The Business of Basketball Podcast

The Business of Basketball Podcast

By Misha HorseyBusinessCareers
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The Business of Basketball Podcast episodes

  • Inside the AND1 Comeback: How Streetball Built Basketball Careers
    ⏱️ Timestamps
    2:25 Choosing to Work in Basketball
    3:42 How The Rucker brand led to a job with Converse
    6:32 Joining AND1 during their reintroduction phase
    7:31 AND1’s partnership with Walmart
    10:55 How AND1 is Backing HBCUs
    12:58 AND1 expansion into women's hoops
    14:37 How to Build Your Brand in 2025
    17:07 And 1's plan for growth
    18:51 The meaning behind AND1’s logo
    22:00 What they look for in new talent
    26:37 Rucker Park’s legacy and growing The Rucker brand
    29:38 The skills that helped him build his career
    31:57 Grateful for the game segment
    36:06 AND1 tour and upcoming events
    Who remembers waiting for the next AND1 mixtape to drop? Or proudly repping the OG trash talk tees and red Tai Chi shoes? In this episode of The Business of Basketball, we're talking about AND1's legacy and how they're keeping the movement alive for a new generation.
    Brand director of AND1, Dexter Gordon, shares how streetball culture has changed, how their marketing and branding has evolved with it, and what they're doing next — from partnerships with HBCUs to investing in women's streetball. You’ll also hear how worked his way up in the industry to work with multiple iconic brands like Converse and Rucker Park, and the moves that’ll help you do the same!
    Connect with Dexter Gordon: https://www.instagram.com/d_gordon33/
    Connect with AND1:
    Website: https://and1.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/and1/?hl=en
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@and1
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@and1basketball
    #podcast #streetball #basketball #education #career
    40 min
  • The Business Behind Basketball Products
    The hardest part about making your own basketball? Knowing where to start. This episode with Tari Wright, founder of Not Wright Brand, gets into the process, the challenges, and the mindset it took to launch a new product. From funding to manufacturing, he breaks down how he brought his vision to life and built the first Black-owned basketball business.
    We talk about the move that gave Not Wright Brand real momentum, what it takes to land partnerships, and how he got people to pay attention to his brand without a big budget. Listen now to learn how to break into a tough industry your own way!
    Topics discussed in this episode:
    Not Wright Brand’s origin story
    First steps to creating a basketball product
    Setbacks in the manufacturing and certification process
    Funding and cost of development
    How he landed his first partnerships
    Distribution, retail and wholesale pricing
    Marketing strategies and self-promotion
    Growing the brand with more products
    Tips to secure funding and store placement
    How to overcome self-doubt and skepticism
    Shop Not Wright Brand: https://notwrightbrand.com/
    Connect with Not Wright Brand on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notwrightbrand/
    Get in touch with Tari Wright:  [email protected] |  267-455-7366
    _____________________________________________
    📌 Join our Patreon — helping you find your dream job in basketball!
    https://www.patreon.com/businessofbasketball
    Here’s what you get as a member:
    💼 Front Office Friday — weekly drops with curated job + internship leads
    📚 Bonus career resources
    36 min
  • NIL Strategies for Athletes: How to Make Money in College

    In this episode of The Business of Basketball, host Misha Horsey sits down with Rashad Campbell, a financial educator, NIL strategist, and COO of Advance NIL. With over a decade of experience guiding 50,000+ athletes, Rashad shares crucial insights on how athletes can navigate NIL opportunities, avoid financial pitfalls, and make smart investment decisions.We break down:✅ The biggest financial mistakes athletes make with NIL deals✅ The truth about NIL taxes and what athletes need to know✅ The role of Athlete CEOs and managing personal brands✅ Red flags to watch for in NIL contracts and business deals✅ The future of NIL how it is shaping college recruiting, the WNBA and more!Plus, Rashad shares his personal journey from Division I athlete to financial educator, offering invaluable advice for athletes looking to take control of their financial futures.📌 Listen now to learn how to turn NIL deals into long-term financial success!🎯 Connect with Rashad Campbell & Advance NIL:🔗 Website: https://www.advancenil.com/📚 Courses: https://courses.advancenil.com/📎 LinkedIn:   / rashadcampbell  📲 Instagram: @RashadCampbellSC🎧 Connect with The Business of Basketball Podcast:🏀 Instagram: @businessofbasketballpod🏀 Website: The Business of Basketball🏀 Subscribe & Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a teammate, coach, or parent who needs to hear it! Don't forget to leave a review so more athletes can level up their NIL knowledge. #BusinessOfBasketball #NIL #AthleteFinance #FinancialEducation #SportsBusiness

