Episode 507: Zac Ikuma, GM of the Tokushima Gambarous

Sports Business Secrets - A podcast by Kevin Tarca

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Today’s guest is Zac Ikuma, the General Manager of the Tokushima Gambarous, an expansion team in the Japanese B3 League! He is in his first season managing a professional basketball club after various roles in the sports industry. He has an extremely unique background for a GM, which is why I believe he will continue to thrive in this role!

Zac has done everything from TV production to on field reporting to stage acting to NFL commentary to professional baseball interpreter and much more in between. Before arriving in Tokushima, Zac spent the last 4 years as the Official Correspondent for the Washington Wizards.

Today we talked about:

Growing up in a bilingual family

How he got his first professional opportunity

How his acting career helps him in business

His time spent with the Washington Wizards

A breakdown of the Japanese pro leagues

All about Tokushima and his expansion team

How the ownership group supports the vision

GM responsibilities (and common misconceptions)

Team culture -- how they are building winning habits

Pros & cons of being relegated or promoted

Goals for Tokushima this season

and much more

Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!

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