In the third and final part of our interview with GMR Marketing Exec VP/Sports Marketing Mike Boykin, he talks about the state of NASCAR, stories he is watching in sports and his advice to young people looking to work in sports business. On NASCAR, he said clients are asking about getting involved in the sport, saying “The number of ways a client can get in and the various touch points and cost points, I think, still makes it attractive. Is it what it was three years ago? No, it’s not. Do I think it will be a major sport and force going forward? Yes I do.” When asked about stories he’s keeping an eye on, Boykin mentioned globalization in sports and labor disputes. On labor, he said, “What will it mean to the NBA? I think that could mean a much different story. I hope not, the NBA had an awesome year. But I think if we’re looking at February when they start the season or if there is no basketball at all, it would have a very damaging effect.” Asked what keeps him up at night, he said, “How do we keep up with the change?” His advice to people looking to get started in sports business: “Build relationships -- not just for the next opportunity. But build relationships for life. It’s a small universe, it’s a small world in the sports business.” Finally, Boykin offers his predictions for his Univ. of South Carolina football team (“SEC Championship, Atlanta, here we come”), as well as his early pick for the World Series. View part three, and if you missed the first two, watch part one and part two.
