent, in-depth knowledge of products and programs as well as communicating effectively. More details HERE.

Assistant Director, Ticket Operations (University of Washington / Seattle, WA): The Washington Athletics Ticket Office has an outstanding opportunity for an Assistant Director of Ticket Operations to join their team. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Development (United States Air Force Academy / Colorado Springs, CO): Seeking an Assist Director/Development to further philanthropic support for AFA. Will report to the Assist AD of Development. Assist with the strategic execution, management of giving program. More details HERE.

Director of Development (United States Air Force Academy / Colorado Springs, CO): Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation seeks a Director of Development to further the philanthropic support for AFA. This position reports to the Associate AD Development as leadership giving officer. More details HERE.

Broadcast Engineer (University of Georgia / Athens, GA): Serve as the primary on-site engineer for UGA Athletics originated broadcasts, SEC Network broadcasts, and video board shows. More details HERE.

Jamie and Ellen Pollard Endowed Cyclone Director of Athletics (Iowa State University / Ames, IA): Iowa State seeks a visionary, strategic leader to serve as its next Director of Athletics and build upon a proud tradition of innovation and competitive excellence. More details HERE What would it cost to move to Ames? Click HERE. The D1.dossier for this position is HERE.

Senior Director/Director, Game Presentation - Marketing & Promotions (University Athletic Association, Inc. at the University of Florida / Gainesville, FL): Lead the strategic vision and planning of the in-venue entertainment experience for assigned sports. Responsible for end-to-end production leadership and execution of live game presentation elements. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations (Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi / Corpus Christi, TX): The Assistant AD for Media Relations and is responsible for all public-facing external communications, media relations, and information in support of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Athletics. More details HERE.

Director of Development I, Athletics (Oregon State University Foundation / Corvallis, OR): Serve as a development officer within the division of Athletics and work closely with athletics development and university leadership to advance the philanthropic priorities of the division. More details HERE.

Assistant AD Development (University of Kansas / Lawrence, KS): The Assistant AD – Development generates philanthropic support for Kansas Athletics, focusing on major gifts of $50K+ and managing 100+ leadership and annual gift donors. More details HERE.

Director of Marketing & Fan Engagement (College of Charleston / Charleston, SC): Lead marketing, fan engagement, and game presentation for Men's Basketball and assigned sports driving attendance, ticket sales, and an exceptional fan experience through campaigns and events. More details HERE.

Chief Revenue / Chief Marketing Officer (Atlantic 10 Conference / Washington, DC): Provide strategic leadership by identifying and developing new commercial opportunities, generating revenue, strengthening the A10 brand, growing audiences and building corporate partnerships. More details HERE.