Winning Team of the VP Circle with The Venn Collective Pitches PWHL Expansion Franchise to Industry and League Leaders
Cohort 2 Nominations and Applications are open until September 5
Austin, TX - August 12, 2025 – Pro Sports Assembly (“PRO”), the association for professional sports organizations and business leaders, celebrates the winning team from Cohort 1 of the VP Circle with The Venn Collective. The Cohort made up of 20 PRO leaders from across teams, leagues and unions completed an immersive 8 month leadership experience, culminating in capstone presentations that challenged each team of five to solve complex, real-world business scenarios.
The Cohort 1 concluded with four teams acting as the executive leadership team of a fictional sports franchise facing multifaceted challenges. Working in teams, participants developed strategies to address operational, financial, and cultural priorities while adapting to evolving circumstances.
The winning team created the Omaha Oracles, a fictional expansion franchise for the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Their concept earned top honors at The Assembly 2025 and led to a rare development opportunity: presenting their pitch directly to PWHL founders and top leaders fostering a rich, real-time discussion.
The fictive Omaha Oracles celebrating their PWHL expansion pitch victory.
Morgan Cato – Senior Vice President, Player Operations, National Basketball Players Association
Kimberly Francois – Vice President, Sponsorship Activations, Dallas Mavericks
Kelcy Hale – Director, Corporate Partnership Service and Retention, Chicago Blackhawks
David Klatt – Senior Director, Culture, Inclusion and Belonging, National Hockey League
Kyle Wilson – Director of Finance, National Lacrosse League
Offered to high-performing and high-potential professional sports leaders, the VP Circle with The Venn Collective provides PRO members with new relationships and resources to elevate their influence and impact. Over the course of the program, all members of the Cohort participate in collaborative work, and explore strategies for driving organizational performance, fostering innovation, and leading through change.
"Participating in The VP Circle with The Venn Collective was truly transformative. Our team had the rare opportunity to present our PWHL expansion concept directly to league leadership. It was an experience that challenged us, inspired us, and solidified the power of collaboration across the professional sports industry." - Kyle Wilson, Director of Finance, National Lacrosse League (NLL.)
Applications and Nominations for Cohort 2 of VP Circle with The Venn Collective
Applications and nominations are now open for Cohort 2 VP Circle with The Venn Collective, those selected will join an elite alumni community driving value for the pro sports industry. Cohort 2 begins later this fall. The Cohort meets monthly in virtual sessions and in-person for their capstone presentations at The Assembly 2026. The deadline to apply is September 5.
"The VP Circle with The Venn Collective is designed to push senior leaders beyond their comfort zones and into spaces where real impact happens. Seeing this year’s cohort take on a real-world challenge, work together under pressure, and deliver a winning pitch to PWHL leadership is a testament to the caliber of leaders in this program." - Matt Dubin, Co-Founder & Head of Client Partnerships for The Venn Collective.
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Members of Cohort 1 of the VP Circle with The Venn Collective
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About Pro Sports Assembly
Established in 2019, Pro Sports Assembly (“PRO”) is the association for professional sports organizations and business leaders. PRO organizations drive value for the industry by creating economies of scale and scope around leadership development, research and advocacy. The power of Pro Sports Assembly comes to life because PRO members champion their individual development, organization and industry. Collectively, PRO members set the standard for leadership excellence in professional sports. For more information on Pro Sports Assembly, please visit www.prosportsassembly.org and connect on LinkedIn.
About The Venn Collective
The Venn Collective connects business and people to energized peak performance, making business better for people and people better in business. The organization designs customized solutions for individuals, teams, and businesses that tap into the potential of all levels of talent. Their work spans coaching leaders, training teams for peak performance, and creating solutions that promote sustainable growth. The Venn Collective’s clients include NWSL, Toronto Blue Jays and many professional teams.
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