NEW YORK – NBA Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Julius “Dr. J” Erving has joined Anthem Media Group as a shareholder and brand ambassador for the company’s media assets, including its newly launched FNTSY Sports Network.
Erving’s Dr. J Enterprises and his team will provide both strategic and operational support to increase distribution and awareness, while building strategic partnerships with leagues, advertisers, marketing partners and publishers, reads Wednesday’s announcement.
“As we continue to grow, we’re proud to welcome such a renowned and respected member of the sports and business world to our team,” said Anthem Media Group CEO Leonard Asper, in the announcement. “Julius’ work as a player and goodwill ambassador for basketball are well documented, but his work helping identify and grow emerging businesses is just as impressive, and we think his level of expertise on both fronts will be invaluable.”
“I am looking forward to helping Anthem grow its media brands,” added Erving. “Fantasy sports has become so mainstream and such a regular part of the daily conversation that I believe we can have tremendous success expanding the network. In addition, the growing interest in combat sports from boxing to mixed martial arts augurs well for the success of Fight Network.”
Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular basketball players ever, Erving won three championships, four MVP awards and three scoring titles. Well-known for slam dunking from the free throw line in Slam Dunk contests, he was named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time team and inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. His ability on the court was matched with his skills as a spokesman and negotiator when he helped to legitimize the now-defunct American Basketball Association (ABA) and its subsequent merger with the National Basketball Association (NBA) after the 1976 season.
