SAN FRANCISCO

ALL-STAR WEEK

FEBRUARY 13 - 15, 2025

Studio at Mission Rock

365 Toni Stone Xing

San Francisco, CA 94158

Parking Is Limited

Ride Share Strongly Encouraged

sphere of sports

2025 AGENDA

  • Day 1: Thursday, February 13, 2025

    Summit on Influence + Innovation
    Venue: Mission Rock, San Francisco
    Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

    12:00 PM – 1:00 PM:
    Kickoff reception and photos

    1:00 PM – 1:15 PM:

    Welcome Remarks

    • Speaker: Taj Tashombe, Founder, Sphere of Sports

    1:15 PM – 2:15 PM:

    Panel 1: The Future of Ownership – Building Wealth Through Sports Investments

    This session explores the transformative opportunities for building wealth through sports ownership. From emerging investment models to franchise acquisitions, panelists will dive into the evolving dynamics of ownership and how sports serve as a powerful vehicle for generational wealth creation. Whether you're an athlete looking to diversify or an investor seeking to expand, this panel will illuminate pathways to success.

    Moderator: Gordon Chan, Family Office Executive

    Panelists: 

    Vishal Verma - Managing Director, Edgewood Ventures

    Chris Kelly - Co-owner, Sacramento Kings and Sacramento Rivercats

    Sabeer Bhatia - Co-founder of Hotmail

    Bill Duffy - Head of Basketball, WME Sports

    Harold Graham - Head of Investor Relations, IgniteGTM

    2:30 PM – 3:30 PM:

    Panel 2: The Intersection of Sports and Social Impact – Changing Communities Through Sports

    Sports have the power to inspire change and unite communities. This panel explores how athletes, organizations, and brands are using sports as a platform for social impact. From youth development initiatives to addressing social inequities, panelists will share strategies for leveraging sports to create lasting, meaningful change in local and global communities.

    Moderator: Hannah Gordon - CEO, Hannah Gordon Advisors

    Panelists: 

    Jason Sacks - CEO, Positive Coaching Alliance

    Genevieve LeMarchal - Managing Director, Suncoast Ventures

    Dr. Tammy Mahaney - Venture Partner, Suncoast Ventures

    Somesh Dash - General Partner, IVP

    3:45 PM – 4:45 PM:

    Panel 3: The Rise of Women in Sports and Leadership

    Women are not just participating in sports; they’re leading it. This conversation highlights the trailblazing women reshaping the industry as athletes, executives, and owners. Panelists will discuss the challenges they’ve faced, the progress made, and the pathways to empowering more women to take leadership roles in sports and beyond.

    Moderator: - Leslie Maxie - Olympian & Journalist

    Panelists: 

    Jess Smith - President, Golden State Valkyries

    Megan Holston-Alexander - Partner, Cultural Leadership Fund a16z

    Dr. Veronica Jow - CEO, Avid Sports Medicine (SF Giants Team Doctor)

    Lindsay Barenz - President, Oakland Roots and Soul SC

    5:00 PM – 6:00 PM:

    Panel 4: The Business of Global Events – NBA All-Star, Super Bowl, World Cup, and Beyond

    Global sports events like the Super Bowl and World Cup transcend borders and drive billions in economic impact. This panel examines the business strategies behind hosting and managing these mega-events, exploring the economic, cultural, and social influence they wield. Discover how these events are planned, monetized, and positioned as global cultural phenomena.

    Moderator: Julia Hartz, Co-founder and CEO, Eventbrite

    Panelists: 

    Zaileen Janmohamed - President and CEO, Bay Area Host Committee

    Jeff Clanagan - President, CDO, and Co-founder HARTBEAT

    Baron Davis - Two-time NBA All-Star, Founder of Business Inside The Game

    Ronn Nicolli - CMO, Resorts World Las Vegas

    Daryl Butler - VP of Marketing at Google

    6:00 PM – 6:05 PM: Closing Remarks For Day 1

  • Day 2: Friday, February 14, 2025

    Sports, Screen and Sound
    Venue: Mission Rock, San Francisco
    Time: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    3:00 PM – 4:00 PM:
    Kickoff reception and photos

    4:00 PM – 4:50 PM:

    Panel 1: AI and Tech Innovation – The Next Frontier in Sports Performance and Fan Engagement

    Explore how AI and emerging technologies are revolutionizing sports. From enhancing player performance and game strategies to creating immersive fan experiences, this panel highlights the transformative impact of innovation on the industry’s future.
    A behind-the-scenes discussion with top executives driving innovation and success in Film, TV, Music and streaming. This panel highlights the role of leadership in expanding sports storytelling across platforms and reaching global audiences.

