michigan sport
BUSINESS CONFERENCE

MSBC’s morning keynote will feature Grant Hill, a two-time NCAA Champion at Duke, seven-time NBA All-Star, and 2018 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee who has transitioned into leadership roles as Managing Director of USA Basketball’s Men’s National Team, a team owner, broadcaster, and board member for organizations including Duke University, the NCAA, and the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Students will have the opportunity to engage in structured networking sessions, connecting through open discussions with industry professionals from across the sports world. They’ll also have dedicated time to explore Recruiting Row, where they can meet with MSBC’s diverse range of recruiting partners.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest tournament in history, spanning three host nations and welcoming an expanded field of 48 teams. Beyond the matches themselves, the event represents a seismic shift in the global sports industry—reshaping sponsorship models, media rights, fan engagement, and tourism across North America. This panel brings together leaders in sport, business, and innovation to examine the opportunities and challenges the World Cup presents. We’ll also explore how brands, leagues, and clubs can leverage the World Cup to cement soccer’s place in the American sports landscape, transforming a one-time spectacle into sustained momentum.

Lunch will be provided by Maize and Blue. Students will also have the opportunity to attend one of our Lunch and Learn sessions, featuring deep dives into niche areas of the sports industry.

MSBC's midday keynote will feature a conversation with Alexis Ohanian. Alexis Ohanian is a tech founder and venture capitalist, best known as the Co-Founder and former Executive Chairman of Reddit and the founder of Seven Seven Six, a venture firm with over $1B in assets under management. He is also the founding control owner of Angel City FC and Los Angeles Golf Club, the founder of Athlos and the 776 Foundation, and the author of the national bestseller Without Their Permission.

Driving growth, forging partnerships, and shaping the long-term direction of organizations, corporate strategy and business development sit at the heart of the sports industry. This panel features professionals who have navigated these high-impact roles, from negotiating sponsorships and media deals to expanding global markets and launching new initiatives. Panelists will share their career stories, the skills that proved most valuable, and how they’ve turned challenges into opportunities. Students will walk away with a clearer understanding of the many pathways into strategy and business development, and how these roles help define the future of sports business.

Behind every major announcement, sponsorship deal, and crisis response in sports, there’s a team of communicators shaping the message. This panel highlights professionals who have built careers in corporate communications and PR within the sports industry. Panelists will share their personal journeys, the skills that helped them succeed, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Students will gain insights into how to break into the field, navigate challenges, and discover the wide range of opportunities communications offers in sports—from media relations and digital strategy to storytelling and brand building.

This career breakout panel aims to educate students and young industry professionals on the evolving creator economy and careers within it. Panelists will share insights on why brands leverage influencers and content creators, how they do so, and the various parties behind the scenes of such campaigns. Attendees will leave the breakout with a heightened understanding of what this industry truly looks like and how they can pursue careers in the space.

From fan festivals to immersive brand activations, experiential marketing is transforming the way audiences connect with sports. This panel brings together professionals who design and deliver these experiences, offering students an inside look at one of the industry’s most creative and fast-growing fields. Panelists will share their career paths, the skills they’ve developed, and the lessons learned while bringing memorable moments to life for fans. Students will hear firsthand how to enter the world of experiential marketing, what it takes to succeed, and why this area of sports business is becoming a cornerstone of fan engagement and brand strategy.

More than ever, athletes are stepping beyond the playing field to become savvy investors, entrepreneurs, and cultural tastemakers. With unique access to capital, networks, and global platforms, today’s stars are shaping industries ranging from technology and media to health, fashion, and real estate. This panel will explore the rise of athlete-led investing: why it’s happening now, how athletes are leveraging their influence to create long-term value, and what it means for the broader investment landscape. Hear from investors, advisors, and athletes themselves about balancing risk, purpose, and profit—while building legacies that extend far beyond sports.