New York, NY — January 14, 2026 — Liberty Sports Group today announced a multi-faceted partnership with Austin Rise FC, a women’s soccer club currently competing in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) and The Soccer Tournament (TST). As the organization prepares for its planned transition to WPSL Pro, it will become the first women’s […]
New York, NY — [December 2, 2025] — Liberty Sports Group (LSG) and its food and beverage division, Front Row Hospitality (FRH), today announced a multi-year partnership with Shift4 (NYSE: FOUR), a global leader in integrated payments and commerce technology, to become the exclusive technology partner for Liberty’s growing portfolio of sports, entertainment, and live
Nicholas S. Sperides is an accomplished architect, designer, and industry leader whose career spans more than four decades at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and community-driven design.
As Principal of Facilities Design at Liberty Sports Group, Nick leads the firm’s architecture and planning initiatives within the Facilities sector, overseeing the design and development of arenas, stadiums, training centers, and entertainment venues across North America. His approach integrates creativity with practicality—ensuring every project reflects operational efficiency, long-term value, and a deep understanding of the guest and community experience.
Prior to joining Liberty, Nick was the Founder and Partner of Sperides Reiners Architects, Inc., established in 1998 and later evolved into Fusion-AE to expand into new markets and sectors. Over more than 25 years, he built a reputation for excellence rooted in relationships, trust, and integrity—principles that continue to guide his work at Liberty Sports Group.
A licensed architect in the State of Minnesota, Nick is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, where he earned his Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) in 1983. He holds certification from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and is a longstanding member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Nick’s portfolio includes master planning, design, and improvement projects for major athletic and entertainment venues, such as Braemar Arena, Minnesota Made Hockey Facility, Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse Renovation, and the St. Croix Ballpark Project (Hudson, WI). His experience also encompasses commercial and healthcare facilities, including a two-decade partnership with Twin Cities Orthopedics, delivering sports performance centers, surgical facilities, and clinics.
Beyond architecture, Nick remains deeply involved in his community. He is a Level 4 Certified Hockey Coach (USA Hockey) and a coach for Minnesota Hockey’s High Performance Program, reflecting his lifelong passion for sport and mentorship. He is also a Past President of the Student Alumni Board for the University of Minnesota College of Design.
Nick brings to Liberty Sports Group an unwavering commitment to teamwork, design excellence, and operational collaboration—core values that continue to shape the next generation of sports and entertainment venues.
Ryan Darnell is an accomplished music and entertainment executive whose career spans more than two decades across live events, production, and artist management. As President of Liberty Live, the live entertainment division of Liberty Sports Group, Ryan oversees all programming, talent partnerships, and event strategy — curating experiences that connect culture, community, and creativity through the power of live performance.
A lifelong musician and performer, Ryan began his career as a drummer and songwriter, signing with Madonna’s Maverick Records in 1999 and recording with producer Dave Jerden (Alice in Chains). Over the years, he collaborated with an acclaimed roster of producers including Ron St. Germain (U2, 311, Bad Brains), GGGarth Richardson (Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers), Chris Shaw (Sheryl Crow, Cypress Hill, Weezer), and Daniel Wise (John Mayer, Scissor Sisters). Legendary producer Rick Rubin once described Darnell as “the next John Bonham,” capturing the passion and intensity that defined his early artistic career.
Transitioning from behind the drums to the business side of entertainment, Ryan founded 3Thirteen Entertainment Group, a multifaceted management and production company representing artists, producing live events, and building brand partnerships across music, lifestyle, and culture.
He also serves as Chief Executive Officer of Even the Odd, a live arts company producing immersive performances and cross-genre cultural experiences that blend music, art, and storytelling.
At Liberty Live, Ryan leads the vision for programming and content development across Liberty’s growing portfolio of venues — overseeing concerts, festivals, and signature events that transform properties into dynamic, revenue-generating destinations. His unique background as both a performer and executive allows him to bridge artistry and business, ensuring every Liberty experience is both culturally meaningful and operationally sound.
