Jake Cvengros’ Post

The Cleveland Cavaliers have launched the Cavs Rewards Program, incorporating blockchain technology to offer fans exclusive digital badges in addition to rewards like game tickets, VIP experiences, and team merchandise. Powered by the Avalanche blockchain, the program allows fans to earn points through everyday purchases and collect unique, blockchain-based digital collectibles. As blockchain technology and digital rewards gain traction in sports, this initiative raises several key legal considerations: 1. Data Privacy & Security Collecting payment and purchase data from fans requires robust data protection protocols. Compliance with regulations such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is critical. Transparent disclosures on data handling, encryption standards, and ensuring users can exercise rights over their data are fundamental obligations. 2. Blockchain-Specific Legal Compliance With Avalanche’s blockchain providing digital badges, compliance with state and federal securities laws is essential, particularly as the line between digital collectibles and securities can blur. Legal analysis of the badges’ structure and usage ensures they do not inadvertently qualify as securities, which would entail regulatory registration and compliance requirements. Additionally, blockchain assets bring intellectual property considerations, including clarity over rights to the badges and protection against unauthorized duplication or misuse. 3. Smart Contracts & Terms of Use If smart contracts are used to issue or track badges, their enforceability is crucial. Explicit terms in user agreements should clarify how smart contracts operate, any automatic actions they trigger, and users' rights in the event of unforeseen technical issues or errors. Enforcing clear, accessible terms around badge ownership, transferability, expiration, and usage rights is also important to avoid disputes and ensure fans understand the program's limitations. 4. Regulatory Compliance for Loyalty Programs Loyalty programs involving digital and financial elements often require compliance with consumer protection laws and regulations governing reward programs. Ensuring that fans receive transparent terms on point accrual, expiration, and redemptions will mitigate potential legal risks. 5. Partnership & Licensing Agreements With a broad network of businesses participating as Cavs Rewards partners, standardizing agreements that cover brand use, promotional rights, and liability is essential. Careful drafting of partnership terms will protect the Cavs brand while fostering cooperative relationships with participating entities. This Cavs Rewards Program represents an innovative step forward in fan engagement. As teams and brands navigate the complexities of blockchain, thoughtful legal structuring will be critical to protecting both consumer interests and organizational assets.

To all recent college grads or people looking for a new role: - Find a job that you love. Having a role where you’re excited to wake up every morning and attack the day will be the first key to success. - Grow your relationships with your Coworkers. Turn your colleagues into friends, your team into family. - Buy into the bigger picture. Understand your role is important, but finding success as a team is more crucial than anything. Celebrate your wins as one, pick each other up after losses.

On February 29, the Tennessee Titans broke ground on the new $2.1 billion Nissan Stadium, an event that brought together notable figures including Nashville's Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk, and country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. Set for completion in 2027, this ambitious project aims to redefine the Nashville skyline and the concept of a sports stadium, incorporating 1.8 million square feet of space, 60,000 seats with enhanced sightlines, and a community space spanning 12,000 square feet, the first of its kind in an NFL stadium. A standout feature of the new stadium is its plan to host the country's largest rooftop bar, a sprawling 70,000-square-foot venue that promises to offer unparalleled views of the city and a unique experience for visitors. Furthermore, the construction phase of the stadium is expected to generate over 19,000 jobs and have a direct spending impact of $1.9 billion, showcasing the project's significant contribution to local economic growth. Beyond its economic impact, the stadium is part of a larger vision for the East Bank development, which aims to transform the area into a vibrant neighborhood, enhancing connectivity and accessibility while fostering community engagement through various initiatives, including collaborations with local schools and support for small and diverse businesses. Read more: https://lnkd.in/em2FSTD7

Had the pleasure of spending my evening at Midgley Park, in the shadow of Windsor Park last night. such a great facility and it must be inspiring for young players to get to train and play so close to where the national team runs out. Doing in person demos is always a highlight for me for a couple of reasons. First of all, being around coaches is always the best. Tactics vary, techniques and approaches differ but coaches are coaches. There always tends to be the shared bond and language that is consistent across the space. Its always nice to be back round it. Second, I love the inquisitiveness of players. We are different at Playermaker, we are asking for a lot of trust from players that they won't notice our units on their boots and it won't effect their play. I enjoy the challenge of turning a "what the hell is this? Am not wearing that" into "that's actually really cool". Players want to get better badly but they also don't want to get beaten over the head about their weaknesses. Our technology has the potential to highlight weaknesses that previously could be hidden, so when talking to players, using the correct language to highlight the development aspect is key. I am looking forward to getting out and about more often over the coming months, especially as clubs enter buying periods so if you are interested in seeing how we work and bring value to all clubs, reach out and we will get something sorted! #football #soccer #playerdevelopment #sportstech

