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Brian Verne
CEO at Wave Sports + Entertainment
Brian Verne is the CEO of Wave Sports + Entertainment, a prominent sports and entertainment company based in Los Angeles, California.1 He has been leading the company since June 2017, bringing his extensive experience in sports media and entrepreneurship to the role.1
Career Highlights
Wave Sports + Entertainment: Brian has been instrumental in establishing Wave as a world-class sports and entertainment company that serves modern-day fans through content, products, and experiences.4 Under his leadership, Wave has:
- Partnered with over 100 leagues, rights holders, and IP partners3
- Launched popular shows like "New Heights" and "7PM in Brooklyn"2
- Raised significant funding, including a $27 million Series B round in February 20224
Previous Ventures: Before Wave, Brian's entrepreneurial spirit was evident in his role as CEO of Phenom, an angel-backed startup and 500 Startups Batch 16 company, from 2014 to 2016.1 Phenom focused on giving young athletes a voice in the sports industry.
Sports Background
Brian's passion for sports extends beyond the business realm:
- He served as a Varsity Hitting Coach and Outfield Instructor for Shaker Heights High School baseball team from 2010 to 20131
- He ran his own baseball instruction business, Brian Verne Baseball School, from 2002 to 2009, providing lessons to youth, high school, and college players1
Education and Early Career
Brian attended Oberlin College from 2005 to 2009.1 During his time there, he worked as a student assistant in the Oberlin College Sports Information Department.1 His early career experiences also include:
- An internship at IMG, focusing on the Arnold Palmer account1
- A role as Sales and Marketing Manager at Verne Gallery, a contemporary Japanese art gallery1
Through his leadership at Wave Sports + Entertainment, Brian Verne continues to shape the landscape of digital sports media, creating innovative content and experiences for modern sports fans.