NBXL™FRONT OFFICE

CHRISTIAN VILLAR

FOUNDER | OWNER

Christian Villar is a seasoned entrepreneur, professional athlete, and consultant with nearly 20 years of experience. As the founder and sole owner of the NBXL, he has turned his vision into reality through resilience and self-belief, overcoming challenges without relying on external investors or partners.

Villar holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s in Social Behavioral Science from Seton Hall University, graduating with honors.

After returning from playing professional basketball overseas in 2009, Villar created the NJ-Pros, an independent professional basketball team, to gain experience in running a basketball team at the local, national and international levels before creating the NBXL. He also continued to play for the NJ-Pros, which ultimately became the founding team of the NBXL in 2020. Villar's entrepreneurial ventures include founding The Pros Brand, an independent footwear and apparel company, inspired by his early experiences growing up in the Dominican Republic, where he walked barefoot and wore second-hand sneakers until he could afford his own.

Through his consulting firm, Villar Consulting, he has provided strategic guidance to businesses, nonprofits, and individuals since 2006. With his extensive experience and leadership, Villar is now focused on making the NBXL one of the top professional basketball leagues in the world, driven by his passion for innovation and helping others succeed.

CRAIG HODGES

FRONT OFFICE EXECUTIVE

Prior to joining the NBXL front office executive team Hodges coached the NBXL's founding franchise NJ-Pros team during the team’s independent years and 2 exhibition games against the Dominican Republic National Team prior to their pre Olympic qualifying games in Atlanta. “We are honored to have Craig on board as he is family and has been by my side since day one” states NBXL founder/owner Christian Villar. He is now the President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach for the Expo City Dubai franchise.

Hodges played in the NBA for 10 seasons and led the league in 3point shooting percentage three times. As a member of the famed Chicago Bulls, Hodges won two NBA Championships. He also won 2 NBA Championship as a coach with the Los Angeles Lakers. He, along with Larry Bird, is one of only two players in NBA history to win three consecutive NBA Three Point Contests, winning the competition in 1990, 1991 and 1992. Coach Hodges also holds the Three Point Contest record for the most consecutive shots made with 19, set in 1991,and the most points scored in a single round at 25, set in 1986.

Hodges coaching career includes, head coach at Chicago State University (94-96), assistant for the Los Angeles Lakers under Hall of Famer, Phil Jackson, and 2x NBA Champions (2005-2011), head coach of the Halifax Rainmen of NBL Canada, assistant and head coach of the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G-League.

FELIPE LOPEZ

FRONT OFFICE EXECUTIVE

Prior to joining the NBXL front office executive team Lopez was with the NBXL's founding franchise NJ-Pros team during the team’s independent year 2013 as a player. He had his #13 NJ-Pros jersey retired after playing for the team when they traveled to play teams from Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic national professional basketball leagues. He then moved to coaching the team with Craig Hodges and most notably when team the played the USA Men's World Cup qualifying team to the 2020 Olympics where he was the head coach. “The decision to bring Felipe to the NBXL was an easy one because he, along with Craig Hodges, has been with me since day one and part of this NBXL journey. I need people like this by my side because we are family,” states league founder/owner Christian Villar.

Felipe Lopez is a former National Basketball Association player, and one of the three current distinguished ambassadors for the NBA’s philanthropic effort, NBA Cares, alongside Bob Lanier and Dikembe Mutumbo. He also runs his own foundation, The Felipe Lopez Foundation, which aims to enrich the lives of inner-city youth through a combination of physical education, as well as educational support that extends beyond regular classroom hours.

Felipe played high school basketball at famed Rice High School in New York City, where he became one of the most highly touted recruits in U.S. high school history. Following high school, Felipe went to play for St. John’s University, where he completed four years and finished strong as a senior, averaging 17.6 ppg and garnering All-Big East First Team honors.

Felipe went on to play for six seasons in the NBA. He was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 24th pickin the 1998 NBA Draft and was immediately traded to the Vancouver Grizzlies. Following two years of play there,Felipe also played for the Washington Wizards and Minnesota Timberwolves.

RICH ROWBOTHAM

FRONT OFFICE EXECUTIVE

Prior to joining the NBXL front office executive team, Rich was a member of the NBXL's founding franchise, NJ-Pros team since 2009, in which he assisted the team with its marketing efforts, strategic partnerships, and community relations. He also serves as an assistant coach for the NJ-Pros.

Rich brings over 20 years of coaching and sports management experience to the organization. He has worked as an accountant for the New Jersey Devils professional hockey team, served as an assistant coach with the professional minor league basketball team, New Jersey Lightning, and was an assistant coach/scout for the New Jersey Revolution, professional indoor football team.

