Following the massive success of last year’s inaugural event, the CNBC x Boardroom Game Plan Summit will return for a second year, the companies announced Tuesday. The one-day expo, which brings together industry leaders, visionaries, and playmakers from sports and entertainment, is scheduled for Sept. 10 in Los Angeles, Calif. This will be the first of a new multi-year partnership between the two companies.

“Last year’s Game Plan event brought together a mix of incredible athletes and innovators for a day of conversation unlike anything I’ve experienced in my professional career,” said Rich Kleiman, CEO of Boardroom. “The whole Boardroom team is really excited to run it back with CNBC as part of a multi-year partnership and grow the foundation we’ve built together with the sports and business community.”

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In 2023, the sold-out event featured panels centered on everything from the future of athlete brand-building to conversations on the big business of live sports. Select speakers included:

• ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro
• NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman
• NJ Devils & Philadelphia 76ers Co-owner David Blitzer
• Tennis star Nick Kyrgios
• Colorado Rockies Co-owner Linda Alvarado
• 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero
• WNBA Player Lexie Brown
• Kroenke Sports & Entertainment CEO and Los Angeles Rams Owner E. Stanley Kroenke

The afternoon ended with a conversation between Boardroom Co-founder Kevin Durant and CNBC’s Squawk Box co-anchor Andrew Ross Sorkin.

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Throughout the inaugural event’s programming, there were many thought-provoking segments on the aforementioned range of topics. From KD advocating for cannabis to be removed from the NBA’s banned substance list to Kroenke calling SoFi the best venue in sports to Lexie Brown singing the praises of Athletes Unlimited, the first CNBC x Boardroom Game Plan covered it all.

For this year’s event, both CNBC and Boardroom are ready to take the summit to a new level.

“We head in to Game Plan 2024 with significant momentum,” said Nick Dunn, Senior Vice President & Managing Director of CNBC Events. “The buzz from last year was not only about the unparalleled programming, but also the amazing attendees; an influential mix of owners, executives, investors and innovators all connecting and networking at the event. Any real player in this space will want to be in the room this year.”

Panelists and speakers for the second CNBC x Boardroom Game Plan will be announced in the coming weeks. In the meantime, be sure to stay up to date on changes and ticket information here.

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The post CNBC x Boardroom Game Plan Summit Returning in 2024 appeared first on Boardroom.

Remember when Chris Paul began using fashion as a platform to celebrate HBCUs when he famously wore a varsity jacket with all 107 crests and emblems from each historically Black college and university? Or when Dwyane Wade debuted a crisp white Louis Vuitton ensemble with a sash at the 2019 ESPY Awards?

In these two examples, Courtney Mays was styling Paul, while Calyann Barnett was tasked with getting Wade red-carpet ready. On the court, athletes are relegated to matching uniforms, often only leveraging their sneakers as a form of self-expression. Entering the arena pre-game or during an off-court public appearance is when fans are treated to a player’s style, and it’s true when they say it takes a village.

A wardrobe consultant is more than someone assigned to be an athlete’s personal shopper. They’re tasked with developing a part of a player’s identity, curating an authentic aesthetic that mirrors each client’s personality. Even 20 years ago, the idea of an athlete having a stylist on retainer was unheard of. However, these days, those aforementioned looks and more are carefully curated by veterans of style, and they all happen to be Black women.

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Barnett’s career started in music, but she credits DWade as being her first client in the athlete space. The two met at a Louis Vuitton party for Kanye West‘s 30th birthday in 2007, and Wade was coming off winning the NBA Finals in 2006.

“I went up to him and said, ‘You need a stylist,'” Barnett told Boardroom. “I explained to him that he’s a superstar and should look like a superstar and shouldn’t look like an athlete because he is bigger than an athlete.”

The late Kobe Bryant‘s stylist, Paige Geran, began working with the Los Angeles Lakers legend around the time Bryant won his final NBA title in 2010 and, before then, got her start in television. However, her small screen work would take a backseat in 2007-08 due to the writer’s strike. To expand her portfolio and reach, she pivoted full-time to athletes. Due to her lengthy resume in entertainment, Geran was the OG of West Coast stylists. She had briefly worked with athletes in commercials, which led to making connections quickly within the space and subsequently becoming the blueprint.

Before she arrived, Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, was the mastermind behind his outfits. Kobe and Geran were connected via a trusted friend.

“He was trying to figure out ways to incorporate using a stylist for games,” Geran explained. “I don’t think he knew what it all entailed, but he was like, ‘I think I need someone. I need help.’

Ironically, the first thing Bryant’s team called Geran to enlist her help for had nothing to do with dressing him. Around the time Bryant changed his number from 8 to 24, Lil Wayne happened to be performing in LA. Bryant wanted Wayne to be the first person to wear his new jersey, Geran said.

“So I remember his team contacting me saying, ‘Hey, can you help us with this?’ It started with small things here and there, and then eventually, Kobe did a cover and had a big launch to celebrate, and that’s when he finally decided he wanted to branch out and hire a stylist,” she recalled.

Developing a Personal Aesthetic

Fashion and sports have always been synonymous, but thanks to these stylists, we’ve seen a cultural renaissance through the years. These women are an unsung heroes, as these athletes transition into bona fide icons. While their personal aesthetics might contribute to the final look, it’s ultimately reflective of the client’s taste.

Take, for example, Jimmy Butler. Khalilah Beaver met him at a Jordan shoot in 2016 and simply told him, “You need help.” What followed was years of taking the Miami Heat star from fun to watch on the court to a must-attend at fashion shows.

Beaver recalls the first time people looked at Butler as more of a trendsetter was the 2017 NBA All-Star Weekend. It was their first year working together, and she put Butler in a multicolored button-down shirt with a large King of Spades card on the front. It was daring, but it proved to be a success because, according to Beaver, “Everybody loved it.”

For Mays, whom DeAndre Jordan trusts with dressing him, she likens her client’s aesthetic to the late Jimi Hendrix, whose influence on pop culture is still prevalent to this day nearly 53 years after his passing. Mays cultivates Jordan’s wardrobe based on the type of music he listens to and the art in his home. Jordan’s wedding suit, which Courtney expertly selected, bears some resemblance to hippie couture.

Mays also produced the ensemble Kevin Love wore to his 2022 wedding. Unlike Jordan, Mays describes Love’s style as more All-American.

“My goal is to always bring out the best in each client and not put my imprint. Other than that, I’m trying to elevate or make [them look] better. I don’t want anyone to look like me necessarily,” she said to Boardroom.

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Nchimunya Wulf, Kevin Durant‘s personal stylist, started her agency in 2013 and has since expanded her empire through the DesigNCHIMUNYA Interior Design firm. She says her partnership with Durant functions as a collaboration in which he takes the lead, and her job is to make life simple.

“I add my signature touch, and he usually remixes to his liking at the moment! He’s more freestyle and doesn’t feel the impulse to coordinate as much, which I love and works so well for him,” Wulf told Boardroom. “He’s very creative and brilliant, which makes my job so buoyant and boundless.”

When James Harden won the NBA MVP in 2018, he accepted the trophy wearing a Neil Barrett patterned overcoat with matching trousers, a statement pendant, and some shiny lace-ups. His stylist Kesha McLeod explained that the look came together in Milan weeks prior, and she developed an entire itinerary based on the occasion.

McLeod, who also stacks Myles Turner, PJ Tucker, and Serena Williams as clients, first got the chance to work with athletes when Serge Ibaka recruited her for a Paris trip. After attending numerous shows, the pair ultimately decided on a casual pinstripe button-down with a matching bomber jacket and all-black pants. Appropriate enough for a children’s ceremony, chic enough to be remembered a decade later.

“To bring an athlete to Paris and pull a look off the runway and then have him wear it on a red carpet, that’s like Hollywood shit, absolutely what red carpet stylists do,” McLeod joked. “Serge is like 6-11, he’s huge. So, to pull a sample-size outfit for an athlete off the runway was something unheard of before. At that moment, it clicked, and I thought, ‘I’m just going to turn athletes into the new actors and actresses.'”

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Assembling a capsule could best be described as hours of shopping for the perfect fit that encapsulates an athlete’s personality. However, it’s more complex than that.

Barnett interprets her role as building the person’s style from the ground up, ultimately pushing him out of his comfort zone and building something cohesive for all moments of said athlete’s life.

“Sometimes you see a person who looks the same across the board like Steve Jobs. That’s cool, too, but we’re playing Barbie and having a little bit of fun. You don’t want someone to look the same all the time,” Barnett said. “I think women sometimes do a better job dressing men because men tend to dress men how they dress. So when you see a lot of men’s stylists, they look the same, and their clients look the same. I also try to avoid trends. I think I’ve done a good job at making sure my clients never wear the same thing and don’t get caught in the who wore it better situation.”

Suits are the go-to uniform for men in most semi-formal settings. So, imagine Geran’s surprise when Bryant shared that he wasn’t a fan of suits. Rather, the five-time champion felt more comfortable in custom leather jackets, denim, and sneakers, pieces that were just an extension of himself.

“You see him in the latter part of his career wearing suits. But it was by default because people couldn’t mess that up,” she explained.

“Kobe was a person that didn’t enjoy fittings at all,” Geran continued. “So I had to master the art of measuring things. A lot of the stuff I gave him — which is not traditional — he wouldn’t know what he was wearing until game day. He liked to feel good, but he did not spend time on the details of his clothes. That was my job. He was very much focused on his game. That was his job. My job was to make sure he was good with taking up a minimum amount of his time.”

Misconceptions, Challenges, Rewards

From sitting front row at Fashion Week to having access to the season’s hottest pieces before anyone else, being a stylist certainly has its perks. But there are misconceptions in any career, and the ladies would be remiss if they weren’t candid about valid fallacies.

“I think people generally believe celebrities receive boxes and boxes of free products,” said Mays. “When I have a new client, remind them that that’s not always the case. It’s sort of like a 50/50 situation and sometimes 80/20 situation where you’re purchasing a lot of it and developing yourself as a style influencer. You have to get the eyes on yourself as somebody who influences style and culture before people send you boxes of product”

Beaver echoed those sentiments, adding that contrary to popular belief, nothing about her role is easy or glamorous.

“There’s a lot of schlepping,” she added. “There’s a lot of back-and-forth calls and work that goes into pulling a look together. And when you look at the scope of things as far as your team is concerned, we are the ones who do the most work. It can be glamorous when you get to a certain level and have the budget to get things done in a certain way. But until you get to that point, no.”

There’s also the tricky scenario where overseas fashion houses don’t recognize who the stateside superstars of the NBA are. In 2011 during Milan Fashion Week, Barnett said she had to write an 11-page essay to justify Wade’s invitation to sit front row during the presentation. The first show he ever attended was Versace with McLeod’s client, Carmelo Anthony, and they were the only two athletes at the show.

“I was working with the designer and the PR teams to get Dwyane front row because they weren’t checking for them. Being an athlete didn’t necessarily have the best reputation,” Barnett explained. “It was a lot of, ‘I understand what you guys think of athletes, but this is who you want.’ And now they go after them. Whereas before, we were chasing the brands.”

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For McLeod, it’s about performing under pressure or adjusting when things go awry. Or trusting that the outfit you’ve been carrying from Harlem to the airport that has to board a plane within the hour arrives unscathed and in one piece. However, the most exhilarating part of the process is watching your creation admired by others.

“I’ve traveled to Paris with Serena at least nine times in my career, but this time, it was different because she trusted me to build a trip from the ground up. All she said was, ‘I want to go to Paris, figure it out.’ So, to take someone to that level, build relationships, and introduce your client to new things, it’s a different kind of high and excitement.”

However, the business doesn’t come without its fair share of grievances, which is all too common in a male-dominated industry.

“As women, we can’t go to the club with players,” Geran explained. “We have to look a certain way and be professional at all times. Some major challenges are getting the sports agents, the marketing people, and the PR people in sync with the players. If they were more cooperative, it would help women stylists in sports grow even further in their careers.

“No disrespect to the men, but it’s because of women that a lot of things in this industry get done. Win, lose, or regardless of how that player performed, we have to have those difficult conversations with them because men don’t want to be on the receiving end of bitterness.”

What’s Next?

They’ve dressed basketball’s best, had their looks grace magazine covers, and achieved many more milestones along the way. So, it begs the question: Where do these A-list stylists go from here?

For Barnett, she’s already taken on her next challenge as Creative Director for the Utah Jazz‘s private apparel brand CounterPoint. After 13 years and appareling a slew of athletes (Wade, Chandler Parsons, Nate Robinson), she wants to capitalize on everything learned working one-on-one with athletes to a team.

“There’s more I can make pretty,” she said. “Ultimately, what we do as stylists is make things beautiful.”

Meanwhile, McLeod has been an advocate for her clients for so long that she wants to focus on herself as a brand while simultaneously working alongside her A-list roster.

“Who I am and who I’ve worked with helps because now I’m taking on bigger roles as a fashion and creative director. The goal is always working toward bigger and better moments,” McLeod said.

Geran’s next venture includes tapping into her creativity within the artificial intelligence space.

“AI will dramatically change the future of television and film, but not necessarily when it comes to personal styling. I’d like to embark upon more opportunities connected with that in fashion and now I’m figuring out how the two are connected.”

Finally, for Mays, she’s focused on broadening her range as an entrepreneur and figuring out her identity as a brand.

“I’ve spent the past couple of decades being defined by Chris Paul or Kevin Love, and that’s beautiful and has taken me far and I’m grateful to those people. They’re basically my family at this point. But now, I’m figuring out who Courtney is and what she loves, and if there is something that has Courtney’s name behind it without a picture of somebody else,” Mays said.

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The post The Black Women Who Rule Basketball Fashion appeared first on Boardroom.

The average hoops fan has lots of questions about what it is like to be the agent of an NBA superstar. On Feb. 22, Rich Kleiman pulled up to a Reddit AMA session to answer a wide range of fan questions.

Kleiman linked up with Kevin Durant through their mutual friend Wale back in 2008. To that point, he’d spent the majority of his career working in the music industry, but he instantly clicked with Durant. Many years later, they’ve lined up an endless set of stories as Durant has become one of the most formidable players to ever step onto the court. Plus, the two have partnered on a wide range of off-court ventures.

The AMA came on the heels of Boardroom’s most recent Cover Story sit-down between KD and Kleiman. The two looked back on Durant’s decorated career, his hopes for his continued involvement in the league even beyond retirement, and so much more.

Below are some of the answers and questions that stuck out most from Rich’s AMA session with Reddit. (Editor’s note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.)

Q: Someone’s gotta ask. Is it true Steve Ballmer cried in the meeting with KD back in 2016. If so, how did that meeting go down?

RK: No, he did not cry. And the meeting went well. Lawrence Frank & Steve Ballmer remain friends with Kevin and I to this day.

Q: Any interesting stories around the time that KD went to the Warriors? Was there any back and forth on a decision, or was it pretty adamant at that point that KD would be leaving?

RK: The entire story around our free agency was interesting. Kevin went into the 3 days in the Hamptons with an open mind, especially as it pertains to the Thunder. And some people that came in to see us were some of the greatest minds in NBA history like Gregg Popovich and Pat Riley, so he truly honored the process. It was an incredibly grueling decision for Kevin. One that kept Kevin up the entire night until he made the decision the morning of July 4.

Side note — the house we rented had a grass tennis court, and Kevin and I played doubles against some people who were staying with us for the weekend. KD is not quite the tennis player I am.

Q: What were the conversations around his injury ahead of the Achilles tear? I ask because I recall watching one of the talking heads on ESPN say ahead of time that KD shouldn’t play with the injury because he could hurt himself even worse, and then bam!  Did you know that it was a risk, and he still rolled the dice to win another chip?

RK: After Kevin tore his Achilles, we went to NY, where one of his friends from his childhood was waiting for us. The first thing his friend said when he saw him was, “I knew you were going to play even if your leg was hanging off.” That’s my answer.

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Q: If you watch basketball games, do you find that you end up thinking a lot about contracts (maybe daydreaming about drawing up an extension for XYZ player on the floor after they do something impressive), or is there a substantial wall between these two aspects of basketball of your life?

I guess I’m asking if watching basketball is inextricably linked to being an agent for you.

RK: The experience of being a basketball fan has for sure changed over the last 12 years that I have been working in sports. However, I am able to still separate how much I love the game of basketball and love watching basketball from the business aspect of it. It has very little to do with contracts and, more, being hyper-aware of what’s going on in the arena, who’s sitting on the floor, and what players to look out for, but not where I am thinking in terms of transactions.

Q: What’s KD’s favorite thing to do, or his other strongest passion, outside of hooping, especially this year? :-). Any pet projects he’s working on outside of basketball?

RK: Music, gaming, his family, and his business.

Q: Rich, would you rather fight:

1. One KD-sized duck; or
2. One hundred duck-sized KDs?

RK: I don’t have the energy to fight 100 of anything, so I think I’ll take the 1 KD-sized duck. Very good question.

