Money Games: Profiting from the Convergence of Sports and Entertainment

John Nendick is Ernst & Young’s Global Media & Entertainment Industry Leader. He is responsible for directing and coordinating the firm's services to clients in the media and entertainment industry. Nendick is a client-serving partner as well as a resource for Ernst & Young professionals.

With over 30 years experience, Nendick advises some of the largest media and entertainment conglomerates in the world, overseeing a team of more than 2,000 professionals working in over 100 countries across the globe. Nendick has significant experience in film and television production and distribution, music, broadcast, cable and satellite, new media and the convergence of media and entertainment with software and technology. He has an in-depth background working with large multinational public companies across many industries, and advising during transactions including mergers and acquisitions and initial public offerings.

Considered one of the foremost authorities on trends, issues and challenges facing the media and entertainment industry, Nendick is a frequent speaker at industry events and is often quoted in industry and business publications.

Born and educated in England, Nendick is a graduate of Durham University, UK with a Bachelor of Arts in economics. He is a U.S. certified public accountant and a UK chartered accountant. Nendick is a Past Chairman of the California Society of CPA’s Entertainment and Sports Committee.

Jeffrey N. Pollack
Former President and Commissioner, WSOP

Jeffrey Pollack, a two-time Emmy® Award winner, is known for helping industries, companies and brands successfully and rapidly innovate. Most recently, Jeffrey was the President and Commissioner of the World Series of Poker. Under Jeffrey’s leadership, the WSOP was fundamentally reinvented as a business, transformed into a worldwide sports and entertainment phenomenon, and crossed the $1 billion mark in total prize money awarded.

The World Series of Poker Europe, the “November Nine” television format, record-breaking increases in tournament participation, the WSOP Code of Player Conduct, the WSOP Players Advisory Council, Ante Up for Africa at the WSOP, and a historic 12-year broadcast partnership with ESPN, are just some of the many headlines from Jeffrey’s tenure. After he stepped away from the WSOP at the end of 2009, ESPN.com said: “Pollack's reign as commissioner and steward of the WSOP may be unmatched. He joins an elite circle of men who are forever revered by the core group of players around whom this sport has been built”.

Jeffrey’s reputation as an innovator in the sports industry is well established. In 1994, he shrugged off research results, conventional wisdom and predictions of failure when he created and launched The Sports Business Daily – the first daily trade publication for the sports industry and one of the first purely digital trade publications for any industry. Under Jeffrey’s leadership as the founding President and Publisher, The Sports Business Daily quickly became a must-read for decision-makers in sports, entertainment and television, and gave rise to a new industry for sports business information. 2010 is 16th consecutive year of publication for The Sports Business Daily.

Prior to joining the WSOP, Jeffrey was Managing Director of Broadcasting and New Media for NASCAR Digital Entertainment. He led NASCAR’s use of digital media and new technologies to increase fan accessibility and loyalty, and directed all business development related to the Internet, interactive television, VOD, digital cinema, satellite radio, mobile communications, and other digital platforms. His work at NASCAR earned him two Emmy® Awards as Executive Producer of NASCAR IN CAR – a ground breaking, multi-channel interactive television show.

Before joining NASCAR, Jeffrey served as Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications for the National Basketball Association, where he was responsible for creating a new department for the NBA and helping manage the league’s global branding, marketing and promotional strategies. He also served as the NBA’s Strategic Communications Consultant during collective bargaining in 1998 and 1999, reporting directly to the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.

Jeffrey started his career in political campaign management and crisis communications, serving as Vice President of Winner + Associates – a leading public affairs and strategic communications firm based in Los Angeles. While at Winner + Associates, Jeffrey specialized in energy and environmental issues and was responsible for providing crisis management and political counsel to industry-leading corporations throughout the United States.

Through the affiliated firm of Winner + Mandabach Campaigns, Jeffrey also helped manage state wide ballot measure campaigns in Massachusetts, South Dakota, Oregon and Arizona. Jeffrey produced and directed more than 100 television commercials at Winner + Mandabach Campaigns, including those for the successful 1992 ballot measure campaign supporting passage of Arizona’s holiday honoring Dr. Marking Luther King, Jr.

In addition to receiving one of the very first Primetime Emmy® Awards ever presented for Outstanding Achievement in Interactive Television Programming, and a Sports Emmy® for Outstanding Innovative Technical Achievement, Jeffrey received the first-ever Billboard Digital Entertainment Award for Best Interactive Television Programming. He has appeared twice on The Sporting News list of 100, and was named by the Sports Business Journal to the inaugural list of “Forty Under Forty.” In January 2010, Pollack was named one of “The Decade’s 25 Most Influential People in Poker.”

