Global public affairs and venture consulting firm Oaktree Solutions has tapped former NBA All-Star Jayson Williams as managing director of Sports Ventures.
“Building on Oaktree’s equity stake in Los Angeles-based talent firm AIGH, Williams will lead the next phase of the firm’s practice for professional athletes – from college through retirement. His focus will be on guiding clients through complex sponsorship and partnership negotiations, strategic financial planning, and brand and reputation development to create rewarding and lucrative careers,” the company said in a media release.
“Oaktree Solutions is built on delivering joy, value and understanding in complex situations,” said Frank V. Carone, founder and chairman, Oaktree Solutions. “The life of a professional athlete holds tremendous promise, as well as pressure and risk. Our Sports Ventures practice is built to maximize opportunity and minimize risk, and Jayson is the perfect leader to manage it. No one knows better than Jayson how difficult it is to thrive in the harsh spotlight of the arena or stadium, and he will do tremendous work with our team to guide athletes toward fulfilling and secure futures.”
Following an 11-season career in the NBA, primarily with the New Jersey (now Brooklyn) Nets, Williams said he faced his own struggles adjusting to life after basketball. After triumphing through adversity, Williams said he realized the power of his platform as a former athlete and devoted his life to helping others by founding the Rebound Institute, where he works with individuals struggling with substance abuse and formerly incarcerated people in building career paths and transforming their lives.
In addition to his role with Oaktree Sports Ventures, Williams will also advise Oaktree’s corporate and non-profit clients on engaging the athletic community and addressing issues of mental health and wellbeing.
“My career in the NBA, and what followed, taught me the power of ‘this too shall pass’ – the highest moments of our career won’t last forever, nor will the lowest,” said Jayson Williams, managing director, Oaktree Sports Ventures. “What matters more than anything is surrounding yourself with people you trust who keep you grounded. I’ve been privileged to help many former athletes and struggling individuals find hope and opportunity, and I’m excited to leverage the Oaktree team’s combined expertise across business, legal and public affairs, and branding to help more people achieve their goals – in and out of the arena.”
Images courtesy Oaktree Solutions
