Neither the NBA, NFL, MLB, MLS, nor the WNBA has any majority Black owners, a fact that seems unreal given the day and age. The last remaining Black majority stakeholder in the NBA was Michael Jordan who this summer relinquished his stake in the Charlotte Hornets.
Diverse Representation’s Black Ownership In Sports Symposium wants to change this narrative.
Founded in 2018, Diverse Representation is an organization that aims to help Black agents, attorneys, managers, publicists, and financial advisors in the sports and entertainment industries gain visibility.
One way is by hosting its first-ever Black Ownership In Sports Symposium. On September 8 and 9, 2023, leading experts will meet in Atlanta to impart wisdom about overcoming challenges and achieving professional milestones. Guest speakers will also discuss ways to become stakeholders.
One featured speaker includes former NFL player Warrick Dunn, a star with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. Now, after buying a minority stake in the Falcons, he is offering his advice on managing the business side.
“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,” Dunn said in a press release.
“There are currently several initiatives focused on increasing diversity at various levels of professional sports—from the coaching level to the executive level,” said Jaia Thomas, the CEO and founder of Diverse Representation. “However, there have yet to be any initiatives or intentional focus on increasing diversity at the ownership level. My goal with this symposium is to provide some tangible tools and resources to help diversify the pipeline of owners.”
The Black Ownership In Sports Symposium is just one of many initiatives that Diverse Representation has run to help aspiring Black changemakers accomplish their goals. For more details, visit www.diverserepresentation.com.
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