NFLPA Hosts Ninth Annual Pitch Day: Where Sports, Innovation, Investment and Entrepreneurship Converge

WASHINGTON. D.C., January 30, 2025 - The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is set to host its Ninth Annual Pitch Day on February 5 in New Orleans - the union's premier event at the intersection of sports, innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship. This exclusive gathering connects athletes, entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders to exchange ideas and explore unique sports-focused partnership opportunities. Former NFL linebacker, investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Dhani Jones will serve as the event's emcee.

The centerpiece of NFLPA Pitch Day is the startup competition, where three tech-driven companies pitch to an elite panel of NFL Players, investors, and industry leaders, including former NFL Player & Co-Founder and Partner of Champion Venture Partners Marques Colston and Rethink Impact Founder & Managing Partner Jenny Abramson. Entrepreneurs compete for event access, mentorship, and collaboration to drive innovation in data tracking, technology, and performance-focused consumer products. Complementing the competition are thought-provoking panels where industry leaders and athletes explore game-changing topics, offering insights to transform careers and businesses.

"Pitch Day isn't just an event - it's where careers, companies, and relationships are supercharged," said NFL Players Inc. President Matt Curtin. "By bringing together the unmatched influence of NFL Players with the expertise of elite investors and entrepreneurs, we're creating a space where ideas spark action and opportunities become reality. The insights and connections gained here can shape the future like no other platform."

For nearly a decade, NFLPA Pitch Day has been a hub for innovation that transcends industries. Past winners such as WHOOP, Healium, and Round21 have revolutionized their fields, propelled by the exposure and opportunities provided by this unique platform.
 

Empowering Start-Ups to Succeed

NFLPA Pitch Day gives early-stage companies a powerful stage to showcase their innovations to influential athletes and investors. This year's winner will receive Super Bowl LIX tickets, exclusive NFLPA event access, and business resources, including expert coaching in small business financial management and consultations on athlete marketing, fundraising, and strategic partnerships with NFLPA advisors, staff, board members, and venture capital partners.

Expert-Led Discussions

Continuing its mission to empower innovation and entrepreneurship, Pitch Day features expert-led panels on private equity, sports ownership, and post-career success for athletes, and investment in women's sports. 

The New Playbook: Private Equity's Role in Redefining Ownership - The surge of private equity investments is redefining how sports operate, from team ownership to athlete opportunities. Moderated by NFL Players Inc. President Matt Curtin, this session explores the ripple effects of private equity on players, teams, and fans. Among the panelists:

• Lloyd Howell, NFLPA Executive Director, representing 2,000+ NFL players, shares his expertise on advocacy and the role of private equity in shaping the future of pro sports.
• Michael Rees, Co-president, Founder & Head of GP Strategic Capital, Blue Owl Capital, which manages over $54 billion in assets, including stakes in the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings.

The Next Play: Building Wealth and Purpose Beyond the NFL - With careers averaging under four years, this panel highlights strategies for long-term success off the field. Moderated by Dhani Jones, the panel will feature:

• Steve Smith Sr., Legendary WR turned broadcaster, who has channeled on-field tenacity into media excellence.
• Tony Boselli, Hall of Fame lineman and founder of the Boselli Foundation, leveraging business and philanthropy to create lasting impact.
• Sheldon Day, Washington Commanders defensive lineman and co-founder of The Players Company, helping athletes take control of their financial future.
• Mark Patricof, Founder of Patricof & Co., brings experience at the intersection of finance, entertainment, and technology to transform investment opportunities.

Scoring Big: Why Women's Sports Are the Future of Investments - Women's sports are no longer an emerging market, they are a thriving industry. Moderated by Danielle Kushner Smith, Vice President of the Collective®, we explore how investing in women's sports is shaping the future. Panelists include:

• Ali Krieger, Two-time World Cup champion, NWSL Champion, and ESPN analyst, will highlight the rising influence and opportunities in women's sports.
• Stephanie Martin, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for League One Volleyball, will share insights on investing in women's sports and expanding into new spaces.

2025 Pitch Day Companies

Tone: Tone by NextSense is revolutionizing sleep and brain health with innovative EEG-powered earbuds. Designed to provide real-time insights and improve your nightly rest, Tone combines cutting-edge neuroscience with sleek design to help users achieve their best performance, on and off the field.

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