Sports merchandising leader Fanatics is working to establish a training camp designed to help athletes navigate life beyond their sports careers.
This past weekend at Fanatics Fest in New York City, over two dozen players from the NBA, NFL, and NHL engaged in the Athlete Immersion Program, which comprised three days of workshops focused on business, entrepreneurship, and technology.
“This has truly opened my eyes,” remarked Cole Anthony, a guard for the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. “I’m already keen on business ventures with my team and family, and this just adds to my motivation.”
Prominent figures leading the boot camp included Fanatics founder Michael Rubin, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, Apollo Global co-founder Josh Harris, Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, and Boardroom co-founder Rich Kleiman.
Aaron Donald, who retired from the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams in 2024 after a Super Bowl victory, is embarking on a business career, including an investment in a sports nutrition company. Donald expressed amazement at the caliber of business leaders he encountered during the program.
“It’s an incredible opportunity,” he said. “I’m surrounded by executives of billion-dollar companies. How often do you get a chance like this? It’s essential to seize these opportunities and learn from them.”
From Big Leagues to Big Business
Launched in 2023, the Athlete Immersion Program is now collaborating with Boardroom, co-founded by Kleiman and NBA star Kevin Durant.
“Providing them with a framework is invaluable,” stated Kleiman. “Being with successful leaders opens doors and grants insights you can’t easily obtain elsewhere.”
Kleiman highlighted Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player who, despite earning less than $3 million during his career, amassed a net worth exceeding $1 billion through investments in various franchises and Coca-Cola distribution. “His success stemmed from not just being a name but building a robust operational team,” Kleiman noted.
Aspirations After Athletics
Fanatics’ program aims for ongoing education and networking, supporting athletes before and after they transition to business endeavors. The next session is set for December for WNBA, NWSL, and MLB players during the offseason.
Anthony, recently traded to the Grizzlies from the Orlando Magic, recognizes the similarities between sports competition and the business world. “Every person I’ve interacted with here has that drive. They prioritize their passions, and it’s inspiring to connect with like-minded individuals.”
Historically, financial challenges have plagued retired athletes—reports indicated that 16% of NFL players faced bankruptcy. However, many participants in the Fanatics program believe that initiatives like this can reshape their financial futures.
For Donald, regarded as one of the NFL’s finest defenders, the emphasis is on uncovering the best opportunities for his next chapter. “Abandoning the hard work and discipline that paved my path would be unwise. I’m focused on creating generational wealth for my family,” he stated.
