NEW YORK, USA // Neil Hegde is a dynamic sports strategist, athlete marketing expert and business development enthusiast. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated a proven ability to source, structure and execute impactful opportunities for professional athletes. This includes overseeing more than 75+ NBA player partnerships with industry-leading companies such as DoorDash, Amazon and NBA 2K. In his current role as the Senior Director of Innovation & Strategy for the National Basketball Players Association, Neil drives the development of new platforms, assets and strategic partnerships focused on maximizing the player experience for current NBA players. He previously helped lead the NBPA’s player marketing vertical, where he collaborated directly with some of the most globally recognized brands, agencies and athletes within professional basketball.

Neil was selected by Hashtag Sports in 2022 as a next-gen leader in sports marketing and lives and breathes hoops culture. Before his time in sports, Neil worked in finance and spent time at several notable organizations, including JPMorgan Chase. He is a proud alum of The Ohio State University, where he captained the Men’s Basketball Club team before playing internationally in India post graduation. Neil believes that the highest human act is to inspire and is extremely passionate about sports, family and community.