In this episode, Melyssa welcomes Douglas C. Freeman, entrepreneur, strategist, and founder of the Entertainment Football Association (EFA)—a groundbreaking new model for indoor football that blends professional-level sports with music, culture, and community impact.
Doug shares his journey from Wall Street to global consulting, from rugby pitches to sports entrepreneurship, and how he’s using his “junk to jewelry” approach to transform overlooked communities into thriving sports and entertainment hubs. With a vision to turn “sports deserts” into “sports destinations,” the EFA is creating opportunity and access for athletes, cities, and fans who have long been left off the sports map.
From innovative business models that make pro-level football sustainable, to financial literacy and career development programs for players, Doug reveals how equity is woven into every level of his work. This conversation highlights how sports can be more than just entertainment—they can be engines for inclusion, empowerment, and economic growth.
Tune in to hear how Douglas C. Freeman is rewriting the playbook for equity in sports—and why the future of game day might look very different.
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