Rowbotham earned his Business Administration degree from Montclair State University and is a member of the Clifton Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame. Rich coaches various youth sports programs throughout the year and is actively involved with numerous nonprofit organizations.

Meet the Team

CURRENT ADVISORY BOARD AND NBXL LEAGUE OWNED TEAMS CO-OWNERS

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Mr. Janescheck is the Board of Trustee Chairman of St. John’s University in Queens NY. He is also part owner of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins.

Mr. Janetschek, joined Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (KKR) as a partner and its Chief Financial Officer in 1997 and retired in 2020. He was also a member of of KKR’s Balance Sheet Committee, Global Valuation Committee and Risk and Operations Committee. Prior to Joining KKR he was a Tax Partner at Deloitte & Touch LLP. He has served on the Board of Directors of Freedom Acquisition I. Corp. (NYSE: Fact) a special purpose acquisition company since February 2021. He holds a B.S. from St. John’s University and an M.S. from Pace University.

His professional background in serving as chairman in other boards, financial expertise and being a professional sports team owner makes Mr. Janetscheck the right person to help lead and guide NBXL executives and other advisory board members into making sure the NBXL becomes one of the best professional basketball leagues in the world.

Joe Foster is the founder of Reebok, while Julie Foster is the managing director of JW Foster Heritage LTD.

Joe Foster and Julie Foster exemplify the qualities of successful entrepreneurs, showcasing their remarkable journey of establishing a global brand while actively contributing to the community. Their story serves as a compelling reminder of the immense power found in unwavering determination, relentless hard work, and a refusal to surrender just as NBXL founder/owner Christian Villar has done with the NBXL and The Pros Brand.

Julie Foster, as the managing director of JW Foster Heritage, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her current position, safeguarding the history of the Reebok brand while actively supporting startups and aspiring entrepreneurs with invaluable advice and resources.

Furthermore, Julie places immense importance on the act of giving back to the community. Her involvement in philanthropic endeavors and community-building initiatives through organizations such as Let’s Localize and Global Woman Club exemplify her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the world. Beyond her philanthropic work, Julie also serves as a mentor to numerous aspiring entrepreneurs, assisting them in developing the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the fiercely competitive business landscape.

Abdulraheem Alhashemi, serves in Abu Dhabi Sports Council as the Events Study Section Head. He has been instrumental in helping NBXL league founder/owner, Christian Villar. For the past two years he has helped Villar in understanding the culture and business operations in the UAE. Most importantly developing strategies and a foundation on how to build relationships that will bring communities closer and expand our international foot print through sports across the UAE and globally. The wealth of experience and resources he brings to the NBXL is second to none.

As an official Mandate for a number of Sheikh’s Offices, Oksana understands the inside world of the UAE and the Gulf region. Her scope comprises Investment opportunities and authorizes her to initiate meetings on behalf of the Private Offices, discuss concepts, create brand awareness, shortlist, scrutinize and coordinate investment projects.

In addition, Oksana is mandated by several companies outside the Gulf region to introduce their innovations to the Sheikh’s Private Offices and organize tabletop meetings for the full project presentation.

Oksana serves on the Advisory Board of a number of other respected and prestigious companies as well, including charitable organizations.

Oksana owns several companies and acts as a shareholder of multiple strategic start-ups. She flies under the radar when she is involved with her charities; prefers to be a silent investor, but certainly makes headlines when she organizes her Networking events.

Dunstan is a Mechanical Engineer by profession and has served as the Managing Director of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Obaid Thani Al Maktoum’s Private Office since 1989. For the previous 35 years, he had been assigned to supervise and execute various multi-million-dollar projects in Dubai.

Currently, he has founded and run multiple businesses in various industries; M/s Jaber Al Measam Building Contracting LLC (Dubai UAE), M/s DJMC Events ( Dubai UAE), M/s Seagate Technical Services LLC (Dubai UAE), M/s ASL Entertainment (Vie Fashion Week)(Dubai UAE) M/s Magic Touch Global General Trading LLC,( Dubai UAE) M/s JMH Real Estate( Dubai UAE) M/s Triple Dee Investments LLC (Dubai UAE) M/s Fairfields Global Lawyers LLC (Dubai UAE) M/s Best Royal Trips Travels and Tourism (Dubai UAE) M/s Triple D Australia PTV LTD (Perth Australia) M/s Dwellings Real Estate (Melbourne Australia) M/s Happy Holidays Travels and Tourism PTV LTD (Melbourne Australia).

Dunstan’s impressive track record in business and event management in Dubai not only will contribute to the success of NBXL both on and off the court but also strengthens the advisory board. His expertise and experience bring valuable insights and guidance to help NBXL thrive in all aspects of its operations.

NBXL™FRONT OFFICE

Meet the Team

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