Amazing Athletes’ Post

Sport is business. Very big business. But it’s much more than that to the fans. For them, their team is bound up with their identity, a source of pride, joy and connection, with indelible imprints on memory. Sports teams’ stadia serve important community needs: a rallying point for locals and for those who travel far because they want to be part of that community and emotional connection; a place of release and escape, especially in tough times and, in the best of times, factories of dreams. This is what makes the story of the Oakland A’s baseball franchise so sad. Abandoning its East Bay home after 123 years, fleeing to a planned new megastadium on the Las Vegas Strip. Sure, the Coliseum has been falling apart for years with the owner apparently indifferent to the comfort (and perhaps safety) of the fans. Apparently, his attempt to explain the move and apologize for leaving Oakland behind has not gone well. The A’s will start another chapter in a place where their name has no connection to locals, and will be a pure money play. The A’s may do quite well in their new home with long overdue investment. Or they may not. A few questions come to mind: 1. How should sports franchises think about their responsibilities to the communities in which they are based? 2. Shouldn’t there be some reciprocity of trust and loyalty? 3. Is this a peculiarly American phenomenon? It is completely impossible to imagine Liverpool F.C., for example, leaving Anfield for a brand-new home on a former industrial estate in North London; or Milan leaving the San Siro because prime real estate in Rome comes with massive government incentives. Like I said, no f------ way. Krazy George Henderson, the A’s fan who invented The Wave in 1979 must be livid. https://lnkd.in/dnCD5kEB #sport #business #OaklandA's #MLB

Do you remember the movie, the Field of Dreams? The big quote that came from that movie was, “Build it and They Will Come.” Sure enough, they built a field in a cornfield in Iowa and the baseball players came. Today I want to talk to you about how you can build a field of soccer dreams. It’s another take on “Build it and they can come.” You’re likely not going to end up building in a cornfield though! The franchise brand features Five v Five or Seven v Seven soccer. This “small-sided soccer,” as it is known, is really big in the UK and is primed for growth in the U.S. In most venues, the owners typically build six fields and create a space for food/beverage. Here in the US there's still lots of development available as there are only 730 small-sided soccer venues across the US where you can play. If you are like me you might picture this business as something for young kids. Heck no. It's for ages 65 plus all the way down to 3. A lot of the adults are the ones getting into this. In fact, these fields typically are booked from 5 p.m. - midnight during the weekdays, long past a kid’s bedtime and beer can be served, if desired, in most venues. As a business owner, the turf is really making you the money. So this business attracts the same kind of owners as laundromats and self-serve car washes. Because the fields are the hardest working “employee” so to speak. I would like to invite you to my upcoming question and answer session to learn more about this brand. Join me by visiting www.bizbuyown.com. Remember, all my services are free of cost to you. Let's chat and see if this could be a good fit for you. #ownyourpathforward #SoccerDreams #SmallSidedSoccer #FieldOfOpportunity

More evidence of the massive growth in Women's Soccer! Billionaire Ron Burkle is selling the San Diego Wave for $113 million. Burkle paid a $2 million expansion fee when the Wave joined the NWSL less than three years ago! Billionaire Ron Burkle is selling the San Diego Wave to the Levine Leichtman family. I don't know much about them, but a quick Google search shows Lauren Leichtman and her husband, Arthur Levine, as founding partners of Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, an investment firm. I'm no expert, but I would guess that if an investment firm has made a purchase, they are expecting/predicting continued growth and expansion. Watch this space! #sportsmarketing #sportbusiness #footballbusiness

In 2020, I unexpectedly found myself immersed in American soccer, tasked with attracting investment. As I delved into the history and potential of the sport in the USA, I uncovered issues within the existing system, including exclusivity, a closed league structure, and a pay-to-play model. Seeking alternatives, I envisioned The National Soccer League™ inspired by successful structures in other sports. This licensing model aims to empower operators without the hefty franchise fees, with an optimistic launch planned for early 2025. The goal is to address the flaws in the current system and usher in a new era for American soccer https://lnkd.in/ettVhGZx

Implementing Entrepreneurship In Your Sports Career-Dre Baldwin #passiveincome #passiveincomestreams #passiveincomeonline #passiveincomes #passiveincomelifestyle #passiveincomeideas #makemoneyonlinefree #howtomakemoney #makemoneydaily

Tony Parker: From NBA superstar to business mogul 💹 Tony Parker took the basketball world by storm when he was drafted into the NBA at the age of 19. The French prodigy went on to have an illustrious career, winning 4 NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs and becoming the first European player to be named NBA Finals MVP. But Parker was more than a superstar on the court. He had his sights set on business domination. Since retiring from the NBA in 2019, Parker has built a thriving business empire that spans sports, wine, hospitality and more. The crown jewel is his stake in LDLC ASVEL, France's most successful basketball club. As chairman and majority owner, Parker has led the team to back-to-back league titles. His holding company, Infinity Nine Group, has invested in ski resorts, horse racing, e-sports and several start-ups. Forbes ranked him as the second most popular business leader in France in 2021. Giving back is also important to Parker. In 2019, he launched the Tony Parker Academy in Lyon to provide underprivileged youth with academic and athletic training. During his 18 stellar seasons in the NBA, Parker earned more than $165 million in salary. Lucrative endorsement deals and shrewd investments have boosted his net worth to an estimated $200 million. Now Parker is joining season 4 of business reality show Qui Veut Être Mon Associé? (Shark Tank) as an investor. It's the perfect platform for the former NBA champion to back entrepreneurs and expand his business reach even further. Tony Parker's relentless drive has fuelled his rise from teenage hoops phenom to respected tycoon. His growing empire is proof that champions can thrive both on and off the court. #TonyParker #NBA #Investisor #SportBusiness

