Interview conducted by Kenny Rosenblatt, CEO & Co-Founder, Arkadium
Today, we’re excited to feature Michael Cohen, Founder of Disruptive Play and one of the most influential architects at the intersection of sports, media, and the creator economy. As the sports and media landscape rapidly evolves, Michael’s perspective is invaluable for anyone looking to understand where audience engagement, technology, and content are headed next.
Q: Michael, you’ve worked across sports media, new leagues, and social-first platforms. What ties all of that together for you?
A: At the core, it’s always been about storytelling and connecting with audiences in ways that feel authentic and fresh. The goal has been to create experiences that resonate with fans where they are, on any device, at any time. The platforms and technologies have changed, but the focus on audience-first thinking and relentless innovation hasn’t.
Q: The sports world is seeing a boom in creator-driven leagues and social-first properties. How do you see the creator economy changing the way sports are produced and consumed?
A: The creator economy is fundamentally reshaping sports media. We’re moving from a top-down model, where leagues and networks dictated the narrative, to a much more decentralized, participatory ecosystem. Now, athletes, creators, and even superfans are building their own brands and communities, often with massive reach. This shift is forcing traditional organizations to rethink everything from distribution to monetization. The most successful properties are those that empower creators, embrace new formats, and meet audiences on their terms
Q: You’ve worked with both legacy sports organizations and new media ventures. What lessons can gaming companies like Arkadium take from the sports industry’s evolution?
A: Two things stand out. First, the importance of platform agility, being able to adapt quickly as audience behaviors shift. Sports leagues that embraced streaming, social, and interactive formats early on are thriving, while those that clung to old models are struggling. Second, the value of community. In both sports and gaming, the most enduring brands are those that foster genuine, two-way relationships with their fans. That means listening, co-creating, and sometimes letting go of control so that the community can shape the experience
Q: As someone who’s pioneered social and digital innovation, what’s your perspective on the role of technology, especially AI, in the future of sports and media?
A: Technology is the great enabler, but it’s never the whole story. AI is already transforming how we personalize content, analyze fan behavior, and even produce live broadcasts at scale. But the magic happens when you combine these tools with creative vision and a willingness to experiment. The next wave will be about using AI and other technologies to deepen engagement, surface new stories, and make experiences more interactive and inclusive without losing the human touch that makes sports and games so compelling
Q: For companies looking to build the next generation of sports or gaming experiences, what’s the single most important piece of advice you’d offer?
A: Stay relentlessly audience-focused. The landscape will keep shifting, new platforms, new formats, and new stars, but if you’re truly in tune with what your audience cares about, you’ll always find ways to innovate and grow. Be willing to challenge your own assumptions, partner with creators, and experiment with new business models. Ultimately, the winners will be those who create real value for their communities, not just content
Category: General