The WNBA stars are taking center stage, not just on the court but in the business world too! While the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations drag on, these athletes are expanding their horizons and building their own empires.
Imagine a room filled with eager learners, but instead of a typical business school class, it's a group of WNBA players. Last Wednesday, Fanatics' New York headquarters hosted an immersive business program, where players like Lexie Hull, Naz Hillmon, and Jewell Loyd engaged in interactive sessions, discussing everything from makeup brands to content strategies and farm investments.
But here's where it gets intriguing: these players are not just athletes; they're entrepreneurs. With the surge of NIL, media, and marketing deals, they're embracing the business side of their careers. As New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud puts it, "We are a business in ourselves."
Fanatics and Boardroom's initiative goes beyond a one-time event. Over the summer, they hosted NBA, NFL, and NHL players, and this time, MLB, NWSL, and WNBA stars joined the ranks. The program offers a unique blend of theory and practice, including AI courses, personality assessments, and even a study of Fanatics' own growth.
And this is the part most people miss—these players are hungry for business knowledge. They've already ventured into merch lines, podcasts, restaurants, and even their own basketball league. Boardroom CEO Rich Kleiman acknowledges their prowess, "They understand how to build an audience, maybe even better than NBA players."
The ongoing CBA negotiations have only fueled their business acumen. With talks of salary caps and revenue sharing, players are becoming more aware of the economics of their sport. And while the negotiations continue, players like Cloud are vocal about their worth, emphasizing the importance of standing firm on their value.
As the stalemate persists, the players' business ventures thrive. The potential for significant salary raises looms, and the curiosity around finances is palpable. Jewell Loyd, one of the top earners in the WNBA, highlights the importance of financial literacy among teammates.
The program covers it all—from real estate investing to tax bracket lessons. And as the players navigate these business waters, they're not just waiting for the next season; they're shaping their financial future.