    37 min
  • The Role of an Athletic Director: Hiring, Recruitment, and NIL w/ Donna Woodruff

    Athletic directors balance it all: budgets, athletes, and the future of their institution. In this episode, Donna Woodruff offers insight into her role as Assistant Vice President and Athletic Director at Loyola University. She highlights the challenges and rewards of running an athletic department, from hiring coaches to recruitment and scholarships.
    We discuss college coaching contracts, how the NIL and AAU are shaping college athletics, the rise of women's sport, and more. Whether you're an athlete, coach or aspiring administrator, our conversation will help you navigate your journey in sports!
    Topics discussed in this episode:
    Donna's path from athlete to administrator
    Key skills and responsibilities of an athletic director
    Finding the right fit during recruitment
    How the NIL has impacted college athletics
    The role of AAU and recruitment challenges
    Scholarships and the recruitment process
    Hiring and contracts: sustaining a career as a college coach
    The growth and visibility of women's sports

    37 min
  • Inside the Unrivaled 3v3 Basketball League: Structure, Pay & Top Investors

    The next era of basketball starts now with the Unrivaled League. In this episode, my new co-host Max Donches and I discuss how this women’s league is changing the game and creating new opportunities both on and off the court.

    We break down the Unrivaled League’s three-on-three structure, its groundbreaking one-on-one tournament, and star-studded roster. Join us to learn how it’s helping athletes earn more at home, opening new career paths, promoting representation and driving sustainable growth in women’s sports!



    Topics discussed in this episode:

    • The Unrivaled League’s innovative structure

    • Economic and community impact

    • Key investors and partnerships

    • Career opportunities for WNBA players

    • Revenue streams and sustainability

    • New opportunities for a career in basketball

    • Team rosters and head coaches


      • 36 min
    • How to Land a Job in the NBA

      How do you go from basketball fan to key figure in NBA player development?


      In this episode, discover how Ricki Dean became the Senior Director of Player Engagement for the National Basketball Players Association. We go behind the scenes of her career, from early days in college sports to now traveling the world and working with NBA legends.

      Ricki highlights the skills that helped her rise to the executive level, the strategies she used to build important industry connections, and the once-in-a-lifetime moments she's experienced — including a memorable meeting with Allen Iverson. She also unpacks the nuances of player development, from the unique responsibilities to how the NBPA empowers players both on and off the court. Tune in to learn more and find out how you can break into the industry!


      Topics discussed in this episode:

      • The role of the National Basketball Players Association

      • Ricki’s educational journey and early career steps

      • Lessons from working with the Spurs

      • The day-to-day schedule of a player engagement exec

      • Key skills for success in player engagement

      • How to advance your career in the basketball industry

      • Mentorship and networking resources: how to find opportunities in sports

      • The highlight of Ricki’s career: meeting Allen Iverson

      • AI’s impact on the game in Philly and beyond

      • How the NBPA helps players transition into the NBA

        • Connect with Ricki Dean:

        https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickicdean/

        Stay connected with Business of Basketball:

