Rich Kleiman on Co-Building Kevin Durant's Empire, Pickleball, Angel Investing, & 'NYC Point Gods'

TL;DR

Boardroom is a media brand founded by Kevin Durant and his business partner, which focuses on the intersection of sports, business, and culture.

Transcript

I'll tell you something that Jimmy Iving told me during that summer he said to me without knowing what I was going through he wrote you go with the horse that got you here brother like basically saying whatever emotions you feeling get over it all right guys welcome back e we are back home in New York City yes very rare occasion these days these da... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎮 The evolution of athlete-controlled media has allowed athletes to take control of their narratives and build their own brands.
• 👯 Building a successful media brand starts with storytelling and amplifying the voices of great people and successes in the sports industry.
• 👨‍💼 Athletes are becoming more involved in investing and building businesses through family offices, aiming to create generational wealth and leave philanthropic legacies.
• 🏀 Opportunities in sports extend beyond the major sports like basketball and football, with growing interest in alternative sports like lacrosse and pickleball.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Rich Kleiman transition from music management to sports management?

Rich Kleiman grew up as a fan of basketball and hip-hop, studying and playing the game but never seeing himself as a professional athlete. He found opportunities in the music industry, managing artists and producers before meeting Jay-Z and entering the world of sports management.

Q: What was the motivation behind starting the media brand, Boardroom?

Rich Kleiman saw the need for a media platform that focused on the business of sports and entertainment, showcasing the intersection of sports, business, and culture. The goal was to provide a voice for athletes and become a leading storyteller in the industry.

Q: How does Rich Kleiman approach investing in companies as an angel investor?

Rich Kleiman looks for founders he can connect with and believes can lead their businesses to success. He also considers the differentiation of the business within its market and whether he can understand and explain the concept to others. He views investments as opportunities to add value and build complementarity within the Boardroom ecosystem.

Q: What is the future of sports and the ecosystem surrounding it?

Rich Kleiman holds an optimistic view, believing that a shift is happening in the industry. With the rise of streaming platforms and increased focus on fan engagement and community, there are opportunities for all sports to thrive. Additionally, he sees the potential for innovation and expansion in sports that have previously been overshadowed by major sports like basketball and football.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Co-CEO and founder Rich Kleiman discusses his career in sports and music, starting with his childhood passion for basketball and hip-hop.

• He talks about his transition from music management to sports management, eventually partnering with Kevin Durant and building a successful family office, 35 Ventures.

• Kleiman shares his insights on the rise of athlete-controlled media, the importance of storytelling, and their investments in various sports properties like the Premier Lacrosse League and pickleball.