I asked a number of leaders I respect: “If you had a message, advice or counsel you’d share with the industry during these difficult and challenging times, what would it be?” Here is what they said.
“Remain true to your principles and purpose. For us, that always gets back to people — whether that’s entertaining them as fans at our arena or caring for them as members of our community. So my advice is this: Find your guiding light, then quickly take action and work with partners that have similar values to build and amplify positive, sustainable programs.”
Steve Koonin, CEO, Atlanta Hawks
“Take care of your constituents and customers. This is a time to be generous and empathetic. It’s also a time to reflect on what’s important and valuable about your business. Ask the big questions. What can we do to be most efficient during these unusual times, for ourselves and the people we serve? We should also appreciate how fortunate we are to work in the sports industry. We don’t save lives, but we bring joy, community and inspiration to people, and sports will play a big part in our return to normalcy.”
Marla Messing, CEO, USTA Southern California
“As in the past, we will overcome what at times now look like insurmountable obstacles. And sports will, as it always has, play a very important role in helping to unite and inspire us. So, get ready. …”
Jac Sperling, chairman/CEO, Grit Rock Ventures
“Support those who support you during normal times. This includes your staff, their families and the community that backs your franchise. Make sure your team and those in need know they are valued during these unprecedented times. Use technology to keep open and consistent lines of communication with your team so they are informed and prepared to seamlessly return to normal business operations at the appropriate time.”
Fred Whitfield, president, Hornets Sports & Entertainment
“Right now is a moment to reinvent your brand while staying true to your mission. WWE’s mission is to put smiles on people’s faces; as such, we are continuing to produce our weekly programming from closed sets with additional safety measures, providing a much-needed outlet for our fans. Put your consumers first and let them know you care. We are all in this together.”
Stephanie McMahon, chief brand officer, WWE
“We will prevail, sooner or later. Our leaders must lead, our health professionals are putting their lives on the line and our scientists are providing data and innovative solutions to guide public policy. These contributions are essential but not sufficient. From millennials to boomers, we have an amazing opportunity to find purpose and meaning here. Let’s model social distancing, exhibit empathy to others while demonstrating high levels of personal resilience. It is our time to come together and compete as one America.”
Jim Delany, former commissioner, Big Ten Conference
“Sports leaders will be called on to be optimistic, energetic, clear-headed and brave. We’ll need medical professionals and governmental officials we can trust to help us decide when competitions can safely resume, and adaptability will be a must as we figure out how to manage our workforces, budgets and stakeholder expectations in the new order. Let’s hope sports can remain a unifier and a salve when the darkness passes.”
Val Ackerman, commissioner, Big East Conference
“Stay physically and mentally healthy. Take care of your family, employees and your community. The world will reset post-COVID-19; sports will be a massive healing agent. Prioritize the glaring issues in your organization you witnessed during this crisis, because you will see them more clearly now than when all the lights are on. Focus on what matters most. Get prepared to come back stronger than ever for our communities and fans.”
Jed York, CEO, San Francisco 49ers
“I find myself reading a lot of history. Right now, I’m in the middle of Erik Larson’s ‘The Splendid and the Vile,’ an account of life in England in the year prior to the U.S. entering WWII. The Germans bombed London for 57 consecutive days and nights, and yet, under Churchill’s leadership, the English people persevered. The lesson: Leadership matters, especially in parlous times. In our little corner of the world — sports — it will take great leadership from our commissioners. Knowing them all as I do, I am confident that they are up to the task.”
Steve Greenberg, managing director, Allen & Co.
First Look podcast, with Abe’s take on recent NFL news and other issues in sports business, at the 28:37 mark:
Abraham Madkour can be reached at amadkour@sportsbusinessjournal.com.