Ads That Aim Straight to the Heart 🎥❤️ I’ve always believed that a truly great ad isn’t just about selling a product—it’s about connecting with people on a deep emotional level. The storytelling, the creativity, and the emotional depth of a well-made ad are what build strong relationships with a brand. It’s these ads that bring the real cash flow in the long run. We’re in an era of 16:9 video formats - ads that are better suited for phones, “in the moment,” and quickly consumed. But let’s be honest: there’s something magical about those “big budget, big brains/teams” ads that go straight to the heart. Yesterday, I came across Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team farewell ad for Lewis Hamilton, and yes, it brought tears to my eyes. 😢✨ It’s incredible how a beautifully crafted message can capture so much emotion and history in just a few moments. And when it comes to marketing, I have to say—I’m in awe of what Formula 1 is doing. Netflix's #DrivetoSurvive didn’t just bring the sport to life, it turned the whole planet into devoted F1 fans. It showed us the passion, struggles, and triumphs behind the scenes, making us appreciate the sport on a completely new level. Let’s create more high-quality content. Let’s tell the stories that are truly worth hearing 🏆

While we thought that bowling alleys had gone the way of many malls and movie theaters, it appears they’re still attracting customers looking to socialize without a steep price tag — and it has investors lining up to throw their shots. Consider that Bowlero, an ever-growing bowling giant based out of New York, has: 💸Raised ~$450m in funding. 💰Earned $1B in annual revenue. 📈Seen a 48% YoY increase in same-store sales. 👋Welcomed ~30m people through its bowling locations each year. Those are some staggering numbers that point to a larger trend in the industry. And while we don't have an answer just yet on whether or not bowling shoes will ever be cool, we do have some answers as to what the future of this industry might look like. Right this way for the latest issue of The Hustle.

I was recently quoted in a great BizJournal business article on the current real estate challenges for location based entertainment bowling operators. Let me know if you agree with what I'm seeing in todays national real estate markets. Cheers! https://lnkd.in/eeqWZaM3

Egon Durban minted a fortune making big, risky bets on companies such as Dell Technologies and Skype. But nothing has tested his nerves like a team of bull-riding Texas cowboys. Durban is part of an elite group of billionaires transforming the iconic sport of the American Wild West. Some are longtime sports investors, looking for the next big pro league, such as NASCAR team owner Richard Childress and the Fisher family, owner of the Athletics Major League Baseball team. Others have serious Wall Street credentials. Avenue Capital Group bought a bull-riding team earlier this year, wagering that a big media deal would draw more deep pockets into the sport. In bull riding, teams have brought in former Navy SEALs to run training camps, built #data divisions to better match the animals and riders, and given riders access to nutritionists and cryotherapy. They are amping up sponsorships, merchandise #sales and media rights, and have a revenue-sharing agreement to spread the wealth across the league, similar to the National Football League (NFL). The #investment rush has been a boon for the league’s owner, the Professional Bull Riders, LLC. Its events aren’t dusty local rodeos. The team championship this year in Las Vegas kicked off with fire dancers, pyrotechnics and laser shows. But bull riding’s ascendance to mainstream popularity has stoked tension within the rodeo-sports community. Traditionalists lament the growing commercialization of a sport rooted in cowboy ideals of community, toughness and loyalty. 🔗 Read more from Chelsey Dulaney: https://lnkd.in/eUNZdfrg 

Some great tips here 💪

Went to Formula 1 in Miami, had sky-high expectations, only to be completely let down from a service standpoint. There was a noticeable gap between what we anticipated and what we actually received. For the price we paid for our tickets, it should have been SOOOO much better. And I'm not alone in my disappointment. Check out social media, and you'll see the flames of discontent burning bright. Now contrast that to the Kentucky Derby, which I've had a chance to experience several times as well, which was also going on the same weekend. Churchhill Downs consistently knocks it out of the park, every time I've been they've gone above and beyond to exceed expectations from a service level. So, here's the million-dollar question: What are you doing in YOUR business to surpass your customers' expectations? It's not just about meeting them; it's about blowing them out of the water! Let's bridge that gap and elevate the service game in modern business. Churchill Downs Incorporated Formula 1 #ServiceGap #CustomerExperience #KentuckyDerby #formula1 #jamesdmurphy #afterburnercapital