Power Plays – The Business of Sports
Panel
A discussion on the evolving landscape of sports business and the growing opportunities for ownership, investment, and innovation. Panelists will explore new trends in ownership, the growth of women’s sports, global expansion of leagues, and emerging strategies for fan engagement. The discussion will highlight opportunities to lead, innovate, and define the next era of sports and athlete-driven business.
Anne Sempowski Ward, Owner @ WNBA Chicago Sky & Fort Lauderdale United FC
Anne Sempowski Ward is a corporate board director, investor, former CEO, and philanthropist. She has led some of the world’s most beloved brands such as Coca-Cola, Ebony, and Clairol. Her success in building passion brands among diverse consumers and customers has distinguished her as a thought leader and sought-after advisor. She is recognized as a well-rounded and transformational leader who guides people, brands, and organizations through major growth and cultural change. She also has a strong passion for helping talented women and leaders of color realize their visions of success in both career and life.
As a strong advocate for women in sports, Anne is an owner of the WNBA Chicago Sky and two USL franchises. She has also continued her corporate career and is Chairwoman of CURiO Brands, a private equity backed portfolio of beauty, wellness and home fragrance brands (Capri Blue, Thymes & Otherland). This role builds on her tremendous success as CEO for 12 years where the company quadrupled in size under her leadership and a woman-led team. Anne is also an Independent Director on the boards of SPS Commerce, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, TLB (The Lip Bar) and serves on the Duke University Fuqua School of Business Board of Visitors and the University of St. Thomas Board of Trustees.
A mechanical engineer that took an unconventional path to becoming a C-suite executive, Anne is a proud native of Detroit and currently resides in Minneapolis with her family.
Cameron Jones, CFO @ National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)
Cameron Jones serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). In this role, Jones oversees all financial operations, strategic financial planning, Basketball Related Income (BRI), and overall analysis to ensure the NBPA's continued growth and stability.
Jones plays a key role in shaping the organization's financial strategy and operational framework, contributing to the NBPA's overall mission to protect, support, and amplify the voices of NBA players on and off the court.
Jones joined the NBPA in August 2024, bringing 25 years of experience in finance, corporate strategy, operations, business development, and leading financial operations for businesses with revenue ranging from $50MM to over $1Bn.
Before joining the NBPA, Jones served as Chief Financial Officer of Storyblocks. During his tenure, Jones applied his financial, strategic, and operational insight to help the company scale and serve its customers more effectively. Jones also built out Storyblocks’ financial planning and analysis capabilities, ensuring the company was well-positioned for sustained growth.
Prior to Storyblocks, Jones worked with brands such as BET Networks, The Washington Post, Megaphone (owned by Spotify), and National Public Radio (NPR).
Jones received his Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College, graduating Cum Laude in Corporate Finance and earning his MBA from Harvard Business School. In addition to his professional achievements, Jones is active in his community and supports youth leadership training, athletics, and mentoring programs.