This week, the US-based National Cycling League (NCL) has confirmed the addition of new investors. These include Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman’s Boardroom Sports Holdings, former NFL wide receiver Desmond Howard, and CEO of DraftKings Jason Robins.
Through a commitment to diversity, the National Cycling League is aiming to set a new standard for inclusion in professional sports. As the first majority-women and minority-owned professional sports league in the US, the NCL is… ‘dedicated to reimagining the future of sports and ownership.’
As part of the already impressive list of investors in sports, business, venture capital, and entertainment, the new NCL investors join Will Ventures, Founder Collective, Collab Capital, Impellent Ventures, Jalen Ramsey of the Miami Dolphins, Derwin James of the Los Angeles Chargers, Kevin Byard of the Tennessee Titans, Emmanuel Acho, and Michele Roberts, former NBA executive director.
“We’re excited to be a part of National Cycling League and its fan-focused business model,” said Boardroom CEO and co-founder Rich Kleiman. “We’re committed to helping the league grow and get even more eyes on the sport.”
National Cycling League is the newest commitment to emerging sports team and league growth for Boardroom Sports Holdings, which also holds stakes in Philadelphia Union (MLS), Gotham FC (NWSL), Athletes Unlimited, League One Volleyball, TMRW Sports, Premier Lacrosse League and majority ownership in Major League Pickleball’s Brooklyn Aces.
Former NFL wide receiver and ESPN analyst Desmond Howard said “As a former professional athlete and as an amateur cyclist who is committed to accessible health and wellness, I’m pleased to now be a co-owner in the league.
“The NCL is providing many who haven’t historically had opportunities to own sports properties the chance to do so. I’m excited to be a part of the efforts to grow the interest and passion for the sport and to make cycling more inclusive.”
Paris Wallace, President and co-founder of NCL, said “All our new investors support our vision and the impact we are making in cycling and the community. We are thrilled to welcome them to the NCL family.”
In addition to the inaugural race in Miami earlier this year, the NCL will conduct two more races in Denver and Atlanta as part of the 2023 NCL Cup series.
In NCL circuit races, male and female cyclists compete in 2-3 km loops, for approximately 25-30 laps to accumulate points throughout the race. A rider may substitute in and out of the race at any time prior to the last five laps of each race from the team pit on the course.
In contrast to traditional bike races, NCL races utilize a scoring system that awards points after every lap. In addition, fans have access to live data and scoring via NCL’s scoreboard, billed as a first in the professional criterium racing industry.