    Moderator: Anne Dwane - Co-Founder & Partner at Village Global

    Panelists: 

     Ashley Tarver - Data, AI and Cloud Evangelist, Microsoft

     Rachel Gillum - Vice President, Ethical and Humane Use of Technology, Salesforce

    Marc Reeves - Head of Global Strategic Partnerships, Fever

    Adam Shevell - Partner, Perkins Coie

    Sara Ahmadian - Founder, Anar Ventures

    5:00 PM – 5:50 PM:

    Panel 2: The Power Players – Executives Shaping Sports and Entertainment
    A behind-the-scenes discussion with top executives driving innovation and success in Film, TV, Music and streaming. This panel highlights the role of leadership in expanding sports storytelling across platforms and reaching global audiences.

    Moderator: Prakash Janakiraman - Co-Founder of Nextdoor

    Panelists: 

     Alex Dixon - CEO, Resorts World Las Vegas

     Calvin Andrews - Senior Agent, Klutch Sports (NBA)

     Shannon Nash - CFO, Public Company Board Director, Investor

     Vincent Taylor - Founder Principal Agent, Elite Loyalty Sports (NFL)

     Alex Moore - Chief Business Officer, EMPIRE

    Javale McGee - NBA Champion

    6:00 PM – 6:40 PM:
    Panel 3: Diverse Visionaries – Elevating New Voices in Culture & Style

    This session spotlights diverse executives, artists, visual creatives, fashion leaders, and stylists who are redefining cultural influence through bold, innovative content. From fashion and lifestyle branding to athlete-driven aesthetics, explore how they’re shaping industries while seamlessly integrating culture, design, and sports style into their creative and commercial strategies.

    Moderator: Derick Brown - Senior Director of the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good

    Panelists: 

     Taj Stansberry - Director / Creator

     Lola Oladunjoye - Designer (jewlery)

     Edreece Arghandiwal - Co-founder, Oakland Roots and Soul SC

    7:00 PM – 8:15 PM:
    Short Film Showcase: Courtside Chronicles
    Celebrate voices in storytelling with an exclusive showcase of short films by emerging and established creators:

     Brand New Short - Denzel Whitaker

    Shoebox Short - D’Lo Louis

    Tales of the Town Short - Delency Parham & Abbas Muntaqim

    Beastmode Previews - Diaunte Thompson

    8:15 PM – 8:45 PM:
    Filmmaker Fireside Chat with Andre Ward

    The screenings will be followed by a Q&A featuring the filmmakers and executives behind the project.

    D’Lo Louis - Filmmaker, writer and executive, Proximity Media

    Denzel Whitaker - Actor, Director and creator of Brand New

    Diaunte Thompson - Filmmaker, Producer and Co-founder, Beastmode Productions

    Delency Parham - Director, Community Activist

    Abbas Muntaqim - Director, Community Activist

Summit SPEAKERS

Vishal Verma

Managing Director

Edgewood Ventures

Zaileen Janmohamed

President and CEO

Bay Area Host Committee

Chris Kelly

Co-Owner

Sacramento Kings

Sabeer Bhatia

Co-Founder of Hotmail

Technology Innovator

Prakash Janakiraman

Co-Founder

Nextdoor

Julia Hartz

Co-Founder and CEO

Eventbrite

Bill Duffy

Head of Basketball

WME Sports

Jess Smith

President

Golden State Valkyries

Baron Davis

Two-time NBA All-Star, Founder

Business Inside the Game (BIG)

