#038: How Starting A Recreational Sports League Can Boost Your Professional Network

In 2005, I moved back to Minnesota after a decade in New York City, where I had built a robust professional network. Upon returning, I faced the challenge of starting from scratch—my local connections were practically nonexistent.

Like I did in New York, I turned to basketball, not just as a passion but as a networking tool. The courts at the Northwest Athletic Club (now Life Time), located beneath the Target Center Arena in Minneapolis, became my new meeting ground.

This wasn't just any court—it was a place where business and basketball intersected daily.

The Birth of an Idea

As I engaged in noontime pickup games, I shared my vision for an adult recreational basketball league, an idea that had begun to form during my days in New York.

The enthusiasm from my small pickup group was noticeable, intrigued by the concept of creating an NBA-style recreational basketball league.

"Tell us more about this 'Ultimate Hoops League' idea."

This interest led to organic growth in my local network. Conversations on the Northwest Athletic court transitioned into coffee meetups, business lunches, and happy hour discussions, revolving around business strategies and industry trends.

Launching Ultimate Hoops

By the time I launched Ultimate Hoops in March 2006, the foundation of the league was supported by partnerships with local corporations like Merrill Lynch, General Mills, Telex Communications, and the Minnesota Timberwolves. These early partners fielded teams for our inaugural season, demonstrating the powerful intersection of sports and business networking.

Eighteen years later, these connections have not only endured but have also become pivotal to my professional landscape, proving that relationships forged in informal settings like recreational leagues can be durable and mutually beneficial.

In today's gig economy, where short-term roles and project-based jobs are commonplace, the importance of networking cannot be overstated. Creating genuine, lasting connections can significantly influence your professional image and brand.

A League of Your Own

Starting a recreational sports league is a fantastic way to meet like-minded professionals. The shift from traditional networking settings, like happy hours, to more dynamic environments involving sports, allows for a relaxed yet engaging way to connect. Whether it's pitching the next big startup idea post-game or strategizing against industry trends, the opportunities for professional growth are immense.

If sports are your jam and you’re looking to broaden your professional contacts, consider launching a league. It could be as low-key as a weekly co-ed softball game or as structured as a city-wide basketball league.

As the organizer, you position yourself as a leader and central figure in the network, enhancing your visibility and influence.

Taking the Leader Role

As league director, you have the unique opportunity to showcase your leadership and organizational skills. Promote your league through a well-maintained website, regular newsletters, or active social media channels. These platforms not only help in running the league smoothly but also serve as additional tools for networking and personal branding.

A Call to Action

From those first steps back in Minneapolis to the diverse network I'm part of today, I'm reminded of the power of combining passion with people. Starting the Ultimate Hoops League wasn't just about playing basketball; it was about creating a community where business and athletic competition blend seamlessly, fostering relationships that endure beyond the final buzzer.

I invite you to take the leap and step out onto the field of possibility. Forge new connections, strengthen your professional standing, and you'll look back years from now with a roster of meaningful relationships full of great memories.

Here’s to creating yours, one game at a time.