With more than 20 years of experience across music, media, and live entertainment, Ryan Darnell embodies Liberty’s creative philosophy — merging artistry, innovation, and strategy to shape the future of live experiences.
Edward L. Desrosiers, Jr. is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and operator whose career spans more than three decades across real estate, sports, and live entertainment. As a Founding Member and Chief Business Officer of Liberty Sports Group, Ed provides strategic oversight across corporate finance, development strategy, and investor relations — guiding the company’s growth as a multi-division advisory and operating firm redefining the business of sports and live experiences.
In addition to his leadership at Liberty, Ed serves as Principal of Atlantic Equity Group, a diversified real estate investment and development firm specializing in residential, mixed-use, and commercial projects throughout the East Coast and emerging metropolitan markets. Under his direction, Atlantic Equity Group has established a strong reputation for disciplined investment, strategic market positioning, and creative development that bridges capital and community.
A lifelong operator at heart, Ed’s ownership experience spans baseball, lacrosse, arena football, and soccer, providing unique insight into the complexities of team management, venue operations, and the evolving economics of professional sports. His leadership philosophy blends entrepreneurial drive with financial rigor, emphasizing integrity, accountability, and sustainable growth.
Before his career in business, Ed honorably served two stints in the U.S. military, proudly representing his country in both the United States Navy and the United States Army. The discipline, resilience, and leadership forged during his service remain core to his personal and professional ethos today.
For Ed, Liberty Sports Group represents more than a company — it’s a family enterprise built to serve the industry he loves, co-led alongside his son, Nicholas. Together, they’ve built an organization rooted in vision, purpose, and integrity — uniting capital, creativity, and operational excellence to shape the future of sports, hospitality, and live entertainment.Ed and his wife reside in Orlando, Florida, where they continue to invest in real estate, community initiatives, and youth sports programs that reflect their belief in opportunity, family, and enduring impact.
Thomas A. Player is an accomplished attorney with deep expertise in entertainment, business, and corporate law. With a career spanning litigation, appeals, and transactional practice, Thomas has become a trusted advisor to companies, creators, and innovators in sports, live entertainment, and the arts.
Since 2019, Thomas has served as General Counsel for Liberty Sports Group and DCI Projects, guiding the companies’ growth with legal oversight across governance, compliance, contracts, partnerships, and intellectual property. His counsel has been integral to Liberty’s expansion as a global advisory and development firm and to DCI’s evolution as a creative media and strategy platform.
A member of The Florida Bar, Thomas is active in its Business Law and Appellate Practice sections, and previously chaired the Entertainment, Arts, & Sports Law Section (2021–2022). He also serves as a Board of Governors member for the Florida Chapter of the Recording Academy (Grammy Awards), bridging his professional legal work with his deep passion for the music industry. Over his career, Thomas has also been active in the American Bar Association, Orange County Bar Association, Seminole County Bar Association, Seminole Inn of Court, Florida Justice Association, and the Central Florida Trial Lawyers Association.
Thomas is a frequent lecturer, panelist, and educator, having presented for The Florida Bar, the Florida Justice Association, Nova Southeastern University, the Florida Music Festival, Barry Law School, the University of Central Florida, and Full Sail University. His commitment to education reflects his belief in advancing both the legal and entertainment professions through knowledge-sharing and mentorship.
Recognized consistently by his peers, Thomas has been named to Florida Trend’s Florida Legal Elite and honored by the Orlando Business Journal as the region’s top entertainment attorney in its annual “Best of the Bar.”
Beyond the courtroom and boardroom, Thomas brings a unique perspective to his work as a former professional musician. A bass guitarist with years of performance experience, he understands the entertainment industry not just from the legal side, but from the artist’s perspective. His entertainment clients have included Grammy® winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members, multi-platinum producers, and internationally recognized recording artists.
Today, Thomas combines his legal acumen, industry insight, and passion for the arts to provide Liberty Sports Group, Front Row Hospitality, and DCI Projects with forward-looking legal guidance that protects and propels their business growth across North America and beyond.
