2025 INVEST IN SPORTS LOS ANGELES

Panel Timing Subject to Change - Additional Speakers and Panels To Be Announced!

Thursday, May 8, 2025
9:50 AM
Opening Remarks

Rachel Nichols, Television Host & Sports Reporter, FOX Sports

 

10:00 AM
SHO-Time with Nez Balelo

In this exclusive keynote, veteran agent Nez Balelo pulls back the curtain on one of the most closely watched athlete-agent partnerships in modern sports: his long-standing work with Shohei Ohtani. Orchestrating one of the most innovative contracts in sports history, Balelo shares how trust, strategy, and long-term vision have shaped Ohtani’s trajectory on and off the field.

Nez Balelo, Head of International Baseball, CAA

Moderated by Ben Verlander, Major League Baseball Analyst; Host, Flippin’ Bats Podcast

10:20 AM
All In: The Women’s Sports Investment Era

The growth in women’s sports isn’t just a movement - it’s a market opportunity. From media rights and franchise valuations to fan engagement and brand partnerships, this panel brings together voices from across the ecosystem - team, league, athlete, investor, and strategists - to unpack what’s driving momentum, where the money’s going, and how much upside remains.

Frank Arthofer, President, OneTeam Partners

Carmen Bona, President, Business Operations, Angel City FC

Moderated by Haley Rosen, Founder & CEO, Just Women's Sports

10:50 AM
11:15 AM
The Business of LA Sports

In this conversation, presidents of LA’s leading franchises explore what it takes to build, sustain, and evolve winning organizations in one of the most competitive markets in the world. From fan engagement and venue innovation to media strategy, partnerships, and community leadership, this panel offers an inside look at how LA teams are shaping the future of the sports industry, both on and off the field. Gain executive insight into navigating market pressures, brand building in a city of stars, and leading teams through cultural and business transformation.

Larry Berg, Co-Managing Owner, LAFC

Christine Monjer, President, Los Angeles Sparks

Luc Robitaille, President, Los Angeles Kings

11:45 AM
The Second Act

In this panel, we explore the evolving world of athletes transitioning from sports stardom into thriving hospitality ventures. Moderated by culinary expert and TV personality Andrew Zimmern, this discussion delves into how former athletes are leveraging their fame, discipline, and entrepreneurial spirit to create innovative businesses in the world of food, beverage, and experiences. From launching wine labels to creating sustainable and ethical businesses, the panel will showcase how these athletes are finding success in their "second act." We’ll hear firsthand from former sports legends who’ve made their mark in hospitality, discussing the challenges and triumphs of building a brand in a highly competitive industry.

Will Blackmon, Super Bowl Champion Former NFL Defensive Back & Founder, The Wine MVP

Moderated by Andrew Zimmern, Co-Founder of KZ Provisioning, Four-time James Beard Award Winning Chef and United Nations World Food Program Goodwill Ambassador

12:15 PM
1:15 PM
President's Playbook

Get an inside look at the strategies that drive some of the most successful sports organizations in the world. In this exclusive panel, presidents from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Clippers and San Francisco 49ers will dive deep into the art of leadership, innovation and decision-making in the competitive sports industry. Moderated by Daniel Zweben, Managing Director at Moelis & Company, this dynamic conversation will explore how these executives build winning teams, expand brand influence, and create a lasting impact on their respective communities.

Stan Kasten, CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers
Al Guido, President, San Francisco 49ers; Chairman & CEO, Elevate

Gillian Zucker, President of Business Operations, Los Angeles Clippers

Moderated by Daniel Zweben, Managing Director, Moelis & Company

2:00 PM
Game Changers: Investing in Sports Capital

Jason Wright, Managing Partner and Head of Investments, Project Level (Ariel Investments)

Xavier A. Gutierrez, Chairman & CEO, ImpactX Sports Group, LLC

2:30 PM
Athletes & Assets

Jozy Altidore, Former Soccer Player

Moderated by Joe Lum, Regional President, MAI Capital Management

4:30 PM
Closing Remarks

Rachel Nichols, Television Host & Sports Reporter, FOX Sports

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