From Collegiate Skier to Tech Entrepreneur: Jeremy Bloom’s Journey and Vision for the Future of Sports
Jeremy Bloom’s story is one of remarkable athleticism, entrepreneurial spirit, and a relentless pursuit of fairness in collegiate sports. Two decades ago, he was a world-class skier, an emerging NFL prospect, and a model, navigating the restrictive landscape of NCAA amateurism rules. Bloom’s challenge to these regulations, though unsuccessful at the time, proved pivotal in the eventual dismantling of the NCAA’s rigid control over student-athlete compensation. His legal battle laid the groundwork for subsequent court decisions that ultimately ushered in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, forever changing the landscape of college sports.
Bloom’s journey from the slopes and gridiron to the boardroom is equally compelling. After his athletic career, he founded a successful marketing software company and a non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of senior citizens. His experience as a television commentator, entrepreneur, and board member of U.S. Skiing and Snowboarding has provided him with a unique perspective on the evolving world of sports, marketing, and athlete endorsements.
The current state of college sports, Bloom argues, is a direct result of the NCAA’s decades-long resistance to change. Their unwavering defense of amateurism, even in the face of mounting legal challenges, left them unprepared for the inevitable shift towards athlete compensation. Bloom criticizes the NCAA’s lack of foresight and planning, arguing that they squandered valuable time and resources fighting progress instead of preparing for a future where athletes could rightfully profit from their talents. He cites former NCAA Executive Director Mark Emmert’s tenure as a prime example of failed leadership, highlighting the organization’s inability to adapt to the changing times.
Bloom proposes several solutions to address the current instability within college sports, particularly the rampant player movement facilitated by the transfer portal. He advocates for enforceable contracts between athletes and universities, suggesting a minimum two-year commitment, to provide stability and discourage impulsive transfers. This structure, he believes, would benefit both athletes and programs, fostering longer-term development and reducing the disruptive churn of the current system. He also emphasizes the need for clear guidelines regarding athlete endorsements to avoid conflicts with university sponsorships. A balanced approach, Bloom suggests, would allow athletes to capitalize on their NIL rights while protecting the revenue streams of universities.
The increasing professionalization of college sports is another key area of focus for Bloom. He foresees a future where the top programs operate more like professional leagues, complete with player associations and collective bargaining agreements. This shift, he argues, would streamline the current chaotic landscape, eliminating the influence of booster collectives and establishing a more transparent and equitable system for athlete compensation. Bloom believes this restructuring is inevitable, given the escalating financial stakes and the growing recognition of student-athletes as valuable assets.
Bloom’s vision extends beyond the collegiate realm. As the newly appointed CEO of the X Games, he is tasked with revitalizing and expanding the franchise. His plans include creating international leagues to foster more consistent competition and engagement, leveraging digital platforms to reach a wider audience, and maximizing the marketability of X Games athletes. Bloom believes the X Games possess a unique appeal and a roster of incredibly talented athletes who are currently under-marketed. He sees immense potential for growth and innovation, drawing inspiration from successful models in other sports, such as Formula 1 racing.
Bloom’s career trajectory reflects a deep understanding of the evolving sports landscape. He has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of athlete empowerment and the increasing commercialization of sports at all levels. His insights and experiences, gained through his multifaceted career, provide a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the future of sports, from collegiate athletics to action sports like the X Games. He envisions a future where athletes have greater control over their careers, where competition thrives on a global stage, and where the business of sports is conducted with greater transparency and fairness.
Bloom’s critique of the NCAA is not merely a reflection of his personal experience, but a broader commentary on the organization’s failure to adapt to the changing dynamics of college athletics. He highlights the hypocrisy of restricting athlete endorsements while simultaneously profiting from their performance. His legal challenge, though ultimately unsuccessful in court, became a catalyst for change, paving the way for the NIL era and challenging the NCAA’s long-held authority.
The implementation of athlete contracts, Bloom argues, is crucial for stabilizing the current chaotic transfer portal system. He proposes a framework where athletes commit to a minimum two-year agreement, ensuring a degree of stability for both the athletes and the universities. This approach would discourage impulsive transfers and promote a more balanced relationship between players and programs.
Bloom’s vision for the future of college sports involves a significant restructuring of the current system. He anticipates the emergence of two mega-conferences, comprising the top 50 programs in the country, operating more like professional leagues. This shift would necessitate the formation of player associations and collective bargaining agreements, creating a more structured and equitable environment for athlete compensation and representation.
As CEO of the X Games, Bloom aims to elevate the franchise to new heights. His strategy involves expanding the X Games beyond its traditional format, creating international leagues to cultivate a broader base of talent and engagement. He recognizes the importance of digital platforms in reaching a global audience and maximizing the marketability of X Games athletes.
Bloom’s journey from collegiate athlete to successful entrepreneur and sports executive is a testament to his adaptability, vision, and commitment to fairness. His advocacy for athlete rights, his entrepreneurial endeavors, and his leadership within the sports industry have positioned him as a key figure in shaping the future of sports. He embraces innovation and challenges outdated models, advocating for a more equitable and dynamic landscape for athletes and fans alike. His experiences and insights offer a valuable perspective on the complex interplay between athletics, business, and the evolving demands of a globalized sports world.
