NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today marks the launch of Belden Avenue Advisors, a strategic advisory firm founded by Aaron Ryan, a recognized leader in global sports as an executive at the NBA, Overtime Elite, and Relevent Sports. The firm aims to drive transformative changes by partnering with sports leagues, teams, athlete-driven brands, and entities across the sports and entertainment landscape, focusing on innovation, cultural influence, and strategic growth.
"Belden Avenue Advisors is named after the street I grew up on, when I first started to understand and see the impact that sports played in bringing people together and moving culture forward," said Aaron Ryan. "With the current shifts in the global sports landscape, there’s no better moment to launch Belden Avenue Advisors, bringing my professional experience and lifelong passion together, in service to brands, platforms, and leaders aiming to redefine the industry’s future."
Belden Avenue Advisors positions itself at the intersection of sports, business, and culture, combining strategic foresight with hands-on execution. The firm seeks to empower athletes, prepare future leaders, unlock emerging market opportunities, and help build influential platforms like Stagwell's Sport Beach—envisioned as the "Davos For Athletes." By emphasizing a comprehensive approach, Belden Avenue helps clients not just adapt to rapid changes but actively lead them.
Ryan has been at the forefront of transformative global sports, with significant roles at the NBA, Overtime Elite, and Relevent Sports. At the NBA, he drove strategic initiatives that reshaped league operations and fan engagement. As the first Commissioner of Overtime Elite, he pioneered new pathways for elite high school athletes. At Relevent Sports, he led the expansion of the International Champions Cup and youth programs. With Belden Avenue Advisors, Ryan combines strategic vision with execution to lead the next era of sports innovation.
"Aaron has a proven track record of bringing together leaders at the intersection of sports and culture for important conversations that drive business growth," said Beth Sidhu, Chief Brand and Communications Officer at Stagwell. "Building on the success of Sport Beach at Cannes Lions, we look forward to a larger strategic partnership with Aaron at Stagwell."
Youthquake Nation Sports & Entertainment (YQN), another key partner of Belden Avenue Advisors, focuses on youth athletic development, with a focus in Africa, where sports serve as a catalyst for education, economic empowerment, and social change.
“Aaron’s experience leveraging sports as a broader force for societal impact aligns perfectly with our mission,” said George Land, Founder & CEO of YQN. “Together, we are committed to creating sustainable pathways for young athletes on the continent and beyond, ensuring success both on and off the court.”
Belden Avenue Advisors concentrates on strategic planning and counsel, supporting clients in achieving their long-term vision while managing immediate objectives. The firm also drives platform development and execution, launching and scaling impactful projects that shape the future of sports. Additionally, it offers executive and athlete transition coaching, supporting athletes and executives through critical transitions and expanding their influence beyond performance.
Please contact inquiries@beldenave.com for more information about Belden Avenue Advisors.
