Podcast Summary: The Athletic NBA Daily – SPECIAL No Free Lunch Feed Drop: The Secret to Building Kevin Durant's Empire with Rich Kleiman
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Host: The Athletic (Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni)
Guest: Rich Kleiman, Longtime Agent and Business Partner of Kevin Durant
Introduction
In this special episode of No Free Lunch, hosted by The Athletic NBA Daily team, Rich Kleiman delves deep into the strategies and philosophies behind building Kevin Durant's multifaceted empire. The conversation navigates Rich's journey from his early days in New York's vibrant music scene to becoming a pivotal figure in Durant's business ventures.
Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit
[02:24] Rich Kleiman:
Rich shares his upbringing in New York City, emphasizing the influence of the burgeoning hip-hop and basketball culture. Despite struggling academically, Rich was always present, participating in sports and social activities, which he considers his "currency."
"I just wanted to be around everybody. And I really prided myself as a young person of having this wide array of friends."
— Rich Kleiman [02:24]
He recounts his first entrepreneurial venture as a college bookie, highlighting how this experience ignited his passion for building structured businesses.
[03:12] Rich Kleiman:
"Something clicked in me. If I could put my mind to something, this is giving me some fuel."
— Rich Kleiman [03:12]
Building Relationships and Adding Value
Rich emphasizes the importance of genuine, non-transactional relationships. He believes in connecting with people on a personal level without immediate expectations, fostering trust and mutual value over time.
[06:40] Rich Kleiman:
"Let me really connect. Let me really make this a real relationship. Understand who the person is, gain that trust."
— Rich Kleiman [06:40]
He discusses his transition from managing DJs and artists in the music industry to venturing into sports, leveraging his relationship-building skills to navigate new arenas.
Transition to Sports Management and Partnership with Kevin Durant
Rich describes his shift from the music industry to sports, motivated by his enduring passion for basketball. This transition was facilitated by his network of athlete friends like Victor Cruz and Cece Sabathia, who recognized the applicability of his branding and marketing expertise in sports.
[18:17] Rich Kleiman:
"When I worked with Kevin, he gave me that belief. All of a sudden, I felt this commitment to him that was like, I'm going to work harder than I've ever worked in my life."
— Rich Kleiman [18:17]
He highlights the pivotal moment when his partnership with Kevin Durant rekindled his confidence and propelled him into higher echelons of sports management.
Creating and Growing 'Boardroom'
Rich and Durant co-founded Boardroom, a brand that embodies the intersection of sports, business, and culture. Rich outlines the vision behind Boardroom, aiming to build a brand that resonates with depth and longevity, unlike the transient nature of digital media.
[31:18] Rich Kleiman:
"I want to build a brand that really embodies this world, this intersection... it's going to encompass all these worlds."
— Rich Kleiman [31:18]
He shares the challenges faced when Boardroom was initially partnered with ESPN and the subsequent pivot to building the brand independently, further solidifying its foundation through events and strategic content.
Role of Kevin Durant in Boardroom
Rich explains that Kevin Durant is not just a figurehead but an active and equal partner in Boardroom. Durant's insights and perspectives are integral to the brand's direction and content.
[35:47] Rich Kleiman:
"The brand is really an embodiment of the two of us. It was built out of our relationship and seeing the dynamic of what made me and what made him."
— Rich Kleiman [35:47]
Durant's involvement lends credibility and excitement to Boardroom, enhancing its brand presence and influence.
Managing Workflow and Balancing During NBA Seasons
Rich discusses the dynamic workflow between him and Durant, especially during intense NBA seasons. They maintain daily communication, adjusting their interactions based on Durant's engagement and needs.
[38:49] Rich Kleiman:
"We speak every day, but I can read him. Sometimes he'll want to hear everything, other times he'll need space."
— Rich Kleiman [38:49]
This adaptive approach ensures that Durant remains focused on his athletic performance while Rich manages the business aspects seamlessly.
Future Endeavors and Life After Basketball
Rich touches upon the comprehensive plans in place for Durant's post-basketball career, emphasizing financial stability through 35 Ventures, a family office managing Durant's investments and business interests.
[49:58] Rich Kleiman:
"Financially he's straight. But what he's got to figure out is what is going to fulfill me and take that time that I have."
— Rich Kleiman [49:58]
He encourages Durant to explore personal passions and interests beyond basketball, ensuring a fulfilling transition after retirement.
Strategic Networking and Mentorship
Rich underscores the significance of authentic learning and seeking mentorship through genuine curiosity and unpretentious questioning, as exemplified by his interactions with industry leaders like Ron Conway and Ben Horowitz.
[44:55] Rich Kleiman:
"I'm just gonna be 100% myself and ask every question."
— Rich Kleiman [44:55]
This approach not only builds his knowledge base but also fosters meaningful connections that propel business growth.
Conclusion
Rich Kleiman's journey from a New York hustler to a key player in building Kevin Durant's empire is a testament to the power of genuine relationships, strategic branding, and unwavering commitment. His insights provide a blueprint for athletes and entrepreneurs aiming to build sustainable, impactful legacies beyond their primary careers.
"You have to find people that can help you build your team, especially as a professional athlete or entertainer that you can trust vibe with, but more importantly help you grow and challenge you in multiple different ways."
— Rich Kleiman [55:09]
Rich concludes by emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation, encouraging listeners to cultivate authentic relationships and stay committed to their long-term visions.
Key Takeaways
- Authentic Relationship Building: Prioritize genuine connections over transactional interactions to foster trust and mutual growth.
- Diversified Skill Set: Transitioning across industries requires adaptability and a willingness to learn from diverse fields.
- Strategic Branding: Building a lasting brand involves vision, consistency, and embodying the intersection of relevant cultures and industries.
- Mentorship and Learning: Embrace curiosity and seek knowledge through unpretentious questioning and authentic interactions.
- Future Planning: Athletes should strategically plan for life after their sports careers, ensuring financial stability and personal fulfillment.
Thank You for Listening!
No Free Lunch is proudly sponsored by T. Rowe Price. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of T. Rowe Price.
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