Charlie Pliner and Nikolas Rohrmann, two Brown University undergrads, have become sports dealmakers, creating a new course on global sports management that has become a hit among students. Their journey began with a shared love of soccer and a desire to create something unique. With the guidance of professors Barrett Hazeltine and Thano Chaltas, they developed two credited courses, one focused on the global sports industry and another on soccer. The courses attracted a lot of interest, and they had to carefully select 40 students from 120 applicants. The success of the courses was partly due to the impressive lineup of industry guests, including Rich Paul and Jeff Van Gundy, who were invited through Pliner's connections from his FIFA internship and other networking efforts. The duo also established the Brown Sports Network, a platform connecting alumni with students seeking opportunities in the sports industry. They've facilitated deals and partnerships with organizations like Chelsea FC, the Minnesota Vikings, and Boston Legacy FC, showcasing their business acumen. Despite the challenges of entering a competitive job market, Pliner and Rohrmann are confident in their future. Pliner is launching his own advisory platform, while Rohrmann is joining Centerview Partners as an investment banking analyst. Their unique approach and industry connections position them well for success in the sports business world.
