Boston Celtics co-Owner Steve Pagliuca on Atalanta BC Championship, Bill Walton

Summary

In this interview, Steve discusses the remarkable success of Atalanta, an underdog football club that has recently achieved significant victories, including winning the European Cup after 100 years. He credits the club's scouting and academy for identifying and nurturing talent, enabling a winning culture. Steve also reflects on the monetization of sports teams, noting the impact of social media and global fan bases on sponsorship and merchandise sales. The conversation touches on the challenges of managing both football and basketball teams, emphasizing the importance of talent acquisition and retention. Lastly, he pays tribute to the late Bill Walton, a legendary basketball player, and his lasting impact on the sport.

Takeaways

• 🏆 Atalanta's success is monumental, having not won the European Cup in 100 years, and the city of Bergamo is ecstatic about their achievement.
• 🎉 The fan support for Atalanta is immense, with 10,000 fans welcoming the team back from their game, leading to a celebratory atmosphere that was hard to navigate due to the crowds.
• 🔍 The club's scouting and talent identification have been exceptional, repeatedly finding and nurturing talent that other clubs have overlooked, such as Koopmeiners and Lookman.
• 🌟 Atalanta's academy has been a significant investment and a key factor in their success, developing young players who have become integral to the team.
• 💰 The club's financial strategy includes taking calculated risks on young players, such as Russ, who was bought for a record sum and later sold for a significant profit.
• 🤝 The collaborative efforts of the coaching staff and the entire organization have been credited for Atalanta's success, creating a supportive environment for players.
• 🌍 The globalization of sports has dramatically increased the fan base and revenue potential for teams like Atalanta and the Celtics, with social media playing a significant role in this expansion.
• 🏀 The Boston Celtics' success is attributed to a strong management team, smart player trades, and a culture of winning championships, similar to Atalanta's approach.
• 💼 The monetization of sports teams has evolved with technology and globalization, leading to increased sponsorship, merchandise sales, and ticket revenue.
• 🚀 The value of sports teams continues to rise, as evidenced by the significant increase in the sale prices of teams like the Cavaliers, indicating that there is still room for growth in the market.
• 🕊️ The basketball world mourns the loss of Bill Walton, a legendary figure who contributed greatly to the sport and was an inspiration to many, leaving a lasting legacy.

Q & A

What is the significance of Atalanta's recent success in European football?

Atalanta's success is significant because it's a club that hasn't won the European Cup in 100 years. Their recent achievements have brought immense joy to the City of Bergamo, with fans ecstatic and the team being mobbed upon their return from games.

How did Atalanta manage to identify and develop talent like Koopmeiners and Lookman?

Atalanta credits its scouting and evaluation team for identifying talent. They have heavily invested in their academy over the last 15 years, which has paid off by identifying and nurturing young talents like Koopmeiners and Lookman.

What was the impact of Atalanta's qualification for the Champions League on the club's future prospects?

Qualifying for the Champions League not only provided Atalanta with a prestigious slot in the competition but also helped in the recruitment of players to improve the team further, indicating a bright future for the club.

How does Steve Kaplan view the challenge of running a football club compared to a basketball team?

Steve Kaplan sees similar challenges in running both a football club and a basketball team, emphasizing the importance of acquiring and retaining top talent, keeping them motivated, and making their lives easy to perform at their best.

What role does technology play in the growth and monetization of sports teams like the Celtics and Atalanta?

Technology, particularly social media, has expanded the fan base from hundreds of thousands to millions, creating a global audience. This has led to increased sponsorship income and brand association, making sports teams like the Celtics and Atalanta more valuable.

How has the landscape of sports monetization changed since the purchase of the Celtics in 2003?

The landscape has changed significantly with the advent of social media and digital platforms. The fan base has grown exponentially, and the value of sports teams has skyrocketed from millions to billions, creating a virtuous circle of popularity, talent acquisition, and fan growth.

What is the strategy behind the Celtics' and Atalanta's success in acquiring and retaining talent?

The strategy involves having a strong management team that works together to make smart decisions in player trading and acquisitions. They also emphasize the use of statistics and scouting to identify talent from a young age, fostering a culture of winning championships.

How does Steve Kaplan describe the emotional impact of winning championships on the players and fans?

Steve Kaplan describes the emotional impact as very powerful, with people crying on the pitch after victories and huge celebrations in towns like Indiana. The hard work of the players and the difficulty of winning championships make these moments particularly poignant.

What is the current state of opportunities for investment in sports teams, according to Steve Kaplan?

Steve Kaplan believes there is still room for growth in the value of sports teams due to the global nature of sports and the ongoing fight for viewers' attention among new media platforms. Sports properties, which attract viewers, are in high demand.

How did the recent passing of Bill Walton impact Steve Kaplan and the basketball community?

The passing of Bill Walton was devastating to Steve Kaplan, who had a close relationship with him. Walton's legacy as an avid sports fan and champion is deeply felt, and his influence is remembered and honored by the basketball community.