SMG SPORTS MANAGEMENT GROUP INTERNATIONAL
We Represent More Than Athletes. We Build Athlete Brands.
Pickleball-focused representation, sponsorship development, brand partnerships, media strategy, and career management — powered by the full resources of SMG Media Group.
— 01 / THE LINEAGE
Two decades in sports. One new chapter.
20+
Years in sports representation
NFL · MLB
Combat sports · Action sports
2023
Traditional division sold
2026
SMG Sports Management launch
For more than two decades, our team has represented and worked alongside some of the most recognizable names in professional sports — from the NFL, MLB, combat sports and action sports to influential personalities shaping today’s culture.
In 2023, we stepped away from traditional sports representation following the sale of our former division. That transition gave us the opportunity to pursue something we believed was pure, energetic and without boundaries.
With the launch of SMG Media Group, we have evolved once again — creating SMG Sports Management Group International, a dedicated pickleball-focused sports agency built for the future of the game.
Backed by more than 20 years of experience building powerful brand relationships and helping curate some of the largest partnership opportunities in sports, SMG brings experience, foresight, technology and a new generation of ambitious agents to the fastest-growing sport in the world.
Our mission is clear: to represent the athletes shaping pickleball’s future, build their brands beyond the court and connect them with opportunities that match their talent, personality and long-term vision.
This is more than athlete representation. This is the next generation of pickleball management.
— 02 / THE SMG DIFFERENCE
Representation Meets Brand Development.
Most agencies negotiate deals. SMG also builds the athlete's identity, content, audience, sponsorship value, and long-term commercial platform.
— 03 / PICKLEBALL-FIRST
Built for the Fastest-Growing Court in Sports.
Built first for the rapidly growing world of pickleball — with the infrastructure to represent athletes across emerging and established sports.
— WHO WE REPRESENT
Professional Athletes
Established competitors seeking strategic management, sponsorship development, and brand expansion.
Emerging & Amateur Athletes
High-potential players building competitive résumés, visibility, and professional opportunities.
Youth & NIL Talent
Young athletes and families seeking responsible guidance, brand development, and qualified NIL opportunities. Parent or legal guardian required for all youth inquiries.
— 04 / SERVICES
Four capabilities. One coordinated system.
Representation
Contract guidance, opportunity management, negotiation support, and professional career planning.
Brand Development
Athlete positioning, identity, social strategy, content development, and audience growth.
Partnerships
Sponsorships, endorsements, event partnerships, travel opportunities, and co-branded products.
Career Growth
Media opportunities, public appearances, business development, and long-term planning beyond competition.
— 05 / THE SMG ECOSYSTEM
One Athlete. An Entire Growth System.
Every represented athlete gains access to SMG's brand, creative, media, AI, partnership, and revenue-development capabilities.
SEE SMG MEDIA GROUP- Athlete representation
- Sponsorship and endorsement development
- Personal-brand strategy
- Social-media and content development
- NIL opportunity development
- Public appearances
- Event and travel partnerships
- Co-branded merchandise and product collaborations
- Media, podcast, and broadcast opportunities
- Post-career business development
— 06 / THE TEAM
Meet the agents.
A new generation of athlete representation, backed by two decades of institutional experience.
Jacob Lee returns home to SMG after initially spending a summer with our former agency as an intern, where he gained hands-on experience in brand activation, streaming content development and athlete representation.
Today, Jacob has placed his focus entirely on the pickleball court. He brings a strong understanding of the game, athlete branding and the expanding opportunities available through sponsorships, endorsements, content and strategic brand integration.
As a member of the SMG Sports Management Group International team, Jacob will focus on identifying, developing and representing pickleball players of all ages and competitive levels. His mission is to help each athlete build a distinctive personal brand, secure meaningful opportunities and establish a successful future both on and beyond the court.
With his energy, industry experience and passion for the continued growth of pickleball, Jacob represents the next generation of athlete management — and an important addition to SMG’s pickleball-focused division.
— 07 / GET IN THE ROOM
Two paths. Both start here.
FOR ATHLETES
Apply for representation.
Professional, emerging, amateur, and NIL talent. All youth inquiries require a parent or legal guardian.
FOR BRANDS & PARTNERS
Partner with our roster.
Sponsorships, ambassadors, event partnerships, product collaborations, and media integrations.
— DIRECT LINE
SMG Sports Management Group International
A Division of SMG Media Group · Carlsbad, CA
SMG Sports Management Group International is a division of SMG Media Group. Representation subject to approval. SMG makes no guarantee of sponsorships, earnings, scholarships, rankings, or professional status. Youth-athlete inquiries require a parent or legal guardian.