Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management takes over day two of the 2018 Legends Conference

Day two of the 2018 Legends Conference in Las Vegas was a fun-filled day of events and festivities. The NBRPA and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management officially launched a partnership that provides former players with access to educational programs that are only available to Kellogg Alumni. Noted Kellogg Professors Craig Wortmann and David Schonthal joined the Legends in Vegas for a variety of sessions on entrepreneurial ventures. Discussions from business model creation to “the art of sales” gave former players excellent insight to entrepreneurship, and now, players interested in learning more can sign up for an exclusive online business education module to gain a certificate in business.

Whether they are already business owners, or if they simply have a business idea in mind that they’re thinking about launching, players soaked in the information and asked intelligent questions, making for an engaging conversation with the professors. Reed Hansen, director of business development at Northwestern University's Kellogg Business School, said following the conference, "They sincerely wanted to learn about being an entrepreneur."

Later that afternoon, the Legends headed over to the Summer League games, and the day concluded with an evening of food, drinks and friendly competition at Top Golf Las Vegas.

Day one of the 2018 Legends Conference in Las Vegas is in the books!
Doors opened to the Legends Lounge at Mandalay Bay on Tuesday morning and immediately filled with NBRPA members, family, friends and partners excited to reconnect, learn and spend time together. Five incredible, talented women kicked off the conference with a Women of Influence Summit. Led by LaChina Robinson, panelists Michele Roberts, Lisa Leslie, Jennifer Azzi and Rushia Brown held a meaningful discussion and touched on topics from basketball to gender issues, business and advice for life beyond the game of basketball. Attendees left inspired and excited to continue learning from each other the rest of the week.

Following the summit, the evening’s welcome party at Light Nightclub was the official kick-off to the week, and it did not disappoint.

The lounge is back open today, and players are looking forward to hearing from Northwestern | Kellogg School of Business throughout day two. Follow along with us at @NBAAlumni and #LegendsofBasketball for more Legends Conference highlights throughout the weekend!

 NBRPA Inks Partnership with Three-Time Emmy Award Winner Kathryn Janicek

Media & Public Speaking Expert to Provide Former Players with Media Training

CHICAGO (June 19, 2018) – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) has partnered with media and public speaking expert Kathryn Janicek to help former NBA and WNBA players gain the necessary confidence and skills to pursue a career in media and public speaking.

Kathryn Janicek is a sought-after media and public speaking expert who has extensive experience in training entrepreneurs and corporate executives around the world. She is a three-time Emmy Award-winning television expert with 20 years of experience creating and coaching teams of anchors, reporters, producers and writers. Kathryn has extensive crisis communications experience assisting people, brands, companies and government agencies. To learn more about Kathryn and how she can help you, please visit her website at www.KathrynJanicek.com.

“I’m thrilled to offer our players access to Kathryn and the array of experience and expertise she brings to the table,” said NBRPA President and CEO Scott Rochelle. “We are seeing a significant trend of former players entering the media and entertainment industries upon retirement and are following suit by providing our players with the necessary skills to be successful.”

For more details on the NBRPA, visit www.legendsofbasketball.com

 

 

 

 

 

National Basketball Retired Players Association Launches Partnership with NBPA to Enhance Health Screening Program

CHICAGO (June 4, 2018) – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) has formalized its relationship with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) to deliver valuable, preventive long-term healthcare check-ups to former professional players across the U.S. Launched by the NBPA in 2016, the Health Screening Program has impacted hundreds of former players by providing preventative cardiac testing. The NBRPA’s involvement will expand the program to include orthopedic screenings and care.

“The NBPA is a natural partner for our players, and this new relationship will work to introduce more of our members to effective wellness management strategies as they age and maintain active lifestyles,” said NBRPA President and CEO Scott Rochelle.

The average NBA career lasts less than five years, which emphasizes the need for long-term planning for all aspects of life, including health. In 2015, the NBPA instituted cardiac screenings for retired players, as well as other initiatives designed to prepare current players for life after basketball. By partnering with the NBRPA on this initiative, the NBPA Health Screenings program will reach even more former players through the retired players associations existing communications channels and events in an effort to significantly widen the number of former players touched by this valuable program.

 “We have seen, first-hand, the impact that the Health Screenings program has had in changing the way former players are thinking about their long-term health, today,” said Michele Roberts, executive director of the NBPA. “By partnering with the NBRPA, we will be able to reach an even greater number of former players with this essential program for long-term wellness.”