Jeffrey has been interviewed and profiled by ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX News; CNBC; Bloomberg; ESPN; the BBC; The Wall Street Journal; The New York Times; USA Today; The Economist; Business Week; Forbes; Brandweek; and scores of other leading media outlets.

Jeffrey serves on the Board of Advisors of the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission. He is a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

In 2008, Jeffrey completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. He has a master’s degree in sports management from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst; a master’s degree from The Graduate School of Political Management; and a bachelor’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

Ken Potrock leads Disney Sports Enterprises, responsible for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts involvement in all sports efforts globally – including line of business leadership of the newly “re-imagined” ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, the synergistic relationship with ESPN, ongoing/developing relationships with leagues and organizations [e.g., NBA, NFL, MLB, AAU] and the development of sports business models [events, facility expansion, travel packages, PR] globally.

Prior to joining the Sports Enterprises team, Ken led Global Alliance Marketing, for the $12 billion Parks and Resorts division, which encompasses the five Disney Resorts around the world, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and the Adventures by Disney travel business. Specific responsibilities included Alliances, Promotions, Broadcast Marketing, Talent Relations, Media & New Media Promotions, PR Support, Special Events and Walt Disney Company Synergy.

Ken began his Disney career in 1996 as Vice President of Marketing for Disney Cruise Line, where he developed many of the initial marketing strategies and communication plans in preparation for Disney’s launch into this new and incredibly successful, family vacation category. Prior to that, Ken was a Senior Partner for Ryan Partnership, a marketing consulting and promotion agency, where his responsibilities included the strategic planning, concept development, creative execution and overall account management for a cadre of top entertainment and sports-oriented clients.

Ken is a member of the Walt Disney World Steering Committee and the Domestic Operating Committee. He is also known as the creative catalyst for many of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts largest consumer marketing initiatives. Ken is an avid sports participant and enthusiast with an extensive background in sports marketing.

Originally from “da Bronx,” Ken earned his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. He lives in Winter Park, Florida, with his wife, Susanne, sons, Griffin and Cole, and Labradors, Snickers and Cooper.

Ron Ricci is vice-president, corporate positioning, at Cisco, reporting to Chairman and CEO John Chambers. Ron and his team are responsible for developing and driving the executive collaboration processes used by Cisco’s Councils and Boards; and using communications to shape the vision, strategy, culture and process priorities of the company.

Ron leads a number of key Cisco events, including the Strategic Leadership Offsite for Cisco’s top 3,000 managers. His book, Momentum: How Companies Become Unstoppable Market Forces, was published by Harvard Business School Press in November 2002, and is ranked as a “Top 100” Amazon.com book for marketing and business strategy.

Ron’s area of expertise is in positioning technology companies for market leadership with customers. Before joining Cisco, he was a brand positioning consultant and principal at Cunningham Communication, working with companies like Adobe, HP, IBM, Kodak, and Motorola.

Cisco is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco services and solutions allow individuals, companies, and countries to increase productivity, improve customer satisfaction and strengthen competitive advantage. At Cisco, our vision is to change the way the world works, lives, plays and learns. Headquartered in San Jose, California, Cisco has 279 sales and support offices in 74 countries, and 63,000 employees.

Edward P. Roski, Jr.
Chairman and CEO, Majestic Realty Co.

Edward P. Roski, Jr. is chairman and chief executive officer of one of the oldest and largest privately held real estate companies in the United States. Rated as the No. 1 Real Estate Developer in Los Angeles for over fifteen years, Majestic owns manages and leases in excess of 70,000,000-sq. ft. of property for clients across the nation.

As co-owner of the Los Angeles Kings and Lakers, Mr. Roski’s expertise in real estate development played a key role in the development of the team’s new arena. From its inception, Majestic led the L.A. Arena Company’s efforts to create the STAPLES Center- now a landmark in Downtown Los Angeles. Mr. Roski also owns The Silverton Hotel and Casinos in Las Vegas, as well as Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.

Perhaps even more impressive than his accomplishments in business, are Ed Roski’s relentless efforts on behalf of the community. In 2002 he initiated the Majestic Realty Foundation, whose charitable giving and community outreach focuses on youth, family, education, health, and violence prevention. But his generosity goes far beyond philanthropy. Mr. Roski gives his time and energy to countless civic organizations.

Ed Roski takes an active role in the city’s cultural and educational development, serving on the boards of LACMA, the Bowers Museum, The California Science Center, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission. Mr. Roski also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the University of Southern California. In addition, he serves on the Board of Trustees of the National Geographic Society, one of the largest non-profit scientific and educational organizations in the world.

