Careers, sponsorships, and partnerships are built on decisions. Leverage more than 20 years of industry experience to make smarter ones.
Ready to turn your passion for sports into a career? Whether you’re just starting out or looking for your first big break, you're in the right place.
Breaking into the sports industry can feel overwhelming. I provide the roadmap and insider strategies you need to help land that first opportunity and build sustainable career momentum.
This space is built for young professionals who want real advice, insider knowledge, and a game plan that actually works.
Looking to connect with fans in a way that lasts? Whether you’re exploring sports sponsorships for the first time or rethinking your current strategy, I can help.
The sports landscape is crowded, but the right deals stand out. From identifying the right partnerships to unlocking overlooked opportunities, I help provide the insights and strategies you need to maximize ROI and create authentic connections with your audience.
This space is built for brands and companies that want smarter sponsorship strategies, industry expertise, and a game plan that delivers results.
I’ve spent over 20 years in sports sponsorship, working alongside the NFL, NBA, NHL, and some of the most recognizable brands in the world.
Over that time, I’ve built a reputation for doing three things really well:
Building connections. Sports is a small industry, and I’ve worked with just about every seller and activation team out there. Those relationships matter; they open doors, speed up deals, and create opportunities others can’t access.
Finding hidden value. I’ve built major partnerships out of categories most people overlook. From niche industries to “discarded” segments, I’ve shown teams and brands how to turn unconventional opportunities into their most profitable wins.
Driving results. At every stop in my career, from the New York Jets to the New Orleans Saints & Pelicans to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I’ve been among the top revenue generators, creating sponsorship strategies that deliver measurable impact.
I launched Kaufmann Ventures to bring this experience to both sides of the table:
For ambitious professionals, I provide the strategies, tools, and guidance to help you break into sports and grow your career.
For brands and companies, I help evaluate opportunities, navigate sponsorship decisions, and build partnerships that create meaningful business value.
No matter who I'm working with, the goal is the same: helping people make better decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and move forward with confidence.
Inside the deals that drive sports
When you think of sports, you think of players, games, and moments. But behind every highlight reel, there’s a business deal making it possible.
That’s what GAMEPLAN breaks down. Every week I share the deals, activations, and strategies shaping the sports industry. Whether you’re a young professional trying to understand how sports really make money, or a brand looking for inspiration for your next big partnership, this is your inside track.
Here’s what you’ll get:
Smart breakdowns of unique sponsorship deals and why they work
Creative activations you might have missed (and what makes them effective)
Big-picture lessons from the business of sports you can actually apply
Read GAMEPLAN by Dr. Dan on Substack or visit my LinkedIn for additional insights.