Unicorns in Uniforms – Sports Management Networking Event

Smith student Philip Peker ’18 writes about an all-star panel discussion on the sports business industry at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business on April 5, 2016.

In an industry where curveballs are thrown at you every day, the customers are the loudest and craziest, and your clients can have career-ending emergencies any minute, staying on your toes is not recommended, it’s required. The business of sports is a business unlike any other, and because of this, working in it necessitates a unique set of skills and talents. On Tuesday, April 5, 2016, the Smith School held an all-star panel discussion that dove deep into the lanes of the sports business industry as part of the offerings of the Sports Management Fellows Program. The panel of four sports business professionals was directed by Professor Derrick Heggans, himself a sports business veteran. Heggans has managed AOL’s Sports Channel, worked as an in-house attorney at the NFL, served as Founder and CEO of non-profit entity Team Turnaround, and has made various awards lists of influencers in sports and media. He is currently an Assistant Professor at Smith and faculty champion of the Sports Management Fellows and Maryland Sports Business Academy. 

Prof. Heggans kicked off the evening with brief introductions of the four esteemed panelists. On the far right sat Kevin Blackistone, ESPN’s “Around the Horn” panelist, Washington Post columnist, and University of Maryland professor. Next to him was Tyrone Brooks, a Senior Director at MLB, founder of the Baseball Industry Network, and Maryland alum. Sitting to the left of Tyrone was Myriam Léger, a native Washingtonian and Maryland alum who has worked as an Associate Director for ESPN, BET, CBS, and more. Finally, Maryland alum Chitta Mallik, NFL Agent, representing the likes of Cam Newton, rounded out the team.

Topics ranged from how the four got started in sports management, the impact of digital media, unique challenges to this industry, and what experiences really shaped their identities. All, however, were in agreement when it came to the value of mentorship. “Find that unicorn, and hold on,” said Mr. Mallik. He said that this industry has a reputation for being dirty, and climbing the ladder is oftentimes a slippery task. Finding someone that believes in your skills, and gives you more than 10 seconds to show your mettle, is someone that you must stick to. These are the unicorns, and they will guide you through the maze. Every single panelist cited at least one person who has lent them a helping hand and introduced them to professionals, new opportunities, and new experiences throughout the years. It was amazing to note that some of the panelists also included Prof. Heggans himself, as one of the mentors that they were blessed to have had throughout their careers

For these mentors, giving back is part of the game. “The university (UMD) has given so much to me, it is my duty to give back to other students. I want to do everything in my power to help those that truly want to work in Baseball, and give them opportunities to break through,” Mr. Brooks excitedly tells me. This industry is largely about who you know, but in order to catch the attention of the professionals, you have to show you are worth it. Proving yourself to professors, alumni, and industry leaders is how you can get your foot in the door. “Always make sure to network effectively and remember, that there is no substitute for work ethic,” said Mr. Mallik, proud alum and truly a unicorn for those that are looking to get into sports law. Mr. Mallik said “no one will outwork my partner and I when it comes to putting in the blood, sweat and tears.  We dedicate ourselves to helping our clients both on and off the field.” This mentality is what separates the boys from the men, on the field and behind the desk.

The students were both star-struck, and inspired by the heavy-hitters and their stories. Senior Marketing and Supply Chain Management student, Laman Ben-Trahoret, really cherished the wisdom that these panelists imparted on him and his fellow students. “They were once in our shoes, and it is really awesome to see how hard work can pay off. It gives hope to students like us; if we work at it, we can attain the seemingly unattainable,” said Laman.

The Sports Management Fellows students were given an inside look into the world of the movers and shakers of the sports business industry, the ones that are right there on the sidelines of the biggest games, matches, and tournaments. The students left that evening, some in awe, some inspired, but all aware that they must now seek out and befriend a mentor or two in the industry. If you want to win, find the “unicorns in uniforms” that will take you under their wing and turn you from a rookie, into a legend. Oh, and when it comes to work ethic and taking initiative, no one says it better than Under Armour… “I WILL”!

Find out more information about the Sports Management Fellows Program.