Basketball isn’t just a sport; it’s a culture. It fosters a sense of community, belonging, and creativity. You could even call it an art form—one that has shaped music, fashion, and design across the world. When you immerse yourself in basketball, you immerse yourself in art.

In this first part of our pilot episode, we explore the deep connection between basketball and creativity through two distinct stories:

Art Recognizes Art: Caris LeVert in Conversation with Jacob Rochester.
A player and an artist—two creators who express themselves in different mediums but speak the same language. In this conversation, moderated by Franchise, Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Caris LeVert and multidisciplinary artist Jacob Rochester discuss the intersection of basketball and art, their creative influences, and the ways the game has shaped their work.

Pick-Up Games in Warsaw.
On the courts of Świętokrzyski Park in Warsaw, basketball has become more than just a game. Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, these courts have turned into a refuge for young Ukrainian players who have fled the war. Some have come alone, their families remaining behind. Others are building a future in a new city, unsure of when—or if—they’ll return home. But here, in the heart of Warsaw, the game gives them a moment of normalcy, a way to connect, and a place to belong.

The Team Behind the Franchise Podcast:

Produced by Big Beach and Franchise Magazine

Executive Producers: Kieron Banerji, Brittany Reeber, Michael B Clark, and Justin Montag

Marketing and Communications: _general population

Audio Production by Palm Tree Island

Contributors: Piotr Wołodzko and Taylor Jones

Creative: Samurai Snacks.

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