About SSB
Smith Sports Business is a media, research, and professional development platform focused on understanding how sport actually works — from college athletics to professional sports organizations.
Founded by Travis Smith, Smith Sports Business sits at the intersection of sports leadership, business strategy, and real-world insight. Through video podcasts, on-site interviews, and qualitative research, the platform highlights the people making decisions, the forces shaping the industry, and the lessons that matter for those building careers in sport.
Unlike traditional sports media that focuses on scores and headlines, Smith Sports Business is built for practitioners — current and future athletic directors, general managers, executives, staff members, and students who live inside the business of sport every day.
What We Do
Media & Storytelling
Smith Sports Business produces video-first podcasts and digital content that feature thoughtful, honest conversations with leaders across college athletics and professional sports. These conversations go beyond surface-level commentary to explore leadership, governance, culture, finance, and career pathways.
Research & Insights
In addition to media, Smith Sports Business conducts qualitative research to help organizations better understand their stakeholders, communities, and internal challenges. The goal is not just data collection, but actionable insight that informs better decision-making.
Professional Development
Through content, conversations, and future programming, Smith Sports Business supports professionals at every stage of their careers — from emerging leaders to senior executives — by sharing perspectives that help them grow, adapt, and lead well in a constantly changing industry.
SSB Flagship Shows
Higher Ed Athletics
The flagship podcast under Smith Sports Business, Higher Ed Athletics focuses on leadership and strategy within college athletics by interviewing D1 athletic directors, including ADs at Alabama, Oregon, Kentucky, Tennessee, Duke, and 50+ others since 2019.
Additional shows and projects explore professional sports business, regional sports ecosystems, and emerging issues across the broader sports industry.
Our Perspective
Smith Sports Business believes sport is one of the most influential institutions in society — shaping education, communities, economies, and culture. Understanding how sport operates behind the scenes is essential for leaders who want to make thoughtful, ethical, and sustainable decisions.
This platform exists to ask better questions, elevate credible voices, and help the sports industry learn from itself.
About the Founder
Travis Smith has spent his career working in college athletics. The husband and father of three boys lives in the Indianapolis area and grew up a Colts (Peyton Manning), Pacers (Reggie Miller) and Hoosiers football and basketball fan, and now is living that out with his children. Smith completed his bachelors degree in sport management and masters degree in athletic administration from Indiana University, and is currently finishing his doctorate dissertation at IU. Smith brings both practitioner insight and academic perspective to every conversation.
Smith Sports Business explores the people, decisions, and systems that shape the business of sport.
Sports Biz Indy with Travis Smith 