• Loading stock data...
Sunday, July 13, 2025

Don’t Look Now, but VaynerSports is Shocking the Agency World

VaynerSports with clients Alvin Kamara and Jalen Reeves-Maybin (from left to right: AJ, Kamara, Reeves-Maybin, Gary, McLaughlin, Williams) Image via McLaughlin

VaynerSports with clients Alvin Kamara and Jalen Reeves-Maybin (from left to right: AJ, Kamara, Reeves-Maybin, Gary, McLaughlin, Williams) Image via McLaughlin


Positional rankings via SI
Positional rankings via SI

“We are thrilled with the men who comprise the inaugural VaynerSports draft class, and we believe that each of them will realize both an increase in their draft stock and a significant growth in their personal brands by the time that the 2017 NFL Draft opens,” said Williams. “Our clients are currently hard at work preparing their bodies and minds for a successful professional career, and in the meantime we are busy handling everything else for them — enabling them to focus 100% on their preparation.”

At the core of VaynerSports is the marketing prowess of Gary and AJ, an expertise and network that opens doors to both traditional, large brands and startups. With these connections and aptitude, the agency has a unique capability to assist their clients in monetizing their platforms more frequently and at a larger magnitude than competitors.

The agency also has the presence of mind to cater to their client’s interests. Whether the athlete wants to focus on raising awareness for a cause, embark on a philanthropic venture or just supplement their on-field income, VaynerSports is prepared and equipped to support all of their interests.

Perhaps the best example of the firm’s ability to deliver on this value proposition early on is the partnership between Airbnb and VaynerSports client Matt Paradis. Paradis, a center for the Denver Broncos, was the first NFL player to do a deal with the hospitality startup earlier this season. Leveraging their relationships and marketing understanding of the technology world, VaynerSports was able to facilitate the collaboration.

VaynerSports and client Jon Toth (from left to right: McLaughlin, AJ, Toth, Gary, Williams) Image via McLaughlin

VaynerSports and client Jon Toth (from left to right: McLaughlin, AJ, Toth, Gary, Williams) Image via McLaughlin

“Fundamentally, I have a 20-year career in seeing things a couple minutes before everyone else, whether it was e-commerce in ’96 or the way I marketed in early 2000, or investing in Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Uber before others and I think I’m going to bring that energy to the athletes both in the marketing of themselves and opportunities off the field,” Gary commented.

While VaynerSports has certainly experienced success in the early going, the team believes that they are just scratching the surface. AJ highlighted the optimism going forward:

“I’m excited that we can start letting our actions speak louder than our words. We’re ready to show we can get more value for our guys on and off the field, treat them well, have great communication and support. After we prove that, I think that we’ll start building the reputation in sports that will allow us to improve our reach and have the potential to work with more athletes.”

Despite being headquartered in New York City, a modest region for college prospects, VaynerSports has been able to maintain a strong national recruiting presence. The entire team has spent a majority of the football season on the road, including day trips to places like Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles, among others. Additionally, Gary has multi-tasked on various VaynerMedia business trips and speaking engagements, setting up meetings with area prospects when efficient.

The next few months leading up to the NFL Draft will be telling for the young agency.

Currently, the team is preparing to attend the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine — the biggest job interviews to date for their clients — and ensuring its athletes are prepared for all the twists and turns along the way. At VaynerSports, this pressure is greeted with optimism:

“I think year one in any business is challenging. Thankfully, Mook and I had several years of experience in the sports agency industry to draw upon, and were able to combine that with Gary and AJ’s business success,” explained McLaughlin. “The biggest thing for us was being able to effectively communicate the value we could bring to these athletes embarking on their professional careers. We believe we’re off to a great start, and looking forward to delivering for our clients.”

Only time will tell if VaynerSports can truly revolutionize the antiquated sports agency industry, but all early indications are undeniably positive.

“I think we’re just getting started,” said AJ. “It’s going to be a fun ride.”

Front Office Sports is proud to have spoken with VaynerSports. We would like to thank them for their time and insight and we wish them the best on all their future endeavors. You can follow VaynerSports on Twitter or find them at VaynerSports.com.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL

30 NFL Second-Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.
Jeff Kaplan

Letting PE Invest in Family-Owned Teams Is a ‘Watershed’

Liquidity gives owners greater flexibility to manage salary cap.

NFL Likely to Stay With CBS, Targeting Mass Renegotiation in 2029

The league instead looks toward a broader set of contract opt-outs.

Featured Today

May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
Gabby Thomas
exclusive
June 12, 2025

Grand Slam Track Cancels Los Angeles Meet As $30 Million Track Start-Up..

Sources close to Grand Slam insist money is not an issue.
June 13, 2025

What Rolapp’s NFL Exit Means—and the Top Candidates to Replace Him

NFL media boss Brian Rolapp leaves; the league hunts for his replacement.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
May 23, 2025

New LPGA Commissioner: Women’s Golf ‘Really Hard’ to Find on TV

Former PGA of America COO Craig Kessler will lead the tour.
Donald Trump, Nick Saban
May 22, 2025

Proposed Trump College Sports Commission May Never Happen

The White House is not sure of its plans.
May 15, 2025

PGA Championship Tees Off With Free Food, Record Hospitality Sales

General admission includes unlimited food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Jun 12, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; St. Louis Blues center Ivan Barbashev (49) and right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating the Boston Bruins in game seven of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden
May 15, 2025

The 10 Biggest Stanley Cup Upsets of All Time

Since the 1984–1985 NHL season, 10 squads have defied the odds.