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Hey Padel enthusiasts welcome to Padel Smash Academy, I am Cesc and I am here with Julian and we're all about Padel! Whether you're new to the sport or an experienced player, you've come to the right place. Our goal is to provide you with the best tips & tricks, news, and weekly lessons to help you improve your game and take your Padel to the next level. So grab your Padel Racket and let's get started with all things Padel on Padel Smash Academy.
Hello everyone, welcome to another great episode of Paddle Smash Academy. We're here at the PPL on the final day with the one and only Diane Gota. Is that how you pronounce it?
Diane Gotua:Gota.
Julian Wortelboer:Gota. Sorry, very close. So, Diane, this is your first rodeo here with a PPL. Tell us your experience. I know you come from the sports entertainment world.
Julian Wortelboer:You've been with Fanatics, you've been with what, NBA? NBA. NBA. So why don't you tell us a little bit about your background before landing here on the PBL?
Diane Gotua:Sure, sure, happy to. Thanks for having me. And it's great that you've been here since Thursday, but really appreciate your support. Yeah, so I actually started my career in finance, Julian, many, many years ago. And then got recruited to the MBA, where I spent almost a decade leading international strategy and business operations.
Diane Gotua:So really growing the brand, commercializing the brand in other parts of the world outside The United States.
Cesc Caceres:What area?
Diane Gotua:You know, we had a bunch of priority markets in each region. But gosh, my time there, I held so many different roles. For two years, I managed USA basketball, so I was responsible for that P and L. So picking which cities we would do exhibition games in before FIBA World Cup or the Olympics. So did that for two years.
Diane Gotua:I lived in India in Mumbai for nine months. Wow. And moved up to our first ever NBA India games. That was in 2019. We had a great set of partners there, but it was the very first time the NBA played games in India.
Diane Gotua:So led that team during that process. Great, great experience. And then at the tail end of my career at the NBA, I led the team that established the Basketball Africa League, which is the NBA's first ever league outside of The United States, right? Obviously we have our team in Canada and Toronto. But yeah, we never really had a league outside The US.
Diane Gotua:So you can imagine the amount of work that went into that. My first time in Africa was actually 2016. We didn't announce that deal until 2021. So that's half a decade worth of work, but we we got it done. And now Basketball Africa League is in its fifth season.
Diane Gotua:So very, very proud of that. Great experience there, but then always looking to challenge myself. Know, Fanatics reached out. This was at the end of twenty twenty one. They were looking at the holding company level.
Diane Gotua:They were looking for someone to lead strategy, and so took the call. By January 2022, I had started in Fanatics, which is also another great company, also another great brand, but different perspective, right? Because the NBA owns their intellectual property. Fanatics is a partner of the NBA and hundreds of other sports leagues, teams, and athletes. And so for me, seeing that perspective of a partner and how a company like Fanatics optimizes and commercializes the rights of their partners through licensed merch, through betting and gaming, the sports book, through collectibles, these trading cards, and memorabilia, I just, I wanted to see that side as well.
Diane Gotua:But, you know, if I reflect back, like what is my passion? I was born and raised in The Philippines. I didn't move to The US till I was 20 years old. And, you know, I have been thinking about, okay, like what is my purpose? And I just, I really find energy in using sports as a way to bridge communities around the world.
Diane Gotua:And so, you know, when Mike called, when we met and he shared with me what his vision was for Pro Paddle. This was just a few weeks ago, and after a bunch of hour long chats, did a great job. I mean, I got very excited about it. I did my own research and just learned about paddle. Now I have had the pleasure of meeting the both of you and others in the paddle community that are just so, like, they love the sport.
Diane Gotua:And now being exposed to it, I totally get it. And so that bug bit me, and so now I'm here.
Cesc Caceres:So now doing your research, did you see that the growth is huge in India and Indonesia and South Africa?
Diane Gotua:You know, I did see that, and I've been, because I've done business in many different parts of the world, and when people saw that I joined Pro Paddle, I've gotten a lot of outreach from partners, from ex colleagues. And so, I have gotten back home, so I'm really excited, right? You know, this season we have five events, like, you know, we're about to wrap Miami, and we're so pleased, we're getting such great feedback from fans, and even people watching on TV, and and partners. So five events this season, you know, we're looking to scale very quickly, and so starting to prioritize which markets we would like to go to next year.
Cesc Caceres:Now before Mike reached out to you, did you ever play paddle or hear about paddle?
Diane Gotua:Yeah, so I did hear about it. I played tennis growing up. My two older kids play tennis as well. I did hear about paddle from friends, and middle too, it's growing quite fast. So, yes, the short answer is I did hear about paddle.
Cesc Caceres:So how did Mike convince you to get over to the PPL, man? Because that's, you know, that's, you know, it's a new sport, but I guess so much room for growth, right? It can only go up, I must say, right?
