And a chance encounter with a renowned author sparked a transformative journey for Crystal McCrary McGuire.
She embodies the essence of a fashionable New Yorker, is an acclaimed filmmaker, and a dedicated mother of three, including NBA player Cole Anthony.
If you’re a fan of Sex and the City, you might recognize Lisa Todd Wexley, portrayed by Nicole Ari Parker in And Just Like That. Interestingly, LTW draws inspiration from Crystal McCrary McGuire, whose real-life narrative rivals any scripted drama.
In this episode of How She Does It, host Karen Finerman converses with Crystal about her career shifts, producing impactful documentaries, raising NBA star Cole Anthony, and launching a business that aids families in the competitive youth sports landscape.
Crystal McCrary McGuire: Transitioning from Law to Creativity
Growing up in Detroit under her grandparents' care, Crystal initially pursued a conventional career path, attending law school and landing a prestigious role at Paul, Weiss in the entertainment sector. Yet, as she collaborated with artists, she yearned to be the creator, not just the legal advisor.
A chance meeting with author Terry McMillan became her pivotal moment. McMillan's advice, “Writers write. Every day,” inspired Crystal to pen her first novel, Home Court Advantage, co-written with Rita Ewing. This fictional tale, inspired by the lives of NBA players’ spouses, became a New York Times bestseller, marking the start of her journey as a creative force.
Documentary Projects That Inspire
Her storytelling transitioned to screen with the docuseries “Leading Women” and “Leading Men,” celebrating influential people of color who’ve made a significant mark in society. She also produced sports documentaries like Little Ballers, showcasing her son Cole Anthony’s AAU basketball team at age 10, and Little Ballers Indiana, featuring a girls’ basketball team with WNBA star Skylar Diggins.
Most recently, she took on the role of executive producer for She Runs the World, a documentary spotlighting Olympic champion Allyson Felix’s battle for equity in sports. The project united a formidable team of women producers, including Tory Burch, Tonya Lewis Lee, and Sue Bird.
“The collective power of women supporting one another made this project especially fulfilling for me,” Crystal shared.
Family, Basketball, and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Basketball remains a shared passion in her family. Cole Anthony is now in his sixth NBA season, and together, he and Crystal established GameUp, a platform aimed at assisting families in finding teams, trainers, and opportunities in the $40 billion youth sports sector.
Her youngest son, Leo, is now playing AAU basketball, while her daughter, Ella, who excelled in high school basketball, pursues her own interests. Throughout their busy lives, Crystal and her husband, financier Ray McGuire, who also ran for public office, rely on careful planning, mutual respect, and a shared vision.
Her message to young athletes, including her children, is straightforward: “I want you to give your best effort, play hard, and most importantly, enjoy the game.”
