Sports have always been about more than games, they’re about community, identity, and belonging. For Evan Floersch, co-owner and CEO of the Texas Ranchers, that belief is both personal and professional. A former tech and media entrepreneur, Floersch has stepped into the world of sports ownership with a bold vision to reimagine what a franchise can be, and to build a model that combines community, technology, and storytelling in ways that rival the most innovative entertainment companies.
Floersch’s passion for sports grew out of personal experience. After playing college soccer, he discovered pickleball as a recreational outlet and quickly saw both the addictive fun of the game and its massive business potential. Today, the Texas Ranchers are part of the fastest-growing sport in the United States, and Floersch is determined to make the team a cultural anchor for Austin, a city he believes is overdue for a championship parade.
What sets Floersch apart is his approach to sports as a storytelling platform. Drawing inspiration from Disney, he sees athletes as characters and franchises as worlds waiting to be built. To him, sports ownership is no longer about a wealthy individual buying a trophy asset. It’s about vertical integration — owning venues, building districts around stadiums, creating compelling content, and amplifying stories that connect athletes and fans for generations.
Technology also plays a key role. Floersch sees AI and analytics reshaping everything from fan engagement to youth development and player performance. Personalized fan experiences, AI-equipped coaching for young athletes, and real-time performance data are just a few of the innovations he believes will define the next era of sports. For the Ranchers, that means growing from the grassroots up, creating a sustainable pipeline of talent and community connection.
The Ranchers’ ownership group reflects this collaborative vision. By bringing together figures like Lil Wayne, Myles Garrett, and Bijan Robinson, the team has curated not just investors but active partners who contribute in ways that align with their passions, whether through fashion collaborations, community court-building, or direct engagement with fans.
Floersch is equally committed to championing women’s sports, inspired by his three sisters and the belief that female athletes’ stories are just as compelling as their male counterparts if given the same investment and visibility. For him, it’s not a question of “why,” but “why not?”
At its heart, Floersch’s mission is to make sports a cultural operating system that balances technology with humanity, and AI with soul. In a world that’s increasingly artificial, he believes sports are one of the last great equalizers, capable of inspiring generations, connecting communities, and building stories that endure.
Want more Plugged In? Read more or listen on Apple Podcasts.
