The Most Followed Stars of March Madness & the Business of Sport
Live from The Women's Final Four in Tampa, FL: a brand new issue of Unwrapped!
The Future of Sports Belongs to Those Who Own Their Story
Athletes today aren’t just competing—they’re building brands, making business moves, and shaping the future.
🏀 Fair Play is here! The Gifted Collective’s first official course is designed to help young athletes own their narratives and maximize their opportunities.
🎾 Coco Gauff steps into ownership with her new enterprise, proving that athletes are taking more control of their careers.
🔥 Final Four & Influence – I’m in Tampa with adidas and my Community Lab cohort, where stars like Paige Bueckers are showing that personal branding is just as powerful as their game.
Ownership. Influence. Impact. The game is changing let’s jump in and discuss.
Live from Tampa: Women’s Final Four & the Power of Athlete Influence
I’m on the ground in Tampa for the Women’s Final Four, surrounded by the energy, excitement, and undeniable talent that is shaping the future of the game. This experience is even more special because I’m here with adidas and my Community Lab cohort, a group of incredible entrepreneurs and creatives who are all working to make an impact in sports and beyond.
One of the biggest takeaways from this year’s March Madness? The power of personal brands. The most-followed players in this year’s tournament aren’t just stars on the court — they’re major influencers off of it:
🔹 Juju Watkins (USC) – The sophomore phenom has taken the basketball world by storm, and with over 1.1 million Instagram followers, she’s proving that talent + personality = massive influence.
🔹 Paige Bueckers (UConn) – The original NIL superstar. With over 2.2 million Instagram followers, Paige has been a brand magnet since day one, showing how consistency and authenticity keep fans engaged.
🔹 Flau’jae Johnson (LSU) – A true dual-threat—on the court and in the music industry. As both a rapper and an athlete, Flau’jae brings a crossover appeal to over 1 million followers on IG, making her one of the most marketable players in the game today.
🔹 Cooper Flagg (Duke) – Okay, so he’s not playing in the Women’s Final Four, but as one of the most hyped players in Men’s Basketball, his massive following (over 1M on Instagram) shows how early branding pays off.
The lesson here? The game isn’t just about what happens on the court anymore. Players who build their brand early—through storytelling, social media, and strategic partnerships—set themselves up for success long after the final buzzer sounds.
Being at the Final Four with adidas and my Community Lab family has reinforced just how much opportunity exists for athletes who know how to own their narrative. The women’s game is growing at an unprecedented rate, and these athletes are at the forefront of that movement.
Introducing Fair Play: Empowering Athletes Through Storytelling & Strategy
I’m beyond excited to officially launch Fair Play, The Gifted Collective’s first course designed to equip high school and college athletes with the skills they need to take control of their narratives, build strong personal brands, and navigate the evolving landscape of sports and NIL opportunities.
Fair Play isn’t just about making athletes more marketable—it’s about making them more intentional. Too often, young athletes miss out on opportunities simply because they don’t know how to showcase their value beyond stats and highlights. This course is built to change that, giving them the tools to tell their stories with confidence, understand the power of their platforms, and make informed decisions that will impact their futures.
This launch is just the beginning. My vision is for Fair Play to be a game-changer for athletes, parents, and schools alike—ensuring that every young athlete, regardless of background, has access to the knowledge and strategy to thrive.
More details coming soon, but for now—let’s celebrate this milestone! 🚀🏆
Coco Gauff’s Next Move: From Champion to CEO
Coco Gauff is making power moves beyond the baseline. The reigning US Open champion is expanding her influence in the business world, launching her own enterprise in partnership with WME Sports. At just 20 years old, Gauff is not only dominating on the court—she’s taking ownership of her brand, career, and future in a way that few athletes her age have done.
This isn’t just another endorsement deal or partnership. By structuring her own business, Gauff is setting herself up for long-term success and demonstrating what it means for athletes to take control of their platforms. She’s aligning herself with top-tier representation while ensuring that she has agency over her image, marketing, and financial future.
This move is a masterclass in athlete empowerment—and a reminder that today’s athletes are more than just competitors. They are brands, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers. Gauff’s path shows young athletes that they don’t have to wait until retirement to think about their legacy. The time to take control is now.
For high school and college athletes navigating NIL, branding, and career decisions, Gauff’s journey is proof that strategic moves today can build a sustainable future beyond the game. What lessons can young athletes take from her playbook? Own your story, align with the right partners, and never be afraid to bet on yourself.