Sander Stotland is a seasoned executive and innovator in the sports, entertainment, and hospitality industry. With a career spanning decades, he has built a reputation as an award-winning, world-record-holding creator known for his inventive approach to fan experiences, venue operations, and food and beverage innovation.
Since joining Liberty Sports Group in 2010 as both an advisor and executive, Sander has played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s growth into a global advisory and development platform. As Chief Operating Officer, he oversees Liberty and Front Row Hospitality’s operational strategy, delivering best-in-class purchasing power, cost savings, and guest-first experiences across North America. Under his leadership, Liberty clients benefit from access to more than $150 billion in purchasing power, creating significant value for teams, venues, and communities.
Sander’s career includes leadership roles at premier venues such as the Wells Fargo Arena (17,000 seats) and the Iowa Events Center (300,000 square feet), where he served as Head of Concessions. He also managed food operations at the Sanford Pentagon and the Sioux Falls Baseball Stadium in South Dakota, and has overseen live entertainment and sporting events ranging from youth tournaments to NCAA Division I basketball games. His expertise extends to producing major concerts featuring artists such as Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, and Big & Rich, as well as championship-caliber events including Super Bowls, NCAA Final Fours, National Championships, and College Bowl Games.
An entrepreneur at heart, Sander founded and operated a food and beverage company servicing four minor league baseball teams across three states. He is also the creator of the first commercially available Turducken Hot Dog, approved by the USDA, and holds the record for the world’s most expensive concession hot dog. Beyond concessions, his ventures include serving as President, General Manager, and Minority Owner of a Collegiate Wood Bat League team in Massachusetts and former ownership of a 336-seat sports bar in Texas.
Earlier in his career, Sander was part of the opening management teams for NRG Stadium (Houston Texans) and Toyota Center (Houston Rockets), contributing to two of the most successful venue launches in modern sports. Before entering the entertainment industry, he served as a Detective Sergeant with the Manvel, Texas Police Department, where he participated in undercover gang and narcotics task forces.
Today, Sander’s diverse background in law enforcement, entrepreneurship, and venue operations uniquely positions him to lead Liberty Sports Group and Front Row Hospitality with precision, creativity, and a relentless drive for innovation. His leadership continues to set new benchmarks for operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and financial efficiency across the industry.
Nicholas Desrosiers is a seasoned entrepreneur, visionary strategist, and executive leader at the forefront of sports, entertainment, and media.
As Chairman & CEO of Liberty Sports Group, Nicholas guides the firm’s growth as a global advisory and development company serving the sports, hospitality, and live entertainment industries. He also serves as Chairman of Front Row Hospitality, Liberty’s food service and hospitality management arm, overseeing the creation of culinary programs and hospitality experiences that redefine industry standards.
Nicholas is also the Founder of DCI Media Partners, which owns DCI Projects, a creative and media agency delivering integrated brand, content, and strategy solutions, and the newly launched Studio Named Later, a dedicated creative studio that powers brand storytelling, media innovation, and cultural engagement.
He founded Liberty Sports Group in the wake of the 2008 global recession, building on nearly two decades of entrepreneurial experience across real estate, financial services, entertainment, and sports. His journey has spanned residential real estate in Boston’s North End, financial services on Wall Street, and a portfolio of ventures in sports competition, media, and live experiences. This diverse foundation became the catalyst for Liberty’s disruptive, operator-first approach to advisory and management — marrying strategy, execution, and guest-first excellence.
Under his leadership, Liberty Sports Group and its affiliates have expanded into a multi-dimensional platform offering Facilities, Owner’s Representation, Consulting, Sales, Partnerships, Venue Management (Liberty inVenue), Hospitality (Front Row Hospitality), Merchandise, Content & Booking (Liberty Live), and Brand & Marketing (DCI Projects + Studio Named Later). This integrated model delivers end-to-end solutions for teams, venues, brands, and communities across North America and beyond.
