A Private Equity & Advisory Firm Deploying Native American and Traditional Investment Capital into Professional Sports, Entertainment & Ancillary Opportunities

Our Team

Phillip A. Ciano, ESQ.

Co-Founder & Managing Partner

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Phillip A. Ciano, ESQ.

Co-Founder & Managing Partner

Phil is responsible for Bright Path’s overall leadership as well as origination of professional sports and ancillary investment opportunities. Phil is a Founding Partner of Ciano & Goldwasser, LLP – a national sports law/deal boutique representing private and public companies, global talent agencies and diversified investment funds. Clients include public and closely held companies and international sports agencies/certified agents in professional baseball, basketball and football. He is an Ohio licensed sports agent, an active member of the Sports Lawyers Association, and sits on multiple boards including the board of the American Cancer Society.

James B. LaPorte

Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer

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James B. LaPorte

Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer

Jim has deep business and management experience inside and outside Native America. His investment experience includes entertainment, energy, construction and startup ventures. Jim managed more than 1,000 employees while overseeing the expansion of multiple Native American gaming and entertainment businesses. A member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Jim sits on various boards, including the economic development arm of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians in Michigan. Jim oversees Bright Path’s investor relations group. He also leads the fund’s community outreach initiatives.

John R. Zahnow Jr.

Co-Founder & Chief Financial Officer

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John R. Zahnow Jr.

Co-Founder & Chief Financial Officer

Jake has decades of experience in corporate development and management of start-ups and Fortune 500 companies in automotive, building materials, retail and distribution. Jake brings deep experience in operations, corporate finance, family office management, private equity and mergers & acquisitions. Jake is primarily responsible for origination and execution and will serve as Bright Path’s Chief Financial Officer.

Community Enrichment

Bright Path Sports Partners is committed to partnering with organizations that share its social equity mission and are dedicated to helping empower Native American communities though strategic investment.

Bright Path Strong

Bright Path Strong was created to share and amplify authentic Native American voices and stories, past and present, and specifically carry on the legacy of Jim Thorpe. Through various programs, including ‘Let Them Play’ initiative which works to supply Native American communities with new or used athletic equipment, Bright Path Sports Partners works to improve the well-being of indigenous communities.

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