Success isn’t only about talent. It’s about the team you build. Carmelo Anthony may have dominated the NBA, but his biggest win came off the court with a 16-year business partnership that few saw coming. At the center of it all was Asani Swann, the woman who went from his assistant to a boardroom boss. Today, she’s not just managing deals, she’s co-creating them. As co-founder of VII(N) The Seventh Estate, Swann has redefined what it means to build from the ground up. This is how she turned a simple job offer into an empire.

During a recent episode of The Sports Power Brunch, Swann sat down with Natalie Esquire to discuss her career path. Interestingly, working with Anthony wasn’t always part of the plan; it all started with a simple phone call. She said, “Basically, my cousin called me and said, ‘Do you know who Carmelo Anthony is? He’s looking for an assistant.’ And I was like, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve heard of him.’” That simple phone call set the stage for a business partnership that would redefine both their careers.

Swann was initially hesitant about the opportunity. “No, I don’t think I’m interested,” she admitted. But her longtime dream of working in sports, and a little push from her sister, changed her career graph forever. She continued, “And my sisters actually said ‘you have been wanting to go into the sports industry, why not go on the interview?’ And the rest is history”. And the rest is history.

In 2009, as Carmelo Anthony dominated with the Denver Nuggets, Swann stepped in as his assistant – despite having no prior experience. Within six months, she not only adapted but also became a key figure in his career, eventually transitioning into his trusted business partner.

As he transitioned from basketball, Anthony expanded his presence in the business world. His ambition, paired with Swann’s expertise, led to the birth of VII(N) The Seventh Estate. As they dealt with the wine industry together, they became trusted business partners. And because of years of partnership, they also developed a deep mutual respect and a lasting friendship.

Carmelo Anthony dishes on his Ride-or-Die bond with Asani Swann

Remember the hooded NBA warm-up look during his Hoodie Melo era, a time when he locked in on his craft with an intense, almost meditative focus. That same drive now fuels his ventures off the court, and Asani Swann has been by his side, sharing his vision every step of the way.

Together, they co-founded VII(N) The Seventh Estate in 2019, merging their love for fine wine. In 2022, they launched their first label, 2017 Oath of Fidelity Chateauneuf-du-Pape, a reflection of their dedication to quality and authenticity. After basketball, Carmelo Anthony stepped into the wine industry to create something new, something meaningful. And Swann, his longtime collaborator, has been instrumental in shaping the brand’s identity and success.

“We’ve been working together 10 – 12 years,” Anthony shared, reflecting on their journey. “I realized she came from a corporate background and had expertise beyond that role. Once we identified her strengths, I wanted to see what she wanted to do, and we started talking [about] businesses. I wanted to bring her up to sit side by side with me in these companies. Let’s go build it.”

Anthony’s post-NBA journey proves that longevity in success is about surrounding yourself with the right people. With Swann’s guidance, he has expanded his empire beyond basketball. He’s cemented his influence in business just as he did on the court.