Source: Courtesy / Boardroom

It’s been quite the week for NBA superstar Kevin Durant. Last week he became Team USA’s all-time leading scorer and the most decorated men’s basketball player in history by winning his fourth gold medal. Today (August 14th), Boardroom, the sports and entertainment brand co-founded by Durant and his longtime agent Rich Kleiman, announced a new strategic partnership with 24 Hour Fitness, the 40-year leader in health and fitness; that will include strategic events, community engagement and content development. Together, Boardroom and 24 Hour Fitness will identify key moments throughout the calendar year to create connectivity for community organizations and 24 Hour Fitness members alike.

The partnership kicked off Saturday, August 3rd at 24 Hour Fitness’s Falls Church, VA location. 18 members (children ages 12-17) gathered for a youth basketball skills academy led by Wayne Pratt, head coach of AAU organization Team Durant and Kevin Durant’s father. The 18 kids joined Pratt and other Team Durant staff members for a series of 5 v 5 scrimmages, training drills, and candid conversation about the benefits of youth sports, the future of AAU basketball and what it takes to “make it” as a youth athlete.

“Team Durant was established when Kevin wanted to give back to the community that helped create his game, and we have always tried to pay that forward to the kids in the DMV area,” said Wayne Pratt. “We have a staff that’s been really innovative and proactive, and that’s allowed us to grow and to impact kids far beyond those in our program.”

Future plans for the partnership include events with professional athletes and community organizations across a variety of sports. This includes a forthcoming clinic with Major League Pickleball team the Brooklyn Aces and more collaboration in the basketball space.

“Playing on a professional sports team is truly putting fitness into action,” said Karl Sanft, President and CEO of 24 Hour Fitness. “Working with a brand like Boardroom, we’re showing that an active lifestyle, coupled with a strong community is not only great for your health, but something members have in common with these amazing athletes: a commitment to being the best they can be.”

“Sports is at the heart of everything Boardroom does, and the skills you learn as a teammate on the court translate to every aspect of life,” said Boardroom CEO Rich Kleiman. “We’re excited to have begun our partnership with 24 Hour Fitness through this activation with Wayne Pratt and Team Durant, and to continue to work with them to build community in different ways throughout the year.”

Congrats to Kevin Durant, Rich Kleiman and the whole Boardroom team on the partnership. Check out some photos from the skills academy below!