After years of playing in the NBA and overseas, Chris Copeland transitioned into entrepreneurship. He recently founded Cope Collective, a company designed to help businesses grow by leveraging his extensive network and expertise. Chris pairs brands (from startups to big companies) with influencers to acquire leads, experts to solve specific problems, and even support with hosting events.
Chris’s business didn’t require millions in funding. He didn’t have to build an expensive new software or get an MBA. Chris was able to launch a business from just his network as an athlete.
When playing in the NBA, Chris never thought his network could be monetized. Connecting just came naturally to him. But now, he’s monetized his network as CEO of Cope Collective, helping businesses scale. He’s already working with top brands.
We sat down with Chris to learn more about Cope Collective and how he transitioned from basketball to entrepreneurship (and how you can, too).
Chris Copeland: The Basketball Days
Before Chris Copeland became the CEO of Cope Collective, he was making a name for himself on the basketball court. His professional career began at the University of Colorado, where he honed his skills before being drafted into the D-League. After one season in the D-League, Copeland took his talents overseas, playing in leagues across Europe before earning his first NBA opportunity with the New York Knicks.
From there, Copeland played for the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks, and he also spent some time playing overseas before officially retiring from basketball.
In addition to his playing career, Copeland ventured into coaching. He spent time coaching the Milwaukee Bucks’ G-League team, where he was able to expand his skills off the court, learning more about team dynamics, leadership, and the business side of basketball.
“I played with some amazing teams, including the Knicks, Pacers, and Bucks. I learned a lot both on and off the court,” Copeland shares. “But basketball taught me more than just the game. It taught me how to work with people, how to lead, and most importantly, how to build relationships. These are lessons that have carried me into entrepreneurship.”
From the Court to Business: Building a Network for Success
Copeland’s basketball career wasn’t just about points and wins—it was about relationships. Throughout his time as an athlete, Copeland built a network that would become the foundation for his post-basketball career. In fact, the connections he made while playing professionally have been critical to the success of Cope Collective.
“As an athlete, you meet so many people from different walks of life, and those relationships become incredibly valuable after you retire,” Copeland says. “I advise other athletes to really pay attention to the networks they’re building while they’re still playing. Your network is something that can be monetized in a way that most don’t realize.”
For athletes looking to start businesses, Copeland’s experience shows the importance of building and nurturing those relationships—whether they’re with teammates, coaches, or people you meet through sponsorships, events, or travels. These networks can open doors to partnerships, investments, and clients that are essential for entrepreneurial success.
Cope Collective: Turning Connections Into Tangible Opportunities
Cope Collective, founded by Copeland, helps businesses grow by providing them with an extensive range of services, from talent sourcing and influencer marketing to operations, market research, and even fundraising. The company functions as a “professional fixer,” helping companies with whatever challenges they face in scaling their operations.
“What I offer is a network of talented people, whether you need help with your business plan, a marketing campaign, or raising capital,” Copeland explains. “I help people connect the dots. Whatever the problem is, we figure it out together.”
For athletes who are looking to create their own ventures, Copeland’s company shows how leveraging your personal network can play a significant role in achieving business success. The value of having people you trust who can help you in different aspects of your business—whether it’s talent recruitment or marketing—is something that cannot be overstated.
The Power of Athlete Networks
While athletes often build strong relationships during their careers, many don’t recognize the potential of these connections until they transition into the business world. For Copeland, the network he built throughout his basketball career has been instrumental in the growth of Cope Collective.
“I didn’t realize the value of my network until after basketball,” Copeland admits. “But once I started connecting people and offering solutions, I quickly realized that this was something I could turn into a business. It’s about connecting the right people to the right opportunities.”
For athletes thinking about starting their own businesses, Copeland stresses the importance of recognizing that the network they’ve cultivated is one of their biggest assets. Whether it’s helping you find customers, investors, or partners, your network can be the key to navigating the early stages of building a business.
Learning from the Transition: Copeland’s Entrepreneurial Growth
Starting Cope Collective wasn’t without its challenges. Copeland admits that, while he had an extensive network, there were still hurdles to overcome in turning his business into a reality. The process involved many late nights of learning about the ins and outs of business management, but it was also a deeply rewarding experience.
“The journey from being an athlete to being an entrepreneur isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly fulfilling,” says Copeland. “When you start a business, you realize that it’s not just about selling a product. It’s about solving problems and helping people achieve their goals.”
One of the key pieces of advice Copeland offers to athletes looking to start businesses is to identify what you’re passionate about and explore ways to turn that into a business. For him, it was his ability to connect people and help businesses grow.
“You’ve got to find what excites you beyond sports,” he advises. “That’s the first step in figuring out what kind of business you want to start. Then, connect the dots and find ways to make it happen.”
Advice for Athletes Transitioning to Entrepreneurship
Copeland also provides valuable advice for athletes who are thinking about transitioning out of sports into business. “It’s about finding what you love and then figuring out how to monetize it,” he says. “You already have a network—now you need to leverage it. The most successful entrepreneurs are the ones who can connect the dots and provide value in ways others can’t.”
For athletes who have spent years focused on their sport, the transition to entrepreneurship can be daunting. But, as Copeland’s story shows, it’s possible to turn your passions and relationships into a thriving business. The key is recognizing that your network is one of your biggest assets, and with the right mindset and determination, you can create something lasting.
What’s Next for Cope Collective?
As Cope Collective continues to grow, Copeland has bigger plans for the future. His ultimate goal is to become an investor who can help bring innovative ideas to life, particularly those from individuals who might not have the traditional resources available to them.
“I’d love to be the guy who can invest in ideas and help bring them to life,” Copeland shares. “I know what it’s like to come from humble beginnings, and I want to help others turn their ideas into reality, whether it’s through funding or just helping them execute their vision.”
For athletes looking to follow in Copeland’s footsteps, his story shows that it’s not just about what you know—it’s about who you know, and how you use those connections to create opportunities. By recognizing the power of your network and tapping into your passions, athletes can carve out successful business ventures after their playing days are over
To tap into Chris’s network and acquire leads, check out Cope Collective here. For more articles from athletes interested in building wealth off the court, subscribe to our newsletter.
