Initial Differences between DRF and Laird Veatch

Posted on: April 26, 2024 at 23:02:16 CT

DRF was focused on the fans and fan engagement, especially at the entry level. She implemented a lot of fan friendly initiatives including pricing of tickets and concessions. She looked to rally the casual fan and convince the indifferent fan to be engaged and attend. In game entertainment and fan experience was a cornerstone of her vision.

Laird comes from a background of focusing on big time donors and premium experiences and is clearly focused on externally building those relationships and catering to that clientele. He talked a lot about big time investing based on his background; ex: corporate donors, wealthy individuals, and the stakes are high in this conference.

His roots are in generating revenue through donations from big donors.

He genuinely wants to be here at Mizzou and is fond of his mentorship by Alden and friendships and memories of John Kaldec and others.

It will be interesting in the current NIL era which approach will be more effective. It’s a tough line to walk to balance catering to common fans and big donors.