Zach Miller

Several years into the development of this critical leadership role, it’s officially time to level up the “Creator Company COO” conversation. This session focuses on where the function stands today — building scalable operational strategies, approaching growth beyond organic momentum, expanding into new verticals, and pursuing creative JVs, partnerships, and more. Hear from top operators on how they’ve moved from building the playbook to actively running it, optimizing how a creator company operates and grows from here.

The traditional model of sports coverage is being upended by a new generation of creators who are turning personality-driven storytelling into a powerful engine for fandom and growth. From short-form commentary and behind-the-scenes content to creator-led leagues and hybrid ventures, the sports content ecosystem is evolving fast, and fans are showing up for it. This session brings together architects behind some of today’s most forward-thinking sports media businesses to explore how they’re capturing next-gen attention, building communities that extend far beyond the game, and monetizing through smart, connected IP. We’ll unpack how creator-led models are influencing engagement, distribution, and business strategy to identify what it takes to stay relevant in a landscape where the highlight reel is just the beginning.