How Today's Athletes Are Becoming Media Moguls.

Today, athletes have an amazing chance to use their fame in ways like never before. Let's look back at how athlete marketing has evolved and how athletes today can make themselves into successful media companies.

We're in the era of athlete media companies. With social media taking over, athletes have to realize they can do more than just play their sport. They can be like media companies themselves, and that can mean big money.

Just like how big media companies team up with others to grow their audience and make more money, athletes can do the same. They can work with brands, media outlets, and other famous people to get their message out there. This can mean sponsored stuff, campaigns together, or even working on things outside of sports. These deals don't just get them seen more but also bring in money through endorsements, content deals, and more.

Nowadays, athletes can make and share content and products right to their fans through social media. This means they can be like their own media companies, controlling what they say, how they look, and making money from it. We've seen this with influencers like Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian who've built big brands on social media.

To really make this work, athletes need to spend time on social media. Places like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok let them talk to millions of fans all over the world. They should keep making good, real stuff that fans like. By showing what's happening behind the scenes, sharing personal stories, training videos, and chatting with fans, athletes can build a big following and become media stars.

In the world of content creation, it's the athletes themselves who are taking the lead in establishing their own unique brands, and listeners or viewers have more control over what they choose to watch or listen to. Athletes have become more than just competitors; they are now running their own businesses.

When athletes invest in their personal brands through their own media outlets, the rewards extend far beyond financial gains. Thanks to the legalization of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in amateur sports, young athletes are seizing the opportunity presented by this growing trend.

A decade from now, it will be unusual not to see a prominent athlete with a substantial media presence and a dedicated team supporting them. Both companies and individuals are starting to create the necessary infrastructure to help athletes, creators, and brands thrive in their respective fields. This is a truly exciting moment to embark on the journey of building a brand.

Athletes Owning a Media Company:

Steph Curry - Unanimous Media: Founded by NBA superstar Stephen Curry, Unanimous Media is a production company that focuses on creating various types of content, including film, television, and digital media. Curry's company strives to produce content that is inspiring and impactful, reflecting his commitment to storytelling and social change.

Tom Brady - Religion of Sports: Religion of Sports is a media production company co-founded by NFL legend Tom Brady, along with Michael Strahan and Gotham Chopra. This company explores the intersection of sports, culture, and spirituality through documentaries, series, and other forms of media. It aims to provide a unique perspective on the deeper meaning of sports in society.

Sue Bird, Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim & Simone Manuel - TOGETHXR: Togethxr is a media and lifestyle brand co-founded by four influential female athletes: Sue Bird (WNBA), Alex Morgan (soccer), Chloe Kim (snowboarding), and Simone Manuel (swimming). Their mission is to empower and uplift women and girls in sports and beyond. Togethxr produces content that showcases female athletes' stories and experiences.

Peyton Manning - Omaha Productions: Manning, a former NFL quarterback, uses this company to explore various content opportunities, including documentaries, television series, and other entertainment projects. The name "Omaha" pays homage to one of Manning's famous on-field audible calls during his football career.

LeBron James - The SpringHill Company: Co-founded by LeBron James and his business partner, Maverick Carter, the SpringHill Company is a multimedia platform that produces a wide range of content. This includes movies, television shows, and digital content, with a focus on telling diverse and compelling stories. LeBron James has been actively involved in using his platform to address social issues and amplify underrepresented voices through SpringHill.

Dwayne Johnson - Seven Bucks Productions: The Rock and his business partner, Dany Garcia, co-founded a multimedia company that specializes in producing a wide variety of content, including films, television series, and digital projects. The company's name is a nod to the challenging period in Dwayne Johnson's life when he had just seven dollars to his name, highlighting his journey from adversity to success.

Raheem Sterling - Playmaker Films: Playmaker is a production company established by English professional footballer Raheem Sterling. While Sterling is best known for his skills on the soccer field, Playmaker is his foray into the world of media and content creation. The company aims to develop and produce a range of content, potentially focusing on storytelling and narratives that go beyond sports.

Naomi Osaka - Hana Kuma: Hana Kuma is a production company co-founded by Japanese tennis superstar Naomi Osaka. The name "Kuma" means "bear" in Japanese, and it reflects her Japanese and Haitian heritage. While specific details about the company's projects may vary, it's expected to be a platform for Osaka to explore storytelling and content creation.

Derek Jeter - The Players’​ Tribune: The Players' Tribune is a digital media platform founded by former professional baseball player Derek Jeter. While not a traditional production company, it serves as a platform for athletes to share their personal stories, perspectives, and experiences through written articles, video content, and podcasts. It provides athletes with a direct avenue to connect with fans and share their narratives.

Kevin Durant - 35V: Kevin Durant's 35 VENTURES is a business entity that encompasses various ventures, including investments in technology, media, and entertainment. While it's not solely a production company, it plays a role in Durant's engagement with media and content projects, like the Boardroom. The company is involved in various aspects of business, including developing and producing content, and exploring opportunities in the broader entertainment industry.

These production companies and ventures represent the athletes' endeavors to expand their influence and diversify their careers by venturing into media and entertainment, creating and sharing content that resonates with their unique experiences and perspectives.