Q: Yo Rich, don’t you regret KD not signing with the Knicksssss??!

RK: I hate to shamelessly plug, but it’s all in the interview I just did with Kevin.

Visit the full conversation on r/NBA.

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The post The Top Takeaways from Rich Kleiman’s Reddit AMA appeared first on Boardroom.

On the heels of a successful NBA All-Star Weekend, Foot Locker is tapping Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum to build off of the momentum in its latest campaign with the players’ respective sneaker brands, Nike and Air Jordan.

In a cinematic spot titled “Heartbeat,” Durant and Tatum star in what is the first creative advertisement under The Clinic, Foot Locker’s new year-round program in partnership with the two brands announced at NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. The Clinic aims to bring the best of the court and culture to basketball fans, sneaker enthusiasts, and local communities, and Foot Locker feels it did just that with the star-studded spot.

“The Clinic provides basketball fans and consumers the opportunity to engage with Foot Locker, Nike, and Jordan Brand like never before. Through this first-of-its-kind partnership, we’re able to connect basketball fans on and off the court with notable athletes, in-person moments and exclusive sneaker releases. Our footprint at NBA All-Star 2024 was only the beginning, and Foot Locker will continue to inspire the next generation of athletes as we grow and evolve The Clinic throughout the year,” said Frank Bracken, Chief Commercial Officer & EVP at Foot Locker.

In this “Heartbeat” ad, in particular, one can hear and feel the thumping of a heart that increases throughout. And, just as it said on the popular shoe wall during the Boardroom x Coinbase Brunch during All-Star Weekend, Foot Locker closed the commercial with its tagline — “The Heart of Sneakers.”

“We’re elevating every part of the game, from how you play to how you show up to play,” the narrator says during the ad.

The Clinic is just the latest collaboration in Foot Locker’s strong relationship with the NBA, having agreed to a multi-year partnership with the league in November 2023 as an official marketing partner. The company has firmly planted its flag in basketball and beyond, strengthening its case of being the global home for all things sneakers.

The “Heartbeat” spot officially aired on Thursday night when Durant, wearing his Nike KD16, and the Phoenix Suns took on the Dallas Mavericks. Tatum, rockin’ his second signature shoe with Jordan Brand, and the Celtics kicked off post-ASW play against the Chicago Bulls.

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The post Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum Star in Latest Foot Locker Campaign with Nike & Jordan Brand appeared first on Boardroom.

Foot Locker has tapped Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum to lead its latest campaign in conjunction with the players’ respective sneaker brands, Nike and Air Jordan. The cinematic spot titled “Heartbeat” aired on Thursday night during the Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks game. The commercial is the first creative advertisement under The Clinic, Foot Locker’s new year-round program in partnership with the two brands announced at NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis.

Be sure to check out Boardroom’s full story on Durant & Tatum in the newest Foot Locker campaign.

Rob McElhenney & ‘Always Sunny’ Stars Team Up for Wrexham, Four Walls Deal

Wrexham AFC announced Friday that Four Walls, the Irish American Whiskey brand from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia stars Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, and Glenn Howerton, is the official sponsor of the Fourth Wall Temporary Kop stand at STōK Cae Ras, the club’s home pitch. Since opening the Temporary Kop at the end of December, Wrexham has been able to welcome an additional 2,289+ fans to every home match. Currently third in the League Two standings, Wrexham plays its next home match on March 2 against Accrington Stanley. 

Rihanna Reportedly Returns to Dior

Business of Fashion reported Thursday that Rihanna will make her triumphant return to Dior as an ambassador. Although the terms of the deal have not been revealed, the singer and partner A$AP Rocky reportedly shot a new campaign for the luxury fashion house earlier this month at the Château de Versailles. Rihanna became Dior’s first Black ambassador in 2015, and for this year’s Haute Couture season, she only went to the Dior show, further hinting at a reunion between both parties.

Eli Manning’s ‘Chad Powers’ is Coming to Hulu as a Comedy Series

Glen Powell is set to star in a new Hulu comedy series titled Chad Powers, based on a character created by Eli Manning for his EPSN+ docuseries Eli’s Places. In addition to co-creating the program together, Powell will co-write the pilot alongside Michael Waldron. Both will serve as executive producers. Per Variety, the show description reads: “When bad behavior nukes hotshot QB Russ Holliday’s (Powell) college career, he disguises himself and walks onto a struggling Southern football team as the talented, affable Chad Powers.” Manning, who will also executive produce alongside older brother Peyton Manning and Omaha Productions, created Chad Powers when he wanted to learn more about the walk-on process for college football, so he went undercover during Penn State football tryouts.

New Balance Nets $6.5 Billion in 2023

New Balance shared its 2023 sales report Thursday, and the sportswear and sneakers brand hauled an impressive $6.5 billion in annual sales in 2023, a 23% increase from 2022’s numbers. Furthermore, New Balance exceeded a record-breaking $1 billion in apparel sales in 2023 for the first time, and 63% of those who purchased something from newbalance.com last year were new customers. At the moment, the Boston-based company boasts over 350 athletes and entertainment ambassadors.

Taylor Rooks, Joy Taylor Launch ‘Two Personal’ Podcast

Sports journalists Taylor Rooks and Joy Taylor have joined forces on a podcast. Called Two Personal, Rooks said the program is “a space for us to be honest about our experiences, our emotions, and the way we view the world. There is infinitely more to us than what we have allowed the public to see, and I’m thrilled to be in a place where I feel ready to bare my full self and give an honest look into who I am completely.” Listeners can find Two Personal when it debuts on YouTube and other podcast platforms on March 6.

The post Kevin Durant & Jayson Tatum Featured in Foot Locker Campaign appeared first on Boardroom.

Boardroom and Coinbase synced up once again to curate a room full of the most notable athletes, executives, and entertainers during NBA All-Star Weekend 2024.

By now, All-Star Weekend attendees know that Boardroom and Coinbase‘s brunch is one of the top events you don’t want to miss throughout the weekend. This year’s event was co-hosted by Minnesota Timberwolves‘ Anthony Edwards and Boardroom co-founders and co-CEOs Rich Kleiman and Kevin Durant.

“We’re proud to keep hosting an incredible event year after year at All-Star,” Kleiman said. “There was so much joy, connection, and education in the room this weekend, and we look forward to continuing to do so for years to come.”

An estimated 450 guests made an appearance at the brunch, which was hosted at the Hulman in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday, Feb. 17. Boardroom turned the venue into the premier brunch space that donned a coffee station, specialty cocktails, a Cierto Tequila display, a photo moment, and more.

Chase B, the star of Boardroom’s new series AUX MONEY, brought the sounds and good vibes on the mic as expected. The specialty cocktails were the highlight of the show, and the All-Star, which included Cierto Tequila, passionfruit, Amaro, and Anise, was a crowd favorite.

“Crypto moves the financial system forward — making it cheaper, faster, and more accessible. Basketball fans are younger, more likely to own crypto and see it as the future of finance,” Kate Rouch, Coinbase’s Chief Marketing Officer, said. “We were thrilled to co-host some of the biggest names in finance, technology, and sports. We’re united by our belief that it’s time for an update.”

The Foot Locker sneaker wall became a hot commodity for guest photos, decorated with Durant and Edwards’ All-Star sneaker colorways. The activation came as part of Foot Locker’s broader strategy around the weekend, where it unveiled its new year-round platform, The Heart of Sneakers. The new platform highlights Foot Locker’s extensive and renowned brand.

“Storytelling is more important than ever, and Boardroom has been one of the leading voices in sports and entertainment. We were thrilled to partner with their team to bring the Boardroom Brunch to life at NBA All-Star in Indianapolis,” Frank Bracken, Chief Commercial Officer and EVP at Foot Locker, said in a statement. “The event brought some of the most influential people in the industry all under one roof, including Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, and Devin Booker.”

Boardroom and Coinbase have shown time and time again that they know how to get important people under one roof to rub elbows and break bread. Their third annual brunch at NBA All-Star Weekend 2024 was no different.

The curated guest list included influential names across sports, business, media, and music, including Devin Booker, GloRilla, Anré Williams, Yung Miami, Neal Mohan, Taylor Rooks, Chet Holmgren, Cathy Englebert, Fabolous, Gayle King, Speedy Morman, Sabrina Ionescu, and many more.

And we can’t forget about the coffee station, which became a section of the brunch everyone knew they needed. There were also cold brew cans decorated with a message about crypto.

Stay tuned for more from Boardroom and Coinbase.

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The post Views From Boardroom & Coinbase’s Third Annual NBA All-Star Brunch appeared first on Boardroom.

Twelve years ago in Orlando, the NBA All-Star Game was a scene.

From riots at local malls to Dwyane Wade breaking Kobe Bryant‘s nose, the competition was fierce for sneakers and buckets.

On the court, King James, the Black Mamba, Flash, Superman, Melo, and the Point God were all in their playing prime, going to war with league MVP Derrick Rose and an ascending Russell Westbrook.

Off the court, the “Galaxy” Nike Air Foamposite One broke banks, malls, and the Internet.

The Big Bang of modern clout created a constellation of collectible colorways for Nike Basketball, quickly making hoop shoes a status symbol again, exploding the resale market as we know it.

In the middle of it all was a a young Kevin Durant.

Going toe-to-toe with basketball’s best, the young forward showed out on the hardwood and in stores, winning All-Star Game MVP while debuting the “Galaxy” Nike KD 4.

Scoring 36 points in his glow-in-the-dark sneakers, the metallic makeup meant to look like a spacesuit lifted basketball’s original unicorn, only to evaporate at retail at the speed of light.

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Now, 12 years later and an All-Star for the 14th time, KD is still amongst the league leaders in scoring and still a starter in the midseason classic.

Perhaps even more exciting for fans? The Nike KD 4 “Galaxy” is releasing as a retro for the first time in history.

To culminate the comeback, Boardroom breaks down the nuance and nostalgia of this tipping-point pair.

A Category Crossover

Nike Basketball was booming heading into the spring of 2012.

After almost a decade of trying to find its footing following Michael Jordan’s final retirement, the Swoosh established a new sweet spot where the hardwood and the hallway interacted.

First, momentum mounted in 2008 with the release of the Hyperdunk: a blue-sky design drafted off technical innovation and the world’s stage of the Summer Olympics.

Though not casually lauded save the “McFly” makeup, the Hyperdunk instantly made Nike credible in basketball in a way their peers couldn’t mirror.

The equity rolled into a hot hand of Kobe colorways and LeBron line triumphs that sold storytelling just as much as performance, creating collector cache and lifestyle appeal to shoes once reserved strictly for the court.

In that same span, Kevin Durant became a signature athlete in his own right, giving Nike Basketball three personalities and player types that they could activate around all season long or rather all year.

After the success of 2010’s Christmas “Stoplight” Pack, each event on the calendar became a catalyst for thematic footwear from Nike Basketball.

The biggest hoop holiday of them all, NBA All-Star Weekend, saw the hype hit full tilt by way of 2012’s Nike Basketball “Galaxy” Pack.

“It’s the best All-Star collection to ever go down,” Index PDX co-owner Terrance Ricketts told Boardroom. “All these guys were in their prime.”

Building outer space sneaker themes around LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant, each pair played to the idea of intergalactic travel by way of thematic signatures.

The buzz was all skyrocketed by the hysteria surrounding the “Galaxy” Nike Air Foamposite One — a Penny Hardaway retro release so hot it caused chaos and sold for the price of a car.

Sitting at the sweet spot of Nike’s constellation collection was the KD 4: a $95 novelty capable of breaking ankles on the court and breaking necks at the mall without breaking the bank.

Because of the affordable price point and the halo effect of the pack’s hype, it quickly became the crowd favorite for those wanting in on the action.

“I saw so many people wearing those when they first came out, and I thought it was the coolest thing,” said Ricketts. “The KD 4 goes down as one of the best basketball shoes as well. The aesthetics and the time? It was iconic.”

To add to the energy, the “Galaxy” KD 4 was not only the most accessible pair but also endorsed by the youngest star of stars.

Heading into the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend, Kevin Durant was only 23 years old.

The starting small forward for the West squad would enter the game by giving daps to Drake and Lil Wayne before going head-to-head with the likes of LeBron and Carmelo.

He’d exit the exhibition with a win and a game-high 36 points, hoisting the All-Star Game MVP trophy above his head with the “Galaxy” KD 4s on his feet.

That spring, Durant would ride that hot hand to the NBA Finals and Summer Olympics.

When it was all said and done, the Nike KD 4 had a run that touched all corners of hoop culture.

The transcendent silhouette was just as visible in Larry O’Brien bouts as it was in AAU action. At only $95, the model was favored by kids just starting to collect sneakers just as much as it was by veteran sneakerheads like Wale and PJ Tucker.

To this day, the KD 4 remains revered.

Still, the “Galaxy” makeup is as much of a unicorn as the player they were inspired by. Even at Index — a consignment shop in Nike’s backyard — the “Galaxy” 4 registers as a rarity in modern times.

“Impossible to get,” Ricketts said. “We get a lot of sneakers. I rarely see that shoe.”

Gone But Not Forgotten

The 2010s were an era in which Kevin Durant rose from NBA All-Star to international superstar.

Winning Finals MVPs and scoring titles alike, the decade of dominance solidified Easy Money Sniper as an all-timer and member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

“Kevin Durant is supernatural,” Sheck Wes recently shared on Boardroom’s Aux Money. “He defies the odds.”

Stylistically, KD’s positionless play and shape-shifting sneakers score a time that still strikes a nerve with those currently in their 20s and 30s.

“The Year 2010 to the Year 2020 was very important to the growth of the game,” Wes said. “I grew up in that era.”

Though it may seem strange to some that the ’10s are already nostalgic, they very much are to those who came of age in the last decade. Speaking to that time and that talent is the Nike KD 4.

While Wes keeps a pair of OG KDs in his rotation, he’s not alone. Lately, the NBA’s young elite has showcased the same affinity for the vault style.

From Ja Morant to LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey to Derrick Jones Jr., original pairs of the Nike KD 4 have remained relevant by today’s talent both in league action or on their come-up.

All the while, the KD 4 has remained rare because they’ve never received the proper retro treatment.

In 2024, that all changes with the return of the “Galaxy” Nike KD 4 Retro.

Coming off the heels of a lifetime deal with Durant and Nike, the spaced-out sneakers are back again and just in time for KD’s 14th All-Star selection.

Back on Earth

As early as 2019, fans and peers of Kevin Durant have been begging for a Nike KD 4 retro release. In Feb. 2024, it’s finally happening.

First previewed back in Dec. 2023 on the feet of the University of Texas Longhorn’s women’s and men’s basketball teams, the Nike KD 4 Retro “Galaxy” is officially landing in stores.

Launching at both boutiques and via SNKRS on Feb. 15, the flight suit sneakers will return for an MSRP of $130.

Sporting a silver upper, glow-in-the-dark sole, and unicorn logo on the tongue, the return reception is already red hot as most collectors still holding onto the originals have already worn through their 2012 pair.

“I’m never mad at Nike for re-retroing legend’s shoes,” Ricketts said. “The ‘Galaxy’ KD 4? I’m definitely getting those.”

From store owners to pro hoopers, adults to adolescents, the “Galaxy” KD 4 is ripe for a return.

Following a 12-year wait, the retro retail version sports the same styling as the original worn in Orlando by KD en route to his first All-Star Game MVP.

Set to start the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, the 35-year-old swingman can achieve the same accolade for the third time.

For fans of basketball and collectors of sneakers, the “Galaxy” KD 4 Retro shines a light on a golden era for Nike Basketball.

As the KD, Kobe, and LeBron lines remain relevant all these years later, the hope for a new wave of energy on the court and at retail remains.

From Friday night’s Rising Stars Challenge to Sunday night’s main event, unicorns of every era and origin will try to make their mark at the midseason spectacle much like KD did back in 2012.

The explosive energy of that Orlando exhibition will be felt from the floor up, thanks to the timely return of the “Galaxy” KD sneakers that still stand as out of this world.

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The post The Return of the Nike KD 4 ‘Galaxy’ appeared first on Boardroom.

The NBA released its list of the top-selling jerseys of the 2023-24 season thus far on Tuesday, and Stephen Curry sits in the No. 1 spot, followed by Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum and the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James to round out the top three. Coming in fourth is San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, while Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo wrapped up the top five. Other notable athletes on the NBA Top 15 Jersey Sales list for 2023-24 include Kevin Durant at No. 8, reigning league MVP Joel Embiid at No. 12, and current NBA Finals champion Nikola Jokić in the 14th spot.