In addition, the NBRPA and NBPA will continue to collaborate on key programs and expand their current relationship by working hand-in-hand on a variety of initiatives aimed at targeting former players. The NBRPA will further integrate wellness education into its national programing to its players throughout the coming year, as well.

Media Contact:
Brad Shulkin
Brad.shulkin@kemperlesnik.com
847-894-1808

ABOUT THE NBPA
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA mission is to ensure that the rights of NBA players are protected and that every conceivable measure is taken to assist them in maximizing their opportunities and achieving their goals, both on and off the court.

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is hosting its Annual Legends Conference from July 8th – July 10th, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.  NBRPA Members and guests will meet for three days of collaboration, discussion, networking and strategic planning.  The 2019 gathering will mark another outstanding year that the NBRPA’s most active, engaged and knowledgeable members will come together to help set the association’s agenda for the year ahead.

Registration
Registration for the 2019 Conference is live; to register please CLICK HERE.  Gold and Platinum Members receive two free nights stay at Mandalay Bay courtesy of the NBRPA.  While registering, please complete the Member Hotel Form, which can be accessed within the online registration.  Complete at least one form, EVEN if staying for the two nights (July 8th, July 9th) courtesy of the NBRPA.  To change any part of your registration, please access RegOnline and make all changes in the same way you registered.  For specific inquires, contact the NBRPA at (312) 913-9400.

Welcome Party
In true Vegas fashion, Light Nightclub will host the 2019 Conference Welcome Party.  The LIGHT Vegas nightclub, conveniently located inside Mandalay Bay, merges cutting-edge creativity with incredible music to produce unique nightlife entertainment. 
Date: Monday, July 8th.

Women of Influence Summit
The Women of Influence Summit is back to highlight another panel of impactful female leaders.  Stay tuned for more details regarding participants and topics.  Date: Monday, July 8th.

Kellogg School of Management Summit
The NBRPA has partnered with the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University to offer educational workshops designed specifically for NBRPA members who seek to expand their careers into entrepreneurial ventures.  The workshops are designed to provide members with the framework necessary to test and refine ideas and equip members with the requisite skills and discipline needed to acquire their first critical customers.  Online modules will support those participants who would like in-depth content on how to launch a business.  The information provided in the Kellogg Sessions can be applied to all businesses and stages of a professional career.  Please note: Members need not attend every Kellogg Session.  Feel free to attend individual sessions as you please.  Date: Wednesday, July 10th.

Technology Summit
Modeled after the popular NBA Tech Summit, which takes places during NBA All-Star Weekend, this session will explore new technologies, gadgets, and trends.  The summit will be led by the NBRPA’s most tech-savvy members and partners, who can share expertise on how to apply new technology to different lifestyles and what to expect next in today's high-tech world.

Health Care Screenings
At the 2019 Conference, the NBRPA will provide health care screenings on July 8th, conducted by the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and EarQ, offering attendees exclusive resources to stay healthier.  Your path to good health starts with knowing your numbers and becoming aware of your current health status.  The NBPA will conduct Electrical Stimulation Massage Therapy, while EarQ will conduct hearing screenings and video otoscope exams to all members and guests on-site on July 9th.  NuEnerchi will also be back and offer products and services to manage chronic pain, enhance healing and promote health and wellness. This free health assessment was designed to improve health awareness, providing attendees with a personalized report to help identify potential risks and track improvement over time.

Mental Health & Wellness Sessions: The Association for Applied Sports Psychology, the NBRPA’s partner in Mental Health & Wellness will provide private, one-on-one sessions with former players to assess mental health needs and build a wellness plan

Service/Leadership
Within its mission the NBRPA is focused on servant leadership and continued support of the community.  During the 2019 Conference, select NBRPA members will volunteer at a local venue to conduct a youth basketball skills clinic.  “As leaders of the sport, it is our responsibility to be ambassadors for the game, during and after our playing careers,” said Kenny Gattison, NBRPA Vice President of Membership and Player Programming.  Those interested in participating should contact Kenny Gattison at: (312) 913-9400. 

The 2019 LWSC provides attendees the opportunity to explore topics outside the scope of day-to-day sports business, such as leadership, creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, work/life balance, and diversity and inclusion.  We look forward to seeing you there!