CNBC's Lillian Rizzo joins Alex Sherman on what may really be behind the Justice Department's antitrust investigation into the NFL. Then, Alex speaks with Shelly Cayette-Weston, President of Business Operations for the Charlotte Hornets, about how the organization is strengthening its business foundation while building a winning culture on and off the court.
She details what the president of business operations role looks like for an NBA franchise, from overseeing ticket sales, sponsorships, operations, and community engagement to leading fan experience strategy across more than 150 events at Spectrum Center each year. She also explains how the Hornets are measuring progress through attendance growth, business performance, and deeper community connection.

Alex and Shelly also explore why the Hornets’ recent gains are about more than improved on-court play. Shelly points to long-term ownership vision, fan re-engagement, market growth in Charlotte, and major investments like the $245 million Spectrum Center renovation as key drivers of momentum. She also discusses the changing regional sports media landscape, and how the organization is thinking about future revenue growth across ticketing, premium experiences, partnerships, and media rights.

Topics discussed:
01:57 Hornets attendance growth, franchise momentum, and building a winning culture
03:08 Lessons Shelly Cayette-Weston brought from the Cleveland Cavaliers to Charlotte
05:18 Why business performance is not solely dependent on wins and losses
06:53 How fan engagement, legacy fans, and the Spectrum Center renovation boosted attendance
07:39 The Hornets’ revenue strategy across ticket sales, sponsorships, premium, and media
10:08 The collapse of the regional sports network model and what it means for local NBA rights
11:29 What is next for the Hornets, including the Novant Health practice facility and long-term fan experience plans
12:47 Why the franchise believes its young core and draft capital position it for sustainable growth

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.