Recap: The Business before the Big Game Event 2025

March 6, 2025

TPI’s Business Before the Big Game event in New Orleans, LA was a resounding success! With over 400 attendees the event brought together a dynamic group of entrepreneurs, athletes, and industry leaders, all eager to network, collaborate, and explore new opportunities.

We were thrilled to host innovative pitch companies, each showcasing groundbreaking ideas and business ventures, and making the event a true highlight. The support of our sponsors and partners played a crucial role in making this gathering a memorable one, providing invaluable resources and expertise to our attendees.

The energy in the room was palpable as connections were made, new partnerships were formed, and the spirit of innovation and collaboration thrived. It was an incredible prelude to the big game, and we’re excited to build on the momentum from this event for future gatherings.

Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and supported the event. Stay tuned for more exciting opportunities with TPI!

Participants

Hosts

Leanna Haakons
Jordan Babineaux

Legacies Beyond the Field Panel:

Ray Lewis – NFL Veteran
Patrick Peterson – NFL Veteran
Marshall Faulk – NFL Veteran
Mike Tannenbaum – ESPN NFL Front Office Insider

Pitching to the Pros Pitch Competition:

Entrepreneurs had the opportunity to step up on stage and pitch to the pros at our Super Bowl event. We had a great group of companies pitching their ideas to our panel of athletes. Teal Henderson, CEO & Founder of Bones Investment Group, stole the stage and won over the judges with her presentation and we can’t wait to follow her journey.

Founders Live Athlete Founders Pitch Competition:

Our Super Bowl event also brought a group of athlete entrepreneurs to the stage. Seeing athletes thrive and find their passion beyond sports is the reason we have built our ecosystem. Tully Bunta-Cain, Founder of Beach Football League, was the winner of the athlete pitch competition, but we would be remiss to not spotlight our other great athlete founders:

John Bronson – Conan Medtech
Dane McCarthy – The Athletic Clubs
Rod Trafford – Syzmik
Dr. Jen Welter – A Day in the Life

Messages from our Sponsors

“Worth Media, our media partner at our Super Bowl “Business Before the Game” event, is dedicated to exploring the intersection of Business, Finance, Sports, and Impact. In honor of the Super Bowl, Worth is offering a complimentary year-long subscription to our quarterly magazine. Claim yours today.” – Worth Media

“Founders Live wants to thank all who attended the event and engaged with the athlete founders who pitched on stage. If you would like to learn more about Founders Live Athletes, or get in touch with us regarding future events and partnerships as we prepare for even more incredible experiences in 2026, please reach out: https://www.founderslive.com/athletes.” – Founders Live