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New series features NBA superstar/entrepreneur, sports and entertainment executive Rich Kleiman, and host Jay Williams examining topics in the evolving world of sports business, technology and culture
First two episodes available now on ESPN+
The Boardroom, a new series from ESPN and Thirty Five Ventures, the company owned by NBA star Kevin Durant and business partner Rich Kleiman, debuts today with two episodes on ESPN+, the premium direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) group and ESPN. Designed for business insiders and sports fans alike, The Boardroom examines the ins and outs of the business of sports through candid conversations with athletes, tech moguls, and sports executives, to uncover the critical factors driving innovation, change and leadership in sports and sports culture.
The six-episode series is hosted by ESPN’s Jay Williams and features Durant and Kleiman, who also serve as the show’s executive producers. ESPN Insider analyst Jordan Schultz serves as a correspondent throughout the series.
Each episode of The Boardroom focuses on one major topic or theme in sports, ranging from the burgeoning sneaker industry to team ownership, to athlete brand-building, player development and the business of social media. Each episode will bring viewers a closer look through conversations with some of the most interesting and high profile names in business and sports who are shaping the sports business landscape.
The Boardroom – Episode 1: Sneakers
Episode One gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the business of sneakers from an athlete’s perspective. From signing a rookie “merch deal” to developing a signature shoe line and marketing a global brand, how is the sneaker game played. Houston Rockets forward P.J. Tucker and Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma share their perspectives with Williams, Durant and Kleiman. Also, The Boardroom takes a look at the intersection of sports and culture at Stashed, the progressive sneaker boutique in San Francisco created by entrepreneur Steve Stoute.
The Boardroom – Episode 2: Team Ownership
What does it really mean to own a sports team and what does the job actually entail? Williams and Kleiman lead a discussion with Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft and current owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, Josh Kroenke, owner of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche, and Golden State Warriors president Rick Welts. The group breaks down everything from the purchase process, to the day-to-day aspects of the job, to the future of team ownership and venues. Shultz also speaks with Peter Guber, the co-owner of Warriors, Dodgers and LAFC.
“I’m excited for sports fans to watch the first two episodes of The Boardroom starting today on ESPN+,” said Durant. “It’s really important for us to be able to bring fans inside the business world and give them perspectives they haven’t been able to see before, and I hope viewers will love it.”
“The Boardroom seeks to capture the new way in which professional athletes interact with the business of sports, entrepreneurship, the investment community and our culture more widely,” said Connor Schell, ESPN Executive Vice President, Content. “Kevin and Rich are part of the group changing the game in that regard, and The Boardroom represents the kind of original programs we’re bringing to ESPN+ as we work with the biggest names in sports to tell new kinds of stories.”
“Kevin and I are looking to tell compelling stories with every project we create and The Boardroom exemplifies that,” added Kleiman. “As the business of sports has changed, fans want and expect more access to what goes on off the court, and it’s important to us to show them the way that athletes and executives are really talking about the industry and give a better look at what goes on behind the scenes.”
Episodes 3 (Social Media) and 4 (Player Development) will debut March 15 on ESPN+, with Episodes 5 and 6 (Athletes and their Brands, part I and II) debuting April 3.
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About Thirty Five Ventures:
2x NBA Champion and Finals MVP Kevin Durant founded Thirty Five Ventures in 2013 with sports/entertainment executive Rich Kleiman. Thirty Five Ventures encompasses the duo’s existing business entities, including Durant’s personal brand/marketing portfolio and on-court contracts; their diverse investment portfolio (including companies such as Postmates, Acorns, Overtime, & Coinbase), their emerging media and creative development arm; and the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation.
Upcoming projects under the Thirty Five Ventures umbrella include the scripted series “SWAGGER” with Imagine Entertainment and Apple, and Fox Sports Films’ “Q Ball”. Additional projects will be announced later this year.
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.
Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHLgames, exclusive UFC and Top Rank boxing events, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.
ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com. They are the industry-leading all-in-one digital sports platform, delivering a rich, personalized experience to tens of millions of fans every month.
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