Sharon S Gordon 
Black Student Athlete Summit
The Black Student-Athlete Summit (BSAS), an influential event dedicated to the empowerment of Black student-athletes, is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in a big way. This milestone event will take place from May 21-24, 2025, in Chicago, marking the first time the summit will be held in the city. With a projected 1,700 attendees, the summit promises to be an unparalleled gathering of student-athletes, industry leaders, and university professionals.
Founded in 2015 by Dr. Leonard N. Moore, a distinguished professor at the University of Texas, BSAS has grown into the premier conference designed to provide personal and professional development resources to Black student-athletes. Throughout its history, the summit has emphasized the importance of preparing these athletes for life after their sports careers, focusing on critical areas such as academic excellence, mental health, professional development, and financial literacy.
This year’s summit will be held at the expansive McCormick Place Convention Center, the largest venue to date for the event, reflecting its ever-growing reach and impact. The conference will feature a variety of programming, including career development workshops, financial literacy sessions, and wellness programming designed to support the holistic development of attendees. A standout event, Pro Day, will provide a bridge between collegiate athletes and professional success, offering mentorship and advice from successful Black professionals in various fields such as technology, healthcare, entrepreneurship, marketing, and real estate.
BSAS has been a significant force in creating a supportive community for Black student-athletes. The conference has welcomed notable figures such as Baron Davis, Jemele Hill, Matt Barnes, and Rich Paul, offering attendees opportunities to learn from and network with industry leaders. This year’s event is expected to be even more impactful, with continued partnership from Playfly Sports, which has supported the summit for the past four years.
“We’re excited to see what the 10th anniversary brings,” said Jillian Forbes, Director of Client Strategy and Partnerships at Playfly Sports. “The summit has continued to grow, and its mission of supporting Black student-athletes is something we are proud to be a part of.”
The Black Student-Athlete Summit continues to be an essential platform for developing the future leaders of tomorrow, helping student-athletes transition from collegiate life to successful careers while providing the resources and support they need to thrive. Registration for the 2025 event is now open, and interested participants can learn more at the official BSAS website.
For more information, visit bsasummit.org.
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