Beyond Liberty, Nicholas remains deeply engaged in real estate investment and development through Glenridge Capital, contributing to projects in Boston, Connecticut, New York, and Central Florida. He also invests in early-stage companies spanning art, entertainment, fashion, lifestyle, sports, and technology, continuing his commitment to innovation and cultural impact.
Nicholas’s career has been defined by a relentless focus on building companies that elevate both clients and communities. His leadership reflects an unwavering commitment to creating extraordinary experiences, delivering measurable business results, and leaving a lasting legacy across industries.
William Anderson is an entrepreneur, strategist, and media executive shaping the intersection of sports, live entertainment, and technology.
As Chief Strategy Officer and Principal of Liberty Sports Group, William plays a central role in advancing the firm’s mission as a global advisory and development company serving the sports, hospitality, and live entertainment industry. In this capacity, he designs and executes strategic initiatives that connect brands, venues, and audiences—driving partnerships, sponsorships, and immersive experiences that elevate the live event ecosystem.
In addition to his leadership at Liberty, William serves as Board Member and Chief Strategy Officer at DCI Projects, a creative, media and strategy agency delivering end-to-end solutions in brand development, campaign execution, and media rights management. He is also a Co-Founder of Studio Named Later, DCI’s dedicated creative studio, which operates as an engine for brand strategy, content production, and innovative media platforms.
William began his entrepreneurial journey in college, where he launched a mobile concession application that grew into a viable business before being acquired. He then spent several years consulting for technology companies, helping sales teams optimize go-to-market motions, accelerate revenue growth, and close strategic partnerships.
Today, William brings that same entrepreneurial energy and strategic mindset to Liberty Sports Group, Front Row Hospitality, and the broader DCI ecosystem—working at the forefront of innovation where sports, entertainment, and media converge.
William and his fiancée reside in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida.
Through Liberty inVenue, we manage venues and teams with precision, vision, and heart. We oversee daily operations, staffing, and guest services while aligning business performance with fan satisfaction. From stadiums to arenas, Liberty inVenue provides the expertise to turn venues into thriving destinations.
Every ticket, seat, and suite represents strategy in motion. Our sales division drives premium, season, and single-game revenue programs that maximize yield, build loyalty, and strengthen the connection between fans and experiences.
We secure naming rights, sponsorships, and activations that deliver measurable ROI for brands and long-term value for venues. Our approach focuses on alignment — connecting partners, audiences, and communities in authentic and sustainable ways.
We act as an extension of ownership, protecting every investment. From financing to design oversight to delivery, we bring the discipline of operators and the perspective of owners to ensure projects open on time, on budget, and built to last.
Merchandise is memory made tangible. We design and manage retail, e-commerce, and licensing programs that deepen fan relationships, extend brand reach, and drive incremental revenue.
Hospitality is the heartbeat of every live experience — and ours sets the standard.
Through Front Row Hospitality, we deliver culinary innovation, operational excellence, and unmatched value through our network of national and global partners. Our purchasing consortium unlocks best-in-class buying power and cutting-edge technology, driving 20–30% savings across food and beverage categories while elevating guest satisfaction.
From large-scale venues to boutique experiences, we design, staff, and manage programs that balance creativity with financial performance. Whether concessions, catering, or premium dining, every plate, pour, and moment is crafted with purpose — built for guests, designed for growth.
We design and deliver venues that perform. Our team guides clients from concept through completion — providing strategic planning, feasibility, and guest-first design consultation. Every project is built for long-term success, ensuring venues operate as efficiently as they look.
Through Liberty Live, we program and produce concerts, festivals, and live experiences that keep venues active and vibrant year-round. We blend cultural insight with operational expertise to fill calendars and deliver unforgettable moments.
Our consulting services are immersive, strategic, and actionable. From feasibility studies and operational modeling to staff training and cost optimization, we deliver operator-tested strategies that translate directly into results.
Through DCI Projects and Studio Named Later, we create integrated brand, media, and strategy solutions that build awareness and drive engagement. From creative campaigns to content production, we help partners connect with audiences through storytelling, design, and digital innovation.