Adidas Unveils ‘The Damian Lillard Court’ at Portland Campus Gym

For the first time in company history, Adidas is naming a building on its campus after an athlete. On Tuesday, Three Stripes held a court dedication ceremony to honor Milwaukee Bucks star and Adidas athlete Damian Lillard. “As you know, Damian spent the first 11 years of his career in Portland, building a ‘home’ in the city and setting his roots down with Adidas Basketball for what’s turned into a long and fruitful partnership,” said the brand. Now, whenever the eight-time All-Star returns to Portland, he’ll be “always home.” Adidas signed Lillard ahead of his rookie season in 2012, and together, they have developed eight signature sneakers.

Kristin Juszczyk, NFL Agree to Licensing Deal to Bring Custom Jackets to Masses

After receiving major attention for her custom game-day looks, the NFL and Kristin Juszczyk have reportedly agreed to a licensing deal that will allow her to use official NFL imagery in her designs. Details of the agreement were not yet revealed. Juszczyk, the wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, has had a meteoric rise in popularity thanks to her custom-made apparel she’s designed for the likes of Taylor Swift, 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey‘s fiancée Olivia Culpo, and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes‘ wife, Brittany.

Chiefs-Ravens & 49ers-Lions Bring Record Viewership Numbers to CBS, Fox

The Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens made TV history in Sunday’s NFL Playoff battle by attracting more than 55 million viewers, according to CBS, becoming the most-watched AFC Championship Game ever. The game peaked with more than 64 million viewers, CBS says. On the NFC Championship side, which saw the San Francisco 49ers stage a historic comeback win over the Detroit Lions, Fox reported an average of 56.9 million viewers, making it the network’s fourth most-watched non-Super Bowl NFL game ever. Per the league, 120.4 million people tuned in for Championship Sunday, making it the highest total unduplicated crowd since 2016-17.

Megan Thee Stallion Confirms Summer Tour on ‘Good Morning America’

During an appearance on “Good Morning America,” Megan Thee Stallion confirmed that she’ll be on tour this summer to support her forthcoming third studio album. “Oh, we’re having the tour this year. I feel like I’ve never been able to be outside doing my own thing during the summer since, like, 2019. So, this is going to be the first time that I drop an album on time for the summer. I do want to give the hotties the Megan Thee Stallion experience,” said the rapper. Dates and venues haven’t been revealed yet, but the hotties now have something to look forward to when the weather heats up.

Hayley Jones, Sydney Colson, Natasha Cloud Among WNBA Stars Suiting up for Athletes Unlimited

The final roster for the 2024 Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball season was shared Tuesday, and it features 18 players who finished last year on a WNBA roster as well as 11 more who boast experience in the W at any point. Among those famous faces suiting up next month for the first time are Hayley Jones, Rae Burrell, and Emily Engstler. Returning players include Natasha Cloud, Isabelle Harrison, Lexie Hull, and reigning WNBA champion Sydney Colson. Additionally, AU announced that the WNBA App will stream 18 of 24 games for the league’s third campaign. This marks the second straight year in which WNBA platforms are streaming AU Pro Basketball game action, and the first year AU games will be available to stream for free on the WNBA app.

The post Curry, Tatum, LeBron Top NBA in Jersey Sales Thus Far in 2023-24 appeared first on Boardroom.

As we move forward into 2024, a lineup of leading stars is already on the rise and brands from around the world are pacing toward finding even more momentum across the sneakers marketplace. With the Paris Olympics this summer, the global event will likely act as a key pillar of the calendar for brands to unleash their newest innovations on the world’s greatest athletes. 

This week, let’s lock in on the biggest stories I’m looking forward to for the year ahead.

The Kobe Year 

To close 2023, we saw Nike take a notable step toward revamping its efforts to promote the Kobe Bryant series. A campaign lapping into January launched in key markets like New York and LA, featuring some of Bryant’s most famous mentality moments throughout his 20-year playing career, touting “That’s Mamba.” 

To date, we’ve seen both Vanessa Bryant and Nike lean in often on key dates. There’s an annual “Mambacita” launch on Gigi’s birthday in May, along with an all-white “Halo” launch on 8/24, representing both of Kobe’s jersey numbers and the day after his birthday. 

I’d anticipate Nike to finally meet what’s been a relentless demand for Bryant’s sneakers during “Kobe Year” in ’24. Retailers anticipate a higher volume of products and more frequent launches after fans have largely been frustrated by a lack of availability in the last year.

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The visibility of the “Kobe Brand” is also set to ramp up throughout 2024. There are six NCAA schools in place as “Mamba Colleges” to help highlight pairs on both the men’s and women’s teams, new drops in store for the Kobe 4 Protro, Kobe 8 Protro, and Kobe 9 Protro all year long, and a new accelerated effort around releasing even more Bryant-branded apparel. As part of Nike’s internal re-org to begin 2024, a team of designers has been assigned to work on the Kobe category of products.

With the new contract between the Kobe Bryant Estate and Nike landing in March 2022, the standard corporate 14-18 month product planning calendar is now taking shape as we begin 2024.

More Women’s Sigs & Collections 

As TV ratings, social media metrics, and in-person attendance numbers continue to elevate across women’s sports, I’m also expecting to see even more products associated with women leading the way in hoops to come to market. 

Sabrina Ionescu will launch her second Nike signature shoe during the summer of 2024, with Liberty teammate Breanna Stewart set to launch her third Stewie signature shoe with Puma during the same window. Angel Reese’s first collection with Reebok will debut toward the end of the year during the Fall season. 

The next three players that I see making their mark in the sneaker game are Las Vegas Aces two-time champ A’ja Wilson, NCAA star Caitlin Clark, and USC freshman Juju Watkins. Each is already signed to Nike. 

Wilson is overdue for her own signature shoe. I’d like to see Nike, at the least, create PE colorways of the GT Cut series with Clark that could launch at the end of the year, regardless of whether she enters the WNBA Draft this year or returns for one last collegiate season at Iowa. Juju is must-see TV, getting buckets on a nightly basis at USC. She’s a player that Nike could be building up already with LA regional product launches while she’s still in school. I’m expecting to see all three take their leap as leading faces of Nike Basketball this year. 

Future of Curry Brand 

Since launching in late 2020, Stephen Curry is now on his fourth signature under his own Curry Brand, as he’s looked to establish his new “Splash” logo and the Flow technology that’s made its way across Curry’s product lineup of new models. 

With a lifetime deal in place, 2024 projects to be all about expanding Curry Brand even more. Its first signature athlete, Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox, is set to debut his own namesake silhouette. The new year could bring even more athlete and ambassador signings. 

A potential first appearance for Curry at the Summer Olympics in Paris will also serve up yet another global stage for the Warriors star to showcase the future of his brand.

Year of the Foamposite

One of the keys to watch for Nike Sportswear this year will be the re-emergence of the Foamposite. After the model took off on an extensive run in 2012, the brand tucked the iconic Penny Hardaway sneaker back into the vault in recent years.

This year, it’s looking like a lineup of some of the most beloved Foamposites since its 1997 introduction is on the way back. The classic “Dark Neon Royal” is set to return, with detailing inspired by the sample pair from Nike’s original “Phone Number” campaign, complete with the blue Swoosh border and black and blue carbon fiber checkered shank. 

Look for the Eggplant Retro once again, along with one of the greatest theme colorways ever, as the “Galaxy” Foamposite from 2012 All-Star Weekend sees a return for the first time. 

Now priced at $240 retail, near-monthly Foamposite launches could lead to a serious category driver for Nike’s Sportswear imprint.

Reebok Is Back (again!) 

With new ownership comes new moves, and 2024 should become a foundational year for Reebok’s new vision and direction going forward. President of Basketball Shaquille O’Neal’s first move was signing LSU star Angel Reese to the brand, and this year, Reebok is looking to land an additional face of the company from the NBA. 

Shaq x Reebok

The Big Executive has been tasked with providing strategic direction, athlete recruitment, and marketing briefs for the brand’s upcoming relaunch into hoops.

Check it out!

With a replenished and more strategic retro approach for its coveted Allen Iverson and Shaq models to come this year, I expect ’24 to be the year that sets the company up for decades down the road as Reebok looks to re-capture the success and momentum it enjoyed throughout the 1990s. 

KD 4 Retro Releases

The breakthrough model of Kevin Durant’s line is on the way back, as the KD 4 is set to return all year long in both OG and new looks. Looking back at the original lineup of colorways from the 2011-12 season in which KD made his first trip to the NBA Finals, you realize just how deep the coveted colorways went. 

Durant recently named the “Galaxy” and “Weatherman” themes as his two favorites, although the favorite from most is often the “Nerf” KD 4. With his new lifetime deal with the Swoosh locked in, the KD 4 Retro should look to establish the next chapter of the KD business on the Retro side, with people calling for the return of the strapped-up silhouette for years now, and 2024 finally delivering. 

Tiger’s Next Move 

2024 started with a storyline that nobody would’ve ever expected to become a reality — Nike and Tiger Woods were splitting up. One of the most impactful sports marketing partnerships ever ended after 27 years and hundreds of millions in generated revenue. With Nike shifting to a lessened emphasis on new golf products and an expected focus on its growing Jordan Golf business, the two sides are parting ways as Woods enters the closing chapter of his career on the PGA Tour.

How Nike Made Tiger Woods Bigger than Golf

When Nike invested in a golf phenom that became bigger than the sport itself, the brand and the player didn’t just win. They altered the aesthetic of the sport.

Check it out!

In many ways, the split is comparable to Roger Federer‘s departure from Nike, as the brand struggled to justify paying the tennis icon’s market value when weighed against its small Nike Tennis business. Federer ultimately landed a 10-year, $300 million apparel ambassador deal with Uniqlo and an equity-driven footwear partnership with On that projects to be worth around the same figure.

Going forward, Woods is expected to soon announce his new brand partnership, potentially launching his own “TW” line of apparel in tandem with TaylorMade, according to industry sources. For the last year, he’s primarily played in FootJoy golf shoes on the course.

The Olympics!

The 2020 Olympics were unfortunately impacted due to the pandemic, leading to a shifting launch calendar that brands had trouble planning for once the Summer Games eventually took place in Japan in 2021. This year, the Paris Olympics are set to begin in late July and look to land as a triumphant return for new tech and innovation debuts. 

I’ve always loved seeing what brands have in store from a statement product standpoint, not just for the expected running and basketball events but for new sports like skating or specialty usage sports like weightlifting and even equestrian in years past. 

With the Olympics taking place in one of the world’s fashion capitals, the storytelling should go that much deeper. I’ll have my eye on a handful of hoopers in particular.

France native Victor Wembanyama could launch his first collection of PE colorways in Paris. Curry could debut a new silhouette during his first Olympic appearance. Nikola Jokić is expected to be donning his first signature shoe with 361°. Joel Embiid will also be suiting up for Team USA this summer, and the sneaker free agent could have an Olympic surprise in store.

Last but not least, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should see his star power go to another level as he leads a loaded Team Canada toward a potential Olympic medal. 

Can Kyrie Make His Mark Again? 

After parting ways with Nike over a year ago, Kyrie Irving landed a new five-year shoe deal with Anta that will see his first signature collection launch this spring. Already, he’s been practicing in blacked-out prototypes of two different sneakers from his upcoming KAI branded line, with a series of layered themes and more vibrant retail colorways expected to launch throughout the year. 

When he left Nike, his annual signature business was towering toward $400 million annually, making Irving one of the industry’s most successful series movers. 2024 will be an early indicator of whether Kyrie can continue his success in the industry under his new deal with Anta, which boasts more than 9,000 stores throughout Asia.

His next venture also includes a new wrinkle, with Irving taking an ownership stake in the global distribution plan by becoming an investor in Kicks Crew, where his signature series will be made available to US consumers. 

“It’s a game-changer in the athlete-brand partnership landscape,” said Irving. “It’s not just about endorsing a product anymore — it’s about being actively involved in how that product reaches consumers … We’re redefining the traditional athlete approach to shoe deals.”

If Irving can once again surpass the esteemed $100 million mark for his second act signature business this year, I wouldn’t rule out a return towards him elevating and becoming a top-five seller again.

The Shai Superstar Takeoff 

As the longtime double-digit signature lines of league icons from LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry continue on, there’s a new class of rising stars I expect to see take a huge jump in 2024. That trio should include Anthony Edwards, who’s debut Adidas AE 1 will be one of the best signatures of 2024, rapidly rising Pacers point Tyrese Haliburton, and MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Currently under contract with Converse, if the OKC Thunder star in Gilgeous-Alexander entered a true sneaker free agency this fall, I fully believe that Shai could become one of the most sought-after endorsers in industry history. Several brands would immediately make him the face of their company — meaning a signature shoe will be an expected component of every potential offer.

I’ve been jokingly using this stat when talking to folks throughout the industry about his impact, but it’s still true: Last season, SGA became the first and only player to be named to the All-NBA first team and the All-League Fits first team in the same season. 

While the second award from SLAM’s Instagram off-shoot page might hold less historical significance on paper, it matters, and truly speaks to Shai’s rise as a crossover superstar, where he’s mastered the blend of on- and off-court perhaps better than anyone during the tunnel era. 

With the Thunder now a contending team heading into this year’s playoffs and the Team Canada headliner projecting to be a breakout star at the Paris Olympics, the time is right for a Shai signature business to begin. 

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The post Nick DePaula’s 10 Sneaker Headlines to Look Forward to in 2024 appeared first on Boardroom.

The athlete-to-front office pipeline is not in any way a new phenomenon. For years, a number of the biggest names in sports have entered into professional sports ownership as they transition into the next phase of their life post-retirement.

Just this week, news broke that Alex Rodriguez wants to expand his ownership stake in the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx franchises.

Michael Jordan became the first-ever Black majority owner in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets before selling his stake in 2023.

Magic Johnson has assembled a deep portfolio that spans the MLB, MLS, and NFL, driving his billionaire status.

But they are only a few big names across all the major leagues who couldn’t entirely quit the competition. However, current athletes have been getting a head start in recent years.

While various league rules prohibit entry into the owners’ suite before retirement, several athletes have looked more broadly to get into the game. Let’s take a look at some current all-star athletes who have claimed their seats at the professional sports ownership table with minority team investments.

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*This is a non-exhaustive list of athlete owners

Patrick Mahomes

Two-time NFL MVP Mahomes has already expressed his hopes of owning an NFL team when he steps off the gridiron for the final time. However, he’s developing his ownership chops early with a wide-ranging portfolio.

• Kansas City Royals (MLB)
• Kansas City Current (NWSL)
• Miami Pickleball Club (MLP)
• Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
• Alpine Racing Team (F1)

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka is a champion for athletes. The Evolve co-founder has been a fierce advocate for mental health, and her agency seeks to foster its clients across all aspects of their lives, including their business. The Grand Slam champ may have taken some time off the court to welcome her first child in 2023, but Osaka stayed busy with her sports investments.

• Miami Pickleball Club (MLP)
• North Carolina Courage (NWSL)

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Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman have made no secret about their hopes to one day be NBA co-owners. While KD has discussed the prospect of returning the NBA to Seattle, he’s open to other options. In the meantime, he’s stacking his investments across the sporting world.

• Brooklyn Aces (MLP)
• NY/NJ Gotham FC (NWSL)
• Philadelphia Union (MLS)

LeBron James

King James is no stranger to business off of the court. However, in recent years, he’s expanded his portfolio to include far-reaching ownership stakes, largely thanks to his relationship with Fenway Sports Group.

• Boston Red Sox (MLB)
• Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
• Liverpool FC (Premier League)
• RFK Racing

Myles Garrett

Myles Garrett has had a heck of a year, both on and off the football field. In addition to becoming an equity partner in the Mark Wahlberg-backed brand MUNICIPAL, Garrett also deepened his roots in Cleveland with his newest business venture with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In addition to his minority stake in the team, Garrett also serves as a brand ambassador for the franchise.

• Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
• Texas Ranchers (MLP)

Myles Garrett Suits Up with MUNICIPAL

After joining the Mark Wahlberg-founded active lifestyle brand as an equity partner, the All-Pro defensive end exclusively spoke to Boardroom about his new role, his approach to entrepreneurship, and more.

Check it out!

James Harden

Several seasons may have passed since James Harden was the heart of the Houston Rockets, but the current Clipper maintains a connection to the city he once loved.

• Houston Dash (NWSL)
• Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)

Lewis Hamilton

Sir Lewis knows certainly how to make a splash. The highly decorated Mercedes driver is a key component of Formula 1‘s booming global success in recent years. While he’s broken many barriers in the past, Hamilton most recently made headlines due to his participation in the record-setting Denver Broncos’ $4.65 million sale in 2022.

• Denver Broncos (NFL)

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Candace Parker

Candace Parker‘s injury may have kept her off the court for the Las Vegas Aces‘ WNBA title, but her impact on the team should not be overlooked. Parker has already established herself as a key contributor to the NBA on TNT team as an analyst, so it only makes sense that she’s taking her athletic genius to the ownership office. Parker signed on with the star-studded Angel City FC team, joining fellow GOATS Serena Williams, Abby Wambach, and so many more.

