The National Squash League: Reinventing Pro Squash

In this special edition of the Rainmaker Podcast, host Gui Costin sits down with Spencer Lovejoy, Co-Founder and CEO of the National Squash League (NSL), and BG Lemmon, co-owner of the Philadelphia Lightning, to unpack what it takes to build a modern sports league from the ground up, and why squash is uniquely positioned for a team-based reinvention.

The conversation opens with Spencer’s journey from junior squash in New Haven to competing professionally on the global circuit, and ultimately to co-founding the NSL alongside his partners. After years of playing an individual sport that often felt isolating, Spencer saw a clear gap in professional squash: the absence of teams, local identity, and a product that resonated with American sports fans. The NSL was designed to answer a simple but powerful question he was asked repeatedly as a pro: “What team do you play for?”

BG Lemmon brings a complementary perspective, blending his background in competitive collegiate squash with his career in finance and private investing. As a co-owner of the Philadelphia Lightning, BG discusses how his involvement grew organically, from persistent interest as a fan to hands-on participation in league operations. His experience reinforces a central theme of the episode: early-stage organizations require everyone to wear multiple hats, regardless of title.

A key focus of the discussion is how the NSL has intentionally broken from traditional squash formats. With six-player rosters, three-on-three matches, timed periods, substitutions, and power plays, the league prioritizes pace, strategy, and fan engagement. The power play, in particular, introduces a risk-reward dynamic that encourages aggressive, creative shot-making, something rarely seen in traditional professional squash.

Looking ahead, Spencer outlines the league’s near-term and long-term vision: measured expansion into new U.S. markets, a more robust match calendar, and continued emphasis on high-quality live events. Both Spencer and BG stress the importance of disciplined growth, proving the product, building the right partnerships, and earning credibility before scaling too quickly.

The episode closes with a discussion of the partnership between the NSL and Dakota, grounded in shared values around relationships, community, and bringing people together through sport. At its core, the conversation highlights how team culture, on the court and in business, can transform an individual pursuit into something much bigger.

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