Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Brandy Runyan.
Hi Dr. Brandy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into sports and athlete representation began nearly two decades ago with a simple passion for helping athletes navigate the business side of sports. Early on, I realized that many talented athletes had the ability to succeed on the field but lacked access to guidance, resources, marketing support, and professional advocacy off the field.
Over the years, I built experience in athlete management, public relations, media relations, branding, and career development while working with athletes at various levels of competition. That experience eventually led me to establish Black Diamond Sports & Entertainment Group, LLC, with the vision of creating a full-service agency that focuses not only on athletic performance but also on personal brand development, career longevity, and life beyond sports.
Today, Black Diamond Sports & Entertainment Group provides athlete representation, public relations, marketing, media training, NIL guidance, endorsement opportunities, event management, and career transition support. We work with professional athletes, coaches, entertainers, and emerging talent to help them maximize opportunities both on and off the field.
Alongside building the agency, I earned a Ph.D. in Sport Leadership and have served as a university faculty member and Program Director in Sport & Recreation Management for two D1 Universities. My academic background has strengthened my understanding of leadership, organizational development, athlete psychology, and the evolving sports industry, allowing me to bring both practical experience and research-based insight to the work we do.
What started as a passion for helping athletes has grown into a multifaceted organization dedicated to empowering people to reach their full potential. Looking back, the journey has been built on relationships, resilience, continuous learning, and a commitment to serving others. Looking ahead, our goal is to continue expanding opportunities for athletes, coaches, and professionals while creating a lasting impact in the sports and entertainment industries.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like most entrepreneurs, my journey has been anything but a smooth road. Building a business in the sports industry comes with unique challenges, particularly as a woman entering a field that has traditionally been dominated by men. Early on, I often had to work harder to establish credibility, build relationships, and earn opportunities that others may have been given more readily.
Another challenge has been balancing multiple professional roles while growing the company. In addition to serving as CEO of Black Diamond Sports & Entertainment Group, I have pursued higher education, earning my Ph.D. in Sport Leadership, while also serving in higher education and managing family responsibilities. Learning how to prioritize, adapt, and remain focused during periods of uncertainty has been essential.
Perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that setbacks are often opportunities in disguise. Every obstacle has forced me to become more resilient, creative, and strategic. Those experiences have shaped not only the leader I am today but also the culture of Black Diamond Sports & Entertainment Group. We understand that success is rarely a straight path, and we help our clients navigate challenges with the same determination and perseverance that helped build our company.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Black Diamond Sports & Entertainment Group, LLC?
Black Diamond Sports & Entertainment Group, LLC is a full-service sports and entertainment management firm dedicated to helping athletes, coaches, entertainers, and professionals maximize opportunities both on and off the field. While many agencies focus solely on contracts or talent representation, our approach is much broader. We believe success is built through a combination of strategic career management, personal branding, public relations, leadership development, and long-term planning.
Our services include athlete representation, public relations and media relations, branding and marketing, NIL guidance, endorsement and sponsorship opportunities, media training, event management, speaking engagements, career transition planning, and consulting services. We work with clients at various stages of their careers—from emerging talent seeking exposure to established professionals looking to strengthen their brand and expand their opportunities.
What sets Black Diamond apart is our relationship-driven approach. We intentionally maintain a boutique agency model that allows us to provide personalized attention and customized strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all experience. Every client has unique goals, challenges, and aspirations, and we believe their representation should reflect that.
We are also passionate about developing the whole person, not just the performer. Through leadership development, personal branding, and professional growth initiatives, we help clients prepare for long-term success beyond the game, stage, or spotlight. Our philosophy is simple: careers are temporary, but reputation, character, and legacy endure.
One of the things I am most proud of is the trust our clients place in us. Over the years, we have built relationships with professional athletes, coaches, organizations, media outlets, and industry leaders across the sports and entertainment landscape. Those relationships have allowed us to create opportunities that extend far beyond traditional representation.
At our core, Black Diamond exists to empower people to reach their highest potential. Whether we’re helping an athlete pursue a professional opportunity, assisting a coach with career advancement, supporting a client through a public relations challenge, or helping someone build a lasting personal brand, our mission remains the same: to serve with integrity, advocate with passion, and help our clients shine under pressure—just like a diamond.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Many people know me as a sports agent, public relations professional, and CEO, but what often surprises people is that my greatest passion isn’t actually sports—it’s people.
While I’ve spent nearly two decades working in the sports industry, what truly drives me is helping individuals discover their potential, overcome obstacles, and grow as leaders. That’s one of the reasons I pursued a Ph.D. in Sport Leadership and why so much of my work today focuses on leadership development, mindset, personal growth, and life beyond the game. I am the Mother of Article 28.1 of the CFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement which is a measure that protects athletes from unlicensed agents.
Another thing that surprises people is that I’m a lifelong learner. Even after building a successful career, I went back to earn my doctorate while working full-time, raising a family, and growing a business. That experience reinforced something I often tell my clients: growth never stops if you’re willing to keep learning.
I think people sometimes see the athlete representation side of Black Diamond and assume the work is all about contracts, endorsements, and media opportunities. While those things are important, the work I’m most passionate about happens behind the scenes—helping people build confidence, navigate challenges, develop leadership skills, and create a legacy that lasts long after their playing career ends.
At the end of the day, I’m not just in the business of managing careers. I’m in the business of helping people become the best version of themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blackdiamondfirm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bdmgmtgroup/
- Twitter: https://x.com/BDMGMTGROUPLLC
