By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Athletes Abroad Summit, a groundbreaking event aimed at equipping American athletes for success in international sports, will take place on July 15th, 2024, at the UNLV Office of Economic Development’s Black Fire Innovation Lab in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This inaugural summit will provide a platform for male and female athletes to engage with industry experts, former NBA and WNBA players, and international sports thought leaders.
The summit will address the often-overlooked opportunities available to American athletes in global sports leagues such as the EuroLeague and the Chinese Basketball League. Dr. Tywanna Smith, co-founder of the Athletes Abroad Summit and a former international basketball star, emphasizes the importance of supporting athletes facing cultural assimilation challenges while navigating professional sports opportunities overseas.
“There are more roster spots worldwide, but American players often lack the necessary support to thrive in international leagues,” says Dr. Smith.
Leading the summit’s player advisory panel is Sonny Weems, co-founder, former NBA player, and three-time Chinese Basketball Champion. Weems will be joined by basketball luminaries such as EuroLeague Champion Kyle Hines and former WNBA star Edniesha Curry to provide invaluable insights and guidance to attendees.
“We want to empower athletes who are exploring opportunities beyond the NBA and WNBA,” says Weems. “The Athletes Abroad Summit is a crucial step in providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed on the global stage.”
Open to male and female athletes, as well as non-sport professionals, the summit will offer a diverse range of workshops and panel discussions. Attendees can expect to receive wisdom nuggets for career transition, mental wellness in sports, legal protection strategies, global partnership options, real estate, tech development, and more.
Another timely and unique element of the summit is an innovative NIL arrangement with UNLV to work with male and female student-athletes who will promote and attend the event.
“The Athletes Abroad Summit aims to bridge the gap between American athletes and the international sports landscape,” says Dr. Smith. “We’re excited to provide a platform where athletes can learn, network, and ultimately thrive on a global stage.”