For his service to the community, Roski has received numerous awards and civic honors, including: Project Restore’s Los Angeles Heritage Award, for his commitment to the restoration of downtown Los Angeles, and the Spirit of Los Angeles Award (Eddy Award) from the Los Angeles Headquarters Association for his civic involvement and dedication; The City of Hope awarded him their prestigious “The Spirit of Life” Award. He was honored with the Oxford cup from the General Fraternity of Beta Theta Pi for distinguished service and achievement, and the University of Southern California awarded Mr. Roski the Asa V. Call Award, which recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the University and the community by giving generously of their time, energy and leadership. In 2006, he received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service, and he was recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as the 2007 Businessman of the Year.

Outside his social and professional endeavors, Ed Roski’s great love is travel.

His passion for adventure has entitled him to be a member of the famed Explorers Club. He has climbed to Base Camp at Mt. Everest, K2, and Mt. Kilimanjaro, rode his bike across Mongolia, Russia, and Burma, and has made several deep water dives throughout New Guinea.

Mr. Roski was born in Oklahoma and raised in Southern California where he graduated from the University of Southern California in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and real estate. He served as an officer in the United States Marines from 1962 to 1966 where he was decorated for bravery with two purple hearts. He now resides in Los Angeles with his wife Gayle Garner Roski, with whom he has three children and five grandchildren.

Matthew Rossetti, AIA, LEED AP
President, Rossetti

As President of Rossetti Architects, Matt leads the firm’s strategic initiatives for creating innovative design and value for clients. Since assuming the role of president in 1999, Matt has grown the 40-year-old business into an internationally-recognized design firm with a portfolio of award winning sports, entertainment and mixed use projects. Matt also has a thorough understanding of the crucial role that sports facilities play as a driver for economic growth.

Among Rossetti’s groundbreaking sports projects are the USTA National Tennis Center, home of the U.S. Open (the world's largest tennis tournament); the recently-completed Rio Tinto MLS stadium in Salt Lake City; Scotiabank Place NHL arena in Ottawa, Canada; and the Palace of Auburn Hills, home of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. Twenty years later, the Palace is still cited as one of the most innovative and top grossing arenas in the industry, and Matt and the Rossetti design team have continually worked to help the Palace reinvent itself through additions and renovations that enhance revenue opportunities. The firm’s Ford Field, home of the NFL’s Detroit Lions, also helped to define the next generation of football stadiums by cost effectively incorporating an adjacent historic warehouse for use as suites, creating superb sightlines for all seats in the stadium and preserving a bit of area history.

Matt’s pursuit of innovative design also has married the firm’s sports design expertise with another of its strengths: mixed-use master planning. He has been able to tie together the principles of urban development and the draw of sports facilities by creating integrated entertainment districts, a reverse in approach from the traditional freestanding sports facility built in the middle of a parking lot. Rossetti’s sports/mixed use projects range from an international soccer stadium and mixed use complex in Korea, to the downtown Detroit Ford Field to Van Andel Arena, a civic sports and entertainment arena located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, In addition, stakeholders at Scotiabank Place and another confidential Major League Sports client have both recently hired Matt and his team to develop master plans for entertainment districts surrounding their venues.

Additionally, Matt has led many workshops with communities and public and private stakeholders across the nation, helping them to see ways in which urban developments woven with sports and entertainment venues can impact the local economy by attracting visitors year round while serving as catalysts for surrounding commercial and residential development. Recent workshops also include those with universities, where the growth of the campus and the desire to attract and retain the best students is critical to the strategic growth of the school, and where sports and entertainment venues have typically been in disconnect from the rest of the campus. At those workshops, Rossetti worked hand in hand with university stakeholders to show how an effective campus master plan and architectural design can become the infrastructure on which successful growth is built.

Rossetti’s other notable sports and entertainment facilities include Home Depot Center MLS Stadium in Los Angeles; Toyota Park MLS Stadium in Chicago; and Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California; as well as collegiate sports projects on campuses including Cornell University, University of Michigan, Old Dominion University, Bowling Green State University and Michigan State University.

Over the course of Matt’s professional career, he has also been given many opportunities to speak on the topics of sports and urban design and redevelopment through lectures for the Urban Land Institute, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and the American Institute of Architects.

Matt is a member of the American Institute of Architects, Urban Land Institute, and is a LEED-Accredited Professional.  He received both his Bachelor of Science and Masters of Architecture degrees from the University of Michigan.

