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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.

All Rights Reserved. 2026.
News...Straight to the point.
February 20, 2026
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For the first time ever, the original version of Jay-Z‘s “Dead Presidents” single was released on streaming platforms on Friday in celebration of the song’s 30th anniversary. Initially dropped in 1996, the track was a precursor to Hov’s debut LP, Reasonable Doubt. Jay-Z is also selling a limited-edition vinyl, CD, and cassette tape version of the original on the Roc Nation website.

He’s already taken over the sports talk airwaves; now he’s aiming for the Big Screen. ESPN personality Pat McAfee has reportedly tapped Ari Emmanuel as his agent, with the sole focus of landing him roles in TV and film. Per Bloomberg, Emmanuel’s mission is to “turn Pat McAfee into the next Sylvester Stallone.” Currently executive chairman of WME, Emmanuel represents famous actors such as Larry David and Seth MacFarlane.

Wasserman has officially kicked off its sale process, hiring Moelis & Co. to explore strategic options for the agency. Founder Casey Wasserman informed staff on Feb. 13 that he intends to step aside following his appearance in recently unsealed Jeffrey Epstein files, shifting his focus toward his leadership role with the LA28 Olympic Games. The move comes amid a string of high-profile client exits, including Chappell Roan, John Summit, and Laufey.

Live Nation closed out 2025 with record revenue, surpassing $25 billion for a 9% jump from the previous year. The entertainment powerhouse also delivered a sharp boost in profitability, with operating income climbing 52% year over year to $1.3 billion, underscoring the continued strength of global touring demand.

Tired of watching your favorite NBA team throw away the second half of their season? The end may be in sight. The league is looking to implement new anti-tanking rules to help curb the practice as soon as next season. According to ESPN, Commissioner Adam Silver informed team GMs of the upcoming changes this week. Among the proposed concepts are freezing the lottery odds at the trade deadline, flattening the odds for all NBA Draft lottery teams, and more.

Despite a late-season collapse that kept them out of the playoffs, the New York Mets posted a record financial year at Citi Field, generating $311.4 million in 2025 revenue, up from $260.8 million, fueled by 850,000 additional fans and the historic 15-year, $765 million signing of Juan Soto. Ticket sales rose to $157.6 million, premium seating nearly doubled to $39.1 million, and concessions jumped 55% to $38.3 million, though the club still absorbed one of MLB’s largest losses amid a $347 million payroll and $92 million luxury tax bill.

Virgin Music Group has completed its $775 million acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings, bringing one of the world’s largest artist-services companies under the Universal Music Group umbrella. Former Downtown CEO Pieter van Rijn has been named COO of Virgin Music Group, while founder Justin Kalifowitz is stepping down. Per the announcement, Downtown works with over 5,000 clients and more than 4 million creators in 145 countries.

Indiana head football coach Curt Cignetti has capitalized on the massive success of the 2025 season, reportedly striking a new deal that pays him $13.2 million per year through 2033. The Hoosiers are coming off their first national title in program history after running the table and going undefeated. The only coach to make more than Cignetti annually is Georgia‘s Kirby Smart ($13.3 million), with newly hired LSU coach Lane Kiffin ($13 million) not far behind.

Xbox is entering a new era as Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer announced his retirement on Friday after nearly 40 years at the helm. A veteran of the company since 1988 and a guiding force for Xbox since its 2001 launch, Spencer leaves big shoes to fill. Stepping into the role is Asha Sharma, who comes over from Microsoft’s CoreAI division.

A historical feature exploring the story behind the Statue of Liberty is in development, with Christian Duguay (“Jappeloup”) set to direct. Jointly produced by Quad Cinéma and Gemma Pictures, the film chronicles the vision and struggles of those who brought this iconic symbol of freedom to life.

Photo: Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives

Boardroom Staff