CLEVELAND, OHIO – The McLendon Foundation announced the return of The McLendon Experience (TMX), a two day conference designed to empower the next generation of sports leaders. The event will take place October 1–2, 2026, in Durham, North Carolina, bringing together student athletes, students, and young professionals from across the country who aspire to build careers in the sports industry.

Registration opens Wednesday, April 15 at 12:00 PM ET.

Inspired by the historic March 12, 1944 "Secret Game," which integrated basketball in the South, the event embodies its spirit by uniting young sports professionals from all backgrounds. Hosted in the city where this legendary game took place, The McLendon Experience honors the past while shaping the future, providing a one of a kind platform where diverse perspectives converge to Unite, Uplift, and Unleash the next generation of sports industry leaders.
The McLendon Experience has emerged as a valuable platform connecting emerging talent with athletic departments, leagues, agencies, and corporate partners seeking the next generation of leaders. Sponsors and partners gain direct access to this emerging talent community through curated networking and meaningful engagement opportunities.

Attendees will participate in:

• Networking with sports industry leaders and administrators
• Interactive workshops focused on leadership and career development
• Keynote sessions from influential voices in sports
• Recruitment opportunities with sports organizations and corporate partners

The inaugural McLendon Experience welcomed more than 200 aspiring sports professionals and industry leaders from across the country, creating a dynamic environment where emerging talent engaged directly with experienced administrators, executives, and mentors for mentorship, professional development, and meaningful career opportunities in the sports industry.

"The response to the inaugural McLendon Experience last year exceeded our expectations," said Adrien Harraway, Executive Director of the McLendon Foundation. "Bringing together more than 200 aspiring professionals and industry leaders reinforced how important it is to create spaces where emerging talent can connect directly with mentors, executives, and organizations across the sports industry. We are excited to build on that momentum in 2026 as we continue to develop the next generation of sports leaders."

2025 Attendee Perspective

"The McLendon Experience was unlike any event I have attended. The speakers were incredible and the networking opportunities were invaluable. I left feeling empowered, connected, and excited about my future in the sports industry."
(2025 McLendon Experience Attendee Survey)

Join us in Durham and be part of the future of sports leadership.

For sponsorship opportunities or additional information contact:
Adrien Harraway
Executive Director, McLendon Foundation
aharraway@nacda.com

About the McLendon Foundation
Founded in 1999, the McLendon Foundation honors the legacy of Coach John McLendon by creating access and opportunity for aspiring professionals in sports. Through scholarships, leadership initiatives, and experiential learning, the Foundation is committed to developing principled leaders prepared to make a lasting impact on the sports industry.