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Category: Sports and Empowerment

  • Angel Reese Joins Togethxr Ownership Group

    Get ready for more powerful voices in women’s sports! Chicago Sky’s dynamic forward, Angel Reese, has officially joined the ownership group of Togethxr, an athlete-led media company dedicated to amplifying women’s sports. This move places Reese alongside fellow trailblazers like Alex Morgan, Sue Bird, Simone Manuel, and Chloe Kim.

    Championing Women’s Sports

    Togethxr is renowned for its powerful slogan, “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports,” and its mission to significantly boost the popularity and visibility of female athletes. Reese, who has already made a huge impact on the WNBA, is seen as a perfect fit for the company’s vision. According to a press release, Reese embodies the type of investor and ambassador Togethxr aims to attract.

    Reese expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “Joining TOGETHXR’s ownership group means so much to me because it’s more than just being part of a platform—it’s about changing the way women in sports are seen and celebrated. I’ve always wanted to use my voice and my game to open doors for others, and TOGETHXR is doing exactly that.”

    A Natural Fit for a Trailblazer

    The addition of Reese was celebrated with a limited-edition Angel Reese oversized unisex jersey, retailing for $80 on their site. Co-founder Alex Morgan highlighted how Reese complements the existing group of influential leaders. “When you think about the athletes owning their competitive arenas and transcending culture, Angel Reese is a natural complement to the remarkable and influential leaders we’re proud to welcome to TOGETHXR,” Morgan said.

    Reese, a two-time WNBA All-Star, sees this as an opportunity to collaborate and bring a fresh perspective. “It’s not so much about teaching them as it is about joining them, and bringing a fresh perspective into everything they’ve already been doing so well,” she told USA Today. She aims to help build upon the strong foundation Togethxr has already established.

    Challenging the Status Quo

    Sue Bird, a recent inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, emphasized that Reese’s drive to challenge the status quo aligns perfectly with Togethxr’s core mission. “TOGETHXR was built to challenge the system and prove what we’ve always known: that women in sports set the standard, shift the story, and drive the conversations that matter,” Bird stated. “Angel Reese is already doing that.”

    Reese echoed this sentiment, expressing her desire to be part of something bigger than herself. “For me, it’s about being part of something bigger than myself — something that represents what I believe in both on and off the court,” she said. She’s eager to bring her energy and drive to further elevate women’s sports.

    What are your thoughts on Angel Reese joining the Togethxr ownership group? How else can we support and elevate women in sports? Share your ideas in the comments below!

  • Colston Launches Evergreen Sports Fund for All Investors

    Former NFL star Marquez Colston is teaming up with mixed martial artist Nick Edwards to make sports investing more accessible than ever! Through their firm, Champion Venture Partners, they’ve launched the Champion Fund, an evergreen sports asset fund designed to lower the barrier to entry for everyday investors.

    Making Sports Ownership Accessible

    Forget the high minimums typically associated with private equity. The Champion Fund allows investments as low as $500, making it significantly more affordable than traditional options. Colston emphasized that accessibility has been a core part of their vision since starting Champion Venture Partners about two years ago.

    “The vision was always to have at least one arm of our firm that was accessible to every investor. The Champion Fund allows us to do that,” Colston explained. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for fans to own a piece of the sports they love, moving beyond just betting on games.

    Investing in What You Love

    Edwards highlighted the fund’s appeal compared to the risks of sports betting apps. “Instead of sitting there swiping on DraftKings… you can have some meaningful ownership,” he stated. The fund functions much like a mutual fund, allowing investors to see the logos of teams and stadiums they now have a stake in.

    Crucially, Champion Fund focuses on established names and brands in the private market, avoiding high-risk venture capital. “All of these are known names and brands, they just happen to be private, off-market deals that we get through our deal flow, and pass along to investors,” Edwards added.

    Empowering Athletes and Fans

    Colston, who retired from the NFL in 2015, understands the financial challenges athletes face after their playing careers. He noted that many athletes struggle to maintain their earning potential and can even fall from accredited investor status over time. The Champion Fund aims to solve this by creating a vehicle that supports players transitioning out of their athletic careers.

    The firm has already built approximately $100 million in portfolio value through various deals, including European football and ticketing ventures. Colston’s passion lies in bridging the education gap for athletes regarding venture capital and creating collective opportunities for them to participate in the economy they’ve helped build.

    A Collective Opportunity

    Colston believes there’s been a historical lack of access and education for athletes in the venture capital space, often leading to limited opportunities like mascot roles. He envisions a future where athletes can collectively educate each other and share deals, fostering greater wealth-building within the sports community. The Champion Fund is a significant step towards realizing that vision.

