“But after a game, everyone is talking to each other, high-fiving, sharing stories. It’s like a family reunion after every game, win or lose.”
Freedman’s love for the community-building power of sports is what drove him to create the Oakland Ballers. He wanted to give Oakland fans a team to rally behind, a team that could bring the community together in the same way the A’s once did.
The Oakland Ballers may not have the same history or prestige as the A’s, but Freedman and Carmel are working hard to build a team that fans can be proud of. They’ve raised funds, built a stadium, and are constantly iterating and testing new ideas to make the experience as enjoyable as possible for fans.
Freedman’s background in entrepreneurship has proven to be a valuable asset in this new venture. He understands the importance of building a strong foundation, listening to feedback, and adapting quickly to meet the needs of customers — in this case, the fans.
Despite the challenges of building a minor league team from scratch, Freedman is optimistic about the future of the Oakland Ballers. He believes that the team can provide a similar sense of community and joy that the A’s did, and he’s committed to making sure that baseball remains a part of Oakland’s identity for years to come.
As Freedman continues to navigate the world of sports entrepreneurship, he remains focused on his ultimate goal: building companies that make a positive impact on the world. Whether it’s through education or baseball, Freedman is dedicated to creating businesses that bring people together and create lasting memories.
And for the fans of the Oakland Ballers, that dedication is sure to result in a team that they can be proud to support, even if it’s not the A’s.” The power of sports to create a sense of community is undeniable. Whether it’s a win or a loss, the shared experience of cheering for a team can bring people together like nothing else. This is something that tech entrepreneur and Oakland Ballers founder, Freedman, understands all too well.
In his work with startups, Freedman emphasizes the importance of aligning business incentives with a mission. This same philosophy guides his approach to building the Ballers. While his previous mission was focused on making education more accessible through technology, his current mission is to create a thriving community for Oakland baseball fans.
“We believe that if you center your fans, and you know their experience in the community is fundamentally what the whole thing is about, then you kind of force yourself to make sure you’re doing right by them,” Freedman said.
The Ballers have taken a unique approach to the game, embracing experimentation and innovation in ways that traditional MLB teams cannot. For example, when Pioneer League games end in a tie, instead of going into extra innings, there’s a spontaneous Home Run Derby to determine the winner. This fan-friendly approach has been a hit with audiences, showcasing the team’s willingness to try new things.
In a bold move, the Ballers recently partnered with Fan Controlled Sports, allowing fans to make real-time decisions about the game. This level of fan engagement would be unheard of in a major league setting, but it fits perfectly with the Ballers’ philosophy of putting fans first.
The team has even opened up partial ownership to fans, raising over $1.235 million from about 2,200 people. This fan-driven funding round demonstrates the team’s commitment to aligning with their fans’ interests and creating a great experience for all.
As the Ballers continue to make waves in the Pioneer League, they offer a beacon of hope for Oakland A’s fans facing the impending loss of their team. By challenging the status quo and showing fans that they have a voice in the sports world, Freedman is making a bold statement about the future of sports ownership.
For Freedman, his focus on community and mission comes from his deep roots in Oakland. While he acknowledges the benefits of technology, he also recognizes the lessons that can be learned from the vibrant and diverse community of Oakland.
In the end, the Ballers are more than just a baseball team – they’re a symbol of innovation, community, and the power of sports to bring people together. And as they continue to push boundaries and challenge norms, they serve as a reminder that with the right mission and a dedicated community, anything is possible.
