He Sold BodyArmor for $8B… Now He’s Coming for Nike | Interview w/ Mike Repole

May 15, 2025

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Billionaire entrepreneur Mike Repole — the mind behind Vitaminwater, BodyArmor, and now NoBull — joins Adam Breneman for one of the most raw and inspiring conversations we’ve had on Next Up. From growing up in Queens as the son of a waiter and a seamstress to selling companies for billions, Repole shares the unfiltered truth about what it takes to win — in business, in sports, and in life.

This episode dives into his mission to make NoBull bigger than Nike, his legendary partnership with Tom Brady, and how Kobe Bryant turned a $6 million investment into more than $400 million for his family. Repole doesn’t just talk business — he talks legacy, loyalty, and why he wakes up every day feeling like he’s starting from zero.

He also opens up about his deep love for St. John’s basketball — the program that shaped his roots — and why he’s gone all-in to help rebuild it into a national powerhouse with Rick Pitino at the helm. From NIL deals to the business of college sports, he breaks down why St. John’s success means so much more than just wins. If you care about building something bigger than yourself — whether it’s a brand, a legacy, or a team — this conversation is for you.

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CHAPTERS:

0:47 - 1 piece of the journey Mike is the most proud of

2:16 - Identifying No Bull as a brand Mike wanted to acquire

5:30 - Inside negotiations at No Bull

9:03 - Hiring talent

11:39 - Bringing the TB12 brand into No Bull

16:37 - Tom Brady as a businessman

18:22 - Scaling a brand in 2025

22:36 - Mike’s elite trait

24:51 - Overcoming adversity

27:45 - Mike’s first “I made it moment”

31:59 - Horse racing

34:10 - St. John’s NIL

39:02 - Lessons from Vitaminwater and Body Armor

42:33 - Best advice Mike has ever received in his life

45:06 - Life as a billionaire

47:24 - Mike’s why

On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans.

Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports.

Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.