About Boardroom

Boardroom is a sports, media and entertainment brand co-founded by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman and focused on the intersection of sports and entertainment. Boardroom’s flagship media arm features premium video/audio, editorial, daily and weekly newsletters, showcasing how athletes, executives, musicians and creators are moving the business world forward. Boardroom’s ecosystem encompasses B2B events and experiences (such as its renowned NBA and WNBA All-Star events) as well as ticketed conferences such as Game Plan in partnership with CNBC. Our advisory arm serves to consult and connect athletes, brands and executives with our broader network and initiatives.

Recent film and TV projects also under the Boardroom umbrella include the Academy Award-winning Two Distant Strangers (Netflix), the critically acclaimed scripted series SWAGGER (Apple TV+) and Emmy-nominated documentary NYC Point Gods (Showtime).

Boardroom’s sister company, Boardroom Sports Holdings, features investments in emerging sports teams and leagues, including the Major League Pickleball team, the Brooklyn Aces, NWSL champions Gotham FC, and MLS’ Philadelphia Union.

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December 16, 2022

Cathy Engelbert Shuts Down Prospect of WNBA Expansion in 2024

The WNBA continues to rise; however, fans will have to wait for a league expansion. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told The Athletic that there’s no announcement in regards to an expansion team in 2024, despite some hope there would be. Engelbert attributed the delay to the time required to build an expansion team, the pandemic, and Brittney Griner’s imprisonment. Earlier this year, Engelbert suggested that expansion was on the horizon, leading several cities to signal interest in inclusion in the league. The news comes on the same day as the NBA commissioner Adam Silver indicated that he expects to see a woman head coach in the men’s league in the next five years.

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Charlie Baker Appointed New NCAA President

In a surprising move, the NCAA revealed its new president on Thursday, introducing outgoing Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker who will take over for Mark Emmert. The MA lawmaker will enjoy a two-month hiatus between his two positions. He will step down as governor in January and take over his new role beginning in March.

Boardroom’s Anthony Puccio has all the details on the appointment. 

Major League Pickleball and Margaritaville Team up for First-ever Naming Rights Sponsorship

The MLP and Margaritaville are a perfect pairing. The league announced on Thursday that the restaurant and hotel chain will serve as its first-ever naming rights sponsor. As part of the partnership, the league will change its moniker to: “MLP by Margaritaville.” In a statement, Margaritaville founder and avid pickleball fan Jimmy Buffet said, “I am happy to be in the same boat with MLP … Fun has always been a part of life to me and I think of pickleball as the perfect ratio of work to play.”

Skylar Diggins-Smith Adds to Accolades with Emmy Win

Six-time WNBA All-Star Skylar Diggins-Smith added another accolade to her long list of accomplishments. She was awarded the 2022 Rocky Mountain Regional Emmy Award for her work as part of the Phoenix Suns’ broadcasting team. The Phoenix Mercury star joined the team in March 2021 and has been highly touted around the league for her keen analysis of the Xs and Os from the lens of a professional hooper.

Boardroom’s Anthony Puccio has all the details.

André 3000 Set to Star Alongside Michelle Williams in "Showing Up"

André 3000 is back. While fans wish he would lay down more tracks, he’s pouring into alternative endeavors. The former Outkast member is set to appear in the upcoming A24 film, Showing Up, directed by Kelly Reichardt. The story centers around a sculptor (Michelle Williams) and her quirky existence in an artists’ community. The film premiered at Cannes back in May, but will release widely in Spring 2023.

Deion Sanders Docuseries Heads to Prime Video

Coach Prime is heading into his final game at Jackson State as the Tigers prepare to take on North Carolina Central. As he readies for his move to Colorado, Deion Sanders brought an HBCU program into the national spotlight. Sanders invited cameras in to document his final season, and the four-part docuseries will premiere on Prime Video on Dec 29. Michael Strahan’s SMAC Entertainment serves as an executive producers on Coach Prime.

Drew Brees Lands on the Sidelines at Purdue

Thirteen-time Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees is heading back to Purdue to serve as an assistant coach. Brees joins the team as it prepares for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Jan 2. “I see it not only as an opportunity to coach and mentor this group of young men, but represent all the former Purdue players that care so much about our program,” Brees said in a statement. Since retiring from the NFL after the 2020 season, Brees has taken on an expansive list of new roles, from NFL analyst to Pickleball franchise investor.