Friday, May 15, 2026

Fundamentals: Meeting Fans Where They Are

Welcome to the latest episode of Fundamentals with Ian Thomas, a Front Office Sports digital show featuring leading operators and voices of the sports industry.

Today, a special two-guest episode, as Laura Waters-Brown (PGA Tour) and Dave Feldman (NFL) shared their experiences on new and emerging platforms in line with today’s topic: “Meeting Fans Where They Are.”

More about Laura and Dave…

Laura Waters-Brown is the Manager of Tournament Marketing and Analytics for the PGA TOUR, a position she has held since 2018. In this capacity, Laura is responsible for identifying and monitoring digital trends and social media platforms to increase tournament ticket sales and revenue. Laura joined the PGA TOUR in 2016, overseeing website communications, social media presence and digital advertising for THE PLAYERS Championship.

Prior to joining the PGA TOUR, Laura worked for the NFL’s Cleveland Browns. As a Digital Business Coordinator. She oversaw the team’s website and social efforts, digital revenue generation, and sponsorship development. An Ohio native, Laura received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from South Carolina State University and an MBA and Master’s degree in Sport Administration from Ohio University. 

Dave Feldman is the Vice President of Social Media Marketing at the NFL, where he oversees content, programming, creative and strategy across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and GIPHY for the League. Additionally, Dave oversees The Checkdown, a helmets-off, casual fan, youth-focused brand for the NFL across Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, along with NFL Network and NFL Throwback accounts.

Prior to overseeing social for the NFL, Dave was the Director of Social Media for Major League Baseball, where he helped launch the social media department. Dave is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs against Denver Broncos linebacker Karene Reid (47) during the second quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High.

NFL Schedule Leans Further Into Holidays, Streaming Expansion

The upcoming slate features several notable changes from 2025.

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).
May 14, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Scottie Scheffler walks past fans to the seventh tee during the first round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Aronimink Golf Club.

After PGA Championship, Pennsylvania Targets PGA Tour Stop

“We invest $2.5 million in it, but this event alone is expected to generate $125 million.”

Featured Today

Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 13, 2026

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Matt Palumb
May 8, 2026

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.

Fundamentals: Women in Sports

Welcome to the latest episode of Fundamentals, a Front Office Sports interview…
September 22, 2020

Fundamentals: USTA CEO Michael Dowse

Dowse, the CEO and executive director of the national governing body for tennis, discussed the unique challenges of a fan-less US Open and growing the sport in the U.S.
November 17, 2020

Fundamentals: Women In Esports

On this episode of Fundamentals, three guests join the show to discuss the opportunities for women in the gaming industry, as well as the challenges they face.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
July 28, 2020

Fundamentals: RISE CEO Diahann Billings-Burford

Diahann Billings-Burford is the CEO of RISE, a national nonprofit whose mission is to use sports as a means of eliminating racial discrimination and acting as a vehicle for social justice and societal equality.
July 24, 2020

Fundamentals: MLL Commissioner Sandy Brown

Sandy Brown — commissioner of Major League Lacrosse — discusses the logistics and realities of the league’s return to play with a single-location tournament format, along with the growth of the sport as a whole.
July 17, 2020

Fundamentals: Evil Geniuses CEO Nicole LaPointe Jameson

Nicole LaPointe Jameson, CEO of professional esports team Evil Geniuses, discusses the state of esports and what is next for the organization.
July 16, 2020

Fundamentals: The Launch of VaynerGaming

VaynerGaming division lead Darren Glover and VaynerSports EVP Mike Neligan join the show to discuss the new division, and the future of commercial opportunities in esports.