Southern California continues to be home to influential figures shaping the sports business landscape through diverse expertise in marketing, finance, law, and equity initiatives.

Donald Lyle Franken, president and chief marketing officer of World Class Sports, has built a nearly fifty-year career in sports and entertainment marketing. Prior to founding his talent agency ahead of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, he co-chaired major track meets sponsored by brands such as Sunkist, Michelob, Pepsi, and Foot Locker. Since its inception, World Class Sports has represented more than 5,600 athletes, coaches, and broadcasters—including prominent names like Drew Brees, Magic Johnson, and Billie Jean King—in endorsements and media appearances. Franken has produced over seventy events, collaborated with leading PR firms for national campaigns, and created films and documentaries focused on sports.

In financial management, Joshua Martin, founder and president of Martin Business Management, serves NBA athletes, digital creators, and sports media entrepreneurs as a personal CFO and strategic advisor. He oversees finances for prominent clients including YouTube channel Next Chapter, and figures such as CashNasty, D’Vontay Friga, and Kristopher London. Martin’s advisory work includes managing complex investment strategies and restructuring talent holdings to optimize tax savings. He is active in industry organizations like the Hollywood Radio & Television Society and has been recognized by industry publications for his expertise.

In the legal and transactional arena, Eric H. Geffner, partner at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and co-head of its sports group, advises on high-profile global sports deals. His recent engagements include counsel on the $250 million women’s sports investment platform Project Level, leadership in the America’s Cup partnership for Emirates Team New Zealand, and representing Angel City FC in its $250 million sale. Geffner has also worked on landmark acquisitions involving NBA teams such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets, earning recognition on notable industry lists.

Brian Anderson, co-leader of the Sports Industry Team at Sheppard, is noted for facilitating investments and sponsorship deals at the intersection of sports, finance, and technology. His work includes advising Bertram Capital on investments in Mexico’s Liga MX and Swansea City AFC in the English Championship, as well as orchestrating partnerships involving Formula One and collegiate sports. Anderson represents the emerging women’s soccer league WPSL PRO and maintains personal investments in sports technology and clubs.

Mark Castiglia, partner at Sidley Austin LLP, brings extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions within the sports sector. His recent transactions include advising on the acquisition of 24 Hour Fitness, controlling stakes in Ipswich Town FC, and significant investments in Chelsea FC Women. He has also guided high-profile franchise sales, including the UFC and Charlotte Hornets, providing strategic counsel on ownership and league formation matters.

Academic and inclusion efforts in sports are led by Shaun Harper, Provost Professor at the University of Southern California and chair in Urban Leadership. Renowned as a foremost expert on college athletics, Harper’s research on equity and the experiences of Black male student-athletes has had significant academic and industry impact. His USC center was designated in 2024 by LA28 as the architect of inclusion strategies for the 2028 Olympic Games. Harper’s advisory roles span major organizations such as the NFL, Nike, Google, and Microsoft.

On the regulatory and legal front, Dennis Ehling, a business litigation partner at Blank Rome LLP, specializes in gaming, sports wagering, fantasy sports, and blockchain-enabled payments. Over his 33-year career, Ehling has influenced legislation permitting online gambling in California and New Jersey and defended major companies like Caesars Entertainment against substantial legal claims. He has also guided innovative sports wagering integrations and serves as chair of the Arthritis Foundation’s national board.

David Lefebvre, special counsel at Covington & Burling LLP, provides counsel on complex commercial agreements for sports, media, and technology clients. He played a lead role advising the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee in producing a documentary series and was instrumental in legal negotiations for the NFL’s first exclusive digital streaming deal with Amazon. Lefebvre also contributed to Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox and the related regional sports network transaction. Outside his commercial work, he undertakes pro bono cases involving family and immigration law.

Together, these Southern California professionals exemplify the region’s multifaceted leadership in advancing the business, legal, and equity dimensions of the evolving sports industry.