Tristan Thompson on AI, Sports & Startups at Disrupt 2025

Former NBA champion, fintech entrepreneur, and AI founder Tristan Thompson is bringing a different kind of game to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in October at San Francisco’s Moscone West — one that blends athletic grit, entrepreneurial instinct, and cutting-edge AI.

After more than a decade lighting up the NBA, Thompson has shifted focus from the hardwood to the innovation arena. His latest venture, TracyAI, applies advanced artificial intelligence to sports analytics — turning real-time data into predictive insights that empower athletes, teams, and fans alike.

Don’t miss this fireside chat where sports meets tech. Register now to save up to $444 on your ticket or up to 30% on group passes.

Unlocking the next era of sports and tech

At Disrupt, he’ll unpack how he’s using AI to reimagine performance, strategy, and fan engagement, and why athletes are increasingly shaping the startup ecosystem.

But Thompson’s tech story doesn’t stop there. He currently holds four C-suite roles across the Web3 and FinTech landscape. From chief digital equity officer at World Mobile, driving affordable community-owned internet access, to chief advisory officer at AxonDAO, an AI-powered medical research platform inspired by his brother’s epilepsy journey. He’s also the co-founder of Basketball Fun, an immersive digital experience redefining how fans connect to the game.

As an outspoken advocate for innovation and inclusion, Thompson is part of a new wave of athlete-entrepreneurs using their platforms for impact. His projects have been featured by Forbes, CNBC Crypto World, and CoinDesk, and he recently took the stage at Bitcoin 2025 to discuss athlete-driven innovation in decentralized tech.

“Sports taught me discipline, but tech taught me scale,” Thompson says. “When you merge those worlds, the potential is unlimited.”

From NBA courts to AI innovation — Catch Thompson live at Disrupt

Lean in on Tristan Thompson’s fireside live at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, where he’ll explore how AI is transforming the future of sports, startups, and storytelling — and how athletes are becoming the next generation of founders. Grab your Disrupt 2025 pass and join the conversation on the future of AI, venture, and innovation at one of the most anticipated tech epicenters of the year. Bringing a group? Save up to 30% on bundle passes.

Techcrunch event

San Francisco
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October 27-29, 2025