Mike Carney, OnDeck Partners - The Future of Sports Communities

Mike Carney is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of OnDeck Partners, a sports business and investment company focused on elevating the fan experience and driving sustainable growth across the communities it serves. With a career spanning leadership roles in both Major League and Minor League Baseball, Mike has built a reputation for developing high-performing organizations, fostering strong cultures, and creating long-term value through sports.

Before launching OnDeck Partners, Mike served as EVP of Business Operations and Chief Revenue Officer for the Washington Nationals, where he led large teams across revenue, strategy, and operations. His leadership contributed to the organization's growth and success, including the Nationals' historic 2019 World Series Championship. Throughout his career, Mike has remained passionate about the unique role sports teams play as economic and cultural anchors within their communities.

At OnDeck Partners, Mike is helping reimagine the future of Minor League Baseball by investing in community-first clubs and creating new opportunities for fan engagement, live events, and local impact. In this conversation, he shares why Minor League Baseball remains one of the most compelling opportunities in sports today, how community serves as the foundation of every successful franchise, and why the future of sports ownership may be rooted in creating unforgettable local experiences.

Podcast Chapters:

02:30 The Importance of Community in Minor League Baseball

05:21 Why Minor League Baseball? A Unique Opportunity

07:59 Exploring the Teams: Visalia Rawhide and Montgomery Biscuits

10:31 Partnerships and Ownership Structures in Minor League Baseball

13:15 Business Models: Cash Flow and Long-Term Strategy

16:05 Multi-Club Ownership: Learning from Others

18:37 Revenue Streams in Minor League Baseball

21:30 Activating the Ballpark Beyond Baseball

24:21 Technology and AI in Minor League Operations

26:40 Trends to Watch in Sports and Fan Engagement

29:28 Looking Ahead: The Future of On Deck Partners