Sports Business Secrets

Today’s a big one.

When I started this show, I had no clue what I was doing — no team, no sponsors, no fancy equipment. Just a pair of headphones and a commitment to show up.

Fast forward 5 years… We just crossed 100,000 total downloads.

Along the way, we’ve hit 118 countries, brought on hundreds of guests, and continue to build a growing community around the world.

In this episode, I’m reflecting on the journey, sharing a few fun stats and as always giving a glimpse into what’s coming next for Sports Business Secrets.

Thank you for being part of it.

🎯 Next stop: 200K.

Today I share a quick overview of South Korea for those curious to learn more about the country — and then dive into the pro league - The KBL (Korean Basketball League).

I break down the league structure, import rules, style of play, salary ranges and why it continues to be an attractive place to build a pro career.

In this episode, I break down the current pro landscape — from current league structures and roster rules to import limits and why the B.League has become a magnet for global talent. Plus, a quick teaser on B.LEAGUE PREMIER, Japan’s bold vision to reimagine the future of hoops.

The college landscape is chaos right now — but this episode isn’t just for college athletes. If you’re navigating decisions, dealing with agents, or chasing the next opportunity, this is for you.

In this quick hitter, I share the blunt truth about the portal, the power of communication, and why your long-term reputation matters more than a short-term bag.

Act like a pro. Zoom out. Keep it real.

Back on the road in Tokyo. Quick thoughts from Japan on what’s new with Roy, a few player updates from the KTA fam, and why this breather overseas is much needed. Let’s get into it!

College sports are entering a new era.

Today, Judge Claudia Wilken reviews a proposed $2.8 billion settlement that could redefine how college athletes are supported and compensated.

This episode breaks down the major lawsuits leading up to today — O’Bannon, Alston, and House — and explains what the settlement could mean for current players, schools, and the future of the NCAA model.

Today I talk about two staff roles I believe every modern college basketball program needs — and why ignoring them could cost teams more than they think.

One of these roles is already trending — everyone's talking about it, and most programs are trying to fill it.

The other? It’s the secret weapon of the future — a role that forward-thinking programs will use to create a real edge.

From managing NIL and building athlete support systems to scouting untapped talent and expanding University brand reach globally, these are the two roles for building a modern college basketball staff that could thrive in the new era.

Welcome back to Sports Business Secrets – Season 5 is officially here!

Today I share a life and business update, including what’s been going on behind the scenes during the launch of Roy. I talk about what the podcast is all about, the categories I cover (from college hoops to NIL to the international pro game), and preview what’s coming this month. Whether you're new or tuning in from one of the 119 countries around the world – much love. Let’s get back to it.

Back at it after a few months of focus... here to finish the year strong as we approach 100,000 listens!

• what I've been working on
• Roy updates
• KTA clients
• what's next...

Today’s guest is Yannie Chan, Women's Basketball player at Iona University!

Yannie was was born and raised in Hong Kong, and was the first ever local girls basketball player in the history of Hong Kong to come the United States to play in the NCAA!

She started her college career at Emmanuel College where she won the Player of the Year in 2023. This year she made the transfer to Iona University will she will be gearing up for her first year in Division 1 basketball!

She was a member of the national team this year, representing her country with pride at the Asian Games. She is not only a remarkable player on the court, but she brings just as much passion and enthusiasm to projects off the court, like creating content & giving back to the community. And today we get to hear more about Yannie's extraordinary story!

Today we talked about:

• Growing up in Hong Kong and how she fell in love with basketball

• How different the youth basketball landscape is at home versus the USA

• When she first knew she had the skill set to play at a high level

• The process of reaching out to schools & getting her first opportunity

• Some of the challenges she faced when first arriving at Emmanuel

• Who she is OFF the court (content creation & community service)

• Battling through her injury to make sure she's ready

• The transition to Division 1 and expectations for the season

• Her goal to play at the next level and future career aspirations

• and much more

Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!

https://www.kevintarca.com/blog

Today’s guest is Dejan Kamenjaševic, Co-Founder & GM of Dubai Basketball Club!