Diane Gotua:That's precisely it, right? And I think that challenge and might is great. And, you know, we have this great team, that's extremely important for me too. And so I like, if I look back at my career, I do like challenges. And so I think that obviously studying the sport, seeing the different ingredients, right, the athletes, how appealing it is to watch, it's very fast paced, it's already big outside in other pockets of the world.
Diane Gotua:Now we just have to execute and have a very solid strategy of how we break into The US sports market.
Cesc Caceres:That was my next question. Yes. What are your strategies here? For The US market? Because I know each country is different.
Diane Gotua:Right. So I would go back. I mean, I think there's a couple of challenges, right, that we need to unlock, right? I think the brand building piece is one. I'd say, maybe answering your question more directly, what is the strategy in the near term, obviously with a view for the long term, I'd say it's massive distribution.
Diane Gotua:It's ensuring that our product is seen and is accessible to fans wherever they choose.
Cesc Caceres:Like broadcasting or?
Diane Gotua:Yes, absolutely. So from a content standpoint, making sure that we have content partners around the world. And in The US, you know, we're on YouTube, so it's very accessible and you actually, I mean, people these days, I've seen the stats, I think 90% of our users that watch to stream on YouTube, What's send
Cesc Caceres:the highlights?
Diane Gotua:Well, it's on TV. They send it So on I think that's one, it's ensuring that the content is accessible. Then two, the second piece of the strategy is really finding the right partners that know the sport and or see the vision that we have and are fully aligned with that vision, right? Because we're not, you know, it can't be mainstream partners because this is a growth story. And if you look back at our stats from even from last season to this season, it's just, you know, all the way up.
Diane Gotua:Like you said it earlier, and it, like, just it's we see massive growth going forward. So it's those types of partners that see that, that then want to be involved and want to collaborate with us and get in early to help as
Julian Wortelboer:a whole. Exactly. See the vision,
Cesc Caceres:see the vision.
Diane Gotua:Because it's an ecosystem, right? So for me, you know, as much as I value, you know, partners and the fees, you know, sponsorship fees, equally important, so every deal also has a marketing and promotion component, right? So beyond just the dollars, the dollars are important because we're running a business, we're commercializing this, but in addition to that, we want our partners also on their dime, right, marketing and promoting us. And that's also through even their ambassadors,
Cesc Caceres:because
Diane Gotua:that's really where the magic happens. If you then have an athlete, you have a brand, and then you have the league, and then the team working together, I think that's really like the best way to market and promote, because you have the different stakeholders.
Julian Wortelboer:Diane, do you think that you, with your previous experience in fanatics, could that be a strategic partner? I mean
Diane Gotua:Of course. I mean, know, Fanatics is huge, right? And we are an emerging league. And so I think for sure, right, would be it would be amazing to get trading cards for athletes. So obviously, on the sports betting side too, I think that's an area that we are also exploring.
Diane Gotua:So short answer is is yes.
Julian Wortelboer:I think it would be a great part. Mean, creating those extra, you know, especially international, mean, the growth that you see internationally is just most trolls, you know, it's something crazy.
Diane Gotua:I feel like the sport is where soccer was here in The US maybe twenty years ago, roughly speaking, but, you know, Fanatics Fest is also happening this weekend, and I had actually, you know, I envisioned hopefully next year, you know, do we put a paddle court in Fanatics Fest? Oh, All those, you know, Fanatics has, I think we have maybe 70,000 Fanatics.
Julian Wortelboer:Activation there will be great. Yeah.
Diane Gotua:This weekend, you know, it's just unfortunate that, well, we have our event taking place at the same time, but, you know, next next year, let's get paddle and work with Fanatics and also those.
Julian Wortelboer:Some of the, I mean, the biggest tennis tournaments, the US Open, the Australian Open, the French Open, they're putting paddle courts there to create that activation, to bring it to the masses.
Diane Gotua:Absolutely. You know, all these F1 drivers love paddle. When I was at the NBA, this was in 2021, so I actually collaborated with F1 for their Austin Grand Prix. This was before F1 had their Miami race and Vegas. And so the NBA, we put a half court.
Diane Gotua:We partnered with ESPN. So it was ESPN, F1 and the NBA collaborating on this activation, but we had NBA legends, actually Dikembe Matamba was there, shoot like, yeah, basketball shots with all the F1 drivers, and then we captured content around that. It was during the NBA seventy fifth anniversary, and then for F1, it was kind of like they're coming to America, because they wanted to use the NBA brand and our audience to really also grow F1 here in The US. So it was a win win and also for ESPN. So could we do something like that with Paddle, right?
Diane Gotua:I think F1's done really well in growing here in The US. I mean, they're already massive outside, but could pro Paddle do something with an F1
Cesc Caceres:That's a great idea.