One of the most respected individuals in the sports and legal industries, Alan I. Rothenberg has more than 40 years of executive-level sports experience and is a renowned expert in the field of sports business and law. Rothenberg, who spearheaded soccer’s rise in the United States during the 1990’s as Chairman & CEO of the 1994 World Cup Organizing Committee, Chairman of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup Games, President of the U.S. Soccer Federation and Founder of Major League Soccer, serves as the Chairman of Premier Partnerships, a sports and entertainment marketing and consulting firm.

A former President of the State Bar of California, Rothenberg practiced law in California for more than 35 years. However, he is best known for his success in revitalizing soccer in the United States and for his involvement with the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association. His love for sports and, in particular, for soccer has led him to serve as the chief executive for many diverse organizations.

Rothenberg, who served as President of U.S. Soccer from 1990-98, was CEO of World Cup USA 1994, the most successful event in FIFA history. The tournament averaged more than a still record 64,000 fans per game and had an operating surplus of more than $60 million. In addition to the World Cup USA 1994, he was the Chairman of the breakthrough 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup and Soccer Commissioner for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee. His other soccer interests include ownership of the Los Angeles Aztecs of the North American Soccer League from 1977-80 and his position as General Manager and General Counselor of the Los Angeles Wolves soccer club in the late 1960’s. For his accomplishments, FIFA has bestowed upon him its coveted Order of Merit.

Rothenberg also was known as one of the top executives in the National Basketball Association during the 1970s and 1980s. While serving as Vice President and General Counsel for Jack Kent Cooke, Inc. and California Sports, Inc., he represented the Los Angeles Lakers on the NBA’s Board of Governors from 1971-79. Rothenberg also was a member of the NBA’s Board of Governors during his tenure as President of the San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers from 1982-90.

Rothenberg, who appeared regularly on the ESPN sports talk program “Sportslook” as a commentator on the field of sports law, has been an instructor of Sports Law at the University of Southern California. He is the former Chairman of the American Bar Association’s Committee on Sports Law. He spent 10 years as a partner at Latham & Watkins and was a name partner at Manatt, Phelps, Rothenberg & Phillips for more than 20 years prior to joining Latham & Watkins in 1990. Marked by diversity, his law practice involved matters drawn from the banking, business, sports and entertainment fields.

Prominent in both civic and business realms, Rothenberg has served on several public company boards, including Arden Realty (NYSE), CPK, Inc. (NASDAQ), and Zenith National (NYSE)). He is Chairman of 1st Century Bank. He is President of The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. He was also President of the Music Center’s Fraternity of Friends and a member of the Board of Trustees of the California Museum of Science and industry. He is on the board and is past President of the Constitutional Rights Foundation, was Chairman of the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau, is Chairman of the Los Angeles Sports Council, and is a member of the board of the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission and the Southern California Committee for the Olympics.

A long time resident of Southern California, Rothenberg received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Law Degree from the University of Michigan

LASEC was founded in 1995 by Mayor Richard Riordan and other civic leaders to provide a single point of contact for the City of Los Angeles for sports and entertainment executives and for events. These events positively impact the local economy by attracting visitors to the city, giving them a reason to stay longer and return more frequently.

As president of the LA Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC), Schloessman oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of the Commission, which acts as the official organization for the City of Los Angeles to seek, host, promote and retain special sports and entertainment events such as Super Bowls, Grammy Awards and All-Star games.

Some of the events Los Angeles will be hosting over the next year include the GRAMMY Awards and the ESPN X Games, in addition to annual events, like the City of Los Angeles Marathon and the Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl game. Over the past years, LASEC was actively involved in hosting the NBA All-Star Weekend and the BCS National Championship week. LASEC continues to work diligently to bring several other high-profile events to Los Angeles.

Prior to joining the Commission, Schloessman was a 13-year veteran of CB Commercial (now CB Richard Ellis), the largest commercial real estate company in the United States. She held the position of managing officer of CB Commercial’s downtown Los Angeles office, where she was responsible for business development, operations and management of the Los Angeles region’s office professionals and oversaw CB Commercial’s community relations efforts.

Previously, Schloessman served as marketing director for CB Commercial’s Western Division. She also has more than 10 years experience as lead broker for major lease transactions in the downtown Los Angeles market.

Schloessman serves on the Advisory Board of the USC Sports Business Institute, Moag & Compan and Fremont College. She is also an active member in the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO).

Schloessman graduated in 1983 with a B.S. degree in business from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

The LA Sports & Entertainment Commission actively works to maintain Los Angeles as the sports and entertainment capital of the world. LASEC is a private non-profit organization and a division of LA INC. The Convention and Visitors Bureau.