The Cost of Efficiency & Networking in NOLA with Rich Kleiman 2/6/25
Feb 6, 2025
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Rich Kleiman, Kevin Durant's longtime NBA agent and sports entrepreneur, talks about unique networking opportunities for NFL players around the Super Bowl, including insights on NBA trades and emerging competition in the league. Mick Mulvaney, former White House chief of staff, delves into the costs of government and Elon Musk's ambitious efficiency plans. The conversation touches on the interplay of sports, business, and legislation, enriching the dialogue with humor and economic insights.
Mick Mulvaney stresses that while Doge aims to increase efficiency in government spending, it highlights waste for potential reform rather than direct cost savings.
Rich Kleiman emphasizes that the Super Bowl offers players vital networking opportunities that can lead to lucrative business ventures beyond the game itself.
Deep dives
Impact of Doge on Federal Employees
Federal employees are facing significant changes due to the implementation of Doge, which aims to increase transparency and address concerns of waste in government spending. The former OMB director, Mick Mulvaney, highlights that while the process is challenging, the forced discussions about efficiency and expenditures are ultimately beneficial. He notes that Doge will not directly save money but will help identify wasteful practices that can be corrected by other officials. This increased scrutiny and the potential for reform is seen as an overdue conversation within the federal workforce.
Super Bowl as a Business Opportunity
The Super Bowl has evolved into a major business event that transcends the game itself, presenting numerous networking and profit-generating opportunities for players and brands alike. NBA super manager Rich Kleiman emphasizes that the event is not solely for the players on the field but serves as a critical platform for connecting athletes with business ventures. This growing intersection of sports and business elevates Super Bowl weekend to a unique occasion where significant relationships can be formed and monetized. The cultural phenomenon surrounding the game continues to showcase its importance beyond mere entertainment.
Debate Over DeepSeek's Future and Security
U.S. lawmakers are working on legislation to ban the DeepSeek chatbot from federal devices due to security concerns about potential data sharing with foreign governments. The bill, prompted by bipartisan support, reflects rising anxieties over the app's code and the implications of its open-source nature. Discussions highlight how companies like Microsoft and Amazon, which host DeepSeek, have not raised significant alarms, adding layers of complexity to the debate. Legislators are drawing parallels to past actions taken against TikTok, indicating a broader trend toward scrutinizing technology's impact on national security.
Trends in the NBA and Sports Disruption
The NBA is facing potential disruption as new business opportunities and alternative leagues begin to emerge, leading to discussions about the future structure of professional basketball. Rich Kleiman suggests that a shift in how players experience their careers, such as playing in condensed schedules or alternative leagues, may redefine competition in sports. With the rise of NIL opportunities, college athletes now have more avenues for monetization, impacting traditional pathways to professional leagues. This evolving landscape may force the NBA to adapt to new expectations and rival formats, prompting a crucial conversation about the gamification of professional sports.
DOGE’s cuts in Washington have begun; former Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney explains the costs of running the government, the friction between Congress and the White House, and Elon Musk’s grand plan for efficiency. As we close in on the Super Bowl, CNBC’s Contessa Brewer reports on the game day bets, and sports entrepreneur Rich Kleiman discusses the networking opportunities for NFL players on and off the field in New Orleans. Kleiman, Kevin Durant’s longtime NBA agent, also weighs in on NBA trades. Plus, U.S. lawmakers are pushing to ban DeepSeek on government devices.