FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Industry Veterans Launch Arena: The Vetted Professional Network Rewriting the Rules of Connection in Sports, Media, and EntertainmentArena’s curated, referral-driven model brings intentional networking and measurable results to executives and creatives across the sports, media, and entertainment ecosystem.
LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2026 — Arena, the professional network reimagining how sports, media, and entertainment industry leaders connect, officially launches today. Founded by Parul Khosla, Adriene Bueno, and Olivia Schwartz — veterans of the NFL, NBA, Disney, and LinkedIn — Arena has evolved into a community-first professional network built for top leaders across sports, media, and entertainment. In these industries, the most coveted opportunities rarely appear on job boards or social feeds. Executive roles, board seats, partnerships, investment opportunities, and advisory positions are typically filled through trusted referrals and discreet introductions. For professionals without robust insider networks, Arena’s curated system replaces cold outreach and unsolicited messages with authentic, high-value relationships among a carefully vetted group of industry leaders. “I’ve hired hundreds of people across the NFL, NHL, and Disney over the years, and here’s what I know: the industry is fueled by referrals,” said Parul Khosla, Co-Founder and CEO of Arena. “Referrals are the gold standard, but they tend to stay trapped within the same networks. Arena creates a vetted, tech-enabled ecosystem that helps people discover and be discovered beyond their usual circles without sacrificing quality or trust.” Arena’s tech-forward infrastructure empowers mid- to senior-level leaders to take the next steps in their professional or executive journeys. Whether members are seeking a new role, a seasoned mentor or advisor, partnerships, speaking engagements, or top talent to hire, Arena serves as the central destination for these high-impact connections. “People are craving intentionality,” said Adriene Bueno, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer. “Conferences take too much time, and social feeds and inboxes are increasingly overwhelmed with solicitation. Arena filters the noise so you only meet people aligned with your goals — making meaningful connections possible without the guesswork.”
How It Works Arena’s proprietary system transforms introductions into measurable outcomes through technology and human connection: ● Weekly Curated Introductions: Consistent, algorithm-driven, one-on-one introductions to industry leaders based on complementary goals, experience, and interests—keeping your network growing without constant outreach or follow-ups. ● Personalized Networking Experience: Conversations only move forward with mutual opt-in—designed to give members control over their time and network. ● Community Access: Attend select events and programming with a vetted community of managers, directors, and executives to connect and collaborate.
Early Momentum Arena’s beta phase revealed significant demand for a curated professional network within sports, media, and entertainment. Since its launch in 2024, Arena’s network has grown to include more than 150,000 sports, media, and entertainment professionals across all its owned channels. The platform’s first memberships sold out in just six days, and the beta community has since grown to include nearly 1000 senior leaders—from team owners and general managers to CEOs and executive producers—representing top brands, leagues, publishers, and studios across the industry.
Joining Arena Applications for Arena are now open to mid- and senior-level professionals in sports, media, and entertainment. Members gain access to a vetted peer community, exclusive events, and weekly curated introductions that align with their professional goals. Arena rolls out through focused cohorts so each group gets a thoughtful, high-quality experience. Each cohort has different criteria and areas of focus, and new ones will continue to open over time. To apply to join Arena, visit www.arenatalent.com. __________________________________________________________ About Arena Press Kit: High-resolution headshots, founder bios, and success stories are available in the official Arena Press Kit.
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