Join us on the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as host Roy Kessel speaks with Neil Schwartz (SBRNet) and Yussuf Khan (First and Pen). In this eighth episode of the podcast’s seventh season, Roy, Neil, and Yussuf discuss their lifelong passion for sports, their career journeys, and the creation of the Get in the Game Conference. They explore how data, storytelling, and overlooked voices are shaping the business of sports, and how the conference builds pipelines of opportunity for students of color. From mentorship and career education to diversity and inclusion, this conversation highlights the powerful ways the next generation can be prepared to thrive in the sports industry.
Neil Schwartz and Yussuf Khan
Neil Schwartz is the President of SBRnet (Sports Business Research Network) and a recognized leader in sports business research. With more than 25 years of experience in marketing, consumer insights, and industry analysis, Neil has built a career translating complex data into meaningful strategies for organizations across the sports, fitness, and active-lifestyle sectors. His expertise has made him a trusted voice for understanding trends in fan engagement, participation, and the business of sport.
At SBRnet, Neil oversees Sports Market Analytics, a comprehensive data and content platform that supports universities, brands, and teams. The service provides detailed information on sports fandom, participation, sponsorship, and consumer markets, equipping clients with the tools they need to make informed decisions. Prior to leading SBRnet, Neil held senior roles in research and marketing, including at SportScan/SportsOneSource and the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, giving him a 360-degree view of the sports marketplace.
Beyond his work in research, Neil is also deeply engaged in education and professional development. He co-founded the Get in the Game Sports Business Career Conference, designed to prepare students—particularly students of color—for opportunities in the industry. He also hosts My First Job in Sports, a podcast that guides young professionals through the realities of breaking into the field. Through these efforts, Neil continues to combine his passion for sports with his commitment to mentorship, diversity, and building future pipelines of talent.
Yussuf Khan is a veteran of the sports and media industry with more than 25 years of experience spanning broadcasting, sales, marketing, and sports management. He is the Founder and CEO of First and Pen, a platform dedicated to elevating diverse voices in sports through original stories, interviews, and cultural perspectives often overlooked by mainstream outlets. A New York native and lifelong sports enthusiast, Yussuf has built his career on the belief that sports storytelling can shape culture, create opportunities, and drive inclusion.
Before launching First and Pen, Yussuf spent nearly two decades at ESPN, where he honed his expertise in sales strategy, programming, and sponsorships while working with global partners across the sports landscape. He later served as an adjunct professor of sports management at several institutions, including Long Island University’s Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment, where he shares his insights on sports business, diversity, and professional development with the next generation of industry leaders. His work in both corporate and academic settings reflects his deep commitment to bridging theory and practice in sports management.
In addition to his leadership at First and Pen, Yussuf is a co-creator of the Get in the Game Conference, an event designed to prepare students of color for careers in the sports industry through mentorship, networking, and skills training. His passion for education, diversity, and storytelling has positioned him as a leading advocate for creating pathways into the sports business. Through his writing, teaching, and industry initiatives, Yussuf continues to champion underrepresented voices while inspiring students and professionals to build meaningful careers in sports.
Get In The Game Conference
The Get in the Game Conference is a career-focused event designed to open doors for students and young professionals interested in the business of sports. Built around the mission of preparing and connecting diverse talent, the conference highlights the wide range of opportunities available beyond the playing field, from marketing and media to analytics, sales, event operations, and sponsorship. Its goal is to build pipelines of inclusion while giving participants practical tools to start their careers.
The conference combines keynote presentations, interactive panels, career development workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. Attendees learn directly from professionals representing major brands, teams, agencies, and governing bodies, while also polishing skills such as resume writing, interviewing, and personal branding. By pairing education with real-world exposure, the event empowers students to turn their passion for sports into a sustainable professional path.
What sets Get in the Game apart is its emphasis on outcomes. Rather than offering passive lectures, the conference prioritizes mentorship, engagement, and actionable career connections. Students leave with not only expanded knowledge of the sports industry but also tangible relationships and opportunities that can shape their futures. By elevating overlooked voices and broadening access, the conference continues to play a vital role in preparing the next generation of leaders in sports business.
0:41 – Neil shares his early passion for sports, growing up playing multiple sports and becoming a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan.
2:05 – Neil recalls sneaking a radio into Temple during the High Holidays to listen to World Series games, reflecting his lifelong dedication to sports.
3:46 – Yussuf describes his introduction to sports through basketball, baseball, and eventually football, becoming a lifelong Steelers fan.
4:51 – Yussuf explains the difference between being a sports fan and a sports business professional, and how he teaches this to his students.
6:33 – Yussuf introduces First and Pen and its mission to amplify underrepresented voices and overlooked stories in sports.
8:04 – Neil outlines his career in sports data and research, leading to his role as President of SBRNet and his passion for “being the oldest living data nerd.”
11:31 – Neil describes the origins of the Get in the Game Conference, building on SBRNet’s “My First Job in Sports” podcast to create career pathways for students.
14:42 – Yussuf shares his inspiration for creating the conference, rooted in his ESPN experiences and recognizing students’ lack of career knowledge in sports.
20:19 – Neil and Yussuf emphasize their responsibility to prepare students with pre-event workshops, resume building, and professional skills training.
27:26 – The guests highlight the conference’s success, with students earning internships and scholarships, strong sponsor support, and its intentional focus on diversity, inclusion, and meaningful outcomes.
