Latest news with #RichKleiman
CNBC
6 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
Boardroom CEO Rich Kleiman on sports media rights shake-up, Kevin Durant trade and Game Plan Summit
Rich Kleiman, Boardroom co-founder and CEO, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the latest sports media rights deals, ESPN's acquisition of NFL Network and RedZone, Paramount's deal for UFC, Kevin Durant's trade to the Houston Rockets, Boardroom's 'Game Plan' event with CNBC, and more.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rockets' Kevin Durant seen celebrating Suns trade with Rich Kleiman at Fanatics Fest
The post Rockets' Kevin Durant seen celebrating Suns trade with Rich Kleiman at Fanatics Fest appeared first on ClutchPoints. Kevin Durant's next chapter in the NBA began in the most unexpected way. While on stage at Fanatics Fest in New York City with Rich Kleiman, his longtime agent and business partner, Durant was told mid-conversation that he had just been traded to the Houston Rockets. Advertisement The moment quickly went viral as fans watched Durant break into a smile before sharing a celebratory handshake and laugh with Kleiman. The 36-year-old forward, a two-time NBA champion and one of the game's most gifted scorers, had been rumored to be on the trade block for weeks. But few expected the news to drop live during a public appearance. As the cameras rolled and the audience reacted with a mix of gasps and cheers, Durant took a breath and said with a slight smirk, 'We're gonna see, man. We're gonna see.' The deal sent shockwaves through the league. The Houston Rockets acquired Durant from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for rising star Jalen Green, defensive specialist Dillon Brooks, the 10th overall pick in this year's draft, and five future second-round selections. It was a bold move for both franchises, with immediate implications for their direction and long-term plans. Advertisement For Phoenix, this marked the end of a rocky experiment. After forming a so-called superteam of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Suns failed to deliver results. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists for the Suns in 62 games, but injuries, chemistry issues, and inconsistent play led to a disappointing 36-win season and an early vacation. Sources close to the team say Durant grew increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and the burden of carrying an aging, top-heavy roster. While KD never formally demanded a trade, he made it clear to Suns management that he would welcome a fresh start in a more promising environment. Enter Houston. The Rockets had been quietly building a competitive young core over the last two seasons. After securing the second seed in the West last year, the team was looking to make a leap from contender to legitimate threat. With Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson still in place, adding Durant gives them a veteran leader and proven scorer without sacrificing their identity. Durant still has one year left on his current deal, worth nearly 55 million dollars. He is also eligible to sign a two-year extension worth up to 122 million. Early reports suggest he is open to staying long-term if the Rockets continue to build around him. His ties to Texas run deep, having played his college ball at the University of Texas. Houston's coaching staff, led by Ime Udoka and assistant Royal Ivey, is another key factor. Ivey has a longstanding relationship with the former MVP dating back to their time together in Brooklyn and on Team USA. The timing of the announcement caught even Durant off guard. During the Fanatics Fest panel hosted by Taylor Rooks, she broke the news on air, prompting a moment of disbelief. The 15-time All-Star turned to Kleiman, then back to the crowd, absorbing the news with a grin. Within seconds, they were laughing, and the celebration was on. It was the rare kind of unscripted moment that only sports can deliver. Advertisement The Rockets' fanbase, starved for a marquee player since the days of James Harden, erupted online. Within an hour, Durant was trending across social media platforms, with fans sharing memes, welcome videos, and projected starting lineups. Durant's own reaction, part surprise and part satisfaction, hinted at a man who not only approved of the move but may have helped orchestrate it behind the scenes. Meanwhile, reactions in Phoenix were more muted. While Green is a high-potential scorer and Brooks adds toughness, the loss of Durant is still a blow. Booker and Beal remain, but without a clear direction or depth, the Suns are suddenly in rebuilding territory. Analysts are already questioning whether this signals the end of their championship window. For Durant, the move represents something more personal. At this stage in his career, it is no longer just about rings; it is about legacy, leadership, and the joy of the game. Joining a young team on the rise gives him the chance to mentor, to inspire, and to win on his terms. The Rockets now have a superstar who can lead in clutch moments and anchor the locker room. It remains to be seen how well the 6-foot-11 forward will mesh with Houston's fast-paced, team-first offense. But if his smile on stage was any indication, he is ready. He has been through trades before, and he has dealt with pressure, criticism, and expectations. Now, he enters a new chapter with a chance to write his own ending. Advertisement The new NBA league opens on October 21. Until then, Rockets fans can enjoy what might be the most unexpected, entertaining, and hopeful offseason moment of the summer. Related: Rockets rumors: Ime Udoka's role in Kevin Durant trade Related: NBA rumors: What Rockets 'never put in play' in Kevin Durant trade talks with Suns
Fast Company
23-06-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Rich Kleiman is building Boardroom into a membership club, and it's all about legacy
Since launching Boardroom in 2019, Rich Kleiman and NBA star Kevin Durant have grown the media company into an influential player that confidently straddles business, sports, and entertainment across content, films, TV, and events. Its newest venture is a membership club that Kleiman sees as key to building a long-lasting brand legacy. 'I really want to build a sustainable brand that lasts,' Kleiman tells Fast Company. 'By having this core membership community, and having them become, in a lot of ways, voices of this brand, I thought was really crucial.' Launching later this month, the Boardroom Members Club will feature regular members-only events, VIP access to Boardroom flagship activations at NBA All-Star, Art Basel and more, exclusive networking opportunities, and a private digital platform. 'For me, I saw this boom in membership clubs in the city, and while they all have their own thing, whether it's the food or the location or the brand name or the type of people that go there, I didn't think that there were actually communities there that benefited your career,' says Kleiman. 'And for me, I felt like that was my special sauce, understanding the importance of being in a room with the right mix of people.' Boardroom's media arm churns out newsletters, social posts, and content that reaches over 52 million unique monthly visitors. The company is on track to nearly double revenue in 2025, and average monthly reach has increased by 74% in 2025. Its film and TV output in recent years includes the Apple TV series Swagger, Showtime's Emmy-nominated doc NYC Point Gods, and the Oscar-winning short Two Distant Strangers. However, it was events like Boardroom's annual CNBC x Boardroom Game Plan Summit that showed Kleiman the potential in combining quality content and the community of people who gather around it. Like an IRL LinkedIn for cool people. 'I thought that was really exciting, and I wanted to create a version of it that was exclusive to members,' he says. 'I wanted that to feel a bit exclusive, because those conferences can be overwhelming for people that are trying to get information and trying to connect.' Members Club events will have the same vibe and feel of the brand's bigger events but with more intimate programming. 'The big names are still in the room, but make them truly accessible and they understand that like they're there now to integrate with this community,' says Kleiman. 'And [those big names] want that too. It's really infectious for anyone at any level, to be around that type of hunger and that type of curiosity and excitement. Seeing our consumers and knowing they're part of our brand and in our comments and at our parties, but they wanted more, and I wanted to give them more.' The combination of not only connecting with Boardroom content, but with fellow fans and members that can impact their own careers and businesses, is where Kleiman sees the most long-term potential. 'For me, the real excitement is creating something that I can point to potentially decades from now and say, 'That was us, we built that.'
