Deals and Partnerships

ESM has procured and identified some of the most novel athlete partnerships in the sports business. From equity stake and ownership of franchises to first of their kind partnerships, ESM leverages a data driven approach that accurately identifies and provides for the most valuable partnerships possible for our elite athletes. Over the past few years ESM has created some of the highest monetizing partnerships and creative opportunities with more than 500 national and global brands.

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The Maturation of Commercial NIL

The Rock’s ZOA Warriors and ESM team up for game changing campaign.

With 7 of the most notable college athletes and ZOA Energy, ESM looked to change the NIL game again. Each athlete was approved by The Rock with ESM developing the strategy alongside the leadership team at ZOA Energy and then subsequently procured the NIL campaign for all athletes. Working alongside each talents representative ESM brought together a tremendous amount of influence and diversity for a growing brand in a hyper-competitive category.

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Bringing Personal Brand Ethos to Life for The NFL’s Elite

Mac Jones becomes the face of NOBULL in largest rookie shoe apparel deal in NFL History

The NOBULL endorsement includes equity for one of the NFL’s most marketable stars. The partnership provides Mac with the opportunity to express his work ethic and align his personal brand in a way that is organic and creative while delivering on his full market value.

Creating True Brand Ambassador Roles for Legacy Brands

Jalen Hurts brings his swagger to Champs/Eastbay as the first-ever brand ambassador

ESM sought to bring new flash and relevance to the iconic Eastbay brand by introducing Jalen Hurts into the mix. Jalen brings his tremendous style and influence to the brand which empowers athletes and brings pro-grade gear to the masses.

Read more on Forbes.com

“We sought to bring the authentic components of Jalen’s brand to life with one of the most iconic sports companies in the biz with Eastbay.”
– Rachel Everett

Taking Traditional Sports to Nontraditional Partnerships

Grayson McCall and NASCAR team up for first ever NIL partnership

ESM created this unprecedented partnership to elevate NASCAR and NIL to new heights. With top draft prospect Grayson McCall from Coastal Carolina as our headliner, we partnered with Darlington Raceway and NASCAR in a first of its kind partnership. Grayson will be supporting Darlington and NASCAR to help drive ticket sales and introduce a traditional collegiate sport audience to auto racing.

“With Grayson’s passion and love of sport and the region it was a no brainer to partner NASCAR and Grayson together”
– Jeff Hoffman

Read more on ESPN.com

Creating Equity Partnerships and New Companies for All-American Athletes

The Cavinder Twins sign groundbreaking NIL deal to own collegiate licenses and produce their own apparel line

ESM brokered an entirely new company for Haley and Hanna Cavinder. Baseline is an apparel company with over 30 collegiate licenses for merchandise and apparel. Our team negotiated, drafted and created a first of its kind NIL partnership which provided the Twins with 25% ownership of Baseline and a seat on its board.

“The Cavinders present a tremendous opportunity for brands but being able to create an entirely new organization with long-term revenue potential is key to fulfilling the Cavinders portfolio.”
– Jeff Hoffman

Read more on Forbes.com

Combining the best in Smashmouth NFL football with a National QSR brand with flavor

Javonte WIlliams brings his style, flair and flavor to Smashburger

ESM leveraged a data driven approach to illustrate how Javonte’s fans and followers index with national restaurant chain, Smashburger. With his smashmouth style of football as one of the NFL’s premiere running backs, combined with data insights which demonstrated key audience alignment, it is a “smashing” success story of an athlete partnership.

“Javonte is an incredible athlete and his style perfectly matched the Smashburger brand. His audience’s alignment and affinity for the QSR chain position the brand to receive a strong return.”
– Alexi Hecht