TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Jalen Pearson

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Jalen Pearson has always believed that if you build something around what you love, the work never feels forced. A lifelong sports fan, he knew early on that his future would live somewhere in athletics—not just watching the game, but helping create experiences around it. That belief led him to launch API Sports in 2025, based in Birmingham, Alabama, with a simple goal: help local sports clubs put on better events and get more people in the stands.

 

As founder and CEO, Jalen stays close to every detail. On the game operations side, he focuses on making sure events run smoothly—fans know where to go, feel comfortable, and have what they need to enjoy the experience. On the marketing side, he works directly with community clubs to promote games and tournaments, increase exposure, and drive attendance. His clients are all local organizations, and that local-first focus shapes everything API Sports does.

 

Marketing, for Jalen, is about persistence and connection. In a state where college football dominates attention, he’s constantly finding new ways to keep community sports visible. That means blending digital promotion with old-school tactics—posting consistently online, showing up in person, and even using physical flyers where others wouldn’t. Jalen is a people person by nature, and those face-to-face conversations often strengthen the online engagement that follows.

 

Alongside running API Sports, Jalen has served as a board member for nonprofit organizations, work he considers one of his proudest accomplishments. Backed by analytical programs completed through Harvard University and Stanford University, he brings both heart and structure to his work—helping local sports thrive while building genuine community connections along the way.

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Jalen Pearson
Founder & CEO
API Sports
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/jalenlpearson

Facebook: https://facebook.com/jalenlpearson

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jalenlpearson