Arab News
21-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
NBA superstar Kevin Durant partners with QSI and European champions Paris Saint-German
PARIS: Qatar Sports Investments, majority owner of UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, has signed an investment and strategic partnership agreement with Kevin Durant, one of the US's most decorated basketball players and a leading investor in sports and entertainment properties. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The deal will see Durant, via his media and investment arm Boardroom with entrepreneur and long-time business partner Rich Kleiman, acquire a direct minority stake in the football club. The share purchase and strategic partnership agreement were signed earlier this week. In August 2024, Durant — the two-time National Basketball Association champion, four-time Olympic gold medalist, Most Valued Player and 15-time NBA All-Star — partnered with Paris Saint-Germain through Arctos Partners, a minority shareholder in the club. Durant said: 'It is an honor to partner with QSI and be a shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain — a club and a city that is so close to my heart. This club has big plans ahead, and I can't wait to be a part of the next phase of growth, and to explore new investment opportunities with QSI.' As part of the relationship, Boardroom and Qatar Sports Investments will partner on a variety of commercial, investment and content initiatives. Durant will also support the club in its diversification and growth, including co-developing merchandise and original media content, advising on US and international market strategy, supporting PSG for Communities — the club's charitable foundation and fundraising arm — and consulting on PSG's multi-sport strategy including potential plans for basketball. Nasser Al-Khelaifi, chairman of QSI, said: 'QSI is pleased to welcome Kevin Durant as a direct shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain and strategic partner of our group. We continually seek to elevate the club and our broader portfolio through high-impact partnerships that bring strategic value, innovation and global perspective. Together with Kevin, we look forward to developing ambitious initiatives that will drive the continued global growth of Paris Saint-Germain and QSI.'
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kevin Durant Reportedly Not Interested In Joining Anthony Edwards On Minnesota Timberwolves
Kevin Durant Reportedly Not Interested In Joining Anthony Edwards On Minnesota Timberwolves originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Kevin Durant trade saga has seen him linked with several teams in the offseason, including the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although Minnesota has been presented as one of the favorites to land the Phoenix Suns star, ESPN's Shams Charania recently reported on Durant's disinterest in joining the Wolves. He said: Advertisement "I'm told the Phoenix Suns remain in active conversations around the league on a Kevin Durant deal. But they're focus over the last several days has been on three teams - the Miami Heat, the Houston Rockets, and the Minnesota Timberwolves." He added, "We know his preferred destinations, though, are the Rockets, Spurs, and the Heat. So, the Suns have been working with Durant's partner, Rich Kleiman, just figuring out where exactly he could end up. It could be one of his preferred destinations, it could be a wild card team." Charania expressed that Durant's expiring contract would be a massive factor in deciding what route this trade saga will head in. After mentioning this, he added: "I'm told Kevin Durant has no desire to be in Minnesota with the Timberwolves." Advertisement This, as the insider mentioned, has a massive impact on how teams outside of Durant's list of preferred destinations approach any negotiations with the Suns. The trade rumors have taken several interesting turns in the last few weeks. The forward was heavily linked to the Wolves, primarily owing to Minnesota's desire to add an "alpha" type of player next to their young star, Anthony Edwards. While the notion of pairing Durant with Edwards was exciting, rumblings around the league also had the 15x All-Star linked with other young teams such as the Rockets and the Spurs. The rumors revolving around San Antonio received a particular amount of traction, with both parties engaging in active discussions as well. Durant's interest in joining the Spurs was mutually reciprocated by the franchise. Unfortunately, no trades have gone through as the Suns reportedly rejected San Antonio's counterproposal for the star. Advertisement Meanwhile, Houston has also made some serious advances, preparing to offer up two young stars in Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. as part of the deal for Durant. Unfortunately, there have been no developments on this front. The interest in Durant, even at this stage in his career, is justified. Having averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 52.7% shooting from the field is an impressive feat. His statistical brilliance is paired with invaluable playoff and championship experience, a vital factor for teams looking to contend for the title next season. For teams in "win now" mode, Durant could prove to be an asset in ensuring a successful campaign. While there has been no indication of a trade happening any time soon, the consensus is that the Suns will make a deal happen in the coming days leading up to the NBA Draft. Related: Kevin Durant Deal Expected To Get Less Value Than Desmond Bane This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
