Sports Philanthropy Interview-Super Bowl 59-RR-Arnie Fielkow
Arnie Fielkow from the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) joined Roy Kessel and Sports Philanthropy Network on Radio Row at Super Bowl. Arnie shared his insights into the power of sports philanthropy, how former athletes can continue making an impact through charitable initiatives, and his work on major community projects, including The Ninth Ward Stadium and The Starting Block in New Orleans to support youth through sports and career development opportunities.
Arnie Fielkow
Arnie Fielkow is a seasoned sports executive and philanthropic leader, currently serving as a key figure within the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA). With a distinguished career that includes serving as President of the New Orleans Saints, Fielkow has been at the forefront of initiatives that bridge sports, community service, and social impact. His dedication to empowering former professional athletes to use their platforms for good has shaped the NBRPA’s efforts in giving back to communities worldwide.
At the NBRPA, Fielkow has helped develop programs that encourage retired NBA players to engage in philanthropy, extending their influence beyond their playing careers. His work includes organizing international goodwill missions to places like Haiti and Israel, where former players have used basketball to uplift local youth and foster cross-cultural connections. Through these efforts, he ensures that retired athletes remain active in mentorship, youth development, and social justice causes, amplifying their legacy in meaningful ways.
In addition to his leadership within the NBRPA, Fielkow has spearheaded two major philanthropic initiatives in New Orleans. The Ninth Ward Stadium is an ambitious project aimed at providing a top-tier sports facility for underserved high school athletes, while The Starting Block is a mentorship program that introduces young students to careers in sports management. His commitment to leveraging sports as a tool for education, inspiration, and community development continues to make a lasting impact on the next generation.
National Basketball Retired Players Association
The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is the official organization representing former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA, and Harlem Globetrotters. Founded in 1992, the NBRPA provides resources, education, and opportunities to help retired players transition successfully into life after basketball. The association focuses on financial literacy, career development, and philanthropic engagement, ensuring that former athletes continue making a positive impact on their communities.
A significant part of the NBRPA’s mission is its philanthropic initiatives, which support both retired players and underserved communities. Through partnerships with various organizations, the NBRPA encourages former players to engage in mentorship, youth basketball clinics, and global goodwill missions. Programs like Basketball Without Borders and Full Court Press allow retired players to use their influence to promote education, social justice, and community development through the game of basketball.
Beyond its charitable work, the NBRPA also provides career transition programs, helping former players explore new professional opportunities in coaching, broadcasting, business, and nonprofit leadership. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning and service, the NBRPA ensures that basketball legends continue to inspire and contribute long after their playing days are over. Under the guidance of leaders like Arnie Fielkow, the association remains a driving force in sports philanthropy and athlete empowerment.
WATCH INTERVIEW
0:00 – Arnie Fielkow joins Roy Kessel at Radio Row to discuss his role with the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) and its philanthropic mission.
1:15 – He shares how his passion for philanthropy began early and how he has worked to instill a culture of giving back among retired athletes.
2:46 – At the NBRPA, he helps former players transition into philanthropy and social impact work, ensuring they continue using their influence for good.
3:27 – His work includes taking retired players on international goodwill missions to places like Haiti and Israel, using sports to inspire and uplift communities.
4:52 – He emphasizes the importance of firsthand engagement in philanthropy, noting that seeing a cause in action is far more powerful than reading about it.
5:57 – He shares a story about how former NBA players brought joy to communities in Haiti after an earthquake, showing the power of sports in crisis recovery.
6:08 – Fielkow discusses his Ninth Ward Stadium project, which will provide a state-of-the-art facility for high school athletes in New Orleans.
6:50 – He introduces The Starting Block, a mentorship program designed to prepare high school students for careers in sports management and business.
7:40 – He highlights the shared passion of Saints and Packers fans, emphasizing the community-driven spirit of smaller-market NFL teams.
9:46 – Fielkow expresses his gratitude for being able to use sports as a force for good and stresses the importance of sustainable philanthropy in athlete communities.
