Huffington Post Deputy Editor Phil Lewis reported via X on Saturday morning that Boardroom, the sports, media, and entertainment brand co-founded by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman, had eliminated its full-time editorial team. He said the layoffs were unexpected and that staff members were unable to export their email contacts before losing access.
Lewis also noted that one of the writers who was laid off disputed the company’s characterization, saying they were the only full-time staff writers at Boardroom. Durant’s company has since responded to the news.
Kevin Durant’s Boardroom Addresses Decision to Cut Editorial Staff
After the news spread, Boardroom sent a statement to Lewis, which read, “Boardroom has always operated as a non-traditional media brand, and over the past year, we’ve expanded our content and experiences across media and events As we enter this next phase, we’re focused on prioritizing the areas that will have the greatest impact on our brand and community.
“As part of this evolution, we’ve made this decision to part ways with three writers. This was a focused change affecting a small number of roles as we double down on original video content, expand our flagship experiential moments, and invest in our members club.”
Not long after, Boardroom co-founder and CEO Rich Kleiman took to LinkedIn and shared this message:
“It’s unfortunate I have to even write this, but all the false reporting of a business that i work too hard on has forced me to. Any change is hard, especially when it’s people i care deeply about. But part of growing a business is having to make difficult decisions. Boardroom is in the best place it’s ever been, and there is no way anyone can’t see that. For everyone who wrote some irresponsible headlines, I ask that you try to do better. In the end you and your work will be better off.”
The company was founded in 2019, and according to its website, its focus is on the “intersection of sports and entertainment. Boardroom’s flagship media arm features premium video/audio content, as well as daily and weekly newsletters, showcasing how athletes, executives, musicians, and creators are moving the business world forward.
Boardroom’s ecosystem encompasses B2B events and experiences (such as its renowned NBA and WNBA All-Star events) as well as ticketed conferences such as Game Plan in partnership with CNBC. Our advisory arm serves to consult and connect athletes, brands, and executives with our broader network and initiatives.”
The company is known for projects such as “NYC Point Gods,” a feature-length documentary it collaborated on with Showtime. It went on to be nominated by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for an Emmy in 2023.
Other projects include the Academy Award-winning short film “Two Distant Strangers” on Netflix and the fictional television series “Swagger” on Apple TV+.
Boardroom, which operates under the Boardroom Sports Holdings umbrella, has been a highly successful business venture for Durant.
In addition, the investment focuses on emerging professional sports franchises in pickleball, men’s and women’s soccer, and a former minor league hockey team.