Commercially, Wrexham have done a phenomenal job on the back of their Hollywood-inspired story to reach the Premier League.   Having leapt from the rugged terrain of the National League into the relative comfort of League One, Wrexham continues its rise, buoyed by a momentum that feels, like a Hollywood blockbuster. It’s a franchise in the making, poised for more promotions that could take them to the Premier League.   Their biggest commercial asset is their docuseries, Welcome to Wrexham—a vehicle of fan engagement, drawing in legions of new supporters from across the globe, while reaffirming the loyalty of their existing fan base. Content and storytelling are now the beating heart of football's growth, and in this context, content is king—captivating hearts and minds alike. Wrexham's approach to storytelling is setting a blueprint for how football clubs can engage in the digital age.   Wrexham’s Hollywood-flavored rise has attracted industry-leading partners who have bought into this vision of growth. Brands want to be associated with this fairy tale; they want to make a difference. Wrexham’s vision of growth is as much about revitalizing the local economy and giving small businesses in the region a platform to thrive. Industry-leading partners are making a difference. From community projects to small-business sponsorships and local outreach programs, these efforts have become as important to the club's future as any tactical masterclass on the pitch.   So, what’s next in this ever-expanding Wrexham Cinematic Universe? Will the Dragons secure their next promotion and continue their march to the Premier League? Wrexham is no longer just a soccer club; it's a franchise, a symbol, and, dare I say, a global phenomenon. Like any good blockbuster, it leaves us wanting more, and this story is far from over.     https://lnkd.in/gd79h_Kw

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 The sports education industry, led by dedicated franchise owners who see the immense potential to make a difference, is enjoying incredible growth opportunities. Working closely with schools, our franchisees are not just business operators; they're building strong foundations for active and healthy children, and forming long lasting partnerships. With sport and grassroots activities continuing to gain popularity and the government's support for additional wraparound care, the role of sports education providers has become crucial. But what really makes the sports industry beloved by our franchise owners? Impactful Work: There's unparalleled satisfaction in knowing your business has a direct positive impact on the well-being and development of young people. Witnessing the joy and progress in the communities and children you serve is incredibly rewarding. Community Connection: Collaborating with schools means you become an essential part of the local community. It's about forming lasting bonds and making a tangible difference, one child at a time. A Fun and Fulfilling Business: Imagine running a business where every day is about promoting health, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Our franchisees enjoy a business filled with variety, positive energy, and the satisfaction that comes from meaningful work. Unparalleled Support & Systems: With a comprehensive network of fellow franchise owners, proven systems, and robust corporate support, you're in good company. Our community is here to support, inspire, and propel each other to success. Growing Demand: With the government's additional funding for wraparound care, schools are on the lookout for partners to fill this gap. Sports education franchises are in a prime position to meet this demand, offering a valuable service that is both necessary and appreciated. What's not to love about a business that brings so much positivity, health, and vitality to communities? If you're curious about how you can be part of this rewarding industry, check out our resources and begin your journey to running a fulfilling sports franchise today. Visit https://lnkd.in/eRujpDCb #SportsFranchise #sport #education #FranchiseOpportunity

If you’re one of the many teams looking for a small business program for your partners, look no further than what the Minnesota Twins are doing with U.S. Bank. The Twins have this awesome initiative called Creator's Corner. It's all about shining a spotlight on local small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those from underserved communities. Small businesses can apply to join the program throughout the regular season. Three lucky businesses get selected, and they get to set up shop in the retail space inside Gate 34 at Target Field for the entire following season. The Twins team up with these businesses to help promote and sell their products at Target Field. That support includes a video feature on social media and a financial investment in each business. Many of these elements are done by most sports teams, but the opportunity to have a designated area in the stadium ALL SEASON LONG is a game-changer. This is absolutely a model I'd be looking to replicate, especially in collaboration with partners that want to make a true impact in the community. #sportsbusiness #sportsmarketing #sponsorship

More athletes are joining the ranks of team ownership, turning their athletic success into influential business ventures. Take a look at the roster of notable active athletes with ownership stakes in major sports franchises. Sure Sports specializes in helping financial advisors and business managers empower their athlete clients to leverage their contracts for high-impact investments. By using their professional contracts as leverage, athletes can secure financing and explore ownership opportunities, just like Patrick Mahomes, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Naomi Osaka have done. #FinancialAdvisors #BusinessManagers #AthleteBanking #sports #InvestInYourClients #finance #FinancialEmpowerment