Program Partner

Launched in 2013, Canva is a free online visual communications platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast range of templates ranging from presentations, social media graphics, posters, apparel to videos, plus a huge library of fonts, stock photography, illustrations, video footage, and audio clips, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. In sport, speed and precision are everything—whether competing in the middle of a field, or in the boardroom for sponsorships. Canva helps you create, manage, and deliver content with unmatched speed, ease, and brand consistency.

Cornerstone Partner

THINK450 is the innovation and partnership engine of the NBPA, dedicated to uncovering shared interests between the 450 players and leading brands to build more engaging partnerships. Together with its partners, THINK450 creates original ideas that engage fans, stir them to action, and earn brands the right to participate in cultural conversations.

Venue Partner

Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta’s Centennial Park District, State Farm Arena is surrounded by an array of world-class attractions, restaurants, parks, hotels and lounges.

Content Distribution Partner

Greenfly empowers organizations to automate the collection, organization, and distribution of digital media assets to individuals or groups of any size, helping you to harness the power of your biggest advocates to increase social media reach and engagement and attract younger audiences. Sharing short-form digital media can also quickly boost revenue from brand partners and media rights holders. Each Creators of Color cohort member utilizes Greenfly to conveniently and efficiently access shareable content to amplify their program participation and spotlight themselves and their peers.

Mentorship League Partner

Through the Mentorship League in collaboration with Twitter Sports, each Creators of Color cohort member is matched with a mentor, ally, and peer with the goal of creating more diverse networks for future leaders in sports and entertainment. As part of the partnership, each month Hashtag Sports and Twitter Sports host a live audio conversation on Twitter Spaces. The series— called "Creators Corner"—provides an authentic environment for open dialogue and discussion about the experience of being a creative of color in sports.

Headshot Partner

PhotoShelter is a visual media technology company that helps photographers and creative teams unlock the power of a moment. Our tools transform the way you work, allowing you to move creative files effortlessly and engage audiences instantly—all while maintaining the integrity of your content. We were built by and for creative people, and we're committed to celebrating and supporting your creative work. Every cohort member receives high-quality, professional and creative headshots thanks to PhotoShelter.

Podcast Partner

Since 2000, WorkInSports has been widely recognized as the #1 source for jobs in the sports industry. With over 8,000 sports employers nationwide actively posting their latest openings, WorkInSports has helped thousands of job seekers follow their passion and discover their dream career in sports—while providing them with resume-matching technology, a sport management degree directory, and valuable career advice articles and podcasts.

Production Partner

Crossovr Collective is a group of visionaries focused on disrupting traditional models of sports and entertainment marketing by integrating culturally relevant initiatives through brand partnerships. Through the use of branded content and experiential engagements, every project is customized to meet the clients' individual needs while creating a full 360 touchpoint experience. 

Photography Partner

Travis "TravieTrav" Ellison is a member of the inaugural Creators of Color cohort!
He is more than "just a photographer." He is a caring, passionate, hardworking soul with a positive outlook on life and opportunity. After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.S. in Mass Communications, Broadcast Journalism, he took the next 5 years working full-time in the National Football League (NFL) with the Seattle Seahawks (1) and Minnesota Vikings (4). During that time period Travis gained experience in multiple rolls including public relations, video, photography and marketing. He has also continued to explore freelance opportunities like working with media outlets such as MyMindOnSports/FocusTV, Made For The W (Formerly WNBAKicks), Overtime, Refresh Music Group, MarsReel and more. He is currently working as a full time entrepreneur through his production company Travis Ellison Productions, LLC.

Supporting Partner

As a valued member of the community, the Vikings are known for their commitment to outreach and charitable work through the Minnesota Vikings Foundation and support for high school and youth football programs, wellness and nutrition. The Vikings organization prides itself on its competitive spirit, strong work ethic and civic involvement and is dedicated to creating memorable experiences for its fan base around the world. This unwavering commitment to excellence has perpetuated the Minnesota Vikings respected footprint not only in the NFL but in all of professional sports.

Supporting Partner

Founded in Israel in 2011, Minute Media’s portfolio now consists of 6 global sports and entertainment brands - all of which are powered by Minute Media’s proprietary publishing platform. This technology is also leveraged by third party publishers, powering their digital content destinations while servicing their business and operational needs. Minute Media is committed to evolving and embracing a culture of diversity, belonging and authenticity by educating themselves and cherishing each other's differences.

Supporting Partner

Octagon is the world’s largest sponsorship consulting practice and a pioneer and leader in athlete and personality representation and management. With more than 800 employees globally, Octagon manages/influences billions in worldwide sponsorship rights fees and activation. We work with hundreds of blue-chip corporate clients, more than 800 Athletes & Personalities clients, and manage more than 13,000 events per year. Leading stakeholders in the sports and entertainment world continue to look to Octagon to provide leadership in understanding fans’ passions and how these insights can build more effective, efficient and measurable marketing programs.

Supporting Partner

OneTeam Partners is the only company in sports that specializes in the collective licensing rights of professional and collegiate athletes. OneTeam is committed to helping athletes and Players Associations maximize the value of their platforms, with a focus on group licensing, marketing, venture investing, and content. The OneTeam media group is a one-stop content and production partner for brands and athletes looking to create sports-lifestyle content that amplifies authentic athlete interests and passions.

Supporting Partner

Turner Sports represents the hottest leagues in sports and the most sought-after content in the category. We are making investments to ensure we are giving fans the best content and experiences on the best platforms in sports.

Bleacher Report (often abbreviated as B/R) is a global digital destination for millennial sports fans creating and collaborating on content at the intersection of sports and culture