Study Hall: How Athletes Owning Media Companies is Shaping Their Stories

In this episode of EYL Medium, hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings sit down with special guest Rich Kleiman, co-founder of the media company The Boardroom. They delve into the origins of The Boardroom, its purpose, and the changing dynamic of athletes in media.

The Boardroom, co-founded by Rich Kleiman and NBA superstar Kevin Durant, is a media company that focuses on the business of sports and entertainment. As Rich explains, it was born out of the need to tell stories and position their business ventures in a social media-driven world. In 2016, they started their own business, 35 Ventures, which involved managing Kevin's business interests, investments, and philanthropic endeavors. However, they soon realized the importance of having a platform to share their work and amplify their voices.

Rich Kleiman understood that simply starting a media business wouldn't be sufficient. They needed to differentiate themselves and find their unique selling point. By embracing their own authenticity and leveraging their experiences in the sports industry, they aimed to create a brand that represented the intersection of sports, entertainment, and business. The Boardroom became the embodiment of this vision, a place where different voices, genders, and perspectives are welcome, and decisions can be made to shape the industry.

The hosts discuss the emergence of athletes taking control of their own narratives through media. Contrary to the days when athletes were at the mercy of reporters and media outlets, they now have the power to control their own stories. As Rich puts it, athletes can build entire ecosystems around themselves, collaborating with other creators, athletes, and partners to shape their narratives. This shift empowers athletes to not only be the subject of media stories but to actively participate in producing content and dispelling misconceptions.

Beyond storytelling, Rich also speaks about the entrepreneurial mindset that many athletes possess. From an early age, many athletes are exposed to conversations about business and life, ultimately shaping their mindset as young moguls. This trend of athlete moguls allows them to not only control the narrative but also succeed in various business ventures beyond their athletic careers.

The conversation takes an interesting turn as Rich discusses his relationship with Kevin Durant, which evolved from agent-client to business partners. Over the course of three years, a foundation of trust was built between them, aided by their shared aspirations to create thriving business ecosystems akin to hip hop labels of the 90s. They recognized the potential of athletes being at the center of these economies and controlling various businesses surrounding their brand.

Overall, this episode of EYL Medium offers insights into the motivations behind The Boardroom and the changing landscape of athletes in media. It emphasizes the power of control, authenticity, and finding unique perspectives in an industry that can shape narratives and influence the world. Athletes are becoming more than just players; they are becoming influential entrepreneurs with the ability to build their own lasting legacies.

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