    What do you think about making sports investments more accessible? Would you invest in a fund like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Bryson Tiller Recalls Timbaland’s Career Advice

    Bryson Tiller, the R&B star known for his hit album ‘TRAPSOUL,’ recently opened up about a challenging experience early in his career that involved legendary producer Timbaland. During an appearance on the “Rory & Mal” podcast, Tiller recalled how Timbaland’s advice to quit his job nearly led him to financial hardship.

    A Risky Career Move

    Tiller’s story began when his breakout single, “Don’t,” started gaining significant online traction. Timbaland reached out, inviting Tiller to collaborate. However, Tiller was hesitant because he had a job at the time. When he expressed this concern, Timbaland reportedly told him, “This is work,” and when Tiller clarified if he should quit his job, Timbaland responded with a simple, “Yeah.”

    Taking Timbaland’s advice, Tiller immediately quit his job and traveled to Miami. There, he recorded several songs that would later feature on his debut album, ‘TRAPSOUL.’ Despite this creative output, Timbaland wasn’t entirely satisfied with the results, and Tiller returned home with limited funds and uncertainty about his professional status.

    Financial Strain and Determination

    Adding to the pressure, Tiller’s girlfriend at the time was already concerned about him quitting his job, as it was their primary source of income for their children. When Tiller called Timbaland to inquire about payment and his signing status, he was told, “Timbaland said he never told you to quit your job.” This revelation left Tiller feeling “sick.”

    Despite these setbacks and the financial strain, Tiller remained determined. “At that point, that was when I realized I was like, ‘All right, I just gotta keep going,’” he recalled. This persistence ultimately paid off, leading to the creation of ‘TRAPSOUL,’ which became a massive success.

    Timbaland’s Response

    In response to Tiller’s account, Timbaland stated, “At that time, I just saw a talented kid. I didn’t know if he wanted to be a full-fledged artist.” ‘TRAPSOUL,’ released in 2015, peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and achieved triple platinum certification, solidifying Tiller’s place in the R&B landscape.

    What do you think about Bryson Tiller’s story? Have you ever faced a similar situation where career advice led to unexpected challenges? Share your experiences in the comments below!

  • Jerome Baker Returns Home to Cleveland Browns

    For Cleveland native Jerome Baker, signing with the Cleveland Browns is more than just a career move; it’s a homecoming. The linebacker, who has played for the Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, and Tennessee Titans, expressed his excitement about returning to his roots and making an impact both on and off the field.

    A Foundation Built on Family and Resilience

    Baker’s journey to the NFL began with a strong foundation, shaped by a supportive family and a blend of private school structure and inner-city street smarts. Growing up in a sports-loving household, his father’s unwavering support for his football dreams was instrumental. Despite starting football later than many, in high school, Baker’s natural talent and physical attributes quickly made him a standout linebacker, even leading his team to a state championship.

    His path wasn’t without challenges. Baker recalled his freshman year at Ohio State as particularly difficult, struggling with both the team and his studies. However, with the support of his staff, teammates, and family just two hours away, he found his footing, eventually becoming a fan favorite and a key player for the Buckeyes before declaring for the NFL Draft.

    Giving Back: Honoring His Father’s Legacy

    Beyond his athletic achievements, Baker is deeply committed to community involvement, inspired by his father, Jerome Baker Sr. His father founded “Men of Central” in 2007, a non-profit dedicated to mentoring at-risk youth in Cleveland’s Central neighborhood. Baker, who has been involved since age nine, continues this legacy through his own Expand the Land Foundation and various giveback initiatives, including relief efforts, Thanksgiving meal distributions, and back-to-school supply drives.

    His annual free football camp at his alma mater, Benedictine High School, provides local kids with the opportunity to learn football fundamentals from Baker and other professional players, embodying his father’s belief in the importance of giving back. “You got to give back,” Baker shared, reflecting his father’s lifelong principle.

    Entrepreneurial Ventures Beyond the Field

    Baker is also strategically building his entrepreneurial portfolio, investing in brands that align with his passions. He is an owner and investor in JumpShot Live, a winery in Seattle, and a hydration company. “I only invest in things that I am genuinely into,” Baker explained, citing his enjoyment of video games as a connection to JumpShot Live. His versatility extends beyond the football field, proving his business acumen is just as sharp.

    What do you admire most about Jerome Baker’s commitment to his community and his entrepreneurial spirit? Share your thoughts in the comments below!