VOL. 1: SBIC Takes on the Michigan Sport Business Conference

On October 17th, 2025 the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology opened its doors for thousands of students, alumni, and business professionals for a day of networking and discussions surrounding sports business. Established in 2012, the Michigan Sport Business Conference (MSBC) is an undergraduate-run conference that “strives to inspire creativity and innovation in the sport industry and to empower the next generation of leaders in sports, media, and entertainment” (MSBC 2025).

 The conference allows students the opportunity to get a first-hand look into the current state of sports business by connecting them with industry professionals. Through a series of keynote speakers, structured networking, and unique panels the conference promises a once in a lifetime experience for students interested in the sports, entertainment, and media industries. And MSBC’s 14th edition of this conference was no different. 

This 2025 conference focused on the theme “Disrupt the Game” and brought in a myriad of speakers who discussed the evolution of the sports industry while providing unique perspectives. While there were a multitude of ways for students to attack the day, the conference was centered around four primary discussions that took place in the School of Kinesiology’s atrium where attendees flocked around the mainstage. 

MSBC kicked off bright and early with keynote speaker Grant Hill, two-time NCAA Champion at Duke, seven-time NBA All-Star, and current Managing Director of USA Basketball’s Men’s National Team and broadcaster. Tracy Wolfson, lead game reporter for THE NFL ON CBS, moderated the conversation where the duo discussed Hill’s journey and breaking into the sports industry. While Hill offered a handful of advice throughout the conversation, his main takeaways was the importance of investing in yourself. Hill implored students to remember to believe that not only do you belong at the table, but that you can add a unique value and perspective — and lean into it. Further, Hill reminded students to be patient and to remember that great things don’t happen overnight. Through a combination of candid discussions and personal anecdotes, Hill and Wolfson set the tone for MSBC immediately creating an impassioned environment. 

The mid-day panel “World Cup 2026” brought together four professionals to discuss the opportunities and challenges in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Amy Hopfinger, Larry Freedman, and John Strong brought together unique perspectives in a rousing conversation moderated by NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman. The conversation centered around the unifying power of soccer and the opportunity that the United States has to capitalize off of the tournament. The panelists highlighted the encompassing nature of soccer describing how in a world that’s becoming more divided by the minute, “the beautiful game” becomes even more important to bring people together. Further, the panelists discussed the unique-ness of the 2026 World Cup due to the 16-city format, leaving students with a feeling of opportunity and excitement about both the upcoming tournament and growth of mega-sports in general. 

The mid-day keynote came in the form of an entrepreneurship-based discussion from Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian moderated by Kate Johnson. This discussion took a slightly different tone with its focus primarily on business development as a whole centering around Ohanian’s personal experiences. While still emphasizing the immense growth opportunities that there currently are in the sports and media world, Ohanian focused more on practical advice and personal anecdotes that students can, and should, bring with them into the professional world. Ohanian reinforced the importance of trusting your gut and taking risks as an entrepreneur in today's current environment. 

MSBC wrapped up with a panel focused on Athlete-based investing. Bringing together athletes from a myriad of backgrounds, the conversation centered around individual experiences and applicable advice for current student athletes. Mark Patricof, CC Sabathia, Duncan Robinson, Brandon Graham, and Mike Tannenbaum each brought unique perspectives to the table and illuminated an ever-changing part of the sports industry. The panel concentrated on three core questions: why is athlete-led investing happening now, how are athletes leveraging their influence to create long-term value, and what athlete-led investing means for the broader investment landscape. 

While MSBC included far more than these four discussions, the large panels and speakers grounded the event and provided key insights into unique sects of the sports industry.