Charlie Pliner and Nikolas Rohrmann, two Brown University undergraduates, made a significant impact by creating and teaching a new sports business course that will now be a permanent part of Brown’s curriculum. Meeting in 2022 through their shared passion for soccer, they developed two credited classes on global sports management and soccer, attracting overwhelming interest from over 120 students, though only about 40 could enroll. Supported by professors Barrett Hazeltine and Thano Chaltas, their courses covered foundational principles, economic and marketing aspects, and practical applications in sports management.

A key to their success was enlisting prominent industry figures as guest speakers. Leveraging connections made during Pliner’s FIFA internship and through Brown alumni, they hosted notable names such as Boston Celtics president Brad Stevens, former coach Jeff Van Gundy, Red Sox executives, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, and sports investor Russ Pillar. This lineup brought real-world insights to the classroom and demonstrated the students’ commitment and resourcefulness, impressing industry veterans.

Beyond the classroom, Pliner and Rohrmann actively brokered deals and built partnerships for the Brown Sports Network, a platform connecting students and alumni with the sports industry. Highlights included facilitating a unique media deal between the New York Jets and image vendor SmartFrame and announcing collaborations with Chelsea FC, the Minnesota Vikings, and Boston Legacy FC. Their ability to juggle this while gaining professional experience in sports was praised by Brown’s Vice President of Athletics, M. Grace Calhoun.

As they graduate in 2026, Pliner plans to launch an advisory platform focusing on sports partnerships, embracing an entrepreneurial path in a highly competitive industry where many graduates struggle to find roles. Rohrmann will join Centerview Partners in investment banking but intends to return to sports and media in the future. Both will continue supporting Brown’s global sports management course annually, aiming to foster the next generation of sports dealmakers despite the crowded job market.