Gavin Maloof joined Sean Kelly on the Digital Social Hour to look back on a career that spans professional sports ownership and the spirits business. Best known as one of the family owners of the Sacramento Kings and an early investor in the Vegas Golden Knights, Maloof brought decades of behind-the-scenes stories to the conversation.
The discussion ranges from talent scouting and small-market team dynamics to building Comisario Tequila, giving listeners a look at how Maloof has approached success across two very different industries.
About Gavin Maloof
Gavin Maloof is an entrepreneur and former professional sports team owner whose family built a business legacy spanning gaming, hospitality, and sports. He and his family previously owned the Sacramento Kings NBA franchise and the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, and he has held an ownership stake in the Vegas Golden Knights, the NHL franchise that won a Stanley Cup.
More recently, Maloof has turned his attention to the spirits industry, building on his family's long history in beverage distribution to launch Comisario Tequila. His career reflects a consistent thread of entrepreneurship across sports, hospitality, and consumer brands.
What Gavin Maloof and Sean Kelly Talked About
- What it took to become one of the youngest team owners in professional sports history
- Behind-the-scenes stories from his years involved with the Sacramento Kings organization
- How the Vegas Golden Knights' Stanley Cup run reflected Las Vegas's rise in pro sports
- His family's beverage-industry roots and how they led to launching Comisario Tequila
- Stories about NBA legends like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird from his years in the league
- His perspective on talent scouting and what separates small-market teams from big ones
- Why he sees paddleball as one of the next sports trends worth watching
Why This Conversation Matters
Gavin Maloof's conversation with Sean Kelly draws on four decades of experience across professional sports and consumer brands, offering a rare inside perspective on how championship organizations and premium spirits brands actually get built. It's a worthwhile listen for anyone interested in sports business or entrepreneurship in competitive, brand-driven industries.
▶ Watch the full episode on YouTube
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About Sean Kelly & the Digital Social Hour
Sean Kelly is an entrepreneur and the host of the Digital Social Hour, one of the fastest-growing interview podcasts in the world, where he sits down with entrepreneurs, athletes, creators, and cultural voices for candid, long-form conversations. The show draws over 100 million views a month across platforms. Explore more guest features on SeanKelly.io.
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