BOSTON, MA — Seventy years ago, Harry Agganis dominated on the football field and baseball diamond, becoming the “Golden Greek” whose athletic prowess captivated New England. On November 1st, as the Alpha Omega Council honored his legacy at the InterContinental Boston, another Greek-American took the stage–this time for conquering a different kind of field. Erica Kontos, a 30-year-old Senior Director at the NBA who is also a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, received the Emerging Leader Award for negotiating billion-dollar media deals that determine how hundreds of millions of fans in 200 countries watch basketball.
For Kontos, the evolution from playing field to boardroom represents continuity rather than change. “The values that defined that earlier generation–hard work, humility and perseverance– are the same values that guide us today,” Kontos said in an exclusive interview. “For me, it’s about continuing that legacy: helping define how the game is shared and experienced globally, while honoring the spirit of excellence that Agganis embodied.”
Erica Kontos, Senior Director at the NBA and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, poses with the Emerging Leader Award between Harry J. Vlachos, president of the Alpha Omega Council and journalist Nancy Agris Savage. / Areti Bratsis
That global reach is no small feat. Kontos supported deal negotiations with major streaming companies that determine how hundreds of millions of people worldwide watch the NBA. “It’s incredibly exciting to see how our new media partnerships with Disney, NBCU, and Amazon are redefining what it means to bring the NBA to fans around the world,” she said. “The global nature of these deals means that fans, whether they’re in the U.S., Greece or anywhere else, can experience the game in new, more accessible ways.”
The connection to her heritage makes this work particularly meaningful. “Basketball has been a huge part of Greek culture for decades. That deep connection to the sport makes it even more meaningful to help expand the NBA’s presence there,” she explained. “Knowing that Greek fans can experience the league through these new global platforms feels like a full-circle moment, bridging my heritage with the future of the game.”
At just 30 years old and one of the few women at the table at these high-level negotiations, Kontos’s response is straightforward: “It’s motivating.” She credits the NBA’s culture for creating an environment where she can focus on excellence. “At the NBA, I’m fortunate to be part of a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and inclusion,” she said. “That environment has allowed me to focus on performing as best as I possibly can in my job.”
But she’s also acutely aware of what her presence means beyond her own career. “I’m very aware that visibility matters, and if my presence in these rooms helps open the door for more women or young professionals who aspire to work in sports, that’s something I take great pride in.”
Her work expanding the global presence of both the NBA and WNBA reflects this broader transformation. The WNBA’s meteoric rise through record-breaking viewing figures to unprecedented investment represents more than just women’s basketball gaining ground. For Kontos, it’s a signal of fundamental change in the industry itself.
“The WNBA, in particular, is experiencing significant growth in viewership, investment, and cultural impact, and it’s a privilege to contribute to that momentum,” she said. “It reflects a larger movement toward more inclusive storytelling and leadership across the entire sports industry. To play a small part in that transformation, and to help shape how the game reaches fans around the world, is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Growing up in a Greek-American family shaped Kontos’ approach to both life and work. The values weren’t abstract; they were lived daily, woven into every family gathering and celebration. “There’s such a strong sense of community and connection: you look out for others, you celebrate together, and you show up with heart in whatever you do,” she said.
Those principles translate directly into her professional strategy. “I try to carry that same spirit into my work at the NBA, building relationships, staying grounded, and approaching challenges with optimism and determination,” she said. “That foundation has guided me at every stage of my career, and it continues to remind me how important it is to stay true to where you come from while reaching for what’s next.”
That foundation wasn’t built alone. “What’s helped me most is surrounding myself with people who both challenge and support me, whether they be mentors, peers, or friends. I’ve been lucky to have that kind of encouragement at the NBA,” Kontos said.
Now she’s determined to be that kind of support for others. Her advice to young Greek-Americans, especially women, is both practical and personal: “I would tell them that there’s no single path, and that’s the beauty of it. Embrace your background and let it be your strength. Our community is built on resilience and connection, and those qualities translate so powerfully in any field.”
Her final message carries the weight of someone who knows what it takes to succeed in rooms where you’re often the only one who looks like you: “And when doors do open, hold them open for others. That’s how we create lasting impact and bring more voices into the room.”
The November 1st gala brought together Boston’s sporting royalty, including NHL legend Ray Bourque, NFL great Fred Smerlas, world marathoners Becca Pizzi and Dave McGillivray, and former Celtic Justice Mal Graham, among others. Emceed by WCVB Channel 5 anchor Maria Stephanos, the evening featured a special exhibition tribute to Harry Agganis, which included a life-size wooden statue by acclaimed sculptor Armand LaMontagne. Also honored were Mike Agganis, with the Lifetime Achievement Award; the Boston Athletic Association, with the Trustees’ Award; and the Boston Red Sox, with the Philhellene Award.
The statue of American college football player and professional baseball player Harry Agganis, nicknamed “The Golden Greek.” / Areti Bratsis
As Kontos accepted her award in a room filled with Boston sports legends, the symbolism was unmistakable. Seventy years after Harry Agganis’s death, the Greek-American presence in sports has evolved from the playing field to the boardroom, but the excellence, determination, and community pride remain unchanged.
Credit Areti Bratsis
