Ryan Vaughn on Indianapolis Sports, Exos Growth and What Comes Next

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Ryan Vaughn, president and general counsel of Exos. Vaughn traces his career from growing up on Indianapolis’ west side to law, local government, the Indianapolis City-County Council, the mayor’s office, Indiana Sports Corp and now Exos, where he has helped guide the company’s growth across 18 states. He reflects on how Indianapolis became the center of college basketball during the COVID-19 pandemic by hosting the entire 2021 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, and what that effort revealed about the city’s sports strategy, civic coordination and ability to execute major events. Vaughn also discusses the rising competition for sports events, the pressures facing downtown Indianapolis, his move into business leadership, the mentors who shaped him and whether public service could be part of his next act.