Julian Wortelboer:Activation around I mean, collabs will be absolutely fantastic, you know, to expose There's a rumor going on that bringing in tennis celebrities and things like that. Can you give us some juicy details about possible I'm not hearing you break any news. I know, but
Diane Gotua:look, I think
Cesc Caceres:I think that's a great idea.
Julian Wortelboer:Yeah.
Cesc Caceres:You know, what they did, what Tickle did, you know, I think that's what paddle needs.
Diane Gotua:I agree. I, you know, obviously I think having support of very strong athletes that have massive following is very helpful to us. I think fundamentally, I think it's helpful, it supplements our efforts. Now how, you know, sustainability though, I think like the foundation is the product itself, but 100% agree with you that, yeah, if we could.
Cesc Caceres:Because once people see the sport, the majority's going to fall in love with that. But it's getting them here.
Diane Gotua:Right. And I guess the theory is that if these tennis folks have massive followings, then maybe they would also.
Cesc Caceres:It's also the age. I mean, let's say a seventies, eighties, or nineties tennis player, you know, the people who watch them are maybe from 30 to 40, and those are the ones that want to get back in being competitive and play a sport, you know. They see their favorite player playing. I've got to go check that out, you know, fall in love with
Julian Wortelboer:the sport. Yeah, I think it's developing in different stages. You guys are coming from the professional level. You know, getting celebrities or athletes, it's just putting it on the map. But also, I know where you're coming from, you have to grow from the bottom up.
Julian Wortelboer:Know?
Diane Gotua:You can do both at
Julian Wortelboer:same You know what I mean? You know, reaching out to fans, putting, you know, with different channels like podcasts and YouTube channels and influencers. And then going back to the bottom, we asked Mike about coming up with a PPL, a youth academy development, you know, something like that where you bring it from the bottom up, you know, think about the future.
Diane Gotua:Yeah, so we did cover that, you know, grassroots, obviously, I think there's so much data that says, if you played a sport as a kid growing up, you end up becoming a fan of this sport. So a 100% that is definitely one of the big initiatives we have planned. Obviously getting through the season, five week events. I mean, we're so pleased with how Miami turned out and hopefully you've had a great experience.
Cesc Caceres:Well, was going ask that, this is your first now event, right? What do you think? How do you feel? What was the experience?
Diane Gotua:Well, I will say, I want to get as many people here, because my experience, like, if you just tell me about it, like, and if I don't experience it myself, I think it's difficult. But yeah, I'm blown away. Like I, even, I mean the matches, some of our matches have ended past midnight, but they're so, like, exciting to watch. I mean, you can't believe what these athletes do, getting out of the cage, like, it's just, it's such a fun I can
Cesc Caceres:feel the excitement and passion And in your the
Diane Gotua:energy in arena is electric, right? So really would love to get more people.
Cesc Caceres:I think it could have been. Mean, you guys were sold out. The Premier, I think they had like 1,700, 1,800 sold out. I think there could have been room for more seats, I think, you know?
Diane Gotua:Yeah, we'll figure it out for next season, but yeah, again, for me, first event, shucked it off. Great experience, but I'm excited for what's next.
Julian Wortelboer:We'll tell you that we've been here since day one from the first PPL, pushing and supporting the PPL, and the improvements that we've seen since May took over, it was I mean, was incredible. And, you know, bringing you guys as a team, I mean, that's what the league needs, you know what I mean, to have that vision. This is not just panel, it's entertainment. And you guys have that, you you have that recipe.
Cesc Caceres:Contribute to,
Julian Wortelboer:yeah, that recipe.
Cesc Caceres:And
Julian Wortelboer:I think it's something interesting that you guys are seeing that. Let me ask you, have you guys thought about a PPL club, or PPL franchisee clubs, putting that name out there?
Diane Gotua:Yeah, there's a number of initiatives we have on the roadmap, potentially, but again, not looking to break news here. We're very focused on getting the right partners involved, getting the right partners, marketing, promoting us, working with the different stakeholders within the ecosystem, whether it's investors who are focused on infrastructure, investors that are focused on the digital side, right, getting user data. And then obviously for us, our main play is that intellectual property. We're building the strong brand. And ultimately if we create this strong intellectual property, then it supports the entire ecosystem, right?
Diane Gotua:From fans, making sure they have a great product that they can consume, the athletes having a great experience, our marketing partners getting that exposure and that benefit of partnering with pro pedo league, our media partners getting the viewership. So, it's all of that. And so, if we're able to really build and sustain the strong intellectual property, then I think everyone benefits.
Julian Wortelboer:Diane, I just want to say, I mean, I know you have to run. I mean, we have people here asking you, but thank you so much for taking this brief time to really, you know, helping us put other people out there to the world. And I thank you so much for your time and the great effort you're doing. First good event here. And looking forward to see you in the next PPL.
Julian Wortelboer:Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
Diane Gotua:For your support. Yeah, it was great meeting you.
Julian Wortelboer:Thank you. You. Thank you.