Proudly presented by reSpace.
From the SuperSonics to the Kraken, the story of Seattle sports has been written by a handful of families who bet on this city long before it was fashionable. On Thursday, February 27th, we are bringing two of them into the room.
On the Shoulders of Giants
Featuring Ted and Chris Ackerley, founders of Ackerley Sports Group.
Thursday, February 27th, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, at the Columbia Tower Club in downtown Seattle.
"If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." (Isaac Newton)
Every opportunity available to us today exists because of the thinkers, builders, and creators who shaped our communities into what they are now. Standing on the shoulders of those giants is what gives us the ability to see and create what comes next.
This month, we are thrilled to welcome Ted and Chris Ackerley, founders of Ackerley Sports Group, for an inspiring interview and Q&A with longtime PSBJ publisher and frequent CEO interviewer Mike Flynn.
Ackerley Sports Group (ASG) is an expansion of the investment practice established in 2002 by Ackerley Partners, focused on the sports sector, including leagues, teams, venues, media, technology, and development. Recent ventures include a major stake in Leeds United in partnership with San Francisco 49ers Enterprises, as well as involvement with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's TMRW Sports.
The Ackerleys have a long history of impactful ownership and leadership across professional sports franchises. They have played pivotal roles with the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics, the WNBA's Seattle Storm, the CISL's Seattle Seadogs, the MLR's Seattle Seawolves, the AHL's Coachella Valley Firebirds, and the NHL's Seattle Kraken. Through their investment and leadership, the Ackerley family has helped shape the dynamic sports landscape in Seattle and beyond, with Chris serving as President of The Ackerley Group, Inc. (NYSE: AK) from 1999 to 2002 and Ted overseeing the company's venture capital arm during the same period.
On this occasion, Ted and Chris will share their remarkable journey through sports and entertainment, along with their vision for the future of Ackerley Sports Group. Gain valuable insight into their pivotal role in shaping Seattle's vibrant sports culture, and hear firsthand how their leadership, innovation, and passion continue to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders.
Before and during the event, enjoy the Columbia Tower Club's world-renowned signature buffet lunch, with sweeping views over the city we all call home. Proceeds from the event will benefit the One Roof Foundation, the official nonprofit of the Seattle Kraken.
Seats are extremely limited. This is a rare chance to hear from two of Seattle's most influential sports visionaries in conversation with one of the city's most trusted voices.
Reserve your seat on Eventbrite.
Shoulders of Giants is proudly presented by reSpace.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Shoulders of Giants event?
Shoulders of Giants takes place Thursday, February 27th, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Columbia Tower Club in downtown Seattle. The event includes the club's signature buffet lunch, served before and during the program, with sweeping views across the city. Seats are extremely limited, so reserving early is recommended.
Who are Ted and Chris Ackerley?
Ted and Chris Ackerley are the founders of Ackerley Sports Group, an expansion of the investment practice established in 2002 by Ackerley Partners. The family has held ownership and leadership roles with the Seattle SuperSonics, Seattle Storm, Seattle Seadogs, Seattle Seawolves, Coachella Valley Firebirds, and Seattle Kraken, helping shape the city's sports landscape for decades.
Who is interviewing the Ackerleys, and what is the format?
The event is an interview and audience Q&A led by Mike Flynn, longtime publisher of the Puget Sound Business Journal and a frequent CEO interviewer. Ted and Chris will share their journey through sports and entertainment, their vision for Ackerley Sports Group, and their perspective on Seattle's sports culture, followed by questions from attendees.
Where do the proceeds go?
Proceeds from Shoulders of Giants benefit the One Roof Foundation, the official nonprofit of the Seattle Kraken. The foundation works to expand access and opportunity across the Puget Sound region, so attending the event supports both an engaging conversation and a local cause tied directly to Seattle's newest major franchise.
What is reSpace, the event's presenter?
reSpace is a Seattle structured co-homeownership company. You own a private suite in a home in a premier neighborhood, plus access to shared common areas, for roughly what you would pay to rent a one-bedroom. Technology and thoughtful design turn one home into a small community of individual owners, each holding their own private space.
How is reSpace co-homeownership different from renting in Seattle?
Renting in Seattle means monthly payments with nothing to show at the end. With reSpace, you own a private suite of your own and share beautifully designed common areas with a small group of fellow owners. It opens the door to premier Seattle neighborhoods at a cost close to renting a one-bedroom, with ownership rather than a lease.