Variety's First Annual Sports Entertainment Breakfast Presented by Mercedes-Benz Honors Laila Ali as Sports Personality of the Year

LOS ANGELES, July 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Variety hosts the First Annual Sports Entertainment Breakfast Presented by Mercedes-Benz on Tuesday, July 14 2015, at Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles. Celebrating the accomplishments of athletes in their respective sports, this event will also highlight what athletes must do to be 'The New All-Start Athlete" in 2015.

Variety's Sports Entertainment Breakfast Presented by Mercedes-Benz has organized some of the top sports executives and athletes to discuss what it takes to be "The New All-Star Athlete." From reality show competitions to social media followings, athletes today are no longer measured by athletic prowess alone. Athletes have also been making the transition to film & TV actor over the years. Winning the gold is no longer the highest achievement in the world of sports.

Epitomizing this new definition of an all-star athlete is Laila Ali, recipient of Variety's First Sports Personality of the Year Award. Ali wears many hats in her life.  She is a mom, wife, boxing champion, TV Host, Beauty & Lifestyle Brand CEO, advocate for children and author just to name a few. Laila Ali's strategic thinking and perseverance has gotten her more than winning titles in the boxing ring.

Also joining us at the breakfast are 10-time NBA All-Star Chris Bosh (Miami Heat), Hall of Famer Willie McGinest (New England Patriots) and NBA great Matt Barnes (Memphis Grizzlies). These athletes will be discussing the changing role of athletes alongside sports executives Justin Castillo (CAA), Mark Ciardi (Producer), Jon Weinbach (Mandalay Sports Media) and Eric Weinberger (NFL Network).

"Mercedes-Benz is a proud sponsor of this inaugural event honoring athletes who share our drive to be the best or nothing," said Stephanie Zimmer, manager of brand experience marketing, Mercedes-Benz USA. "Our commitment to being associated with the best is at the very heart of the brand's various sports sponsorships – from the green grass of The Masters to the hard courts of the U.S. Open – and this partnership is no exception. We congratulate Laila Ali, whose accomplishments in and out of the ring make her a true champion."

About Variety

Variety and Variety.com provide the industry with the most comprehensive coverage of motion pictures, television and the digital space. With respected and experienced news reporters in Los Angeles, New York and around the world, Variety marries its historic coverage of the entertainment business with a technologically advanced website and new weekly print edition, offering readers the in-depth news coverage needed to remain competitive in the ever-changing entertainment industry. The Variety Group – Variety, Variety.com, Variety Insight, LA 411, NY 411 – is owned by Variety Media, LLC, a division of Penske Media Corporation.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States.  MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty CLA-Class four-door coupe to the flagship S-Class and the Mercedes-AMG GT S.

MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart products in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com  and www.smartusa.com.

Accredited journalists can visit our media site at www.media.mbusa.com.

SOURCE Variety