Dejan's journey began in Bosnia, where a defining moment in his early years brought a sudden change to his life. When the war broke out, he and his family relocated to Spain, where he continued pursuing his passion for basketball -- a sport that became a cornerstone in his life and would shape his future for many years to come.

From playing professionally to coaching, and now leading teams from both the bench AND the boardroom, Dejan has made a significant impact across multiple countries.

As he embarks on this new chapter with Dubai Basketball Club, he's set to shape the future of basketball in the UAE and beyond. And today we get to hear all about this groundbreaking project!

Today we talked about:

• Growing up in Bosnia & where his basketball love started

• Fleeing with his family to Spain when the war broke out

• The challenges of starting his life in a new environment

• Making the decision to hang up his shoes

• The challenges of finding a new identity

• The sacrifices that went un-noticed behind the scenes

• His mentors who gave him his first opportunities in coaching

• The importance of relationships and how he builds trust

• The move to the UAE even when most thought he was crazy

• Building his new basketball academy from scratch

• The constant misconceptions about living in Dubai

• All about Dubai Basketball Club and his new role

• How they built the roster & the players they signed

• The opportunity to join the Adriatic League this season

• The power sports has to eliminate borders + unite people

• and much more

Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!

https://www.kevintarca.com/

Part one covered how athletes could leverage tech to level up ON the court.

Today we dive into how athletes could leverage tech to level up OFF the court! Personal branding, networking, personal growth, etc.

https://www.kevintarca.com/

Sports + Technology. What a great combination.

Here are several ways that athletes could utilize technology to level up!

Today’s guest is Jared Grasso, newly appointed National Post Grad Coach and Head of Development at the Knox School.

Coach Grasso grew up on the sidelines of basketball courts everywhere, watching his Father coach at the high school, collegiate and pro levels. He quickly outgrew the sidelines and developed into quite the player himself earning a McDonald’s All-American nomination when he was at St. Anthony’s HS. He chose Quinnipiac University to play his collegiate ball, where he was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2014.

After a brief opportunity at the next level in Italy, it was inevitable that he would return to the sidelines and get into coaching. He's had stops at Hofstra, Hartford, Quinnipiac, Fordham, Iona and Bryant before accepting the new role at the Knox School this spring.

Today we talked about:

• Growing up living, eating and breathing basketball with his Father
• The opportunity to play at the infamous ABCD Camp
• His roles and responsibilities as a young assistant coach
• How he learned to balance his job with his family
• Questions he was asked during the coaching interview process
• How he turned a struggling Division 1 program into an NCAA birth
• How he adapted to NIL and how it's changed college forever
• The mental side of coaching that the public doesn't see
• Searching for purpose after being at "the top of the mountain"
• All about the Knox School and his new role
• The youth development landscape in the USA
• The characteristics is takes to get to the next level and much more Appreciate you tuning in.

Hope you enjoy!

https://www.kevintarca.com/

Happy July... here's exactly what I've been up to and what's on the agenda this month.

https://www.kevintarca.com/

https://www.kreationtalent.com/

🚨🖋️ After a great rookie season in Tokushima, on to a new chapter in Nagano! Toyo will play his second season on loan to the Shinsu Brave Warriors! (via Sunrockers Shibuya)

https://www.b-warriors.net/news/detail/id=16378

https://www.sunrockers.jp/news/detail/id=17676

https://www.kreationtalent.com/toyoshigekano

Today’s guest is Noel Hightower, Player Development Coach for the Golden State Warriors & Assistant Coach for the G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors!

Noel is originally from Easton, PA where he grew up as a multi-sport standout athlete in high school. He then took his talents to Chestnut Hill College where he played basketball as well as a few years of track and field.

Soon after graduation he began his coaching career at Lehigh University, where he obtained a masters degree in educational leadership. After several seasons in Bethlehem he was given an opportunity to take his coaching talents to the NBA. His first stop was with the Indiana Pacers where he found himself learning just as much as he was teaching! Noel is currently in a player development coaching role with the Golden State Warriors in addition to being an assistant coach for their G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors.

