260: Creating a New Sport with OmegaBall Founder Anthony Dittmann
OmegaBall Founder Anthony Dittmann sits down with Derek Spartz to discuss what it takes to create a whole new sport, how to market and monetize it and how they're raising capital. Sam and Derek catch up and discuss their experiences at an OmegaBall event as well as what potential they see in this very early investment opportunity in the sports industry. About Anthony Dittmann: Anthony Dittmann began his career working for the San Diego Chargers until 1998. After the NFL, he worked for ESPN in several capacities; all involving the design, construction and management of ESPN-owned events including the ESPY Awards and culminating as the Director of Operations as well as Event Director for X Games in Los Angeles, Barcelona, Aspen and Tignes, France. Since the X Games, Dittmann has produced events for NBC Sports and The Enthusiast Network before ultimately starting Kilowatt Events with several colleagues. Kilowatt specializes in designing and executing major events in music, sports and entertainment that are typically televised. Major clients include ESPN, NetJets, C3 Presents, Pepsi, The LA Times and the NFL. In 2018, Dittmann patented (with his colleague Rafael Munaro), a foldable (to 2” wide) dual stream event recycle/trash bin that is poised to rid the industry of the ubiquitous, but ineffective cardboard event trash can. Cerobins have since been bought by major events and facilities including Sofi Stadium and Climate Pledge Arena. In 2020, Anthony invented a new sport called OmegaBall. Reimagining and revolutionizing the game of soccer with three teams, three goals, no offsides, and no throw-ins (cornerkicks only) in a circular field. All packed into a one-hour match in a field that is half the size of a traditional soccer field. Headquartered in San Diego, OmegaBall has already appeared on the Fox and ESPN networks with semi-professional players on the pitch. OmegaBall is also expanding into competitive youth and recreational opportunities through a new partnership with USSSA. OmegaBall is…. Chaos on the Pitch! Anthony also spent several years as an adjunct professor in the sport business graduate program at California State University, Long Beach and the University of San Francisco. He is also a helicopter pilot. DISCLOSURE: Sam Marks is related to Anthony Dittmann and, as of this episode's release, has not invested any capital into OmegaBall. Discussed: OmegaBall.com @Omegaball_ on TikTok Omegaball YouTube Email Anthony for OmegaBall Investment Deck at [email protected] Where we are: Johnny FD – Ukraine / IG @johnnyfdj Sam Marks – Barcelona / IG @imsammarks Derek Spartz – Los Angeles / IG @DerekRadio Like these investments? Try them with these special ILAB links: ArtofFX – Start with just a $10,000 account (reduced from $25,000) Fundrise – Start with only $1,000 into their REIT funds (non-accredited investors OK)*Johnny and Sam use all of the above services personally. Time Stamp: 00:20 – Sam/Derek catchup California Rain & Traffic 03:06 - About OmegaBall and our guest 06:33 - Anthony Dittmann Interview Starts 10:20 - Basics of OmegaBall Rules 19:25 - Derek's Attendance at an OmegaBall Event 32:28 - Wagering on OmegaBall 34:50 - How to Invest in OmegaBall 37:10 - Sam & Derek's Thoughts on OmegaBall If you enjoyed this episode, do us a favor and share it! If you haven't already, please take a minute to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.