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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September 22, 2022

Kid Cudi Reveals He is Writing a Memoir

He may already have a stacked soundtrack to his life — but Kid Cudi is also writing a memoir, he confirmed on Twitter. “Started writing the first chapter of my book. It’s comin together really well,” Cudi wrote. “Tellin’ my story in my own words is scary, but I feel like it needs to be told. I feel like everything will make a lil more sense as to why you all met such a troubled boy in the beginning.” This is not the first time that Cudi has ventured beyond the music realm. He has a Netflix series Entergalactic coming out on Sept. 30, the same day Moon Man’s new album will be released. He also starred in, and executive produced Ti West‘s slasher film X.

Robert Sarver Will Sell the Suns, Mercury Amid Pushback

In a statement released on Wednesday, Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury governor and majority partner Robert Sarver announced that he will sell both teams. The NBA findings of an independent investigation included lewd, sexist, and racist remarks and actions. Sarver, 60, bought the team for $400 million in 2004. In 2022, the team is valued at $1.8 billion and is expected to fetch more than $2 billion. NBA players, including LeBron James and Suns star Chris Paul, spoke out against the decision for a limited-term suspension. Meanwhile Jahm Najafi, the team’s minority stakeholder, demanded Sarver’s resignation and PayPal threatened to leave its partnership with the team if Sarver returned to the franchise.

Read Boardroom’s timeline on the entire debacle.

Buster Posey Takes His Place in Giants Front Office 

Buster Posey is investing in his former team. The seven-time All-Star catcher has become a member of the San Francisco Giants ownership group, marking the first time a former player has joined the organization as a principal partner and member of the Board of Directors. The 2012 MVP played his entire 12-year career in San Francisco, earning roughly $142 million throughout his time there.

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Emmanuel Sanders Joins NFL Network as a Studio Analyst

Former wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders has joined NFL Network as a studio analyst, the network announced on Wednesday. The former Super Bowl champ will debut on NFL GameDay Morning Sunday at 9 a.m. ET — joining Rich Eisen, Kurt Warner, Michael Irvin, Steve Mariucci, Ian Rapoport, Cynthia Frelund, and Rachel Bonnetta. Sanders will appear regularly on the weekly program throughout the season, along with other network shows, live coverage, and podcasts.

Howard University Announces Nuna Baby Essentials Partnership

Howard University has received a $1 million donation from Nuna Baby Essentials. The premium baby gear company will see its logo on the gym floor, backboards, and scoreboards. Howard will use the funds from the donation to renovate its coaches’ offices and locker rooms in the Bison’s Burr Gymnasium to attract recruits and build a winning culture.

Boardroom has all the details on the sponsorship.

RIAA Report Reveals Music Business Hit $7.7B in First Half of 2022

The music business is steady on the rise. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) released its first-half fiscal report, which revealed that total revenue is up nine percent. The report also shows that vinyl continues to be popular, with sales up 22%. RIAA estimates that consumers spent $7.7 billion through June. Streaming revenue accounted for the lion’s share of the eye-popping figure, totaling 84% and a value of nearly $6.5 billion. Major releases from artists including Bad Bunny, Adele, and Harry Styles fueled the record-setting revenue.

Liverpool and LeBron Link Up for Custom Nike Colorway

Owning a minority stake of one of the world’s biggest soccer clubs has its perks. So, too, does being a Nike athlete. The Swoosh has dropped LeBron James’ LeBron 9 Low “Reverse Liverpool” with vibrant Liverpool FC colors and an LFC bird logo on the heel and outsole. Good luck getting the sneakers, which will be a limited release available via the LFC website or the club’s mobile app for $185.

Twitch Bans Unlicensed Gambling Streams

Popular live stream platform Twitch said it is planning to ban crypto streaming websites such as Stake.com, Rollbit.com, and Duelbits.com on its platform to protect its streamers. The ban will prohibit streaming of sites including slots, roulette, and dice websites where popular streamers have admitted to facing gambling addictions on stream. While traditional gambling tactics will violate community guidelines, the world of fantasy sports betting will not be affected.

Spotify Island Brings Hip Hop to Roblox

Spotify’s digital music island, Spotify Island, is launching a new space-themed digital destination on Roblox called Planet Hip-Hop. The virtual space gives a younger generation of hip-hop fans new methods to connect with their favorite music artists. Fans can collect exclusive virtual merch, customize cars in the “Speed Shop,” cut a rug on the digital dance floor, create hip-hop beats powered by Soundtrap, and more.

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Rory Robinson