#18: Tracy Deforge – CEO, Founder The Player’s Impact
Tracy Deforge is building The Player’s Impact, along with being on the board of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and USA Handball. A decorated sports leader, she has seen sports transform into a massive enterprise. The Player’s Impact (TPI) is a group comprised of both active and retired professional athletes who come together as…
Tracy Deforge is building The Player’s Impact, along with being on the board of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and USA Handball. A decorated sports leader, she has seen sports transform into a massive enterprise.
The Player’s Impact (TPI) is a group comprised of both active and retired professional athletes who come together as a collective to build relationships, get educated, and invest in private companies.
6 years since their inception, they’ve deployed over $17M in capital and had a huge return on their investment in DraftKings.
Chapters:
(01:30) The role of athlete influencers (and how players view it)
(04:40) Creation of The Player’s Impact and its shift over time
(07:50) NIL’s impact on female sports and youth athletics
(14:25) Missteps athletes make in business
(16:25) A shifting agency model in sports
(20:35) What are athletes looking for in investment opportunities?
(24:30) Rise in new sports leagues (and what makes them successful)
(26:40) Importance of athlete investors in sports leagues
(27:50) What kept Tracy in sports her whole career
(29:20) Where are sports headed/trends