Arena is a curated networking platform for professionals in sports, media, and entertainment. We send you weekly introductions to people worth meeting – relevant connections that lead to new conversations and opportunities.
We built Arena because traditional networking is noisy, random, and exhausting. Existing connections, cold DMs and crowded networking events shouldn’t be the only way to grow your career. Arena makes connection intentional, relevant, and human.
To build the go-to professional network for industry leaders in sports, media & entertainment – creating relationships that last and career opportunities that prosper in industries that are inherently relationship-driven.
As three women who successfully built careers in sports, media & entertainment without pre-existing access or connections, we know what you are up against.
And we built Arena to change that.
Chief Executive Officer
Built talent strategies at Disney, NFL, Madison Square Garden, and NHL. Believes the right intro at the right time can open unexpected doors.
Chief Growth Officer
Grew communities at LinkedIn, NBA, EA, and Adidas. Passionate about creating spaces where professionals support each other's success.
Mma Afoaku
Former Chief of Staff to the Commissioner at NWSL & startup consultant at McKinsey
Chukwukere Ekeh
Former Business Development executive at Coinbase
Francisco Estrada
Head of Talent Acquisition at BetMGM, formerly Nike, Univision, MLS, and MLB
Kristen Gandhi
Development, AI, cybersecurity and data protection consultant for startups
Jaymee Messler
Co-Founder of The Players’ Tribune and former CMO at Excel Sports Management
Susan Oguche
Former Chief Communications Officer at Cleveland Cavaliers & Head of Global Communications at Nike
Sebastian Sam
Former Business Development executive at LinkedIn
Joel Steele
Author and co-owner of NBA G League and USL teams
We’re a small, fast-moving startup on a mission to transform the future of networking in sports, media, and entertainment. If you’re excited about what we’re building and want to have real impact, check out our current job openings.
