Phoenix, Arizona | NIL Marketing

Your Name is a
Brand. We Build It.

SM Sports Group is Phoenix's premier NIL marketing agency delivering premium brand partnerships, strategy, and representation for elite student-athletes.

You Are Not a Number
We keep our roster intentionally small so every athlete gets real time, real attention, and a team that genuinely knows their brand.
Legal Knowledge Behind Every Deal
Founded by two ASU Master of Sports Law and Business candidates, we bring legal precision to every negotiation so you always know what you are signing.
Your First Deal or Your Tenth
Whether you are brand new to NIL or ready to scale your partnerships, we meet you where you are and build a strategy around your goals.

Built for Athletes,
Driven by Results

We combine legal expertise with hands-on industry experience to provide college athletes with the representation and guidance they deserve.

The Team Behind
Your Brand

SM Sports Group was founded by Max Shepherd and Elias Mickelson, two Arizona State University Master of Sports Law & Business candidates who understand both the legal landscape and the business of NIL. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, we combine that expertise to give every athlete we represent a real competitive advantage.


We work directly with college athletes to identify and secure brand partnerships, negotiate NIL deals, and develop marketing and social media strategies that grow their presence on and off the field. Our goal is simple: make sure every athlete we represent understands their value and has the tools to monetize it.

100%

Founded by two ASU Master of Sports Law & Business candidates with the legal and business knowledge to represent you the right way.

PHX

Proudly based in Phoenix, Arizona, home to one of the fastest-growing collegiate sports markets in the country.

Max Shepherd
Max Shepherd
Co-Founder & Partner
An ASU Master of Sports Law & Business candidate, Max leads athlete partnerships and brand strategy at SM Sports Group with a mission to ensure every athlete understands and maximizes their NIL value.
Elias Mickelson
Elias Mickelson
Co-Founder & Partner
An ASU Master of Sports Law & Business candidate, Elias drives business development and brand relationships, bringing legal insight and industry experience to every deal he negotiates on behalf of SM Sports Group athletes.

People First

You're not a number. We build real relationships and stay in your corner every text, every deal, every step.

Mental Health Matters

We understand the pressure athletes carry. Your wellbeing is part of every decision we make on your behalf.

Faith & Integrity

Our values are rooted in honesty, accountability, and doing right by the people we work with always.

Full-Service NIL
Marketing Solutions

From your first brand deal to a long-term personal brand strategy, we handle everything so you can focus on your sport.

Brand Development

We help you identify and communicate what makes you unique, building a brand that resonates with fans, sponsors, and the broader market.

  • Personal brand strategy & identity
  • Logo, color palette & visual kit
  • Athlete bio & media kit creation
  • Social media profile optimization

Partnership & Deal Management

We identify brand opportunities, negotiate NIL deals with legal precision, and manage partnerships so you get the most out of every agreement.

  • Brand outreach & matchmaking
  • Contract review & negotiation
  • Deal structure & compliance
  • Deliverable management

Content & Social Strategy

We develop social media and marketing strategies that grow your presence on and off the field, making you more attractive to brand partners.

  • Content calendars & creative ideation
  • Sponsored content production
  • Platform growth strategy
  • Analytics & performance reporting

NIL Education & Compliance

As Sports Law & Business candidates, we help you navigate NCAA compliance, understand your contracts, and protect your eligibility every step of the way.

  • NCAA & conference compliance guidance
  • School policy navigation
  • Contract literacy support
  • Financial literacy basics
01

Discovery

Free consultation to learn your story, goals, and vision.

02

Build

We develop your brand identity, media kit, and outreach strategy.

03

Connect

We tap our network to surface aligned brand partners.

04

Grow

We manage deals, track performance, and keep building.

Start Your
NIL Journey

Reach out for a free consultation. No pressure, just a conversation about your value and how we can help you monetize it.

Ready to build
your legacy?

Fill out the form and Max or Elias will be in touch within 24 hours. Whether you're looking to land your first brand deal or build a long-term personal brand, we're here to help you get there.

Email

hello@smsportsgroup.com

Max

(207) 747-9409

Elias

(303) 961-6167

Location

Phoenix, Arizona

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