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Media and Entertainment
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Media and Entertainment
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Boardroom Plans Print Magazine Launch as Kevin Durant-Backed Start Up Branches Out

Boardroom Ventures into Print: Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman's Media Empire Expands with Quarterly Magazine Launch

In a bold move that bridges the digital and physical worlds of media, Boardroom, the multifaceted content company co-founded by NBA superstar Kevin Durant and his business partner Rich Kleiman, has announced plans to launch a print magazine. This development marks a significant evolution for the brand, which has already established itself as a digital powerhouse at the crossroads of sports, business, entertainment, and culture. The quarterly publication, slated to debut in spring 2025, aims to deliver in-depth, premium content that resonates with a sophisticated audience interested in the behind-the-scenes dynamics of high-stakes industries.

Boardroom's journey began in 2019 as a newsletter and has since grown into a comprehensive media platform encompassing podcasts, video series, events, and original reporting. The company, under the umbrella of Durant's Thirty Five Ventures, has attracted a loyal following by focusing on the business side of sports and entertainment, featuring insights from athletes, executives, and cultural influencers. Now, with the print magazine, Boardroom is tapping into the enduring appeal of tangible media, betting that readers crave a more immersive, collectible experience amid the saturation of online content.

Rich Kleiman, Boardroom's CEO, emphasized the strategic rationale behind this expansion in a recent interview. He described the magazine as an extension of the brand's core mission to "elevate the conversation" around how sports and business intersect with broader cultural trends. "Print allows us to create something timeless," Kleiman noted, highlighting the opportunity to produce long-form journalism, stunning visuals, and exclusive features that digital formats sometimes can't fully capture. The magazine will not merely repurpose online content but will offer original stories tailored for a print audience, including deep dives into athlete entrepreneurship, executive strategies, and emerging trends in entertainment finance.

The editorial vision for the magazine draws inspiration from prestigious titles like Vanity Fair and GQ, blending high-production values with substantive reporting. Boardroom has assembled a talented team to spearhead this initiative, including seasoned editors with backgrounds in sports journalism and lifestyle publishing. The content slate promises a mix of profiles on influential figures—such as athletes turned investors like Durant himself—alongside analyses of market shifts, such as the rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals in college sports or the booming esports economy. Entertainment coverage will explore how Hollywood and music industries are increasingly intertwined with athletic brands, featuring case studies on blockbuster deals and celebrity endorsements.

From a business perspective, the launch is ad-supported, with Boardroom already courting premium advertisers from sectors like luxury goods, finance, and technology. Kleiman revealed that partnerships with major brands will be integral, potentially including sponsored sections or custom content that aligns with the magazine's ethos. Distribution strategies are multifaceted: the publication will be available through select retail outlets, high-profile events like NBA All-Star weekends or industry conferences, and direct-to-consumer sales via Boardroom's website. Subscription models are also under consideration, aiming to build a dedicated readership base that values exclusivity.

This foray into print comes at a time when the media landscape is undergoing profound changes. While many outlets have shifted entirely to digital to cut costs, Boardroom sees print as a differentiator—a way to stand out in a crowded field dominated by quick-hit social media and streaming content. Kleiman pointed to the success of niche print revivals, such as those in fashion and culture, as evidence that there's still demand for beautifully crafted magazines. "We're not just printing words; we're creating an artifact that people will want to keep on their coffee tables," he said.

Kevin Durant's involvement adds a layer of star power and authenticity to the project. As a two-time NBA champion and savvy investor through Thirty Five Ventures—which has stakes in companies like Postmates and Major League Pickleball—Durant embodies the athlete-entrepreneur archetype that Boardroom celebrates. His personal brand, built on quiet intensity and business acumen, aligns perfectly with the magazine's focus. Durant has been vocal about his passion for storytelling beyond the court, and this magazine represents a new chapter in that narrative.

Industry observers are watching closely, as Boardroom's move could signal a broader trend among digital-native brands experimenting with traditional formats. Competitors like The Athletic or Bleacher Report have largely stayed digital, but Boardroom's hybrid approach—leveraging its online audience to drive print interest—might prove innovative. Challenges remain, including the high costs of production and distribution in a print market that's seen declines, but Boardroom's backing from Durant's ventures provides a financial cushion.

Looking ahead, the spring 2025 debut issue is already generating buzz, with teasers suggesting cover stories on topics like the globalization of basketball business or the impact of AI on entertainment deals. Boardroom plans to integrate the magazine with its digital ecosystem, perhaps through QR codes linking to podcasts or extended video interviews, creating a seamless omnichannel experience.

Ultimately, this launch underscores Boardroom's ambition to become a leading voice in the "sports-adjacent" media space. By combining Durant's celebrity draw with Kleiman's media expertise, the company is positioning itself not just as a content creator but as a cultural curator. As the lines between sports, business, and entertainment continue to blur, Boardroom's print magazine could emerge as a must-read for those navigating this dynamic terrain, offering insights that inform and inspire. With its quarterly cadence, the publication promises to deliver quality over quantity, fostering a community of readers who appreciate the depth and deliberation that print uniquely provides.

This expansion also reflects broader shifts in how athletes like Durant are building legacies off the field. No longer content with endorsement deals, they're launching media empires that amplify their influence and create new revenue streams. Boardroom's print venture is a testament to this evolution, potentially setting a blueprint for other athlete-led brands. As Kleiman put it, "We're building something that outlasts the game," a sentiment that captures the enduring vision behind this exciting new chapter. (Word count: 912)

Read the Full The Hollywood Reporter Article at:
[ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/boardroom-plans-print-magazine-launch-1236341477/ ]