Key Takeaways:
- Over 25 athletes from the NBA, NFL, and NHL joined the Fanatics Athlete Immersion Program in New York.
- The program offered workshops on business, entrepreneurship, technology, and branding.
- Athletes connected with top CEOs and industry leaders to prepare for life after sports.
Athletes Learn Business at Fanatics Boot Camp
Fanatics, the sports merchandising powerhouse, is preparing athletes for success off the field. This past weekend in New York, more than two dozen current and retired stars from the NBA, NFL, and NHL participated in the Athlete Immersion Program, part of Fanatics Fest.
The three-day event resembled a business school experience, offering:
- Workshops and lectures
- Case studies and roleplay
- Hands-on projects
Memphis Grizzlies guard Cole Anthony said,
“It opened my eyes. I’m already exploring business with my family and partners. This just pushes me further.”
Top CEOs as Mentors
Participants got the rare chance to interact directly with billion-dollar business minds, including:
- Michael Rubin, Fanatics Founder
- David Solomon, Goldman Sachs CEO
- Josh Harris, Apollo Global Co-founder & 76ers Owner
- Todd Graves, Raising Cane’s Founder
- Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN Chairman
- Rich Kleiman, Boardroom CEO & Kevin Durant’s Business Partner
NFL legend Aaron Donald, now retired and a business investor, said:
“Being in a room with people who run billion-dollar companies — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You soak up all the knowledge you can.”
From the Locker Room to the Boardroom
The Athlete Immersion Program began in 2023 and now includes Boardroom as a partner — a media brand co-founded by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman.
Kleiman referenced late NBA player Junior Bridgeman, who built a billion-dollar empire through fast-food franchises and Coca-Cola distribution after retiring.
“Bridgeman wasn’t just a name; he built a full-scale business. That’s the model we want athletes to learn from,” Kleiman explained.
Building a Second Career: ‘1.0 to 2.0’
According to Toretha McGuire, Fanatics’ Chief People Officer, the goal is to help athletes transition from their “1.0 career” (sports) to their “2.0 career” (business).
Each athlete in the program creates a limited-edition apparel line with Mitchell & Ness (a Fanatics brand) and learns core business fundamentals. They even walk through a real case study from Fanatics’ 2021 capital raise, making their own strategic decisions.
“Most athletes retire young. The relationships and access they have now will define their future opportunities,” said McGuire.
Real Talk from Real Entrepreneurs
Todd Graves, founder of Raising Cane’s, offered straight advice during the entrepreneurship panel:
“Starting a business is extremely tough. Multiply that by infinity. You need passion, focus, and the wisdom to hire people smarter than you.”
Athletes Finding Purpose Beyond the Game
The program is ongoing, with another session scheduled for WNBA, NWSL, and MLB athletes this December.
For Cole Anthony, the experience was personal:
“Everyone we met is a grinder. Whether in business or sports, success means making your passion your top priority.”
Statistics show that 16% of NFL players have declared bankruptcy post-retirement, highlighting the importance of financial education and planning.
Aaron Donald’s Vision: Generational Wealth
Now focused on building a business legacy, Aaron Donald shared:
“The same discipline that helped me win on the field is now fueling my business goals. I’m working toward generational wealth for my kids.”
