Sportico's Invest West conference in San Francisco delivered a powerful message: the business of sports has never been more ripe with opportunity. With over 150 attendees packed into the exclusive Presidio Golf Course & Clubhouse, the event buzzed with insights from investors, team owners, venture capitalists, and even the city's mayor. From the rise of women's sports to reimagining the fan experience, here are 20 unforgettable moments that defined the day.

One of the most striking takeaways came from Golden State Warriors co-executive chairman and CEO Joe Lacob, who tackled a common misconception head-on. "The biggest misnomer in all of sports," he declared, "is that owners shouldn't be involved in day-to-day operations." Lacob dismissed the idea as "ridiculous," arguing that any business—sports or otherwise—suffers without hands-on ownership. "I'm 100% committed," he added. "I do it full time."

The conference also served as a launchpad for exciting news. Venture capitalist Theresia Gouw, lead investor for the new NorCal Volleyball club of Major League Volleyball, revealed exclusively from the stage that former NBA star Zaza Pachulia has joined as a founding investor. The announcement underscored the growing appeal of professional volleyball—a sport that, as Gouw noted, is exploding in popularity. "There are more young girls and women who play volleyball right now in the state of Texas than there are boys who play football," she said, putting the sport's momentum into perspective.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie weighed in on the economic impact of mega-events, citing the Super Bowl as a prime example. "Close to $500 million for Super Bowl," he said, highlighting the return on investment for host cities. The conversation also touched on the fan experience, with panelists exploring how teams are deepening devotion—whether through face-painted loyalty or next-gen engagement. For businesses like banks or airlines, that kind of passion is a goldmine, but in sports, it's the foundation of everything.