The Future of Black Athlete Leadership Town Hall, sponsored by Quantum Leap Sports Agency and co-sponsored by the D.C. chapter of the Florida A&M Alumni Association, will take place Sept. 15 at the historic Howard Theatre in Washington.
The national convening will bring together athletes, parents, sports professionals, attorneys and community leaders for a conversation about how Black athletes can turn their influence during their playing careers into lasting leadership, ownership and economic impact beyond the game.
Troy Mosley, founder and CEO of Quantum Leap Sports Agency and creator of The Future of Black Athlete Leadership, said in an interview with Kelsey Nicole Nelson, host, executive producer and founder of “Listen In With KNN,” that the growth of name, image and likeness opportunities has created an opportunity that young athletes have not previously experienced.
“The name, image, and likeness opportunity that presently exists is something that has never before been experienced by young athletes,” Mosley said. “This is not only a chance for athletes to obtain monetization based on their name, image and likeness, but it also represents an opportunity for them to build generational wealth.”
Mosley, a retired U.S. Army veteran and former Department of Defense health care executive, held leadership roles in the Army Medical Department and Military Health System. He also helped lead an effort to rename U.S. military installations that honored Confederate leaders.
Through Quantum Leap Sports Agency, Mosley focuses on athlete representation and development, with an emphasis on preparing athletes for opportunities beyond competition.
“We recognize that athletes are not finished products at 16, 17, 18,” Mosley said. “Our model is different in that we want to groom the athletes’ off field interests, in the limited time they have.”
The agency develops individualized plans based on athletes’ goals and connects them with opportunities in education, business and investment. Mosley said that preparation can include helping athletes continue their education, understand business decisions and build relationships that can support their long-term goals.
Nelson and Mosley also discussed the growing role of NIL, including financial literacy, academic preparation, business planning and the importance of building a network before opportunities arise. Mosley said athletes and their families should understand their financial responsibilities and know when to seek professional help.
“I want people to take away the importance of preparation,” Mosley said. “The opportunity exists. You have to have a plan on how to capitalize on the opportunity.”
That message will be central to the Sept. 15 town hall, which will feature a national convening focused on the business of Black athletic influence, including ownership, NIL and investment. The program will also include audience questions and a discussion about what Black athletes need to fully leverage their influence beyond sports.
The town hall will also honor former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms with the Keisha Lance Bottoms Achievement Award. Bottoms, an alumna of Florida A&M University and a candidate for governor of Georgia, is being recognized for her civic leadership and public service as the event connects athletic leadership with broader conversations about community impact.
The program will feature sports lawyer and Florida A&M University alumnus Joe Briggs, former Marine Corps infantry captain and Black Veterans Project co-founder and CEO Kyle Bibby, Army veteran and Black Veterans Project Chief Creative Officer Richard Brookshire, Julian Smith and attorney Jasmine Barrow of J Barrow Legal.
The event will close with a declaration from Mosley focused on continuing the national conversation around Black athlete leadership, ownership and institution building.
Admission is $20 for high school student-athletes and their parents, with general admission also available. Event information and tickets here.
For more conversations on NIL, generational wealth, athlete representation, education and financial preparation, subscribe to “Listen In With KNN” on Spotify and iTunes to catch Mosley’s upcoming interview with Nelson when it is released.