        https://www.businessofbasketball.co/

        https://www.instagram.com/businessofbasketballpod/

        https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Bwr2Tyx3vuNNSfqdR5rUg


        34 min
      • How to Become a Professional Basketball Player: Practical Advice to get Contracts!
        Turning pro is just the beginning — what does it take to stay in the game? From physical preparation to mental resilience, today’s conversation with Shante Evans unpacks the realities of becoming a professional basketball player and building a long-term career.
        Shante shares her insights and tips on choosing a college, finding the right agent, making smart financial decisions, and more. We discuss why a lot of Americans struggle to sustain their career overseas, and what players can do to avoid these common pitfalls. Tune in to learn the steps you need to take to go pro, how to earn more on a European team, and stay on top of your game!
        Topics discussed in this episode:
        Transitioning from college into a pro basketball career
        The lifestyle of an international professional athlete
        Tips for finding a good agent and negotiating contracts
        Best practices for managing finances and taxes
        How to get around American player limitations
        American versus European basketball
        What it takes to sustain a long-term pro basketball career
        How to improve your chances of going pro
        Grateful to the Game
        Stay connected with Business of Basketball:
        https://www.businessofbasketball.co/
        https://www.instagram.com/businessofbasketballpod/
        https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Bwr2Tyx3vuNNSfqdR5rUg
        This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com
        49 min
      • How to Turn Your Counseling Degree Into a Career with Basketball Athletes! Practical Tools to Start!

        Youth sports shape young talent, but at what cost? This episode explores the connection between mental health and athletic performance in youth sports, highlighting the intense pressure young athletes face from coaches, parents, and even social media — and what we can do to address this growing concern.
        Enter the NUI app, founded by Julie Korioth to support the mental health and performance of young athletes. Julie shares her experience carving out a career in sports and the journey to create NUI, from securing funding to forming partnerships. We also discuss what’s fueling the current mental health crisis among athletes, tools for building confidence and mental resilience, and what it takes to create a sustainable career in the field of sports psychology. Join our conversation now!
        Topics discussed in this episode:
        The mental health crisis in youth sports
        How self-doubt impacts performance and how to address it
        Creating the NUI app and community
        Key resources and features of the NUI app
        How social media and athlete rankings affect young athletes
        Strategies to build confidence and resilience
        How coaches and parents can better support athletes
        Tips for landing your dream job in mental health and sports
        Download the NUI app from the Apple App Store or Google Play!
        http://www.getnui.com/
        Connect with Julie Korioth and NUI:
          / julie-korioth-65623a105    / juliekorioth    / nuicommunity  
        Stay connected with Business of Basketball:
        https://www.businessofbasketball.co/  / businessofbasketballpod     / @businessofbasketball  Transcript

        35 min
      • Master Sponsorships and Marketing: How to Pitch and Land Major Brand Deals

        When you think of careers in sports, two paths probably come to mind: coaching or corporate. But there’s a whole world of opportunities in basketball, and Mike Morak is proof that you can carve out a niche in the industry that leverages your skills and passion for the game. From organizing community-driven events like the Danny Rumph Classic to launching products with PUMA, he’s built his own brand and a sustainable career in basketball.

        In this episode, Mike dives into the role of a sports marketing consultant, the key differences between branding and marketing, and his strategies for securing partnerships with major brands like Red Bull and Foot Locker. Tune in for tips on how to build strong relationships, pitch to brands, and craft compelling decks to land sponsorships!

        Topics discussed in this episode:

        • Mike’s journey into basketball marketing

        • The role of a sports entertainment marketing consultant

        • Founding his own brand, M3 Ideas

        • Effective pitching and building relationships

        • Marketing versus branding

        • The Danny Rumph Classic

        • Strategies to land brand sponsorships

        • What makes a good sponsorship deck

        • How basketball skills translate into real-life success

          • Don’t miss the Daniel E. Rumph Foundation’s free health screening on Saturday October 5th! Learn more here: https://danielerumphii.com

          Follow Danny Rumph Classic and Victory in NORF:

          https://www.instagram.com/rumphclassic

          https://www.instagram.com/victoryinnorf

          Stay connected with Business of Basketball:

          https://www.businessofbasketball.co/

          https://www.instagram.com/businessofbasketballpod/

          https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Bwr2Tyx3vuNNSfqdR5rUg


          32 min

        About The Business of Basketball Podcast

        From the publisher's feed

        The Business of Basketball podcast educates basketball enthusiasts on diverse career paths within and beyond the sport for a sustainable future in the industry.