Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) and the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) just announced a new business partnership in which the two groups will team up to provide unique opportunities for members of both organizations.

CUW students in the School of Business Administration, particularly those majoring in either Sport & Entertainment Business or Hospitality & Event Management, will take part in NBRPA events, providing them with real world experience and networking opportunities in the industry.

Members of the NBRPA, which includes former NBA, ABA, Harlem Globetrotters, and WNBA players and their families, will have educational opportunities offered by CUW as the University will become a preferred educational institution for certain scholarships and foundation funds.

“This exciting new partnership with Concordia will provide many unique ways for our members to better themselves through education and become better equipped for the journey of life after basketball,” says NBRPA Vice President of Marketing & Communications Paul Corliss.

Opportunities being offered to CUW students include an internship at the NBRPA office in Chicago, as well as involvement in the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend in Toronto, Canada. Students will also be attending the NBRPA’s annual Legends World Sports Conference (LWSC) July 13-15 in Las Vegas. It was created to assist former player players in enhancing their presence as business and community leaders, as well as ambassadors for the game of basketball. The event will give members and partners a chance to learn, network, and unite in community service.

“We are extremely excited about this new partnership and the mutual benefits available for everyone involved,” says Joey-Lynn Bialkowski, program director and chair for CUW’s Sport & Entertainment Business and Hospitality & Event Management programs.