MVP 016 - The Unofficial Business Biography of Kevin Durant

In this episode, Courtney and Jimmy deep dive into the entrepreneurial journey of NBA superstar Kevin Durant, exploring his professional achievements, philanthropy, his entrepreneurial ventures and his venture investments.

 
 

Episode Highlights

Three Phases of Durant's Career

  • Courtney outlines three crucial phases in Durant's career

  • Emphasis on the impact of relationships with agents and the pivotal move to Golden State

  • Discussion on the transition from high earner to wealthy and the strategic role of representation in managing business ventures

Roc Nation to 35 Ventures

  • Insight into Durant's changes in player representation

  • The journey from Goodwin Sports Management to Roc Nation and founding 35 Ventures with Rich Kleiman in 2016

  • Importance of relocating to Golden State, California, in shaping Durant's entrepreneurial mindset

35 Ventures Investment Strategy

  • Overview of 35 Ventures and its founders, Rich Kleiman and Kevin Durant

  • The strategic decision to leave Roc Nation and focus on private and public company investments, philanthropy, and media ventures

Major Investments and Returns

  • Exploration of significant investments by 35 Ventures - Postmates and Coinbase

  • Insights into returns and the concept of Series D investments

  • Overview of the diverse portfolio, including investments in Weedmaps, Acorns, Jet Smarter, and Robin Hood

Boardroom's Evolution

  • Evolution of Boardroom from a podcast series in 2019 to a multifaceted media network

  • The intersection of sports, entertainment, business, and culture

  • Discussion on the influence of athletes like LeBron James and Kevin Durant on the media landscape

Strategic Sports Investments

  • Discussion on strategic investments made by 35 Ventures in pro sports leagues and teams

  • Stakes in the Philadelphia Union of the MLS and Gotham FC of the NWSL

  • Emphasis on the potential of sports investments to increase business valuations and attract traffic towards assets

Future Billionaires and Knowledge Sharing

  • The duo discusses potential future billionaires among current athletes, focusing on Durant

  • Emphasis on the importance of knowledge sharing, asking questions, and investing in assets for long-term wealth

Sports Business, Business BreakdownCourtney StephenKevin Durant, Rich Kleiman, NBAComment