• Angel City FC (NWSL)

Aaron Rodgers

AR12 had a bit of an acrimonious departure from Green Bay, but he is still tethered to the community that fostered his NFL greatness. In 2018, Rodgers secured a minority stake in the Bucks.

• Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)

Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson keeps up both his hustle and his bustle off the field. Although the Super Bowl champ cut ties with the team he led to the title, he maintains a steady connection to Seattle.

• Seattle Sounders (MLS)

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As the holiday season leads to the calendar turning from 2023 to 2024, there are certain tentpole events in the sports business world that we’re already greatly anticipating.

The NBA is expected to sign a new media contract that would begin in 2025 and be worth vastly more than the $2.67 billion it makes on its current deal. After the Finals in June, local TV contracts for 15 NBA teams under Bally Sports will expire, ushering in a summer of media-free agency we haven’t seen in a long time. That same month, soccer’s highly anticipated European championships in Germany will be followed shortly thereafter in late July by the Summer Olympics in Paris, where the US men’s basketball team will look to avenge a fourth-place finish at this year’s World Cup.

A college football national champion will be crowned in January, the last title in the four-team College Football Playoff era before it expands to 12 in 2025. In February, the Super Bowl comes to Las Vegas for the first time. It could make the final year Vegas doesn’t have an MLB team, with the Oakland A’s set to move when their Oakland Coliseum lease expires next October. It’s an exciting time for a city that hosted its first-ever Formula 1 race in 2023 and houses the two-time WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.

Enough talk, let’s look into the Boardroom crystal ball and make 10 sports business predictions for 2024!

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Amazon, NBC, and Peacock will gain NBA media rights deals.

The NBA can’t afford to lose ESPN and Turner as television partners, and vice versa. While they’ll eventually come to an agreement to extend their respective rights deals, both deals will come with fewer games as the league’s price tag will be a limiting factor given the networks’ need to spend on other sports media rights.

A streaming partner will be a necessity for any league moving forward — Amazon will get games at least weekly in their newest breakthrough deal to complement the NFL in the US. There’s going to be a fierce battle for Thursday night, with TNT wanting to keep its traditional slot and Amazon wanting to make Thursdays its signature live sports night to go with football.

And finally, who doesn’t love the ’90s NBA on NBC nostalgia? NBC and Peacock will get a few games per month, primarily for streaming non-exclusive local games like the NHL with Hulu and MLB with ESPN+. Disney won’t be happy with ABC not being the only traditional broadcast network getting games, but times change, and having the NBA back on NBC 5-10 times a year will feel so right.

After the deal gets done, the league will get more serious about expanding from 30 to 32 teams. Las Vegas and Seattle are the overwhelming favorites to land the new franchises.

The 12-team CFP will lead to further conference realignment and turmoil.

Expanding the College Football Playoff from four to 12 teams will make things more fair and equitable, right?

Wrong!

Just take a look at the top 12 in this year’s final CFP rankings. As of next season, Florida State will have been the only team outside the SEC and Big Ten in the top dozen. While each major conference champion will get automatic spots, the SEC and Big Ten will inevitably gobble up all the at-large bids. That will only lead to more big-time schools like Florida State and Clemson pressing to leave to the behemoths.

The big question is whether the Big 12 and ACC will stay competitive enough in a 12-team playoff era to sustain itself. I’m betting it won’t, leading to the two major conference models we’re seemingly destined to enter, with NIL further separating the haves and the have-nots.

Baseball expansion talks will gain some serious steam.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred‘s said for years that when the A’s and Rays get their stadium situations sorted, the league will start thinking about expansion. Late this year, the A’s got league ownership approval to move the team to Las Vegas, and the Rays reached an agreement to build a new stadium in St. Pete that will lead to decades more of dismally embarrassing attendance.

Cities like Nashville, Charlotte, Portland, Montreal, and Salt Lake are ready to ratchet up expansion discussions with MLB. For the first time in decades, the league will finally be open and receptive to expand for the first time since 1998.

Jude Bellingham will be regarded as the world’s best soccer player.

Maybe it’s the surreal brace I witnessed in Barcelona at El Clásico in October. Perhaps it’s the 17 goals in 20 games across all competitions for a 20-year-old in his first season at Real Madrid. But I believe 2024 is the year attacking midfielder Jude Bellingham becomes known as the best soccer player on the planet.

That designation will be sealed in June and July when Bellingham leads Madrid to the Champions League title over Erling Haaland and Manchester City, and Jude paces England to the Euro 2024 title over Kylian Mbappé and France. Mbappé will then star for the French at the Paris Olympics and turn around and spurn Paris Saint-Germain to join Bellingham at Real Madrid. But a year from now, we’ll be looking at Bellingham as the world’s top player, opening up a slew of marketing and portfolio-building opportunities for the youngster.

Barcelona & Real Madrid Need Each Other

Boardroom went behind the scenes in Spain to break down the business behind El Clásico.

Check it out!

MLB and NHL will seriously consider in-season tournaments of their own.

After seeing the NBA’s In-Season Tournament spice up its early season and increase national and local TV ratings by 26 and 20%, respectively, baseball and hockey will get on the cup bandwagon for 2025.

For MLB, this is a no-brainer. Have one Tuesday or Thursday game per week for a month in April and May count as Selig Cup matches, with the top eight heading to a single-elimination tournament at a warm neutral site over Memorial Day weekend. The NHL can do something similar, with the semifinals and finals replacing or adding to the Winter Classic on New Year’s Day.

It’s time we gave those sports some more early regular-season juice and conversational journey. All they need to do is simply follow the NBA’s lead. The NFL season is too short for a tournament, but we’ll soon see every team playing one neutral site, international game within the next 3-5 years.

The 2024 US men’s Olympic basketball team will rival the Redeem Team and the Dream Team as the best Team USA squads ever.

The last time a senior US men’s basketball team had a showing as poor as its fourth-place finish at the 202 World Cup, we got the legendary LeBron, Kobe, D-Wade, and Melo-led Redeem Team for the 2008 Olympics. I predict the projected roster for the 2024 team in Paris will end up being better than 2008, challenging the 1992 Dream Team for the best USA Basketball team ever.

LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, and Damian Lillard? Plus, other All-Stars waiting in the wings, such as potentially Kawhi Leonard, Jaylen Brown, Paul George, Bam Adebayo, Draymond Green, and many others? The 2024 US team will be out for revenge in Paris and could emerge as the best basketball team ever assembled.

Bonus Olympics predictions: Look for the US women’s soccer team to avenge its poor World Cup showing, with Sophia Smith emerging as a household name. Another name to watch out for? Give me Sha’Carri Richardson dominating on the track.

The biggest women’s NCAA tournament ever will lead to the best WNBA rookie class ever.

With record crowds and television ratings, women’s college basketball has never been more popular. The game’s biggest stars like Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese will not only lead women’s March Madness to outshine the men once again but will also bring with it the best WNBA draft class ever.

Clark teaming with Aaliyah Boston with the Indiana Fever? Brink or Bueckers bringing the LA Sparks back to greatness or leading the Phoenix Mercury or Seattle Storm into their next eras? Sign me up!

On that note, the WNBA Draft needs more shine. Let’s put it at an arena where fans can bring the live energy. Even better? Hold it the night of or the night after the Final Four in the host city — ratings and buzz bonanza.

Look out for a company like Amazon or Netflix to try to get into the RSN game.

With Sinclair’s Diamond Sports in bankruptcy proceedings, more and more teams will follow the lead of the Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, and others to put their games on free TV with an added direct-to-consumer subscription product. But the opportunity is wide open for a streamer like Amazon or Netflix to gobble up Diamond deals across the NBA, NHL, and MLB.

Amazon is reportedly already in talks with Diamond for an investment to do just that with a multi-year Prime Video streaming partnership. But if that fails, streamers should try to pick teams up a-la-carte to bring more premium sports content to their subscribers. The RSN model is clearly dead, and 2024 will be when seismic change occurs in how local fans watch their sports.

As F1 interest levels off stateside, the league will try to pursue a fourth US race … in NYC.

While Formula 1 remains incredibly popular in the US, its average television viewership of 1.11 million per race is down from 1.21 million in 2022. It’s the first major sign of F1 popularity peaking in the US despite three American races on the schedule in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas.

As 2024 progresses, noise will grow louder about moving the Austin race to New York City in the future, whether at Central Park, the Brooklyn waterfront, or a more remote location like Randall’s Island.

Who are the Highest-paid F1 Drivers?

With all the familiar names at the top — led by reigning champ Max Verstappen — Boardroom outlines the highest-paid F1 drivers in 2023.

Check it out!

“Racing in New York, in Manhattan, if that were ever to be possible, that would be great without discounting all the other venues,” Mercedes principal and part owner Toto Wolff told me earlier this year. “We’ll find a way around that’s spectacular. I don’t know where it would be, but racing on Fifth Avenue? It would be amazing.”

New York City would continue the sport’s momentum that may have finally leveled off in 2023.

Volleyball will separate itself as the next big women’s sport.

Women’s sports has never had more momentum. The WNBA is expanding and growing. The NWSL signed a record-breaking media deal, cementing its well-earned ascent. And after seeing the success of college volleyball, capped by Texas upsetting Nebraska in the national championship game, it’s clear to see that volleyball will emerge as the next big women’s sport.

Pro women’s volleyball leagues like League One Volleyball (LOVB) and Athletes Unlimited will take advantage of that in ways softball couldn’t, promoting the top college stars, combining them with the top global pros, and gaining more visibility. It’s a long, drawn-out process to gain relevance and popularity — look at pro women’s basketball and soccer— but volleyball is next.

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The post 10 Sports Business Predictions for 2024 appeared first on Boardroom.

What do Kris Kringle, firefighters, and Kevin Durant all have in common?

They work on Christmas.

Since becoming an All-Star starter and NBA scoring champ, the league has leveraged KD as a mainstay for their marquee action each Dec. 25. This holiday season, Kevin will be partaking in his eleventh Christmas Day game.

The trend began in 2010 when the then-22-year-old talent led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a home win over the Denver Nuggets.

Playing in front of 18,000 fans in OKC and millions more on TV, Durant dominated all adversaries by dropping 44 points — the highest scoring total league-wide on the NBA’s biggest day of the year.

While KD stood out on the court and in box scores, his shoes shined even more. Debuting the Nike KD3 “Christmas” in his breakout performance, the bright yellow sneakers stamped Durant’s performance as not only a face of the league but a luminary at Nike.

Ascending as a priority at the Beaverton brand with his first signature shoe in 2008, Durant climbed the ladder at Nike each season through play and personality. It all exploded in 2010 when he opened the year with his whole roster in “Creamsicle” kicks, amplified to another level that August when he led Team USA to Gold in Turkey.

The success was christened in December when Durant formally found himself alongside Kobe Bryant and LeBron James as a member of the basketball brand’s Big Three.

The 2010 Nike Basketball “Stoplight” Pack positioned LeBron, KD, and Kobe as the crème de la crème of personality-driven performance footwear. It solidified Durant as a priority for Nike’s broader basketball business for years to come.

“It shows that he’s arrived,” Charles Terrell, then Pro Basketball Nike Field Representative, told Nick DePaula in 2010. “It’s kind of his coming out party. It’s our way of launching him internally and saying, ‘Hey, he’s our guy, and he’s prominent on holidays too.’”

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Playing off Christmas colors and inordinate drive, the LeBron 8 V2 “Run On Red,” KD3 “No Yield For Yellow,” and Kobe 6 “Green Means Go” all added to the seasonal excitement by branding basketball shoes as a Christmas gift in an on the nose sense.

In reality, it was a two-pronged play for the best marketing company in the world. Not only would the NBA’s elite debut Christmas colorways on national TV, but fans could grab or gift the same shoes as a sentimental moment.

In short order, the shoes sold out, with KD’s Yuletide yellow pair appearing under trees and on courts around the globe.

In the long run, it was a tipping point moment for a Golden Era of hardwood heat.

Although the shoes were meant to move, Nike Basketball likely didn’t expect that the coveted Christmas sneakers would hold the high ground in footwear folklore all year long and for decades to come. What they were acutely aware of was the momentum said shoes would start all season long surrounding signature shoes.

Basketball season was no longer tied to tryouts and summer camps. Rather, there were moments to celebrate all year long.

In a sense, the 2010 Nike Basketball “Stoplight” Pack set a precedent for aligning athletes on All-Star activations, Black History Month makeups, Easter iterations, and countless colorways for years to come.

For the first time since the mid-90s, Nike Basketball had the market in an absolute chokehold. The front half of the 2010s saw the Swoosh creating coveted classics that not only rose to the occasion on the court but created instant clout through casual crossover.

Over the last dozen years, the Nike KD3 “Christmas” has remained relevant and revered in OG form thanks to its rarity and aesthetic.

High-level hoopers on both sides of the ball — and in the tunnel — have dusted off the 2010 take when the lights get the brightest.

Household names from PJ Tucker to Tyler Herro have brought out original pairs to acclaim on League Fits and Kicks on Court alike. Each time a player pops up with the coveted KDs, those unable to pay resale rates or tirelessly dig in the crates start salivating over the chance of a retro release.

This holiday season, our wishes are granted as the Nike KD3 Retro “Christmas” will launch for the first time.

Following in the footsteps of the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Green Means Go” — better known as the “Grinch” — the KD3 Retro offers a second chance at one of basketball’s best stocking stuffers.

Paving the way for nearly a half dozen “Christmas” KDs to follow, the “No Yield For Yellow” KD3 set the pace for Kevin Durant’s ascent as a face of the NBA and Nike Basketball — a mantle he’s held for the last 12 years.

In the time since the 2010 original, Durant has won two NBA Championships, two NBA Finals MVPs, and one NBA MVP. Off the court, he’s signed a lifetime contract with Nike and is already on his 16th signature model.

While his first Christmas Day Game positioned him as basketball’s best scorer and Nike’s new kid on the block, he’s kept that same energy every season since.

As this Christmas approaches, Kevin Durant is an early MVP candidate on the court and a major player in the sportswear industry in both performance and retro sneaker markets.

It’s all accolades and a status he carries at age 35 in Phoenix, starring each night for the Suns while moonlighting as a media mogul at Boardroom and executive producer for Drake.

It’s a life KD couldn’t imagine when dropping 44 points in his Christmas Day debut, let alone when opening up Christmas gifts as a kid in DC.

This holiday season is also a second chance on a Christmas classic most footwear fans thought would never return.

The Nike KD3 Retro “Christmas” is back now at select Nike Basketball accounts and on SNKRS.

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The post The Nike KD3 ‘Christmas’ Retro Revival appeared first on Boardroom.

With the holiday season nearly in full swing, Foot Locker is getting creative with its offerings.

In its preparation for the inevitable shopping rush, Foot Locker has tapped NBA stars Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry to be the leading faces of its holiday campaign. Foot Locker announced its hoop-focused holiday lineup — one that also includes fellow NBAers Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, as well as global music artist Enisa — last week in conjunction with the launch of the company’s new global platform, The Heart of Sneakers.

The new Foot Locker platform aims to be a first-of-its-kind, sticking out in a space that can get crowded during the holidays. The Heart of Sneakers is an ongoing one that will incorporate all of the company’s campaigns, online and in-store experiences, community events, and much more. Through The Heart of Sneakers, sneaker fans can stay on top of all the latest releases — some of which may be some of the more popular pairs of sneakers out there, such as Durant’s KD 16 in the Aunt Pearl colorway.

“Any time I get to show love to the Aunt Pearl colorway, I’m excited,” Kevin Durant said of the Foot Locker partnership. “Getting to put pairs in the hands of real hoopers — and be able to be a little creative with it — was at the heart of this campaign.” 

Transcending Time with the ‘Aunt Pearl’ Collection

The Phoenix Suns star’s newest signature shoe and a retro favorite are embracing a famed philanthropic theme — welcome to the world of Aunt Pearl.

Check it out!

Anyone immersed in the space knows that sneakers are more than simply shoes; it’s a lifestyle. As a leader in the community, it’s not shocking to find Foot Locker at the center of it all with the creation of The Heart of Sneakers, which is more than just a place to find the latest styles.

If you know Foot Locker for anything other than its place in kicks, it’s likely for its iconic store associates. Also known as “Stripers,” due to the referee-like striped shirt all associates wear in-store at any Foot Locker location, the store employees will continue to act as a “connection between sneakers and the sneaker-passionate.” They have been and will continue to be featured in the roll-out for the new platform, which allows sneakerheads far and wide to stay dialed in on all of the brand’s campaigns, online and in-store experiences, community-rooted events, and more moving forward.

