Leveling The Playing Field

As a kid in Brooklyn, I learned what it was like to be an amateur athlete in the inner city. I grew up with guys who had all of the tools to make it to the league, but their families did not have the resources, connections or financial situations to help advance their careers.

After all, the chances of being drafted are still less than 1 percent, regardless of skill level.

Those who did play professionally, like Lance Stephenson & Sebastian Telfair (Lincoln High’s Finest), Kemba Walker (RIP Rice High), and Tobias Harris (Long Island), had national (and local) influence but were still in search of their identity beyond the court.

But what about the guys that unfortunately did not make it professionally? Some of them somehow had an even larger influence in the community at the time, but just did not have the tools to make it to advance to the next level. Why couldn’t they put themselves out there a bit more and actually monetize who they were? While additionally becoming a resource for others and even more importantly, help out their families financially? I do not want to see another talented amateur athlete lack opportunity or access to fulfilling their potential.

I am well versed on endorsement deals that helped propel athletes such as Allen Iverson (Reebok), Latrell Sprewell (Rims), Jordan (Nike) and T-Mac (Adidas) to the top of their game to the top of our culture. I also studied the entrepreneurial evolution of both Magic Johnson and George Foreman. His grill was the only thing I could cook with until I was about 23. 😂

It’s not just their jump shot or crossover that intrigues me. It’s the power that athletes wield in the corporate arena that also captivates me.

All of the athletes, especially the ones who’ve become dominant business moguls, have influenced me to become an accomplished sports marketing and brand partnership professional. I’ve delivered partnerships across agencies, emerging startups and professional sports teams. However, as I continue to watch companies empower athletes and support amateur players beyond on the court, I knew I had to be a part of the movement. Meet my new venture, Athlytic.

Over the past 10 months, my co-founder and I have spoken with over 200 athletes, brands, and athletic administrators looking to understand their power and opportunity in the industry. After nearly a year of research, we are ready to change the landscape of the sports industry forever.

Right now, there isn’t a way for student athletes to efficiently connect directly with brands for endorsement deals and marketing partnerships. Athlytic is a fully-integrated marketplace that will help bridge that gap. As a company, we pledge to connect student athletes with potential endorsement partners by simplifying the process. We will allow athletes the opportunity to manage partnerships and their own brand without distracting them from their performance or school work.

Allow me to re-introduce myself. My name is Jared Eummer — Co-Founder of Athlytic, the marketplace that will change the landscape of Sports forever.