Imagine building a sports startup out of college, raising $100M from Drake, Bezos and Kevin Durant, then creating a new basketball league with two players drafted in the NBA’s top 5 in 2023. Welcome to Overtime's story - Zachary Weiner shares his behind-the-scenes with us. 👇
This issue of Founder Diaries is a special one for me. I've known Zack since 2012 when we worked closely together on his first venture The Sports Quotient. Watching his journey from SQ to founding Overtime has been truly incredible and inspiring. Zack has been SO supportive in the past startups I've founded, sitting down with me to work on my pitch and figure out how to do my first fundraise from investors. I'm so grateful to call him a friend and that he made time in his busy schedule to sit down with me and Michelle Kwok to share his story.
From the start, Overtime wasn’t just about sports; it was a movement.
Overtime’s commitment to putting their audience first transformed how fans interacted with sports. We were given a behind the curtain look into the lives and talents of emerging superstars like Zion Williamson and Trae Young, long before they became national sensations.
The content wasn't just accessible; it was raw and profoundly relatable, creating a platform where fans didn't just watch but actively participated. At Overtime, everyone is part of the story, contributing to a dynamic, ongoing dialogue.
To this day, Overtime still responds to as many comments as possible, features their community members in content, and makes sure fans know Overtime is theirs too.
Empowered by a passionate community, Overtime recently took a bold step by launching their own leagues, including Overtime Elite, designed to offer young athletes an alternative pathway to professional sports. This strategic move wasn't just about changing the game; it was about owning it, all the IP - from media rights to merchandise, ensuring young talents and their fans received every opportunity they deserve.
Today, Overtime transcends its roots as an 8 person startup to stand as a monumental force in sports, with a team - 300 team members and 105 million fans strong.
It's a vivid testament to the power of listening to your audience, leveraging your strengths, and staying flexible in the fast-moving sports and entertainment landscapes.
Overtime is more than a brand; it’s a community that thrives together, celebrates together, and collectively revolutionizes the sports industry.
🤠 Dive into the full story of how Zack and his team are redefining the future of sports for the next generation - on Founder Diaries: https://lnkd.in/eYgE-wA5
Platinum Admin at Topgolf
5moWhat a fantastic partnership between the Nashville Predators, Bridgestone Arena, and DailyPay! It's amazing to see companies valuing their employees' financial wellness and providing them with access to their hard-earned wages. This initiative will surely make a positive impact on the team. Great job!