“For nearly 50 years, our authentic connection to sneaker culture and our Stripers have been the magic behind Foot Locker,” said Kim Waldmann, Global Chief Customer Officer at Foot Locker. “Through The Heart of Sneakers platform, created with our advertising agency of record, Preacher, we’ll continue to put the heart of our company’s DNA front and center in communities globally, creating an unrivaled experience only found at Foot Locker.”

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The platform was launched just in time for the holiday rush, and as evident by Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry leading the charge, Foot Locker tapped a star-studded NBA-focused lineup to lead its campaign as we move closer to the end of the year. And while the former teammates have felt the pressures of playing in a Finals, they even need assistance in securing that coveted pair of kicks from time to time, and that’s where the Stripers come into play.

Stripers have multiple components to their job, but as we near December, one of their more important roles is simple — bring the “hype for the holidays.” For Durant, Curry, and anyone using the new The Heart of Sneakers platform or visiting a store in person, these specific Foot Locker employees are pivotal during this season of giving.

“Foot Locker’s Stripers continue to be the heart of the shopping experience, as sneaker enthusiasts across the globe have long looked to them as their reliable experts,” the company said in a release.

Be sure to stay tuned to Foot Locker’s social accounts as the holiday campaign continues to play out over the coming weeks.

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The post Kevin Durant Leads a Star-studded Foot Locker Holiday Campaign appeared first on Boardroom.

When Drake dropped For All the Dogs, he indicated he was lining up some long-overdue time off. Just a month or so later, and he’s already back. The 6 God announced that he’s releasing his eighth studio album, Scary Hours 3, on Friday. The new Drake project tapped Kevin Durant and Noel Cadastre as executive producers. The rapper revealed the album just as he debuted the first visuals for “First Person Shooter,” featuring J. Cole. The two recreate the iconic image of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo playing chess from this year’s Louis Vuitton campaign.

Read more about Drake’s newest drop from Boardroom’s Ian Stonebrook.

MLB Owners Unanimously Approve the A’s Move to Las Vegas

The MLB is one step closer to making its Sin City move. MLB owners unanimously approved the Oakland Athletics’ proposed relocation to Vegas, which includes a new ballpark on the Strip that will be completed in 2028. While a legal challenge from Nevada teachers regarding $380 million in public funding for the proposed $1.5 billion ballpark for the A’s is ongoing, the owners’ vote marks a major hurdle that MLB has cleared.

Boardroom’s Shlomo Sprung has the details on the A’s big move.

Jack Harlow, Dolly Parton, & Steve Aoki to Headline NFL’s Thanksgiving Halftime Shows

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, family, and football. This year, the NFL is delivering its fans an extended entertainment lineup with its Turkey Day games. The shield announced that next Thursday’s tripleheader will feature halftime performances from Jack Harlow (Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions), Dolly Parton (Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders), and Steve Aoki (Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers). The NFL‘s head of music, Seth Dudowsky, confirmed the performances, saying, “Our Thanksgiving games are among the biggest platforms in all of broadcast television, and these halftime performances continue to grow as premiere showcases for artists from across the musical spectrum.”

Arctos Expands Sports Portfolio with Investment in Aston Martin F1 Team

Formula 1 is rolling into Las Vegas this weekend for the first-ever Sin City event. Amid the glitz and glamour of the race weekend, a huge story hit the sport. Private equity firm Arctos Partners announced its minority investment the Aston Martin racing team at a $1.24 billion valuation. The newest addition extends Arctos‘ bustling sports portfolio, which includes the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool, and the Golden State Warriors.

John Legend, T-Pain, Sia Among Artists Lending Voice to YouTube AI Tool

While no one really knows how much a feature from your favorite artist may run you, it’s safe to assume it’s more than the average musician can afford. YouTube is helping creators’ dreams come true with its newest AI tool. “Dream Track” will allow users to utilize the vocal stylings of artists such as John Legend, T-Pain, Sia, Demi Lovato, and more to generate short feature tracks. Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s head of music, indicated that the tool can be a key component of the future of fan engagement. “The experiment is designed to help explore how the technology could be used to create deeper connections between artists and creators, and ultimately, their fans,” Cohen said in a statement. The 30-second clips can be shared exclusively on YouTube Shorts.

Foot Locker Becomes NBA’s Official Marketing Partner

The NBA and Foot Locker have announced a multi-year deal that makes the global footwear and apparel leader an official league marketing partner in the US. The two brands will hold special activations and collaborations at marquee events during the NBA season, including All-Star weekend. To celebrate the partnership, Foot Locker had an NBA takeover of its flagship Times Square location, with the store’s 300-foot digital screens counting down to the official launch.

Read more about the NBA’s newest partnership from Boardroom’s Shlomo Sprung.

The post Drake Drops ‘Scary Hours 3’ Album with Kevin Durant as EP appeared first on Boardroom.

Kevin Durant and Drake are not using the latter months of 2023 to bask in what they’ve already accomplished.

Simultaneously leading the Suns in scoring and the world in streams, Easy Money Sniper and Champagne Papi started the season with For All the Dogs: Drake’s No. 1 album A&R’d by Durant.

The October release topped the charts in 10 countries, turning in a sprawling 23 tracks. Thursday, the run continues with the surprise release of Scary Hours 3.

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Announced on Instagram by The Boy, the third installment of the extended play series follows what was believed to be a break from music and touring after the release of FATD and the end of the It’s All a Blur Tour.

That proved to be a pump fake.

This week, Aubrey added another leg to the acclaimed road run, set to tour arenas in January with support from J Cole.

On Wednesday, the two rappers doubled down on the news by releasing the video for “First Person Shooter Mode” — the No. 1 single off the October album that tied Drake with Michael Jackson for most chart-toppers and gave Jermaine Cole his first single as Billboard’s best.

In less than 24 hours, the duet visual has already accrued over 2.7 million video views on YouTube. It all adds up to the buzz of both the tour and surprise EP.

With Scary Hours 3, Drake, Durant, and esteemed engineer Noel Cadastre are all billed as executive producers. OVO Noel has been working with Drake since Thank Me Later, with Durant formally joining the fold on For All the Dogs.

For those keeping track at home, the Scary Hours series started in 2018 with the two-track release of “God’s Plan” and “Diplomatic Immunity.” The EP’s opener went on to go Diamond on RIAA and viral on YouTube, amassing over 1.5 billion views and counting.

Scary Hours 2 came in 2021, offering an appetizer for Certified Lover Boy later that year. The three-track project produced another No. 1 hit for Drake in the form of “What’s Next,” reuniting with Lil Baby and Rick Ross on “Wants & Needs” and “Lemon Pepper Freestyle,” respectively.

Upon arrival, each Scary Hours 2 track took the top three spots on that week’s Billboard Hot 100.

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Though details around Scary Hours 3 remain scarce, an ominous midnight release and continued work with KD are confirmed.

Not only does this project follow Durant’s A&R work on For All the Dogs, but it comes amid rumors of an upcoming project with Blueprint producer Bink alongside rappers Ransom and 38 Spesh.

“KD been wearing his executive hat,” 38 Spesh told Rap Radar Podcast in September. “KD got an ear. He knows good music, he’s got a good ear. A real good ear. It surprised me how in tune he is.”

Dialed in, Durant and Drake are both doing numbers where rap records are concerned.

The A&R arrival in October saw KD and OVO claim seven out of the top 10 spots on Billboard’s singles charts. Getting back at it during in-season tournament play, Thursday’s executive producer pivot proves the latest move for the restless rapper and active All-Star.

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The post Kevin Durant Joins Drake & Noel Cadastre as Executive Producers on ‘Scary Hours 3’ appeared first on Boardroom.

The NBA and Foot Locker have announced a multi-year deal that makes the global footwear and apparel leader an official league marketing partner in the U.S.

The two brands will hold special activations and collaborations at marquee events during the NBA season, including All-Star weekend. To celebrate the partnership, Foot Locker had an NBA takeover of its flagship Times Square, New York City location, with the store’s 300-foot digital screens counting down to the official launch.

As part of its new pact, Foot Locker will receive media exposure, including on-court virtual signage during nationally televised broadcasts and on league digital and social media platforms.

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“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Foot Locker, a brand entrenched in basketball and pop culture,” said Salvatore LaRocca, the NBA’s president of global partnerships. “Foot Locker will offer its customers an elevated connection to the NBA through a variety of marketing programs, bringing our fans closer to the game.”

Additionally, members of Foot Locker’s FLX loyalty program will get additional connection points through the partnership.

“This exciting partnership cements Foot Locker’s position at the center of basketball and sneaker culture and expands our collaborative journey with the NBA,” added Frank Bracken, Foot Locker’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer.  “We look forward to working together to create unforgettable events and experiences that further engage NBA fans and our customers in support of our Lace Up plan.”  

Last week, Foot Locker launched The Heart of Sneakers, celebrating sneaker culture and its role in the sneaker community. Its star-studded holiday campaign will feature Kevin Durant, LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and Steph Curry.

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The post NBA Names Foot Locker Official Marketing Partner appeared first on Boardroom.

Receiving signature shoes is every basketball player’s “dream come true” endorsement deal. More than ever, this current NBA season is seeing more namesake silhouettes hitting the hardwood. 

In all, 26 players will lace up their own signature shoe during the 2023-24 campaign, a record by my count across league history. That tally is also totaled across a wider net of brands than usual, with 10 companies from around the globe in the fold. 

For the past handful of seasons, I’ve noticed that signature shoes aren’t headlined by just the athletes who have one, either. The impact and brand visibility extend well beyond the superstar player.

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Over 65% of NBA players actually wear a signature-branded shoe, as we’re seeing dozens of dudes lace up the KD 15 and 16s or the LeBron 20. It’s not just Nike either – many Adidas athletes have been rockin’ the Harden 7; Puma players have opted for LaMelo Ball or Breanna Stewart’s signature models; and the Lukas have been popular among Jordan athletes. 

This season also represents a bit of a changing of the guard and shuffling of the deck in the marketplace. There are signature newcomers now in the mix, like Devin Booker, Austin Reaves, Anthony Edwards, and rookie Scoot Henderson. 

Then there are future Hall of Famers in Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Derrick Rose. They may not have continuing numbered signature models but are still each featured faces of their respective Jordan, Nike, and Adidas partnerships, wearing past signature or takedown models with their own signature logos. 

Meanwhile, reigning MVP Joel Embiid, currently a sneaker free agent, has also continued to wear his Under Armour Embiid 1 signature shoe that was initially created for and released during the 2020-21 season as he looks to land his next deal. 

In all, the signature formula is here to stay as brands look for a featured endorser that can not only headline their own silhouette but also represent their company’s newest innovations, design concepts, and campaigns on a global level. 

The Nike Book 1: A Future Classic

From lifelong sneaker collector to refined tastemaker, the evolution of Devin Booker can be simply seen in his first signature sneaker.

Check it out!

Nike

LeBron James
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Kevin Durant
Ja Morant
Devin Booker

Jordan Brand

Luka Dončić
Jayson Tatum
Zion Williamson

Adidas

James Harden
Damian Lillard
Donovan Mitchell
Trae Young
Anthony Edwards

Puma

LaMelo Ball 
Scoot Henderson

New Balance

Kawhi Leonard

Curry Brand

Stephen Curry

De’Aaron Fox x Stephen Curry

The Sacramaneto Kings speedster is officially Curry Brand’s first signature athlete, getting his own shoe line next year.

Check it out!

ANTA

Klay Thompson
Gordon Hayward 
Kyrie Irving

Peak

Andrew Wiggins

361

Aaron Gordon
Spencer Dinwiddie

Li-Ning

CJ McCollum 
Jimmy Butler

Rigorer

Austin Reaves

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The post Signature Shoes in the NBA for the 2023-24 Season appeared first on Boardroom.

Kevin Durant’s most recent KD16 drop pays homage to what he’s building with Boardroom. This launch puts power to that mission, co-branding the signature shoes he’s wearing while averaging almost 30 points a night. It also reinforces the idea that despite Durant chasing his hoop dreams, he’s majored in business at every stop. Inspired by a boss in both arenas, the Nike KD16 “Boardroom” is available now at Nike.

Read more about the shoe’s inspiration from Boardroom’s Ian Stonebrook. 

Hip-hop and Pop Lead Streaming Numbers, Lag in Concert Revenue

The calendar is closing in 2023. As the year winds down, Dan Runcie’s Trapital has released its annual report, diving into the biggest trends in the music business. While hip-hop and pop combine to account for 60% of all streaming numbers, they only total 37% of all concert revenue. Additionally, the report dives into the emergence of AI in the music industry, the major money potential of “superfans,” and more.

Click here to read the 2023 Trapital Report.

TGL Reveals Rules & Scoring Structures For Inaugural 2024 Season

The TMRW Golf League (TGL), shepherded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, announced Tuesday the rules and structures for league play, which is set to begin Jan. 9, 2024. TGL franchise Atlanta Drive GC also revealed Tuesday that PGA Tour pro golfer Justin Thomas will headline the roster of players owned by Arthur Blank’s AMB Sports and Entertainment. Other players are expected to be added soon. As for the procedures, there will be 15 holes per match — nine holes of triples and six holes of singles. The nine triple holes will take place in the first session via 3-vs-3 alternate shots, with the second session being the head-to-head singles (each player will play two holes in this session). Each hole is worth one point; ties are worth zero points.

Chiefs Star Travis Kelce Files 5 Trademark Applications for Apparel, Cereal, More

Travis Kelce plans to capitalize on a successful 2023 and expand his businesses with five trademark applications filed Monday, per Josh Gerben of Gerben Law. “TRAVIS KELCE” is the most obvious, with the Kansas City Chiefs tight end planning to attach his name on everything from apparel like hats, hoodies, t-shirts, and sweats to lapel pins, buttons, and entertainment services like personal appearances. “KILLATRAV,” Kelce’s Instagram handle, will be utilized for the same purposes listed above in addition to “continuing information and online publications featuring sports, entertainment, and popular culture delivered by the internet, namely, through social media posts.” The other phrases trademarked by Kelce are “ALRIGHT NAH,” “FLIGHT 87,” and KELCE’S CRUNCH,” a breakfast cereal.

Boardroom’s Shlomo Sprung has more details on Kelce’s latest business moves.

Lacrosse Federations Form ELEVATE28 to Increase Participation Ahead of LA28 Olympics

Eight of the leading lacrosse federations in the United States announced Tuesday the formation of ELEVATE28 and its goal to double the country’s participation in the sport to 4 million annual players by the end of the decade. Athletes Unlimited, Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association, Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association, J Tsai Sports, National Lacrosse League, Premier Lacrosse League, USA Lacrosse, and World Lacrosse all signed a charter, promising to unify, communicate, and support one another to accomplish this endeavor. ELEVATE28’s inception comes following the decision from the International Olympic Committee to include lacrosse in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. It marks the sixth time lacrosse has been included in the Olympics, but the first time as a medal sport since the 1908 Summer Games in London.

TNT Sports, Cosm Agree to First-of-its-kind Broadcast Partnership

TNT Sports and Cosm announced a multi-year first-of-its-kind broadcast partnership Wednesday in which Cosm will produce and present select live premium sports programming from across TNT Sports’ imprint in engaging 8K+ at its forthcoming venues. Cosm venues are scheduled to host select NBA on TNT regular season and playoff games (along with TNT’s exclusive coverage of the NBA’s Eastern or Western Conference Finals each year), TNT‘s coverage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and select USMNT and USWNT matches. Cosm’s first two public sites are set to open next year in Los Angeles at Hollywood Park and Dallas at Grandscape.

Earlier this year, Boardroom’s Michelai Graham went behind the scenes with Cosm at NBA All-Star Weekend.

The post Kevin Durant Blends Business and Fashion with the ‘Boardroom’ KD16 appeared first on Boardroom.

When Kevin Durant enrolled at the University of Texas 17 years ago, he declared himself not as a business major but as the best amateur player in the country.

Scoring over 25 points a night while averaging a double-double as a freshman, it took one year of college for KD to sweep the NCAA’s award season.

The same summer his classmates were selecting their fall courses, Durant was inking multi-million dollar deals with Nike and the Seattle Supersonics.

Despite two semesters of college credits, Durant was a professional at 18 — and a successful one, at that.

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Since Durant left Austin, he’s won scoring titles in Oklahoma City and gold medals in London. When taking his talents to The Bay, he added two NBA Finals MVPs to his resume while getting his feet wet with investments in technology.

Informally and fluidly, the education major with a minor in social work has continued to learn on the fly and give back at every corner.

At 35 years of age, KD’s not just a future Hall of Famer, but a modern mogul with a portfolio that reaches far farther than his 7’5 wingspan. While dreams of being a weatherman may have inspired his previous work with the Swoosh, the realities of being a media mogul define the Nike KD16 “Boardroom” release.

Suited and booted in black jacquard styling with suave creme accents, the “Boardroom” KD16 stands on business both in the corner office and on an island when iso-ing a defender.

