Lindsay Brinkmann

SVP at Sportfive

“Lindsay Brinkmann is all about making the right partnerships happen at the right time. As SVP at SPORTFIVE, she connects global brands with sports and entertainment properties through sponsorships, experiences, and content that stick with fans.

Her path started at the University of Delaware (Communications major), then UBS sponsorships, then a Master’s in Sports Management from Columbia. Those early roles gave her a front-row seat to big events and big ideas—and now she’s the one leading them.

She knows what it’s like to be one of the few women in the room, but strong mentors gave her the push to speak up, take on challenges, and grow. Now she’s doing the same for the next generation.

Her advice for young women in sports: You belong in the room—act like it. Ask questions. Take chances. Build relationships.

Off the clock, Lindsay’s happiest skiing with her twins, planning girls’ trips, or enjoying a perfect cheese board (bonus points for sushi or Italian on the side). Just don’t watch ahead on a show without her—that’s a household crime.” – Zara Halabu

Please describe your role & responsibilities at that position?

As a SVP in the Brand Solutions group at SPORTFIVE, I lead strategic partnerships between brands and various global sports and entertainment properties. Our team works with companies to build smart, creative partnerships that connect them to fans, whether that’s through sponsorships, experiences, or content. Our goal is to find the right moment, the right message, and make it memorable.

What did you study in college and how did your educational background shape your career in the sports industry?

I studied Communications at the University of Delaware, which helped me land my first role as an Assistant to the Head of Sponsorship at UBS. That’s really where I got my start in the sports and entertainment space and learned how brand partnerships work behind the scenes. After a few years in the industry, I decided to go back to school and got my Master’s in Sports Management from Columbia University. That opened my eyes to different sides of the business and set me up for the more strategic, brand-focused work I do now.

Can you share the key milestones in your career that led you to your current position in the sports industry?

One of the biggest milestones was landing a junior role on the brand side right out of school. It gave me a ton of exposure to high-profile partnerships and major events, and I was lucky to be part of a really smart, experienced team. It was the perfect way to get my start in the industry. While earning my Master’s in Sports Management, I took my first agency job, still working within financial services. That shift to the agency side, paired with the experience of supporting another global brand, really set the foundation for the last decade of my career and ultimately led me to where I am today.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the sports business, & how have you overcome them?

I’ve definitely had moments where I was one of the only women in the room, which can be tough in an industry that still leans male in a lot of areas. But I’ve also been really fortunate, I’ve worked with teams that included both men and women in leadership roles, and I’ve had great mentors and supportive colleagues on all sides. I’ve been lucky to have male colleagues who’ve championed me and made space for my voice. That kind of support has made a huge difference, and now I try to do the same for others coming up in the industry.

​Balancing a career is demanding. How do you manage a work-life balance? What strategies have worked well for you?

There is no perfect formula, especially in an industry that moves fast and can be unpredictable. What’s helped me most is getting clear on my priorities and trying to be present wherever I am. I’ve also learned to set boundaries where I can, ask for help when I need it, and not feel guilty about taking a step back to recharge. It’s not always seamless, but giving myself a little grace along the way has been key.

How important is mentorship for women in the sports industry? Have you had mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career and can give some details?

Having people who can offer perspective, open doors, or simply say “you’ve got this” can make a huge difference. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors, both men and women, throughout my career who’ve really influenced how I work and lead. Early on, I had a female manager who led with precision, and watching her in action gave me a strong example of what hard work and diligence look like. I’ve also had mentors who helped me think more strategically while never losing sight of the human side of the job. Later in my career, I have had mentors encourage me to speak up more even before I felt fully ready. Those relationships gave me confidence and pushed me to grow. Now, I try to pay that forward both by supporting colleagues internally and by getting involved in external mentorship programs.

In a male-dominated industry, do you feel women are given equal opportunities? What steps do you think can be taken to promote gender equality in the sports industry?

Progress has definitely been made, but there’s still a way to go when it comes to equal opportunities for women in the sports industry. I’ve been fortunate to work in environments where women have had a seat at the table, but that’s not the case everywhere. There are still disparities in leadership roles, pay equity, and access to certain high-profile opportunities. To move the needle, I think it starts with intentionality creating pathways for women at every level, not just at the top. This can be done through more mentorship, more visibility, and more investment in women-led ideas and talent. It also means having allies, especially male leaders, who are willing to advocate, challenge bias, and help build more inclusive cultures.

What aspects of your work in the sports industry do you enjoy the most? What parts do you find the most challenging ?

What I love most about working in the sports industry is that it’s fast-paced, exciting, and constantly evolving. There’s nothing like helping a brand tap into a cultural moment or create a partnership that really resonates with fans. I also love the creative problem-solving that comes with shaping big ideas and bringing them to life in meaningful ways. The most challenging part is probably the pace and unpredictability. Things move quickly, timelines shift, and you’re often juggling a lot at once, especially when you’re working across multiple partners or live events.

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to build a successful career in the sports industry?

Trust that you belong in the room, even if it doesn’t always feel like you do. Confidence comes with experience, but it also grows when you take chances and speak up. Be curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to start small and embrace each opportunity as a chance to learn something and grow your network. Also, relationships matter just as much as hard skills. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. Seek out mentors who can help guide your path. Always advocate for yourself.

What are your long term personal goals that you still want to achieve both business wise and personal?

Long term, I want to keep growing as a leader by taking on bigger challenges and continuing to build meaningful partnerships that push the work forward. I also want to create space for others to grow. On the personal side, balance is a big goal. I want to be present with my family, continue to carve out time for things that energize me outside of work, and make sure I’m not just checking boxes, but really enjoying the journey.

Any fun facts you’d like the world to learn about you? Favorite food, hobbies, how many kids, pet peeves, etc. The more the merrier!

I get a lot of joy from watching my twins experience new things. It’s one of the best parts of parenting. We started them skiing at age 3, and it’s been amazing to see their confidence grow each year. Now we can take ski trips as a family, which has become one of our favorite things to do together. Outside of work and family, I’m all about quality time with friends whether that’s a group dinner or a girls’ trip (which I try to sneak in whenever I can!). As for pet peeves… I can’t stand inefficiency, clutter drives me nuts, and I fully believe it should be a crime to watch ahead on a show without your partner. My husband knows this is a serious offense in our house. And favorite food? Sushi and Italian, and I’ll never say no to spicy tuna, great cheese board and a glass of wine.