The Sports Business Journal’s (SBJ) Morning Buzzcast on September 15, 2025, delivered a compelling overview of pivotal developments across the sports and entertainment landscape. Headlining the day’s news was the unveiling of SBJ’s 15th annual Game Changers Class, recognizing 50 influential women who are shaping the future of sports business. The broadcast also detailed Live Nation’s ambitious $1 billion expansion plan to build 18 new music venues across the United States, provided an update on the FIFA Club World Cup’s impact on Major League Soccer schedules, and previewed the highly anticipated AXS DRIVE 2025 event commencing in Los Angeles.
Celebrating Women in Sports: The SBJ Game Changers Class of 2025
This year marks a significant milestone as Sports Business Journal proudly introduced its 15th Game Changers Class, a distinguished group of 50 women making profound impacts across professional and college sports. These honorees represent a diverse array of leadership roles spanning teams, leagues, media, technology, and marketing. Their collective contributions highlight the increasing prominence and influence of women in driving innovation and strategy within the sports industry. The Game Changers Class of 2025 will be profiled in an upcoming issue of SBJ and celebrated at a dedicated awards ceremony on September 24, followed by the annual Game Changers conference on September 25, offering a platform for networking, discussion, and professional development.
Live Nation’s Monumental Venue Expansion: A $1 Billion Investment in Music
Live Nation Entertainment announced a substantial $1 billion investment aimed at building or renovating 18 new music venues across the United States. This strategic expansion, set to unfold over the next 18 months, is designed to reach smaller, underserved markets, bringing world-class live music experiences closer to fans. The company’s existing portfolio of 150 venues will be augmented by these new facilities, which will range from intimate clubs to large outdoor amphitheaters. Cities slated to benefit from this initiative include Allentown, PA; Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Denver, CO; Indianapolis, IN; Memphis, TN; Milwaukee, WI; Nashville, TN; Orlando, FL; Portland, ME; Portland, OR; Pittsburgh, PA; Raleigh, NC; Richmond, VA; Riverside, MO; Seattle, WA; Shakopee, MN; and Virginia Beach, VA. Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino emphasized that the mission behind this investment is to help artists deliver unforgettable live experiences, thereby creating jobs, revitalizing cities, and fostering community growth. This initiative is projected to generate $2.9 billion in direct economic activity tied to construction and an additional $1.4 billion in annual economic activity for local communities. Among Live Nation’s successful operations is the MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, a venue that has exceeded expectations and serves as a testament to the demand for mid-sized entertainment spaces.
FIFA Club World Cup’s Ripple Effect on MLS and Miami’s Schedule
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, hosted in the United States from June 14 to July 13, continued to influence domestic league schedules. Inter Miami CF successfully advanced through the tournament, reaching the Round of 16 after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Palmeiras in their final group stage match. This advancement necessitated a rescheduling of their Major League Soccer regular season match against Atlanta United, originally slated for June 28. The game was officially moved to Saturday, October 11, highlighting the intricate scheduling ballet between international club competitions and domestic league play.
AXS DRIVE 2025: The Premier Gathering for Sports and Entertainment Leaders
Kicking off in Los Angeles from September 15 to 17, the AXS DRIVE 2025 event brings together leaders from the sports, live entertainment, and ticketing industries. This premier multi-day experience is dedicated to exploring how data-driven strategies are revolutionizing revenue generation, operational efficiency, and industry innovation. Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends and technologies transforming the landscape through immersive discussions, workshops, and sessions led by industry experts. Monumental Sports & Entertainment is a key participant, with executives Ted Leonsis and Jim Van Stone set to share their perspectives on fan engagement, media innovation, and venue transformation. The event also features exclusive experiences, including behind-the-scenes tours of the Crypto.com Arena and the Intuit Dome, as well as a night at a Dodgers game, providing unparalleled networking and learning opportunities.
The SBJ Morning Buzzcast of September 15, 2025, underscored a dynamic period for the sports and entertainment sectors. From the celebration of women’s achievements in sports business to significant investments in live music infrastructure and critical events shaping the future of fan engagement and ticketing, the news reflects a vibrant and evolving industry.
