Sports broadcaster Taylor Rooks ignited social media buzz after sharing an Instagram post from her annual “The Afties” gathering, a highlight of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity week that has quickly drawn more than 16,000 likes.
The verified post on her account (@taylorrooks) features scenes from the event with the caption: “YOU JUST HAD TO BE THERE!!! Another year of the Afties. Best party in Cannes 💃🏽.” Comments poured in praising the energy, with users noting the “blended crowd” and asking if others made it.
The June 26 event at Bisou Bisou inside Le Majestic Cannes marked the third edition of The Afties and its largest yet, drawing more than 400 leaders across sports, entertainment, business, media, and culture.
Hosted by Rooks in partnership with TJ Adeshola of Legacy EM, the invite-only evening blended networking, live DJ sets, and organic cross-industry conversations that stretched into the early morning. Sponsors and partners included Amazon Music, Kalshi, Sprite, Patrón, and Think-True.
Notable attendees included Ciara and Russell Wilson, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Jayson Tatum, Draymond Green, Janelle Monáe, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Alexis Ohanian, Jaylen Brown, and others. The mix underscored the event’s role as a cultural crossroads where athletes, executives, musicians, and creators collide outside traditional conference halls.
TJ Adeshola described the evolution: “What started as a simple idea to bring good people together has become one of the defining highlights of the week. Seeing leaders, creators, athletes, and executives from across sports, entertainment, media, and business connect in one room is a reminder that community still matters.”
View this post on Instagram
Rooks, a two-time Emmy Award-nominated journalist and host known for NBA coverage and in-depth interviews, has expanded her platform beyond on-air work into curating experiences that highlight the growing overlap between sports and broader entertainment culture. Her Instagram update captured the celebratory, high-energy atmosphere that has made The Afties a sought-after invitation during Cannes Lions.
Social media reaction extended beyond Instagram. One X post summed up the sentiment: “Ain’t no party like a Taylor Rooks party. The Afties in Cannes was a vibe.”
The rapid engagement reflects more than surface-level glamour. It highlights how sports media personalities like Rooks leverage personal platforms to showcase influence in elite international settings, humanizing high-profile figures while amplifying the professional networking value of such gatherings. In an era where athletes and entertainers increasingly cross into business and media ownership, events like The Afties serve as tangible examples of those blurred lines in action.
For sports media outlets and fans, the moment also illustrates the power of authentic, behind-the-scenes content from trusted voices. Rooks’ post did not just document a party—it signaled access to a curated space where deals, ideas, and relationships form amid the French Riviera backdrop.
As Cannes Lions continues evolving beyond its advertising roots, The Afties has cemented itself as a defining cultural touchpoint. Rooks’ viral share reinforces her position as both a journalist and a connector who bridges industries and audiences.
The Afties’ growth from a simple networking idea to a must-attend affair with 400-plus diverse influencers shows no signs of slowing. For Rooks and the broader sports media landscape, these moments underscore the expanding opportunities when professional credibility meets cultural fluency on a global stage.
Flip the pages for more photos of Taylor Rooks.
