About Esquire Sports

NIL Agents & Advisors for Athletes, Schools & Brands

 Full-service NIL representation and strategy for athletes, families, schools, and brands — from contract negotiation and legal guidance to compliance and brand development.

We’re not agents. We’re advocates.
Built on real experience in the locker room, the courtroom, and the boardroom, Esquire Sports exists to make sure every NIL opportunity is clear, fair, and built to last.

Meet Clay Barnett

Founder. Athlete. Attorney. Relentless Advocate.

Clay Barnett’s story isn’t just about sports. It’s about advocacy born from experience.

  • Raised in college athletics: As the son of a Division I football coach, Clay grew up immersed in the grind, sacrifice, and stakes athletes face.

  • Lived the journey: From standout high school athlete to college football player at Georgetown, Clay’s path was personal long before it was professional.

  • Earned it at the highest level: Working with the Patriots and Eagles, Clay helped build championship teams, earning a Super Bowl ring and firsthand insight into elite performance.

  • From the field to the courtroom: Clay brings 20+ years of legal experience and became one of the youngest partners at his firm, representing athletes, coaches, and organizations in high-stakes legal matters… and winning.

  • Shaped NIL history: Clay directly contributed to the Alston v. NCAA case, helping redefine college athletes’ rights. Following this landmark decision, he founded Esquire Sports to provide athletes, families, schools, and brands with strategic, fair, and long-term NIL representation.

  • Locker room, courtroom, boardroom: With experience across sports, law, and strategy, Clay ensures every opportunity is protected, optimized, and built to last.

In 2021, when the Alston v. NCAA decision changed everything, Clay stepped up. He founded Esquire Sports to make NIL fair, strategic, and empowering—for the long haul.

Why Choose Esquire?

There are plenty of voices in NIL, but none with the depth, experience, and perspective we bring.

Deep Athletic Roots

We’ve lived the grind. From playing college sports to scouting at the NFL level, we know what it takes to perform, lead, and succeed.

Legal Precision

 NIL deals are more than business, they’re binding contracts. We review, negotiate, and protect every detail so you can confidently secure your opportunities without risk.

A Mission That Matters

Athletes should be empowered, not exploited. Every recommendation and decision we make is guided by what’s best for you, not what’s easy.

Built for All Sides of the Game

Parents, athletes, schools, and brands — our expertise bridges all perspectives, making NIL fair, strategic, and sustainable for everyone involved.

Our Mission

Support Athletes. Protect Their Interests. Maximize Opportunities.

The NIL landscape has too often left athletes exposed to risk, confusion, or exploitation. We exist to be the standard of fairness, transparency, and integrity. We help athletes build brands that last, guide families through contracts with confidence, assist institutions in retention strategies, and help brands create compliant, meaningful partnerships.

Our approach is rooted in equity, transparency, and excellence, on and off the field.

What We Offer

Agency for Athletes

Secure NIL deals, negotiate sponsorships, and revenue-share agreements.

Advisor for Families

Guidance on contracts and opportunities for confident decision-making.

Legal & Transfer Support

Compliance, contract review, and transfer portal strategy.

Consulting for Brands

Create meaningful, compliant NIL partnerships and campaigns.

Education & Consulting for Schools & Universities

Policy guidance, retention strategies, and revenue-share consulting.

Who We Work With

Student-Athletes & Families

High school to college.

Schools & Athletic Departments

From compliance to retention.

Brands & Sponsors

Authentic, athlete-centered partnerships.

Collectives & Alumni Groups

Strategy + Structure + Scale.

Our Commitment to You

 Every athlete has a story. We help you protect it, share it, and grow it.

With integrity, clarity, and confidence, we guide you through NIL deals, brand building, and program development.

The Esquire Sports team is in your corner, every step of the way.

Ready to Build Your NIL Future?

Partner with a team that knows the field, the law, and how to make NIL work for you.

Let’s plan your next move.

FAQs: Your NIL Questions Answered

NIL allows athletes to earn income through sponsorships, brand deals, and endorsements—while retaining their eligibility. We help make sure those deals are smart, compliant, and beneficial.

 Some schools share a portion of athletic revenue with their athletes. We make sure you know your rights, understand the fine print, and secure fair compensation.

We’re more than deal brokers—we’re athlete advocates. With elite sports experience and 20+ years of legal expertise, we secure opportunities, protect your rights, and put your best interests ahead of any commission.

No. We work with brands, schools, and collectives to create stronger NIL ecosystems that benefit everyone.

Just reach out. We’ll schedule a consult to understand your goals and map out a plan—whether you’re an athlete, coach, or brand.

Start Strong. Stay Protected. Lead With Confidence

This is more than NIL. It’s your future. Let’s build it together.