Leigh Gayden

Founder & Host, The Basketball Summit

Leigh Gayden is the founder and host of The Basketball Summit, an annual gathering of the leaders shaping the business of basketball. As NIL, media rights, new leagues, private investment and global expansion reshape every level of the game, Leigh created the Summit to bring decision-makers from grassroots through the professional ranks into one room for candid conversation and the annual State of the Game Address.

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As host, Leigh leads the Summit’s six focus conversations, covering the Grassroots, Scholastic, Collegiate, National, International and Pro game, with the people driving each one.

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Leigh is also the founder and CEO of The Basketball Festival, a sports promotions and live events company launching in Atlanta in 2027, with expansion planned to Philadelphia, the Midwest and the West. Through the HOOPS XYZ Podcast (2027), he continues the conversation year-round, exploring the people, ideas and business forces driving the sport.

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Leigh’s entrepreneurial career began with a drive to reimagine how sports experiences are built and delivered. Early work in youth sports and real estate laid the foundation for his ventures, allowing him to blend passion for the game with sound business strategy. His ability to identify trends, anticipate market shifts, and act on emerging opportunities guides each company’s growth.