Message from Eric Dorsey:
The final week of 2020 is here. What a year it has been, to say the least. This writing process has been awesome and I am extremely grateful for the doors that it has opened. Thank you to all of the readers who took time out of their weeks to read about awesome things going on in sports. Special thanks also to those who reached out to discuss our content.
2020 was the start of something special, and it won’t stop here.
Message from John Balkam:
Echoing Eric’s words, I want to thank all of you for subscribing to Win-Win-Win. It’s my sincere hope that this newsletter has provided some inspiration for you throughout this tumultuous year. Perhaps you’ve come to believe, like us, that your work in sports & entertainment can and does have a meaningful impact on other people and the planet.
As we enter 2021, we’ll be continuing to deliver recurring pieces like Last Weeks Wins, United Journey, and my monthly column on topics including purpose, business, sports, and entertainment. In addition, we have an exciting new content series coming by early February at the latest. Please stay tuned!
It’s our mission to inspire sports & entertainment professionals like you to adopt a win-win-win mindset so that you might reach your goals and experience fulfillment in your career. I am so grateful that you’ve joined us, and I hope that you’ll continue to read, share, and contribute to our burgeoning community in the new year.
Thank you and happy new year!
John
P.S. If you or a colleague has an interest in contributing to Win-Win-Win, please reply to this email and share details about why you’d like to join.
WINS THIS WEEK
Alex Morgan’s impact at Tottenham
Danita Johnson becomes President of Business Operations at DC United
Budweiser x Messi celebrate milestone
For this final 2020 edition, I was not sure if I wanted to do a yearly recap of best wins or keep with the tradition. Luckily for me, this week was filled with the perfect mix of news around things that happened earlier this year and ideas to look forward to in the future.
Some honorable mentions today include Floyd Mayweather’s interest in Motorsport investment and Jedrick Willis’ “Winter Blast” acts of random kindness.
WHY THESE WINS MATTER
ALEX MORGAN MADE THE MOST OUT OF HER TIME AT TOTTENHAM
2020 was very eventful for Alex Morgan. The 2x Women’s World Cup winner gave birth to her daughter, Charlie, on May 7th. Shortly after, she also signed a short-term contract with the Tottenham Hotspur Women’s team.
The deal was designed to help Morgan get back to game speed in anticipation of the Olympics next summer. Although the NWSL restart bubble was a success, many US Women’s National Team stars spent 2020 in Europe with the goal of playing consistently.
Morgan scored twice in her five games with Tottenham, but reports from inside the club are showing that her impact went far beyond just scoring goals.
“She had a massive impact on the players even just being around the team for them in the three months that she was there” - Jenna Schillaci, Former Tottenham Captain
Alex Morgan was a leader and mentor to some of her teammates, as well as to local college girls who credited her influence as a major reason to why they play soccer.
Although not confirmed by official sources, there are rumors that upon Morgan’s arrival, the Tottenham women were not training at the new facilities. Alex Morgan advocated for fair and equal treatment as well as other rights the players on the Women’s team should have as professional athletes.
No matter what is confirmed in the future, it is clear that Alex Morgan’s impact will outlast her 5 months spent in England. Her time at the club helped pave the way for a new generation of leaders through sport.
DANITA JOHNSON BECOMES 1ST BLACK PRESIDENT OF AN MLS CLUB
December is transition time across MLS organizations, and 5x Champion DC United is definitely no exception to the need for change.
The historic MLS club has had an interesting last decade. On-field issues include multiple losing seasons surrounding a one-off Wayne Rooney inspired playoff appearance. Off the field, the pandemic only emphasized financial issues that come with a new stadium, lost revenues, and unsuccessful business practices.
The club has shown signs of meaningful change in operations through rumors that the coaching vacancy would be filled by Jill Ellis, former US Women’s National Team Coach.
Last week, the club announced a sign of change when it announced that Danita Johnson would be taking on the role of President of Business Operations.
Johnson will be the first Black president of an MLS team and is breaking barriers for women of color at the executive level.
“Throughout her career, Danita has demonstrated the ability to develop a positive and inspiring work culture, and she has done a tremendous job connecting with the communities in which she has lived and worked. We are thrilled that she has agreed to join us at this critical moment in D.C. United's trajectory.” - Jason Levien, co-chairman and CEO of D.C. United
Johnson has an incredible history of getting things done in sports. Her 15-year sports background includes time with the Washington Mystics Ticket Sales and Service Department, the NBA G League with the Bakersfield Jam, and the WNBA with the Tulsa Shock. In her time with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, her achievements include:
Led WNBA in corporate sponsorship dollars earned
Led WNBA in attendance 2017 & 2019
Launched #WeAreWomen campaign
Drew historic WNBA single-game attendance at Staples Center (19,000)
Increased ticket sales 50% from 2014-2017
Increased attendance in 2017 (+17.8%) and 2019 (+6.3%)
"It is my belief that establishing a winning culture off the field impacts every aspect of the business, from fan interactions to community engagement, and I am committed to doing just this for one of the most storied and decorated clubs in American soccer history." - Danita Johnson
Best of luck to Danita as she takes on the challenge of leading a historic club back to glory through the front office. Welcome back to DC, Danita!
BUDWEISER X MESSI CELEBRATE 644
Lionel Messi recently broke the record for most goals scored for a single club. He has now scored 644 goals for FC Barcelona, more than Pele scored with Santos in Brazil. I know records are meant to be broken, but I would bet this one will stand for a very, very, very long time.
To celebrate the achievement, Budweiser sent personalized “Messi” beer bottles to all 160 goalies who were on the wrong end of the 644 goals. Yes, some goalies did get a lot of bottles.
What a great way to commemorate history being made. Budweiser, the “King of Beers”, working with Messi, the “King of Football”, is a perfect fit. This initiative brings back fond memories for the football world. The goal count brought back memories such as Messi’s first goal, assisted beautifully by Ronaldinho, to his latest header goal, and all the goalies who missed their chances in between.
The community and collective feeling from this action creates a brand affinity with Budweiser for football lovers like myself. It feels nice to end a challenging and isolating year like 2020 with a fun laugh, mutual respect, and good memories.