From the League to the Classroom: Meet SBC’s Star Instructors

At Sports Business Classroom (SBC), we believe the best way to break into basketball is to learn directly from those who contributed to the game. That’s why the 2025 Business of Basketball Immersive Experience will feature an elite lineup of instructors who bring decades of experience, leadership, and innovation from the highest levels of the sport.

This summer, SBC students will have the opportunity to learn from some of the most respected voices in basketball — individuals whose careers span media, front office leadership, league operations, and Hall of Fame coaching.

Here’s a look at a few of the headline instructors joining us in Las Vegas:

Bobby Marks
NBA Front Office Insider, ESPN
A former Assistant GM with the Brooklyn Nets and one of the leading authorities on the NBA Salary Cap, Bobby brings invaluable insight into roster strategy, CBA mechanics, and the realities of working in a front office. His real-time cap analysis and deep understanding of team-building make him an essential voice in the League Salary Cap major.

J.A. Adande
2024 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame | Director, Northwestern University Sports Media Program
A veteran NBA reporter and respected voice in sports journalism, J.A. offers unparalleled perspective into the world of basketball media. He was inducted into the 2024 Naismith Hall of Fame as a recipient of the Curt Gowdy Print Media Award. As a returning SBC instructor, J.A. will guide Media & Broadcast students through the evolving landscape of storytelling, writing, and on-air presence.

Howard Beck
Award-Winning NBA Journalist | Formerly with The New York Times, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated
One of the most credible and influential voices in the NBA media space, Howard brings decades of locker room reporting, long-form storytelling, and podcasting expertise. Students will gain firsthand knowledge of how to navigate the media industry with integrity and adaptability.

Julie Fie
Former VP of Basketball Communications, Phoenix Suns
With nearly three decades of experience leading one of the NBA’s most respected PR departments, Julie understands the power of relationships, messaging, and crisis management. Her expertise will be invaluable to students seeking careers in communications, public relations, and player-facing roles.

Mike Fratello
The Czar of the Telestrator | Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame Coach

With a résumé that includes over 660 NBA coaching wins, a Coach of the Year Award, 2022 Chuck Daily LIfetime Achievement Award, 2025 Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and extensive broadcast work, Coach Fratello will bring a dual perspective on both the X’s and O’s and the storytelling behind the game. Students will benefit from his insights on leadership, preparation and longevity in basketball.

Held onsite during the NBA 2K Summer League in Las Vegas (July 13–19), the SBC Immersive Experience offers an insider’s look at the business of basketball. With a curriculum that covers everything from Athlete Representation and Scouting to Media, Broadcast, and Salary Cap Management, SBC is designed to help participants refine their skills, expand their network, and present their work to active decision-makers from across the NBA.

Whether through lectures, roundtables, or the hands-on Mock Trade Deadline project, students will learn directly from industry leaders who have lived what they teach.

This could be your chance to break into basketball.

Applications are open now — don’t miss your opportunity to learn from the best.

Register today at https://www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/business-of-basketball-registration/