This iteration of the KD16 leverages silent strength in the form of Boardroom branding on the insole. 35 Ventures tongue tagging speaks to a man who’s getting it done at the highest heights in sports, entertainment, and entrepreneurship.

It’s aspirational in a way that speaks to any athlete or creator looking to follow in Durant’s footsteps.

“The KD16 Boardroom design is not only Kevin’s nod to what he’s built off the court but is a way for us to inspire confidence for anyone to rock it in any setting,” said Rich Kleiman, CEO and co-founder of Boardroom.

Since building Boardroom with Durant in 2018, Kleiman’s co-founded media company has evolved from a streaming stalwart to a multi-platform brand.

Introducing the Nike KD ‘Aunt Pearl’ Collection

KD’s newest signature shoe and a retro favorite are embracing a famed philanthropic theme — welcome to the world of Aunt Pearl.

Let’s Go!

As entrepreneurs, both KD and Kleiman reside as faces and voices of their media company, appearing in video and playing integral parts in partnerships with the likes of Nike, Coinbase, and Weedmaps.

From acclaimed documentaries with Showtime to live events with CNBC, Boardroom has aimed to add value and capital to Durant’s diverse interests in sports, music, tech, and entertainment.

This limited launch puts power to that mission, co-branding the signature shoes he’s wearing while averaging almost 30 points a night. It also reinforces the idea that despite Durant chasing his hoop dreams, he’s majored in business at every stop.

“Be it the actual boardroom or on the court, it’s a little nod to the idea that business happens everywhere you are,” Kleiman said. 

Inspired by a boss in both arenas, the Nike KD16 “Boardroom” is available now at Nike.

Want to Wear It Like KD?

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The post The Nike KD16 ‘Boardroom’ Has Arrived appeared first on Boardroom.

Kevin Durant started the 2023-24 NBA season in a familiar fashion.

Winning on the road in his old Bay Area home, the two-time Finals MVP tipped off his first full year in Phoenix adorned in purple. Showcasing shades of nostalgia on his Suns’ modernized Sunburst uniforms, the palette protruded all the way to his two-tone Nike KD16s, saturated in lavender and violet hues.

To the acclimated eye, the purple pair was in line with last season’s “B.A.D.” Nike KD15: a tribute to his late grandmother, Barbara A. Davis. Debuting in April, the heartfelt project was the latest in a long line of shoes honoring the women who have shaped his life.

While the 13-time All-Star’s mother, Ms. Wanda Durant, is forever known in hoops circles as The Real MVP, sneakerheads now hail the lifetime Nike athlete’s Aunt Pearl.

“I know the pink Aunt Pearls are a popular, popular shoe,” Ms. Wanda told Boardroom in April of the close-to-home collection. “People look forward to the pink Pearl coming out ever since the creation.”

Debuting at retail in 2012 by way of the uber-popular Nike KD4, the Aunt Pearl theme has become a force in Durant’s storied signature line — and a culture-shifter aesthetically.

Historically, pink pairs of performance basketball shoes were all but exempt from the hardwood, worn occasionally in October as a means to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Over the course of the last decade-plus, the Nike KD Aunt Pearl series has evolved into an annual event for collectors and hoopers alike, proliferating pink pairs across the court and culture all year round.

In 2023, coming on the heels of a lifetime contract with the Swoosh, Nike and Kevin Durant are doubling down on all things pink by releasing two “Aunt Pearl” pairs this October.

Leveraging the love of his late aunt and the philanthropy of the Kay Yow Foundation, the Nike KD16 and Nike KD3 are taking on the theme for the first time.

“It shows the connection and impact that the women in his life had on his life,” Ms. Wanda said. “I don’t know if other athletes who have signature shoes have done that.”

The Nike KD16 “Aunt Pearl,” which Durant notably wore during the NBA preseason, carries a two-tone upper embedded with thematic storytelling and Kay Yow co-branding.

Distinct in structure but playing on similar aesthetic themes, the Nike KD3 “Aunt Pearl” retro release reinvents the silo that preceded the first Pearl pair, redressing the retro in the adored theme.

It’s a story that’s now touched 14 different Durant designs and spanned 11 years of NBA excellence.

A story that dates back to his fondest memories as a child.

“When I was in kindergarten, I’d have a half-day from school and she’d always make me jelly sandwiches when I came home and watch cartoons with me,” Durant recalled of his Aunt Pearl in 2018. “She made me feel something.”

Playing a pivotal role in Kevin’s life back in the days when cartoons and cereal consumed afternoons, Aunt Pearl fed KD’s childhood spirit while entertaining his adult dreams.

When she passed from lung cancer in 2000, her loss hit hard. But her love endured.

“She died of cancer when I was 11 years old in front of me,” Durant said. “It was a devastating day for our family, someone that meant so much to us and was always supportive of my dreams and playing basketball. I wanted to honor her somehow.”

That honor has only grown with the ever-expanding Nike KD Aunt Pearl collection.

As the most enduring of all themes across Durant’s line of signature shoes, OG Aunt Pearl pairs fetch over $1,000 on StockX, while modern makeups outfit NBA All-Stars and AAU hopefuls alike.

Accordingly, they’ve shifted the marketing and appeal of pink sneakers as everyone from LeBron James to Stephen Curry releases their own signature models in the pastel Pantone.

Save a one-off Kay Yow x Kobe Bryant collaboration in 2011, pink pairs were not typically on offer among basketball shoes, let alone the standard. And while the aesthetic zag has proved popular with kids and adults alike, the story points to the adults who paved the way for the kid named Kevin to live his NBA dreams.

Adults like Aunt Pearl who, though gone, are never to be forgotten.

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“To see that side of Kevin is to understand the impact that the women he loved so dearly have had in his life,” Ms Wanda said. “I’m proud of how he pays homage to the women who have impacted his life. That just shows how special of an individual Kevin is.”

Starting Friday, Oct. 27, the Nike KD16 “Aunt Pearl” is available via Nike and the SNKRS app. You can find the Nike KD3 “Aunt Pearl” on SNKRS.

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Want to Wear it Like KD?

Get Your Aunt Pearls Now!

The post Transcending Time with the Nike KD ‘Aunt Pearl’ Collection appeared first on Boardroom.

Sportico revealed the 15 NBA players who are the top earners entering the 2023-24 season, and to no one’s surprise, LeBron James reigns supreme. Combining the total NBA salary with all endorsements, the Los Angeles Lakers star’s total earnings equals $127.6 million. Stephen Curry comes in at No. 2 with $101.9 million, while Giannis Antetokounmpo ranks third at $90.6 million. Rounding out the top five are Kevin Durant ($88.4 million) and his former teammate, Klay Thompson ($64.2 million).

Travis Scott, Kim Kardashian & Jacob Elordi to Co-host GQ’s ‘Man of the Year’ Awards

GQ’s annual Men of the Year Party is scheduled for next month on Nov. 16, and joining global editorial director Will Welch as co-hosts for the festivities are pop culture phenoms Jacob Elordi, Kim Kardashian, and Travis Scott. An extra special guest, menswear designer Tom Ford, will also lend his talents. The aforementioned names continue to make strides in their respective trades, whether that be Elordi’s ascent into Gen-Z Hollywood royalty, Kardashian‘s ever-growing business empire, and Scott continuing to captivate audiences through his music. All there’s left to wonder is whether anyone will honor Ford by wearing one of his original designs.

Devin Booker Featured in ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III’ Rollout

Phoenix Suns star and video game enthusiast Devin Booker makes a cameo in the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III promo that dropped Thursday. Wearing a beanie, the 26-year-old makes his appearance in the video at the 1:31 mark. Booker told Boardroom that he plays the game more during the NBA season after a busy summer of being all over. “It’s my favorite when the season starts, and I get my routine of playing every night,” he said. A longtime fan of Call of Duty, Booker even admitted he has played about 15 different iterations of the popular game.

Boardroom’s Ian Stonebrook has more from his exclusive conversation with Devin Booker.

Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson & Andre Iguodala Join TGL San Francisco Ownership

As TGL prepares to tee off for its inaugural season in January 2024, the innovative golf league announced Thursday an ownership group for TGL San Francisco that boasts a few familiar faces. Alongside businessman Marc Lasry and his Avenue Capital Group, Golden State Warriors players Stephen Curry, Andre Iguodala, and Klay Thompson are all members of the group and will help strengthen the team’s reach and connection in the Bay Area. TGL San Francisco is the fifth of six original teams and the second in California, the other being in Los Angeles.

Universal Music is Suing AI Startup Anthropic Over Song Lyrics

Universal Music is taking action against artificial intelligence startup Anthropic over “systematic and widespread infringement of their copyrighted song lyrics,” a Tennessee federal court filing from Wednesday revealed. Per CNBC, it cited lyrics to the song “Roar” by Katy Perry, arguing it produces an “almost identical copy of those lyrics,” consequently breaching the rights of Concord, the copyright owner. The dispute also references Gloria Gaynor’s 1978 classic “I Will Survive” as another of Anthropic’s alleged copyright infringement, as Universal owns the rights to those lyrics. The publishers are asking the court for monetary damages and an order to cease said infringement.

Bad Bunny Announces ‘Most Wanter Tour’ for 2024

Bad Bunny is going back on the road next year. The three-time Grammy winner announced his “Most Wanted Tour” on Thursday by posting a teaser video to his Instagram and dates to the tour’s website. Playing 47 shows, the jaunt kicks off in Salt Lake City on Feb. 21 with stops in Kansas City, Washington, D.C., and Tulsa before closing out Miami’s Kaseya Center for three nights at the end of May. Tickets aren’t available for purchase yet, but fans have through Sunday, Oct. 22, to register for access to ticket sales. Bad Bunny is also this week’s host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live.

The post LeBron, Giannis, Durant Among Top NBA Player Earners for 2023-24 appeared first on Boardroom.

If you’re good enough on the court, being a professional athlete can yield you millions. And if you’re savvy enough off the court, you can significantly increase your earnings via other avenues. Endorsements are one of those ways, and Sportico has released the list of the 15 highest-paid NBA players entering the 2023-24 season, accounting for exactly that.

The list of names has graced our screens for years, been the faces of the biggest brands on Earth, and some have even earned that coveted signature sneaker. Not surprisingly, they are also among the absolute best at their craft.

Ahead of next week’s NBA season tip-off, check out the list of top endorsers below, courtesy of Sportico.

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Top NBA Endorsement Earners for 2023-24

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Endorsement Breakdown

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The post NBA Endorsement Earnings: LeBron Leads the Pack appeared first on Boardroom.

Kevin Durant is heading back to Phoenix for his second season. Despite his meteoric rise as one of the best players in the history of the NBA, Durant’s impact extends far beyond the hardwood.

As he celebrates his 35th birthday, Durant can look back at a remarkable year during which he doubled down on his investments in sports teams and leagues, continued to build his production credits, and signed Nike basketball’s third-ever lifetime deal. KD is the blueprint for the modern athlete/investor. In addition to his investment in the MLS, NWSL, and Major League Pickleball, Durant has also set his sights on emerging sports leagues, such as the Premier Lacrosse League, Athletes Unlimited, and League One Volleyball.

Additionally, Durant announced Boardroom’s newest venture: the Boardroom Advisory, which will work with athletes, executives, and brands to create opportunities through venture and private equity investing, sports ownership opportunities, business strategy, and content creation.

Let’s take a closer look at the Kevin Durant business portfolio.

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Kevin Durant Business & Investments Overview

NOTE: This list is Boardroom’s curation of the most important Kevin Durant businesses and ventures and is not to be considered exhaustive.

35V

• Type: Sports, Media and Entertainment Company
• Role: Co-founder
• Founded: 2016
• Fun Fact: 35V includes investments in more than 100 startups, and serves as the foundation from which Boardroom was born.

Boardroom

• Type: Media Company
• Role: Co-founder
• Founded: 2019
• Fun fact: Prior to founding Boardroom, Kevin and his business partner, Rich Kleiman, hosted a limited-release show on ESPN called The Boardroom. The show brought fans inside the business of sports, featuring real-time conversations with athletes and executives about what’s really changing the game. The conversations that they had on that platform served as the foundation for the media company.

Durant Family Foundation

• Type: Philanthropic Foundation
• Role: Co-founder
• Founded: 2013
• Fun Fact: The foundation’s mission is to enrich the lives of at-risk youth from low-income backgrounds through educational, athletic, and social programs. DFF started the BUILD IT AND THEY WILL BALL initiative, which aims to build high-quality basketball courts in low-income neighborhoods. Since 2015, it has constructed 32 courts around the world, from Brooklyn to Guangzhou, China. Additionally, in 2019, DFF opened The Durant Center, a 10-year, $10 million investment in partnership with College Track, which provides out-of-school time programming for local youth of Prince George’s County and has served over 230 students to date.

Nike

• Type: Sportswear Brand
• Role: Lifetime Athlete
• Fun fact: Kevin is the Beaverton Brand’s third-ever lifetime basketball athlete, joining rare air with the elite company of Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Read More About KD’s Lifetime Deal with Nike

The NBA superstar is locking in with the Swoosh for the long haul — the enduring Kevin Durant Nike contract just became a forever deal.

Check it out!

Philadelphia Union

• Type: MLS Team
• Role: Minority Investor
• Year of Investment: 2020
• Fun fact: The Union claimed the Eastern Conference Championship in 2022 to advance to their first-ever MLS Cup Final.

NJ/NY Gotham FC

• Type: NWSL Team
• Role: Minority Investor
• Investment Year: 2022
• Fun Fact: Durant jumpstarted a long list of all-star investors in NJ/NY Gotham FC, which also includes Sue Bird and Eli Manning.

Brooklyn Aces

• Type: Major League Pickleball Team
• Role: Majority Owner
• Investment Year: 2022
• Fun Fact: Following the Brooklyn Aces‘ first season, the team added Michael B. Jordan, Drake, and Steve Stoute as new investors to the team.

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Athletes Unlimited

• Type: Network of Professional Sports Leagues
• Role: Investor
• Year of Investment: 2023
• Fun fact: Athletes Unlimited seeks to provide a new variety of professional sports leagues for women. Since starting 2020, AU has rolled out basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, and softball leagues. Additionally, it is a Public Benefit Corporation founded on the values of innovation, inclusion, and excellence. Prior to making an official investment in 2023, Durant served on AU’s advisory board since its inception.

Premier Lacrosse League

• Type: Professional Lacrosse League
• Role: Investor
• Investment Year: 2022
• Fun Fact: Boardroom and the PLL teamed up for the first-ever street lacrosse event in Sept. 2023. The afternoon featured an updated version of North America’s oldest game and brought in athletes from across New York City.

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TMRW Sports

• Type: Professional Golf League
• Role: Investor
• Investment Year: 2023
• Fun Fact: Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy founded the league, which is expected to make its debut in 2024. KD joins a deep list of investors, including Stephen Curry, Andre Iguodala, Steve Nash, Chris Paul, Jayson Tatum, and Diana Taurasi.

League One Volleyball

• Type: Professional Volleyball League
• Role: Investor
• Investment Year: 2023
• Fun Fact: League One Volleyball raised $35 million in Series B funding with investments from Lindsey Vonn, Candace Parker, Jayson Tatum, and more.

National Cycling League

• Type: Cycling League
• Role: Investor
• Investment Year: 2023
• Fun Fact: The NCL is also the first majority-women-owned and minority-owned professional sports league in the US and is committed to diversity and inclusion.

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League One Volleyball (LOVB), the largest brand in youth volleyball and the first professional full-season volleyball league in the US, has raised $35 million in Series B funding, it announced Wednesday. Some of the famous faces backing the firm are Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, two-time WNBA MVP Candace Parker and her daughter Lailaa Williams, Olympic volleyball gold medalist Jordyn Poulter, actress Amy Schumer, 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Amy Griffin, Fenway Sports Group Partner Linda Henry, and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum. This follows initial support from LOVB’s existing Series A investors like Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman‘s Boardroom Sports Holdings and comedian Chelsea Handler, all of whom endorse LOVB’s special community-up ideology. LOVB will use the funding to strengthen both pro and club operations, hire more athletes, coaches, and trainers, build out its branding, and more.

Boardroom’s Vinciane Ngomsi has more details on LOVB’s latest multimillion-dollar funding group.

Damian Lillard to Join Giannis, Bucks in Reported Trade; Holiday & Ayton Also Moved

After 11 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard is headed to the Midwest. The Trail Blazers agreed to trade the veteran guard to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team trade also involving the Phoenix Suns, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday. As part of the deal, Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, and Toumani Camara are going to the Blazers, as well as the Bucks’ 2029 unprotected first-round pick and unprotected swap rights in 2028 and 2030. Meanwhile, the Suns land Jusuf Nurkić, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson. Prior to the announcement, the Bucks’ odds of winning next year’s NBA Finals were at +600. Now, they stand at +360. In his first remarks post-trade, Lillard said he was “excited to get to work.”

