Sports Philanthropy Interview-Super Bowl 59-RR-Leigh Steinberg
Lee Steinberg from Steinberg Sports & Entertainment joined Karisa Maxwell and Sports Philanthropy Network on Radio Row at the Super Bowl. Steinberg shared his insight into the importance of athlete philanthropy, how he has encouraged players to give back to their communities, and his new foundation focused on brain injury research and mental health support for athletes.
Leigh Steinberg
Leigh Steinberg is a legendary sports agent and a pioneer in the field of athlete representation, with a career spanning over four decades. As the Chairman and CEO of Steinberg Sports & Entertainment, he has negotiated over $4 billion in contracts for top-tier athletes across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and other professional leagues. His influence extends beyond contract negotiations, as he has played a crucial role in shaping the modern sports agent industry, advocating for ethical representation, and mentoring the next generation of sports business professionals.
A passionate advocate for philanthropy in sports, Steinberg has made it his mission to encourage athletes to use their platforms to create positive social change. He has guided numerous athletes in launching charitable foundations, supporting community initiatives, and investing in causes that align with their values. His leadership has inspired programs such as Warrick Dunn’s Home for the Holidays initiative and Patrick Mahomes’ 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, which focus on improving lives through housing assistance, youth development, and health initiatives.
Beyond his work in athlete representation and philanthropy, Steinberg is also a dedicated advocate for brain health and concussion awareness in sports. Recognizing the long-term impact of head injuries, he has organized concussion conferences and recently launched a foundation to fund research and provide treatment for underserved communities. His efforts in promoting player safety and well-being have cemented his legacy as a leader who not only negotiates contracts but also champions the health and success of athletes both on and off the field.
Steinberg Sports & Entertainment
Steinberg Sports & Entertainment (SSE) is a premier sports agency founded by legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg. With a legacy spanning over four decades, SSE has built a reputation for representing elite athletes across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and other professional leagues, negotiating over $4 billion in contracts. The agency is known for its strategic approach to athlete representation, ensuring clients receive the best possible contracts while also preparing them for life beyond their playing careers. SSE’s commitment to ethical representation and integrity has set a gold standard in the sports management industry.
Beyond contract negotiations, SSE is deeply committed to athlete philanthropy and community impact. Under Steinberg’s leadership, the agency has guided numerous athletes in establishing charitable foundations, engaging in social responsibility initiatives, and using their platforms to drive positive change. From supporting youth education and health programs to investing in underserved communities, SSE ensures that its clients are not just successful on the field but also impactful off of it. The agency has played a pivotal role in initiatives like Warrick Dunn’s Home for the Holidays program and Patrick Mahomes’ 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, which support housing assistance and at-risk youth.
SSE is also at the forefront of athlete wellness and brain health advocacy, recognizing the growing concerns around concussions and mental health in sports. The agency has actively supported research and awareness efforts, including concussion conferences and funding for brain injury treatment programs. By combining elite contract negotiation, philanthropic leadership, and player wellness initiatives, Steinberg Sports & Entertainment continues to shape the future of athlete representation, ensuring that its clients thrive both during and after their professional careers.
WATCH INTERVIEW
(0:00 – 0:15) – Leigh Steinberg, legendary sports agent, joins Sports Philanthropy Network to discuss his career and impact on athlete philanthropy.
(0:36 – 1:06) – Steinberg shares how his father instilled in him the values of treasuring relationships and making a meaningful difference in the world.
(1:06 – 1:39) – He explains his policy of representing only athletes willing to give back to their communities through scholarships, youth programs, and charitable foundations.
(1:39 – 2:18) – Steinberg highlights successful philanthropic efforts by athletes like Warrick Dunn (housing for single-parent families) and Patrick Mahomes (15 and the Mahomies for at-risk youth).
(2:18 – 2:50) – He discusses the media’s focus on athlete scandals, emphasizing the importance of recognizing positive contributions through initiatives like the humanitarian awards at his Super Bowl party.
(3:00 – 3:39) – Steinberg announces the launch of his new brain injury and mental health foundation, aimed at funding research and providing treatment for underserved communities.
(3:45 – 4:20) – He reflects on his “crisis of conscience” in the late 1980s when he realized there was no clear medical guidance on concussions for NFL players.
(4:20 – 4:42) – Steinberg introduces new treatments for brain injuries, including Neurofeedback and rTMS, which utilize neuroplasticity to heal the brain.
(5:00 – 5:07) – Discussing the upcoming Super Bowl, Steinberg confidently picks the Chiefs to win, predicting a 31-28 victory, as he represents Patrick Mahomes.
(5:30 – 5:40) – He concludes by reiterating the importance of athlete philanthropy, brain health advocacy, and ethical sports representation.
