The NEXT WAVE AWARDS spotlight the future leaders of the sports industry. SBV celebrates bold and ambitious students and emerging professionals who are setting new standards and reshaping the future of sports business. These awards honor outstanding leadership, innovation, achievements, professional development, community involvement, and academic excellence, recognizing those who excel across the sports landscape.

2024 Judges

The NEXT WAVE AWARDS are judged by a distinguished panel of sports industry leaders, each bringing their unique expertise from renowned organizations across the sports industry.

Darline Llamas Llopis

Vice President of Finance & Retail, Miami Dolphins

Ryan Callahan

Director of Digital & Social Content, New York Yankees

Nadia Zaman

Apple Sports Marketing

Langston
Morris-Walker 

Global Basketball Sports Marketing, Adidas

Daveed Cohen

NBA Agent & VP of Partnerships, Young Money APAA Sports

Jamesha Clanton

Director of Basketball Operations, Georgetown

Howard Little

Manager of Brand & Influencer Marketing, Chicago Bears

Melissa Yang

Senior Manager of Editorial Content, Brooklyn Nets

Jessica Slate

Athlete Project Manager, The Slate House

Henry Organ

Founder & Sports Agent, Disruptive Sports Agency

Lexi Phillips

Sports Agent, LAMF Sports Management

Sean Butterly

Global Design Director, Nike

FAQ’s

  • Who can qualify for the award?

    Our awards focus on students and emerging professionals setting new standards and reshaping the future of the sports industry.

  • What qualities do you look for in award nominees?

    Our judges look for leadership, innovation, notable achievements, community involvement, a commitment to professional development, and academic excellence within the sports industry.

  • What is the selection process for the awards?

    SBV’s panel of industry judges evaluates nominees through a collective voting process.

  • Can I nominate myself for the award?

    Self-nominations are accepted! We encourage all sports industry professionals who meet our criteria to apply.

  • Can I nominate someone else for the award?

    Yes! You are encouraged to nominate someone else whose achievements and contributions to the sports industry deserve recognition. This could be a colleague, co-worker, business partner, mentor, or even a friend you believe is a future sports industry leader.

  • Can international individuals be nominated?

    Yes, the awards are open to international candidates impacting the sports industry globally.

  • When are nominations open?

    Nominations open on 8/14/2024 and close on 10/11/2024. The early entry period ends on 9/20/24.

  • When are winners notified?

    Winners will be notified via e-mail by mid-October.

  • How much is the nomination fee?

    Nominations submitted before 9/20/2024 are subject to an early entry fee of $25 and a standard entry fee of $49. These fees help cover the operation costs of the awards program.

  • Can I sponsor the NEXT WAVE AWARDS?

    SBV can help your brand get in front of 50K+ sports industry professionals, including tomorrow’s future leaders, being honored in our NEXT WAVE AWARDS. Please reach out to discuss your partnership with us: jeff.chen@sportsbusinessventures.com

  • Any more questions?

    For more information, please contact: jeff.chen@sportsbusinessventures.com