Usher Reportedly Going on Global Tour Following 2024 Super Bowl Show

In addition to his new gig as the headline of the upcoming Super Bowl‘s halftime show, Usher‘s adding to an already busy 2024. The eight-time Grammy Award-winning musician plans to embark on a worldwide tour next year, Billboard reported on Wednesday. The official announcement is expected to come during his SBLVIII performance in February. The report also alleged that Usher‘s team has been placing holds on international arenas, further heightening suspicions of a global jaunt. The “My Way” singer hasn’t been on the road since The UR Experience Tour in 2015 but has been keeping audiences plenty entertained with his sold-out residency in Las Vegas.

WNBA Expansion Expected to Hit Bay Area with Help From Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have achieved monumental success in the Bay Area. And now, with the help of the seven-time NBA champions, the area is hoping to recreate the same magic with a women’s professional basketball team. The Athletic reported Tuesday that while a deal hasn’t been finalized yet, a WNBA team in the Bay is expected to soon. The team will also play at the Chase Center and will be operated by Golden State. The most recent WNBA franchise team is the Atlanta Dream, which began playing in 2008.

Colbert, Fallon, Meyers, Kimmel Shows to Return on Oct. 2 After WGA Strike Ends

The WGA strike is officially over, so when will your favorite shows make their returns to the screen? While it’s unclear for scripted programs, we do have insight into when late-night television will be back. CBS’s Stephen Colbert, NBC’s Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, and ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel announced that their late-night shows will return on Monday, Oct. 2. For other late-night hosts, John Oliver‘s HBO late-night program will return on Sunday, Oct. 1, while Bill Maher said on X that his HBO show will be back Friday. To support their respective writers during the 148-day protest, Colbert, Fallon, Meyers, Kimmel, and Oliver hosted a joint Spotify podcast beginning in August called Strike Force Five — named after their personal text chain.

Boardroom’s D’Shonda Brown breaks down all the details of the WGA’s finalized deal.

Meta Unveils Updated Headsets in Quest to Become Metaverse-first Company

When Mark Zuckerberg addressed employees at the Meta Connect conference on Wednesday, the company’s CEO unveiled two new high-tech headsets: the AR/VR-powered Meta Quest 3 and the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. As it continues efforts to become a metaverse-first enterprise, the gadgets are reflective of the advances made to achieve those goals. Priced at $499, the Meta Quest 3 features a thinner design and sharper visuals compared to its predecessor. The $299 Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses debut with a new silhouette and upgraded cameras for better photo and video capture. The Quest 3 is available online and in brick-and-mortar stores on Oct. 10, while the glasses go on sale Oct. 17.

The post Candace Parker, Jayson Tatum Join Kevin Durant in Backing League One Volleyball appeared first on Boardroom.

While no one can predict the future, athlete and celebrity investments are a pretty good barometer for what could be the next big thing in sports.

League One Volleyball (LOVB), the largest brand in youth volleyball and the first professional full-season volleyball league in the country, announced on Wednesday that it has raised $35 million dollars in Series B funding. Among those backing the firm, which was led by Left Lane Capital with participation from Ares Management Funds, is a roster of famous faces revered for their own accomplishments in athletics and entertainment. Those names include Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, two-time WNBA MVP Candace Parker and her daughter Lailaa Williams, Olympic volleyball gold medalist Jordyn Poulter, actress Amy Schumer, 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Amy Griffin, Fenway Sports Group Partner Linda Henry, and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum.

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Capital raised in the Series B round follows initial support from LOVB’s existing Series A investors like Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman‘s Boardroom Sports Holdings and comedian Chelsea Handler, all of whom endorse LOVB’s special community-up ideology.

Saying this is “volleyball’s era,” co-founder and CEO of League One Volleyball Katlyn Gao spared no excitement for this latest multimillion-dollar development.

“At LOVB, we are creating an all-new narrative for women in sports, including in this round which again captured over 50% female investors,” Gao said. “Unlike other leagues that take a top-down approach, we are involving all stakeholders at different levels and propelling the growth of our sports fandom. To us, this is the only way to build a sustainable and successful league in 2023, and if the excitement from some of the most well-known and admired trailblazers across sports, entertainment, consumer, and business in our latest round is any indication, it’s clear, LOVB is onto something big.”

LOVB will use the funding to strengthen both pro and club operations. Among its priorities, LOVB will:

• Hire more athletes, coaches, and trainers
• Build out its branding
• Identify and book arenas for sold-out crowds
• Improve training facilities in the run-up to the preseason

For now, the pro league will start with clubs in six markets: Atlanta, Houston, Madison, Omaha, Salt Lake and one more to be announced later this year. For the first time, LOVB plans to give club players the chance to learn from and cultivate relationships with fellow icons in the sport.

“Together with LOVB, I’m thrilled to help bring major league volleyball to the U.S.,” Vonn said. “With over 200 million girls involved in the sport globally, this is a huge opportunity to continue providing a platform for young women to excel, both athletically and personally, far beyond high school. It’s about empowering the next generation of female athletes and fostering a strong sense of community within the sport.” 

“We couldn’t be more excited to invest in a league that is focused on community and unlocking new opportunities for women in sports,” Parker and Williams added. “LOVB is leading the way in a sport that is close to our hearts and creating a larger platform for volleyball to be more visible year-round.”

Play is scheduled to tip off in November 2024 with the LOVB preseason, followed by the regular season in January 2025, and concluding with the LOVB Finals in April.  

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The post League One Volleyball Reveals Superstar Investors appeared first on Boardroom.

The Premier Lacrosse League caps its fifth season at the PLL Cash App Championship in Philadelphia on Sept. 24. As the No. 1 Archers take on this No. 3 Waterdogs the season title is on the line, but it’s been a long line of wins for the emerging league all year long.

On Sept. 8, PLL linked up with Boardroom to host the first-ever NYC Street Lacrosse event. The clouds cleared, enabling a memorable day as hundreds of players from preteen to pro took over Kevin Durant‘s “Build it and They Will Ball” court at East Side Community School on East 12th Street in Manhattan. Together, they showcased a new, more accessible version of the game historically affiliated with stuffy, exclusive prep school traditions.

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However, to PLL founder Paul Rabil, the first-ever open run harkened back to the sport’s native roots. “A lot of what we were trying to do here, which is to get the game back to its roots so anyone could play at any moment,” he told Boardroom.

A weather scare on the day in question only illuminated part of what makes the street game so special.

“It’s like it definitely shows the resiliency of the sport,” Rabil reflected. “Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, [the teams repping these boroughs are] used to playing on these surfaces. I’ve been at their practices and they play on handball courts, play on basketball courts. That’s why they’re turning shit up. They’re used to it, and it makes the pros play a little lighter.”

The open run event is just one way that Rabil and the PLL seek to take the game to the masses in building a top-tier sports and entertainment product. Since its inception, the Premier Lacrosse League has laid a new game plan for the oldest organized sport in North America, providing the game’s elite talent with resources and skills to help them thrive individually while also promoting the game to a new, highly engaged generation of fans.

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Running Outside the Box

Paul Rabil came up as a quintessential laxer. A Johns Hopkins standout, he rewrote the script regarding what was possible throughout his college and professional career. After graduating in 2008, where he took home a national title and nearly every individual honor available, he played in both Major League Lacrosse and the National Lacrosse League during his pro career before co-founding the PLL in 2018 with his brother, Mike, an entrepreneur and lax player himself.

Professional lacrosse was not a new concept. After nearly 20 years, however, the MLL still hadn’t gained the traction it desired due to lagging attendance and limited growth. To Rabil, part of the chronic issue facing the pro game was the fact that players were not involved in plans for its evolution. When he and his brother founded the Premier Lacrosse League, Paul utilized his own experiences to inform what he sought to build, creating pathways to ensure that players would be involved in its development at every step.

The Rabil brothers launched a funding campaign that attracted the likes of BSE Global’s Joe Tsai, The Kraft Group, the WWE, CAA, and Boardroom’s Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman. Among his investors, Rabil sought individuals with a deep well of knowledge about building premium experiences across sports and entertainment — and a key to that success had to be continuing to grow both awareness and involvement in the sport.

More importantly, the group he amassed believed specifically in what the PLL aimed to build.

At the open run event, Kevin Durant captured what excited him the most about the PLL’s promise. “Man, I love the concept of sport. [The way it builds] character, discipline, and gets you up and out the house and active… I love what Paul is doing, so it’s good to empower the best of people like that.”

Moving ahead, the sustained excitement among the PLL’s investors is key to what makes Rabil so excited about the product he’s building. “[They] were ambitious around our goals: bringing lacrosse more into the community and try to limit the barriers to play the game.”

With these north stars guiding the way, the PLL has a game plan that will not only build an engaging, competitive league, but fundamentally change the DNA of the fastest game on two feet.

The oldest sport in America is now played in over 90 countries. And these 28 @PremierLacrosse players are the best in the world. pic.twitter.com/qAYFrAsDyT

— Paul Rabil (@PaulRabil) September 15, 2023

Building the PLL as a Premium Product

Despite his success on the field, Rabil had to hustle away from it in order to maintain a living while playing for minimal pay in Major League Lacrosse. He began experimenting with social media in an attempt to build his fanbase and spread the word of the sport — and to help him generate the extra cash he needed to get by. He was among the first pro athletes to build a YouTube channel and treat it like a second job as he increasingly experimented with fan engagement strategies across social media.

“When I started playing professional lacrosse, our games weren’t on TV. Social media just started. I was getting paid $8,000,” Rabil recalls. “I logged on to Facebook and signed up for an Instagram account. That was the way that I made my way, and sponsors saw it. They came over, and then I started learning more about social media and branding and marketing.”

He took these wins as a key part of the foundation for his new venture, and after just one year, the PLL became the first professional sports league to boast a full-time production house, content team, and digital app team under the same roof. Collectively, they created content alongside their players while empowering the athletes with the skills to do so themselves.

Today, the PLL is something of an accelerator for players’ personal brands. Two-time PLL All-Star Connor Farrell noted that these skill-building efforts by the league are a service that has panned out better than he and his fellow athletes could have anticipated.

Want to Learn More About the Roots of the PLL?

Hear Paul Rabil’s conversation with Rich Kleiman on Boardroom’s ‘Out of Office’ about how league came to be and his vision for the future of lacrosse.

Check it Out!

Eyeing The Next Goal

Since its first face-off in 2019, the PLL’s growth has been impressive. In addition to its deep bench of big-name investors, the league has brokered a media rights with ESPN.

For Rabil, it’s still only the beginning.

The league’s future growth prioritizes seeking out untapped talent who currently play other sports around the country. Enhancing opportunities through street lacrosse and the open run-style pickup games is just one part of that.

The PLL’s 2022 MVP Trevor Baptiste agrees. “I think lacrosse is very grassroots by nature,” he said. “We need to do more of that stuff because we get more people to play the game because it’s such a special game and there can be more opportunity for everybody.”

Charlotte North — the top women’s player in the game — said she sees lacrosse as a combination of basketball, football, and hockey: a combination of stick work, speed, and finesse.

Notably, this crossover potential isn’t anything new. NFL legend Jim Brown made his mark as one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time, becoming an All-American at Syracuse; the PLL MVP trophy is named in his honor. New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who played the sport during his high school and college days, often looks to lacrosse rosters to scout nontraditional football talent. After he spotted former Patriots and Bills receiver Chris Hogan on the Penn State team, the player went on to make significant contributions to two of New England’s Super Bowl titles. Hogan even played one season in the PLL following his NFL retirement.

But the NFL is only one potential talent pool. Several sporting superstars see things in a similar way, including KD, Stephen Curry, and many more.

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In addition to the play itself, the business of the PLL continues to bloom. This summer, Rabil unveiled at Boardroom and CNBC’s Game Plan event that the league is entering a partnership with FanDuel. “We’re thinking about different ways to introduce people to the game. Forty-five million people bet on football every year trying to get a few of those people over,” he told Boardroom. “We see betting and fantasy as core to growing the interest in lacrosse and getting in front of people who haven’t seen it before.”

With new initiatives well underway, the future potential of the Premier Lacrosse League is limitless. Although removed from his days of scrappily using his personal platform to secure a sponsorship check, Rabil remains dogged in his mission to bring the sport that stole his heart to ever-higher levels.

“In the end, where I want lacrosse to be is on par with the big five sports.”

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The post Open Run: The Premier Lacrosse League’s Vision for North America’s Oldest Game appeared first on Boardroom.

It’s a great week to be a Bowie State University Bulldog.

Less than a year after Kevin Durant and the Durant Family Foundation announced a $500,000 endowment to help transform the school’s basketball gym and revitalize its athletics programs, the finished project was officially unveiled on Thursday. On hand to celebrate the occasion were Bowie State President Dr. Aminta Breaux and Ms. Wanda Durant, who leads the Durant Family Foundation.

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“I am grateful to my son for his generous heart,” Ms. Durant said, adding, “I am grateful that he realized that it’s important for him to give back to an HBCU, and maybe he will be a catalyst for other athletes in the area and throughout the country to give back to HBCUs.”

Additional funding will go toward BSU’s AC Jordan Arena, located within the Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex. Facility improvements at Bowie State include the all-new basketball court, additional bleachers, and upgrades to the press box. Durant and his family foundation will also establish a scholarship fund for the Durant Center College Track students who decide to attend Bowie State.

“We are tremendously grateful to Kevin Durant and the Durant Family Foundation for their donation, which has led to the addition of the new floor design and added seating, along with the financial support for men’s and women’s basketball,” Bowie State’s men’s basketball head coach Darrell Brooks said. “Our players are super excited to be able to compete on the KD court representing Bowie State University along with the Durant Family Foundation. The floor design adds pop to the entire arena. The added seating will allow more of our fans to give us the support we need to successfully compete in the CIAA and nationally on the D2 level. Alumni, recruits, parents, and students absolutely love what this space has become.

“The attention we as a University have received as a result of the donation and subsequent renovations has been outstanding. The men’s basketball program will work really hard to uphold what we have been gifted with, and we look forward to continuing to grow our relationship with the Durant Family Foundation.”

Though he didn’t attend Bowie State during his collegiate days, Durant grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where Bowie State is located.

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The post Durant Family Foundation, Bowie State Unveil New Basketball Court appeared first on Boardroom.

Boardroom co-founder Rich Kleiman and his team are leveraging their years of collective experience in the industry through a new Boardroom Advisory arm, which will work with athletes, executives, and brands to create opportunities through venture and private equity investing, sports ownership opportunities, business strategy, and content creation. “What our team has built with Boardroom speaks for itself, and it was born out of many of the relationships we have cultivated along the way,” Boardroom co-founder Kevin Durant said. “Boardroom Advisory is a natural extension of the brand and is a way for us to bring our resources to other athletes. It’s something we’ve wanted to do for a long time.” Sports executive Lorenzo McCloud will be joining as Director, Talent Relations.

Read more about Boardroom Advisory and its offerings.

A’ja Wilson Announces Upcoming Book ‘Dear Black Girls’

Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson is a two-time league MVP, WNBA champion, and soon-to-be published author. On Monday, Wilson announced her forthcoming book, Dear Black Girls, available for pre-order and scheduled to launch on Feb. 6. Revealing the cover on Instagram, Wilson wrote: “It’s the expansion of an essay that I wrote about how even when life tries to hold you down, it can’t stop you. I am hoping a lot of women can relate to this message, and I can’t wait for everyone to read it.” Wilson set a playoff franchise record with 38 points as the Aces swept the Chicago Sky on Sunday to reach the WNBA semifinal round for the fifth season in a row.

Wasserman Expands with Brillstein Acquisition

Wasserman, the talent firm best known for its representation of athletes, has finalized a contract to acquire entertainment management and production company Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Wasserman Chairman & CEO Casey Wasserman and Brillstein Co-CEOs, Cynthia Pett and Jon Liebman, confirmed the news on Monday. The deal allows Wasserman to plunge deeper into Hollywood to better serve its clients as they pursue deals related to content creation. Brillstein’s impressive client roster includes dozens of A-list stars such as Brad Pitt, Jason Sudeikis, Adam Sandler, Catherine O’Hara, Elizabeth Olsen, and more. Wasserman did not reveal the financial details of the agreement.

ABC Adds 10 Monday Night Football Games to Lineup

Because of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes disrupting Hollywood and the return of fall programming, ABC announced Monday that it’s adding ten more NFL games to its schedule and broadcasting the entire fall season of Monday Night Football. Eight Monday Night Football games were already scheduled to air on ABC but the change increases the number to 18. For the 2023-24 NFL season, ABC will air 20 games, including a Saturday afternoon game on Jan. 6 and a playoff game over the weekend of Jan. 20.

