SXSW: San Antonio Spurs x OpenAI

About the Talk:

This session is part of SXSW programming, and a valid SXSW badge is required for entry.

How do you scale AI without losing the human touch? In this session, leaders from the San Antonio Spurs and OpenAI share how they’re using AI to create more meaningful experiences for fans, partners, and communities. From personalized fan engagement and family-focused experiences to internal productivity and decision-making, the Spurs offer a real-world look at how purpose-built AI tools are being used on and off the court. Attendees will walk away with practical lessons on responsible AI adoption, concrete use cases from a global sports franchise, and a blueprint for putting people first while bringing cutting-edge technology to the courtside.

About the Speakers:

Patricia Mejia is the Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer for Spurs Sports & Entertainment where she oversees youth programming, community leadership development and sets philanthropic strategy for the organization across all franchises. She leads the strategy for place-based community and civic engagement through collaboration with community and the entire SS&E organization to be champions, by building leaders and legacies where we live, learn, work and play. Previously as the Vice President of Community Engagement and Impact at the San Antonio Area Foundation, with 1 billion dollars in assets, she led transformational organizational change to more intentionally target investments to create more equitable communities, creating a national model for other philanthropic organizations. Patricia has been afforded her the opportunity to step into some of this region’s most defining moments of crisis through COVID-19 and the tragedy in Uvalde, where she led her team in securing and channeling resources to families most in need. Patricia’s 20 plus years as an executive in both the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors allow her to center community voice in the leadership of her teams to implement trust-based practices and authentic engagement. This approach allowed her to be featured in a new book Latina Leadership Lessons: Fifty Latinas Speak. Patricia has an MA and BA, both cum laude, from St. Mary’s University and completed the Executive Leadership Program at Harvard as a National Hispana Leadership Institute Fellow. Patricia was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. Away from work, Patricia is the proud mom of Karolina who she enjoys making memories alongside.

Jordan Kolosey is a data-driven leader in sports and entertainment, bringing over 15 years of experience across six different professional leagues to his role as Vice President of Business Strategy, Innovation & Data Operations at the San Antonio Spurs. Passionate about using data to enhance fan engagement, drive innovation, and build stronger communities, Jordan is committed to creating memorable experiences that deepen connections between teams and their fans. Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, Jordan played four years of collegiate basketball before earning a B.A. in Economics and an MBA from Rollins College. His career has been defined by a unique blend of analytical expertise, strategic leadership, and a love for the game, making him a dynamic force in shaping the future of sports business. Outside of work, Jordan is a proud father to Scarlett (4) and Jude (2). While his last dunk attempt in 2017 was a success, he has no plans to try again—ever.

Charlie Kurian is a visionary leader at the forefront of sports innovation, combining a decade of experience in venture capital, consumer tech, SaaS, and global strategy to redefine industries and drive transformative growth. His innovative mindset has fueled projects generating over $500 million in revenue and has positioned the Spurs as pioneers in cutting-edge technology and business strategy. From orchestrating the launch of the iPhone 6—the most popular iPhone in history—to reimagining the global business model for the RFK Center for Justice alongside Kerry Kennedy, Charlie has consistently turned bold ideas into impactful realities. He was instrumental in helping the NBA break into the Indian market, inspiring over 18 million kids across 5 years, and has earned the trust of sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East to steer billion-dollar investments into transformative early stage startups. At Spurs Sports & Entertainment, Charlie has championed initiatives that blend innovation and strategy, making the organization a leader in sports technology. He led the adoption of AI-powered fan engagement platforms, integrated immersive technologies like AR/VR, and made history by launching the first-ever NBA team deployment of ChatGPT Enterprise. His work continues to drive cultural shifts and set new benchmarks in the industry. Charlie’s expertise in human-centered design, behavioral science, and market strategy has shaped solutions replicated across industries, delivering value on a global scale. Whether shaping technology used by millions or forging pathways for next-generation innovation, Charlie’s ability to envision the future and execute with precision has made him a sought-after leader and trusted voice in business.