In this episode of Unguarded, we welcome ⁠Antonio Williams⁠, a seasoned sports management professional and former basketball player with a wealth of experience across sports operations, media, analysis, and marketing. Having worked with elite organizations like the Phoenix Suns, Nike, ESPN, the Boston Red Sox, and the NBA, Antonio has worn many hats, from securing multimillion-dollar licensing deals for Nike to scouting future stars for the Suns. Currently, he runs his own sports venture and is part of an innovative e-sports project.
Antonio dives into the often-overlooked aspects of the sports industry, discussing the transition from player to scout, the important role of scouts in player-team fit, and the differences between scouts and agents. He provides valuable insights on how athletes can avoid bad deals, network effectively, understand their role, and leverage their value in brand partnerships. Antonio also touches on the emotional challenges of transitioning careers, the importance of knowing your value and marketing oneself accordingly, and the business side of sports that athletes need to understand to make better career decisions.
Produced and edited by ⁠Víctor Revenga⁠.