Steve Weinreich, General Counsel for the Minnesota Wild, was interviewed by Roy Kessel of the Sports Philanthropy Network at Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans. During the conversation, Wainwright discussed the importance of philanthropy in professional sports, highlighting initiatives like the Minnesota Wild Foundation and the Heart of the Wild program, which encourage community involvement among team employees. He emphasized how leadership fosters a culture of giving and shared insights from his time with the Phoenix Coyotes on growing hockey in non-traditional markets
Steven Weinreich
Dedicated, personable, proactive, results-driven, trusted executive counsel with 27 years of experience in a variety of sports, entertainment, leadership, business and complex legal matters. Extensive experience in leadership, business development and providing counsel at ownership, chief executive and board of director level. Expertise in business decision-making, driving strategic objectives, negotiating, writing, researching, reviewing and managing projects as well as operations, contracts, financial and business matters. Seasoned risk manager with an emphasis on insurance, audit and compliance.
First General Counsel for both the Minnesota Wild and Phoenix Coyotes, building both departments from the ground up.
Recipient of 2022 University of Michigan School of Kinesiology Career Achievement Award
MINNESOTA WILD FOUNDATION
The Minnesota Wild Foundation exists to support the game of hockey and improve the lives of families in the State of Hockey. With support from Wild players, fans and donors, the Minnesota Wild Foundation supports pediatric medical causes, serves as the largest non-member funding source for Minnesota Hockey, and provides fundraising opportunities for youth hockey associations and children’s health and wellness charities across the state. Since its inception in 2009, the Wild Foundation has distributed $5.9 million in grants to hockey organizations and children’s medical related charities and has helped local charities raise over $7.5 million through its Split the Pot Raffle program. Together we create a Greater State of Hockey.
Watch the Interview Here
- (00:00) Introduction – Roy Kessel introduces Steve Weinreich, General Counsel for the Minnesota Wild, at Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans.
- (00:27) Philanthropy in Sports Organizations – Weinreich discusses his experience with team foundations, including the Minnesota Wild Foundation and Coyotes Charities, and their community impact.
- (01:23) Leadership’s Role in Philanthropy – He highlights how Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold fosters a culture of giving, which energizes employees to participate in charitable initiatives.
- (01:52) Heart of the Wild Program – Weinreich explains how the Wild’s employee-led initiative organizes monthly volunteer opportunities, encouraging staff across departments to engage in community service.
- (02:49) Team Bonding Through Volunteering – The conversation shifts to how volunteering breaks down corporate hierarchy, fostering teamwork and camaraderie.
- (03:43) Making a Difference Without Fame or Wealth – Weinreich emphasizes that philanthropy isn’t limited to star athletes; anyone, regardless of status, can contribute to their community.
- (05:07) Philanthropy with the Phoenix Coyotes – He shares insights from his time with the Coyotes, focusing on growing hockey in a non-traditional market through street hockey and youth engagement.
- (06:02) Hockey’s Unique Culture – Weinreich notes the giving nature of hockey players and how they are generally more down-to-earth compared to athletes in other sports.
- (07:04) The Super Bowl’s Role in Bringing People Together – They discuss how the Super Bowl serves as a platform to unite people and highlight philanthropic causes, regardless of team loyalties.
- (08:03) Closing Remarks – Weinreich expresses gratitude for the opportunity to discuss philanthropy in sports, and Kastle signs off, encouraging listeners to “live generously.”
