In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we’re joined by Stephanie Rogers, Executive Vice President of Marketing for the San Francisco 49ers, one of the NFL’s most storied and valuable franchises.

Stephanie takes us inside the 49ers’ global brand strategy, sharing how a legacy team balances tradition with forward-thinking innovation, from data-driven marketing to fan engagement that spans millions of people worldwide.

We dive into Stephanie’s impressive career across the PGA Tour, NHL, and now NFL, and how the world of sports marketing has evolved from the early days of digital content to today’s always-on, global-first strategy. She shares the mindset behind her leadership philosophy - why “innovation is the baseline” - and how it continues to shape how teams connect with fans in deeper, more meaningful ways.

We also talk about the 49ers’ first-of-its-kind activation in the UAE, marking a major milestone as the first NFL team to engage in the region under the league’s Global Markets Program. Stephanie reflects on the energy, appetite, and opportunities she witnessed during the team’s time in Dubai, and what’s next for the 49ers in the Middle East.

Packed with storytelling, strategy, and practical advice for anyone looking to work in sport, this episode offers a front-row seat to the business behind one of the world’s most iconic sports brands.

🏈 More on the 49ers:

• https://www.49ers.com/
• 49ers Arabic on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/49ersar/

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Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Stephanie Rogers
• Editing Assistant: Diya Vergis
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn