SBC’s 2025 Immersive Experience Reaches New Heights with Record-Breaking Attendance

Sports Business Classroom officially tipped off its 2025 program on Sunday, July 13, welcoming over 150 students to a sold-out weeklong immersive experience at NBA Summer League. With an expanded curriculum and an elite lineup of speakers, the program continues to set the standard for hands-on sports business education.

Returning to lead the program for a second consecutive year is ESPN’s Bobby Marks, whose journey from a New Jersey Nets intern to Assistant General Manager and then national media analyst makes him a relatable and invaluable resource. Sports Business Classroom General Manager and salary cap expert Eric Pincus once again oversees student projects and daily operations.

This year’s speaker roster featured some of the biggest names across the league and basketball industry, headlined by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who praised the program and the Summer League ecosystem as a true “training ground” not only for players but for future executives. Other major speakers included Sam Presti (EVP of the Oklahoma City Thunder), Nick Nurse (Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach), Mike Zarren (Assistant GM, Boston Celtics), and Rachel Baker (GM, Duke Men’s Basketball), offering students insight into everything from front office strategy to collegiate operations and analytics.

The guest list also included legendary names such as Kiki Vandeweghe, Tommy Sheppard, and Chris Wallace, alongside rising figures like projected 2026 NBA Draft top pick AJ Dybantsa and his father Ace Dybantsa. Player agent panels featured industry leaders including Todd Ramasar, Bernie Lee, and Reggie Berry, with appearances by Austin Reaves of the LA Lakers and his agent, Aaron Reilly, offering a real-world view into athlete representation and brand building.

Each student selects a major and works in groups on a Mock Trade Deadline Practicum, where they simulate front office decision-making and present trade scenarios to a panel of league executives. This year’s curriculum has also expanded, covering an even wider area of topics in the industry, including the ones listed below: 

  • Athlete Representation
  • League Salary Cap
  • Scouting, Video, and Analytics
  • Media and Broadcast
  • Basketball Operations
  • Networking, Jobs & Resume Writing

With one-on-one mentoring sessions from professionals across the NBA, NBPA, WME, ESPN, and teams like the Cavaliers, Pistons, Mavericks, and Suns, Sports Business Classroom continues to deliver unmatched access and education to the future leaders of basketball.

Additional Guest Speakers Included:

  • Kenny Atkinson – Head Coach, Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Kirk Berger – National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)
  • Eric Amsler – VP of Scouting / Assistant GM, Miami Heat
  • Monty McCutchen – Head of Referee Development and Training, NBA
  • Leonard Armato – Sports Agent and Brand Strategist
  • Garth Glissman – Associate Commissioner, Men’s Basketball, SEC
  • Ryan McDonough – Former GM, Phoenix Suns; NBA Media Contributor
  • Chrysa Chin – VP, NBPA
  • Jaafar Chougani – Player Agent
  • Matt Verden – Detroit Pistons