HBO Cancels ‘Winning Time’ After Two Seasons

The HBO sports drama Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty has come to an end after two seasons. The series, which debuted in March 2022, chronicles the Los Angeles Lakers and their ascent to basketball supremacy in the early 1980s. Director Salli Richardson referenced the news with an Instagram post. “When you give it everything you’ve got, you can have no regrets,” she wrote in the caption. “I hope you enjoy the last episode of [Winning Time], I am sure I will do many more hours of TV and hopefully many features in my future, but I can say that at this moment in time, I am most proud of the work we did on this masterful show.” The cast of Winning Time included John C. Rielly, Quincy Isaiah, Jason Clarke, Adrien Brody, Gaby Hoffmann, Tracy Letts, Jason Segel, Julianne Nicholson, Sally Field, and more.

Boardroom’s Ian Stonebrook and Sam Dunn neatly analyze what went wrong and where Winning Time succeeded.

Alex Toussaint Partners With Puma to Release a Cycling Shoe

Puma has teamed up with Peloton instructor Alex Toussaint for a collaboration that includes the brand’s first-ever indoor cycling shoe. The silver and black silhouette features a carbon fiber PWRPLATE outsole that promises optimal structure throughout your ride, Lacelss Disc Fit System for comfort practicality, and a super-lightweight ULTRAWEAVE upper to reduce weight and friction. Toussaint’s signature branding completes the design. Toussaint, who already has an apparel collection with the German company, said in a statement that he and Puma “are truly doing something incredible and this is just the start.” The PWRSPIN x ALEX TOUSSAINT retails for $120 and is available exclusively on Puma’s mobile app on Friday and on puma.com Sept. 24. It hits the Puma NYC flagship store on Sept. 29.

The post Boardroom Launches Advisory Arm appeared first on Boardroom.

Boardroom announced on Tuesday the launch of Boardroom Advisory, an exclusive membership community that will complement the Boardroom portfolio. Co-founder Rich Kleiman and the executive team at Boardroom will helm the initiative.

The new advisory arm will operate on a yearly fee structure and work with athletes, executives, and brands to create opportunity through venture and private equity investing, sports ownership opportunities, business strategy, and content creation. By leveraging Boardroom’s media brand, extensive network, storytelling, and sports marketing experience, Boardroom Advisory will drive growth and business value for its athlete and agent partners.

Sports executive Lorenzo McCloud, who’s spent the last 10 years in athlete and brand marketing, will join Boardroom as Director, Talent Relations.  

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“We’re launching this new vertical as part of Boardroom because it speaks to the ethos of the brand: That through our network, knowledge, and content flywheel, we can create more access and more opportunity,” Boardroom co-founder Rich Kleiman said. “Through Boardroom Advisory, I’m looking forward to helping more athletes create business success far beyond the world of sports. I’m also thrilled to partner with a long-time friend, Lorenzo McCloud, whose relationships and sports business acumen will be a great addition to our team.”

Kevin Durant added: “What our team has built with Boardroom speaks for itself, and it was born out of many of the relationships we have cultivated along the way. Boardroom Advisory is a natural extension of the brand, and is a way for us to bring our resources to other athletes. It’s something we’ve wanted to do for a long time.” 

With unparalleled access, Boardroom Advisory will help athletes and brands alike achieve long-term business success. Offerings include:

• Shared deal flow across both venture and exclusive sports investment opportunities
• Meaningful content creation and editorial opportunities through Boardroom’s platform
• Invitations to Boardroom’s own exclusive events
• Unique sports and entertainment opportunities made available through its extensive network, brand strategy, and lifestyle marketing expertise
• Advisory on integration of community and philanthropic elements into business deals
• Long-term planning that lends itself to post-playing career goals. 

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The post Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman’s Boardroom Launches Exclusive Advisory Arm appeared first on Boardroom.

When Kevin Durant takes the court for the Phoenix Suns this fall, he’ll be sporting all-new looks to his Nike KD16. First previewed in the NBA Playoffs last season, the “Pathways” pack colorways — “Pathway to Royalty” and “Emotional Pathways” — boast the same tech features as previous iterations of the shoe, including a multi-layer mesh upper that hugs the foot and a bottom-loaded Zoom Air unit. Also like previous versions, the new colorways flow in a fresh, functional fashion for an easy-to-identify stance that can be spotted from the nosebleeds. Durant‘s latest colorways of the Nike KD16 were released at Nike and select stockists on Friday.

Boardroom’s Ian Stonebrook has a breakdown of the newest KD16 colorways available for purchase.

Rihanna & Puma are Back Together with Avanti Shoe Release

It’s been a minute — six years, to be exact — but Rihanna and Puma are finally back together. After taking time off from her partnership with the German sportswear company, the new mom of two announced her return with a brand new sneaker design called “Avanti.” Priced at $160, the trainer is a hybrid style that combines Puma’s King football boot and Easy Rider running shoe. Design highlights include a retro leather upper that arrives in black and white or flashy silver, a foldable tongue, and a gum sole. In addition to standard sizing, Avanti sneakers also boast kid, preschooler, and infant versions. “This time around, we expanded our creations to kids ’cause I selfishly want my boys in everything their dad and I wear or design,” Rihanna joked to Vogue. The Avanti shoe drops on Sept. 15.

Bears QB Justin Fields Scores Long-term Partnership With Reebok

Justin Fields is officially a Reebok athlete. The brand announced its long-term partnership with the Chicago Bears play-caller on Thursday, adding that it marks the starting point of Reebok’s long-term strategy to reenter the team sports space. With this move, Reebok imagines more signees not only in football but in basketball and beyond. “Not only have they launched iconic offerings with legends like Allen Iverson and Shaq that shaped sports culture in the ‘90s, but they also have the attitude and energy to reshape the future of Sport once again,” Fields said. The 24-year-old is also also an ambassador at OWYN, Bose, Chipotle, Beyond Meat, Oakley, and more.

Boardroom’s Ian Stonebrook has an interesting breakdown of Reebok’s history of athlete ambassadors. 

Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Wayne, Doja Cat Among 2023 MTV VMA Performances

After making her debut at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, Olivia Rodrigo is set to return for a special performance at this year’s event on Sept. 12. Also scheduled to perform and make a long-awaited return is Lil Wayne, a nominee this year for Best Hip-Hop who will perform his new single — “Kat Food” — live for the first time. Rounding out the onstage entertainers inside New Jersey’s Prudential Center are Anitta, Doja Cat, Kelsea Ballerini, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER. A few famous faces who will be presenting awards include Bebe Rexha, Charli and Dixie D’Amelio, Rita Ora, Sabrina Carpenter, Coco Jones, GloRilla, Emily Ratajkowski, French Montana, Ice Spice, and Jared Leto. Last year, Nicki Minaj, Jack Harlow, and LL Cool J served as VMA emcees, but as of now, no host has been announced for this year’s festivities.

LSU to Make Kim Mulkey the Highest-paid Coach in College Women’s Hoops History

After leading the LSU women’s basketball team to its first NCAA national championship, head coach Kim Mulkey has reportedly agreed to a new 10-year, $32 million contract with the Tigers. The deal is pending approval from the university’s board of supervisors before it can be officially signed. Should the board allow it, it will become the richest total contract in women’s college basketball history. Mulkey has led teams to four national championships, winning three at Baylor and nabbing her fourth at LSU in April when the Bayou Bengals beat Iowa 102-85 in the title game.

Billionaire François-Henri Pinault Takes Majority Stake in CAA

CAA has a new majority owner. Per The New York Times, the talent agency giant led by Bryan Lourd, Kevin Huvane, and Richard Lovett has sold a majority stake to Artémis, the investment firm controlled by billionaire businessman François-Henri Pinault, CEO of luxury goods firm Kering. Kering also owns brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen. CAA’s roster of A-list clients includes Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Zendaya, and Pinault’s wife, actress Salma Hayek Pinault. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though former majority owners TPG, a private equity firm, was reportedly seeking a valuation of about $7 billion.

The post Kevin Durant Releases 2 New Colorways for Nike KD16 appeared first on Boardroom.

The latest signature shoe for Kevin Durant is launching in two new colorways on Sept. 8 in what Nike has dubbed the “Pathways” pack.

This summer, Kevin Durant stayed in the lab.

Honing his craft among basketball’s best, the 24-7 hooper has remained diligent in his work, tasked with delivering the Phoenix franchise its first-ever NBA title.

As the 2023-24 Suns campaign begins in The Bay — a place where Durant collected two NBA championships and back-to-back Finals MVPs — he’ll take to the court in his all-new Nike KD16.

First previewed in the 2023 NBA Playoffs, the same sneakers KD wore then while flirting with triple-doubles and putting up 39 points in a night are finally arriving at retail.

Speaking to KD’s status as roundball regality, the “Pathway to Royalty” Nike KD16 leads the launch. Moving in silence, a black jacquard upper hugs the foot for efficiency and cozy comfort.

Purple pops off the shoe’s sidewall, flowing in a fresh, functional fashion for lateral support and an easy-to-identify stance that can be spotted from the nosebleeds.

Built for balling in around the clock, 3M piping and reflective branding bring attention to detail when the NBA cameras snap or when Kevin’s getting up shots after dark.

It’s all a fluid foundation for the 13-time All-Star set to enter his 16th season. Additionally, it’s the continuation of a story told through his signature line.

In cut and composition, the Nike KD16 picks up where its predecessor left off. A multi-layer mesh upper hugs the foot for a broken-in feel fresh out of the box, resting right below the ankle for total freedom of motion.

Bottom-loaded Zoom Air provides pop for the game’s most efficient scorer and fans alike, updating the soft set-up of the KD15 for cushioned comfort with an even snappier response.

Continuing the launch is the “Emotional Pathways” Nike KD16.

Also providing purple mixed with a royal blue, the upper is embellished by aqua accents, establishing a flow state style for the man with the wettest pull-up jumper in the game.

Like its “Pathway” partner, this azul iteration debuted in the 2023 NBA Playoffs on the feet of KD. While fans have waited months for this makeup to release, the “Emotional Pathway” KD16 has been a staple in Durant’s offseason rotation.

This pair — also adorning 3M piping — pops with a translucent sole styled in the vivacious aqua tone. Keen eyes will notice design details akin to the 1996 Nike Air Penny 2 in regard to wavy lines on the upper.

While retro nods are apparent, the cut and composition are as dialed in and modern as they get, reducing weight and improving impact return for efficiency and longevity.

Releasing on the heels of Durant signing a lifetime contract with Nike, the KD16 is the latest chapter in a storied series set to launch new styles and revive retros.

The Nike KD16 is available on Sept. 8 at Nike and select stockists.

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The post Nike & Kevin Durant Unveil KD16 ‘Pathways’ Pack appeared first on Boardroom.

Last week, the Nike KD3 Retro “Easy Money” debuted online at Nike.

As you’re reading this sentence, they’re already gone.

Selling out on SNKRS, the cash colorway of Kevin Durant’s third signature sneaker was a test. Could a 2010 model made in a new theme register with hoopers and collectors after all these years? The answer was a resounding yes.

While that particular shoe is sold out online at Nike, its successor is already here.

The Nike KD3 Crème de la Crème retro revives the Flywire favorite from Durant’s days in OKC, this time tricking out the mid-cut model in icy white tumbled leather, regal gold accents, and a translucent sole styled in a coconut milk finish.

Built for ballin’ but casual in colorway, this champagne style celebrates the 13-time NBA All-Star who recently signed a lifetime deal with the Swoosh. This pair marks another notable moment in the continued collaboration between Nike and KD, with more retro releases expected to drop in 2024.

Back for the first time, the Nike KD3 Crème de la Crème is available now at Nike.

Get ’em before they’re gone.

Want to Wear it Like KD?

Get Yours Now!

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The post The Nike KD3 Retro ‘Crème de la Crème’ is Here appeared first on Boardroom.

Putting the ball in the basket will get you paid.

For Kevin Durant, this has proven profitable in three different decades across four different time zones.

Over the course of his heralded career, basketball’s best bucket-getter has showcased the ability to pull up and cash out at any point on the shot clock. From one-foot fadeaway jumpers to fast-break windmill flushes, KD is a guaranteed two every time he touches the rock and a certified three with his feet set.

Now, from the stat sheet to the bottom line, the max contract marksman is celebrated with the all-new “Easy Money” Nike KD3 sneaker.

The second retro release of Durant’s third signature shoe swims in the moolah like Scrooge McDuck, decking out the original 2010 KD3 design in a palette fit for Franklins.

Bearing the same tones as the bill that embodies the lightning rod originator, this rare retro speaks to Nike’s early investment in KD with the Thunder, adding electricity to his All-Star ascent.

Now a veteran force in Phoenix on his 16th silhouette, this updated homage on the KD3 is also a triple-entendre.

Nuanced in nickname and dollars well spent, the shoe not-so-subtly salutes a Nike shoe box holding all the cash right on the heels of Durant’s lifetime contract with the Swoosh. The prolific All-Star joins Michael Jordan and LeBron James in the acclaimed club’s basketball wing, possessing the power to push his flagship performance line while still building storytelling around past favorites.

This all-new KD3 explores the latter with pale blue branding, metallic copper accents, and money green shades saturating the entire sneaker, embellished by insoles that bare bills stamped with the pure shooter set for all-time status.

The Nike KD3 “Easy Money” is available now online at Nike.com and at select boutiques.

Want to Wear it Like KD?

Get Yours Now!

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The post The Nike KD3 ‘Easy Money’ Colorway is Available Now appeared first on Boardroom.

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The Premier Lacrosse League and Boardroom have launched Street Lacrosse, a new, more accessible version of the sport. It will debut with an Open Run event on Sept. 8 in New York City at Kevin Durant‘s “Build It and They Will Ball” court at East Side Community School on East 12th Street.

Street Lacrosse is meant to parallel pickup lacrosse. Players only need sticks and a ball — commonly a tennis ball — to go with any agreed-upon boundaries, goal target, and score. The first-ever Street Lacrosse Open Run will feature pro and amateur games between PLL athletes and PLL Assists partners like Bronx Lacrosse, Harlem Lacrosse, City Lax, and Brooklyn Lacrosse.

Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman‘s Boardroom Sports Club invested in PLL in 2022.

“When KD and Ace invested in the PLL, we all knew our biggest impact would come from creating more access to the sport by giving back to the community,” said Paul Rabil, PLL’s co-founder and president. “Much like the game of basketball, Street Lacrosse will function as an equalizer for anyone who wants to pick up and play. We couldn’t be more excited about the launch of this movement.”

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Launched in 2019, the PLL features eight teams, each with a 26-player roster, and will be tying teams to cities starting in its 2024 season next June.

“In everything we do, we want to work with great people, put on great events, and give back to the community,” Kleiman, Boardroom’s co-founder and CEO, said. “We strongly believe in Paul and PLL’s vision for their league. The chance to be able to partner with them not only helps grow the sport, but gives Boardroom the opportunity to create an event in New York that reflects our love for the city and its culture as well. This will be the first of many collabs between PLL and Boardroom.”

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The Open Run will also feature music from DJ Ralphe Som, NYC street food, local art activations, and a series of lacrosse challenges. In partnership with STX, the PLL will donate 150 sticks and 12 nets to the East Side Community School, and will also give away 1,000 mini sticks to the public during the event so anyone can join a Street Lacrosse pick-up game.

Click here to learn more about Street Lacrosse.

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The post PLL & Boardroom Are Bringing Street Lacrosse to New York City appeared first on Boardroom.

Ahead of the 2023 NFL season, several young quarterbacks broke the $50 million per year threshold with spiffy new contract extensions worth upwards of $250 million. Yeah, that’s nice — but when it comes to showstopping bags, an NBA player doesn’t even need a single All-Star appearance on his resume to secure that sort of package.

Such is life in the Association, where the concept of the “max deal” as determined by the league’s collective bargaining agreement all but guarantees that young phenoms get arguably overpaid while basketball’s foremost superstars are prevented from earning a sum commensurate with their true value.

As it relates to the 2023-24 campaign, there’s obviously a lot to talk about. But let’s start with a question: Across the wide NBA world, who’s the No. 1 earner here and now?

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Check out Boardroom’s definitive list of the highest-paid NBA players for the 2023-24 season by both single-year salary and average annual contract value — and stick around at the end for the biggest active contracts on the books around the league.

Highest-paid NBA Players of 2023-24 by Total Compensation

Reflects total cash compensation for the 2023-24 NBA season as noted by Spotrac. Click a player’s name to see their full contract details.

The Fattest Contracts in NBA History, Ranked

From earth-shaking supermax deals to game-changing rookie extensions, find out who tops the all-time earnings honor roll.

Show Me the Money!

NBA’s Highest-paid Players by Average Annual Salary

This list includes active contracts only, so signed extensions that have yet to begin — including Jaylen Brown’s record-setting $304 million deal — are not included.

Who’s the Biggest NBA Earner of All Time?

Bron, Kobe, KG, KD — the gang’s all here! Find out who’s the top dog among NBA check-cashers.

Let’s Go!

Highest-paid NBA Players by Active Contract Value

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