In a replay of an April 14 webinar, we explore the implications of fast-increasing activity by professional athletes in outside business ventures while still actively competing in their respective sports.
The webinar featured the following panelists:
• Alejandro Bedoya, midfielder for Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union and a former United States Men’s National Team member, is an activist, businessman, and co-chair of the SeventySix Capital Athlete Venture Fund. In the latter role, he aids the Pennsylvania-based venture capital firm recruit other athletes, influencers, entertainers, and influencers to the group, and advises sports technology startups and entrepreneurs. Bedoya’s other business ventures include real estate firm Brighthill Partners and athlete representation agency ICNCLST.
• Michael Rueda, partner with Withers Worldwide, leads the global law firm’s US sports and entertainment practice, where he advises clients on a wide array of key issues including brand management, licensing, endorsements, sponsorship, employment, investment activities, and acquisitions. Rueda has been with Withers since 2015, and previously was an associate with Kelley Drye & Warren LP.
• Amber Torrealba is a three-time world champion professional skimboarder and filmmaker. In addition to competing on the UST and Mexico Skim Tour, Torrealba is an active producer, director, and editor, working on a variety of social, commercial, and travel productions. A new film project, No One, is due for release this summer.
The discussion was moderated by SportBusiness US Editor Eric Fisher.
This event was produced in association with legal practice, Withersworldwide.
Withers is a major international law firm with offices across Europe, the United States, and Asia. We understand the global dimensions of the sports industry and 
focus on putting clients at the centre of our business and commercial activities to provide connected and co-ordinated advice. We advise on a wide range of issues impacting individuals and organizations in the world of sport from sponsorship, commercial contracts and tax to intellectual property, reputation management, immigration and the creation of charitable foundations.