He's a coach, a leader, a best selling author… and someone who I consider a great friend!

Today we talked about:

• Growing up being a multi-sport athlete 
• His college recruiting process & why he chose Chestnut Hill
• How he got his first job in the coaching world
• His roles & responsibilities as a college Director of Basketball Operations
• What made him want to leave college and jump to the NBA side
• The sacrifices that he had to make when leaving a stable job for a dream job
• His roles & responsibilities when he joined the Pacers
• His roles & responsibilities for the Warriors
• Which characteristics separate NBA players from others
• Some basic offensive principles they teach at the NBA level
• and much more 

https://www.kevintarca.com/blog

Today’s guest is Sean Doherty, Head Coach of Hamden Hall Country Day School in Hamden, CT!

Coach Doherty is a Worcester, Mass native and has been around the game for several decades! After high school he played collegiately at Worcester State College before jumping directly into coaching. He spent time as an assistant at his alma mater under fellow podcast guest (and my college Head Coach), Tom Moore. He soon after became an Assistant on staff at Division II powerhouse, Assumption.

Next up was a successful run at Holy Cross and a brief stop at Western Kentucky before taking over the program at Division III, Salem State. After his run at Salem State he reunited with Coach Moore at Quinnipiac University, which is where our relationship began! He is entering year 8 at Hamden Hall this fall.

Today we talked about:

• Growing up being a multi-sport athlete 
• A powerful conversation with a referee after a summer game
• His recruiting experience and collegiate career
• Starting the JV program at his alma mater
• The major differences between D1, D2 & D3 hoops
• Necessary skill sets & characteristics to play at a high level
• His 3 NCAA Tournament appearances at Holy Cross
• How accountability was the cornerstone of a teams' success
• How he handles discussions with parents
• and much more 

Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!

https://www.kevintarca.com/

PUMPED to officially welcome Ballogy to the Sports Business Secrets family! Ballogy is a mobile app created by coaches for coaches. It is a digital command center for coaches that makes it easy for you to evaluate, manage and track the skill development for your team. In today's episode I break down what Ballogy is, who its for, and why I think it's a no-brainer tool for coaches at all levels. https://www.ballogy.com/ For 20% off USE CODE: partners20off

Should you work for free? What value does it bring? What does it really mean when someone says, "I love this so much that I would do it for free"?

All great questions. Tune in to hear my answers.

Have you ever spent 8 hours in a mall? I have. And I came home with not a single shopping purchase.

Another cool high school championship event, some takeaways about the NBA and youth prospects & KTA client who clinched a playoff spot abroad.

Have a day!

Happy Thursday from Atlantic City! Today I've got some KTA updates, thoughts on recruiting, latest topics of interest in the world of sports business and some exciting international basketball news!

Thanks for tuning in!

Put yourself in an environment where you are valued.

That doesn't mean stop chasing the top tier.

That means, again, put yourself in an environment where you are valued.

Since day 1 of the podcast I've made an effort to give you a front row seat to everything I do. Today I dive into what "a day in the life" looks like when I'm outside the country and how I choose the location!

If you want hear me babble for 20 minutes about the state of professional basketball abroad, this one is for you!

It's definitely an exciting time to be involved in pro sports, but there are still many things that need to be improved. Whether it's team financials, gatekeeping or accountability, most topics today revolve around transparency (or lack there of).

Appreciate you tuning in!

College hoops off to a wild start, KTA clients heating up in international competitions, new podcast roundtables & more!

7 weeks until the new year... here's whats on deck this month...

Today is a huge milestone celebration -- 500 episodes!

• No publishing company.
• No financial backing.
• No team of editors.
• No fancy equipment.
• No sponsorships (yet…)

Just a pair of headphones... and a lot of thoughts.

I appreciate all the support so far, here's to the next 500! 🥂

https://www.kevintarca.com/

Here are some KTA client updates and a few things on the winter agenda.