Diverse Representation, an organization dedicated to increasing the hiring and exposure of Black agents, attorneys, managers, publicists and financial advisors who work in the sports and entertainment industries, today announced their inaugural Black Ownership In Sports Symposium taking place September 8-9, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
This summer Michael Jordan finalized the sale of his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, which left the NBA with no majority Black owners. Similarly, there are currently no Black majority owners in the NFL, MLB, MLS, or WNBA. The aim of the inaugural Black Ownership In Sports Symposium is to change those demographics and open up more pathways for Black ownership in professional sports.
During the Symposium, guest speakers will share insight into the various opportunities and challenges in connection with purchasing majority and minority ownership stakes in professional sports teams. Speakers will also share financial models and viable pathways to gaining ownership.
Warrick Dunn will be one of the featured speakers of the Black Ownership In Sports Symposium. Dunn played in the NFL for twelve seasons for teams such as Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. One year after retiring, Dunn purchased a minority stake in the Atlanta Falcons organization. “Since joining the Atlanta Falcons ownership group when I retired in 2009, it has been important for me to set an example that others could follow. That’s why I’m proud to partner with Diverse Representation to convene this first-of-its-kind forum of minority team owners,” says Dunn. Dunn will also be co-hosting a private luncheon for Black professional sports owners during the Symposium weekend as well.
“There are currently several initiatives focused on increasing diversity at various levels of professional sports – from the coaching level to the executive level. However, there have yet to be any initiatives or an intentional focus on increasing diversity at the ownership level,” says Jaia Thomas, Esq., founder and chief executive officer of Diverse Representation. “My goal with this Symposium is to provide some tangible tools and resources to help diversify the pipeline of owners.”
Since its inception in 2018, Diverse Representation has spearheaded a number of pipeline programs including the Sports Agent Bootcamp to the Black Executives Pipeline Program.
For more information, visit: www.diverserepresentation.com
Last updated on August 25, 2023
