Meet Casey Gillespie | President | The Columbus Wizards

We had the good fortune of connecting with Casey Gillespie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Casey, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was never about just basketball, it was about creating something real that had meaning. For me, basketball has always been more than just a game. It was an escape growing up, a way for me to tune out everything going on at home and really just breathe. I grew up in a home that has its fair share of disfunction and some of the same problems that people are facing today. I never developed the confidence to play ball in high school, but I did stay close to the game through city leagues and late-night runs on the outdoor courts at Ohio State University. Some of those nights went until 2 or 3 in the morning.

After high school, I joined a league called the WCBL. I started as a free agent and eventually brought my own team in. Even though it was just rec ball, I took it seriously and wanted to build a brand. I wanted to set a tone, one that wasn’t just for social media likes or clout. I once suspended a player for a half of a game, not for the attention, but because i was trying to shape and develop a culture. I believed in discipline and accountability and that’s how I led. I was always the guy in every team chat pushing everyone to show up, be better, and treat the game with respect.

Of course, I’m naturally still a competitor, i love a little trash talk in the heat of battle or in group chats with the guys. But deep down, I knew that i didn’t have the talent to play at a super high level. What I did have was a vision, to build something the right way! So, when the WCBL had the chance to partner with a pro league, I was all in. That deal did not work out for reasons that were never really clear but i didn’t let that stop me. I had saved up some money, and I decided to go for it on my own.

I wanted to bring something to Columbus, Ohio that was bigger than basketball and truly rooted in the community. As Jim Cleamons said, “Basketball only lasts four quarters.” That has really stuck with me throughout this journey because it is true. The game ends. But the impact you make, the culture you build, and the lives you touch, that is what lives on!

Thats what has led me to present with The Columbus Wizards. We’re not just a basketball team. Were a standard. A platform. A community. And were building something that’ll outlast every buzzer!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Columbus Wizards are more than just a men’s professional basketball team. What we are continuing to build is a professional organization that is rooted in culture, community, and opportunity. Yes, we compete at a high level, but the mission is deeper than the wins or losses that show up on the scoreboard. We represent the spirit of Columbus with pride and purpose. Our goal is to create something that people feel they are a part of, whether in the stands, behind the scenes, or wearing the jersey.

What sets us apart is the why behind what we do. A lot of teams exist to fill a schedule. We exist to fill a gap, to elevate the standard of minor league basketball while investing back into the people and the city that made us. We’re building a platform that creates real opportunities for athletes, coaches, creatives, and entrepreneurs. We are doing this with passion, professionalism, and heart at the forefront.

Getting here hasn’t been easy! There were failed partnerships, personal sacrifices, and moments where it felt like the odds were stacked against us. I kept focus on the mission and remembered the kid who used basketball as an escape,

One of the biggest lessons that I have learned is that vision is powerful, but execution is everything. You can dream big, but you have to build brick by brick. I’ve also learned the power of patience, of surrounding yourself with people who believe in the mission, and of staying grounded in your values no matter how big the opportunity.

What I want the world to know about The Columbus Wizards is that the brand was built with intention. We’re not here for flash, were here for impact. We’re building something real and were doing it with integrity. If you’re watching from afar, come closer. We’ve got something special going on, and this is just the beginning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came into town for the week, I’d want to make sure they got the full Columbus experience, not just the touristy spots, but the soul of the city. On day one we would have to start things off with some food and good vibes. The first stop would have to be Roosters wings, casual, flavorful, and it hits every time! For day two, we would definitely have to hit up lower.com field to catch a Columbus Crew game, the energy and true beauty in that stadium is unmatched. After the game, we swing by Mikey’s Late-Night slice or Dirty Franks for that classic Columbus flavor. To keep the night going, stop at Pins Mechanical for some duckpin bowling and local brews is an absolute must. On day three I want to showcase the nature and nostalgia by starting off the morning with a walk through Franklin Park Conservatory or a bike ride along the Scioto Mile. Wed grab lunch at Tommys Pizza which has been a Central Ohio Tradition Since 1952. If the weather cooperates at night, maybe an outdoor movie or live show at The Columbus Commons. For day five we would dedicate this to the culture that built the city. Catch a performance at the Lincoln Theatre or historical Ohio Theater. For dinner we would have Lindeys which is another staple in the city since 1981 and is housed in a restored historic building dating back to the 1880s. For some solid evening entertainment, wed find some live music perhaps at The Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar. Saturdays are reserved for The Ohio State Buckeyes so we would spend time exploring the historical campus before enjoying some good old-fashioned tailgating at Ohio Stadium, don’t worry there’s plenty of food to go around.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, I wouldn’t be where I am today without a whole village and quite frankly a little luck along the way. First and foremost, I have to give credit to my wife and kids. Thier patience, love, and belief in me, even when the idea was just that, has been everything. They have sacrificed time, energy, and comfort to support this dream.

I want to thank the incredible staff that we have built along the way with The Columbus Wizards. Their dedication, support, creativity, and all-around belief in what we’re doing has been nothing short of amazing. Our organization would not be where it is without their energy and effort behind the scenes every single day!

I have to give a shoutout to my partners Will Wise and Chad Goudy. From the jump, they believed in the mission, even when I was a little too animated laying it all out over dinner at Texas Roadhouse. That night set the tone, and I’m grateful they say the vision and chose to be a part of it. I would be remised if I didn’t mention Jared Smith, who truly deserves recognition in the journey. Thank you for trusting me to take the Wizards brand and elevate it to the professional level.

I also want to shout out my close friends and inner circle, the ones who have been with me through the rec league days, those late-night strategy talks, and the moments of doubt when I needed a reminder of why I started this in the first place. They have challenged me, encouraged me, and always kept it real.

To my mentors and peers in the minor league basketball world, the people who have shown me the ropes, shared their lessons, and helped me avoid pitfalls, I am forever grateful! I want the give a huge shoutout to the Columbus community, the city has embraced the vision and given me a reason to keep pushing.

Website: https://www.thecolumbuswizards.com

Instagram: @thecolumbuswizards

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillespiecasey/

Twitter: https://x.com/thewizpresident

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolumbuswizards

Image Credits
image credits to @thecolumbuswizards @ohiosportstoday @zelomedia