In this episode of 9Innings, host Kevin Thompson sits down with Spear Invest founder Ivana Delevska to discuss one of the hottest investment themes in the market today: AI infrastructure and the explosion in data center demand.

The conversation explores the growing political pushback against new data center developments in cities like Fort Worth and New York, while highlighting why many rural communities are embracing these projects. Ivana explains the concept of compute constraints, why both AI model training and inference are driving unprecedented demand, and what it all means for investors.

Kevin and Ivana also examine the economics of energy, the possibility of space-based data centers, and whether today's AI infrastructure boom resembles the fiber optic buildout of the late 1990s.

Despite concerns about elevated valuations and increasing concentration among technology mega-caps, Ivana remains optimistic. She points to powerful demand signals, including Anthropic's rapid revenue growth, as evidence that this cycle is being driven by real adoption rather than speculation alone.

(00:00) – The War on Data Centers: Why Cities Are Saying No

(03:21) – What Does "Compute Constrained" Actually Mean?

(06:25) – Who Pays for AI? The Hidden Energy Problem

(10:29) – Is This Another Dot-Com Bubble?

(15:29) – Are Big Tech Companies Becoming Too Powerful?

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Corrections: Editing by http://SwoleNerdProductions.com

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In this episode, host Kevin Thompson sits down with Ryan Luckey, an adjunct professor at TCU specializing in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in college sports. They discuss how NIL has transformed college athletics, giving athletes the ability to profit from their personal brands while also opening the door to direct compensation from schools.

The conversation explores the growing financial divide between large and small programs, the disruptive impact of the transfer portal, the potential role of government regulation, and the evolving definition of the “student-athlete.”

Ryan offers a cautiously optimistic view of NIL’s future, emphasizing the need for better governance, greater standardization, and clearer rules across college athletics. At the heart of the discussion is a fundamental question: How do we build a sustainable system while ensuring athletes finally receive their fair share of the value they help create?

00:01:37 — The NIL Revolution in College Sports

00:04:26 — How College Athletes Actually Get Paid

00:08:12 — Is NIL Widening the Gap Between Schools?

00:10:43 — NIL, the Transfer Portal & College Free Agency

00:17:04 — Should the Government Regulate NIL?

00:27:07 — Will NIL Save or Destroy College Sports?

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Welcome to the 9Innings Podcast where we Educate, Empower and Engage.

ON THIS WEEKS PODCAST: In this episode of the 9innings Podcast, Kevin sits down with Lindsay Bell, founder of 248 Ventures, for a wide ranging conversation on markets and the economy.

Lindsay walks through her path from working alongside Jim Cramer to becoming a CNBC contributor and independent strategist.

They dig into the disconnect between physical oil and futures markets, the growing divide between AI driven growth and traditional industries, and the continued bifurcation in consumer spending. The conversation also touches on housing pressures, persistent inflation, and what it takes to navigate a male dominated financial media landscape.

Lindsay closes with cautious optimism on the economy, while making one thing clear… the speed of AI disruption, especially to the workforce, is what should have everyone paying attention.

Oil Markets Don’t Match Reality (00:04:22)

The Consumer Divide Is Getting Worse (00:08:50)

AI Is Driving This Economy (00:11:03)

Housing Is the Warning Sign (00:17:35)

The Real Risk: AI and the Workforce (00:26:46)

NEWSLETTER (WHAT NOW): https://substack.com/@9icapital?r=2eig6s&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

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Buy MLB2CFP Here: https://www.amazon.com/MLB-CFP%C2%AE-90-Feet-Counting-ebook/dp/B0BLJPYNS4

Website: http://www.9icapitalgroup.com

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Corrections: Editing by http://SwoleNerdProductions.com

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