🏆 Career Insights: Entrepreneurship in Sports

A Hooper Who Hustles

Growing up in Florida, Brandon wasn’t sure what he wanted to do besides playing basketball. With hoops as the focal point of his life, he aspired to walk on to the basketball team at Florida International University (FIU). After two years of unsuccessful attempts, he pivoted, as many natural entrepreneurs do – choosing to stay close to the sport he loved in a different capacity. "Basketball was my life. When playing didn’t work out, I needed to find another path within basketball and sports because I didn’t know anything else," he shares. Brandon began coaching and training a friend’s son, sparking his entrepreneurial spirit while staying involved at FIU as the basketball team’s student manager.

This coaching venture led to Next Level Basketball, a mobile training service that eventually expanded into a physical facility in Hollywood, Florida – a business that continues to thrive today. Reflecting on this phase, Brandon says, "That was my first taste of business. It taught me how to market, design websites, and leverage social media ads." These foundational skills propelled him to roles like Marketing Director of Who Culture, where he transformed a grassroots apparel company into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. This experience gave him “the media bug” and set the stage for founding Playmaker. "I saw a big opportunity to get on the other side of the business – not as a media buyer, but as someone who builds assets and develops partnerships.”

Building Playmaker & Its Acquisition

Playmaker began as a simple idea – leveraging social media to build a business, but grew into a powerhouse with over 20 million followers and 30 original shows. Harris attributes its growth to his entrepreneurial instincts and adaptability. "It started with a few Facebook pages and Instagram accounts," he says. "We found new growth hacks and opportunities to scale the business into something much larger." Brandon’s approach wasn’t driven by a grand vision but by capitalizing on opportunities. "At first, I just saw a way to make money doing what I loved," he admits. Over time, he refined his strategy, diving deep into promising avenues. "Opportunities can come and go quickly. If competitors find them first, it’s infinitely harder. When I see an opening, I go all in." This mindset fueled Playmaker’s rapid expansion and success.

In 2023, Better Collective, a global leader in sports betting affiliates, acquired Playmaker to expand into broader sports media. The acquisition marked a major milestone for Brandon’s vision. "At the time, we couldn’t have been more different from their core business, but they saw us as a step toward becoming one of the largest sports media groups," he explains. The deal, valued at up to $54 million, highlights the value of his execution and Playmaker’s impact.

An Athlete Mentality & Finding Your Way

Reflecting on how his athletic background shaped his business journey, he notes the role of competitiveness. "I’m extremely competitive, and while I didn’t have the outlet to play basketball at the highest level, I channeled that drive into business. I told myself, ‘If I can’t be the best there, I better figure out how to be the best here.’" He acknowledges the challenges that come with a competitive mindset but highlights its importance. "You’re going to face roadblocks, and if you’re not relentless, you’ll eventually retreat and look for safety."

For those figuring out their own paths, Brandon stresses the importance of action and iteration. "Your first idea won’t be where you land. Don’t chase perfection early—it’s your enemy," he advises. He recounts his journey from training kids for $30 an hour to creating digital courses and eventually finding his passion in media and audience development.

"It’s not a straight line, and it won’t happen in three months. Keep evolving, and you’ll land where you’re meant to."

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