The line between the stadium and the silver screen has officially vanished. At the Variety Sports and Entertainment Breakfast, presented by City National Bank, some of the biggest names in the game gathered to discuss a new era of celebrity where athletes aren’t just playing the game – they are owning the broadcast.
From Olympic legends to viral media personalities, the room was packed with the movers and shakers who are currently dominating your social media feeds. If you have noticed your favorite players popping up more on TikTok, YouTube, and their own production companies, this event explained exactly why the “sporting-verse” is the next big thing in showbiz.
Alex Morgan’s Post-Field Empire
Soccer superstar and Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan stole the spotlight as she discussed her transition from the pitch to the boardroom. While many fans know her for her incredible goals, Morgan has been quietly building a media powerhouse. Along with fellow icons Sue Bird, Simone Manuel, and Chloe Kim, Morgan co-founded Togethxr, a company dedicated to telling the stories of female athletes.
Her manager, Dan Levy, did not hold back on how much work Morgan puts in behind the scenes. According to Levy, this was not just a celebrity vanity project.
“Alex saw the opportunity – and the fact that it wasn’t happening in women’s sports – and leaned in,” Levy told the crowd. “It’s hard, hard work. Alex couldn’t hire a team to do a lot of this stuff for her, she had to do the work… she built all of these things that she now has in her post-athletic career by just her own sweat equity.”
The ESPN Powerhouse: Mina Kimes and Tina Thornton
Social media was also quick to pick up on the presence of Mina Kimes. The ESPN analyst and podcast host has become a fan favorite for her sharp wit and deep football knowledge. Joining Kimes was Tina Thornton, ESPN’s executive VP of creative studio and marketing, to discuss how athletes are reaching fans across multiple platforms.
Randie Brooks of City National Bank noted that this shift is about more than just fame – it is about “long-term wealth.” By creating their own content, athletes are ensuring they stay relevant long after they hang up their jerseys.
Peyton Manning’s “Silly” Strategy
It wouldn’t be a sports media event without a mention of the Manning brothers. Colin Campbell, head of development for Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, opened up about the strategy behind hits like “ManningCast.”
The secret to their viral success? Not being afraid to look a little ridiculous. Campbell emphasized that Peyton and Eli are willing to “experiment, be silly and take some chances” to cut through the noise of a crowded internet.
“When Peyton founded Omaha, he wanted to create content that uplifts and unifies,” Campbell explained. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) frequently praise the brothers for their authentic, often hilarious chemistry, proving that being “unfiltered” is the ultimate currency in .
Diplo Runs the Show
Closing out the morning was a surprising crossover: global DJ and producer Diplo. While he’s usually seen behind a turntable, Diplo is now making waves with “Diplo’s Run Club.” Alongside his management team from TMWRK and Wasserman Music, the hitmaker discussed how fitness and music are blending into a new type of fan experience.
As female-led leagues continue to see “skyrocketing popularity,” according to panelists like USC’s Jennifer Cohen and Athleta’s Ilona Aman, the takeaway from the breakfast was clear: the next generation of superstars won’t just be athletes – they’ll be media moguls.
With stars like Alex Morgan leading the charge, the future of sports entertainment looks brighter (and more viral) than ever.