Andre Ward

International Boxing Hall of Famer and Media Personality

Harold Graham

Head of Investor Relations

IgniteGTM

Genevieve LeMarchal

Managing Partner

Suncoast Ventures

Alex Dixon

CEO

Resorts World Las Vegas

Daryl Butler

Vice President of Marketing

Google

Jeff Clanagan

President & CDO, Co-Founder

HARTBEAT

Dr. Tammy Mahaney

Venture Partner

Suncoast Ventures

Marc Reeves

Head of Global Strategic Partnerships

Fever

Ashley Tarver

Data & AI Cloud Evangelist

Microsoft

Megan Holston-Alexander

Partner, Cultural Leadership Fund

Andreessen Horowitz

Ronn Nicolli

CMO

Resorts World Las Vegas

Calvin Andrews

Senior Agent

Klutch Sports Group

Alexandra Moore

Chief Business Officer

EMPIRE

Jason Sacks

President

Positive Coaching Alliance

Lindsay Barenz

President

Oakland Roots and Soul SC

Shannon Nash

Chief Financial Officer, Public Company Board Director, Investor

Marjorie Williams

SVP, Business & Legal Affairs

Skydance Sports

Dr. Rachel Gillum

Vice President, Ethical and Humane Use of Technology

Salesforce

Hannah Gordon

Chief Executive Officer

Hannah Gordon Advisors

Vincent Taylor

Founder, Principle Agent

Elite Loyalty Sports

D’Lo Louis

Writer / Filmmaker / Executive

Proximity Media

Leslie Maxie

1988 U.S. Olympian and a 32 year 400M hurdle junior world record holder

Lola Oladunjoye

Founder

Lola Fenhirst Jewelry

Denzel Whitaker

Actor and Director

Dr. Veronica Jow

Founder and Physician

Avid Sports Medicine

Sara Ahmandian

Founder

Anar Ventures

Rasheen Smith

Co-Founder

Perimeter

Taj Tashombe

Founder

Sphere of Sports

Somesh Dash

General Partner, IVP

JaVale McGee

NBA Champion

Taj Stansberry

Actor and Director

Aalim A. Moor, II

Founding Partner

Sphere of Sports

REGISTER NOW

Spaces are limited.

  • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH

    12:00 PM

    STUDIO AT MISSION ROCK - SAN FRANCISCO, CA

    TICKETS FROM $1,000.00

    PURCHASE HERE

    Dive into the future of sports on Day One of the Sphere of Sports Summit. This day focuses on the business and innovation driving global sports events. Gain insights from top industry executives, athletes, and creatives as they discuss topics like venture capital in sports, sustainability, and the impact of major global events like the Super Bowl and World Cup.

  • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH

    3:00 PM

    STUDIO AT MISSION ROCK - SAN FRANCISCO, CA

    TICKETS FROM $1,000.00

    PURCHASE HERE

    Explore the intersection of sports, media, and culture on Day Two of the Sphere of Sports Summit. From the evolution of sports broadcasting and storytelling to the role of music and entertainment in fan engagement, this day is packed with thought-provoking panels and fireside chats. Featured moderators and speakers include acclaimed filmmakers, top executives, and media innovators shaping the future of sports and entertainment.

SPONSORSHIP

  • Join us as a sponsor of Sphere of Sports 2025, the premier summit connecting thought leaders, industry innovators, and global executives in sports, media, and technology. As a sponsor, your brand will gain unparalleled visibility, access to influential decision-makers, and the opportunity to shape the future of the sports industry.

  • Let’s create a partnership that delivers measurable impact and positions your company as a leader in the industry.

    Contact us below.

Driving Impact. Elevating Leaders. Redefining the Business of Sports.

Sphere of Sports Upcoming Summits:

2025 All-Star Weekend - SF

2026 World Cup - North AmericA

2026 all-star weekend - LA

2026 Super Bowl - SF

2027 super bowl - LA

2028 OLYMPICS - LA

A groundbreaking summit redefining the intersection of sports, entertainment, business, technology, wealth, and culture. Aligned with global sporting moments, this three-day event unites visionary leaders, athletes, and innovators for transformative dialogue, immersive experiences, and impactful connections. Join us to shape the future of sports and culture.