David Falk: Building Air Jordan NIL and the Business of Athlete Influence

In this episode of On Stage, Sports Business Journal’s Executive Publisher Abe Madkour sits down with iconic sports agent David Falk for a conversation about the legacy of athlete empowerment and the business of storytelling. 

Recorded on May 20, 2025, at SBJ’s 4se event in New York City, the conversation traces Falk’s role in redefining what it means to represent an athlete—not just on the court, but across culture, commerce, and entertainment. 

Falk, who famously represented Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing, and many more, shares: 

• The Air Jordan Origin Story: How a revolutionary approach to marketing turned a rookie deal into a global brand. 
• Agent as Architect: Why the most successful agents don’t just negotiate—they help build enduring platforms and partnerships. 
• Cultural Relevance: The fusion of sports, fashion, and music, and what it takes for an athlete to shape culture beyond the game. 
• Leadership Lessons: What he’s learned from four decades working at the intersection of sports, media, and influence. 

It’s a one-of-a-kind conversation with a one-of-a-kind operator—part oral history, part masterclass in what it takes to build icons.