This week we have the honor to interview again a group of MLS rehab executives:

• Chris Wolbert, the Director of rehabilitation at Sporting KC (MLS).

• Jason Han, the Former head of rehabilitation at LAFC (MLS). Jason is also the head of business development in North America at OneBase health.

• Mike Messer, the Head of rehabilitation, Nashville SC (MLS)

📝Show Notes: Through this interview, we touched on the following topics with Chris, Jason, and Mike:

• Photo- and Electro-Therapy: Light and electric therapy has been utilized in rehabilitation treatment for a long time, but recent advancements in technology enable this therapy to be more affordable and convenient for those in need. Electric and light therapies help in muscle regeneration and blood flow stimulation. For example, startups utilize red light and electrode-fitted suites to streamline recovery and strengthen muscles and reduce the time required for rehabilitation. Chris, Jason, and Mike shared their experience and gave us their thoughts on photo and electro therapy, and the pros and cons of using it.

• Hydrotherapy: Also known as hydrotherapy, this therapeutic technique offers a low-impact environment for rehabilitation. Aquatic therapy is recognized for its therapeutic benefits, such as reduced joint stress and enhanced flexibility, making it an attractive option for diverse patient populations. Chris, Jason, and Mike shared their experience on hydrotherapy, and the pros and cons of using it.

• AlterG – Founded by a NASA engineer, AlterG has developed an Anti-Gravity Treadmill that uses unique unweighting technology, allowing for rehabilitation in a reduced weight environment. This has become especially beneficial for athletes recovering from lower limb injuries. Chris, Jason, and Mike shared their experience and thoughts on such technology.

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Today we have the honor of interviewing Konrad von Moltke and Elliott Mack. Konrad is the principal of WISE Ventures, the investment arm of the Wilf family who are the owners of the Minnesota Vikings (NFL) and Orlando City SC and Pride (MLS, NWSL), among other holdings. Elliott Mack is an investor at Techstars Sports and Techstars NYC Accelerators.

📝Show Notes: Through this interview, we touched on the following topics:

• The most promising areas of sports tech investments in 2024.

• The outlook of the sports tech investment market in 2024.

• The major challenges that we're going to have to overcome in the sports tech market in 2024.

• The biggest drivers that they see in the sports tech market in 2024.

You can read the full transcript of the podcast interview with Konrad and Elliott located at the top of this blog post.

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This week we have the honor to interview again a group of NBA sports performance executives:

• Chris Chase, Head of Performance at the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)

• Dr. Marco Nunez, the Former Head Athletic Trainer at the LA Lakers (NBA).

• Dr Andy Barr, Founder of Quantum Performance. Andy has worked for NBA teams over the years such as the NY Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets.

• Derek Millender, the current Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA).

📝Show Notes: Through this interview, we touched on the following topics with Chris, Andy, Marco and Derek:

• Load management: The NBA recently sent a new study to NBA teams on load management. Some claim that this study showed no link between load-managed players and a decreased risk of injury. The 57-page report emphasized the fluctuation between star players missing games. Between the 1990s to today, the average number of games missed per season by those defined as star players rose considerably. In the ‘90s, it was 10.6 games. In the 2020s, it’s 23.9 games.

• Injury reduction: What is the future of the NBA in terms of injury reduction? What are the most innovative technologies that they have come across in terms of injury reduction?

• Rehabilitation: What is the future of the NBA in terms of rehabilitation? What are the most innovative technologies that they have come across in terms of rehabilitation?

• What is their approach towards innovation? What are the best practices that their identified there?

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Today we have the honor of interviewing Lutz Klein, and Logan Crook, from CURREX, a leading insole brand in sports. Lutz is the founder of CURREX and Logan is the head of sales in sports at the company.

CURREX LLC was founded 2013 as the North American Subsidiary of currex GmbH, Germany. CURREX provides award-winning, innovative insoles for a variety of activities including running, soccer, cycling, hiking, hockey, golf, skiing and work. They concentrate on designing insoles that deliver flexible, dynamic arch support with the right level of rigidity and offer three different arch profiles for each of their different types of insoles. CURREX insoles are the leading over-the-counter insoles in Europe and North America, with RunPro insoles being the #1 selling insole in run-specialty retailers in the U.S.

Here is a picture of the CURREX insoles:

CURREX’s philosophy is based on respecting the foot, the shoe and the activity:

As illustrated below, CURREX’s RUNPRO insoles are designed for runners by runners, and is a unique insole as it is a customizable, super light insole.

CURREX’s insoles are available in 3 types of profile (Low, med, high):

Here is a video showcasing the CURREX insoles:

CURREX insoles have been used and endorsed by top athletes across various sports such as soccer (MLS, laliga, Bundesliga), basketball. One of the latest athletes who has endorsed CURREX is Lindsey Horan, midfielder and captain of the US Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT).

📝Show Notes: Through this interview, we touched on their respective backgrounds, CURREX company and their product. We also discussed the benefits for teams to use their product and business model. Lastly we touched on their plans for the next 12 months.

You can read the full transcript of the podcast interview with Lutz and Logan located at the top of this blog post.

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This week we had the honor to interview again Dr. Ron Dick, associate professor of sports marketing at Duquesne University in the school of business. Ron also worked for 20 years in sports, including 15 years in the NBA with the Sixers and the Nets, and then five years in the NCAA.

You can read the full transcript of the podcast interview with Ron located at the top of this blog post.

📝Show Notes: Through this interview, we touched on the following topics:

• NCAA:

  • Iowa star Caitlin Clark's senior night vs. Ohio State draws record-breaking women's basketball ticket prices ($491)

  • Caitlin Clark passed Pete Marovich with 3,667 points in NCAA D1.

  • The NCAA lost in court again. SEC and the Big 10 are taking charge of Football 4 teams now 12 team tournament. How does this affect the group of 5. Who are the group of 5? Why are universities leaving conferences to get into the group of 5?

  • College Football NIL: It is estimated that $200 million is being spent by universities on Football and some colleague basketball. Why are transfer in the portal unlimited?

• NFL draft: USC quarterback Caleb Williams is viewed as a likely No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

• NBA/NHL: We are getting into the final push for teams to make the playoffs: Who are the favorites in the playoffs?

• MLS season: Will Inter Miami fc and Messi make the MLS playoffs and go all the way this year?

• MLB season: What are the latest updates? Who are the favorites?

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