$300 Billion Firm Taps Villanova Ties to Build NBA Wealth Pipeline
Goldman Sachs' wealth management business has leveraged its connections to the New York Knicks and Villanova University to build an NBA wealth pipeline. One of the key figures in this effort is Matt Kennedy, a former finance major at Villanova who interned at Goldman Sachs before becoming a full-time employee.
Kennedy played only 16 minutes for the Wildcats during their 2018 national championship run but made a lasting impression on his teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges. Kennedy's role at Goldman Sachs is not surprising given his academic background; he won the NCAA Elite 90 Award in 2018 with a 3.897 GPA.
As a financial adviser at Goldman Sachs' Manhattan operation, Kennedy brings a unique perspective to wealth management for NBA players. He has been friends with his former teammates since college and has continued to see them socially, even attending Knicks games as their guest.
Kennedy's connection to the Knicks is significant, given that several players on the team are clients of Goldman Sachs' wealth-management business. In an interview with The Athletic in June, Kennedy praised Mikal Bridges for his commitment to improvement and work ethic, which he said was 'maniacal.'