Episode One gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the business of sneakers from an athlete’s perspective. From signing a rookie “merch deal” to developing a signature shoe line and marketing a global brand, how is the sneaker game played. Houston Rockets forward P.J. Tucker and Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma share their perspectives with Williams, Durant and Kleiman. Also, The Boardroom takes a look at the intersection of sports and culture at Stashed, the progressive sneaker boutique in San Francisco created by entrepreneur Steve Stoute.
What does it really mean to own a sports team and what does the job actually entail? Williams and Kleiman lead a discussion with Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft and current owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, Josh Kroenke, owner of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche, and Golden State Warriors president Rick Welts. The group breaks down everything from the purchase process, to the day-to-day aspects of the job, to the future of team ownership and venues. Shultz also speaks with Peter Guber, the co-owner of Warriors, Dodgers and LAFC.